Rob Smith

A look back at the music, films, news, and pop culture that made the summer of 1988 a unique season in history.

Warren Haynes and band return with Billy Gibbons, Billy Bob Thornton and more quality blues rock.

First album in 15 years from Boston rockers makes up for lost time.

First, he had to reconnect with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and his classic-era band.

George Clinton's band fit a broad vision into shorter songs, coming up with a classic.

Thirty-five years after debut, New York hard rockers, original lineup still intact, return with seventh LP.

Why they never achieved the multiplatinum heights of Scorpions or Quiet Riot is a mystery.

They wanted a freak show, they wanted boobs. They got a sanitized carnival ride.

With David Foster producing, San Francisco art rockers created their biggest album and hit single, "She's a Beauty."

They'd established a fan base between coasts but had been largely ignored in hotspots like New York or Los Angeles.

How could something this awesome escape the attention of a wider audience? Because he hates it.

These tracks changed the game for hard rock in 1983.