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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
Rod Stewart: ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’—Don’t It?
The man who once said, “I’m a rock star because I couldn’t be a soccer star,” broke through with his solo third album, which included the smash “Maggie May.”
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
‘Decade of Dissent: How 1960s Dylan Changed the World’: Review
Can there really be anything more to say about the man and his music? As it turns out, the answer is a qualified yes.
Read MoreBrick & Mortar Record Retailing
Stacks and Stacks of Vinyl: Tower Records in the ’70s
Go back in time (before “big box stores” and the Internet) and watch film footage of when the Sunset Blvd store was an adventure in vinyl album shopping.
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
When Joan Baez Joined Ringo Starr at a Paris Concert
Ringo was touring Europe with his All Starr Band for the first time since 2011. On opening night, he was joined by an old friend
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:
Bonnie Tyler and That Distinctive, Husky Voice
The Welsh singer disobeyed her doctor after surgery and ultimately earned a series of hit singles including “It’s a Heartache,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
‘Pink Floyd at Pompeii MCMLXXII’ Reappears: Review
Working from the recently discovered original 35mm negatives,’Pink Floyd at Pompeii’ has been restored, frame by frame, and expanded.
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
The Yardbirds: ‘Heart Full of Soul’—Jeff Beck’s Guitar Was the Star
He suggested an alternate plan: to have his guitar basically take on the sitar’s role.
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
Tom Jones Interview: His Big Hits, TV Show and More
While most artists of his age have long ago settled into complacency, the Welsh dynamo keeps trying new things. We chat with the legend.
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
When Blind Faith Made Their Live Debut For 100,000 People
The British supergroup chose to make its live debut at a free concert in London’s Hyde Park. Watch several clips from their performance.
Read MoreListicles
11 Surprising 1970s Hit Singles (Part 5)
Another edition of our series includes a Stones classic plus one by a singing nun. (No, not that one.) And a dreadful single that stayed on top for 10 weeks.
Read MoreLive Shows
Rolling Stones Marked 60th Year as 2022 Tour Began
Less than six months after completing their last tour – and first without Charlie Watts – the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band were back.
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
‘The Story of Spinal Tap’ Book Due: A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever
Director Rob Reiner and co-creators Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer provide the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the groundbreaking film and its upcoming sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
‘The Story of Spinal Tap’ Book Due: A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever
Director Rob Reiner and co-creators Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer provide the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the groundbreaking film and its upcoming sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
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
June 9, 2020: UFO Guitarist Paul Chapman Dies on 66th Birthday
The Welsh musician answered an ad in the U.K. weekly Melody Maker for a rock band seeking a second guitarist. He passed the audition
Read MorePerfect Rock Songs
The Doors’ ‘Love Her Madly’ – Perfection
An early review of the song described it as a “terrific new rocker… sounds like it will rank among their best single songs.” They were right.
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
Bob Dylan: Still the Colossus
Is there any contemporary popular music singer, songwriter and musician as significant? The answer is no.
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
‘Pink Floyd at Pompeii MCMLXXII’ Reappears: Review
Working from the recently discovered original 35mm negatives,’Pink Floyd at Pompeii’ has been restored, frame by frame, and expanded.
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:
‘Pink Floyd at Pompeii MCMLXXII’ Reappears: Review
Working from the recently discovered original 35mm negatives,’Pink Floyd at Pompeii’ has been restored, frame by frame, and expanded.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Jill Sobule, Singer-Songwriter (‘I Kissed a Girl’), Dies in House Fire
The openly bisexual 66-year-old performer, described by her manager as “a force of nature,” was in the midst of a spring tour.
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Moving To the Grooving: The Wild Cherry Smash, ‘Play That Funky Music’
The 1976 song’s fresh sound, with its recurring horn riff and outrageous lyrics, came from a midwestern rock band.
Read MoreRocking The Tube
SNL’s ‘Wayne’s World’ Sketches: ‘We’re Not Worthy!’
It’s notoriously difficult for a non-regular to get a skit on the show but the likable Mike Myers was able to make an immediate impact.
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
Bonnie Tyler and That Distinctive, Husky Voice
The Welsh singer disobeyed her doctor after surgery and ultimately earned a series of hit singles including “It’s a Heartache,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”
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
Ever Wonder How Many Top 10 Singles Motown Had?
Longtime music industry writer, editor and executive Adam White shares his story identifying the artists and songs that achieved the benchmark with the great label
Read MoreThe Classic Rock Legacy
The Rolling Stones’ Summer of ‘Satisfaction’
In 1965, the Stones hit #1 for a 4-week run. Can later generations even comprehend what it felt like for those of us growing up back then?
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:
Moving To the Grooving: The Wild Cherry Smash, ‘Play That Funky Music’
The 1976 song’s fresh sound, with its recurring horn riff and outrageous lyrics, came from a midwestern rock band.
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
The Story of the Crosby, Stills & Nash Album Cover
In 1969, Henry Diltz got an assignment to take publicity shots for a new supergroup, who had just finished recording their debut. He takes us behind the scenes.
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 Albums of 1975: Aye Aye, Captain
Only one artist had an album that spent more than five weeks at the top. That same superstar had three chart toppers that year, totaling 15 weeks in all.
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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