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

This month’s contributors

Classic Rock

the DiRT

NOT SO QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT • ‘Lost’ 40-year-old album featuring former Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham finally gets released.

RIP • Thank you… and good night.

Jack Douglas • November 6, 1945 – May 11, 2026

Dennis Locorriere • June 13, 1949 – May 16, 2026

Beverley Martyn • March 24, 1947 – April 27, 2026

NEWS

Pink Floyd On The Money • Band celebrated on new Royal Mint British coin.

Ritchie Confirms Old Rumour • Blackmore was replaced for a Deep Purple gig in 1970.

Armored Saint • Covering a Motown song on their album shows these metallers really are “willing to try something different”.

Maebe • Meet the journalist and guitar innovator who’s out to leave a lasting sonic impression.

At Home With Hendrix • New exhibition in his old flat.

Jack Defends Ozzy AI Project • “It won’t be f**king lame.”

The Sideshows • Former Hanoi/Dolls bassist Sami Yaffa’s new trio look to “get the rock’n’roll spirit” into their music.

Des Rocs • From a broken back to the Rolling Stones: meet rock’s new unstoppable showman.

Fairport Convention Meet On The Ledge • The first song that Richard Thompson wrote on his own and used to think was “immature, juvenile” became a stirring, emotive anthem.

Rachel Bolan • The Skid Row bassist and solo artist on the need for speed, his solo debut, Skid’s new singer, digging punk and Oasis…

RAISING THE STAKES • With a combined age of 361 and a ‘fuck off’ attitude to chasing trends, Deep Purple went all-in on their latest, 24th studio gamble and came out with a winning hand.

SEVEN UP • Sevendust were a gold-certified, shit-hot live act making serious money – but they weren’t seeing any of it. Staring down bankruptcy and on the brink of collapse, they refused to be knocked down.

GETTING TO THE POINT • He’s turned barroom blues into arena rock, traded licks with greats, missed out on dates with the Stones when commitments got in the way… George Thorogood explains how he “clawed my way to the middle”, and why he’s at peace with where he landed.

REAL WILD ONE • Raised off the leash but in fear in the countryside, downed by alcohol in the city, Ashley McBryde has been through the wringer and come out dry. Her new album Wild is steeped in the people, places and things that shaped her.

BACK WITH A BANG • Britrock’s cheekiest chaps A return older, wiser and with their first new album in over 20 years.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PETER FRAMPTON • Music is the best medicine. Always sit up straight. A good curry makes life worth living. Artists should take a stand politically… These are some of the bits of wisdom he’s picked up in life.

So Far So Good • In the first 10 years after leaving Genesis, Peter Gabriel established himself as a cult bespoke solo artist, exploring a variety of musical styles. Then, thanks to a Grammy-nominated album and a groundbreaking, multi-award-winning video, he fleetingly became a global superstar.

Rhythm Nation • Producer Daniel Lanois looks back at the making of So.

’Hammer Time • Gabriel’s long-time guitarist David Rhodes recalls the So...