BEST CLASSIC BANDS – CELEBRATING THE ARTISTS, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE OF THE CLASSIC ROCK ERA
David Gilmour in Hollywood: Pink Floyd Classics Meet New Songs
There is no swagger or personality dominating the stage. Rather, it is his guitar that commands the proceedings.
Lights Out! Jeff Lynne Closes Final US Tour With a Magical Set: Concert Review
The maestro capped off the 31-date North American run of Jeff Lynne’s ELO with a spectacular, hit-driven show
50 Years Post-‘Tapestry,’ Carole King Finally Earned Rock Hall Induction as a Performer
She practically invented a genre and influenced countless other singer-songwriters. The 1971 album earned 4 Grammy Awards and set records and trends
Question Mark + the Mysterians’ 96 Tears: The Riff
It starts with one of the most memorable riffs in rock history and the tale that follows: You did me wrong, but you will get yours yet. So who is “?”
Jeff Lynne Adds Dates to 2025 Final Tour
When he announced his final concert in London’s Hyde Park, it was anticipated that there would be some additional UK shows
‘The Who By Numbers’: Back to Basics
After an eight-year odyssey of releasing concept albums, the original quartet put together a set of unrelated songs that found favor with their fans.
Classic Videos
Warren zevon’s final letterman appearance.
TV’s Mannix Meets Buffalo Springfield
Muhammad ali, clint eastwood tv appearance, bowie and mercury’s isolated vocals on ‘under pressure’, the peanuts gang performs ‘baba o’riley’, on this day, happy birthday, timothy b. schmit.
October 29, 1971: Duane Allman Dies
Oct 28, 2022: jerry lee lewis, colorful rock ‘n’ roll pioneer known as ‘the killer’—obituary, oct 28, 1964: ‘the t.a.m.i show’ concert filmed, oct 26, 1961: bob dylan signs with columbia records, rip – rock in perpetuity, libby titus—singer-songwriter & wife of steely dan’s donald fagen—dies at 77.
Jack Ponti, Producer, Songwriter and Early Jon Bon Jovi Collaborator, Dies
Kris kristofferson, songwriting legend and actor, dies at 88, nick gravenites, electric flag singer & joplin collaborator, dies at 85, tributes for jd souther who co-wrote eagles’ ‘heartache tonight,’ ‘best of my love’.
John Mayall Massive Box Set Due: ‘Live Magic 1968-1993’
A Celebration: Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Electric Lady Studios’ Box Set Review
Musician Matthew Sweet Health Update Following ‘Debilitating’ Stroke
Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ Deluxe Edition Reveals More Insight of Their Recording Genius
The 30-CD set follows the label’s 35-disc early years collection from 2021, The First Generation: 1965-1974
Throughout, the sound quality is excellent, and his guitar work is rarely less than astonishing.
As donations to his GoFundMe page continue, he notes, “my goal is to play guitar and sing and make art”
The 1966 album features such beloved songs as “Eleanor Rigby,” “Here, There and Everywhere,” and “For No One.” The 2022 collection offers early takes and home demos
The Bangles Getting Authorized Biography, ‘Eternal Flame’
10 (More) Big Rock Acts Without a Top 10 U.S. Single
A Resilient Joni Mitchell Stuns at the Hollywood Bowl: Review
The Label Exec Who Got Fired When He Tried to Sign The Cowsills
Graham Parker & the Rumour’s ‘Heat Treatment’: When Pub-Rock Met New Wave
CSNY Make Magic on ‘Live at the Fillmore East, 1969’
“We had no idea how long this was going to last. Or how big it would get,” Stephen Stills says. “All we knew is we had a hit, and we’d better get cracking”
Jack Bruce Talks Cream in 2012 Interview
Two years before his death, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend looked back on the game-changing trio and discussed his future plans
ABBA Releases ‘The Singles—The First Fifty Years’ Box Set
Available as a four-vinyl disc set and a double-CD, the 2024 collection “is a journey through some of the best pop music ever recorded.”
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Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
The Quadrophenia Story
Coming soon...
News Beat ➧
“We all grew up around a pop junkie!” – Kim Wilde
Kim is the most-charted British female solo act of the 1980s, and with 17 UK Top 40 hit singles so far (which eclipses even Madonna), she's keen to add to that record... By Ian Woolley Next year, Kim Wilde embarks on her 'Closer' tour with a new album with the same...
Back Beat ➧
Still Sounds Like The Flirtations
"It's been amazing to be loved so much by the Northern Soul audience, well, the British audience. They won't let you go if they like you"... By Ian Woolley Sisters Ernestine and Shirley Pearce, along with Viola Billups, AKA Pearly Gates are The Flirtations, known for...
