Booked On Rock

Was 'Press to Play' really a failure—or is it one of Paul McCartney's most misunderstood albums?

In this episode of Booked On Rock, I sit down with author Luca Perasi to explore the fascinating story behind McCartney's 1986 album Press to Play. Drawing from extensive research and interviews with key figures involved in the project, Luca examines the album's ambitious blend of cutting-edge 1980s production, experimental songwriting, and classic McCartney melodies.

We discuss the album's troubled reputation, McCartney's creative partnership with Eric Stewart, the influence of producer Hugh Padgham, the impact of Live Aid and the Michael Jackson catalog controversy, and why Press to Play may deserve a major reappraisal. If you're a Paul McCartney fan—or simply curious about one of the most debated albums of his solo career—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Purchase a copy of Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones)

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Visit the L.I.L.Y. Publishing website

Visit Luca Perasi's YouTube channel PaulMcCartneyMusicIsIdeas

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What can Stevie Nicks teach us about creativity, love, independence, spirituality, resilience, and survival?

Author Rachel Brodsky joins me to discuss her book Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks. We explore the wisdom Stevie gained throughout her remarkable life and career—from her early days chasing musical dreams, to overcoming addiction, navigating heartbreak, embracing change, trusting intuition, and becoming one of rock's most beloved and enduring icons.

Along the way, we discuss Stevie's beliefs about destiny, guardian angels, creativity, truth-telling, independence, and why her lessons continue to resonate with generations of fans.

Rachel Brodsky is a music journalist whose work has appeared in SPIN, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, and other major publications.

Purchase a copy of Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks

Enter To Win A Copy Of Lessons & Lace through Goodbooks

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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
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Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Could The Clash have reunited?

In this Booked On Rock highlight, author Pat Gilbert discusses why he believes a Clash reunion may not have been far off when Joe Strummer passed away in 2002. As the author of Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of The Clash, Gilbert spent years researching the band and interviewing its members, giving him a unique perspective on the group's final chapter.

Was the legendary punk band's story truly over, or was a reunion beginning to take shape? Listen as Gilbert explores one of the biggest "what if?" questions in rock history.

🎧 Watch & listen to the full https://www.bookedonrock.com/post/the-clash-story-triumph-tragedy-and-the-legacy-of-punk-s-greatest-bandepisode

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network

BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

The Clash exploded onto the London music scene in 1976 and quickly became one of the most influential bands in rock history. But behind the revolutionary songs, political passion, and global success was a story filled with creative tension, personal conflict, and difficult choices that ultimately changed the band's future.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Pat Gilbert discusses the expanded 50th Anniversary Edition of Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of The Clash. Drawing on interviews with all four classic members—Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon—Pat reveals how The Clash rose from the punk underground to become one of the most important bands of their era, and why their remarkable journey was both a triumph and a tragedy. Topics include:
The new material added to the 50th Anniversary Edition
The differing perspectives of the band's members
The Clash's explosive arrival on the London punk scene
Why their political message resonated with fans
The band's greatest achievements and biggest struggles
The legacy of Joe Strummer and The Clash today
Purchase a copy of Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash - Revised and Updated 50th Anniversary Edition

Visit Pat Gilbert's website

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🎧 Listen Ad-Free on Patreon
Support Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network
 
BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
 
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Wilko Johnson wasn't just a guitarist—he was a force of nature.

Long before punk exploded in the late 1970s, Wilko Johnson and Dr. Feelgood were tearing up stages with a raw, high-energy sound that would influence countless musicians. With his distinctive choppy guitar attack, intense stare, and relentless stage presence, Wilko created a style that was entirely his own.

In this episode highlight, Mark Wilkerson, author of Pub Rock (Genre: A 33 1/3 Series), dives into the story of Dr. Feelgood, one of the most influential bands of the pub rock movement, and examines how Wilko Johnson helped change the course of rock music. 

🎧 Watch & listen to the full episode

🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch
💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCK
https://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCK

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Booked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network

BookedOnRock.com
 
The Booked On Rock Store
 
The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel
 
Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:
BLUESKY
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
X
 
Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.com
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe