Classic Rock

Rock 'n' roll is frequently loud, often rebellious, and occasionally revolutionary, but it takes something truly special to be anointed a classic. That designation is often reserved for artists famous enough to be referred to by one name: The Stones, Creedence, Janis, Dylan, Zeppelin. Most music within this exclusive club has its roots in the vivid counterculture of the late ‘60s, but classic rock's definition isn’t limited by date: this is a ever-expanding, decades-spanning playlist that includes the free-range psychedelia of ‘60s Grateful Dead, the streamlined ‘70s cool of Fleetwood Mac, the ‘80s urban romanticism of Bruce Springsteen, and more recent hits from the likes of Mötley Crüe. The heartland rockers, intrepid prog rock explorers, introspective singer/songwriters, and fist-pumping hard rock heavyweights who occupy the club may seem like a disparate (and disheveled) bunch, but they all have a spark that has endured as a classic. The term "classic rock" first came into play in the early '80s as a radio format for stations dedicated to keeping the vibrant spirit of the '60s and '70s rock on the airwaves. Over time—as the genre and its audience aged—the umbrella term began to include a healthy dose of '80s and even early-‘90s rockers (Def Leppard, Pat Benatar, and Billy Squier are all staples of the genre today). Today, while the classic rock cocktail is still heavy on a vintage mix of big riffs and glorious excesses of days gone by, new initiates are constantly joining the ranks. As long as it's rooted in good ol' rock 'n' roll, with riffs that make you scramble for your air guitar and grooves you can feel in your gut, you can call it classic rock.