Derek Smalls, former lead bass player formerly of the band formerly known as Spinal Tap, talks break up & new solo music

Cover and tribute bands are part of today's musical ambiance. They pick up where the original bands left off. And as many original bands step out of the limelight, tibute bands carry on the music and more. And we thought we would highlight one of the biggest tribute bands in today's interview. So today, we are stepping into a time machine and heading straight to the heart of Beatlemania. Our guest is not just a performer - he is an absolute master of musical illusion. We are talking with Ron McNeil of The Fab Four, univesally acclaimed at The Ultimate Tibute to the greatest band in rock history. Founded by Ron McNeil along with Ardy Sarraf, this group has spent almost three decades elevating the art of the tribute band to historic heights. We're talking about an Emmy Award-winning ensemble that doesn't just play the music - they embody it. From their uncanny vocal harmonies down to the hyper-presice details, like bassist Ardy Sarraf completely teaching himself to play the bass left-handed just to perfectly mirror Paul McCartney? They've pack massive venues worldwide, starred in their own hit PBS special, and brought the magic of John, Paul, George & Ringo to entirely new generations. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the lads from Liverpool or discovering the magic for the first time, get ready for an incredible conversation about gear, grit and what it takes to replicate perfection. For the show notes and more, visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks

In 2019, a chance encounter brought husband-and-wife duo Megan Kane and Dylan Turner together. Soon after, they hit the road full-time in an RV, chansing rock 'n' roll dreams and turning life on the highway into raw, unfiltered music. As Parker Barrow, they channel a high-stakes, ride-or-die energy - though they're chasing musical stardom rather than evading the law. Thier signature sound delivers heavy, propulsive rock grooves, gritty blues, powerhouse vocals, and a healthy dose of outlaw country swagger, drawing inspiration from titans like The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Thier second album, Hold The Mash (recently released), catches the band at a major turning point. With Guitarist and musical director Alex Bender pushing the songwriting toward a tighter, heavier, and more deliberate sound, this is an album we instantly fell in love with. Both Rita and CW knew they had to bring this incredible band to your radar. To see the show notes and more information on the band, please visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks

Few bands have defined the sound of American melodic rock quite like Night Ranger. From the soaring anthem of "Sister Christian" to the thunderous riffs of "Don't Tell Me You Love Me", and fan favorites like ("You Can Still) Rock In America" the new album's 'Best Of" collection captures the very essence of their decades-long career - now refreshed for 2026. Hard rock legends Night Ranger are proud to announce their new 'Best Of' album, set for release on August 28th via Frontiers Music Srl. The album features newly remixed and remastered versions of classic hits spanning Night Ranger's illustrious career, alongside some standout tracks from the band's more recrent releases. In this episode, we chat with founding band member, vocalist and drummer of one of the great rock bands of the 80's, Night Rangers' Kelly Keagy. For show notes and more information; please visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks

In 1997, during Styx's tour, Lawrence Gowan's band performed as a supporting act for Styx at Montreal's Molson Center and Quebec City's Colisee. Tommty Shaw admired his talent and vibrant stage charisma and called him in May 1999 asking him to tour with them for 53 dates, temporarily replacing their lead singer, Dennis DeYoung who had fallen ill. Lawrence permaentaly replaced the lead singer after the tour. Styx had long been plagued by differences in artistic inclination. DeYoung's absence created an opportunity for a more premanent restructuring of Styx. Lawrence subsequently became the band's permanent vocalist. This year, Styx' current tour includes Cheap Trick and later this summer, the "Windy Cities" tour begins with Chicago and Styx. As always for our show notes, please visit our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks Also we ask that you rate and subscribe the podcast where ever you can.

Our latest guest is Martin Popoff who is the author of over 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting , bringing both archival depth and fan-first storytelling. Today we are speaking with Martin about his new book: "KISS '76". KISS was formed in 1973, and was one of the hardest-working bands in rock, releasing three studio albums and their breakthrough Alive! album in 1974, setting the stage for a true breakthough into superstardom. Fifty years on, Marting frames the band's nonstop momentum in 1976 - two landmark studio albums, a relentless touring schedule, and the birth of the KISS Army fan club. Written with the fan's eye and the historian's rigor, KISS '76 follows the band around the world into the studio, paring the detailed album analysis with on-the-road reportage and archival discoveries. As Martin puts it in the prolougue, "This is the Story of 1976 by someone with way too much KISS on the brain", A voice that gives the book its affectionate, insider engergy while nebver losing sight of the year's bigger picture. Show notes and additional episodes can be found on our website: www.rockandrollconfessional.rocks