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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
Electric Light Orchestra’s ‘Out of the Blue’: The Masterpiece from Munich
It’s full of treasures, a sweeping double-LP that Jeff Lynne dubbed “probably the hardest work I have ever done, but the most satisfying.”
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
Continental Drifters Celebrated with Anthology, Book & Tribute LP
The group’s sound is difficult to categorize—not surprising given the disparate musical backgrounds of the players who were members at one time or another.
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
Paul McCartney’s All-Star ‘Rockestra Theme’: A Who’s Who
An assemblage of classic rock A-Listers – including members of Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd – showed up at Abbey Road Studios in 1978 to record this song
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?
Spiral Starecase’s Catchy ‘More Today Than Yesterday’
The one hit wonders enjoyed success in 1969. Years later, while touring with a teen idol, their lead singer was not on the plane that killed the star
Read MoreFEATURES:
Watch Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot, and Ronnie Hawkins Perform ‘Me and Bobby McGee’
When the four legends recorded the classic in 2016, its producer had a high class problem.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
Syd Barrett Documentary Eyes Pink Floyd Co-Founder: Review
Have You Got It Yet?: The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd eyes the role of the band’s co-founder, honored by the group with its song “Shine On, You Crazy Diamond”
Read MoreGift Guides
The Best Music Books of 2023
The year’s best music-related reads include bios and memoirs associated with Rush, Sly Stone, Bob Dylan, the Allmans, plus much more!
Read MoreHOLDING CATEGORY
Now Streaming: The Beatles
My how times have changed. We used to hope for a new Beatles album for Christmas. Now their catalog is available for streaming
Read MoreHow the Song Came to Be
ELO’s ‘Don’t Bring Me Down… Bruce!’
Most classic rock acts have a misheard lyric. It goes with the territory. So what did Jeff Lynne do when concert audiences started singing along to his big hit?
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
Mark Farner Interview: Grand Funk Railroad’s Highs & Lows
In a wide-ranging conversation, GFR’s guitarist recalls the band’s early days, peak years and the often bitter aftermath
Read MoreKey Players
The Tragedy of Drummer & Murderer Jim Gordon: 10 Questions for Biographer Joel Selvin
Our interview with the noted music author about his 2024 book, Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon
Read MoreLegendary Locales
Aerosmith Rocked Final Boston Concert in 2022
The show marked the band’s return after 2 1/2 years, due to the pandemic and Steven Tyler’s rehab
Read MoreListicles
12 Influential Early MTV Videos
Remember when the cable channel played music? Billboard’s first video editor saw all the early MTV videos and selects the significant clips
Read MoreLive Shows
The Beach Boys Live in 2024: Still Plenty of Fun, Fun, Fun
“America’s Band” are still delivering the California dream, with the promise of sun, surf, and endless summers.
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
Pete Townshend Releases ‘Live In Concert 1985-2001’ Box Set
The 14-CD set has been newly mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
The 11 Number One Albums of 1969: CCR Were Rising
In a final year of the decade, three releases accounted for 33 of the year’s weekly chart toppers. The one with the most weeks at #1 may surprise you
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
Oct 4, 2021: Lizzie Bravo, Teenager Who Sang on Beatles Recording, Dies
Her tale of singing on a take of “Across the Universe” at Abbey Road Studios is one of those “amazing, but true” stories in Beatles lore
Read MorePerfect Rock Songs
The Hollies’ ‘Long Cool Woman’: Admit It, You Don’t Know the Lyrics
It’s a song you’ve heard 100s of times. When it comes on the radio, you perk up because its instantly recognizable guitar introduces a welcome listen
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
Woodstock 50 Debacle: No Peace. No Love. No Music
A 50th anniversary doesn’t just sneak up on you. So how did the plans for a worthy celebration of the 1969 festival fall apart?
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
Continental Drifters Celebrated with Anthology, Book & Tribute LP
The group’s sound is difficult to categorize—not surprising given the disparate musical backgrounds of the players who were members at one time or another.
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:
Electric Light Orchestra’s ‘Out of the Blue’: The Masterpiece from Munich
It’s full of treasures, a sweeping double-LP that Jeff Lynne dubbed “probably the hardest work I have ever done, but the most satisfying.”
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Tito Jackson, Founding Member and Guitarist For The Jackson 5, Dies
Along with his brothers Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, Randy and Marlon, Tito helped lead the popular musical group to worldwide stardom
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
When Music Went Mobile with 8-Track Tapes
Do you remember when it was a big deal to have an 8-track player in your car? Check out Ford’s 1966 Mustang ad featuring a “stereosonic tape player”…
Read MoreRocking The Tube
‘The Big Chill’: Friends to Keep You Warm
It was one of the most successful films of 1983 and featured a big soundtrack of mostly Motown classics. Does the reunion movie of thirty-somethings hold up?
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
Watch Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot, and Ronnie Hawkins Perform ‘Me and Bobby McGee’
When the four legends recorded the classic in 2016, its producer had a high class problem.
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
Jimmy Page, Steve Miller Watch Don Felder Perform ‘Hotel California’
The three guitar icons attended NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2019 “Play it Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll” exhibition
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
Shocking Blue’s ‘Venus’: An Out-of-This-World Hit
When the Dutch rock band replaced its male lead vocalist with a striking 21-year-old female, they scored with a shock heard ’round the world
Read MoreThe Dennis Elsas Conversation
Roger Daltrey on Woodstock, ‘Tommy’: Career-Spanning Interview
He talked to radio legend Dennis Elsas about The Who’s first U.S. shows, finding his voice via the 1969 rock opera, his road to Woodstock and Keith Moon’s hotel mayhem
Read MoreThe Scene:
Shocking Blue’s ‘Venus’: An Out-of-This-World Hit
When the Dutch rock band replaced its male lead vocalist with a striking 21-year-old female, they scored with a shock heard ’round the world
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
Woodstock ’69 Through the Lens of Photographer Henry Diltz
He shares his story of the weeks leading up to the legendary festival and of the event itself. “I had the Golden Pass. I was working for the producer”
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 11 Number One Albums of 1969: CCR Were Rising
In a final year of the decade, three releases accounted for 33 of the year’s weekly chart toppers. The one with the most weeks at #1 may surprise you
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