WELCOME TO RRS
Rock legends answer the question "What were you thinking when you wrote that song?" and perform in front of a live audience in an intimate club-like setting. Join Host, Jack McKissock, in this "Actors' Studio" type program.
HOST: Jack McKissock
With a life-long passion for music, Jack McKissock is uniquely qualified to host the new series Real Rock Stories. He has a 24-year career in radio starting at the legendary station KNAC in Los Angeles. While at KNAC, Jack hosted the morning show and a weekly program called "Radio Cathouse" with MTV's Riki Rachtman. Throughout his career he has interviewed everyone from AC/DC to ZZ Top.
FIRST SEASON GUESTS:
Queensryche
Queensryche rose out of Seattle's pre-grunge, heavy metal scene in the early eighties to produce one of the most distinctive sounds of the genre at the time. Join us as we go beyond the facts for an insightful look at the creative process that brought hit song "Silent Lucidity", and a cult following that still endures today.
Motorhead:
Formed in 1975 by rock icon Lemmy Kilmister, Motorhead is unapologetic, non-conforming and completely loyal to their own sound and image. With incredible longevity, they have influenced every band that has ever played loud and fast. Today, they are going stronger than ever. Join us as we get inside heavy metal greats like "Ace of Spades".
Anthrax
True pioneers of thrash metal, Anthrax have bludgeoned their way from the streets of New York into Rock 'n' Roll history. Alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth, they are considered one of the "Big 4". Known innovators, they teamed up with the likes of Public Enemy, fusing their brand of heavy metal with hardcore rap. The result? Instant classic, "I'm the Man". Tune in to see what it takes to play loud and hard- and write great songs as well.
Rik Emmett
How many artists can boast induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame AND being dubbed Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the year? The dual honors belong solely to Rik Emmett, singer/songwriter/guitarist for Canadian progressive rock trio Triumph. The band has produced multiple platinum albums; Rik's subsequent solo career garnered him the Smooth Jazz award for 2005. See and hear true musical genius in the person of one of rock's nicest guys.
Brian Howe
Brian Howe started his career in 1983 as the lead vocalist for Ted Nugent. He sang and toured the world on the "Penetrator" tour. He then was offered a gig as the lead vocalist for rock and roll legends Bad Company. Brian created, wrote, recorded and toured for the next ten years, headlining every major venue around the globe. Get the story on how to join a world famous band and continue to expand on their legacy.
Y&T
Y&T got their start as Yesterday and Today in the mid 70's and have not stopped since. Still going strong, they've just released their 18th album. Legendary bands like Motley Crue and Metallica have named Y&T a big influence on their careers.
Jimi Jamison
Widely acclaimed as one of the top ten vocalists in the world, Jimi Jamison is also a talented songwriter. Billy Gibbons considers Jimi to be the fourth member of ZZ Top. Best known as the singer for Survivor, he penned and sang such mega-hits as "The Search is Over", "High on You", "I Can't Hold Back" and the theme from Rocky IV "Burning Heart".
Warrant
With a pair of double-platinum albums and three Top Ten singles, Warrant was one of the most popular pop-metal bands of the late '80s. Songs include "Cherry Pie", "Down Boys", "Heaven", and "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The band's high energy rock shows got them signed to a record deal, and still wows fans to this day.
Joe Lynn Turner
Joe Lynn Turner was the lead singer for two of rock's biggest bands...Deep Purple and Rainbow. Songs he's done with Rainbow are staples on classic rock radio, such as "Stone Cold", "Street of Dreams", and "Jealous Lover". One listen to Joe's powerful, yet soulful voice, and you know it's him. He continues to make music and pack rock shows across the planet. To date, Joe Lynn Turner has released 9 solo albums.
Rob Grad
Rob Grad's first band Kik Tracee was signed right out of high school to RCA records. The band opened shows for Bon Jovi and Joe Walsh. Rob then formed a new band called Superfine. They were featured on the TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" soundtrack, as well as music on the show. Rob is a multimedia visual artist, most recently releasing his first solo CD "No Apologies".
Jeff Scott Soto
If you don't know the name, you will definitely know the voice. Jeff got his start as the singer for guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen. He was also the singer for Journey for two years. You may have heard Jeff's voice singing for Mark Wahlberg in the movie "Rock Star". He has been on over 80 CD's, including a slew of his own solo releases. Jeff's 2004 effort "Lost in Translation" included the song "Drowning", which was named song of the year by radio station WRXK.