Classic Rock

Every month Classic Rock is packed with exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes features on rock’s biggest names, from Led Zeppelin to Deep Purple, from Guns N’ Roses to the Rolling Stones, from the Sex Pistols to AC/DC and beyond. Each issue plays host to the heftiest rock reviews section on the planet. In an average issue, you’ll find over 150 albums reviewed, all from the ever-varied, multi-faceted world of rock - whether it’s hard rock or heavy metal, prog or punk, goth rock or southern rock, we’ve got it covered.

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This month’s contributors

Classic Rock

26 THINGS WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026 • Long-awaited returns, new albums and tours, festival headliners, fresh faces… here are just 26 reasons to be cheerful in 2026.

RIP • Thank you… and good night.

Donna Jean Godchaux • August 22, 1947 – November 2, 2025

Jimmy Cliff • July 30, 1944 – November 24, 2025

Mani • November 16, 1962 – November 20, 2025

David Coverdale Retires • “It’s time for me to call it a day,” he announces.

NEWS

Brinsley Schwarz • A key figure in 70s pub rock is back with more songs “about politics or idiots with fingers on buttons”.

Solomon Hicks • The New Yorker is spreading the blues word, but surprises with some pop covers.

‘Ozzy Airport’ Idea Grounded • Birmingham Airport boss rules out name change.

Thunderstruck! • First night of AC/DC’s Aussie tour makes seismic impact.

NEWS

Femme Fatale • The band’s original 80s singer returns with a new line-up and the same drive and ambition.

Ever Age • Meet the 21st-century power trio who might just cause an out-of-nowhere explosion.

STEVE CROPPER • Classic Rock’s David Sinclair looks at the life and work of the man who did much more than help define the music of a generation.

SOUL MAN • STARS PAY TRIBUTE

The Lemonheads Mrs. Robinson • How the band’s 90s off-the-cuff cover of a 60s song by Simon & Garfunkel became an era-defining hit, an albatross round their neck and, later, a point of pride.

Chris Robertson • The Black Stone Cherry frontman on his band’s new EP, the creative inspiration of dogs and battling Darth Vader…

PHIL LYNOTT REMEMBERED • 40 years on from his passing, Scott Gorham, Eric Bell, Mark Stanway, Laurence Archer and more talk about the bandmate and friend – the real Phil – that they knew.

“ARE YOU AMERICAN?” • Guitarist Scott Gorham profiles the “very cool, easy-going” Phil, and recalls the tragic end.

“DO YOU FANCY FORMING A BAND WITH ERIC?” • Original Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell on the birth of the band, and the “very gentle” but “driven” Phil.

“HAVE A BATH ANO 60 TO BED!” • Laurence Archer on his and Phil’s fun Grand Slam days.

“GOD, HOW LONG ARE HIS LEGS?” • Darren Wharton on his four “incredible”, fun years touring the world with Thin Lizzy.

“LOOK! IT’S THE DOG WOMAN FROM THE TELLY” • Mark Stanway on fun times with “a total rock star” on stage, and sadness at Phil’s descent.

“BRIAN, SIGN DAVE’S TICKET” • When cub reporter Dave Ling got struck by Phil’s kindness.

“HE TRIED TO PULL ME EVERY SINGLE TIME!” • Ten years ago, Phil’s girlfriend Gale Claydon talked to Mick Wall about the Phil she knew.

“PHIL WAS THE GREATEST SHOWMAN THAT I EVER SAW” • Mama’s Boys’ Pat MacManus recalls Phil’s generous support.

“SUCH A GREAT SPEAKING VOICE, LOTS OF NATURAL ORAMA” • Jeff Wayne on Phil and his role as fire-and-brimstone cleric Parson Nathaniel in The War Of The Worlds.

“MY FRIENDS CALL ME PHILIP” • From teenage fan to first-name pals, Mick Wall talks about the Phil Lynott that most never knew.

THE WILD ONES • Everyone has a favourite Thin Lizzy song,...