Rock is Lit: Sarah Priscus Talks Her Novel ‘Groupies’ & Legendary Super Groupie Pamela Des Barres Talks the L.A. Music Scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s

Hello, Lit Listeners. I hope you’re all geared up to party with the bands in this episode’s rock novel, because you’ve got a backstage pass and VIP access. Sarah Priscus is here to talk about her new novel, ‘Groupies’, a story that shines a light on the grungy yet glittery world of 1970s Los Angeles rock 'n roll and the women—the groupies—who unapologetically love too much in a world that doesn’t love them back.

Later, who else is better qualified to give real-world context to this very topic than the fabulous Super Groupie, member of Frank Zappa’s GTOs, and talented writer and podcaster, Pamela Des Barres? That’s right, Miss Pamela herself joins me during the last segment of the show, so break out your groovy boas and hot pants and drop some far-out vinyl on the turn table. You’re all with the band tonight.

FYI: Check out my full uncut YouTube video interview with Pamela Des Barres in the Rock is Lit Vault.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Sarah and I talk about

What she and Suzi Quatro have in common
Sarah’s experience writing and publishing her debut novel
Overview of plot and characters of ‘Groupies’
The setting of ‘Groupies’: Los Angeles in the late 1970s
The early seasons of SNL as part of Sarah’s research into the era/other research Sarah did for the novel, including watching ‘Almost Famous’ again
Sarah’s long love affair with Pamela Des Barres’ seminal memoir ‘I’m With the Band’
Led Zeppelin references in the novel and our shared love of the band
Groupie definitions and rules, as presented in the novel ‘Groupies’
Feminism and groupie culture in the 1970s/the Baby Groupie issue
Instant gratification and the 1970s and Polaroid cameras, which the character Faun uses

Pamela and I talk about

How and when she first got into the L.A. music scene
Who christened each of the GTOs “Miss”
The kazillion rock icons she’s known, including Frank Zappa, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Love, Three Dog Night, Gene Simmons, Keith Moon
The GTOs' album ‘Permanent Damage’, which Frank Zappa produced
The L.A. scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s
Baby Groupies of the 1970s
The first time Pamela heard the word “groupie” and her definition of the word
‘I’m With the Band’ and some of the ridiculous comments people—especially early interviewers—have made
Pamela’s ex-husband Michael Des Barres’ thoughts on ‘I’m With the Band’
How Gram Parsons turned her onto Country music

MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: