Classic Rock News

PRPhotos.comCo-founding guitarist Tom Johnston is off the Doobie Brothers’ 50th anniversary tour in order to undergo back surgery. Johnston, who’ll miss the band’s upcoming leg, is taking leave per his doctor’s orders while recovering from the surgery to alleviate the “severe back pain” he’s been enduring. The band — led by co-founder Pat Simmons, Michael…

PRPhotos.comHappy Birthday to Elton John’s longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, who turns 73 today (May 22nd)!!! Taupin, who first teamed up with Elton in 1967, wrote the lyrics to such instant classics as “Bennie And The Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Daniel,” “Border Song,” “Take Me To The Pilot,” “Country Comfort,” “Rocket Man,” “Mona Lisa And Mad Hatters,”…

Getty ImagesIt was 52 years ago today (May 22nd, 1971) that the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers hit Number One in America. The album marked the band’s first new music of the 1970’s — as well as the first full collection to feature the late-Brian Jones’ replacement, guitarist Mick Taylor. Sticky Fingers, which featured tracks culled…

Getty ImagesIt was 47 years ago today (May 22nd, 1976) that Paul McCartney scored his fifth post-Beatles Number One with Wings’ “Silly Love Songs.” The tune, which was the lead single to the then-recent chart-topping Wings At The Speed Of Sound album, bumped the Sylvers’ “Boogie Fever” out from Number One, and went on to…

Foo Fighters have revealed that John Freese is their new live drummer. Freese has replaced longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins, who passed away in March 2022 at the age 50. Prior to revealing Freese as their new drummer, the band teased other potential replacements in a skit that featured appearances from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad…

Getty ImagesPete Brown, the famed lyricist for Cream, has died at age 82 after a long battle with cancer. His death was announced by the family of the band’s bassist and songwriter, the late-Jack Bruce. Pete Brown will forever be remembered for his classic lyrics to such Cream standards as “I Feel Free,” “White Room,”…

Getty ImagesIt looks as though the issues that have long plagued the Van Halen camp are still the reason why an official Eddie Van Halen tribute show hasn’t come to pass two-and-a-half years after his death. Blabbermouth transcribed some of Wolfgang Van Halen’s chat with Linea Rock, where Wolfgang explained the ease in which the…

Getty ImagesA smashed and re-assembled guitar of Kurt Cobain’s sold at auction on May 20th for $595,000 — nearly ten times its original estimate of $60,000. The lefty black Stratocaster, which remains unplayable, was sold as part of Julien’s Auctions’ “Music Icons” event that also featured pieces by the Beatles, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van…

Getty ImagesIt was 44 years ago Saturday (May 19th, 1979) that a select group of party-goers witnessed the closest thing to a live Beatles reunion when Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr reunited to jam at Eric Clapton’s wedding reception at his English estate. The impromptu performance marked the first time the three former-Beatles…