Rock Is Lit

In the first segment of Episode 53, we're exploring the heart of the South with a literary journey that’s as soulful as it is adventurous. Joining us is the award-winning author Kim Wright, whose novel ‘Last Ride to Graceland’ takes us on a road trip filled with mystery, music, and the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.In ‘Last Ride to Graceland’, blues musician Cory Beth Ainsworth is barely scraping by after her mother’s death when she discovers a priceless piece of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia hidden away in a shed out back of the family’s coastal South Carolina home: the car Elvis Presley drove the day he died.A backup singer for the King, Cory’s mother, Laura “Honey” Berry, was at Graceland that fateful day in August 1977. She quickly returned home to Beaufort and married her high school sweetheart. Yearning to uncover the secrets of her mother’s past—and possibly her own identity—Cory decides to drive the car back to Memphis and turn it over to Elvis’s estate, retracing the exact route her mother took thirty-seven years earlier. As she winds her way through the sprawling deep south, the burning question in Cory’s mind—is Elvis Presley my father?—takes a backseat to the truth she learns about her complicated mother.Kim and I delve into the inspiration behind ‘Last Ride to Graceland’ and the fascinating journey of research and discovery that brought the book to life. In the final segment of the episode, Stephanie Myers of Songfacts Podcast and Stephanie & Stephanie Talk Tunes joins Rock is Lit Season 3 Production Intern Cador Jones and me for a chat about some of the real-life folks who have claimed to be Elvis’s “lovechildren.”Catch Stephanie Myers talking about actual kidnapping plots against Elvis in Season 1 Episode 3 of Rock is Lit.Catch Cador Jones talking about rock stars who have gone missing in Season 3 Episode 50 Part 2.PLAYLIST “Promised Land” by Elvis Presley Closing Vamp from Elvis Presley’s 1970s concerts Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Royalty-free rockabilly music Elvis Presley Fan Reactions 1950s/”Blue Suede Shoes” “That’s All Right” by Elvis Presley “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley “Kentucky Rain” by Elvis Presley “Graceland” by Paul Simon “Poor Boy” by Elvis Presley Clip from Elvis press conference, June 9, 1972, New York Hilton “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley “Game On!” by Aqours “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley “Love Me” by Elvis Presley “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley “Always On My Mind” by Elvis Presley “Moody Blue” by Elvis Presley, Elvis: “Thank you very much”, Closing Vamp from Elvis Presley’s 1970s concerts/“Elvis has left the building”  LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Kim Wright’s website: http://www.kimwright.org/Kim Wright on Twitter: @Kim_Wright_WKim Wright on Instagram: @kimwiley55Stephanie Myers on Facebook: @StephanieReneeSongfacts Podcast website: https://www.songfacts.com/blog/podcastCador Jones on Instagram: @bluecadoradeChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Listen to the audio-only episode here, or watch the video version on YouTube, which may make putting voices with faces easier since there are five people in the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkCdyH7Y_YM*The audio-only episode was taken directly from the video without further editing.I’m so excited about this special episode of Rock is Lit. It’s a first for the podcast, actually: a panel discussion, with four amazing women rock novelists, hailing from Canada to Chicago to LA and back to my neck of the woods here in Asheville, NC. Kirsti MacKenzie, Mallory Smart, Claire Hopple, and Rock is Lit veteran Jessamyn Violet are joining me to talk about our experiences and thoughts about writing fiction about musicians. Jessamyn Violet is a writer and musician out of Venice Beach, CA. Her debut novel, ‘Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar’, was published in April 2023 by Three Rooms Press. Short fiction can be found in ‘Ploughshares’, ‘Lit Angeles’, ‘805 Art + Lit Journal’, and more. She is also the drummer for the psych rock band Movie Club.  Mallory Smart is a Chicago-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Maudlin House. Some people even call her ‘The Only Living Girl in Chicago’. Mallory is the host of the podcast Textual Healing, where she dives into the fusion of literature and music, and co-hosts That Horrorcast with Dmitry Samarov where they get lost in the weird world of horror films. Her latest book, ‘I Keep My Visions To Myself’, just came out from With an X Books.   Kirsti MacKenzie is the author of ‘Better to Beg’, as well as editor in chief of ‘Major 7th Magazine’. Her work has been published in ‘HAD’, ‘Rejection Letters’, ‘trampset’, ‘Autofocus’, ‘Maudlin House’, ‘Identity Theory’, and elsewhere.  