My Rock Moment

Freddie Mercury is one of the most written-about figures in rock history — and one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode of My Rock Moment, Amanda Morck speaks with acclaimed rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones about her most intimate book yet, Love, Freddie: Freddie Mercury’s Secret Life and Love. Built around private journals Freddie Mercury entrusted to someone very close to him — his daughter — the book offers rare insight into a hidden part of his life, far from the stage, the myth, and the spectacle.

Lesley-Ann shares how a mysterious email led her to this extraordinary material, why Freddie insisted some notebooks not be read for decades, and what they reveal about love, secrecy, sexuality, fatherhood, and the emotional cost of fame. The conversation also reexamines Mary Austin’s role in Freddie’s life, the profound secrecy surrounding his child, and the weight of honoring a truth Freddie never intended to be public.

This is not an episode about dismantling a legacy. It’s about adding dimension — about seeing Freddie Mercury not just as an icon, but as a deeply human man shaped by fear, devotion, contradiction, and love.

Follow Lesley-Ann Jones with the following links:

Instagram

Twitter

Find all of Lesley-Ann Jones' books on Amazon HERE.

For more information on My Rock Moment, visit www.myrockmoment.com

Follow us for photos and news of upcoming episodes at: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genny Schorr is a guitarist, songwriter, stylist, and a defining voice of the LA punk scene — and now she’s chronicling it all in her new book, All Roads Lead to Punk.

In this episode, Genny shares the wild, candid story of her path through 1970s Los Angeles: from forming Backstage Pass — one of the first female punk bands in the city — to launching Straight Jacket, the LA boutique that became a style hub for rock’s biggest names.

She also reflects on her years styling and living with Linda Ronstadt, as well as styling and touring with The Bangles at the height of their success.

It’s a memorable conversation with someone whose stories bring the era to life in a way only an insider can.

Songs in the episode (Backstage Pass singles included when you order the book):

Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "Pump It Up"

Backstage Pass - "Legend (Come On Up To Me)"

The Bangles - "Hazy Shade of Winter"

Backstage Pass - "Let Me Show You Love"

To learn more about Genny check out her website: https://gennyschorr.com

To order the book click HERE.

For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:

www.myrockmoment.com

For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love, lust, and heartbreak are the secret soundtrack of the LA canyons.

In this episode of My Rock Moment we welcome Emmeline Summerton of Instagram's Lost Canyons LA, a historian of the LA Canyons and former writer of the New Topanga Times. Together we trace that soundtrack through eight songs — uncovering the romance, the messiness and the broken hearts behind the lyrics.

We start with “Guinnevere,” David Crosby’s mysterious song inspired by 3 women — Christine Hinton, Joni Mitchell, and the surprising third muse, “Delta Lady” — Leon Russell’s ode to Rita Coolidge and the wild, studio-to-road romance that sent them straight into Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs tour. Then we move to the Mamas & the Papas’ “Go Where You Wanna Go,” a sunny single born from the band’s very messy affairs.   

From there:  “Our House,” Graham Nash’s tiny, perfect snapshot of life with Joni Mitchell in Laurel Canyon — ordinary moments made into a classic. Then Joni’s own “All I Want’ about her relationship with James Taylor. We’ll also unpack “Leather and Lace,” the duet that reunited Stevie Nicks and Don Henley after a broken romance and leer jet flirtations; “Faithless Love,” J.D. Souther’s devastating ballad given wings by Linda Ronstadt during their fraught romance and end with Neil Young’s "A Man Needs a Maid" off of Harvest.

This is a tour of romance and ruin, tenderness and betrayal — the songs that turned private heartbreak into something the rest of us could sing along to. We’ll share the stories behind each track and the music that made the canyons heartbreak famous.

Find out more about Emmeline Summerton of Lost Canyons LA:

https://topanganewtimes.com/author/emmeline-summerton

https://www.instagram.com/lostcanyonsla

For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:

www.myrockmoment.com

For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of My Rock Moment, I sit down with veteran music journalist Steve Rosen — author of Tonechaser: Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen — to uncover the untold story of the man behind the legend: Eddie Van Halen.

For more than two decades, Rosen wasn’t just a journalist covering Van Halen, he was a close friend, confidant, and witness to the creative fire that reshaped rock guitar. We revisit that very first night at The Whisky a Go Go, where their friendship began, and talk about the moment Rosen was invited to hear an early cut of Van Halen’s second album — long before the world had any idea what was coming.

Steve shares an intimate look at Eddie’s humility, his complex relationship with David Lee Roth, and the moments that defined both the man and the music.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a guitarist chasing tone, or someone simply curious about the soul behind the sound, this episode peels back the myth to reveal the man.

Find out more about Steve Rosen:

Website: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/

Buy the book on Amazon HERE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TONECHASERBOOK/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.rosen.guitar.picks/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveRosenInterviews

Van Halen songs from this episode:

Girl, You Really Got Me

Runnin' With the Devil

Somebody Get Me a Doctor

Hot For Teacher

Right Now

For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:

www.myrockmoment.com

For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before becoming a rock ‘n’ roll frontman, Michael Des Barres was making his mark on screen—starring alongside Sidney Poitier in the 1967 classic To Sir, With Love. But it wasn’t long before he traded the film set for the stage, forming glam rock outfit Silverhead in the early ’70s before moving on to Detective, one of the few bands signed to Led Zeppelin’s legendary Swan Song label. Hanging with Page, Plant, and Bonham was all part of the ride.

In this episode of My Rock Moment, Michael shares his wild journey through music and acting—from those early days in London to writing one of the biggest songs of the 80s, to stepping in with The Power Station just days before Live Aid, and later, his unforgettable run as Murdoc on MacGyver. We also talk about his time with Pamela Des Barres, his show on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, and the wise advice Sidney Poitier gave him early on.

Michael Des Barres has lived a life where Hollywood and rock ’n roll collide—and he’s got the stories to prove it.

Find all things Michael Des Barres:

Website: https://michaeldesbarres.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdesbarres

Songs from this episode:

Animotion - Obsession

Silverhead - Sixteen and Savaged

Chequered Past - How Much is Too Much?

Michael Des Barres - 20th Century Boy

Detective - Help Me Up

For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:

www.myrockmoment.com

For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices