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Rock

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Classic rock fans were in for an unforgettable night at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, when Led Zeppelin’s iconic bassist and multi-instrumentalist, John Paul Jones, took the stage to deliver a mesmerizing performance that bridged the past and present.

With dramatic flair, Jones made a striking entrance, rising from beneath the stage as the haunting notes of “Your Time Is Gonna Come” echoed from his pipe organ. The audience was instantly transported back to rock’s golden age, wrapped in nostalgia but ready for something new.

Seamlessly transitioning to the piano, Jones delivered a hauntingly powerful version of “No Quarter,” the atmospheric classic from Led Zeppelin’s 1973 Houses of the Holy. Throughout the set, he kept things fresh, switching effortlessly between instruments. From the gritty twang of the lap steel guitar on “When the Levee Breaks” to the soulful piano strains of “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” Jones showcased his remarkable versatility, reminding fans of the depth and range that made Led Zeppelin legendary.

But the night wasn’t just about revisiting old favorites. Jones brought a modern edge to the set, performing new material from his recent collaborations. He shared the stage with acclaimed cellist Anssi Karttunen and experimental guitarist Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth fame, blending rock roots with bold, avant-garde sounds that pushed musical boundaries.

Though Jones hasn’t embarked on many solo tours in recent years, his work with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures has kept fans eager for more.

As the final notes faded and the crowd roared in appreciation, it was clear that John Paul Jones hadn’t just revisited his past—he’d redefined it, proving that his musical journey is still very much alive and evolving.

In 1994, fourteen years after the tragic passing of Led Zeppelin’s powerhouse drummer, John Bonham, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant reunited—not to bask in nostalgia, but to forge a daring new musical path. The spark for this reunion came from an invitation to perform on MTV’s iconic Unplugged series. Yet, determined to break free from the shadows of their legendary past, Page and Plant chose a fresh direction, notably excluding bassist John Paul Jones from the project. They aptly named it Unledded, signaling both a departure from Zeppelin’s legacy and a leap into uncharted sonic territory.

Unledded became a groundbreaking fusion of East and West, blending reimagined Led Zeppelin classics with global sounds. The duo collaborated with an Egyptian orchestra, an Indian vocalist, and the London Metropolitan Orchestra, layering their iconic songs with lush, cinematic textures. But the project’s true soul emerged in Marrakesh, Morocco, where Page and Plant delved deep into the rich musical traditions of the Gnawa—a group descended from sub-Saharan Africans brought to Morocco as slaves centuries ago.

These sessions birthed three mesmerizing new tracks, created in collaboration with local Gnawa musicians. Their hypnotic rhythms, played on the traditional guembri and punctuated by metallic castanets, brought an earthy, bluesy pulse that echoed the rawness of the Mississippi Delta. “We’d never met the Gnawa when we went there,” Plant recalled in a 1994 interview. “But they were very patient, and smiling is a great currency.”

Gnawa music, rooted in spiritual healing and prayer, resonated deeply with Plant. “They play a kind of music which is much more akin to the music of the Mississippi Delta than it is to do with Arab music,” he reflected. “It’s haunting, seductive, and quite alluring.”

Through Unledded, Page and Plant didn’t just revisit their past—they transcended it, weaving together diverse musical threads to create something entirely original, soulful, and timeless.

On June 28, 2014, former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant took the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm, Pilton, England, delivering a powerful and emotional set alongside his band, the Sensational Space Shifters.

Blending his gritty blues style with iconic Led Zeppelin classics, Plant offered the crowd a fresh yet nostalgic experience. Despite decades of legendary performances under his belt, Plant appeared genuinely moved and humbled by the audience’s overwhelming response, especially during electrifying renditions of “Whole Lotta Love” and “Rock and Roll.”

The setlist was a heartfelt nod to his Zeppelin roots, featuring fan favorites like “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” “Black Dog,” “What Is and What Should Never Be,” “Going to California,” and more. Each song carried a raw emotional edge, breathing new life into the classics and leaving many in the crowd on the verge of tears.

Glastonbury, the world’s second-largest outdoor music festival, is renowned not only for its stellar musical acts but also for its vibrant blend of dance, comedy, theater, and circus performances. Amidst this eclectic celebration, Plant’s performance stood out as a poignant reminder of his enduring influence and his ability to connect deeply with fans, old and new.

On Friday, June 28, rock fans in Las Vegas got an unforgettable surprise when Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler joined Paul McCartney on stage during the encore at T-Mobile Arena. McCartney, currently touring North America in support of his 2018 album Egypt Station, welcomed Tyler to perform The Beatles’ 1968 classic “Helter Skelter.”

Introducing the guest, McCartney told the crowd, “We have a special guest for you: Mr. Steven Tyler,” before the duo launched into a fiery rendition of the iconic track, trading vocals and adding an improvised outro.

Tyler was already in Vegas for Aerosmith’s Deuces Are Wild residency at the Park Theater, and the moment was even more special given Aerosmith’s history with “Helter Skelter”—they recorded their own version during the 1975 Toys in the Attic sessions, later releasing it in 1991 on Pandora’s Box. The song has also been a staple in their live performances.

After the show, Tyler posted a clip of the performance on Instagram with the simple caption: “NEED I SAY MORE?”—and really, he didn’t.

On June 3, 2002, Buckingham Palace hosted an unforgettable musical moment during the “Party at the Palace,” a grand celebration marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 50 years on the throne. A stellar lineup of music icons, including Brian May, Paul McCartney, Roger Taylor, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, and others, united to perform The Beatles’ timeless anthem, “All You Need Is Love.”

