Happy New Year! Welcome to the first issue of 2025. (I can’t believe I’m typing that!) And to kick off what we’re hoping will be a very good year – and seriously, there’s a shedload of excellent stuff to look forward to, just check out our preview over the next few pages – we collared Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to look back over the last 50 years of their band, and find out just what they have planned to celebrate the occasion.
This issue we also revisit Metallica’s S&M as it celebrates its silver jubilee, take a deep dive into the post-Jim Morrison albums of The Doors, sit down with Sweet’s Andy Scott, hang out with Mark Tremonti, Andy Fairweather Low, Joe Satriani, DeWolff and so much more.
Until next month…
Get the new issue of Classic Rock
Features
Rush
Celebrating half a century since their debut, in a Classic Rock exclusive, we sat down with Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson at the end of 2024 to talk about their 50-year journey from there to here – and whether the Canadian prog rock legends will ever return to the studio or stage.
The Doors
The death of Jim Morrison in 1971 looked like it marked the end of the road for the band. But his bandmates had other ideas.
DeWolff
It was sweet home Alabama when the retro-rock flag bearers recorded their new album at two legendary studios there.
Sweet
Guitarist Andy Scott looks back at good times and bad, and hints that it’s not over for the Ballroom Blitzers yet.
Mark Tremonti
Take care of business. Quit your comfort zone. Don’t listen to rock journalists. Never forget you could still be washing cars. These are among the things that shape his world view.
Metallica
How did the world’s leading metal band come to team up with – shock, horror – an orchestra to make an album?
For more exclusive Scott Gorham artwork, make sure you check out his website at scottgorhamworld.com, where prints, premium posters and T-shirts are available.
Regulars
The Dirt
Jeff Beck’s guitars up for auction; Metallica and Judas Priest among Grammy nominees, Sammy Hagar “wants to be friends” with Alex Van Halen; Welcome back Night Flight Orchestra and Benjamin Booker; Say hello to Lions In The Street and Stephen Wilson Jr; Say goodbye to Shel Talmy, Pete Sinfield.
The Stories Behind The Songs: Styx
A song about being picked up and taken away by aliens, Come Sail Away gave the band a career boost and eventually took on a life of its own.
Q&A: Joe Satriani
The virtuoso’s virtuoso on G3 pranking, handling Yngwie Malmsteen, and the Halloween costume he’d rather forget.
The Hot List
We look at some of the essential new tracks you need to hear and the artists to have on your radar. This month they include The Struts, Orianthi, Himalayas, Dirty Blonde and more.
Reviews
New albums from Manic Street Preachers, DeWolff, Tremonti, Pete Townshend & Rachel Fuller, White Denim, Lambrini Girls, Julian Cope, Franz Ferdinand, FaithNYC, Cosmic Room 99. Reissues from Twisted Sister, Bush, King Crimson, Rival Sons, Sparks, Band Of Skulls, John Wetton, T.Rex, Pitchshifter, War. DVDs, films and books on or by Rush, Slade, Paul McCartney, Placebo, Dave Barbarossa and more. Live reviews of Deep Purple, Wildhearts, Big Country, Von Hertzen Brothers, Michael Monroe, Anthrax and more.
Buyers Guide: Tom Morello
He’s best known as the guitarist with Rage Against The Machine, but there’s much more of his playing to marvel at than that.
Lives
We preview tours by Brothers Osborne, Bullet For My Valentine and Cutting Crew. Plus gig listings – who’s playing where and when.
The Soundtrack Of My Life: The Struts
The Struts frontman Luke Spiller on his records, artists and gigs of lasting significance.
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