Before rock got polite, Rolling Stone covers growled from the rack. You couldn’t help but stop, stare, and maybe adjusted your jacket. These covers felt alive, like they might start a fight or steal your date.
Bob Dylan in 1968 looked untouchable and unimpressed, already ten steps ahead of the decade chasing him. No smiles. No explanations. Then came Stevie Nicks in 1981, wrapped in mystery and confidence, turning lace into armor. She hypnotized. And by 1983, Mick Jagger was sharpening. All all movement and fun and still young, like he could rock forever.
Rock n’ roll was a genre that had a posture, a stare, a refusal to behave. Rolling Stone caught it when it was still dangerous, still captivating, still capable of rattling the glass at the newsstand.
1
2006 Led Zeppelin
A comprehensive look at Led Zeppelin’s enduring influence, revisiting their music, mystique, and continued dominance in rock history.
2
1984 Tina Turner
A triumphant comeback story chronicling Turner’s return to the spotlight and reinvention as a solo superstar.
3
2014 Bruce Springsteen
A wide-ranging feature examining Springsteen’s career, political voice, and enduring connection with his audience.
4
2017 Pearl Jam
A look at Pearl Jam’s longevity, values, and refusal to follow industry trends while maintaining relevance.
5
2013 Iggy Pop
A profile of Iggy Pop as a survivor of punk’s early chaos, reflecting on influence, endurance, and artistic freedom.
6
2012 Jimmy Page
An in-depth interview focusing on Page’s creative process, legacy, and reflections on Led Zeppelin’s music.
7
2014 Freddie Mercury
A career-spanning tribute highlighting Mercury’s artistry, showmanship, and the enduring power of his voice.
8
2022 The Beatles
A retrospective issue exploring the band’s cultural impact, music, and why their story continues to feel current.
9
2019 Jim Morrison
A reassessment of Morrison’s life and myth, separating the poetry and provocation from the legend that grew after his death.
10
2014 KISS
A feature celebrating KISS’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, examining their legacy, branding genius, and longevity.
11
1983 Mick Jagger
A close examination of Jagger’s life beyond the Rolling Stones, including his ambitions, image, and the pressures of staying relevant in the MTV era.
12
2022 Fleetwood Mac
An issue centered on the band’s lasting appeal, chronicling the music, drama, and emotional honesty that still resonates with listeners.
13
2011 Nirvana
A deep dive into Nirvana’s legacy, examining how the band reshaped rock music and why their impact continues decades later.
14
1976 Janis Joplin
An intimate portrait of Joplin’s life and legacy, focusing on her vulnerability, power, and the price of being unforgettable.
15
2007 Axl Rose and Slash
A reunion-era reflection on Guns N’ Roses, revisiting the band’s rise, implosion, and the complicated relationship between its two most iconic members.
16
2016 David Bowie
A tribute issue following Bowie’s death, tracing his artistic evolution, cultural influence, and final creative statement.
17
1983 Jackson Browne
A reflective feature on Browne’s songwriting, activism, and the emotional weight behind his carefully crafted music.
18
1987 Jimi Hendrix
A retrospective issue exploring Hendrix’s lasting impact, musical innovation, and the mythology surrounding his short, explosive career.
19
1981 Stevie Nicks
An in-depth look at Stevie Nicks at her solo peak, balancing massive success, creative independence, and the personal costs of fame after Fleetwood Mac.
20
1968 Bob Dylan
A defining profile of Dylan as he stepped away from the spotlight, examining his influence on rock, politics, and a generation in flux.
