Category Archives: Classic Rock

Sammy Hagar Not Interested in Rumored Van Halen Tribute Tour

Sammy Hagar has brushed aside talk of an alleged Van Halen tribute tour that churned up the rumor mill earlier this year. He seemed especially bemused by the prospect of former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted taking part in the trek over Michael Anthony. “What’s that about Jason Newsted playing bass for Van Halen?” Hagar asked the News-Herald. “Great guy, […]

Peter Jackson Fighting for Extended Cut of ‘Beatles: Get Back’

Director Peter Jackson says he’s in talks with Disney and Apple about releasing an extended cut of 2021’s The Beatles: Get Back. He describes both companies as “reluctant,” however, in an interview with Kim Masters’ The Business podcast. “They say — and they might be quite right — that there’s no market anymore for extended cuts. But I […]

How Blondie Thrived By Making ‘Mistakes in Public’

Drummer Clem Burke says Blondie was so successful because they matured in a judgment-free workshop environment at CBGBs. The New York club became iconic for its nurturing of a wide range of groups who later found success, including the Ramones, Patti Smith, Talking Heads and Television. But Burke argues that the reality of the scene […]

Vinyl Can Go Green, But Records Will Cost More

A pioneer of environmentally friendly vinyl records says his new pressing machines are less dangerous to the planet than traditional ones – but they’ll likely lead to a price increase. The resurgence of vinyl in recent years followed the closure of many legacy pressing plants due to lack of business. That’s meant long lines for […]

Sammy Hagar Feels ‘Responsibility’ to Perform Van Halen Songs

Sammy Hagar says he’s performing more Van Halen songs in concert with current band the Circle out of a sense of duty. The group, which also features old bandmate Michael Anthony, is gearing up to release the new album Crazy Times! – and Hagar admits his latest material might be the darkest he’s ever recorded. […]

Why ‘Performing Wasn’t Enjoyable’ for Dee Snider

Dee Snider looked back at the early period when he didn’t enjoy fronting Twisted Sister, saying his attitude was responsible for the feeling. In a recent interview with Classic Rock, he discussed what he had learned during the difficult periods of his career and why music was no longer the main part of it. “I viewed performing […]

How ‘Hangman Jury’ Helped Aerosmith Bridge Their Career Gap

Aerosmith scaled the charts with a vengeance with their career-rejuvenating, multiplatinum 1987 album Permanent Vacation. But before glossy pop-rockers like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and mega-ballads like “Angel” put them back on top, the bluesy “Hangman Jury” helped bridge the gap between Aerosmith’s raucous mid-’70s heyday and their new chapter as MTV golden boys. The Permanent Vacation sessions plunged […]