🎸CLASSIC ROCK🎸 New Who Box Set | Ringo's Art Exhibit | Bob Dylan Hears a Who...

Good Morning Classic Rock Fans!,

In today’s Classic Rock Newsletter, we've got a new masterpiece box set from The Who, Ringo Starr new art exhibit, and a new review of a Bob Dylan fake Dr. Zeus classic. We're also diving into the most skipped rock songs of all time and checking out the must-see tours of 2025. Let's dig in!

🤔 Trivia Question:

Before becoming rock gods as The Who, the band briefly changed their name at the behest of their manager, Peter Meaden, to appeal to the burgeoning Mod scene. What was this short-lived, Mod-centric band name?

📰 Classic Rock News:

💿 Wow, just when you thought a classic couldn't get any better! The Who are dropping a massively expanded box set version of their 1978 powerhouse album, Who Are You. This new edition is packed with unreleased tracks and alternate takes, giving us a fresh look into the tumultuous sessions that produced this iconic record. It’s a must-have for any serious collector. Get the full scoop on this incredible box set reissue!

💿 Peace and love, Vegas style! Our favorite drummer, Ringo Starr, is taking over the Las Vegas Strip, but not just with his All-Starr Band. He's also showcasing his incredible artwork in a new exhibition. It's a fantastic opportunity to see the creative side of a true rock legend, blending his passion for music and art in the heart of Sin City. Check out Ringo's Vegas takeover!

💿 Get ready to rock all year long! The fall of 2025 is shaping up to be an epic season for classic rock tours. Legendary acts are hitting the road, proving that real rock and roll never dies. From stadium-fillers to intimate theater shows, there's something for every fan. Time to check those schedules and grab your tickets before they're gone! See the full list of can't-miss tours!

💿 Bob Dylan Tribute singing Dr. Suess? Read a review of the oddity album. Read this fascinating take on Dylan!

💿 Ever wondered which classic rock anthems listeners are most likely to skip? A new analysis dives into streaming data to reveal the most skipped tracks from legendary bands. The results might just surprise you and spark a debate or two. Are your favorites on the list, or are there some usual suspects that everyone seems to tire of? Find out which songs get the skip!

📺 Today’s Classic Rock TV

• David Gilmour: The Studio Interview 2025 - The legendary Pink Floyd guitarist sits down for an in-depth discussion about his latest work and creative process.

• Our 30 Favourite Beatle Photos, with Abigail Devoe and Lars Land - A look back at some of the most memorable and rare photographs of The Beatles.

• Why Guitar Legend Larry Carlton QUIT John Lennon Recording Session - The story behind a pivotal moment in the recording sessions for a John Lennon album.

• EVERY TIME I Cover This Band I GET KILLED-Even Though It's #1 Rock Song of 80s!--Professor of Rock - A deep dive into a controversial yet chart-topping rock anthem from the 1980s.

• The Beatles Anthology 2025 - What's In It & Who Is It For? - A preview and analysis of the highly anticipated 2025 release of The Beatles' Anthology project.

• The moment KISS removed their makeup (and did it work?) - A look back at the shocking moment when the rock giants KISS revealed their faces to the world.

• Ringo Starr’s Beatles Drums: The Final Deep Dive (With Ringo's Drum Curator Gary Astridge) | Ep. 38 - A detailed exploration of the iconic drum kits used by Ringo Starr during his time with The Beatles.

• 10 Rock and Alternative One Hit Wonders from the 1990s You Forgot You Loved - A nostalgic trip back to the 90s, revisiting some unforgettable one-hit wonders.

• YOKO ONO: THE WAR INDUSTRY AND THE PEACE INDUSTRY #powertothepeople - A powerful message from Yoko Ono reflecting on themes of peace and activism.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1965: A concert by The Rolling Stones in Dublin, Ireland, erupted into chaos. Just 12 minutes into their set, ecstatic fans stormed the stage at the Adelphi Theatre, leading to a full-blown riot. During the mayhem, Mick Jagger was knocked to the floor before the band was forced to flee for their safety. Watch the Stones live in Ireland in '65!

1968: After quitting The Beatles two weeks prior during the tense White Album sessions, Ringo Starr made his return to the band. He arrived at Abbey Road Studios to find his drum kit famously decorated with flowers by George Harrison as a welcome-back gesture, officially reuniting the Fab Four to continue work on one of their most eclectic albums. See Ringo discussing his return!

1982: The very first US Festival kicked off in San Bernardino, California. Bankrolled by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, the massive three-day event was a celebration of music and technology. The incredible lineup featured some of the biggest names in rock, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, and The Police. Check out The Police at the festival!

1983: With their mesmerizing synth-pop anthem, Eurythmics hit the top of the U.S. singles chart. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" became a defining song of the 80s, propelled by its iconic music video featuring an androgynous Annie Lennox, which received heavy airplay on the burgeoning MTV network and launched the duo into global stardom. Watch the iconic "Sweet Dreams" video!

1990: George Michael released his second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. In a bold move to be taken more seriously as a songwriter, he decided not to appear on the album's cover or in its music videos. The album was a critical and commercial success, spawning the hit single "Praying for Time." Experience the powerful "Praying for Time" video!

2001: What was planned as a free thank-you concert for fans in a Hollywood parking lot turned into a riot when System of a Down's performance was canceled by authorities at the last minute. The estimated 7,000 fans grew restless, eventually breaking through barriers, destroying the band's equipment, and causing chaos in the streets. See a news report on the chaotic event!

2010: In a truly bizarre and tragic accident, Mike Edwards, a founding member and cellist for the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was killed. A large, round bale of hay, weighing over 1,300 pounds, rolled down a hill and crashed into his van on a road in Devon, England. He was 62 years old. Remember Mike Edwards with this classic ELO hit!

2017: The music world mourned the loss of Walter Becker, the brilliant co-founder, guitarist, and bassist for Steely Dan. Known for his sophisticated and jazz-infused guitar work, Becker, along with Donald Fagen, crafted some of the most meticulously produced and lyrically clever albums in rock history. He passed away at the age of 67. Watch this tribute to the incredible Walter Becker!

A very happy 83rd birthday to Al Jardine, a founding member, rhythm guitarist, and vocalist for The Beach Boys! Born in 1942, Jardine's voice is a key part of the band's iconic harmonies. Though he briefly left the band in the early days to pursue a career in dentistry, he thankfully returned to help create some of the most beloved songs in pop music history. Hear Al Jardine’s latest Solo Album from This Year!

Happy Birthday to Steve Jones! The legendary guitarist for the Sex Pistols, born in 1955, turns 70 today. Jones was the engine behind the band's raw, powerful sound that defined the punk rock movement. An interesting fact: much of the band's early equipment, including his famous cream-colored Les Paul, was stolen from other rock stars, most notably David Bowie's crew. Hear Steve Jones Reflect on His Days with the Sex Pistols!

Happy 78th birthday to Eric Bell, the original lead guitarist and a founding member of the legendary Irish rock band Thin Lizzy! Born in 1947, Bell's blues-rock style defined the band's early sound on their first three albums and the hit single "Whiskey in the Jar." He famously left the band mid-concert on New Year's Eve 1973 due to exhaustion and the pressures of touring. Get down with this classic Thin Lizzy track!

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete