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

JIM STEINMAN • A larger-than-life character, a songwriter and producer whose approach was to reach for the sky, he left behind some truly glorious music. Classic Rock remembers the inimitable talent behind Bat Out Of Hell and so much more.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC • Colleagues and fans pay tribute.

RIP • Thank you and good night.

Les McKeown • November 12, 1955 – April 20, 2021

Mike Mitchell • April 16, 1944 – April 16, 2021

Rusty Young • February 23, 1946 – April 14, 2021

NEWS

Book Bonanza! • Peter Green, Black Sabbath, AC/DC and Genesis goodies among those on the way

Pop Evil • The Michigan rockers on circle pits, breakfast cereals, having a Brit drummer, and recording at the Foos HQ.

The Damn Truth • With the help of producer Bob Rock, the Zeploving Canadians have stadiums in their sights.

DUST • Dust, Karma Sutra, 1971. UK pressing £150.

Deap Vally • The duo talk about the joy of teaming up with other musicians, and the meaning behind their new EP’s title.

Arielle • She was mentored by Brian May and wants her record to sound like Petty’s. Good start.

Dropkick Murphys I’m Shipping Up To Boston • A collision of Celtic punk, legless pirates and the beyond-the-grave lyrics from American folk hero Woody Guthrie, the Boston band’s 2004 US hit was the ultimate drinking anthem.

Paul Gilbert • The guitar whiz on Mr. Big, experiencing near-Beatlemania in Japan, the beauty of melody, clean living and coke-head mice.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD • While there are shining jewels throughout Led Zeppelin’s catalogue, one of their albums shines from start to finish, as close to rock’n’roll perfection as it’s possible to get. In its 50th year, we take an in-depth look at the power, the glory, the beauty and the majesty that is Led Zeppelin IV.

THE BASICS

ROCK AND ROLL

THE BATTLE OF EVERMORE

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

THE ULTIMATE COVER?

MISTY MOUNTAIN HOP

FOUR STICKS

GOING TO CALIFORNIA

WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS

BILLY F GIBBONS • Art lover, musical explorer, friends in unexpected places, slipper salesman… Behind the beard and sunglasses there’s a very different Billy Gibbons from the one most people think they know.

HEAVY FIRE • Punk rock renegades who burst onto the Sunset Strip as grunge dawned, L7 burned brightly and left a trail of thrilling chaos in their wake.

THE LION’S SHARE • From the Sisters Of Mercy to Ugly Kid Joe – via a superb new solo album – Chris Catalyst’s résumé is nothing if not long. The guitarist tells us about band hopping, mental health, and why he’s the only person who can call Ginger Wildheart “a knob”.

SOUTHERN COMFORT • The American South’s reputation has taken a bit of a beating of late. Southern rock road warriors Blackberry Smoke want you to know there’s more to their music and their homeland than dog-eared clichés and ill-fitting stereotypes.

trick or treat? • With hatchets buried and differences sorted, a new-look seven-piece Helloween return with one of the best albums of their career. But will the love last?

INTO THE SPOTLIGHT • Following in the footsteps of a famous parent often means forever being in their shadow. Can Wolfgang Van Halen, son of Edward, be one of the ones who escapes it?

The HOT List • THE ESSENTIAL NEW ROCK TRACKS...