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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 12h

Happy birthday to the late John Lennon! We talked a little about him on the Things We Said Today podcast. Join us! m.youtube.com/watch?v=DEzd...

m.youtube.com

Things We Said Today #468 – A chat with Nick DeRiso of Ultimate Classic Rock

YouTube video by Things We Said Today - A Beatles radio show

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

Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Iron Maiden, Motorhead and George Harrison are among the highlights from Record Store Day's newly confirmed list of RSD Black Friday releases. I've broken out all of the rock-related items right here: ultimateclassicrock.com/rsd-black-fr...

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Nick DeRiso @nickderiso.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

October 2026 promises more huge expanded reissues, new rock albums, books and live recordings. Highlights include a 'Rubber Soul' box from the Beatles, an expanded version of 'Who by Numbers,' new solo music by Tony Iommi and a sequel LP from Rick Wakeman: ultimateclassicrock.com/october-2026...

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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

Thanks for reading, Jim! They'd undoubtedly be in the next five. Really love Goose.

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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

"That's the music that I play at home all the time - Joni Mitchell," Page added. "She's able to look at something that's happened to her, draw back and crystallize the whole situation, then write about it. She brings tears to my eyes." ultimateclassicrock.com/led-zeppelin...

ultimateclassicrock.com

How Led Zeppelin's 'Going to California' Crushed on Joni Mitchell

Led Zeppelin 'IV' arrived on Nov. 8, 1971, with a pastoral tribute to Joni Mitchell titled 'Going to California.'

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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 · 23/06/2026

The funniest part was that the original 'Supergirl' was filmed in London, on the same stages where the Bond movies were made. They built that Popeyes from scratch. www.cbr.com/supergirl-po...

cbr.com

The Strange Story of the Popeye's Restaurant in Supergirl

In the latest Movie Legends Revealed, discover the strange story behind the Popeye's restaurant that was so prominently used in the Supergirl movie.

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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

More insider tips: Bring an umbrella, which despite become a massive pain in the ass will ensure that it does not rain. Stand in behind the biggest mud hole you can find for best viewing.

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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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