Chris McLernon
Chris McLernon spent the '80's and '90's writing, recording and touring the world with the gold and platinum selling Saigon Kick (Atlantic) and Cold Sweat (MCA).
After leaving the road to raise a family, he looked to the world of TV, Film and Advertising to continue playing music and satisfy his creative and eclectic musical tastes, placing his music with cable and broadcast networks along with indie films and national ad campaigns.
Recently, Chris has reunited with Saigon Kick and Cold Sweat along with recording new solo albums despite a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in 2019 and conquering throat cancer in 2025. He plans to produce more new music and play more gigs in the not too distant future.
Here is the place to find out what Chris is currently up to. Whether it's the memoir or the podcasts or new music, you have come to the right spot to catch up.
Join the Book
Launch EMail List
My debut book, Screaming in Hollywood, the Last Gold Rush will be releasing this spring. To get the latest update on the launch and where to find it join my mailing list below!
In the summer of 1985, Chris McLernon loaded everything he owned into a Ford Econoline van, left college six credits short of a degree, and pointed himself west. The destination was Los Angeles. The goal was simple and completely insane: become a signed rock musician in the most competitive music market on earth.
What followed was four years of auditions, panic attacks, day jobs, bad bands, worse decisions, and the slow, stubborn accumulation of everything it actually takes to make it — not talent alone, but timing, resilience, and the ability to get back up after the music business knocks you flat.
Screaming in Hollywood is the story of that climb. From a photo shop counter in West Hollywood to the stages of the Whisky and the Roxy. From a shrink's office in Beverly Hills — shared, it turned out, with a pair of killers — to a major label signing day that exploded before the ink dried. From the bars of Madison, Wisconsin to the cocaine-dusted chaos of the Hamlin House.
From broke and invisible to signed, rehearsed, and ready.
Told with sharp humor, unflinching honesty, and the voice of someone who was there for all of it, this is not a story about rock and roll glamour. It's a story about what the dream actually costs — in money, relationships, and the relentless negotiation between who you are and who Los Angeles needs you to be.
Chris McLernon made it.
But this is the part nobody tells you about — everything that happened first.
PAST AND PRESENT PROJECTS
PLUS ONE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Podcast
Launched in 2023, the PLUS ONE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PODCAST is hosted by yours truly and Jack Trash. Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.
Music CataloG
From Saigon Kick to Cold Sweat to my solo material, find my full catalog and where to stream and buy.
Screaming in Hollywood, the Last Gold Rush
My new book, sold exclusively on Amazon and launching this spring.
I’ve partnered with the michael j fox foundation
In 2019, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Since then I’ve done everything I can to help people who have the disease and ease their struggle with it. The best way I can do that is by being myself. And that self is stubbornly upbeat.
Until I can’t, the plan is to keep recording, doing shows, and writing. In the meantime, if you’d like to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, hit the QR code and have at it. I thank you in advance!
