Classic Rock

The definitive voice in rock journalism, going behind the scenes to bring the real stories behind rock legends from Led Zeppelin to Metallica, to Marilyn Manson and beyond. Please note: This digital version of the magazine does not currently include the covermount items or content you would find on printed newsstand copies

WELCOME

Classic Rock

LET'S DANCE • With his determination, dedication, energy and wide-ranging talent, one man has taken the Foo Fighters from effectively a solo project to one of the biggest bands in the world. Now, with their new album, they want to make you move your feet.

Chris Shiflett • The guitarist/vocalist joined the Foos in ’99. And no, he didn’t turn down a Guns N’ Roses audition to do so.

Nate Mendel • The Foos’ bassist since the beginning is also the singer, songwriter and guitarist with his own band, Lieutenant.

Pat Smear • The guitarist is on his second stint with the Foos, having rejoined the band in 2005.

Rami Jaffee • The keyboard player was the last to become a member of the band – after a 14-year probation with them.

Taylor Hawkins • It ain’t easy replacing a band’s original drummer. And also being the drummer in a shit-hot drummer’s band.

Kills Birds • Intent on “making music that sounds and feels sincere”, their gutsy modern take on alt.rock is deservedly turning heads.

RIP • Thank you and good night.

Campbell “not proud” of how he left The Temperance Movement • TTM’s former frontman tells Classic Rock about his departure, and introduces new band the Byson Family.

NEWS

People Power Powers Power Up • Angus thanks fans for hit album.

Hagar: Farewell Van Halen Tour Was Being Planned • “It would’ve been a dream come true,” says Sammy.

The Empty Hearts • The American supergroup return with their second album of classy pop-rock, and big-name guests.

Bad Nerves • Garage-rock pace and power-pop melodies collide, and the results can be infectious.

MY FIRST LOVE The Groundhogs THANK CHRIST FOR THE BOMB • The Damned guitarist on the 1970 ‘psychedelic punk’ masterpiece that changed his life.

Lonely The Brave • Guitarist Mark Trotter on mental health, tomahawks and the fight back from the brink.

David Bowie Changes • How a young Bowie’s artistic manifesto was captured in three and a half perfect minutes.

Jaren Johnston • The Cadillac Three frontman on their new album, odd gifts from Billy Gibbons, religion, and writing 200 songs a year.

X-Ray Spex • “Mad glasses”, feminism, bondage trousers and a brilliant, troubled leader made these punk enigmas an alluring prospect.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE, THE MAN IN BLACK AND THE CLASSIC ALBUM • For the members of Rainbow, memories of recording their third album might be filled with sackings, seances, spooks and being scared shitless, but they also made a truly great record: Long Live Rock ’N’ Roll.

FOUR TO THE FLOOR • They’re smart, they don’t like to repeat themselves and they describe history as “rose-coloured”. Meet Parquet Courts, Brooklyn’s maverick heirs to the Velvet Underground throne.

The Great Deceiver • Their reputation is that of studied musos, but King Crimson enjoyed their share of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll debauchery while honing their formidable live show on the road back in the 70s. That musical muscle was distilled into 1974’s Starless And Bible Black, one of the finest live records of all time – and one that most people thought was a studio album.

BEAT IT – THE ULTIMATE PROG DRUMMERS • From legends to latter-day stars, these are the drummers you need to know.

HEART OF DARKNESS • They were the band that invented goth, saved punk from parody, made incredible music and gave rock a true icon....