70s Classics

11/11/2025

Warren Zevon gave David Letterman a guitar, and after 22 years, it just went “back to work” in the hands of The Killers’ Dave Keuning

The Killers covered “Lawyers, Guns and Money” as part of Zevon’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

One of the more moving moments at this weekend’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony came when David Letterman took to the stage to honor his friend, the late American singer-songwriter Warren Zevon.

Zevon was a regular guest on Letterman’s late-night shows, and made an emotional final appearance shortly before his death, in 2003, aged just 56.

“It was the last time I saw Warren - that was 22 years ago,” said Letterman during his speech. He reflected on Zevon’s advice - knowing his time was short - to “enjoy every sandwich,” and recalled how, after that final show, he followed Zevon to his dressing room.

“He’s got the guitar there that he’s used every time he’s appeared on our show,” remembered Letterman. “And as we’re chatting… he picks up the guitar and he puts it in the guitar case, and then he flips up those two little guitar flippies on a guitar case. He closes the guitar case, he hands it to me and he says ‘take care of this for me.”

Overcome with emotion, Letterman says that he started to sob. “Warren and I hugged, and I said ‘Warren, I just love your music.’”

But that isn’t quite the end of the story, because the guitar in question - a Modulus Graphite model, we believe - was sitting right there in front of Letterman on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stage.

“This is the guitar and tonight, by God, it’s going back to work,” he said, before handing it to Dave Keuning, lead guitarist with The Killers, so he could play it during the band’s performance of Zevon favourite “Lawyers, Guns and Money” alongside Waddy Wachtell, his close collaborator.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.

11/10/2025

Watch the legendary drummer surprise USC fans with an epic live set you didn’t see coming. WATCH 👇
https://societyofrock.com/mick-fleetwood-tusk-usc-halftime-show/

11/10/2025

A young Elton John back in 1969.

10/19/2025

Check out this guys sign!

10/10/2025

🎶 Happy Birthday Jackson Browne!
October 9, 1948

Today we celebrate the 77th birthday of one of the most gifted songwriters in American music — Jackson Browne. For more than five decades, Browne has been crafting songs that speak straight to the soul, blending heartfelt storytelling with melodies that never fade. His words have captured love, loss, hope, and the search for meaning like few others ever have.

Born in Germany and raised in Los Angeles, Browne first made his mark as a songwriter in the late ’60s, penning tunes for other artists, including The Eagles, Nico, and Tom Rush, before launching his own career. His self-titled 1972 debut introduced the world to a deep and poetic voice in rock, and albums like For Everyman, Late for the Sky, and The Pretender quickly established him as one of the defining singer-songwriters of the 1970s.

Throughout the years, Browne’s songs — including classics like “Doctor My Eyes,” “Running on Empty,” “Somebody’s Baby,” and “Take It Easy” (which he co-wrote with Glenn Frey) — have become part of the American soundtrack. His music often reflected the times, exploring everything from social change to personal reflection, all delivered with honesty and grace.

Browne’s influence runs deep — he’s inspired generations of musicians with his introspective lyrics, smooth California sound, and unwavering dedication to the craft of songwriting. At 77, he remains one of rock’s great poets — a man whose songs still remind us that truth, emotion, and melody never go out of style. 🌅🎸

09/17/2025

You had quite a run, Dave!

Legendary icon Dave Mason, aged 79, has officially announced his retirement from touring, closing the curtain on 60 remarkable years of rock n’ roll and marking the end of a significant era in music history. He cites ongoing health challenges as the reason behind this difficult decision.

For those who have attended a Dave Mason concert, you know the standard of excellence he demanded of himself and his band. One of Mason’s proudest achievements was keeping his performances entirely live and authentic—no backing loops, no overdubbed vocals, none of the “smoke and mirrors” often used to dilute the truth of a performance. Onstage, he was the real deal. Offstage, he embodied the consummate road dog, fully devoted to the work and the life he loved.

Dave Mason’s career spans an incredible six decades, first rising to fame as the co-founder of the groundbreaking band Traffic. His successful solo career followed, producing classics like Feelin’ Alright, Only You Know and I Know, Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave, We Just Disagree, Let It Flow, and Every Woman.

Often described as an “everywhere man”, Mason lent his talent to some of the most iconic songs of our time, collaborating with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Graham Nash, Cass Elliot, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Spencer Davis Group, Eric Clapton, among others. His imprint on rock music is undeniable and monumental.

True to his artistic spirit, Mason will spend his retirement years pursuing creative projects, including an upcoming children’s book and in his studio culling over unreleased tracks from his 60-year career of live performances. He retires from touring a happy man with a heart full of gratitude to his band members, business colleagues, and especially his legions of fans who made his life one of deep satisfaction and fulfillment. The immensity of his joy remains solid as he steps back from the stage.

Dave Mason’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of rock n’ roll and to a man who has followed his passion with authenticity and joy for more than six decades. His music will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.

📷: Chris Jensen

09/16/2025

Letterman gives some guitar pointers to Jerry Garcia

09/12/2025

Fifty years ago today, Pink Floyd released the classic Wish You Were Here.

Putting it mildly, following The Dark Side Of The Moon was a daunting prospect. However, with Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd rose to the challenge. What the album lacks in dynamics it more than makes up for with a controlled tension, which is evident from the taut opening keyboards and guitar that stretches to breaking point before David Gilmour’s four-note arpeggio exquisite release.

Shine On You Crazy Diamond opens and closes the album: a eulogy to the pervading ghost of Syd Barrett, and it's the finest track the band wrote without him. The acerbic Welcome To The Machine and the cynical Have A Cigar rage against the system, while the melancholy of the title track offers a stark contrast. Wish You Were Here may not contain the pizzazz of its illustrious predecessor, but it cuts deeper.

Words: Hugh Fielder / Classic Rock