It was the kind of song that seemed to roll out of a dusty highway dream — a smooth voice, a simple guitar, and a van full of freedom. In 1973, singer-songwriter Sammy Johns recorded a track that would take two years to find its moment, but when it did, it became an unexpected anthem for a generation chasing open roads and fleeting romance.
It was the early 1970s, and the air was electric with change. Funk was getting funkier, disco was still finding its feet, and a small vocal group from California was about to drop a tune that would literally rock the boat — and make music history.
Few songs capture the essence of late-’70s disco quite like “Ring My Bell” by Anita Ward. Released in 1979, this sultry, infectious track became a chart-topping sensation, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place as one of disco’s most memorable hits. Though Anita Ward would never replicate its success, “Ring My Bell” remains a timeless dance floor classic, still filling clubs and party playlists decades later.
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Few songs capture the essence of 1970s funk and rock quite like "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry. Released in 1976, this infectious, groove-heavy track became an instant classic, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and leaving an indelible mark on both rock and funk music.
During her acceptance speech while receiving the Hall of Fame award at the Pollstar Awards, Stevie Nicks unexpectedly disclosed that she is working on a new album, a project she is calling, The Ghost Record. Reflecting on the recent California fires, Nicks shared how the isolation during her stay in a hotel while her home was being renovated inspired her to write a series of new songs. “They are not airy, fairy songs that you are wondering who they are about but you don’t really get it,” she said. “They’re real stories of memories of mine of fantastic men,” which includes a song inspired by Prince that brought the project to life. “I thought, ‘You need to go back to work.’ And I did,” Nicks revealed. “And I have seven songs, and they are autobiographical real stories where I’m not pulling any punches for the first time in my life.” This new project will follow Nicks’ last solo album in 2014, 24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault.
After The Who publicly announced that they had parted ways with their longtime drummer Zak Starkey last week, Pete Townshend reversed course in an Instagram post on Saturday (April 19), confirming that Starkey is still the drummer in the band. “News Flash! Who back Zak!,” Townshend wrote. “Zak is not being asked to step down from The Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.” Following a rocky performance at Royal Albert Hall, Townshend stated that Starkey is not being asked to step down but rather work on his drumming style to better fit the band's current sound. “Roger [Daltrey] and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line up and he has readily agreed,” wrote the guitar legend. Starkey, the son of the Beatles icon Ringo Star, took to Instagram to share a photo of Townshend embracing him, with the caption, “V grateful to be a part of the who family Thanks Roger and Pete xx.”
Little River Band co-founder and original bassist Roger McLachlan has passed away at the age of 71 after battling pancreatic cancer. McLachlan, born in 1954 in New Zealand, was known for his musical talent and significant early contributions to the band. He initially joined the group after an agent mentioned they were looking for a bass player, and he went on to play a crucial role in their success, including their Top 30 hit song, "It's a Long Way There,” from 1975's Little River Band. "I arrived for auditions and they start playing and singing and I am pinching myself, because I can't believe how good these guys are,” McLachlan told Riveting Riffs magazine about his try-out. “The rest is history. It just kind of clicked straightaway." McLachlan originally left the group following 1976's After Hours, but he rejoined the band in the late ‘90s. McLachlan had a notable career outside of Little River Band, performing and collaborating with a variety of groups while remaining active in music until his passing. He was also part of 2009's induction class at New Zealand's Southland Musicians Club Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
On Wednesday (April 16), the Who announced that they have decided to part ways with drummer Zak Starkey after nearly three decades in the band. The decision comes just three weeks after the drummer performed with the Who during two shows at London's Royal Albert Hall. Starkey – son of the Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr – joined the Who in 1996, and appeared on albums like 2006’s Endless Wire and 2019’s Who, while performing live with the group for nearly 30 years. “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” said a representative for the band. “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.” Starkey was clearly shocked by the news, releasing a statement saying he was “surprised and saddened” by the announcement, adding, “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.“
On Monday (April 14), Stevie Nicks unveiled the dates and details of her upcoming solo headlining tour, which will intersect with her guest appearances on Billy Joel’s upcoming tour. The 76-year-old rock legend’s tour includes arena dates at nine cities across North America stretching from August to October, with the run beginning in Boston on August 12 and ending in Oklahoma City on October 15. “More solo shows are on the way in 2025 — I can’t wait to share these nights with you ✨,” Nicks wrote in the caption of her Instagram tour announcement. Artist presale begins on Thursday (April 17), with a general on-sale starting on Friday (April 18). “What I wanted to do my whole life was affect people. I love telling my stories on stage,” Nicks said in a 2024 Rolling Stone interview. “That is what makes me happy, and that’s why I’ll never stop touring. Because if I stop touring, then I’ll stop dancing.”
