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

Springsteen In The Frame • New photobook covers 1974 to 2016.

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry • March 20, 1936 – August 29, 2021

Roger Newell • June 28, 1948 – September 10, 2021

Ron Bushy • December 23, 1941 – August 29, 2021

RIP • Thank you and good night.

Rickie Lee Reynolds • October 28, 1948 – September 5, 2021

George Wein • October 3, 1925 – September 13, 2021

Michael Chapman • January 24, 1941 – September 10, 2021

“I did not have Lindsey fired!” • Stevie Nicks reveals her take on Buckingham’s sacking.

Gorham leaves Black Star Riders • Guitarist to revive Thin Lizzy in 2022.

My Morning Jacket • Back after burn-out and health issues, their first album in six years extols love, tolerance and compassion.

NEWS

Ghost Hounds • These Pittsburgh blues rockers specialise in sounds both timeless and priceless.

The Clash LONDON CALLING • The American musician, singer, songwriter, actor and political activist on a British punk classic.

Carcass • Back with a new album, friends in Friends, and plans for new music from guitarist Bill Steer’s two other bands.

The Velveteers • The Colorado trio get their glam-punk-garage stomp on for a Dan Auerbach-produced debut.

Start Me Up The Rolling Stones • As Keith Richards and producer Chris Kimsey recall, the band’s final Top 10 UK single was originally an entirely different beast – and Keef may still hold a grudge about that.

Matt Heafy • Trivium’s frontman on festival bottlings, autographing babies and the reason dragons are the most metal of mythical beasts…

Wayward Sons • The Britrock lifers are back with a political chip on their shoulder, and a headstart on the Zoom era.

THE POWER AND THE GLORY • On April 30, 1978, AC/DC took to the stage of Glasgow Apollo and played one of the best shows of their career, resulting in If You Want Blood You Got It, one of rock’s greatest live albums. It was further proof that AC/DC had built their reputation as an unstoppable force on the road.

THE ROAD TO RUN • Relentless touring had paid off and AC/DC were finally at the top of their game, but their singer was heading down a dangerous path. His last show was on January 27, 1980. Three weeks later he was dead. This is the story of Bon Scott’s final tour.

“WE WATCHED THEM LIKE HAWKS EVERY NIGHT” • Joe Elliott on Def Leppard supporting AC/DC.

NEW HORZONS • They made their name as a blues-rock trio, scooping up chart positions and playing to thousands along the way. Now The Record Company are throwing out the rule book and showing all their colours.

NIKKI SIXX • He was the problem child who became the ringmaster of LA’s Sunset Strip, wrote the anthems that built hair metal and set the gold standard for excess. Now, as Mötley Crüe’s leader releases a new memoir, he reflects on absent fathers, kicking against authority and the albatross of that hellraiser image.

THE SCORCHING ADVENTURES OF THE SCREAMING JETS • Thirty years ago, The Screaming Jets looked poised to become one of Australia’s great musical exports. But then industry manoeuvrings effectively stopped them in their tracks.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOE BONAMASSA • With the passing of time on his mind, the blues figurehead tackles the pros and cons of social media, his troubled love life, the future of the genre,...