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!

Patrick Simmons Keeps the Ultimate Doobie Party Going While Eyeing New Material

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

In 2020, the Doobie Brothers were all set to launch a massive tour celebrating 50 years since their founding. And it would be marked in a special way with a lineup featuring both co-founding singer/guitarist Tom Johnston with his replacement, … Continue reading →

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Gary Puckett and the Union Gap Make a Southern Stand

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

When they burst onto the national music scene in 1967, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap had a signature sound, anchored by the very distinctive voice of its lead singer. They also had a visual trademark in their Civil War-era … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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