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

RITCHIE PLAYS WITH PURPLE! • Blackmore plays Smoke On The Water with his old band after 33 years.

FRANK BEARD • We look back at the life and times of the man who was more than just the drummer with ZZ Top.

"AFTER LOSING DUSTY, THIS IS A TOUGH BLOW"

RIP • Thank you… and good night.

Jennifer Finch • August 5, 1966 – July 18, 2026

Glen Hansard • April 21, 1970 – July 29, 2026

Lou Koller • July 15, 1965 – July 24, 2026

NEWS

The Kinks To Reunite? • “Never say never,” says guitarist Dave Davies.

Hughes Retires From The Stage • “I really have no option,” says bassist/singer Glenn.

Zan/Cody • More than 30 years after Shotgun Messiah’s final shot, Zinny J Zan and Harry Cody return with a new project.

Getdown Services • The Minehead duo’s DIY roots have led to TV spots and rocking all over the world.

Hagar Reaches Out To Roth • Sammy invites Dave: “Come on, join us in Vegas.”

Ozzfest Returns! • Sharon Osbourne also talks up Back To The Beginning film.

Triggerfinger • The Belgian alt.rockers on sounding like sex, rolling like the Stones, and the last days of their hard-living bassist.

Bonnie Raitt I Can’t Make You Love Me • How a morning piano session, an Irish melody and a touch of Bruce Hornsby’s magic turned a news story about a crazy moonshine arrest into a multi-million-seller.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela • The Mexican acoustic duo on the new album, outrunning the long arm of the law, the pleasures/perils of busking…

Green Lung • They’re inspired by folklore, history and mythology. They’re big on cemeteries, spirituality and the occult. They work on songcraft…

GOING THROUGH CHANGES • Prosthetic arms, royal honours and a final curtain call with Ozzy: Tony Iommi looks back on Black Sabbath’s stormy history and forward to his latest solo adventure.

THE CLASSIC ROCK INTERVIEW JOEY TEMPEST • When he wrote The Final Countdown, life changed overnight. Decades on from the big-haired chaos of 80s mega-stardom, it looks like Europe’s singer has survived the wild whirlwind of fame, fortune and global success entirely unscathed.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BRIAN FALLON • On surviving Heroin High, keeping his faith, staying out of the cool-kids club and texting Jon Bon Jovi. The Gaslight Anthem man shares the life lessons of an eternal underdog.

THINKER TAYLOR SOLO STYLE • Six decades in, Queen’s indefatigable drummer talks wild party days, big-money deals, Sid Vicious, his new solo record and why the idea of retirement is horrific.

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS • After being knocked sideways by two deaths last year, making their new album proved to be cathartic for Mastodon. “I think we’re all feeling a lot better,” says drummer/singer Brann Dailor.

EVER MEET LEMMY? • Left jaw-dropped when David Bowie walked into his dressing room, whip-smacked on the head by Alice Cooper, got blind drunk partying with Lemmy, enjoyed a quieter drink with Steve Harris… These are just a few of the famous names Ricky Warwick has met while travelling the rock’n’roll highway.

(They Can Still) ROCK IN AMERICA • ”Rock is very much alive and fucking kicking!” Night Ranger’s Jack...