Review Beat ➧
How to find the best price for headphones
Finding the best price for headphones can feel like a challenging task, especially with so many brands and models available on the market. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or high-end headphones with the latest features, knowing where and how to shop...
Obituaries ➧
Former UK Eurovision Winner Martin Lee Dies
Martin Lee, who sang the lead on the Eurovision's best-selling song ever has died at the age of 77... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Singer and guitarist Martin Lee (born Martin Barnes) was brought into forming the new group by Tony Hiller after the previous lineup decided...
Print Issues ➧
News Beat ➧
Back Beat ➧
Review Beat ➧
Back issues, subscriptions, etc.
Surviving Life As A Music Promoter – Silky
Recently I met up with one of the hardest-working promoters on the circuit, Barry Silkman. A touring lifestyle that almost cost his life... By Ian Woolley I met the influential former professional footballer and agent backstage at the recent 'The Giants Of Soul' tour...
Win Free Tickets To See Kenny Thomas
Kenny Thomas stands as one of the UK’s most successful soul singers of his generation, having had two Top 10 albums and eight Top 40 singles over his thirty-year-plus career. His debut album ‘Voices’, released in 1991, sold over a million copies worldwide on Chrysalis...
New Elton John Documentary Premiers In London
Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, Elton John: Never Too Late follows Elton John as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in this emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey... The documentary will...
Rock Pioneers Renaissance Announce Farewell Tour
Symphonic Rock Pioneers Renaissance Featuring Annie Haslam Will Perform Their ‘In Gratitude’ Farewell Tour Fall 2024! Renaissance, the legendary symphonic rock band featuring Annie Haslam, will be back in the US playing select dates from October 17th through October...
Win Free Peter Hook and The Light Gig Tickets
We have a treat for all you Joy Division and New Order fans as we have a free pair of tickets for all our online subscribers to see Peter Hook & The Light in Bradford on November 1st... PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT have announced a mammoth run of 2024 dates,...
Win A Pair Of Brit Fest 2025 Festival Tickets
With an epic lineup featuring Razorlight, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, 10cc, and many more, The Brit Fest 2025 promises three massive days of live music, family fun, and unforgettable festival experiences. Now, courtesy of MP Promotions in conjunction with the Beat,...
Rock’N’Roll Wild Man Hits Road For Major UK Tour
Shaun Ryder is the wild man of rock who became a national treasure. Now he's taking the UK by storm... By Ian Woolley Happy Mondays, and Black Grape's frontman is hitting the road for a new, spoken word tour. Taking in the length and breadth of the UK, Shaun will talk...
The Lost Hendrix Gear
By Ian Woolley In 1967, Gordon Hawtin was a 16-year-old junior guitar salesman for Sound City and met Jimi Hendrix many times... In February 1967, he sold Noel Redding his famous Fender 1966 New Jazz Bass and was privileged when both Jimi and Noel showed him how to...
Goin’ Home To Retire – Merrill Osmond
On the run-up to Merrill’s last ever three shows plus a charity concert, we talk with him about the loyal British support for the pop-singing siblings... By Ian Woolley Merrill Osmond is the lead singer for the world-famous Osmond family and an established solo...
Stars On 45 – Darragh Ennis
Our September Beat 'Stars On 45' guest is celebrity Darragh Ennis, who can be seen taking on quizzers in the ITV quiz show The Chase... INTERVIEW by Ian Woolley His official title is Doctor Darragh Ennis. So do I call him doctor? He says, "That's my official title,...
It’s Perfect – Eddi Reader and Fairground Attraction Reunited
Fairground Attraction is best known for their 1988 Number 1 hit, "Perfect". They also won 2 BRIT awards and had a platinum-selling album. But then they split up and never spoke again...until now. Now, back together for a new album and UK tour, it's a lovely story of...
Print Issues
Talented Couple Who Became A Duet
For the first time in this column, the subject is a twosome for the simple reason that the two cannot be separated. You cannot possibly hear the name of one without thinking of the other; both are equally taken to heart by the majority of the general public. But there...
Drivers of the 6.5 Special
The sheet-anchor of the 6.5 Special was undoubtedly the talented team of personality comperes Jo Douglas, Pete Murray and Freddie Mills... To those who knew these artists before the advent of 6.5, they would be considered an unlikely combination. But they have adapted...
Behind The Mic – Sir Pete Murray
A broadcasting legend lasting an incredible 53 years, Sir Pete Murray officially retired in 1980. Now forty years since that day, it’s really hard to believe that Sir Pete is now an astonishing 95 years of age... By Ian Woolley Still carrying the rugged good looks and...
