Author Archives: Bob Ruggiero

About Bob Ruggiero

I am a passionate fan of classic rock (and related music) with nearly 30 years experience writing about it for daily/weekly newspapers and magazines. I am also the author of "Slippin' Out of Darkness: The Story of WAR." Available on Amazon!

Yes Keyboardist Geoff Downes is on a Proggy Quest

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Note: Since the original publication of this interview, Yes drummer Alan White passed away in March 2022 at the age of 72. When MTV celebrated their 40th anniversary, the old trivia question about “What was the first video ever played on … Continue reading →

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The Many Mugs of Stevie Van Zandt Come Together in Memoir

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

When talking to the multi-hyphenate man Steven Van Zandt, it’s a challenge to pick which version of him to start off with.  The musician who’s the best bud of Bruce Springsteen and core member of the E Street Band, but … Continue reading →

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The Violent Femmes Revisit Their Avian Roots

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Note: This interview originally appeared in September 2021. The Violent Femmes are just three gigs into their first live shows since the pandemic started. And singer/guitarist Gordon Gano is pretty much just picking up from where he left off. “Well, … Continue reading →

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The Metal Magic of Ronnie James Dio Shines in Posthumous Autobiography

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Rainbow in the Dark: The AutobiographyBy Ronnie James Dio with Wendy Dio and Mick Wall264 pp.$28Permuted Press When Ronnie James Dio—announced in 2009 that he had stomach cancer, it certainly gave him an impetus to complete the autobiography that he’d … Continue reading →

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John Mellencamp’s Life of Roots, Rock, and Rebellion

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

It’s telling about John Mellencamp that his nickname, “Little Bastard,” is not only a sobriquet that he revels in, but does his damnedest to live up to. His tough-as-nails/loud-as-a-motorcyle-engine persona and songs have helped define an image and put him … Continue reading →

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The Box Tops are Still Delivering Letters

Posted on June 4, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

In many rock, blues, and country songs, written letters do not bring good or welcome news to the recipients. They usually carry messages about the death of a loved one, a dumping by a romantic partner, demands for payment, or threats of … Continue reading →

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Ellen Foley Comes Out “Fighting” and Remembers Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Note: This interview was conducted and story published after the death of Jim Steinman, but prior to the January 20, 2022 death of Meat Loaf. According to an interview she gave shortly afterward to Variety, Foley said her working relationship … Continue reading →

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Los Lobos Pay Tribute to Hometown Music on “Native Sons”

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Though they’ve long billed themselves since their 1978 record debut as “just another band from East L.A.,” Los Lobos is anything but that common. Their inventive and groundbreaking mix of rock, soul, blues, R&B and surf—all wrapped in traditional Mexican, … Continue reading →

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Classic Rock Titans and Friends: Harrison and Clapton

Posted on May 5, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs by Kenneth Womack and Jason Kruppa 304 pp., $28.99, Chicago Review Press One of rock and roll’s most enduring friendships was between George Harrison and Eric Clapton. From … Continue reading →

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Foghat Celebrates 50 Years of Fast Licks and Slow Rides

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Roger Earl was all of 12 years old when he went through an experience that his tsk-tsking mother said affected his mental condition. That may have been true, but it also set him on a life and career path that, … Continue reading →

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