Photographed by Joelle Grace Taylor
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and longtime partner Melanie Hamrick are engaged. The news was confirmed by Hamrick during a recent interview with Paris Match, who disclosed that they have actually been engaged for "two or three years." Despite their happiness in their current life, Hamrick is uncertain about a formal marriage. “Maybe one day we’ll marry, maybe not,” said the 37-year-old former ballerina and choreographer at American Ballet Theatre. “We are so happy in our current life that I would be too afraid to change anything.” The couple, who have been together since 2014, share an eight-year-old son named Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger, frequently featured on Hamrick's Instagram. The 81-year-old Jagger has seven other children from previous relationships with Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall, and Luciana Morad Gimenez.
Pete Best, the original drummer of The Beatles who performed with the band in the early 1960s, has announced his retirement from appearances and performances due to what his daughter calls “personal circumstances." News of Best’s retirement was revealed on X on Saturday (April 5) by the drummer's brother, Roag Best, who shared a photo of the musicians together. "Well what an absolutely wonderful ride we’ve had. However, everything comes to pass,” he wrote. Pete shared Roag’s post, and wrote, “I had a blast. Thank you.” Best, who is often referred to as the "fifth Beatle," made his debut with the band in Hamburg, Germany and was later replaced by Ringo Starr. Despite the harsh circumstances of his departure, Best reflects on his time with the band with no regrets. "I think I’m a lucky guy,” he told The Irish Times in 2020. “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a person, of the examples I’ve set to people to get on with your life, to pick yourself up."
Clem Burke, the renowned drummer for Blondie and influential figure in the New Wave movement, has passed away at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer. Burke joined Blondie in 1975 and contributed to their iconic early albums such as their self-titled debut, Parallel Lines, and Eat to the Beat. Recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest drummers of all time, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s impeccable backbeat and dynamic style set Blondie apart, infusing disco grooves, reggae, and hip-hop into their hits.
During The Who's recent two-night stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall, frontman Roger Daltrey gave the audience an update about his current health status. “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf. I also now have got the joy of going blind,” the 81-year-old singer said. “Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy.” The Who’s performances were part of the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert series, and the rock legends showcased their new stripped-down band, delivering the live debut of “The Song Is Over” and the revival of “Love Ain’t For Keeping” after 21 years of going unplayed. Even with his vision and hearing issues, Daltry is set to kick off his next solo tour in Brighton, England, on April 20, wrapping up the run on August 8 in Margate, England. The Who, meanwhile, have two shows scheduled in Italy on July 20 and 22.
Kevin Cronin will be absent from the REO Speedwagon “retrospective” reunion concert in the band’s hometown of Champaign, Illinois on June 14th, citing a scheduling conflict with his current solo tour with Styx. The charity concert will feature founding member Neal Doughty, bassist Bruce Hall, early REO drummer Alan Gratzer, guitarist Steve Scorfina, rhythm guitarist Mike Murphy, and original frontman Terry Luttrell, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. In a Facebook comment, Cronin – who replaced Luttrell as REO’s frontman in 1972 – said: “I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in-person. I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this. After all I have done to help build the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I feel I have earned and deserve to be included in any event honoring that legacy. Instead, I have been knowingly excluded.” This absence comes after reported rifts caused the band to stop touring, with Cronin forced to be billed as a “former lead singer/songwriter” on his upcoming tour with Styx.
Shimon Karmel
