Author Archives: Bob Ruggiero

Unknown's avatar

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!

From Genesis to Circus: All Sides of Steve Hackett PROGress 

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

As a member of Genesis (the “first” version), collaborator and prolific solo artist, guitarist Steve Hackett is a certified Prog Rock legend. He’s also in an interesting place to both celebrate his musical successes of the past 50+ years both … Continue reading →

Posted in Genesis, Steve Hackett | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Mother and a “Mama”—Cass Elliot Remembered by Her Daughter

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

Owen Elliot-Kugell was only seven years old when her mother died unexpectedly. And though her mom’s birth certificate read “Ellen Naomi Cohen,” fans around the world knew the woman with the powerhouse voice and buoyant stage presence by another name: … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Mamas and the Papas | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Michael McDonald Remembers Steely Dan, Doobies and Motown Soul in Memoir

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

He possesses one of the most recognizable voices in Classic Rock. A voice that stretches from a rich, buttery and slightly grizzly baritone to a piercing howl of a tenor. And he’s a pretty damn good songwriter and keyboardist as … Continue reading →

Posted in Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Blue Öyster Cult Resurrect Tapes of the Past To Tell Ghost Stories

Posted on September 15, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

The movie monster that they’re most associated with—name checked in the title one of their most recognizable tunes—is Godzilla. But the new studio album from venerable Classic Rockers Blue Öyster Cult takes inspiration from a different sort of cinematic creature: … Continue reading →

Posted in Blue Oyster Cult | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Country Rock Thrives with Gene Clark and Flying Burrito Brothers for Record Store Day

Posted on August 4, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

As a founding member of the Byrds, Gene Clark was folk rock royalty. Onstage, he usually stood center, leaning into his microphone while occasionally shaking a tambourine. Though his well-built physicality, near-bowl haircut and cool inscrutability instantly drew the eye. … Continue reading →

Posted in Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Gene Clark, Reissues | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Martin Barre’s History Class: Jethro Tull 101

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

In the Canon of Classic Rock Warhorse Songs, there are those with instantly recognizable guitar intros (think “Smoke on the Water” or “Iron Man”) or solos (think “Freebird” or “Comfortably Numb”). But an even smaller class boasts both of those … Continue reading →

Posted in Jethro Tull | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Southern Rockers The Atlanta Rhythm Section Pick a Peachy Biography

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

They are never mentioned in the same breath as “Southern Rock” contemporaries like the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band, or Molly Hatchet. They did not have an extroverted lead singer, and many casual fans would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlanta Rhythm Section, Books | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Fender (String) Bender Dave Mason Starts a Traffic Jam

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

If Houstonians of all races, creeds, colors, political beliefs, Spotify playlists and Wordle skill levels can agree on one thing, it’s that traffic jams suck. Unless of course, the “Traffic Jam” is the umbrella title of a tour by Classic … Continue reading →

Posted in Dave Mason, Traffic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Rolling Stones Open Hackney Diamonds Tour in Houston: My Review!

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

The venerable Classic Rockers opened their 16-city/19-show North American Hackney Diamonds tour right here in my hometown of Houston at NRG Stadium. I was very honored to get an assignment to cover it for Uncut, the great UK magazine/website. Click … Continue reading →

Posted in Concerts, Rolling Stones | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Dissects the Music—and Madness—of A-List Classic Rock Drummer Jim Gordon

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

He was arguably rock’s greatest drummer, or at least on the short list. An inventive percussionist who lifted about everything he played on, he often came up with his drum licks, beats and fills on the spot in the studio … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments