
Dave Ling
Dave Ling was a co-founder of Classic Rock magazine. His words have appeared in a variety of music publications, including RAW, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Prog, Rock Candy, Fireworks and Sounds. Dave’s life was shaped in 1974 through the purchase of a copy of Sweet’s album ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, along with early gig experiences from Status Quo, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Yes and Queen. As a lifelong season ticket holder of Crystal Palace FC, he is completely incapable of uttering the word ‘Br***ton’.
Latest articles by Dave Ling

Foghat haven't played in the UK for over half a century: This weekend, that changes
By Dave Ling published
Foghat will share a bill with Asia feat. John Payne, so we sat down with Payne and Foghat drummer Roger Earl

"Let's get a tattoo!" Memories of a Hollywood night out with Ozzy Osbourne
By Dave Ling published
In 1987, Ozzy Osbourne released the Randy Rhoads-era live album Tribute, and one UK writer travelled to Los Angeles to brave the promotional chaos

In 2009 this notorious workaholic was trying to do less. His career suggests it didn’t go that way
By Dave Ling published
After over two decades making music, his main band had recently achieved global recognition and he’d just launched his debut solo album. Did he ever really slow down?

How yodelling Dutch prog weirdos Focus made the strangest hit single of 1973
By Dave Ling published
It featured the greatest yodelling since The Sound Of Music

"The realisation that life is not for ever made me very sad": Coheed and Cambria's Claudio Sanchez on why songs become more personal with the passing of time
By Dave Ling published
Self-described “slightly bizarre band“ Coheed & Cambria are currently on tour in the UK

After 50 years, 38 Special have learned a thing or two about keeping a band together
By Dave Ling published
38 Special were too big at home in the US to return to the UK during the past 40 years, but new album Milestone might bring them back

How divine inspiration and a last-minute song propelled a band to the brink of stardom
By Dave Ling published
But every piece of good fortune has a downside

Todd Rundgren on the demise of rock, fighting hate and why listeners don't like albums
By Dave Ling published
Why you should expect the expected and the unexpected at Todd Rundgren's upcoming shows

How grunge’s ‘worst’ band wrote the hit song that silenced the critics
By Dave Ling published
It was written on a $25 guitar and became one of the biggest hits of 1994

Y&T's Dave Meniketti on turning down Ozzy and improving your chances of survival
By Dave Ling published
If it’s classic hard rock that flicks your switch, here’s a band to flick it for you

A beginner's guide to White Lion in five essential albums
By Paul Elliott published
For a brief period in the late eighties, White Lion were genuine contenders for Bon Jovi’s hair metal crown

The stellar rise and chaotic fall of Uriah Heep, the 70s rock giants who tore themselves apart
By Dave Ling published
Uriah Heep could have been been as big as Sabbath or Zeppelin if it wasn’t for drink, drugs and egos

The satirical 70s shock rock anthem that gave Kiss and Alice Cooper a run for their money
By Dave Ling published
Frightwigs, platform boots, fake schlongs and a 70s classic that skewered slumming rich kids

With better timing, things might have turned out completely differently for Harem Scarem
By Dave Ling published
Harem Scarem have never achieved the major success their music deserves, but they’re still banging on the door

13 absolute bangers from Status Quo's Frantic Four lineup
By Dave Ling published
Warning: headbanging to these songs could result in serious injury

Graham Bonnet on the "berserk" response to Rainbow's Since You've Been Gone
By Dave Ling published
Just about to tour MSG's Assault Attack in full, Graham Bonnet is still singing songs by his old bands, having fun and not taking things too seriously

How an unknown American trio scored a huge hit with the greatest Neil Young song Neil Young never wrote
By Dave Ling published
The story behind a 70s soft rock classic

Chantel McGregor admires Steven Wilson’s risky approach to music
By Dave Ling published
From his dalliances with pop to taking comedians on tour, blues rock singer-guitarist believes he illustrates a perfectly progressive attitude – and he’s a nice bloke to boot

Stewart Copeland on why it's unlikely The Police will ever reform
By Dave Ling published
Former Police man Stewart Copeland is about to embark on a trip around the UK telling stories about the band and more

Blaze Bayley's debut solo album flopped 25 years ago - but now he's taking it on the road
By Dave Ling published
Blaze Bayley and his band are playing the whole of Silicon Messiah live and it's finally coming to life

"The fans supported us through everything": Helloween on career longevity and proving people wrong
By Dave Ling published
German metallers Helloween release a new album this week and begin a 40th anniversary tour in October

The “crazy” live album that blew shred guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen’s mind
By Classic Rock published
Modern guitar playing could have been very different if Ynwgie hadn’t been inspired by this iconic 1972 live album

Attention fans of swoon-inducing West Coast melodic rock: it's time to meet your new favourite band
By Dave Ling published
Don't call it yacht rock – there's no cheesy parody with Young Gun Silver Fox, just accomplished songcraft
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