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

WAYNE KRAMER • We look back at the life and times of a guitarist who, during his years with the legendary MC5 and beyond, kicked out the jams more than most.

LOOKING AT YOU

RIP

James Kottak

Melanie

Annie Nightingale

Joni Mitchell Wows Grammys • Singer-songwriter, 80, leads the cast at the 2024 Awards.

AC/DC Announce Tour

Modern English • They didn't set out to write commercial songs, but they were happy when they found out their earning power.

News

The Gems • They hope that leaving “toxic” Thundermother will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Music Emporium. Sentinel Records, USA, 1969. £4,000.

NEWS

Medicine Head • A duo back in the 60s, MH is now effectively just John Fiddler, whose new album is filled with love.

Taylor McCall • If acoustic hymns, weird gospel and “some real ripping guitar” floats your boat, climb aboard.

Led Zeppelin • It may have begun its life as a modest instrumental showcase for drummer John Bonham on Led Zep II, but when he played it live the song took on an epic life of its own.

Scott Stapp • Returning with a new solo album, the Creed frontman reflects on his darkest times, and why music keeps pulling him through.

BASIC INSTINCT • Banned from MTV. Drunken shenanigans. USA-upsetting videos. Band members buggering off…After a stylistic detour with previous album Hot Space, with The Works Queen got back to basics, and returned to their rock roots and to the ‘real Queen’ sound.

THE BLACK CROWES • The siblings talk about growing up, breaking out, breaking up, making up, love, hate, the pros and cons of success, Snakes, Money Makers and Harmony, dizzying highs (both kinds), heartbreaking lows, lost friends, recriminations, reunions… music and much more.

THE (DIS)COMFORT ZONE • They almost called it a day back in 2016, but with founder Bruce Soord bringing in creative partner Gavin Harrison The Pineapple Thief are still feeling rejuvenated and regenerated.

LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT • As with many bands of their vintage, plenty believed that Judas Priest would be gone before the 21st century arrived. But with the new Invincible Shield, their third genuinely great album in a row, their late-career purple patch continues.

The birth of heavy blues • When Jimi Hendrix arrived in London in 1966 he blew the minds of the British rock elite including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. Soon, however, they would follow his lead and develop an explosive new form of electric blues...

EVER MEET LEMMY? • He’s been bitten by Shirley Manson, sung on stage with Alice In Chains, played Bush records to Bono, spent 15 hours a day for months with Tom Jones, lunched with Mr & Mrs David Bowie, is pals with Robert Downey Jr, Carlos Santana said he reminded him of Jim Morrison… He’s Gavin Rossdale, Bush frontman and more, and these are some of his stories.

The HOT -LiST

Judas Priest • Band’s late-career renaissance continues apace with thundering new album.

The Jesus & Mary Chain

Alkaline Trio

The Telescopes

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Moon Safari

Steve Hackett

ROUND-UP: SLEAZE...