Rotten Rod Stories

Dennis Carlock, better known by his stage name "Rotten Rod," is a colorful figure in the punk rock and heavy metal scenes, particularly tied to Central Illinois and the infamous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. While not as globally recognized as some other rock legends, Rotten Rod has carved out a niche as a local legend with a wild reputation and a trove of stories from his decades in the music world. Here’s a rundown of some notable tales about him based on available accounts:

Early Days and the Origin of "Rotten Rod"

Dennis Carlock earned the nickname "Rotten Rod" during his youth in Central Illinois, a moniker that stuck as he dove headfirst into the punk and metal underground. One story from the podcast What's That Like? (October 2019) hints at the gritty origins of his persona—stemming from his rebellious spirit and a knack for standing out. His first concert experiences and musical inspirations (think raw punk energy and metal riffs) fueled his drive to make it big, eventually leading him to pack up and head to Los Angeles, where the Sunset Strip was the epicenter of rock excess in the '80s and '90s.

Sunset Strip Shenanigans

Rotten Rod spent over 20 years on the Sunset Strip, a period he describes as a whirlwind of chaos and creativity. During his appearance on What's That Like?, he shared tales of playing iconic venues like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go—stages that hosted the likes of Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses. One anecdote involves his time with bands like Knightmare II, where his larger-than-life presence and punk-metal fusion made him a fixture in the scene. He’s said to have lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle to the hilt—think late nights, wild parties, and a DIY ethos that kept him grinding through the highs and lows of the Strip’s fading glam era.

A specific story from this time, though light on details in public records, involves Rod’s habit of storytelling itself. The podcast host noted that even after the mics were off, Rod kept spinning yarns—war stories of gigs gone wrong, run-ins with other musicians, and the sheer survival it took to thrive in LA’s cutthroat music jungle. His nickname alone suggests a persona that embraced the "rotten" side of rock—unpolished, unapologetic, and a little unhinged.

Back Home with Riff Raff and AZ/DZ

After his LA adventures, Rotten Rod returned to Illinois, bringing his Strip-honed chops with him. In 2013, The Journal-News reported he’d teamed up with the band Riff Raff for a New Year’s Eve gig at Lemo’s in Hillsboro, IL. The article paints a picture of a seasoned rocker still commanding stages, now alongside locals like Johnny Meyer. This transition shows Rod’s adaptability—going from Hollywood’s glitz to small-town gigs without missing a beat.

Today, he’s most active with AZ/DZ, a band channeling AC/DC vibes, and co-hosts The Rockzone Legends Show on WDLJ 97.5 FM. His monthly radio gig keeps the Sunset Strip spirit alive, blending his own tales with classic tracks. Fans can catch him live around Central Illinois, where he’s still a draw for those who love a good rock story as much as the music.

The Man Behind the Myth

While specifics like exact dates or blow-by-blow accounts of his wildest nights are scarce in mainstream sources, Rotten Rod’s reputation thrives on word-of-mouth and local lore. The STL Roar podcast (November 2021) dives into his persona, suggesting he’s as much a storyteller as a musician—someone who’s lived enough for multiple lifetimes. His connection to fans is personal; co-host Toby Baugher even proudly displayed a Rotten Rod sticker on his first guitar case, a testament to Rod’s lasting impact.

One recurring theme in these stories is Rod’s resilience. Whether it was navigating the Sunset Strip’s decline or bouncing back to rock local joints, he’s a survivor of rock’s rough edges. His interviews hint at more to come—What’s That Like? called their chat “the first of many Rotten Rod’s War Stories,” suggesting a vault of untold escapades waiting to spill out.

If you’re hungry for more, tracking down his radio show or digging into YouTube clips of Knightmare II and AZ/DZ might unearth extra nuggets. Rotten Rod’s life is less about polished biographies and more about the raw, unfiltered vibe of a true punk-metal rogue.