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All posts by categoryA Night That Changed My Life
‘Brush With Greatness’: Rock Fans Share Their Stories
Best Classic Bands readers share stories of their unexpectedly meeting some of their favorite performers. “He was the nicest guy I ever met.”
Read MoreAlbum Rewinds
Jethro Tull—’Aqualung’: The Ultimate Concept Album
It proved successful, with the rock press heralding the album for its variety, seriousness and the unmatched musicianship.
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
‘Fleetwood Mac: All the Songs’ Examines the Band’s Discography: Book Review
The centerpiece of the copiously illustrated new book is a chronological discussion of their recorded catalog.
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
Trio: Diamond, Ronstadt, Campbell Sing Medley of Neil’s Hits
In early 1971, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour was in the third year of what would be a four-season run.
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?
Spiral Starecase’s Catchy ‘More Today Than Yesterday’
The one hit wonders enjoyed success in 1969. Years later, while touring with a teen idol, their lead singer was not on the plane that killed the star
Read MoreFEATURES:
David Crosby 2022 Interview—To a High School Journalism Class
Exclusive! The always-outspoken Croz spoke with a group of Colorado students, answering all of their questions frankly.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
Neil Young’s New Film ‘Coastal’ Reviewed: Take a Look at My Life
Shot in black-and-white, the 2025 film explores the current state of his never-ending odyssey of pursuing his muse.
Read MoreGift Guides
Best Boxed Sets, Collections & Reissues of 2024
Our roundup of the best archival rock music boxed sets, reissues and collections includes the Beatles, Dylan, CSN&Y and dozens more.
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
David Bowie’s Biggest Hit, ‘Let’s Dance’
Have a listen to how the song evolved from this early 1982 recording to what ultimately became a gargantuan worldwide hit.
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
David Crosby 2022 Interview—To a High School Journalism Class
Exclusive! The always-outspoken Croz spoke with a group of Colorado students, answering all of their questions frankly.
Read MoreKey Players
Danny Kortchmar on Playing With Carole, James, Jackson, & Don
Our interview with “Kootch” about his “new” band and of his phenomenal legacy as a session musician, songwriter and producer.
Read MoreLegendary Locales
When Eric Clapton Surprised With Electric ‘Layla’ at Tokyo’s Budokan
Slowhand’s set at the legendary venue – his first concert of 2019 – included an electric version of a favorite, which he’s been doing acoustically for years.
Read MoreListicles
13 Classic Triple Albums: When Rockers Expanded the Limits
In the classic rock era, some of the greatest artists expanded the limits of what was being released on vinyl. We look back at some of the best 3-LP sets.
Read MoreLive Shows
Herb Alpert Sizzles at 90 in Concert With Tijuana Brass: Review
The legendary trumpeter, band leader, producer and co-founder of A&M Records is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Whipped Cream & Other Delights.
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
Burton Cummings Adds to 2025 Tour in Support of New Studio LP
A Few Good Moments is his first studio album since 2008. The tour continues his first U.S. run since 2020.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
Burton Cummings Adds to 2025 Tour in Support of New Studio LP
A Few Good Moments is his first studio album since 2008. The tour continues his first U.S. run since 2020.
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
May 6, 2021: Aaron Neville Announces Retirement from Touring
“I would like to spend my remaining time on this earth being less hurried,” said the “Tell it Like It Is” singer in a statement.
Read MorePerfect Rock Songs
When Tom Petty Presaged the #MeToo Movement
One of the great American rock songwriters of his generation wrote and recorded a song with lyrics that seem to have anticipated the awareness campaign by decades.
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
Rock Hall Chairman Pulls Back the Curtain on Nominating Process
“I think it’s because some people don’t understand the meaning of rock and roll. We’ve got to do a better job explaining it”—John Sykes
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
The Disastrous MTV Police Contest
What could go wrong when you and 25 of your friends get to fly on a private jet stocked with booze to see the band at the show of your choice? Everything, it turns out!
Read MoreRecordings
Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill Deliver ‘Long After the Fire’: Review
They serve up a diverse and mostly satisfying program that variously recalls country-rockers and the occasional Fleetwood Mac echo.
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:
Jethro Tull—’Aqualung’: The Ultimate Concept Album
It proved successful, with the rock press heralding the album for its variety, seriousness and the unmatched musicianship.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Blondie Drummer Clem Burke Dies at 70
He joined the band in 1975 shortly after they formed, and performed on the #1 singles “Heart of Glass,” “The Tide is High” and “Rapture.”
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Remember the Maxell ‘Blown-Away Guy’?
The humble cassette had plenty of pluses and minuses but one thing we can all agree on: how cool was the leather-clad guy in their ads?
Read MoreRocking The Tube
Remember the K-Tel ‘As Advertised on TV’ Compilation Albums?
With his invention of the compilation album, entrepreneur Philip Kives revolutionized the marketing and sales of recorded music.
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
Kent State Tragedy: Joe Walsh Looks Back
The young musician arrived on campus in 1965 and was there during the shootings. He recalled the tragic events of the day and offered a solution.
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 Beatles’ ‘White Album’: Giles Martin Interview
“A lot of people have said that The BEATLES is the sound of the Beatles breaking up. You can’t make an album like that if you’re not getting on.”
Read MoreThe Art of the Playlist
The World’s Best Covers Band: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at the Fillmore
The 1997 residency shared the star’s deep affinity and knowledge of his musical predecessors and peers.
Read MoreThe Classic Rock Legacy
Thank You, Bob Seger
The musician’s goodbye was unexpectedly delayed when he was forced to postpone his final tour in 2017 for “intense spinal surgery,” due to a ruptured disc.
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:
Thank You, Bob Seger
The musician’s goodbye was unexpectedly delayed when he was forced to postpone his final tour in 2017 for “intense spinal surgery,” due to a ruptured disc.
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
Bob Dylan ‘Nashville Skyline’ Cover: The Inside Story
Elliott Landy talks about the magic hour of light and serendipity of his photo. “[Bob] stopped at the coat rack and grabbed a hat. ‘Do you think we could use this?’”
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)
Top-Selling Albums of 1981: Rock Still Reigned
Many established bands were criticized as “corporate rock” acts though they, in fact, had been paying their dues for years.
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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