Music

Few songs in rock history have grown from a simple ballad into an epic quite like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” Written by guitarist Allen Collins and singer Ronnie Van Zant, the song reportedly began when Collins brought the band a slow series of guitar chords. Van Zant initially felt the progression contained too many changes […]

When Lenny Kravitz recorded “American Woman” in the late 1990s, he faced a difficult assignment: how do you cover one of classic rock’s most recognizable songs without simply copying it? His answer was to strip it down, slow it down and make it unmistakably Lenny Kravitz. “American Woman” was originally recorded by Canadian rockers The […]

When Jefferson Starship released “Jane” in 1979, the band was in the middle of a major transformation. Gone was the psychedelic sound that had defined Jefferson Airplane a decade earlier, and even Jefferson Starship was undergoing personnel changes. Out of that uncertainty came one of the band’s hardest-rocking and most enduring songs. “Jane” was written […]

Few songs in classic rock hit as hard out of the gate as Heart’s “Barracuda.” Released in 1977 as the lead single from the band’s third studio album, Little Queen, the song remains one of Heart’s signature recordings. With its unforgettable guitar riff, powerhouse vocals, and unmistakable attitude, “Barracuda” wasn’t just another rock hit—it was […]

AC/DC Setlist: ‘Power Up Tour’ AC/DC is powering up for another massive run of stadium shows as the legendary rock band continues its “Power Up Tour” across North America. RELATED | Highway to Hell: The Ultimate Bon Scott Classic The tour brings AC/DC to Reliant Stadium in Houston on Monday, Aug. 31, with The Pretty […]

Styx is spending the summer on the road with Chicago for The Windy Cities Tour, bringing two of classic rock’s biggest hitmakers together for a massive co-headlining run. RELATED | Chicago Setlist: ‘The Windy Cities Tour’ The tour marks the first time Styx and Chicago have teamed up for a full tour, giving fans a […]

Before REO Speedwagon became one of the biggest arena rock bands of the late 1970s and early ’80s with hits like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” the Illinois-based group found its identity with an uplifting anthem that has stood the test of time: “Keep Pushin‘.” Released in 1976 as the title […]

Chicago Setlist: ‘The Windy Cities Tour’ Chicago is hitting the road with Styx for The Windy Cities Tour, bringing two midwestern classic rock heavyweights together for one of the biggest tours of the summer. RELATED | Styx Setlist: ‘The Windy Cities Tour’ The tour marks the first time Chicago and Styx have co-headlined a full […]

Aug. 14, 1971 — The Who, Who’s NextReleased 55 years ago this Friday. Features “Baba O’Riley,” “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Aug. 15, 1972 — The Band, Rock of AgesThe classic live album turns 54 this Saturday. It features brass arrangements by New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint. Aug. 15, 1981 — The […]

Aug. 10 — Ian Anderson — Jethro Tull, born 1947. 79 today. Aug. 11 — Eric Carmen — Raspberries / solo, born 1949. He would have been 77. Aug. 12 — Mark Knopfler — Dire Straits, born 1949. 77. Aug. 13 — Dan Fogelberg — singer-songwriter, born 1951. He would have been 75. Aug. 14 […]

Before Lynyrd Skynyrd launched into the unforgettable guitar harmonies of “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Free Bird,” they often opened concerts with a song that was equal parts introduction, mission statement, and thank-you note. “Workin’ for MCA,” the opening track on the band’s 1974 album Second Helping, wasn’t just another Southern rock anthem—it celebrated the band’s […]