Bob Rock began as a guitarist and co-founder of the Payola$. He wanted to be a rock star, but that dream took him into a new realm of possibility: He became Canada's most sought after sound engineer and record producer. Quotes from GarageBand.com : "Bob started engineering as an assistant at Little Mountain studios in Vancouver. He learned from listening to the rock of the 70's as well as from fellow engineers, but soon found that strict engineering work couldn't meet his creative needs. He soon became a producer, and now boasts a list of clients including Bon Jovi, Cher, The Cult, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, and Veruca Salt. Bob's plan in the studio is to make a band feel as comfortable as possible - in the belief that this will help bring out their strongest aspects. His work focusses on a big, crushing sound that resonates with all listeners, and this sound has made him one of modern rock's true gurus."

Bob Rock redefined the sounds for many bands, making many outrageous fringe bands become more "mainstream". This included bands like Metallica and Mötley Crüe.