Deep Purple: chemistry, magic, and the birth of Perfect Strangers
We travel back in time to 1984 and talk to the reformed Deep Purple as the ready themselves to release comeback album Perfect Strangers
Classic Rock Features
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In 1980, Iron Maiden hit the road supporting Kiss. We were there
The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was the musical movement on everybody’s lips, so Iron Maiden went on the road in Europe to see if the NWOBHM could survive outside the UK
The 10 best scenes from This Is Spinal Tap - and the inspiration behind them
Released in 1984, Spinal Tap's satirical take on the world of heavy metal was brilliantly funny – and painfully accurate
Joe Satriani: a guide to his best albums
Joe Satriani’s spectacular albums have dazzled and inspired for the best part of four decades, and these are the best of the bunch
Watch this utter genius knock on doors in the style of Slayer, Metallica, Sabbath and more
How Drummers Knock on Doors will change your door-knocking game forever
The 20 best rock albums of 1970
Altamont had brought the 60s to a disastrous close, but 1970 saw the birth of a new breed of supergroups, and established stars heading in new directions
Dave Mustaine: “Go into politics? They'd only bring up the fact that I did heroin”
In this classic interview from the Metal Hammer archives, Megadeth’s mainman Dave Mustaine looks back on the making of 1992’s Countdown To Extinction album
Nightwish’s Floor Jansen: “After 20 years of metal, I would like to do something else”
Floor Jansen on Nightwish’s “huge” Human. :II: Nature. album, the chances of an acoustic tour and just what the future may hold for her
Mother Vulture: a vital, sweat-soaked, anarchic reminder of what's on the other side
Bristol band Mother Vulture are releasing a live album without an audience, and it's exactly what we need right now
Tracks of the Week: new music from Deep Purple, All Them Witches and more
New some new music in your life? We've lined up eight of the very best new rock tracks for your delectation
That day that rocked the world: the chaotic story of Status Quo's Live Aid
Live Aid in 1985 was perhaps the greatest rock festival of all, and Status Quo were there to open it
The Top 10 best James Hetfield guest appearances
Metallica’s James Hetfield isn’t above a little moonlighting with everyone from Danzig to the cast of South Park
Former Fairport Convention singer Judy Dyble remembered
Sid Smith looks at the career of former Fairport Convention and Trader Horne singer Judy Dyble who has died aged 71
Kirk Hammett: “I was sitting on the toilet when I got the call to join Metallica”
Kirk Hammett looks back on forming Exodus, the birth of thrash metal and the day he joined Metallica
Meet the folkers: the improbable story of folk rock
Folk’s music’s not all “hey nonny nonny” y’know. In the 70s, it sneaked its way into the heaviest of rock's repertoire. We look at the groups that spearheaded the genre
Dark Side Of The Moon: why is it so bloody popular?
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon is one of the best-selling albums of all time. But why? Even the band can't explain it
Lucifer, Isaac Asimov and Ringo Starr: the story behind Deep Purple's The Mule
A showcase for the talent of Ian Paice, The Mule became the benchmark for 70s rock drumming. Today it’s best known for its solo on Purple’s Made In Japan live album
Black Sabbath, Birmingham, and the invention of heavy metal
Ozzy, Geezer and Tony reminisce about the early days of Black Sabbath and the creation of a genre
The Affinity Photo New Rock Photographer 2020 Challenge #6: Local Band Portraits
A great shot of a young band can help launch their career. In the final round of our hunt to find the best new rock photographer of 2020, we want to see your local band portraits
