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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
Steely Dan Delivers Bite-Sized Gems on ‘Pretzel Logic’
On their 1974 LP, Fagen and Becker honed their humorous lyrics and perfected their luscious arrangements that straddled multiple genres.
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
‘The Band’s With Me’: A Former Rock Wife & BFF Lays It All Down
The memoir is a vivid, raucous, hilarious snapshot of a side of the rock world once ubiquitous. Sally Mann Romano makes no excuses for any of it, nor should she.
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
Pretenders 2005 Rock Hall Induction and Chrissie Hynde Blast
The classic rock legend’s slam came close to the anniversary of Pretenders’ induction. “It’s absolutely nothing to do with rock ‘n’ roll.”
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:
12 Overlooked Rock Songs of 1972
These dozen tracks, from Deep Purple, Aretha, the Kinks, Chicago and The Who are absolutely worth listening to again.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
11 Movies That Rock: Woodstock to Spinal Tap
From Almost Famous to The Last Waltz, from School of Rock to Wayne’s World, these films share one thing in common – they all rock!
Read MoreGift Guides
Best Boxed Sets, Collections & Reissues of 2025
This year’s archival releases include rarities from Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead 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
Harry Chapin Inspiration for ‘Taxi’
‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ may have been his biggest hit, but this one resonated with listeners, perhaps due to its real-life connection.
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
Quincy Jones: A ‘Lost’ Interview With ‘Q’
Long before his association with Michael Jackson, “Q” was one of the music world’s most accomplished composers, arrangers, producers and band leaders.
Read MoreKey Players
The Same Musician Who Orchestrated ELO Gave Us ‘Hooked on Classics’
Jeff Lynne opted to live up to the band’s name when he hired Louis Clark as string arranger and utilized a full orchestra in the group’s recordings.
Read MoreLegendary Locales
When the Future Host of TV’s ‘Newlywed Game’ Brought The Beatles to Los Angeles
In this excerpt from The Beatles in Los Angeles, the authors tell how local DJ Bob Eubanks used his home for collateral to produce the Hollywood Bowl concert.
Read MoreListicles
12 Overlooked Rock Songs of 1972
These dozen tracks, from Deep Purple, Aretha, the Kinks, Chicago and The Who are absolutely worth listening to again.
Read MoreLive Shows
Jeff Lynne’s ELO at Radio City Music Hall: 2016 Review
His gift is his ability to build complex arrangements into the simplest, most hummable of tunes. The concert was a taste of classic rock at its finest.
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
David Gilmour’s Black Strat Shatters Record for a Guitar at Auction
The Pink Floyd star played the guitar on such songs as “Money,” “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and his legendary solo on “Comfortably Numb.”
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
Radio Hits in March 1970
The Beatles’ influence was all over the Top 40 this week, joined by big hits from the Jackson 5 and Bobby Sherman. Thought of Frijid Pink lately?
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
Mar 14, 2023: Queen’s Brian May is Knighted
The guitarist and songwriter joined a short list of British music stars who have been so honored over the years
Read MorePerfect Rock Songs
Thin Lizzy’s ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’: Them Cats Are Crazy
The anthemic call-and-response chorus, sung repeatedly over a twin-Les Paul guitar riff, has to rank as one of rock’s all-time greatest earworms.
Read MorePlease Release Me
2 ‘New’ Early Recordings by the Beatles Discovered
Two studio recordings surfaced in Dec. 2025, Paul McCartney’s solo demo of ‘Love of the Loved,’ and the first recording of ‘Misery.’
Read MorePoints of View
Rock Hall Nominees for Class of 2026 Continues Trend Away From Rock, Towards Popular Music
Let’s face it: it may have been created with rock ‘n’ roll in mind when it began inducting artists in 1986, but over the past decade or so, it has fully morphed.
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
‘This Can’t Be Today: American Psychedelia & the Paisley Underground’: Review
You don’t have to be hugely successful to be hugely influential. Paisley Underground groups had an impact on numerous performers who emerged later.
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:
‘This Can’t Be Today: American Psychedelia & the Paisley Underground’: Review
You don’t have to be hugely successful to be hugely influential. Paisley Underground groups had an impact on numerous performers who emerged later.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Reggae Drummer Sly Dunbar Dies
The Grammy Award-winner formed a mighty reggae rhythm section and production duo with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, known together as Sly and Robbie.
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Eric Clapton, Cat Stevens, Gary Brooker Play Benefit Concert Just Before 2020 Lockdown
It was the 3rd major all-star benefit concert in London in less than a month. Other performers included Tom Jones and Rick Wakeman.
Read MoreRocking The Tube
‘One Toke Over the Line’ on ‘Lawrence Welk’—Huh?
In what has to be one of the most surreal moments on TV, the song was interpreted for viewers of a show that had no idea what a toke was.
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
How Neil Sedaka Helped Create 10cc
The unique collaboration, excerpted from the 2023 book, I’m Into Something Good: My Life Managing 10cc, Herman’s Hermits & Many More!, from Harvey Lisberg.
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
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
Country Joe Was More Than Woodstock—About 40 Albums More
The remarkably enduring singer-songwriter/activist, who retired—and died—in his beloved Berkeley, was never really given his due as one of the original, prolific troubadours of American music.
Read MoreThe Dennis Elsas Conversation
Dan Fogelberg Interview: ‘Same Old Lang Syne’
The late singer-songwriter enjoyed big success in the 1970s and ’80s. In this interview he admits his holiday favorite came from messing with Tchaikovsky.
Read MoreThe Scene:
Country Joe Was More Than Woodstock—About 40 Albums More
The remarkably enduring singer-songwriter/activist, who retired—and died—in his beloved Berkeley, was never really given his due as one of the original, prolific troubadours of American music.
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
Beatles in India: Photos From Pattie Boyd
A rare group of photographs documenting the group’s historic visit to Rishikesh, India, in 1968, surfaced in a portfolio compiled by George Harrison’s former wife.
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 takes a look.
Read MoreTop of The Pops (Charts)
Radio Hits in March 1970
The Beatles’ influence was all over the Top 40 this week, joined by big hits from the Jackson 5 and Bobby Sherman. Thought of Frijid Pink lately?
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
Read More