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All posts by categoryA Night That Changed My Life
When Deacon Frey Made His Eagles’ On Stage Debut
The classic rock greats returned to the concert stage for the first time since their co-founder’s death, with a beautiful 23-song set with family and friends.
Read MoreAlbum Rewinds
Talking Heads—‘More Songs About Buildings and Food’: Artful Music
“We don’t fit into anyone else’s category, so we’re going to have to create our own,” said David Byrne about the band’s second album.
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
‘Rise and Fall of Classic Rock’: A Must-Read
Kent Hartman’s book, Goodnight, L.A., sheds light on the city’s recording scene in the ’70s and ’80s, with scores of interviews with the stars.
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
‘Fast Times At Ridgemont High’: Classic Scenes
One of our favorite ’80s movies spawned a lot of catch phrases, a great soundtrack and the careers of Sean Penn, Forrest Whitaker and more
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:
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 MoreFilms/DVDs
Jeff Lynne Leads ELO For a Triumphant Night at Hyde Park in 2014
A crowd of 50,000 enjoyed over a dozen hits from the band that the maestro co-founded.
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
Zager & Evans’ ‘In the Year 2525’: The Gloomiest #1?
It was, to be sure, one of the bleakest songs ever to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. And then the duo never charted again.
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
The Cowsills—The Hits, the Misses & Other Things: Interview
“We were told that they were going to put our mom in the group. No one asked us. In she comes.”—Bob Cowsill
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
Clapton, Winwood, Santana at Hyde Park: 2018
On a beautiful July day, a trio of classic rock legends treated a London crowd to dozens of their best known songs. Our recap…
Read MoreListicles
11 Great Classic Rock Driving Songs: Reader Favorites
The car is packed up and you’re ready to hit the road. These tunes from Bob Seger, BTO, The Doors, and Kraftwerk will help pass the time.
Read MoreLive Shows
Lights Out! Jeff Lynne Closes Final US Tour With a Magical Set: Concert Review
The maestro capped off 2024’s 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
Connie Francis, ’50s-’60s Hitmaker Whose Career Earned Recent Boost With ‘Pretty Little Baby,’ Dies
The singer was recently re-discovered via an obscure 1962 recording, “Pretty Little Baby,” which went viral via TikTok, garnering billions of views.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
Connie Francis, ’50s-’60s Hitmaker Whose Career Earned Recent Boost With ‘Pretty Little Baby,’ Dies
The singer was recently re-discovered via an obscure 1962 recording, “Pretty Little Baby,” which went viral via TikTok, garnering billions of views.
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
July 17, 1968: Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ Film Premiere
The London debut of the groundbreaking animated movie was attended by all four Beatles and other rock stars. Check out footage of the event
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 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
Bruce Springsteen’s Remarkably Varied ‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums’—Review
The lion’s share of this material is just as compelling as much of what he has included on his many hit albums.
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:
Talking Heads—‘More Songs About Buildings and Food’: Artful Music
“We don’t fit into anyone else’s category, so we’re going to have to create our own,” said David Byrne about the band’s second album.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Lou Christie, ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ Singer, Dead at 82
Originally named Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, his other hits included “Two Faces Have I,” “Rhapsody in the Rain” and “I’m Gonna Make You Mine.”
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
When Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks Shared the Stage For the Last Time
The pair reunited onstage for the final time to perform their 1981 hit “Start Draggin’ My Heart Around” at Hyde Park, during the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour.
Read MoreRocking The Tube
When Live Aid Rocked the Planet
We recap the biggest charity concert in music history, where dozens of stars performed in London and Philadelphia for a massive worldwide TV audience in 1985
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
Doc Severinsen Plays Final Concert… at 95
From 1962 to 1992, the trumpeter played a major role in TV viewers’ bedrooms as they watched The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
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
Session Kings: The Beatles at the BBC on July 16, 1963
One of the finest sessions in all of rock and roll history, this marathon date captured the band at its performing peak.
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:
Session Kings: The Beatles at the BBC on July 16, 1963
One of the finest sessions in all of rock and roll history, this marathon date captured the band at its performing peak.
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 Top Albums of July 1970
Some of the era’s legendary names in classic rock had new releases – many of which are in your collection – at the top of the sales chart this week.
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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