Classic Rock Magazine – Where Legends Live (Classic Rock)

Member Name: nathanjh

Product:	Classic Rock
Date:	04/08/00 (133 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An excellent magazine from cover to cover

Disadvantages: None

Although the title may suggest that it covers only the more mature acts that have dominated the rock genre, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there’s a wealth of very well researched articles that relate to a variety of successful (past and present) guitar based acts.

I mean, sure, the long established bands (most of which we all know and love) are indeed often featured, but so are our future generations’ potential ‘classic’ acts.

Personally, I tend to be more into our treasured bands of yesteryear, some of which have long since split, but I deeply enjoy reading the interviews gleaned from the remaining band members themselves because they are so damn revealing at times.

I think the main thing that makes this magazine tick is the fact that its contributors are well seasoned established rock music writers (Mick Wall, Dave Ling, Gerry Ewing etc) and as a consequence the articles never seem to tire. Really, some of the interviews have been phenomenal, often lasting several pages (as a proper interview should!)

The magazine itself is packed full of photos (a lot of them shot by Ross Halfin, who’s photos have adorned our bedroom walls for years) and, unlike most magazines, there isn’t a ton of advertisements ruining every other page.

One outstanding feature that the magazine does have, often overlooked by the majority of music rags, is that it profiles up and coming bands. Usually, two bands per issue are reviewed in the magazines’ now regular ‘Future Classics’ section and you may want to give ‘em a listen.

My favourite regular feature that the mag runs is the ‘Face Off’ section. This is where us readers get the chance to put our questions to that particular months featured guest (this month (August 2000), it’s the elusive ex-Deep Purple guitarist - Richie Blackmore).

Other regular features include;

*
Detailed album reviews (over SEVENTY albums have been reviewed in this months issue alone!)

* Gig Reviews.

* Multimedia Reviews.

* Free ‘New Releases’ cover CD every issue.

Plus all the latest music news and gossip from around the world.

To give you a taste of the kind of bands that the magazine covers, I’ve decided to be extra helpful and list the bands that are mentioned in the text on this months contents page, here goes;

Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath, Pearl Jam, Steely Dan, Nick Drake, Jimmy Page, The Black Crowes, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Van Halen, Little Feat, Iron Maiden, Edgar Winter, Matchbox Twenty, Richie Blackmore, Metallica, Richard Ashcroft, David Coverdale, Mott the Hoople, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Roxy Music, Tommy Bolin, The Buzzcocks, Don Henley, Hawkwind, Scorpions, Billy Bragg & Wilco, Diamond Head, Man, Joe Satriani, Lou Reed, The Cult, AC/DC, Peter Green, Spock’s Beard, Jeff Healy and The Almighty.

Also, previous front cover attractions have included;

Guns N Roses, Pink Floyd, The Who, Phil Lynott, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, John Bon Jovi, L.A Rock (Motley Crue etc), Rush and Black Sabbath.

So, all in all, if this lot doesn’t whet your appetite, then maybe your (imaginary) friends are right and you really do need help!

On the other hand, for you sensible folks, you can have the lot for only £2.95 a month…bargain!

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