Claire Hopple is the author of six books and the fiction editor at XRAY. Her stories have appeared in ‘Wigleaf’, ‘Vol. 1 Brooklyn’, ‘Forever Mag’, and others. She grew up in the woods of Pennsylvania and currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her next book, ‘Take it Personally’, is forthcoming from Stalking Horse Press in February 2025.  Each of these four talented authors brings a unique perspective to the conversation. From the creative sparks that ignite our own work to the cultural impacts of rock novels in general, we'll navigate the winding paths of character development and uncovering the challenges of breathing life into fictional musicians while honoring the essence of their real-life counterparts. We'll delve into the stigmas surrounding rock novels, dissecting perceptions and stereotypes to reveal the nuanced portrayals crafted by these talented authors.And of course, no discussion on writing fiction about musicians would be complete without reflecting on current trends and the evolution of the genre, including the explosive success of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s rock novel ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’.So, tune in and turn up the volume as Rock is Lit takes you on a journey through the pages of rock literature, where every word is a chord and every story a kickass concert.LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rock is Lit Episode 26, Jessamyn Violet: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jessamynvioletwithlinalecaroJessamyn Violet’s website: https://jessamynviolet.com/bioJessamyn Violet on Instagram and Twitter: @jessamynvioletMovie Club’s website: https://www.movieclubtheband.com/aboutKirsti MacKenzie on Twitter: @KeersteeMackMallory Smart’s website: https://mallorysmart.com/Mallory Smart on Twitter and Instagram: @malsmartClaire Hopple’s website: https://clairehopple.wordpress.com/bio/Claire Hopple on Twitter and Instagram: @clairehopple Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 51, Jason Warburg delves into the intricacies of his new novel, the third in his Tim Green series, ‘Home Was a Dream’, where themes of Jewish heritage, identity, and the haunting legacy of the Holocaust intertwine with the healing power of music. Jason shares insights into his personal connection to Jewish culture and history, revealing how these influences shaped the characters’ journeys in the novel. Through the lens of characters grappling with their Jewish identity, Jason explores the profound repercussions of the Holocaust on a generation haunted by loss and trauma. Against this backdrop, music emerges as a potent force, offering solace and connection amidst the turmoil. Through an engaging discussion, Jason illuminates the ways in which music serves as a conduit for healing and understanding, weaving together the threads of personal and collective memory in a tale that resonates with emotional depth and resonance.PLAYLIST No Copyright Music/Classic Rock Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Oh Very Young” by Cat Stevens “Wiegala” by Ilse Weber “Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt Wiegala” by Ilse Weber Gorecki Symphony “Night Moves” by Bob Seger “Make Me Smile” by Chicago “Cover Me Up” by Jason Isbell “Games People Play” by The Spinners “Your Song” by Elton John No Copyright Music/Classic Rock Rock is Lit theme music LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Rock is Lit Episode 33, Jason Warburg ‘Believe in Me’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jasonwarburgRock is Lit Episode 40, Jason Warburg ‘Never Break the Chain’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jasonwarburganduglyamericanwerewolfinlondonrockpodcastJason Warburg’s website: https://www.jasonwarburg.com/Jason Warburg on Twitter: @JasonWarburgJason Warburg on Instagram: @jason_warburgChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of Episode 50, we delved into the mesmerizing world of author Jeff Jackson and his acclaimed novel ‘Mira Corpora’, in which enigmatic underground rockstar Kin Mersey mysteriously disappears. Now, in Episode 50 Part 2, Nathan D. Duvall (host of the Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM) and this semester’s Rock is Lit intern, Cador Jones, join me to talk about actual musicians who, like the rockstar in Jeff’s novel, vanished without a trace, including Richey Edwards, Jim Sullivan, Connie Converse, Christina “Licorice” McKechnie, and more.PLAYLIST “Lithuania” by Julian Calendar Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Avant-Garde Sound Collage/Experimental Electronica/Royalty Free Background Music (8-mindemo Mix) “This Road” by Julian Calendar “4st 7lb” by Manic Street Preachers “How Sad, How Lovely” by Connie Converse “U.F.O.” by Jim Sullivan “I Know You” by The Incredible String Band, with Christina “Licorice” McKechnie “When the Music’s Over” by The Doors “Jerome” by Jim Sullivan Julian Calendar Medley: “Stolen Eyes,” “King Blank” Rock is Lit theme music LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Rock is Lit Episode 1 featuring Jeff Jackson (‘Destroy All Monsters’) with