Classic Rock

Every month Classic Rock is packed with exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes features on rock’s biggest names, from Led Zeppelin to Deep Purple, from Guns N’ Roses to the Rolling Stones, from the Sex Pistols to AC/DC and beyond. Each issue plays host to the heftiest rock reviews section on the planet. In an average issue, you’ll find over 150 albums reviewed, all from the ever-varied, multi-faceted world of rock - whether it’s hard rock or heavy metal, prog or punk, goth rock or southern rock, we’ve got it covered.

WELCOME

CLASSIC ROCK

PAGE RETURNS TO THE STAGE • Jimmy performs for the first time in eight years, at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

Bonafide • After a lengthy lay off, ‘the Swedish AC/DC’ return with the hope that “we’re on an upward slope”.

Sophie Lloyd • Thanks to her debut LP, the British YouTube sensation has become a star in her own right.

Slade • Co-written by the band’s Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, and recorded with as-live spontaneity by Hendrix producer Chas Chandler, Holder believes it’s up there among Slade’s defining moments.

Mike McCready • The Pearl Jam guitarist on smashed Stratocasters, screaming solos, and why his band need their “asses kicked”.

THE YEAR IN ROCK 2023

ALBUMS OF 2023 • The past 12 months may go down in history as a period of tumult and turmoil, but on the positive side, rock’n’roll is very much alive and well – as our writers’ choices of 2023 reflect.

STARBENDERS • How addiction, Baroque icons, heavy metal and a Greek family in Atlanta helped build one of rock’n’roll’s most compelling new bands.

THE COLD STARES • Having delivered a career highlight with 2023’s Voices, The Cold Stares aren’t resting on their laurels, having already returned to the studio to work on their seventh blues rock full-length.

EXTREME • In 2023, Extreme released their first new album in 15 years, Six. Guitarist Nino Bettencourt also found time to play at the Super Bowl with Rihanna, bust up his knee and upset the internet.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD • Five years in the making, the unexpectedly ‘out there’ album Life Is But A Dream…, with all its disparate influences, is going to challenge many people’s idea of what metal music can be.

THOSE DAMN CROWS • They delivered one of their best albums yet with 2023’s stunning Inhale/Exhale, and have been on the road relentlessly. Frontman Shane Greenhall told us about his hectic year.

THE PRETENDERS • An amazing 2023 for Chrissie Hynde saw her play at Glastonbury with Dave Grohl and Johnny Marr, then the release of the twelfth Pretenders album, the appropriately titled Relentless.

1 ROLLING STONES

"I'VE NEVER COME CLOSE T0 THINKOMG UP WRAPPING UP THE ROLLING STONES" STORY" • The Stones capped an awesome 2023 for classic rock with the stunning return to form of billionth studio album Hackney Diamonds. Piece of cake, Keith Richards tells us.

STILL WILD AT HEART • To learn that Ginger was winning his mental health battle was a fantastic end to the year. A new Wildhearts album en route is the icing on the cake.

WHAT CJ DID NEXT

METALLICA • With 72 Seasons they delivered what is hands-down the metal album of 2023. Bassist Robert Trujillo reviews ’Tallica’s year for us.

THE ULTIMATE PLAYLIST OF 2023 • Looking for a Christmas holiday soundtrack? Or just a bunch of great tunes from across the rock spectrum to fill your ears for winter? Here are some of the best from the past 12 months.

THE BEST REISSUES OF 2023 • From classics celebrating milestone anniversaries to overlooked gems given a new lease of life, it’s been another excellent year in the re-release department. Here are some worth forking out for.

GET BACK • You probably didn’t have a new (and...