Erica Banas: Writing Samples

Specializing in rock/classic rock news coverage and commentary with the occasional flair for wrestling/TV/film/cocktail culture.

Tina Turner: 10 Iconic Performances from the Queen of Rock & Roll

Tina Turner was a one-of-a-kind performer that plenty of artists, regardless of gender, have tried to emulate. Alas, there was but one Tina, and her energy and presence were truly all hers. Turner’s death yesterday (May 24) at age 83 leaves a massive void in the music world that will never be filled. How lucky we are as fans to be able to revisit her many incredible on-stage moments over and over. Here are just 10 examples that show just how iconic of a performer she was and how there will neve

Josh Freese: 14 Songs the New Foo Fighters Drummer Played On

Josh Freese is a noted session drummer that’s also currently a member of the punk band The Vandals and new wave icons Devo. Now, he’s added a third band to that short list: Foo Fighters. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band lost their longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022 when he died suddenly at age 50. Since Hawkins’ death, the Foos were silent for 17 months about who would be their new drummer. They broke their silence on May 21 when Freese was unveiled as the new Foo drummer during a s

Dolly Parton's Rock Album: Every Confirmed Guest Appearance

Dolly Parton’s rock album has been getting a lot of attention for many months now. Since the iconic singer/songwriter was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, she pledged to put out a rock LP. Aptly titled Rockstar, the album will be released on November 17. Rockstar is now available for pre-save on streaming platforms here. Meanwhile, fans can pre-order physical copies of the album at DollyParton.com. The album features a staggering 30 tracks, with nine original songs and 21 co

5 Mint Julep Variations to Try During the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is May 6. When the masses descend on Churchill Downs in their finest Derby duds (and hats), they’ll be ordering Mint Juleps like crazy. Per the Kentucky Derby’s official website, “Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack. That’s a feat that requires more than 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,00

3 Major Takeaways from the 2023 Rock Hall Induction Class

The 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction class was announced this morning (May 3.) As is tradition every year, the list of inductees has already led to a lot of discourse on social media. To put it bluntly and succinctly: A lot of people are excited about this class, and a seemingly equal amount of people are furious about it. Much like death and taxes, controversy around the Rock Hall is always a certainty. Without further ado, here are three major takeaways from the 2023 Rock Hall induc

We’re Parents to Trans Kids. Here’s What Paul Stanley Has Wrong About Gender-Affirming Care.

Paul Stanley made headlines in the past 48 hours due to his social media post regarding gender-affirming care. Stanley’s entire statement can be read below, which he titled “My Thoughts On What I’m Seeing.” According to Stanley, what he is seeing are parents “encouraging participation in a lifestyle that confuses young children into questioning their sexual identification as though some sort of game.” Additionally, he says, ” … Some adults mistakenly confuse teaching acceptance with normalizing

Metallica: All Songs Ranked Worst to Best

Metallica is one of the most revered bands of all time with a catalog any up-and-coming band could only dream of having. It’s impossible imagining the rock/metal landscape without them. With this in mind, we did a deep dive on the mighty Metallica catalog focusing only on albums/EPs with new material (sorry, Garage Inc.) but excluding Lulu, their infamous 2011 collaboration with Lou Reed for obvious reasons (not sorry about that.) Buckle in for a wild ride that will likely get very opinionated

David Letterman: Top 10 Most Viewed Videos on YouTube

David Letterman and his influence on comedy and the late-night talk show still looms large since he stepped down from The Late Show in 2015. Letterman has since moved on to various endeavors, including his Netflix show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. However, past Letterman highlights have resurfaced as of late thanks to his revamped YouTube channel. Since being relaunched in February 2022, the channel has seen near-daily uploads of classic moments from both The Late S

I Talked to a Rock Hall Voter. Here’s Their 2023 Ballot.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voters have about a month left to get their ballots in to determine the 2023 induction. With this year’s diverse field of nominees, it’s truly anyone’s guess what the 2023 class could look like. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s voting body comprises various artists, historians, and music industry professionals. Additionally, all previous inductees are voters for future classes after they’re inducted. To get at least one perspective, I spoke with a Rock Hall voter I’v

Power Trip: 7 Things We Hope to See at the Event

Power Trip was announced today (March 30), and even seven months out, it’s hard to argue it won’t be the biggest rock event of 2023. The three-day lineup for the event taking place October 6-8 in Indio, Calif. gathers six of the biggest hard rock/heavy metal acts of all time. One of these bands performing a show is a big deal, but when you get Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica and Tool at the same event? That is nothing short of historic. Even though the event was lit

14 Songs That Got a Second Life in Modern Movies & TV Shows

Soundtracks are a magical thing. They can make or break a moment in a movie or TV scene and add a new level of emotion. Sometimes, movies and TV shows will look to modern songs to soundtrack a scene. However, there are plenty of examples of a film or a show going back in time to find a song that perfectly complements a moment. From iconic films to contemporary series, here are 14 songs that got a second life in modern movies and TV shows.

21 Best Rock Songs About Drinking/Booze

Pull up a stool and start running a tab, because we’re diving into one of rock’s most popular topics: Alcohol. From beer to wine to spirits, there are countless songs in rock history about drinking. Some of these songs are upbeat, while others are dark. Regardless, many have resonated with fans spanning multiple generations. When it comes to songs about booze, which ones are the best? Surely, that’s a great debate to be had sitting at any bar. Whether you find this list while at your favorite

5 Classic 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin Moments in Honor of '3:16 Day'

Take off your pants, crack a beer and celebrate “3:16 Day” before we stomp a mudhole in your a** and walk it dry! An almost all too-appropriate holiday before St. Patrick’s Day, “3:16 Day” honors everyone’s favorite Texas Rattlesnake, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. If you can’t have a Broken Skull IPA just yet, you can celebrate “3:16 Day” by enjoying the clips below of “Stone Cold” moments.

Diane Warren: 14 Songs Nominated for Best Original Song She Wrote

Diane Warren is not a “household name.” However, there’s a very good chance you know plenty of the songs she’s written. Simply put: Warren is the keeper of some of the biggest ballads and bombastic tunes of the past five decades. (Google her once you’re done reading this and prepare to be in awe.) The accomplished songwriter has written for a diverse roster of artists. Counted on that roster are some of the biggest divas of all time including Cher, Celine Dion, Patti LaBelle, Gloria Estefan, Ma

A Salute to the Women Performers in the Rock Hall

Today (March 8) is International Women’s Day. How should we celebrate? By honoring the influential women that have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. …Oh, and to serve up the reminder that women accounting for just over eight percent of Rock Hall inductees is simply inexcusable. (For a further breakdown of this, check out Evelyn McDonnell’s exceptional piece “The Manhandling of Rock ‘N’ Roll History.”) John Sykes, the Rock Hall’s new chairman after Rolling Stone/Rock Hall found

'The Midnight Special': 7 Classic Performances from New YouTube Channel

The Midnight Special celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023. To celebrate, the iconic show has launched an official YouTube channel featuring classic moments from its eight-year run. The show was the brainchild of producer Burt Sugarman and ran from February 1973-May 1981. It was initially launched as a one-off special in August 1972 before becoming a series. In a statement about the new YouTube channel, Sugarman said, “I’m thrilled that it will be available for all fans, as well as a new gen

Kurt Cobain: 6 Pieces of Memorabilia That Sold Big at Auction

Kurt Cobain was born on February 20, 1967. While he was only on their Earth for 27 years, he left an impact that is still felt today. It’s because of that impact that when items of his go up for auction, they sell for massive price tags. In the past decade, Cobain memorabilia has seemingly become a subset of the entire celebrity auction market. Want proof? Check out these six items that sold big at auction.
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