The Rock Is George Podcast

05/30/2026

“I had kind of shut down creatively, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do this anymore” - Russell Allen

George Dionne interviews Symphony X vocalist Russell Allen about his latest solo single “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” for KNAC.COM. The track was released in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month and is currently available for streaming.

Highlights include:

-How the song came together
-Raising a daughter on the Autism spectrum
-Challenges and victories along the way
-What Ava thinks about her song
-Rediscovering his creative side
-Where he wants to be as a solo artist
-Working on a new SYMPHONY X album
-Memories of ‘The Battle’ (2005) with JORN LANDE
-Could we hear ALLEN / LANDE songs live?
-Finishing the third ALLEN / Olzon album
-Being one of the first Frontiers Music artists
-When to expect the next SYMPHONY X album
-Michael Romeo’s musical output as of late
-And much, much more

“I had kind of shut down creatively, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do this anymore” – Russell Allen

05/27/2026

”OZZY came down to see me…because he wanted a new guitar player to replace Jake E. Lee. He ended up going with Zakk Wylde.” - Gene Marchello

George Dionne interviews guitarist & vocalist Gene Marchello about the 2026 re-release of the first two MARCHELLO albums, ‘Destiny’ (1989) and ‘The Power of Money’ (1991). Both albums are out now through High Roller Records.

Highlights include:

-Forming the group with his dad, Pepe Marchello (The Good Rats)
-The various incarnations that preceded the group
-How their record label pushed Pepe into a background roll
-Brining in the other band members
-Opening up for Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, and others
-Gene possibly replacing Jake E. Lee
-Releasing the first album ‘Destiny’ in 1989
-Actress Gina Gershon appearing in their first music video
-The song “Destiny” becoming the focus track of the 2026 re-release
-Extra material included on the 2026 version
-What stalled MARCELLO from releasing their second album
-Changing the name of the second album for the 2026 re-release
-Working with different producers for the second album
-Did MARCHELLO trying selling their unreleased album to other labels
-Giles Lavery’s (Alcatrazz, Warlord) role in bringing back MARCHELLO’s first two albums
-Trying to bring vinyl versions of the album to the US
-Joining his dad in THE GOOD RATS and eventually taking it over for a time
-Why ‘The Magic Comes Alive” was renamed ‘The Power of Money” for the current releases
-Covering “I Feel Good” by JAMES BROWN
-Has Gene thought of writing new MARCHELLO music
-Does he keep in touch with his old band members
-And much, much more!

”OZZY came down to see me…because he wanted a new guitar player to replace Jake E. Lee. He ended up going with Zakk Wylde.” – Gene Marchello

05/27/2026

Armored Saint- Emotion Factory Reset, Amber Marble

Find out more: https://youtu.be/foqqu6lECwE?

05/27/2026

The Gems - Year of of the Snake, Purple/Black Splatter

Find out more: https://youtu.be/QhRp4BB2LF0?si=12qej6CEB6-vRViH

05/19/2026

05/17/2026

“All James Brown music was out of print in ‘78, ‘79…except for his latest album that wasn’t selling very well. We went to [his record label] and they gave us the rights [to his music]…it was our biggest seller ever.” - Richard Foos

George Dionne interviews RHINO Records & SHOUT! FACTORY co-founder RICHARD FOOS about his contributions in the revitalization of abandoned, lost, and forgotten music, TV shows, and movies.

Highlights include:

-The early days of Rhino Records
-Transitioning from a record shop to record label
-Sourcing the music for their compilations
-No resistance from record labels at first
-Catalog music outpacing new music
-Getting all past Monkees records back into the Billboard charts
-Selling Rhino Records to Warner Music Group
-Physical media making a comeback
-Starting Shout! Factory for out of print TV & movies
-Securing the rights to ‘Freaks and Geeks’
-Selling Shout! Factory to Radial Entertainment
-Old shows that were never saved or taped over
-Shout! Factory TV streaming on Roku & Pluto TV
-Starting his own podcast on how music shaped social & political movements
-Why there are so many vegan restaurants in West Hollywood
-His charity work with The Narrative Method & Volunteer Collective
-And much, much more!

“All James Brown music was out of print in ‘78, ‘79…except for his latest album that wasn’t selling very well. We went to [his record label] and they gave us the rights [to his music]…it was our bi…

05/12/2026

“I learned to trust myself by trusting [producer Nick Raskulinecz].” - Rachel Bolan

George Dionne interview’s SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan about his debut solo album ‘Gargoyle Of The Garden State’ for KNAC.COM. The album is set for release on June 12, 2026 through earMUSIC.

Special guests on the album include Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT), Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME), Damon Johnson (BROTHER CANE), Snake Sabo, Scotti Hill, & Rob Hammersmith (SKID ROW), and Danko Jones.

Highlights include:

-Why a solo album after 40+ years
-Sourcing the song selection
-Did he always have special guests in mind
-Dabbleing outside his known music genre
-Stories behind the singles
-Covering an OASIS song
-Settling on the album’s title
-Shooting the album cover
-Working with producer Nick Raskulinecz
-Opportunities to play solo material live
-Memories of working with Ace Frehley
-Is he still racing cars?
-When will SKID ROW announce a new singer?
-Questionable audition submissions

“I learned to trust myself by trusting [producer Nick Raskulinecz].” – Rachel Bolan

05/11/2026

Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass (from the cheap seats)…

05/10/2026

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass!

05/07/2026

KISS - Destroyer (50th anniversary) Liquid filled