Remembering You’re A Womble – Mike Batt
We caught up with the multi-talented Mike Batt on the eve of the release of his new album, The Penultimate Collection, and he has many strings to his bow, as you are about to discover... By Ian Woolley Born in Southampton, his family moved around the UK with his...
A Troubadour Of Prog Rock – Sonja Kristina
Curved Air seem to have been around forever. Despite being an accomplished album band, it's their live performances with Sonja Kristina at the helm that keeps their fans coming back for more... By Ian Woolley Kristina first appeared on stage at the Swan Folk Club in...
Veteran Broadcaster Diddy Spills The Beans
David Hamilton’s 'Long and Winding Road' chronicles his remarkable journey from a remote farm in Sussex, where he dreamt of the bright lights, to a broadcasting career spanning seven decades across the UK and America... By Ian Woolley This path eventually brought him...
Upstaged by McCartney – Brian Poole remembers
Upstaged by McCartney, Brian talks about Chesney Hawkes, why Decca signed them and not the Beatles, and coping with stage fright. By Ian Woolley In the first part of our exclusive interview with Brian (published in last year's March Beat issue), we talked about Buddy...
Woolleys Beat
Review Beat
Rock ‘n’ Rose And Being In Love With Elvis
Being a big Elvis fan all her life, the wife of Noddy Holder has written a hilarious and heart-warming story that is uplifting and laugh-out-loud funny from her own personal experiences. The result is Rock 'n' Rose... By Ian Woolley Rom-com writer Suzan Holder takes...
New Book On Leonard Cohen Published
University of Strasbourg associate professor Christophe Lebold has written a biography about the lauded songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohen. Foreword Reviews journalist Jeff Fleischer said "A literary masterpiece. The seminal, comprehensive biography of a multitalented...
Rock Stars’ Love Lives Are a Mirror to Society’s Changing Attitudes on Relationships
Rock stars have always been more than just musicians; they are icons, trendsetters and sometimes even rebels who defy societal norms. Their love lives are often scrutinized, celebrated and critiqued. When we think about the wild and crazy world of rock 'n' roll, it's...
Songwriting Is In My Blood – Julia Fordham
Renowned British singer-songwriter Julia Fordham will release her profound new album, 'Earth Mate' in October. By Ian Woolley This eagerly anticipated collection showcases Fordham's extraordinary vocal range and heartfelt songwriting, marking a significant milestone...
October Book Of The Month – The Closest Thing To Crazy
Mike Batt is many things. A songwriter, singer, composer, producer, conductor, director and much more. So it's no surprise then that the talented man has finally put pen to paper since starting out playing as a 14-year-old. OCTOBER BOOK OF THE MONTH (Review by Ian...
From Sheffield To Amarillo – Tony Christie
With the release of his new autobiography, Tony Christie has come along way from the small South Yorkshire town of Conisbrough... By Ian Woolley In 2019, we caught up with Christie on the eve of yet another European tour, and his new album and book, 'The Song...
Why Risk-Free Spotify Promotion is a Game Changer for Musicians
Ever wondered how some artists fly up the Spotify charts with ease and others just can't seem to get anywhere? Perhaps the trick has been in methods of promotion that don't bring any risks along. In a world where bots and fake streams destroy your reputation, organic...
R & B Pioneer ‘Zoot’ Money Has Died
British R&B pioneer, musician and songwriter 'Zoot' Money has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley In 1961, George Bruno "Zoot" Money formed the first version of the Big Roll Band with himself as vocalist, Roger Collis on lead guitar, pianist Al Kirtley, bassist Mike...
The Bassist Was Always In Demand – RIP Herbie Flowers
Music legend 'Herbie' Flowers, one of the founding members of Blue Mink has died at the age of 86... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Brian Keith "Herbie" Flowers was a renowned musician who played with some of the world's greatest musical artists, using some of the sublime...
Phil ‘The Collector’ Swern Has Died
BBC 'Sound Of The 60s' producer Phil Swern has died at the age of 76... Amassing one of the biggest record collections in the world (seven million tracks and counting), 'The Collector' as he came to be known, Swern produced and wrote several UK and US smash hits. As...
‘Maman est partie’
This simple touching message from her son, Thomas Dutronc, announced to the world that acclaimed singer Françoise Hardy had passed away on 11 June 2024 at the age of 80 following her long battle with cancer of the larynx. OBITUARY by Chris Moule Françoise Madeleine...
Four Tops Co-Founder Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir Has Died
The last surviving member of the Four Tops, Abdul Fakir has died at the age of 88... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Four Tops hailed from Detroit in Michigan, USA and were originally called the Four Aims, made up of Levi Stubbs, Renaldo 'Obie'Benson, Lawrence Payton and...
The Godfather Of British Blues John Mayall Has Died
Mayall was one of the key progenitors of the British Blues, inspiring many aspiring artists to develop their own unique style of playing... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Mayall produced more than 50 albums across a tireless 60-year career, with A Hard Road (1967), USA...
How A Song About Judy Garland Defined Ifield’s Pop Career
In a career spanning seven decades, singer Frank Ifield has died at the age of 86... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley During the 1960s, Ifield scored three UK no.1 singles and became the second person to achieve this feat after Elvis Presley. In all he went on to have four UK...
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begin Here Festival 2024
8-10 november • st albans, uk.
17 July 2023
The half-dozen best music releases of 2023 (so far)
"The Zombies’ newest arrived seven-and-a-half years after their Billboard-charting Still Got That Hunger and is worth the wait!" [Click to read]
15 July 2023
Why The Zombies' 'Different Game' is a 5-Star album
Different Game is here and it’s fabulous with plenty of dazzling keyboard from Rod Argent and divine vocals from Colin Blunstone. While, of course, this album is essential for Zombies fans, it is also essential listening for those enthralled by The British Invasion and for those who want an album full of well-crafted, memorable songs. [Click to read]
15 April 2023
The Zombies, Islington Assembly Hall: septuagenarian Sixties rockers are finally getting their dues
Hertfordshire soft-rock pioneers The Zombies were always ahead of their time. In the mid-60s, they were too sophisticated to become a hit machine... [Click to read]
24 March 2023
New from The Zombies: Watch “Merry-Go-Round” Video, ‘Different Game’ Album 3/31
One thing we tried to do on the new album is not do what some vintage bands do and that is sort of scale back the energy,” said Argent when asked about the new album. “We’ve got several lovely ballads on the album, but they’re in the context also of three or four real groove tracks out of the 10 tracks. [Click to read]
26 July 2022
It’s Finally Time of the Season for The Zombies: British Invasion Band Gets Feature Doc from Robert Schwartzman, Playtone (EXCLUSIVE)
The iconic 1960s group will be the focus of a feature documentary entitled “Hung Up on a Dream,” directed by Utopia co-founder, Rooney frontman and “Dreamland” director Robert Schwartzman. [Click to read]
14 February 2023
Music Legends The Zombies Share Romantic Hymn ‘Love You While I Can’
Beatific baroque pop with a decidedly English feel, they’re able to meld together West Coast harmonies with something soothing, and almost psychedelic. [Click to read]
12 January 2023
The Zombies announce new album ‘Different Game’
As well as the soaring lead single, official release material from the band explains that the album also features “tender acoustic ballads with classical string arrangements” and is produced by Rod Argent together with the band’s long-time live audio engineer Dale Hanson. [Click to read]
COMMENTS
The Zombies, one of the original British Invasion bands, dropped by the Narrows Center Sunday, May 1 for a high-energy show on the last night of their “Life is a Merry-Go …
The Zombies is 'Real Live Certified' and is in the top 5% of all live performers. Based on 87 concert reviews, the critic consensus is that The Zombies is rated as an excellent live performer, with memorable shows that are worth …
Live Review: The Zombies with Bruce Sudano – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, April 5, 2022. The Zombies. Photo by Chyrisse. OK, right off the bat, I am biased. I love The Zombies. …
Resurrected by founding members Rod Argent (keys & vocals) and Colin Blunstone (lead vocals) in 2001, The Zombies have performed on and off ever since. Fortunately, 2023 is another busy year, with the band promoting …
The Zombies 2022 Tour Continues. by Best Classic Bands Staff. Share This: The Zombies have announced dozens of more concerts in the U.S. and Canada as part of their 2022, with many more dates in Europe to follow. …
The Zombies have just posted dates for their 2022 tour, with some tickets going on sale this week. I'm looking forward to seeing them, never seen them in concert. Anyone …
The Zombies 2023. If the recent sell-out Tivoli Theatre opening night of their postponed 2020 tour is anything to go by, Zombies fans around the UK are in for a treat. Starting in Wimborne, Dorset the 22-date ‘Life Is A Merry …
Get the The Zombies Setlist of the concert at Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, USA on April 13, 2022 from the Life Is a Merry-Go-Round Tour and other The Zombies …
Homepage of The Zombies website. British Invasion featuring Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent. Inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame 2019 Class!