Author Archives: Bob Ruggiero

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About Bob Ruggiero

I am a passionate fan of classic rock (and related music) with 35 years experience writing about it for daily/weekly newspapers and magazines. I am also the author of the interview anthology "The Classic Rock Bob Reader" and "Slippin' Out of Darkness: The Story of WAR." Both available on Amazon!

Alan White is Still a “Yes” Man

Posted on August 18, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

One of the most egregious exclusions from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was finally remedied last year when Yes joined the list of inductees. Formed in 1968, they are one of the titans of Progressive Rock, mixing classical … Continue reading →

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The Zombies’ “Time” Continues into Another Season

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

The year 2018 is a good time to be a Zombie – of the musical singing and playing kind, not necessarily the walking dead variety. For decades, the group was beloved by a smallish-but-devoted audience, and rarely mentioned in the … Continue reading →

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The Sonics’ Boom

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

The Modelo beer commercial ran for a couple of years beginning in 2013. A guy and his two buddies walk into a new bar, only to be met with glaring faces from the regulars. Sure, bespectacled, beanie-capped tough guy Tommy … Continue reading →

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Eric Bloom: Cult Leader

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

Though he was born to be wild, he (Or she? Theories abound.) is still an unlikely protagonist for a rock and roll song. This now 64-year-old amphibious reptile who stands around 300 feet tall and has breath you don’t want … Continue reading →

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Gettin’ Down with Savoy Brown

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

  Kim Simmonds remembers the first time he met the blues. Sure, growing up in 1950’s England he had some sonic encounters with homeboy Cliff Richard. But it was his brother’s magical record collection that introduced him to the wild, … Continue reading →

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John Kay’s Magic Carpet Ride with Steppenwolf

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

  To the members of the band Steppenwolf, it was just one track out of 11 recorded for their 1967 self-titled debut LP. And one that didn’t seem to get any more or less reaction when played in concert than … Continue reading →

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The Many Musical Moods of Todd Rundgren

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Bob Ruggiero

The era of the Great Trump Protest Songs has not yet materialized. However, Todd Rundgren – along with Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen – were early out of the gate with the satiric “Tin Foil Hat” off Rundgren’s new album, White … Continue reading →

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Tom Johnston Helps Keep the Doobie Brothers Train Runnin’

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Bob Ruggiero

Released as a single in the summer of 1973, “China Grove” became one of the biggest and most recognizable hits for The Doobie Brothers. The tune about the “sleeply little town down around San Antone” with its preacher and teacher … Continue reading →

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Chicago’s Robert Lamm Knows What Time It Is

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Bob Ruggiero

Singer/keyboardist Robert Lamm has been part of a particular band of brothers for decades as Chicago, the group he co-founded, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. But this past summer during the band’s tour with co-headliners the Doobie Brothers and … Continue reading →

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My WAR Biography is Out Today!

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Bob Ruggiero

      Three and a half years in the making, my first book, Slippin’ Out of Darkness: The Story of WAR is out today! Order it or find out more info HERE.

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