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!

Miles Copeland Remembers the Police, Go-Go’s, Bangles, & Timbuk 3 in Memoir

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Miles Copeland II was a longtime CIA operative in the Middle East and involved in all sorts of secretive spy missions from the 1940s through the ‘60s. And his son—Miles A. Copeland III—often had to use similarly delicate skills and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bangles, Books, Go-Go's, Police | Leave a comment

Dennis DeYoung Wraps Up Recording Career with Nostalgic Yet Timely Release

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

He thought he was done making new music. Finito. End of the Road. When Dennis DeYoung released what he was calling 26 East last year, he fully expected it to be his final studio album in a long and storied … Continue reading →

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Styx Rocks Again While Heading (on Purpose!) Into a Crash

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

It’s 8:30 a.m. in Houston when Lawrence Gowan calls from his home in Toronto, Canada, which is a decidedly un rock-and-roll time for an interview. And even more so when the singer/keyboardist for Styx says he’s been up since 6:30 … Continue reading →

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Mercy, Mercy She: A Groupie’s Wild Child Story

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, Mercy Fontenot was anything but a shrinking violet. In her alter ego as “Miss Mercy” – sporting distinctive raccoon eye makeup and dressed in layers of flowing gypsy clothes of lace, leopard prints, … Continue reading →

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Jack Blades of Night Ranger Says You Can Still Rock in America—Even in a Pandemic!

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Note: This article originally appeared in May 2021. As live concerts slowly start up again and bands cautiously plot summer and fall tours, it may be hard to tell who will be more excited: those standing in front of the … Continue reading →

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Ric Lee Still Drumming Away…55 Years After!

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

For more than a year now, musicians unable to play live shows have been forced to utilize virtual venues, performing everything from solo acoustic shows filmed with a shaky iPhone to full-blown professionally shot band concerts on large stages. It … Continue reading →

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Former Grand Funker Mark Farner Offers Up His Chile Recipe

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

As the former lead singer/guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad, Mark Farner’s voice and playing have been classic rock staples on stereo systems and radio for more than 50 years. Tracks he wrote or covered include “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Bad … Continue reading →

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Richie Furay is Still DeLIVErin’ Country Rock After 50 Years

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Located in West Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard, the Troubadour is not only one of the most storied live music nightclubs in the U.S., but holds a crucial place in  the development of California music in the 1960s & 70s. … Continue reading →

Posted in Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Richie Furay | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hair Metal Years Revealed in Massive Oral History

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Come with us, children, back to the magical, mystical land of the 1980’s. Where for a brief but shining span of time the hair was high, the riffs were righteous, the lead singers preening, the flashpots fiery, the colors popping, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Hair Metal | Leave a comment

Dio-Era Black Sabbath Records Get Bonus-Laden Reissues

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Bob Ruggiero

With all due admiration and respect for the guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists, and theremin players out there, it’s not for no reason that the lead vocalist is called the “front man” of a band. From their position at center stage, … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio | 1 Comment