This powerful tribute not only celebrated John Lennon’s enduring influence but also paid homage to late music legends like George Harrison and Freddie Mercury. Originally written by Lennon, “All You Need Is Love” made history on June 25, 1967, when it was broadcast live via satellite during the “Our World” program—reaching over 400 million viewers across 25 countries, the first global live performance of its kind.

In 2013, John Fogerty, the iconic frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, released the album Wrote a Song for Everyone, a collaborative project featuring reimagined versions of his classic songs alongside various renowned artists. One standout track from this album is a duet with Bob Seger on the timeless song “Who’ll Stop the Rain.”

Originally penned by Fogerty, “Who’ll Stop the Rain” was released in 1970 as part of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s album Cosmo’s Factory. The song has been interpreted as a reflection on the turbulent events of the era, including the Vietnam War and societal unrest. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists, but the collaboration between Fogerty and Seger brings a unique blend of their distinctive vocal styles to the track.

Wrote a Song for Everyone features Fogerty teaming up with a diverse lineup of musicians, including Foo Fighters, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Urban, to revisit his extensive catalog. The album received critical acclaim for its fresh takes on classic songs, with Rolling Stone ranking it among the 50 best albums of 2013.

The duet with Bob Seger on “Who’ll Stop the Rain” stands out as a highlight, showcasing the synergy between two legendary rock voices and offering a renewed rendition of a song that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original release.

At 90 years old, Adele Springsteen proved she’s still got the moves when she joined her son, Bruce Springsteen, for a heartwarming moment at Madison Square Garden. The rock legend was performing a sold-out show when he spotted his mom in the crowd and took a break from his performance of “Ramrod” to dance with her.

While Bruce rocked out with his iconic energy, his mom Adele was right there, shaking her hips to the music. The crowd went wild as they saw her on the big screen, dancing along with her son. Bruce even kissed her and joked, “She’s still got the moves!” before returning to the stage to finish his jam.

This touching moment shows just how close the Springsteens are, despite the struggles Bruce faced with his father growing up. Adele has always been Bruce’s biggest supporter, even helping him launch his career by buying him his first guitar at 16.

Throughout Bruce’s career, Adele has been a familiar face at his East Coast shows and has even joined him on stage before. At 90, she continues to enjoy life and rock out with her son, creating unforgettable memories for both of them and the audience.

During the star-studded 30th Anniversary Rainforest Foundation Benefit concert, Bruce Springsteen closed the show with one of rock’s most iconic songs, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

In a memorable moment, Sting introduced the finale, recalling a conversation with Bruce: “I asked him, ‘What do you want to close with?’ He responded, ‘This song,’ and I said, ‘I don’t know that song.’ He replied, ‘Everyone in the country knows it but you.’”

The event took place on December 12, 2019, at the Beacon Theater in NYC, bringing together a legendary lineup that included Lady Gaga, Shirley Bassey, Debbie Harry, Annie Lennox, John Mellencamp, D.M.C., Ricky Martin, Shaggy, and many others. Robert Downey Jr. hosted the unforgettable night, which was filled with 80s nostalgia and electrifying performances.

Aerosmith, one of rock’s most iconic bands, has long been defined by the wild energy and electrifying performances of its frontman, Steven Tyler, and guitarist, Joe Perry. The two are often referred to as the “Toxic Twins” due to their notorious antics in the 1970s, marked by a love for excess that included wild partying, throwing hotel TVs into pools, and a reputation for out-of-control behavior.

Their rock-and-roll lifestyle became almost as famous as their music, often overshadowing their brilliance. Despite the chaos, they went on to create iconic albums like Get a Grip and Nine Lives, securing their legacy in rock history. Their bond, though tested by tumultuous moments, has remained one of the band’s key strengths, and they continue to perform with their original lineup after over four decades.

In a recent interview, the chemistry between Tyler and Perry is still palpable, with Tyler’s eccentricity humorously annoying Perry at times. Perry quips, “Steven, you’re not a well individual,” while Tyler playfully introduces themselves as “the toxic twins” in classic fashion.

Though their days of wild antics are behind them, the duo’s legendary status remains untouchable. Aerosmith’s enduring bond and powerful rock legacy continue to inspire, proving that sometimes, the craziest journeys lead to the most unforgettable memories. As Tyler says, “We’ve got everything you need for a backstage boogie with the toxic twins!”

During her Las Vegas show, Adele had a special moment with a music legend that left the audience in awe. While performing “When We Were Young,” the singer walked through the crowd, beaming and greeting fans. But when she spotted Paul McCartney in the audience, she paused to share a warm embrace with the iconic Beatle, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The touching moment, captured by a fellow concertgoer, shows Adele exchanging a knowing look with McCartney before leaning over to hug him. The emotional encounter quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments to celebrate the rare display of camaraderie.

Many fans expressed their joy, with one writing, “Wow, great to see them hugging!!!” and another calling Adele “such a sweet soul.” One user remarked, “Wow, historical,” while another declared, “Adele is probably the greatest woman to touch a mic.”

Both Adele and McCartney have made their mark in music history, with a combined 34 Grammys between them—18 for Adele and 16 for McCartney—making them the most awarded UK artists in Grammy history. This moment was a beautiful reflection of the respect and friendship shared between two of the world’s most iconic musicians.