Archives
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
Bonnie Raitt Gives It One More Try with ‘Green Light’: Review
Her time at Warner Bros. Records had been exhilarating, frustrating and highly creative, and her legacy there is still well worth exploring.
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
SNL’s Lisa Loopner, Todd & the Repairman
The “Broken Fridge” sketch from the series’ 4th season never fails to crack us up, with Dan Akyroyd the butt of several jokes
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:
Celebrating Mel Brooks
The legendary filmmaker, writer and actor is one of just 21 artists who have earned “EGOT” status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. A new documentary is coming from Judd Apatow.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
Love & Mercy: Best Rock Star Biopic Ever?
The seemingly risky move of having two actors play Brian Wilson – Paul Dano as the young Beach Boy and John Cusack as the older Wilson – succeeds admirably.
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
Friend & Lover ‘Reach Out of the Darkness’: So Groovy Now
The peace-and-love message of the song resonated in 1968, a relic of its time.
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 Zombies’ Colin Blunstone Interview: It’s Time
Our writer followed the British Invasion band from gig to gig. Their co-founder / lead vocalist talked about their tour of a classic album.
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 Great Rock and Pop Summer Songs
Here are some favorites on our playlist that span several decades, to help you celebrate the season of barbecues, convertibles and beaches.
Read MoreLive Shows
Brian Wilson’s ‘Pet Sounds’ Shines at 50th Concert: 2016
The legend led a 12-piece band in a “wonderful” golden anniversary celebration of his masterpiece at the Hollywood Bowl.
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
Rod Stewart Has Glastonbury 2025 ‘Covered’ With Ronnie Wood and Friends
The 21-song afternoon set was filled with many of his classic songs as well as well-chosen covers that featured several guest stars.
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
Rod Stewart Has Glastonbury 2025 ‘Covered’ With Ronnie Wood and Friends
The 21-song afternoon set was filled with many of his classic songs as well as well-chosen covers that featured several guest stars.
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 30, 1975: Gregg Allman and Cher Wed
Just days after her divorce to Sonny Bono was final, Cher and Gregg Allman tied the knot and then made an album together. The marriage was fated not to last
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
Christopher Cross: An Expanded Edition of His Blockbuster Debut—Review
The album earned Cross Grammys for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist and Song of the Year.
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:
Bonnie Raitt Gives It One More Try with ‘Green Light’: Review
Her time at Warner Bros. Records had been exhilarating, frustrating and highly creative, and her legacy there is still well worth exploring.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Rick Derringer, of ‘Hang on Sloopy’ and ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo’ Fame, Dies
He was just a teenager when he scored a 1965 #1 single that became a garage rock classic. He later recorded with a broad range of artists including Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Record Label Exec on the Early Days and Evolution of Rock Radio
Our interview with Columbia Records exec Paul Rappaport about his 2025 book, Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay and The Art of Rock Promotion.
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
Celebrating Mel Brooks
The legendary filmmaker, writer and actor is one of just 21 artists who have earned “EGOT” status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. A new documentary is coming from Judd Apatow.
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
Janis Joplin & Jorma Kaukonen: The Tale of the Typewriter Tape
Before they became rock icons, Janis and the Jefferson Airplane guitarist played acoustic blues. Here’s the tale of their fascinating 1964 duets.
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:
Record Label Exec on the Early Days and Evolution of Rock Radio
Our interview with Columbia Records exec Paul Rappaport about his 2025 book, Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay and The Art of Rock Promotion.
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)
Top 40 Hits in June 1968 Were Jumpin’
As summer began, future classic rock hits were being played alongside a wild assortment of soul, country and instrumental favorites.
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