35 Years Ago: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Smartly Dares to Be Stupid35 Years Ago: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Smartly Dares to Be StupidHe parodies Elton John, the Kinks, Huey Lewis and more on legacy-cementing album. Corey IrwinCorey Irwin
35 Years Ago: ‘Fletch’ Overcomes Decade of Delays35 Years Ago: ‘Fletch’ Overcomes Decade of DelaysThe novel's film rights were purchased in the mid-'70s, but the author didn't like the producer's choice of star until Chevy Chase came along. Dave LiftonDave Lifton
How ZZ Top’s First European Show ‘Lit the Fuse’ for Worldwide FameHow ZZ Top’s First European Show ‘Lit the Fuse’ for Worldwide FameBilly Gibbons recalls 1980 German concert that was broadcast live on TV.Matthew WilkeningMatthew Wilkening
50 Years Ago: Mike Nesmith Buys His Way Out of the Monkees50 Years Ago: Mike Nesmith Buys His Way Out of the MonkeesHe'd already begun recording with his First National Band, drawing upon a deep well of unrecorded songs.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
How Cheap Trick’s ‘I Want You to Want Me’ Almost Didn’t Get a Second ChanceHow Cheap Trick’s ‘I Want You to Want Me’ Almost Didn’t Get a Second ChanceRobin Zander said song's response from audiences had been tepid before breakthrough Tokyo concert.Dave LiftonDave Lifton
How the B-52’s’ ‘Rock Lobster’ Brought John Lennon Back to MusicHow the B-52’s’ ‘Rock Lobster’ Brought John Lennon Back to MusicFormer Beatle ended five-year hiatus moments after hearing New Wave single in a club.Martin KieltyMartin Kielty
30 Years Ago: David Bowie Remixes His Past on ‘Fame ’90’30 Years Ago: David Bowie Remixes His Past on ‘Fame ’90’Legend revised his first No. 1 single 15 years later for new tour and compilation. Michael GallucciMichael Gallucci
How Writing ‘Black Sabbath’ Defined a Band and Its SoundHow Writing ‘Black Sabbath’ Defined a Band and Its SoundEarth was one of many local groups playing blues rock. Then they wrote the track that changed everything.Dave LiftonDave Lifton
20 Years Ago: John Lennon’s FBI File Is Revealed20 Years Ago: John Lennon’s FBI File Is Revealed“Security secrets” hidden since the ‘70s were unveiled after author spent two decades battling for their release.Martin KieltyMartin Kielty
The Troubled Creation of Van Halen’s ‘Amsterdam’The Troubled Creation of Van Halen’s ‘Amsterdam’Clashes over ‘Balance’ track didn’t end in the studio.Martin KieltyMartin Kielty
Joan Jett’s ‘The Hit List’ Turns 30: A Track-by-Track GuideJoan Jett’s ‘The Hit List’ Turns 30: A Track-by-Track GuideJett's 1990 covers album paid tribute to the power of rock, but not every song hit the mark.Patrick MoranPatrick Moran
25 Years Ago: Why Elton John Almost Never Made ‘The Lion King’25 Years Ago: Why Elton John Almost Never Made ‘The Lion King’The soundtrack became a multi-million-selling, Oscar-winning 1994 triumph, but it wasn't easy. Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso