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

This month’s contributors

Classic Rock • Established 1998

FANTASTIC PLASTIC! • Record Store Day 2021 to go ahead despite covid uncertainty, and there are gems to pre-order.

RECORD STORE DAY UK • Here’s a far from complete mini-checklist. Please check whether releases are due on June 12 or July 17.

RIP • Thank you and good night.

Lou Ottens • June 21, 1926 – March 6, 2021

Edward Van Halen “disrespected” • Late guitar icon appears fleetingly in Grammy tribute.

NEWS

Journey/Valory/Smith Feud Over • “Amicable settlement” wraps up lengthy battle of writs.

Reg The Lightning? • Elton John and Metallica in mind-boggling team-up.

Trucker Diablo • With lyrics that are “social commentaries on the times we live in”, don’t expect songs about beer and girls.

Twisted Illusion • Expect colossal prog epics and punchy pop rock notes with Manchester’s DIY contrarians.

BURIED TREASURE • Riches from the rock underground

The Datsuns • The Kiwi rockers on the demons, psychedelia and “word salads” behind their first album in seven years.

L.A. Edwards • Meet the rising Americana crew with roots in farmyard brawls and a Heartbreaker on side.

Otis Redding (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay • Written by Redding and his guitarist/producer Steve Cropper, it became one of the Stax label’s enduring songs. Sadly Redding died in a plane crash before he was able to enjoy its success.

Paul Stanley • The Kiss legend on his new soul album, deafness, feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, and Kiss playing Download 2022.

Dirty Honey • In a world over-sweetened with pop syrup, Dirty Honey tell stories from the darker side of Los Angeles.

TAKING LIFE BY THE HORNS • On a remote Scottish farm in 1971, as he escaped the harrowing post-Beatles darkness that threatened to consume him, Paul McCartney created an album that would save his soul - even if it meant severing ties with John Lennon in the process. Fifty years on, this is the liberating story of his solo album Ram.

WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING • A track-by-track look Paul & Linda McCartney’s Ram. “Paul used to do this thing,” drummer

"HE SEEMA TO HAVE GONE STRANGE!" • The experimental, out-there ripples of Paul & Linda McCartney’s Ram.

ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE • Forty years ago, Stevie Nicks stepped out from the chaos and control of Fleetwood Mac with a hit-laden debut solo album that showed she could fly just as high on her own.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MYLES KENNEDY • Always be yourself. Heaven is “right now, this moment”. Hard work takes you to another realm. We all crave the truth. Later-life success is good… These are just some of the things that shape his world view.

RUNNINF UP THAT HILL • Seattle guitar ace Ayron Jones is channelling a tough upbringing into a big, bad, grungy, bluesy rock noise, all the while battling racial stereotypes.

MAIDEN VOYAGE • Former band members Paul Di’Anno and Dennis Stratton look back at the early days of Iron Maiden and the self-titled debut album that changed the face of heavy metal.

NUMBERS OF THE BEAST • A look at Iron Maiden, track by track.

THE POWER OF THREE • Country-rock superstar and Country Music Association Entertainer Of The Year Eric Church returns with a new triple-album, optimism for future gigs and thoughts on the controversial interview that landed him in...