Brian May, the co-founder and guitarist of Queen, grew up in an era deeply shaped by The Beatles’ musical revolution. Their debut album 1963 marked a turning point in music history, sparking a movement Brian witnessed as a teenager. In 1970, as The Beatles disbanded, Brian embarked on his own musical journey with Queen.

Despite The Beatles primarily featuring John Lennon and Paul McCartney as songwriters, George Harrison’s contributions were notable. Brian May, a huge admirer of Harrison’s work, revealed his favorite Harrison song: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” This track, from The Beatles’ “white album,” showcases Harrison’s songwriting prowess and emotional depth.

Harrison’s talent extended beyond The Beatles, earning acclaim for his solo career. Brian May, deeply inspired by Harrison’s courage and gentle approach, considers him an inspiration in the music world.

In 2013, Brian May and singer Kerry Ellis released a live album titled “Acoustic by Candlelight,” featuring covers and original songs. Their rendition of “Something,” another classic by George Harrison, highlighted May’s admiration for Harrison’s quiet yet profound contributions to music.

Despite his admiration for The Beatles, Brian May never had the opportunity to see them live. His parents, viewing pop concerts skeptically, never allowed him to attend, a regret he shares but also acknowledges the magical influence The Beatles had on his teenage years and the music of the ’60s.

Eddie Van Halen stands as a guitar legend, a rare talent in a league of his own. Back in the era dominated by Jimi Hendrix’s legacy, Eddie emerged as a unique force, crafting guitar licks that seemed to invent a new language on the instrument. His mastery of scale shapes, especially the blues scale, formed the basis of his iconic style, later enhanced by his groundbreaking tapping techniques.

This innovation shook the music world, inspiring awe and, at times, frustration as imitators sought to replicate his genius. Amidst this fervor, Joe Satriani, already a guitar virtuoso in his own right, stood out. Teaching in California and shaping future talents like Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Satriani’s prowess was undeniable.

When the opportunity arose, Satriani joined forces with Sammy Hagar to form the supergroup Chickenfoot. Despite the whimsical name, their musical prowess was no joke, with Satriani’s blazing leads complementing Hagar’s vocals and Chad Smith’s rock-solid grooves.

Hagar, no stranger to guitar legends having worked with Van Halen, praised Satriani as possibly the world’s best guitarist and a prolific songwriter. Satriani’s ability to churn out timeless tracks without the backing of a Van Halen or Hagar-like frontman speaks volumes about his talent and creativity.

Satriani’s admiration for Eddie’s influence is evident, even as he expands upon it in pieces like ‘Midnight,’ showcasing his own unique approach to guitar mastery. Yet, Satriani’s reverence for Van Halen’s legacy remains, acknowledging the debt owed to Eddie’s groundbreaking contributions to rock and roll.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, the renowned American musician and singer-songwriter, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in rock music history. His influence on subsequent generations of musicians is profound, as they continue to honor his legacy by incorporating his style and contributions into their own music. Unlike many artists who rely on flashy stage antics and appearances, Vaughan’s focus was always on the music itself, driven by his passion and connection to the art form.

“Tightrope”

One of Vaughan’s standout solos can be found in the song “Tightrope” from his final studio album. Here, he skillfully utilizes silence and timing to evoke intense emotions, complemented by a repeating progression that adds depth and intensity to the piece.

“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”

In his rendition of “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” originally by Jimi Hendrix, Vaughan pays homage to the original while infusing his unique precision and style. His ability to hit every note with impeccable timing distinguishes his version and showcases his mastery of the instrument.

“Little Sister”

Even in more straightforward tracks like “Little Sister,” Vaughan’s professionalism shines through. During a live performance where a string broke mid-solo, he seamlessly continued playing, demonstrating his composure and skill under pressure.

“Texas Flood (Live At El Mocambo)”

In “Texas Flood (Live At El Mocambo),” Vaughan delivers an emotionally charged extended solo, showcasing both his technical prowess and heartfelt passion for the music.

