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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

America, New York City, and classic rock were reshaped as the World Trade Center's South Tower collapsed 25 years ago today at 9:59AM, followed by the North Tower at 10:28. Music legends quickly began to push back against this new darkness. Here's how: ultimateclassicrock.com/911-aftermat...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

September promises to be a reissue-heavy month for classic-rock fans – but there are a few notable new releases, too. For instance, Neil Young will unveil 'Second Song,' a follow-up collaboration album with the Chrome Hearts. Here's my in-depth sneak peek: ultimateclassicrock.com/september-20...

ultimateclassicrock.com

Every Major Rock Music Release Set to Arrive in September 2026

Here's a look at rock's major releases for September 2026.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Sidewalk side at Endymion in 1988. "Wait, was that? IT WAS!" www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Best-selling tours are usually summertime affairs, when the weather is nice and rock fans have vacation days to spare. This year is different. More than 80 major acts will appear on stage in September, October and November. Here's my new preview: ultimateclassicrock.com/fall-2026-ro...

ultimateclassicrock.com

Fall 2026 Preview! Get Ready for More Than 80 Major Rock Tours

Here's a preview of more than 80 of the biggest rock tours scheduled for fall 2026.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Time offers new perspective. That certainly was the case with the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up," which originally had a reggae vibe. The song had undergone a dramatic transformation by the time it finally arrived on this date 45 years ago. Here's how: ultimateclassicrock.com/rolling-ston...

ultimateclassicrock.com

Why the Rolling Stones' Smash 'Start Me Up' Took So Long to Get Started

The Rolling Stones released 'Start Me Up,' their most recent U.K. Top 10 hit, on Aug. 14 1981.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

'Who's Next' arrived 55 years ago today with a group of songs that would become among the Who's best-loved – and a cover image once lovingly described by Pete Townshend as "pissing on the obelisk." But it wasn't that simple, actually: ultimateclassicrock.com/whos-next-al...

ultimateclassicrock.com

The Who's Iconic 'Who's Next' Album Cover Was Almost Ruined – By a Urine Shortage

The Who released 'Who's Next' on Aug. 14, 1971, with an iconic cover image shot by Ethan Russell.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

The slate of August 2026 rock music releases is highlighted by new albums from members of Heart, Genesis and Marillion. John Fogerty will also expand his best-selling solo project. Here's a look: ultimateclassicrock.com/august-2026-...

ultimateclassicrock.com

What Rock Music Fans Have to Look Forward to in August 2026

Here's a look at rock's major releases for August 2026.

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Reposted by Nick DeRiso

MidCenturyCinema @midcenturycinema.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

7/25/65: Dylan plugs in. World, changed. Our take: midcenturycinema.org/node/35 Seek out the Scorsese doc More: Mr. Al Kooper: www.villagevoice.com/50-years-aft... @johnharris1969.bsky.social: www.theguardian.com/books/2015/j... @nickderiso.bsky.social: ultimateclassicrock.com/bob-dylan-fi...

ultimateclassicrock.com

60 Years Ago: Bob Dylan Continues to Divide Fans After Newport

Bob Dylan played his first concert on Aug. 28, 1965 at Forest Hills, N.Y., after a controversial stop at the Newport Folk Festival.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" was a passion project for Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. "When you're in love with Joni Mitchell," Plant memorably quipped, "you've really got to write about it now and again."

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Paul McCartney's album-closing songs were sometimes romantic pop asides. They might rock, too. My new ranked list tends to echo McCartney's particular genius in this way. Few could claim such thrilling variation: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-mccartn...

ultimateclassicrock.com

The Paul McCartney Album Endings That Still Sound Like Nothing Else

A ranked look back at the final tracks on Paul McCartney's albums.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Linda Ronstadt turns 80 today. She retired after a Parkinson's Disease diagnosis, but not before scoring a string of hits in the '70s. You can also find her stirring vocal contributions on a number of other projects. Here's a look back at the Top 10: ultimateclassicrock.com/linda-ronsta...

