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All posts by categoryA Night That Changed My Life
Elton John and John Lennon at MSG in 1974: Behind-the-Scenes
Ray D’Ariano was just 25 when he got his dream job. One month into his gig at MCA Records, he was alone backstage with two of the world’s biggest music stars.
Read MoreAlbum Rewinds
‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’—The Rolling Stones’ Worst, or An Unfairly Maligned Gem?
Some say it was little more than a ‘Sgt. Pepper’ ripoff. Others consider it one of their most original LPs. We gave a fresh listen.
Read MoreBCB Blog
Ocean Carolina Takes It One Step At A Time
Ocean Carolina’s Michael Simone took an unusual path to being a frontman for a band
Read MoreBooks
Willie Nelson: A New Book Analyzes His Massive Album Catalog
This handsome new hardcover book is stocked with factual details on every album, along with analyses of the music within.
Read MoreBrick & Mortar Record Retailing
Remember Crazy Eddie, the “Insaaane” Music Retailer?
The chain’s TV ads with the crazy pitch man were so ubiquitous in the New York metropolitan area, Dan Aykroyd spoofed them on Saturday Night Live.
Read MoreCartoons
Pete Townshend’s Smashing Guitar Legacy
In their early years, The Who were known for frequently smashing – and breaking – their instruments at their concerts. Cartoonist David Skinner lampoons it
Read MoreClassic Videos
SNL ‘Exorcist’ Parody With Richard Pryor
The brilliant sketch of 1974’s #2 most popular movie aired during the comedy series’ first season. Watch the actor’s great comedic performance. We’ve also got the film’s original trailer
Read MoreContests
‘ELO: UK Singles Vol. One: 1972-1978’: Contest
For our first contest in nearly a year, we’re giving away a boxed set collection of 7-inch singles of the first hits from the Electric Light Orchestra
Read MoreCulture Clips
007 x 24 = Spectre
The 24th James Bond movie and Daniel Craig’s third (and possibly last) turn as 007 opens soon. “Spectre” reveals a secret from Bond’s past.
Read MoreDo You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?
AT40: When Casey Kasem Delivered the Hits
Fans tuned in each week for the popular syndicated program “heard in the fifty states and around the world,” and for great stories from its legendary host
Read MoreFEATURES:
15 Classy Classic Rock Christmas Songs
The recordings run the gamut from the traditional themes of joy and peace and love to topics like war, lust, loss and regret. Here are some memorable examples.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere’ Sheds Light on a Pivotal Period: Film Review
If you’re a fan—and especially if you’re interested in the creative impulses and personal challenges that gave birth to Nebraska—you won’t want to miss this film.
Read MoreGift Guides
The Year’s Best Music Books
The year’s top music-related reads include bios and memoirs associated with the Beatles, The Band, Tom Petty, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Santana and others.
Read MoreHOLDING CATEGORY
Shel Talmy—Producer of ‘You Really Got Me’ & ‘My Generation’—Dies at 87
“I really loved the man. He was really crucial to the beginning of our career,” said the Kinks’ Dave Davies.
Read MoreHow the Song Came to Be
‘Billy Jack’: One Tin Soldier Rides Away
The movie, directed, written and starring Tom Laughlin, had a long journey on its way to the screen. Its memorable song was recorded – and charted – multiple times.
Read MoreIf You Like...
Blacktop Mojo Cover Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’
The Southern rock band from Palestine, Tex. offers a blend of post-grunge, classic rock and metal, somewhere between Soundgarden and Lynyrd Skynyrd
Read MoreInterviews
Jon Anderson Talks Yes and ‘Olias’: ‘It’s Magic For Me’
We talked to the Yes co-founder who says he has no plans to slow down. “In the next 20 years, I’ve gotta do some serious work.”
Read MoreKey Players
Jim Gordon: From A-List Drummer to Convicted Killer
He played on hundreds of hits but you wouldn’t find any gold records on his wall: Since the ’80s until his death in 2023, he was locked away for murder.
Read MoreLegendary Locales
‘Play Misty For Me’: The Clint Eastwood Stalker
“You ever find yourself completely smothered by somebody,” his character asks a friend. Jessica Walter’s Evelyn arrived 16 years before Fatal Attraction.
Read MoreListicles
15 Classy Classic Rock Christmas Songs
The recordings run the gamut from the traditional themes of joy and peace and love to topics like war, lust, loss and regret. Here are some memorable examples.
Read MoreLive Shows
Eagles, Linda Ronstadt ’72 Concert Review: ‘Well Worth Catching’
Two of music’s biggest acts on the cusp of stardom when the singer opened for her former backup band.
Read MoreMusic Conferences
NMS Report: Are Happy Days Here Again?
At this year’s New Music Seminar, hot topics for the recorded music biz were both new and old: The growth of streaming services and vinyl’s big comeback
Read MoreNew Classics
Jake Clemons Fills His Uncle Clarence’s Big Shoes
The saxophonist talks about playing with the E Street Band, the audience’s reception, the first time he saw them perform
Read MoreNews
Dick Van Dyke 100th Birthday Celebration Hits Theaters
The actor, singer, dancer, and comedian turned 100 in December 2025.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
Dick Van Dyke 100th Birthday Celebration Hits Theaters
The actor, singer, dancer, and comedian turned 100 in December 2025.
Read MoreODDS & SODS:
‘ELO: UK Singles Vol. One: 1972-1978’: Contest
For our first contest in nearly a year, we’re giving away a boxed set collection of 7-inch singles of the first hits from the Electric Light Orchestra
Read MoreOn This Day
Dec. 13, 2019: Newton-John, Travolta Reunion
More than 40 years after they co-starred in the musical film, Grease, the pair reunited for a series of performances for their fans
Read MorePerfect Rock Songs
The Cowsills: ‘The Rain, the Park…’—Happy, Happy, Happy!
The feel-good song was as emblematic of its time as any of the psychedelic records that were starting to dominate rock in 1967.
Read MorePlease Release Me
The Beatles at Budokan in 1966: Tokyo Rocks
The Fab Four catalog could add another great concert album to convey their live energy and brilliance: a show from their stand in Japan.
Read MorePoints of View
Tom Petty, a True Rock ‘n’ Roll Star—An Appreciation
He idolized the Byrds and he famously incorporated their 1967 song, “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” into the Heartbreakers concert repertoire.
Read MorePolls
Which Classic Rock Acts Are You Excited to See This Summer?
Classic rock acts touring in summer 2015 only. Upvote the bands and musicians you are most looking forward to seeing live.
Read MorePromo Hits, Flops & Swag
Elvis Costello 1977 U.S. Debut: The Inside Story
Dick Wingate, then a Product Manager with Columbia Records, shares his marketing plan on how the label set up My Aim Is True to radio, record stores and the public.
Read MoreRecordings
New Warren Zevon Album Features His Final Gig: Review
The 2003 Edmonton show, which proved to be his last, is featured on a 2025 well-recorded release.
Read MoreReview Listings
Recent Album Reviews
Albums by Wilco, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Courtney Barnett, The Kinks, Nellie McKay, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison, Vanilla Fudge, Wiko Johnson & Roger Daltrey & The Blues Magoos. Rewind review of “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out” by The Rolling Stones.
Read MoreREVIEWS:
New Warren Zevon Album Features His Final Gig: Review
The 2003 Edmonton show, which proved to be his last, is featured on a 2025 well-recorded release.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Grateful Dead Singer During the 1970s, Dies
The only female member of the storied San Francisco band, Godchaux-MacKay, who was 78, died in Nashville, Tenn., following a long battle with cancer.
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Huey Lewis’ Last Known Performance After Hearing Loss
He canceled his tour earlier that year, telling The Today Show, “I can’t hear music.” Six months later, he sang a favorite for the first time in 8 months.
Read MoreRocking The Tube
The Radical, Socially Progressive Art of Rankin/Bass’ ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
There is perhaps no Christmas special more beloved than this one from 1964.
Read MoreSong & Video Premieres
Chicago Live 1971 Track: Exclusive Premiere
Recorded in Washington, D.C., “Goodbye”–previously unreleased–is from the new career-spanning 5-disc collection of live recordings by the R&R Hall of Famers.
Read MoreSpotlight Feature
Remember David Gates, Who Led the ’70s Group Bread?
He was the songwriter, guitarist, producer and primary vocalist for the popular band that broke through with the #1 single, “Make It With You.”
Read MoreTerms & Rules
Terms and Rules for the ‘ELO: UK Singles’ Contest
Official terms and rules for Best Classic Bands’ ‘ELO: UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978’ contest
Read MoreThe Art & Craft of Rocking
The Rolling Stones’ ‘Exile on Main Street’: Behind the Cover Art
The 1972 album cover was highly influential. Since, then, thousands of artists have used its “Ripping and Tearing” style and graffiti in their work.
Read MoreThe Art of the Playlist
15 Cool Classic Rock Instrumentals
Don’t overlook these songs from the J. Geils Band, the Allman Brothers Band, Jeff Beck, The Who, and other classic rock legends.
Read MoreThe Classic Rock Legacy
I Get a Check From John Lennon
Our writer once got a check from the former Beatle for $15. Everyone insisted he never cash it. Yet what Lennon really gave him was priceless.
Read MoreThe Dennis Elsas Conversation
Justin Hayward Interview: ‘Days of Future Passed’
In an interview with radio air personality Dennis Elsas, the singer-songwriter-guitarist shares insight into the Moody Blues’ masterpiece
Read MoreThe Scene:
‘Billy Jack’: One Tin Soldier Rides Away
The movie, directed, written and starring Tom Laughlin, had a long journey on its way to the screen. Its memorable song was recorded – and charted – multiple times.
Read MoreThis Just In!
Paul McCartney Cancels 2020 Tour
The eleven dates of the 2020 edition of his Freshen Up tour were to take place in Europe. The legend turns 78 on June 18.
Read MoreThrough The Lens
When Eddie Van Halen Won the Internet With Family Photos
In 2019, a week after reports of health issues arose, the guitar legend appeared in a series of photos that elevated him to heights he likely never imagined.
Read MoreTools of the Trade
7 Class Axes & the Guitarists Who Wielded Them
It’s magic when guitarists find an instrument that suits their style, sound and preferences. Guitar World’s Founding Editor looks at their class axes
Read MoreTop of The Pops (Charts)
The Number One Singles of 1966: Good Vibes
Only one song stayed at the top for 3 weeks or more. And thus, no less than 37 singles reached #1 that year. Several musical acts had more than one.
Read MoreTV Show
Review: Yes, ELO, Journey Shine on HBO’s Rock Hall 2017 Broadcast
The trio of classic rock-era inductees clearly enjoyed the ceremony held in their honor. Kudos to HBO for capturing the evening’s poignant moments
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