Booked On Rock

Rock fans know “Ah! Leah!” — but there’s so much more to the story.

In this episode, I’m joined by D.X. Ferris, author of The Story of Donnie Iris and The Cruisers, for a deep dive into the career of Donnie Iris — from his early days with The Jaggerz and Wild Cherry to his breakout success with The Cruisers and the timeless power-pop anthem “Ah! Leah!”

We explore how Iris crafted one of the most recognizable hooks in rock radio history, why his music still resonates decades later, and the perseverance that built a lasting career far beyond a single hit. Ferris shares insights from his book, behind-the-scenes stories, and perspective on what makes Donnie Iris such a uniquely enduring artist.

If you think you know Donnie Iris, think again.

Purchase a copy of The Story of Donnie Iris and The Cruisers

Find out more about D.X. Ferris

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Rik Emmett, legendary guitarist, vocalist, and founding member of Triumph.

Rik celebrates the band’s 50th anniversary as we look back at Triumph’s legacy, the music that defined arena rock, and the lasting connection fans still feel decades later. He also discusses his brand-new poetry book, revealing a more personal and reflective creative side beyond the guitar.

From “Lay It On the Line” and “Magic Power” to the present day, this is a thoughtful conversation about artistry, creativity, and what it means to keep evolving after a lifetime in music.

Listen now and join the celebration of Triumph at 50.

Purchase a copy of Leaning Into It: Poems

Visit TriumphMusic.com

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

Long before you heard a note of Destroyer, you saw it.

In this episode highlight, acclaimed rock historian Martin Popoff, author of Kiss ’76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land, breaks down the importance of KISS’s iconic Destroyer album cover and why it became such a pivotal moment in the band’s rise.

More than just artwork, the legendary painting helped cement KISS as larger-than-life superheroes and elevated their image to match the ambition of the music. We explore how the visual identity of Destroyer amplified the mythology, marketing power, and cultural impact of the band during their breakthrough year.

Because sometimes in rock & roll… the image hits before the first chord. #KISS #Destroyer 

Listen to Episode 360 - 1976: The Year KISS Took Over the World

🛒 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
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TIKTOK
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Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore
 
Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Producer Bob Ezrin didn’t just record KISS — he reshaped them. With orchestration, choirs, sound effects, and strict studio discipline, Destroyer became the album that pushed the band beyond their live reputation and into true superstardom.

In this audio highlight, author Martin Popoff explains how Ezrin’s production approach elevated the band’s songwriting, performances, and overall ambition — creating one of the most important albums of the 1970s.

Listen to Episode 360 - 1976: The Year KISS Took Over the World

🛒 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: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

For decades, many fans have pointed to Yoko Ono as the reason The Beatles broke up — but history tells a far more complex story. In this audio highlight, author Madeline Bocaro (In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono) explains how the narrative took hold and what was really happening inside the band during their final years. Sometimes the loudest story isn’t the truest one.

Listen to Episode 359 - Yoko Ono at 93: Art, Sound, and the Legacy Revisited

🛒 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: [email protected]
 
The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe