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.

Classic Rock

Editor’s Letter

DANGEROUS TIMES • In 2023 Thin Lizzy’s Live And Dangerous celebrates its 45th anniversary. Guitarists Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham look back at the troublesome birth of a classic live album.

The Soundtrack Of My Life • Jethro Tull mainman Ian Anderson, on the records, artists and gigs that are of lasting significance to him.

JOE PERRY • Over the past 50 years he’s been in (and out) of one of the biggest bands in the world, and enjoyed all the trappings that brings, not all of them healthy. Having achieved everything he set out to do and more, these days all the Aerosmith guitarist really wants to do is play.

MEN FOR ALL SEASONS • Stranger things: in their 40-plus years Metallica have gone from being a cult metal band to a commercial juggernaut and a household name. But even with celebrated new album 72 Seasons they’re still angry, still insecure.

168 SEASONS • Kirk Hammett provides some snapshots from Metallica’s 42-year odyssey.

The Soundtrack Of My Life • Skindred frontman Benji Webbe, on the records, artists and gigs that are of lasting significance to him.

GOLD AFTER GOLD • His After The Gold Rush album made Neil Young a star, but it also put him at a fork in the road. Hitting a rich creative seam with the more mellow follow-up, he struck gold again with a classic that remains his finest record: Harvest.

WE WANT IT ALL, AND WE WANT IT NOW • One minute they were taking the bus and watching their Top Of The Pops performance in a shop window, the next they had the world at their feet. With Queen’s debut album turning 50 this year, we look at the birth of the band that went from stars in their eyes and fierce ambition to rock royalty.

The Soundtrack Of My Life • Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss on the records, artists and gigs that are of lasting significance to her.

EXPERIENCE THIS! • He was the greatest guitarist ever to pick up the instrument, but what is sometimes overlooked is his talent as a songwriter, a singer and also how he often made other writers’ songs his own. As a celebration of Jimi Hendrix in the month when he would have turned 80, stars and those who knew him choose his greatest songs, relive personal memories and reflect on his legacy.

BILLY F GIBBONS

JOE SATRIANI

MICK FLEETWOOD

JOE BONAMASSA

JOHN MAYALL

HENDRIXOLOGY • Illuminating the musical mechanics of a guitar master.

STEVE LUKATHER

EDDIE KRAMER

STEVE HACKETT

The Soundtrack Of My Life • Steel Panther guitarist Satchel on the records, artists and gigs that are of lasting significance to him.

TINA TURNER November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023 • From a cotton-picking child, through years of physical abuse at the hands of her husband, her talent and determination saw her rise to become one of the greatest ever music stars, the Queen Of Rock’N’Roll, simply the best.

STARS PAY TRIBUTE

NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE • Had Montreux Casino not burned down at the time, there would be no Smoke On The Water, and Machine Head would have been a very different Deep Purple album to the one we know. This is the story of the band’s sixth album, in their own words.

The Soundtrack Of My Life • Wishbone Ash guitarist/singer...