ultimateclassicrock.com

Top 10 Linda Ronstadt Collaborations

Linda Ronstadt's Hall of Fame career included duets with Neil Young, Paul Simon, the Eagles, Randy Newman and others.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Paul McCartney's latest song with the Rolling Stones has arrived. Here's where "Covered in You" ranks in my new countdown of the 60 best Beatles collaborations: ultimateclassicrock.com/top-beatles-...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Classic rock came along in America at the right time, as the album era got underway. So, this historic July 4th felt like a great time to take an in-depth look back – and celebrate it all. Here's UCR's staff-voted ranking of the 250 best American albums: ultimateclassicrock.com/top-250-amer...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Amity Island Mayor Larry Vaughn, with a friendly reminder.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

A remake of 'Supergirl' is set to arrive this weekend. I'm told there will be no action sequence taking place at a Popeyes. So, I'm out. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNCG...

youtube.com

Supergirl - 1984 - [Supergirl To The Rescue]

YouTube video by Generation X

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Two more legendary classic-rock acts return with new music, just weeks after well-received albums by fellow stalwarts Paul McCartney, Peter Frampton and Yes. July 2026 will also see a raft of expanded reissues, hits packages and signature concert recordings: ultimateclassicrock.com/july-2026-ne...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I'll still be chasing the parades.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Are legacy bands that undergo radical lineup changes over the years still beholden to what came before? That’s been Yes’ basic conundrum – and they've finally solved it on their new album, 'Aurora.' Here's my review: ultimateclassicrock.com/yes-aurora-r...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Paul Simon probably wouldn't have been allowed to leave without playing favorites like "Slip Slidin' Away" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." But he also made room for "Train in the Distance," "Under African Skies" and "Spirit Voices." Simply transcendent.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

He's a troublemaker and a mixer.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Rick Danko's solo debut precipitated the first partial studio reunion since the Band completed final tracking for 'Islands' just before taking the stage for 'The Last Waltz' in 1976. He managed another one in the most unlikely of settings: nickderiso.substack.com/p/how-rick-d...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

George Harrison's 'Somewhere in England' arrived 45 years ago today with the No. 2 hit "All Those Years Ago." Paul McCartney also has a new album out. Where do they rank for you? Here's how the Beatles' solo albums stack up with me: ultimateclassicrock.com/beatles-solo...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

MTV made a lot of new stars in the '80s. Classic rock wasn't going away, though: Still interesting how many acts with roots in the '60s and '70s were topping the charts, as well.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

"Waiting on a Friend" was just an old leftover as the Rolling Stones completed 'Tattoo You.' Then they had the idea to ask saxophonist Sonny Rollins – who died at 95 yesterday after a stellar jazz career – to add a solo. The song was suddenly complete: ultimateclassicrock.com/rolling-ston...

ultimateclassicrock.com

How the Rolling Stones Finally Completed 'Waiting on a Friend'

The Rolling Stones' No. 13 hit 'Waiting on a Friend' with guest saxophonist Sonny Rollins arrived in November 1981.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

June 2026 promises to be a reissue-heavy month, but some new releases stand out: ultimateclassicrock.com/june-2026-ne...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

They should sing these songs in church. Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' doesn't simply boast the gospel influence that marks so much of America's most transformative works in blues and R&B; this album actually has the consistently challenging depth and heart-opening heft of sacred music.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

By the mid-'80s, Peter Gabriel was working with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois of U2 fame, and that provided the perfect, long-awaited alchemy for chart success. It took a few tries, but Gabriel finally hit upon the right showcase for every part of his restless genius.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Paul McCartney's initially misjudged 'Ram' arrived 55 years ago this week. He was bursting with after-breakup ideas — and that gives the LP a dizzying momentum. Here's my ranked song-by-song look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-mccartn...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

When spring evolves into summer, it can feel as if every band is on tour. As the weather turns, the idea of hanging on for a warm evening at the local music shed finally starts to make sense again. But not everybody is out on the concert trail. Here's why: ultimateclassicrock.com/rock-acts-no...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Missed church on Sunday to go to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, but pretty sure seeing Mavis Staples counts anyway.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Paul McCartney and Peter Frampton return with new studio LPs this month. May will also see the Who and Eagles taking important looks back. Bruce Springsteen tops the list of pending live projects. Here's my complete preview of May 2026's new music releases: ultimateclassicrock.com/may-2026-new...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

