Sarah Priscus Talks Her Novel ‘Groupies’ & Legendary Super Groupie Pamela Des Barres Talks the L.A. Music Scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s

Hello, Lit Listeners. I hope you’re all geared up to party with the bands in this episode’s rock novel, because you’ve got a backstage pass and VIP access. Sarah Priscus is here to talk about her new novel, ‘Groupies’, a story that shines a light on the grungy yet glittery world of 1970s Los Angeles rock 'n roll and the women—the groupies—who unapologetically love too much in a world that doesn’t love them back.

Later, who else is better qualified to give real-world context to this very topic than the fabulous Super Groupie, member of Frank Zappa’s GTOs, and talented writer and podcaster, Pamela Des Barres? That’s right, Miss Pamela herself joins me during the last segment of the show, so break out your groovy boas and hot pants and drop some far-out vinyl on the turn table. You’re all with the band tonight.

FYI: Check out my full uncut YouTube video interview with Pamela Des Barres in the Rock is Lit Vault.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Sarah and I talk about

• What she and Suzi Quatro have in common
• Sarah’s experience writing and publishing her debut novel
• Overview of plot and characters of ‘Groupies’
• The setting of ‘Groupies’: Los Angeles in the late 1970s
• The early seasons of SNL as part of Sarah’s research into the era/other research Sarah did for the novel, including watching ‘Almost Famous’ again
• Sarah’s long love affair with Pamela Des Barres’ seminal memoir ‘I’m With the Band’
• Led Zeppelin references in the novel and our shared love of the band
• Groupie definitions and rules, as presented in the novel ‘Groupies’
• Feminism and groupie culture in the 1970s/the Baby Groupie issue
• Instant gratification and the 1970s and Polaroid cameras, which the character Faun uses

Pamela and I talk about

• How and when she first got into the L.A. music scene
• Who christened each of the GTOs “Miss”
• The kazillion rock icons she’s known, including Frank Zappa, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Love, Three Dog Night, Gene Simmons, Keith Moon
• The GTOs' album ‘Permanent Damage’, which Frank Zappa produced
• The L.A. scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s
• Baby Groupies of the 1970s
• The first time Pamela heard the word “groupie” and her definition of the word
• ‘I’m With the Band’ and some of the ridiculous comments people—especially early interviewers—have made
• Pamela’s ex-husband Michael Des Barres’ thoughts on ‘I’m With the Band’
• How Gram Parsons turned her onto Country music

MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

1. 1970’s Retro Background Music (Royalty Free)
2. “Our Last Summer” by ABBA
3. “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel
4. “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll” by The Rolling Stones
5. Clip of early SNL opening
6. “Life in the Fast Lane” by The Eagles
7. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
8. “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy
9. “We Shall Go Forth” by Margie Adam
10. “Hey Ya!” by OutKast
11. “Famous Groupies” by Paul McCartney
12. “I’m In Love With The Ooo-Ooo Man” by The GTOs
13. “Shock Treatment” by The GTOs, featuring Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart
14. “Sixteen and Savaged” by Silverhead
15. “Christine’s Tune” by The Flying Burrito Brothers
16. “Mystery Roach” by Frank Zappa and The Mothers

LINKS: 

Sarah Priscus’s website: https://sarahpriscus.com/

Sarah on Twitter, @sarahpriscus

Sarah on Instagram, @sarah.priscus

Pamela Des Barres’ website: https://www.pameladesbarresofficial.com/

Pamela on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, @PamelaDesBarres

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

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