Nick DeRiso

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

They should sing these songs in church. '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 LP actually has the consistently challenging depth and heart-opening heft of sacred music.

By the mid-'80s, @itsPeterGabriel 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.

.@PaulMcCartney'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-mccartney…

@U2 previewed their latest song with a clip from a new music video shot in Mexico City. Larry Mullin Jr. makes his first public performance since missing their huge Sphere residency: ultimateclassicrock.com/u2-street-of-d…

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-not-…

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

Mike Campbell on the time Bob Dylan asked for his own "Boys of Summer."

Today marks 43 years since the passing of blues pioneer Muddy Waters. His signature sound was instrumental in shaping rock music and heavily influenced The Band. Below, Martin Scorsese shares a remarkable anecdote about how Muddy's powerful rendition of "Mannish Boy" during The Last Waltz was nearly entirely unrecorded.

.@PaulMcCartney and Peter Frampton return with new studio albums 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: ultimateclassicrock.com/may-2026-new-m…

Nirvana was never the same for me after Charles Barkley left the band.

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-ro…

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.

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.

Released 55 years ago today, 'Sticky Fingers' found the @RollingStones bolstering a career-making era with the addition of new 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-stones…

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

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

Thinking of @LevonHelmRamble, the rail-jumping, loamy-voiced, rhythmic heart of @TheBandOfficial who died on this date in 2012: nickderiso.substack.com/p/levon-helm-d…

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 @PinkFloyd, @RobertPlant, Foreigner, Black Sabbath, the Rolling Stones, Motorhead and the Cars, among others: ultimateclassicrock.com/record-store-d…

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-p…