All articles tagged with #classic rock
Chuck Negron, founding member and voice of Three Dog Night, died at 83 at his Studio City home from heart failure and COPD complications. He helped form the band in 1967, guiding a string of hits including 21 Top 40 songs and popular covers like One, Joy to the World, and Easy to Be Hard. Negron left the group in 1985 amid a drug struggle, later achieving sobriety in 1991 and pursuing a solo career before his death.
A long-form look at classic-rock acts and their lineup histories, contrasting bands that have kept the same members for decades (like U2) with those that have broken up and reformed or faced public tensions and legal battles (Aerosmith’s touring status, Guns N’ Roses’ 2016 reunion, Rage Against the Machine’s 2024 breakup, etc.), highlighting how money, creative control, and personal dynamics shape the fate of legendary lineups and tours.
Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' was voted the greatest rock ballad of all time in a 2011 Rolling Stone poll, highlighting its enduring popularity and iconic status in classic rock history.
John Lodge, the singer and bassist of The Moody Blues, has died at age 82. He was known for his work on iconic albums like 'Days of Future Passed' and 'In Search of the Lost Chord,' and was celebrated for his love of music, family, and faith. His family expressed deep sadness and highlighted his joyful performances and dedication to his loved ones.
Rush announced their first tour in 11 years, the 2026 Fifty Something Tour, to celebrate their legacy and honor late drummer Neil Peart, with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson performing a selection of their classic songs, supported by drummer Anika Nilles, and featuring a new anthology release.
AI-generated memes featuring classic rock legends are increasingly common and often convincing, but they are fake and can mislead fans. While these images evoke nostalgia and comfort, they also pose challenges if artists or their teams do not clarify their inauthenticity, risking misinformation. Despite their absurdity, many fans and commenters recognize these images as fake, but the phenomenon highlights the need for awareness about AI manipulation in media.
Neil Young's Glastonbury set was a nostalgic, unplugged display of classic rock, featuring raw performances without modern production tricks, highlighting his enduring passion for authentic music despite a smaller crowd compared to contemporary pop acts.
Terry Luttrell, former lead singer of REO Speedwagon and frontman of Starcastle, was injured in a car accident caused by falling asleep at the wheel after a late-night concert and autograph session. He suffered a cracked sternum and is expected to recover, with no other vehicles involved. The incident occurred shortly after a reunion concert with former band members.
Rick Derringer, a renowned classic rock guitarist known for hits like 'Hang on Sloopy' and 'Real American,' has died at age 77 in Florida after a medical emergency. He collaborated with numerous artists and played iconic guitar solos, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music.
The Black Crowes' album "Happiness Bastards" has been named the best rock album of 2024 by Classic Rock magazine in their annual writers poll. The magazine's latest issue, featuring a countdown of the top 50 albums of the year, is now available in UK stores. The issue includes reviews, interviews with musicians, and additional content like a 2025 calendar and themed wrapping paper. The top 10 list also features albums by Judas Priest, David Gilmour, and Pearl Jam.
Doug Ingle, founding singer and organist of Iron Butterfly and co-writer of the iconic "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," has died at 78. Ingle was the last surviving member of the band's classic lineup, which achieved massive success with their 1968 album and its 17-minute title track. His son confirmed Ingle's peaceful passing, though no cause of death was provided.
A music critic reflects on a 2006 review where they dismissed Journey, only to see the band's resurgence in popularity thanks to the enduring success of "Don't Stop Believin'." The critic acknowledges their mistake and the band's remarkable journey, including their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the unexpected success of their new frontman, Arnel Pineda.
Ozzy Osbourne leads the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fan vote, followed by Peter Frampton and Foreigner, with over 835,000 votes cast so far. Fans can vote for seven artists daily until April 26, and the latest poll results are available on the Rock Hall website. Despite previous skepticism, Osbourne expressed deep honor at being considered for a second induction, while others like Liam Gallagher and Cher have expressed disinterest in the Rock Hall of Fame.
Jim Ladd, the legendary radio DJ known for his work at KMET and KLOS, has passed away at the age of 75. Ladd, who inspired Tom Petty's hit song "The Last DJ," had a career spanning over 50 years and was known for championing classic rock. He interviewed numerous iconic artists and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ladd had been hosting a daily music show on SiriusXM's Deep Tracks channel since 2011.
Jim Ladd, a legendary rock radio DJ in Los Angeles known for championing classic rock and interviewing top artists, has passed away at the age of 75. Ladd, who worked in music radio for over 50 years, was a prominent figure at KMET, KLOS, and SiriusXM. He was recognized as Los Angeles' top FM DJ in the late 1970s and early 1980s and hosted nationally syndicated programs such as "InnerView" and "Headsets." Ladd's catchphrase, "Lord have mercy!" and his thematic sets of songs became his signature. He is survived by his wife, Helene Hodge-Ladd.