Arun Starkey

Former Deep Purple man Ritchie Blackmore has interesting opinions. This includes his favourite band of all time, a highly surprising group he deems "the best".

With 'LOWER' his first new album in seven years, Benjamin Booker releases what is arguably his masterwork, a dream-like masterclass and marriage of forms.

Rush frontman Geddy Lee speaks extensively about his influences. He once said one classic album "embodies" the best things about rock 'n' roll.

With Bob Dylan all the rage once more thanks to 'A Complete Unknown', an early draft of 'Mr. Tambourine Man' has sold for over $500,000 at auction.

On her debut album, 'You Are The Morning', jasmine.4.t sincerely charts her experience as a trans woman, while backing her poetry up with stunning music.

Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra is an outspoken defender of social justice. He once explained why he hates physical education.

The Velvet Underground pioneer Lou Reed was always a misanthrope. He once banned a well-meaning and surprising artist from covering 'Perfect Day'.

Following her win at the Golden Globes 2025, Jodie Foster praised streaming sites for "the most exciting narrative filmmaking right now".

Nirvana might have mastered potent melodies, but they were also adept at conjuring sheer brutality. Kurt Cobain and the band composed some punishing tracks.

The world of indie has produced many great guitar riffs over the years, but there can only be one winner, and that is 'This Charming Man' by The Smiths.

Former Pink Floyd leader David Gilmour is fully aware of the power of collaboration, and once worked with a prison choir for more than just musical reasons.

Tony Iommi has written many legendary riffs for Black Sabbath, yet there is one that stands out for him as he instantly knew it was a classic.

Joe Walsh has his name to many classic songs with and without Eagles, but one of his best is a solo effort about the life of a rockstar.

DIIV are one of the most influential groups of this century. Breaking out in the early 2010s, Zachary Cole Smith's outfit came to define a generation.

Musicians are no stranger to the struggle. Some famous musicians, including Kurt Cobain and Sly Stone have even experienced homelessness.

Green Day and Mike Dirnt are big fans of David Bowie. The punk bass player once outlined why his favourite album by the late Londoner is "perfect".

Canadian legend Joni Mitchell has never been afraid to speak her mind. She once described what she sees as the dumbest and most "vanilla" period of rock.

After Johnny Rotten left the Sex Pistols, he was quick to move on, slamming the first wave of punk as "fascist". It maybe explains his politics today.

Eagles songwriter Glenn Frey was no stranger to delving into pop culture for inspiration. One classic song is about the man he deemed the "first rock casualty".

Rush were always an exemplary band for many reasons. According to frontman Geddy Lee, there was one simple, but key "secret" to their success.