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All posts by categoryA Night That Changed My Life
When Bruce Springsteen Broke His Own Record: 4-Hour Concert
Over the course of 16 days in 2016, he and the E Street Band set a new record for his longest U.S. gig ever, on four different occasions.
Read MoreAlbum Rewinds
Supertramp: ‘Crime of the Century’—Success at Last
Even before they set foot in the studio to begin recording, the band “knew we had a hit,” said Roger Hodgson.
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
‘Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run’: Book Review
If you care about Springsteen’s music, you’ll likely find it hard to put down.
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
Remember the ‘I Want My MTV’ Promo Spots?
When MTV launched, it was a struggle to get cable operators to carry the network and to convince viewers to watch it. This campaign solved both issues
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:
9/11: The Music Events That Helped Bring Us Back
Two music events—“America: A Tribute to Heroes” and “The Concert for New York City”—were organized following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
Both Sides of Joni Mitchell at the Isle of Wight 1970
At first she appears shaken and angry. She asks for some respect. She gets it. The audience begins listening attentively and calls her back for an encore.
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 Glory of ‘Gloria’: Behind the Resilient Van Morrison Rock ’n’ Roll Anthem
One of the most beloved and oft-covered songs in the garage-rock canon started life as a single’s B-side. We take a look at the wonders of ‘G-L-O-R-I-A.’
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
Nancy Sinatra on Recording in the ’60s, Her TV Special & Her Go-Go Wardrobe
“I’d be in a mini-skirt and I’d get smart aleck remarks from people in the club, ‘Are you gonna play tennis tonight?'”
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
Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Hollywood Bowl in 2016
The spaceship touched down on Los Angeles as the re-tooled Electric Light Orchestra played their first of just 5 U.S. dates.
Read MoreListicles
10 (More) Great 1960s Instrumental Hits
During the swinging decade, these classics from Herb Alpert, the Surfaris, Hugo Montenegro and more were essential tracks on the AM radio dial.
Read MoreLive Shows
Faces 2015 Reunion Gave Fans a ‘Glorious’ 7 Songs
Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones revived the band for one night.
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
‘John Candy: I Like Me’ Documentary Coming
The 2025 film, from director Colin Hanks, includes candid interviews with Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Macaulay Culkin, among others.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
‘John Candy: I Like Me’ Documentary Coming
The 2025 film, from director Colin Hanks, includes candid interviews with Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Macaulay Culkin, among others.
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
Sept 14, 2021: Tributes For Norm Macdonald, Unique Comedic Voice
The comedian, 61, served as the Weekend Update anchor on TV’s Saturday Night Live for three of his five seasons on the sketch comedy program
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
Paul McCartney’s Memorable ‘Band on the Run’ B-side
Though best known as a musician for being a bass man, his signature as a melodist is his use of piano on “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude” and this one.
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 Promotion
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
Reggae Stars Featured on Two New CDs: Review
Steve Miller guests on a cover of his “Fly Like an Eagle,” and the Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell plays on a version of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”
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:
Supertramp: ‘Crime of the Century’—Success at Last
Even before they set foot in the studio to begin recording, the band “knew we had a hit,” said Roger Hodgson.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Bobby Whitlock—Derek & the Dominos Keyboardist—Dies at 77
In addition to his work with Clapton, he also contributed to George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass.’
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Rolling With Jerry: When Garcia Welcomed a College Kid to the Dead’s HQ
In the summer of 1971, the author and a friend decided to go visit the Grateful Dead. What resulted was an afternoon they’ve never forgotten.
Read MoreRocking The Tube
Just Like Them: The Beatles’ Final Appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
When most of the world next saw them, they were mop tops by association only.
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
9/11: The Music Events That Helped Bring Us Back
Two music events—“America: A Tribute to Heroes” and “The Concert for New York City”—were organized following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
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
10 Big Rock Acts Without a US Top 10 Hit Single
Back when Top 40 radio played rock hits, most legendary acts achieved chart success. For some reason, Hendrix, ELP, AC/DC, Tull and more never had a pop hit. See who else and what their biggest hits were.
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:
Just Like Them: The Beatles’ Final Appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
When most of the world next saw them, they were mop tops by association only.
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
Linda Ronstadt Album Designer, Kosh, Talks Covers
We go behind the scenes with her longtime collaborator who earned 3 Grammys for his work with her. “She never seemed to really appreciate how good she was.”
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 44 (Count ’em!) Number One Singles of 1974
Only one song stayed at the top for three weeks or more. Top 40 radio programmers in the U.S. were still playing rock music alongside pop, R&B and disco.
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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