There were the reunion rumors, and even actual reunions. There were the new releases, reissues and collectors editions of CDs, DVDs and vinyl LPs. There were hopeful beginnings and tragic endings. Like every year, 2008 has been nothing if not interesting for fans of classic rock.
Old Bands, New Music
AC/DC released a new album in 2008 - Courtesy Epic Records
Several stalwarts released new music in 2008, led by AC/DC's Black Ice (review), Queen + Paul Rodgers with The Cosmos Rocks and Def Leppard's Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (review). Hard rock fans got new releases from Whitesnake (Good To Be Bad - review) and Uriah Heep (Wake The Sleeper - review). Supergroup Asia rose from the ashes with Phoenix (review). Steve Lukather marked the breakup of his venerable band, Toto, with a new solo album, Ever Changing Times (review). Bob Dylan gave us Tell Tale Signs (review), the latest in his bootleg series.
Let's Get Together (or not)
Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton enjoy an onstage moment - Photo by Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images
They had so much fun playing the 2007 Crossroads Festival, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood decided to get together for a series of concerts in 2008 (review). Yes got together (without original vocalist Jon Anderson) for an anniversary tour. The possibility of a reunion of surviving members of Led Zeppelin dissolved with Robert Plant's decision not to participate. Surviving original members of Faces announced firm plans for a 2009 tour. Ray Davies of The Kinks talked a lot about a reunion of his group, but other band members (notably, his estranged brother, Dave) didn't express much mutual interest. Icons of the classic rock culture, Cheech & Chong decided to bury past differences and reunite for one last "Hey, What's That Smell?" tour.
Paying Tribute
Les Paul, American Music Master - Photo by Scott Wintrow / Getty Images
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame paid tribute to Les Paul (aka the father of the electric guitar) with an American Music Master award and tribute concert. The Rock Hall also opened its first "branch office" in 2008, Rock Hall Annex NYC. Brick and mortar music retailers paid tribute to a dying breed with Record Store Day on April 19. Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, AC/DC, Rush and Eagles topped the list of classic rockers who were nominated for GRAMMY awards.
Let's Talk
Ian Anderson talked about Jethro Tull at 40 - Photo by Sean Gallup / Getty Images
Among our favorite interviews of 2008: Steve Winwood talked thoughtfully about his career, past and present; Ray Manzarek recalled his days with The Doors; Ian Anderson reflected on Jethro Tull's 40th anniversary; Todd Rundgren talked about the political theme of his latest album; Rich Williams of Kansas talked about keeping the band's music alive and fresh; and Candice Night discussed her musical and marital partnership with former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
Last Goodbyes
Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright was among those we lost in 2008 - Photo by MJ Kim / Getty Images
Mike Smith, lead singer for Dave Clark Five, died of pneumonia just a few days before DC5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Danny Federici, longtime member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band lost his battle with melanoma at age 58. Rick Wright, keyboardist and founding member of Pink Floyd, died of cancer. Rush's original drummer, John Rutsey died of a heart attack. Buddy Miles, drummer for Jimi Hendrix, died of heart failure. Keyboardist Merle Saunders, a fixture in the San Francisco rock scene in the late '60s and early '70s died of complications from a stroke. Mitch Mitchell, who was Hendrix's drummer before Miles, died just a few days after the end of the 2008 Experience Hendrix tour.