The busy summer of 2026 touring schedule will be marked by heralded reunions, long-awaited comebacks and some very lengthy goodbyes. There's more. Lots more. Here's my new Summer 2026 Preview: Rock's 85 Biggest Tours | ultimateclassicrock.com/summer-2026-...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

New Orleans festival season is also Tourist Stopping in the Middle of the Pathway and/or Street for No Apparent Reason and Remaining There Forever Season.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Released 55 years ago today, 'Sticky Fingers' found the Rolling Stones bolstering a career-making era with the addition of new second guitarist Mick Taylor. The results brought everything into a tight new musical focus. Here's my ranked song-by-song look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/rolling-ston...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Dave Mason wrote "Feelin' Alright?," which became a Joe Cocker hit. But Cocker removed the question mark, changing its meaning. "The song is about not feeling too good myself!" Mason told me, with a laugh. "It's not really about feeling alright, at all." tinyurl.com/DaveMasonDies

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

'Raised on Radio,' Journey's comeback album with Steve Perry, arrived 40 years ago today. It hadn't been easy. Wives, Perry's mother, two bandmates, an agreed-upon LP title, and even the tapes were lost along the way. Here's my song-by-song look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/journey-rais...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Thinking of Levon Helm, the rail-jumping, loamy-voiced, rhythmic heart of the Band who died on this date in 2012: nickderiso.substack.com/p/levon-helm...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I've broken out all of the rock-related releases set to arrive on Saturday (April 18, 2026) as Record Store Day returns. Look for exclusives from Pink Floyd, Robert Plant, Foreigner, Black Sabbath, the Rolling Stones, Motorhead and the Cars, among others: ultimateclassicrock.com/record-store...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Fifty years ago, Led Zeppelin's career had devolved into a web of tax problems, injury and drug abuse. Faced with all of that, they returned to their musical roots on 'Presence.' Here's a ranked look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/led-zeppelin...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Fifty years ago, @LedZeppelin's career had devolved into a web of tax problems, injury and drug abuse. Faced with all of that, they returned to their musical roots on 'Presence.' Here's a ranked look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/led-zeppelin...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Easy to overlook just how surprising the Rock Hall's inclusion of Joy Division/New Order and Iron Maiden really is. After all, they've been nominated before. But these are nervy, smart choices, and a clear break from the overly safe Big Show mentality that's surrounded the inductions for many years.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Some of the most recognizable names in all of rock music have never appeared on the front of an album cover. The reasons appear to be many. READ MORE: The 25 Biggest Rock Stars Who Never Issued a Solo Album | ultimateclassicrock.com/rock-stars-w...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Just because the answer is obvious doesn't make it wrong: ultimateclassicrock.com/big-four-bri...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

"Let the Night Fall" was a group trying to move forward, despite its arrival as part of the Band's 1977 contract-filler album 'Islands.' Yet, even in this dying light, some wrongly ignored what might have been by wishing too much for what once was: substack.com/home/post/p-...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Wondering why Paul McCartney titled his new album 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane'? The story goes back a ways: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-mccartn...

ultimateclassicrock.com

Inside Paul McCartney's Upcoming 'Boys of Dungeon Lane' Album

Paul McCartney confirmed his 27th album, 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane,' in March 2026.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Paul McCartney's determinedly democratic 'Wings at the Speed of Sound' arrived 50 years ago today, as Wings moved forward with the same lineup for the first (and, turns out, only) time. Here's my ranked look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-mccartn...

ultimateclassicrock.com

Ranking Every Song on Paul McCartney's 'Wings at the Speed of Sound'

A ranked song-by-song look back at Paul McCartney's platinum-selling 'Wings at the Speed of Sound,' released on March 26, 1976.

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

The last original single released in George Harrison's lifetime arrived 35 years ago today with the Traveling Wilburys' "Wilbury Twist." By then, the former Beatles star had already amassed an impressive list of Top 40 solo songs. Here's my ranked look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/george-harri...

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