“Lenny”

One of Vaughan’s most touching compositions, “Lenny,” was inspired by his wife and the meaningful gift of a Fender Stratocaster. This track highlights Vaughan’s versatility, blending gentleness with raw emotion, and reflects his deep connection to his music and loved ones.

Jon Bon Jovi recently spoke about Bruce Springsteen’s crucial role in recovering from vocal cord surgery. After facing vocal issues threatening his career, Bon Jovi underwent surgery to restore his voice. During this challenging time, Springsteen provided not just friendship but also much-needed support.

Bon Jovi’s Battle with Vocal Cord Issues

The Bon Jovi frontman detailed the seriousness of his condition, which left one of his vocal cords significantly smaller, affecting his singing ability. Despite the setback, he remained hopeful about returning to performing. In interviews, he expressed his determination to get back on stage, aiming for extensive tours once his recovery is complete.

A Documentary on Bon Jovi’s Journey

An upcoming docuseries called ‘Thank You, Goodnight’ will delve into Bon Jovi’s recovery journey, starting from his vocal cord surgery. Scheduled for release on April 26, the series promises to shed light on his struggles and resilience during this period.

Springsteen’s Support Through It All

Springsteen’s support during Bon Jovi’s recovery was crucial. Their friendship was evident as Springsteen would visit Bon Jovi regularly, taking him on drives to lift his spirits. Bon Jovi emphasized the emotional strength this support provided during his toughest moments.

Bon Jovi’s Continued Journey

Despite the challenges, Bon Jovi remains focused on his music career. His upcoming album and hit single showcase his determination to keep creating music. With Springsteen’s friendship and encouragement, Bon Jovi is on a path to full recovery and returning to the stage stronger than ever.

American rock icon Bruce Springsteen recently shared his journey battling peptic ulcer disease, a painful condition that affected his ability to perform. Known for hits like ‘Born to Run,’ Springsteen opened up about the challenges he faced and his eventual comeback.

Peptic ulcer disease caused Springsteen intense abdominal pain, making it excruciating to sing from his diaphragm. This led to the postponement of some of his tour dates as he struggled with the physical toll. Even the usual adrenaline rush of live performances couldn’t mask his discomfort.

For months, Springsteen couldn’t sing at all, describing it as a dark period. The uncertainty of whether he would ever recover and perform again weighed heavily on him. However, with reassurance from others and a resolve to push through, he eventually regained his strength.

Springsteen’s return to the stage in Phoenix and Las Vegas marked a triumphant comeback. Despite the setbacks, he delighted fans with his timeless classics and showed that nothing could keep him away from what he loves most. His resilience and passion shine through as he continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

At the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, fans of classic rock got a special surprise from John Paul Jones, the legendary bassist of Led Zeppelin. Jones made a grand entrance by emerging from underneath the stage, captivating the audience with the haunting notes of “Your Time Is Gonna Come” played on the pipe organ. It was a moment that transported everyone back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.

Switching things up, Jones then sat at the piano and delivered a powerful rendition of “No Quarter,” a timeless track from Led Zeppelin’s iconic 1973 album, Houses of the Holy. Throughout the performance, Jones showcased his versatility by seamlessly moving between instruments, giving fans a taste of Led Zeppelin’s diverse sound.

From the twang of the lap steel guitar in “When the Levee Breaks” to the soulful strains of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” on the piano, Jones demonstrated his musical talent with ease. He also delighted the audience with collaborations, including sets with acclaimed cellist Anssi Karttunen and former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore.

Although it had been some time since Jones’s last solo performance, his occasional appearances with Them Crooked Vultures alongside Dave Grohl and Josh Homme had kept fans eagerly anticipating his return to the stage. As the final chords of Led Zeppelin’s classics faded away, the crowd was left buzzing with excitement, once again reminded of Jones’s enduring legacy as a rock icon.

