“The engineer managed to erase 13 seconds of the take. We thought our lives were over.” Jim Peterik reveals the surprising story behind “Vehicle,” the Ides of March hit that broke records on its way to the top

Written by the future “Eye of the Tiger” composer, the 1970 smash became the fastest-breaking single in Warner Bros. history — even though the band thought it was a throwaway.

* This article was originally published here

“He needed to drink to socialize.” Ritchie Blackmore on his backstage encounters with Eddie Van Halen

The former Deep Purple guitarist says Van Halen was a “humble” player who “always used to underestimate himself”

* This article was originally published here

“I sh*t my pants.” Earl Slick on his first gig with David Bowie, filling Mick Ronson’s shoes —and why making ‘Station to Station’ was “every man for himself”

The guitarist is set to honor the 10th anniversary of Bowie’s passing this November, leading him to reflect on his first tenure in the band

* This article was originally published here

Win tickets to an all-star tribute to David Lindley led by Papa Mali and Wally Ingram in New Orleans

Guitar Player Presents an all-star cast at Papa Mali’s New Orleans birthday bash. It’s a special Jazz Fest after party at Chickie Wah Wah on Sunday, May 3

* This article was originally published here

“It reminds us that music can still be dangerous, it can still be sacred, and it can still be free.” Bruce Springsteen celebrates the Doors, the E Street Band, Patti Smith and others at the American Music Honors

Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt and Doors drummer John Densmore perform “Light My Fire” as others are honored at the Springsteen Center’s annual event

* This article was originally published here

“He could hardly stand, but he said ‘I’ll f***ing do it, darling!’” Brian May on Freddie Mercury’s most defiant recording

May recalls how the dying singer downed a vodka and delivered one of the greatest vocals of his life

* This article was originally published here

“He went, ‘I’ll f***ing do it, darling!’” Brian May says Freddie Mercury was too weak to stand —but insisted on singing “The Show Must Go On”

May recalls how the dying singer downed a vodka and delivered one of the greatest vocals of his life

* This article was originally published here