Category Archives: Classic Rock

Gene Simmons Says Radio Treats Artists ‘Worse Than Slaves’

Kiss legend Gene Simmons testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee today, and he had some pretty harsh words for the way musicians are treated by terrestrial radio. “Let’s call it for what it is — an injustice that has been going on for decades,” the bassist remarked, referring to how artists remain uncompensated when their […]

Stryper’s Michael Sweet Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. In a post shared to Facebook, the 62 year-old singer noted that a “biopsy that was performed on 11/17 (a nodule in my right thyroid) came back positive. Malignant.” “I’m scheduled for a CT and an ultrasound next Monday 12/15,” he continued, “and […]

Tetsu Yamauchi, Bassist for Free and the Faces, Dead at 79

Bassist Tetsu Yamauchi, whose career included stints with Free and the Faces, died Dec. 4 at the age of 79. A statement shared by his family on social media noted that Yamauchi “passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. We sincerely thank everyone who enjoyed Tetsu’s music and offered kind words until now. Those were fun […]

‘Bad Decisions’ Contributed to Ace Frehley’s Death

In a new interview, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons blames a series of “bad decisions” for contributing to the recent death of his former bandmate Ace Frehley. Frehley, the band’s founding lead guitarist, suffered multiple skull fractures and a brain bleed after a Sept. 25 fall at his home studio. He was placed on a ventilator […]

‘Double Fantasy’ Producer Recalls Wild Court Battle With Yoko Ono

Jack Douglas was the producer behind John Lennon’s final albums: 1980’s Double Fantasy and 1984’s posthumously-released Milk and Honey. Given his close relationship with Lennon and the musician’s tragic murder, Douglas initially didn’t make a big deal out of the money he was owed for the projects. But as the years went by, and royalty […]

Six Rockin’ Covers of Roy Orbison’s ‘Pretty Woman’

Roy Orbison‘s “Oh, Pretty Woman” came about effortlessly. At home one day, working on some songs with cowriter Bill Dees, Orbison’s first wife, Claudette, passed through the room, announcing that she was on her way out for some shopping. Orbison asked her if she needed any money, but Dees swiftly interjected: “A pretty woman never […]

Foreigner Confirms New Dates With Original Frontman Lou Gramm

Foreigner is updating the setlist with co-founding singer Lou Gramm during a string of December concerts. Check out the latest round of headlining U.S. dates, cities and venues on the Foreigner 4 Deluxe Tour below. The group performed “Luanne,” the fifth and final single taken from 1981’s 4, earlier this week at the Capitol Theatre […]