During their wild tours, Led Zeppelin had a unique way of getting ready for their shows. Instead of the usual routine, they had a person who provided them with cocaine. This person had a special ritual: first, she used her finger to give them coke, then they sniffed cherry snuff, and finally, she touched their noses with Dom Perignon 1966. It was part of the band’s reputation for wild parties and bad behavior both on and off stage, which became legendary. Lead singer Robert Plant confirmed this in an interview with music writer Lisa Robinson in 1973, mentioning how they always went all out in everything they did.

After Led Zeppelin split in 1980, Plant started his solo career. As he got older, he changed his pre-show rituals to prepare for performances. Nowadays, you might find him sipping herbal tea and carefully ironing his clothes before going on stage. It might not be the typical rock ‘n’ roll routine, but Plant believes these simple rituals help him give unforgettable performances for his fans.

Unlike some other rock stars who make big requests before shows, Plant kept it simple. He didn’t ask for extravagant things like Paul McCartney, who wants specific plants backstage. “I’ve never really been one for diva demands,” Plant said in an interview. “We were always too busy having a good time to get hung up about anything… I don’t go in for all that nonsense.”

Instead, Plant only asks for an ironing board and iron backstage. “I find ironing helps get me in the mood before I perform,” he explained. In the past, he used to wear tight bell-bottom jeans and not much else, so ironing wasn’t a big deal. But now, with his new stage look, including patterned shirts and less tight pants, good ironing is necessary to look sharp.

Since Led Zeppelin disbanded, Robert Plant has explored different musical styles, moving away from the heavy sound of his former band. He’s tried everything from bluegrass to art rock, collaborating with artists like Alison Krauss. He also made significant changes in his personal life, quitting drugs and cigarettes. Reflecting on his past struggles with cocaine, Plant admitted its negative impact on his well-being but credited his fortune for breaking free from its grip.

In a special reunion concert in 2007, Led Zeppelin members came together, marking a poignant occasion. The band’s requests were modest, preferring simple comforts like cups of tea backstage. This shift reflected their maturity and a more relaxed approach compared to their earlier days of excess. Amidst it all, one can picture Robert Plant, ensuring his shirt remained perfectly pressed, a testament to his new era of preparation and performance.

Despite being one of the most successful songwriting teams in history, John Lennon and Paul McCartney had their fair share of ups and downs, like many popular rock bands.

Lennon was upfront about which songs he liked and disliked, but McCartney rarely criticized his own work. He preferred to focus on the positive moments in his career, brushing off the less impressive ones as part of the journey.

However, there were exceptions, like during the recording of The Beatles‘ “White Album” and the song “Revolution.” McCartney, known for embracing new sounds, found the dissonance in this song overwhelming.

Moving forward, McCartney faced another challenge during the recording of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” for the Abbey Road album. The song took a heavier direction, with an extended fadeout featuring swirling white noise that almost drowned out the central riff. McCartney reportedly disliked this change.

The tension was palpable in the studio as Lennon insisted on keeping the white noise, reminiscent of the earlier “Revolution” session where McCartney had similar reservations. This discord reflected a broader shift in Lennon’s desire to push The Beatles into avant-garde territory.

Despite these differences, Abbey Road became a landmark album for The Beatles, released in 1969 as their last recorded work together. It showcased their meticulous craftsmanship and intricate musical arrangements, marking a departure from their earlier “live” approach.

The album’s cover, featuring the iconic zebra crossing photo, became instantly recognizable. Upon its release, Abbey Road topped the charts in both the UK and the US, cementing its place in music history as a masterpiece from the legendary band.

In the years following Abbey Road, The Beatles underwent significant changes. Their final album, Let It Be, was primarily recorded in early 1969 but released in 1970 alongside the film of the same name. This album and film documented the tensions within the band and their eventual breakup.

Despite their differences, The Beatles’ legacy endures, with their music continuing to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. Abbey Road remains a timeless symbol of their creativity and innovation in the world of rock music.