In a recent deep-dive video feature on Lou Gramm, a classic band dynamic the narrative is framed instead as classic rock-and-roll tragedy. The story goes that Gramm, the powerhouse voice behind Foreigner’s legendary anthems, was being “suppressed” by band leader Mick Jones. While Gramm wanted to keep the band’s feet firmly planted in the grit … Read more
In 1987, the musical landscape was shifting toward a digital horizon, and Manchester-based trio Living in a Box arrived with a debut that was less of a traditional “band” effort and more of a masterclass in FM synthesis. Formed by keyboardist Marcus Vere and Anthony Critchlow, the group found their voice, literally, after two failed … Read more
In 1987, the independent label 4AD made a gamble that shouldn’t have worked. And it didn’t. They paired two wildly different acts, the ethereal “dream-pop” duo A.R. Kane and the sample-heavy industrial group Colourbox, for a collaboration. The goal wasn’t to create a polished radio hit; in fact, the members of A.R. Kane specifically stated … Read more
Two things are true about Paul McCartney’s iconic guitar piece Blackbird: Nobody but McCartney himself can get it right and the story of how the song came about has changed drastically over the years. The original story of the inspiration for Blackbird was that Paul and George used to play Bach’s “Bourrée in E minor” … Read more
If you’ve stepped into a pub, wedding reception, or club in the last twenty years, you’ve heard it. The second those high-register D♭ arpeggios ring out, the energy in the room shifts. “Mr. Brightside” isn’t just a hit; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has become the definitive anthem for modern cover bands.
We often imagine rock legends sitting down with a pen and a vision to write a masterpiece. But in reality, some of the most famous riffs in history weren’t written at all, they were practiced. Some of them were finger-stretching drills; other were rhythmic warm-ups. In fact, one of the most iconic soft-rock ballads began … Read more
This post contains independently chosen affiliate links. See full affiliate disclosure. The magic of Slash’s iconic guitar tone on Sweet Child O’ Mine isn’t just distortion; it’s the smooth, liquid sustain and the dark, vocal-like resonance of the neck pickup. Achieving that legendary “Woman Tone” requires a specific balance of mid-range honk and rolled-back highs … Read more