The Scene:
The Scene features a variety of articles that explore a wide range of subjects, all of then delving into the many aspects of rock ‘n’ roll music, its artists and players, the music business and classic rock culture
Tom Petty, American Rock Giant, 1950-2017
One of our country’s greatest rockers for more than 40 years, the Floridian never backed down, creating solid music that didn’t need to bow to trends.
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1971: The Year in Rock Music
There were still many familiar faces from the ’60s, but new artists, and new rock music subgenres, were beginning to take root.
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‘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?
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The Ed Sullivan Show: Sixties Pop Music Showcase
The Sunday night variety show presented scores of up-and-coming pop stars during the ’60s. Here are some favorites and some unique anecdotes about each one.
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Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ Final Concert
We didn’t know that he soldiered on throughout the big 2017 tour with a fractured hip. Who could have known that their September 25 performance would be their last?
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Steam: ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’
The band didn’t even exist. When one of its songwriters needed a B-side in 1969, they recorded it and the song became a surprise hit. Now, of course, it’s a sports staple.
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Eagles’ ‘The Long Run’: The Making of a Classic
“’The Long Run’ was a pretty painful birth because we were like, ‘How the f*** are we going to top “Hotel California”‘?”—Joe Walsh
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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?
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A Day in the Park With Chuck Berry and Joan Jett
Music industry veteran Steve Leeds shares a story about a tour stop with Joan Jett in St. Louis and an unforgettable drive in their special guest’s Cadillac.
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Moving To the Grooving: The Wild Cherry Smash, ‘Play That Funky Music’
The 1976 song’s fresh sound, with its recurring horn riff and outrageous lyrics, came from a midwestern rock band.
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