Blondie Chaplin - Legendary Guitarist, Singer and Former Beach Boy
My Rock Moment had the extraordinary privilege of catching up with Blondie Chaplin, a true legend whose musical journey reads like a who's-who of rock history. Born in Durban, South Africa, he first made waves as a teen with The Flames, eventually catching the attention of Carl Wilson, who helped bring him into the Beach Boys family in the early 1970s.
During our conversation, Blondie took me back to that pivotal era - remembering how he and Ricky Fataar joined the group following Bruce Johnston's departure and Dennis Wilson’s hand injury. It was a time when the band sought new identity and creative depth, and Blondie’s soulful presence helped shape that fresh direction.
We delved into the making of "Sail On, Sailor," the standout track from Holland (1973), which Blondie famously sang lead on. He shared how the song wasn’t just another composition. Recorded in a barn outside of Amsterdam and finished at Village Recorders in L.A., Blondie recalled how Carl and the rest of the band coaxed him into singing it, and how the performance eventually anchored the album.
Then we turned to his time with The Rolling Stones, where from 1997 onward, Blondie became an invaluable collaborator - touring, recording, and contributing acoustic guitar, percussion, and backing vocals for around ten years. He reflects on what it was like stepping into that legendary circle.
It was one of those interviews that reminds you: some musicians don’t just witness rock history - they help write it.
Find all things Blondie on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BlondieChaplin
Songs from this episode:
The Beach Boys - Sail On, Sailor
The Rolling Stones - Saint of Me
The Rolling Stones - Low Down
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
--------
35:50
--------
35:50
Larry Dvoskin: From the Beach Boys to Bowie & "This New Age"
He’s jammed with Freddie Mercury after Live Aid, written songs with Beach Boys royalty, and once found himself shooting guns in a backyard with KISS guitarist Ace Frehley…while on Quaaludes.
I’m talking about musician, songwriter, and producer Larry Dvoskin. Over the years, Larry has collaborated with legends like Robert Plant, Sammy Hagar, Sean Lennon, Robin Zander, Bad Company, Al Jardine, and MGMT.
In this episode, we cover it all—from co-writing “Wish” with Al Jardine, to talking quantum physics with Paul McCartney, to the unreleased David Bowie–Brandy track he’s holding onto. He shares the full story behind that surreal Ace Frehley moment and discusses his latest release, “This New Age,” recorded with the band Familiar Faces.
We kick off this conversation with a heartfelt look at the legacy of Brian Wilson - and the timeless music of the Beach Boys that continues to inspire generations.
Keep up with Larry with the following links:
Instagram
Larry Dvoskin Website
This New Age- Larry Dvoskin and Familiar Faces
Songs from this episode:
The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby
KISS - Lick It Up
Larry Dvoskin - This New Age
The Beatles - Yesterday
Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
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
--------
1:02:11
--------
1:02:11
Unplugged: Fred Mollin on Producing Hits, Scoring TV & Film, and the Moments that Shaped Him
Fred Mollin has done it all—from scoring film & cult TV classics to producing chart-topping ballads and lullabies for Disney. But behind his long list of credits is a winding, wild journey through the music industry that’s anything but ordinary.
In this episode, Fred joins My Rock Moment to talk about his new memoir Unplugged and the moments that defined his career. He shares stories of leaving school at 16 to chase music, auditioning for John Hammond, producing Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch” (and seeing none of the royalties), and the time that Clive Davis dropped the mic and the phone call on Fred.
You'll also hear about Fred’s work with Jimmy Webb and Kris Kristofferson, the unexpected magic of his Disney Lullabies series, and a hilarious prank on Rod Stewart that did not land the way he’d hoped.
It’s a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation with one of music’s great behind-the-scenes storytellers.
Check out the links below to learn more about Fred and get his book, Unplugged.
Fred's website: https://fredmollin.com
Buy the book: https://fredmollinunplugged.com
Songs from today's episode, in order:
The Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
Dan Hill "Sometimes When We Touch"
Jimmy Webb "Wichita Lineman"
Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells a Story"
Kris Kristofferson "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do)"
For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host:
www.myrockmoment.com
For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:06:42
--------
1:06:42
Still Harmonizing: Al Jardine on Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and His Latest EP and Tour
In this very special episode of My Rock Moment, host Amanda Morck welcomes Beach Boys founding member Al Jardine for an intimate and heartfelt conversation—just a week after the passing of his lifelong friend and bandmate, Brian Wilson.
As fans around the world reflect on the legacy of the Beach Boys, Al shares personal memories of his journey with Brian, the creative magic they built together, and the emotional weight of continuing on without him. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and heart behind his new solo EP, Islands in the Sun.
Now in his 80s, Al isn’t slowing down. He’s preparing to hit the road this summer with The Pet Sounds Band, bringing the timeless harmonies and California spirit to audiences once again—starting July 4th.
This episode is a moving tribute to brotherhood, resilience, and the enduring power of surf, sun, and soul.
Find more info on Al's upcoming tour dates at: https://www.aljardine.com
Listen to his latest EP, Islands in the Sun here: https://aljardine.lnk.to/IslandsInTheSun
For classic rock photos and info on upcoming episodes, don't forget to follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
42:13
--------
42:13
Crime, Chaos and Rock 'n' Roll: Disgraceland’s Jake Brennan on Music’s Dark Side
What happens when rock gods go off the rails—and the music still slaps?
In this episode of My Rock Moment, we sit down with Jake Brennan, the creator and voice behind the wildly popular podcast Disgraceland. Known for blending true crime and music history, Jake explores the wild, dark, and often unbelievable stories behind some of rock’s most iconic figures.
We dive into the legends—and the controversies—surrounding John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Mama Cass, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more.
We also tackle the bigger question: Can we really separate the art from the artist?
Find more info on Disgraceland and Hollywoodland here:
https://www.disgracelandpod.com
Disgraceland Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disgraceland/id1275172907
Hollywoodland Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywoodland/id1563966720
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My Rock Moment celebrates the golden era of rock music - the 60s, 70s and 80s. Hosted by Amanda Morck—a native Angeleno, longtime Sunset Strip resident, and adjunct instructor of California rock history—the show delves into the personal stories and pivotal experiences that have shaped the world of rock 'n' roll.
Each episode features in-depth interviews with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Grammy-winning producers, renowned music journalists, photographers, DJs, managers, authors, and award-winning directors. They share unforgettable stories about the moments that sparked their love for music, launched lifelong careers, and helped shape rock history.
The podcast offers a nostalgic journey through rock's most influential decades, providing both historical context and personal anecdotes that bring the music to life.
My Rock Moment is a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts, the first of its kind, all music-based podcast network.
Brasil