Nathan D. Duvall: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jeffjackson-nathandduvallJeff Jackson’s website: http://deathofliterature.com/Jeff Jackson on Instagram: @deathofliteratureJeff Jackson on Twitter: @DeathofLitJulian Calendar on Bandcamp: https://juliancalendar.bandcamp.com/Trailer for ‘Mira Corpora’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upTakZdScwYNathan D. Duvall’s website: http://nathandduvall.com/Nathan D. Duvall’s Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM: https://ashevillefm.org/show/lucid/Nathan D. Duvall on Instagram: @nathandduvallCador Jones on Instagram: @bluecadoradeChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of Episode 50, we delve into the mesmerizing world of author Jeff Jackson and his acclaimed novel ‘Mira Corpora’. Join us as we explore the intersection of music and literature, unraveling the enigmatic narrative of the book. From the mysterious disappearance of underground rockstar Kin Mersey to the surreal journey of the runaway teenage protagonist, we uncover the depths of this dark and compelling tale. Jeff shares his creative process, artistic influences, and the thematic underpinnings of his work. Get ready for a captivating discussion of music, memory, and myth as we examine the haunting landscapes of ‘Mira Corpora’. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear songs by Jeff’s band, Julian Calendar, all of which you can download from Bandcamp. Check the episode playlist below.In Episode 50 Part 2, Nathan D. Duvall and this semester’s Rock is Lit intern, Cador Jones, join me to talk about actual musicians who, like the rockstar in Jeff’s novel, mysteriously disappeared.PLAYLIST—ALL SONG BY JULIAN CALENDAR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED “In Your Love” Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Blue Boys” (Rock is Lit mix) “The Deep End” “Men Are Canceled” “No Kingdom” “Back Door Man” “The Drowned Boy” “Property is Theft” “Game On!” by Aqours Julian Calendar Medley: “Language Lessons,” “Stolen Eyes,” “King Blank” Rock is Lit theme music LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Rock is Lit Episode 1 featuring Jeff Jackson (‘Destroy All Monsters’) with Nathan D. Duvall: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jeffjackson-nathandduvallJeff Jackson’s website: http://deathofliterature.com/Jeff Jackson on Instagram: @deathofliteratureJeff Jackson on Twitter: @DeathofLitJulian Calendar on Bandcamp: https://juliancalendar.bandcamp.com/Trailer for ‘Mira Corpora’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upTakZdScwYNathan D. Duvall’s website: http://nathandduvall.com/Nathan D. Duvall’s Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM: https://ashevillefm.org/show/lucid/Nathan D. Duvall on Instagram: @nathandduvallCador Jones on Instagram: @bluecadoradeChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may not be Halloween, but we’re getting our spooky grove on in this episode. Staci Layne Wilson joins me to talk about the fourth novel in her Immortal Confessions vampire series, ‘Rhapsody in Red’. ‘Variety’ labels Staci’s work as “MTV's Headbangers Ball meets Tales from the Crypt” and calls it “...perfect entertainment for anyone who's ever played ‘Stairway to Heaven’ backward to hear the mumbled phrase ‘Here's to my sweet Satan’.”We’ll also talk about Staci’s upbringing in 1970s and ‘80s Hollywood as the daughter of music legend Don Wilson of The Ventures and pinup model, actress, and author Nancy Bacon, and more, including Staci’s wicked cool podcast and book series, Rock 'N' Roll Nightmares, working the red carpet as an entertainment reporter, the Manson Family, her pet rats, and more.PLAYLIST “Frankenstein” by the Edgar Winter Group Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Halloween Ambience Horror Sounds Scary Creepy Screams Terrified SFX Monster Haunted House Horror “Vampire Blues” by Neil Young “Witch For a Night” by Sugar Pie DeSanto “Dead Babies” by Alice Cooper “Black Cats & Witch Hats” by Molly Starlite & the Sputniks “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures “Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield “Whole Lotta Love” by The Ventures “Wildfire” by Michael Martin Murphey & the Rio Grande Band “Welcome to My Nightmare” by Alice Cooper “Game On!” by Aqours “Season of the Witch” by Donovan “Hawaii Five-O” by The Ventures Rock is Lit theme music LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Staci Layne Wilson’s website: https://www.stacilaynewilson.com/Rock ‘N’ Roll Nightmares website: https://rock-n-roll-nightmares.com/Staci on Twitter: staciwilsonStaci on Instagram: @stacilaynewilsonStaci’s YouTube channel: @stacilayneChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I’m joined by Constance Squires, author of the 2017 rock novel ‘Live From Medicine Park’.The story follows Ray Wheeler, who arrives in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, with the goal of filming a documentary about the comeback of Lena Wells, a singer whose career got derailed by a bad late-night TV appearance in the 1980s. Ray, known for his philosophy of non-involvement with his subjects, finds himself drawn into Lena's world as he begins to probe into her past. As Ray delves deeper into Lena’s story, he uncovers secrets surrounding her band mate Cyril and Lena’s son, Gram. Meanwhile, Gram’s wife, Jettie, a talented musician herself, struggles to pursue her passion for music in the face of familial disapproval. The novel delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the search for authenticity.In addition to ‘Live From Medicine Park’, Constance Squires is the author of the forthcoming novel ‘Low April Sun’ from University of Oklahoma Press. She’s also the author of the 2012 Oklahoma Book Award-winning novel ‘Along the Watchtower’ and the short story collection ‘Hit Your Brights’. Her short fiction has received multiple Pushcart-Prize nominations and other awards and appeared in many prestigious journals, such as the ‘Atlantic’, ‘Guernica’, ‘The Dublin Quarterly’, ‘Shenandoah’, and ‘The Rolling Stone 500’. She wrote the screenplay for the short film ‘Grave Misgivings’ has published nonfiction in the ‘Village Voice’, the ‘New York Times’, ‘Salon’, ‘World Literature Today’, and been featured on NPR’s ‘Snap Judgment’. She holds a Ph.D. in English and is currently a professor of Creative Writing at the University of Central Oklahoma.‘Live From Medicine Park’ was a 2018 Oklahoma Book Award finalist. Rock is Lit alumnus Jeff Jackson included the novel in his ‘Electric Lit’ article, “7 Candidates for the Great American Rock and Roll Novel.” I’m thrilled to have the chance to talk to her about this must-read for music fans.PLAYLIST Americana Instrumental Music/No Copyright Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Americana Instrumental Music/No Copyright “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” by Bob Dylan “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies “Geronimo” by Moonshine Bandits, featuring Domangue “Choctaw Bingo” by James McMurty “Hey Hey, My My” by Neil Young “Rock & Roll to My Country Soul” by Jenny Tolman “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley “Game On!” by Aqours “Hot Burrito #1” by The Flying Burrito Brothers (with Gram Parsons) “If You Really Want To Be My Friend” by the Rolling Stones Rock is Lit theme music LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Constance Squires’ website: https://www.constancesquiresofficial.com/Constance Squires on Twitter: @ConnieSquiresConstance Squires on Instagram: @conniesquiresConstance Squires on Facebook: @ConstanceSquiresAuthorPageChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we embark on a journey through the extraordinary life and artistry of Yoko Ono, as we celebrate her 91st birthday on February 18th. And who better to guide us through the mesmerizing layers of Yoko’s universe than author and Yoko aficionado, Madeline Bocaro.In her groundbreaking book, ‘In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono’, Madeline unravels the enigmatic tapestry of Yoko’s life from her formative years in Japan to her iconic partnership with John Lennon and beyond. Get ready to be transported into the cosmic consciousness of a true visionary.This episode marks the third installment of our John Lennon/Yoko Ono series. You can catch my interview with Laurie Kaye about her new memoir, ‘Confessions of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview’, wherever you stream your podcasts. My interview with May Pang about her documentary ‘The Lost Weekend: A Love Story’, which details her 18-month love affair with John Lennon in the mid-70s, is available exclusively on my YouTube channel. Find links below.These three episodes focus on nonfiction works about John and Yoko, but in the spirit of Rock is Lit’s claim to fame as the first and only podcast devoted to rock fiction, I encourage you to check out some of the novels that feature them in some capacity, such as ‘Saint John Lennon’ by Daniel Hartwell, ‘The John Lennon Affair’ by Robert S. Levinson, and ‘John Lennon and the Mercy Street Café’ by William Hammett. You can also read my short story about John and Yoko, “Shadow of Shiva,” which was published in ‘Solidago Literary Journal’ in 2017, on my website.PLAYLIST—ALL SONGS BY YOKO ONO UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Synthetic Deep (Minimal, Synth, Avant-garde, Abstract Background Music For Video Royalty-free Audio Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Avant-garde music for all occasions/Hesus Micco “Waiting for the D Train” (Before and after reading) “Why” “Talking to the Universe” “Death of Samantha” “Paper Shoes” “Yes, I’m a Witch” “Hey Yoko Ono” by Xberg Baboons “It’s Time for Action” Experimental Avant garde Music—Marcus Palt Rock is Lit theme music LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Madeline Bocaro’s website: https://madelinex.com/Madeline’s book’s website: https://inyourmindbook.com/Purchase a signed hard or soft cover of Madeline’s book at conceptualbooks.com: https://conceptual-books.myshopify.com/collections/all?sort_by=created-ascendingMadeline on Twitter: @madelinexMadeline on Instagram: @yoko.ono.in.your.mind and @madeline.bocaroListen to Rock is Lit EP41 featuring Laurie Kaye, author of ‘Confessions of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview’, wherever you stream podcasts or use the link: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/lauriekayeWatch “Revealing John Lennon’s Lost Weekend: A Conversation with May Pang about Her Documentary” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAvoFbFNerMRead Christy Alexander Hallberg’s short story on John and Yoko, “Shadow of Shiva” on her website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/otherpublicationsChristy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m thrilled to welcome author Kelley McNeil to the podcast. Join us as we explore her latest novel, ‘Mayluna’, released in various formats today, February 1. Kelley takes us on a journey into the world of a fictional 1990s British alternative-rock band, their iconic lead singer, and a woman whose love played a pivotal role in shaping the music of a generation. Discover the intricacies of fate, regret, and the enduring power of love in the context of music.Special thanks to AAron Camaro, from Decibel Geek podcast, for lending his voice to the episode. AAron reads the synopsis of ‘Mayluna’ at the beginning and, of course, that’s AAron booming “Rock Is Lit!” in every episode. MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Dark ambient instrumental rock copyright free Royalty free filler music Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve (Before and after reading) “Forever Young” by Lily Kershaw “Crazy” by Aerosmith “Black Star” by Radiohead “The Scientist” by Coldplay “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran “Game On!” by Aqours “Scotch on the Rocks” by Neil Diamond “Into Dust” by Mazzy Star Rock is Lit theme music  LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Kelley McNeil’s website: https://www.kelleymcneil.com/Kelley McNeil on Instagram: @kelleylmcneilKelley McNeil/‘Mayluna’ on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/141236438‘Mayluna’ Playlist in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3SsUuHerKv7kuyfGhivxfD?si=OtvRgBlxQ3a9fmNnksxM3g&pi=u-l9ywZhHqSg2s&nd=1&dlsi=7cba03f109a1434fChristy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for joining me for Part 2 of my in-depth interview with music journalist Steve Rosen on his decades-long friendship with Eddie Van Halen, which culminated in Steve’s 2022 book, ‘Tonechaser – Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen’. The third edition of the book is coming soon, but you can preorder your copy now at tonechaserbook.com. For more information on Steve Rosen and the Van Halen Fiction Challenge I offered all you Lit Listeners who, like me, are jonesing to get your hands on some novels or short stories or graphic novels featuring the band, check out Part 1 of Episode 45, or email me at christyalexanderhallberg@gmail.com. I can’t wait to see what you come up with, and if I wind up devoting an episode to Van Halen fiction that you suggested, I’ll give you a shout out in the episode. Back to Steve Rosen: In Part 1, Steve and I talked about the genesis of his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, Eddie’s background as a kid immigrating from the Netherlands to America and his devotion to and respect for his father and brother, the idolatry Eddie’s fans feel for him, and the seeds that eventually sprouted into Steve’s book ‘Tonechaser’.In Part 2, get ready to learn more about Steve’s complicated relationship with Eddie, including the dark turn it took in the early 2000s and how Eddie’s 2020 death still haunts Steve. You’ll also hear about Eddie’s marriage to Valerie Bertinelli and his love for their son, Wolfgang. Finally, Steve shares juicy stories about his journalistic career beyond his work with Van Halen, such as his tumultuous experience interviewing John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin in 1977.  PLAYLIST: Bensound “Happy Rock”—Royalty Free Music Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” 1970s Instrumental Rock Music, Royalty Free “Mean Street” by Van Halen Clip from Eddie Van Halen talking about Wolfgang in 1994/Professor Gill’s Guitar Gear Galaxy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icq_-0Iz608 “Distance” by Wolfgang Van Halen/Mammoth “Where Have All the Good Times Gone” by Van Halen “Your Time is Gonna Come” by Led Zeppelin “Heartbreaker” by Led Zeppelin “Jump” by Van Halen Rock is Lit theme music  LINKS:Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350Steve Rosen’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveRosenInterviewsSteve Rosen on Instagram: @steve.rosen.guitar.picksSteve Rosen on Twitter: @GoodwriterSteve Rosen’s website: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitChristy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices