Archives
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
‘Ringo’: His 1973 Solo Breakthrough, With a Little Help From You Know Who
Although he’d had a couple of solo hits post-Beatles, the albums just weren’t happening. Then he reached into his phone book and made a few calls.
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
When Elton John Surprised at ‘The Lion King’ Anniversary Show
The stats for the long-running musical smash are staggering. For the 20th anniversary of its Broadway run, the audience was treated to a special guest performance
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:
Sean Connery: The Best James Bond
Many actors have taken on the iconic role of British secret agent 007 created by Ian Fleming. But Connery continues to be synonymous with the role.
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
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
The Gentrys’ ‘Keep on Dancing’: Behind the ’60s Garage Classic
The Memphis septet took an obscure R&B tune and turned it into a top 5 rocker in 1965. The story behind the recording—and the band—is fascinating.
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
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
9 (More) Signature Rock Classics That Weren’t U.S. Chart Hits
Top 40 occasionally turned a deaf ear to some of the greatest works from legendary rock artists like John Fogerty and Elton John.
Read MoreLive Shows
Lights Out! Jeff Lynne Closes 2024’s Final US Tour With a Magical Set: Concert Review
The maestro capped off the 31-date North American run of Jeff Lynne’s ELO with a spectacular, hit-driven show.
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
New Eric Clapton ‘Journeyman: Deluxe Edition’ Includes Prev. Unreleased Tracks
The 1989 album includes the classic songs “Pretending,” “Bad Love,” and “Before You Accuse Me,” and features many guest performances.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
New Eric Clapton ‘Journeyman: Deluxe Edition’ Includes Prev. Unreleased Tracks
The 1989 album includes the classic songs “Pretending,” “Bad Love,” and “Before You Accuse Me,” and features many guest performances.
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
November 6, 1941: Doug Sahm Born
Revered by critics and fellow musicians as a roots music sage, the Texan had a pop hit in 1965 with “She’s About a Mover” as the Sir Douglas Quintet
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
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
John Lennon’s Massive ‘Power to the People’ Box Set: Review
Lennon lovers will find interesting material in the new collection, and even casual fans will discover some pleasures here.
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:
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 MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Dave Ball, of UK Synth-Pop Duo Soft Cell (‘Tainted Love’), Dies at 66
Along with singer Marc Almond, the pair achieved worldwide fame in 1981 with the smash single.
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
T. Rex Get it On With Epic, Live Performance of ‘Bang a Gong’
The pioneering glam rock band enjoyed a run of ten straight Top 5 singles in their native England. This phenomenal song was their only US pop hit.
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
Sean Connery: The Best James Bond
Many actors have taken on the iconic role of British secret agent 007 created by Ian Fleming. But Connery continues to be synonymous with the role.
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
Southern Cooking: 5 Great Southern Rock Albums
John Swenson’s picks for one of the most popular genres in the ’70s.
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:
Southern Cooking: 5 Great Southern Rock Albums
John Swenson’s picks for one of the most popular genres in the ’70s.
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 1976
Top 40 programmers were featuring less songs from rock acts. There were lots (and lots) of disco hits as audiences were taking to the dance floor.
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