Nick DeRiso is UCR's assistant managing editor, and author of 'Journey: Worlds Apart.' He has been named columnist of the year five times by the Associated Press, Louisiana Press Association, and Louisiana Sports Writers Association, and previously oversaw a daily newspaper section that was named Top 10 in the nation by the AP.
Nick DeRiso
45 Years Ago: Blues Brothers’ Debut Becomes a Labor of Love
At first, some questioned whether John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd meant it or not.
Classic Rock’s 20 Worst Lyrics
Some are bad poetry, while others spark head-scratching confusion. Still others are just plain wrong.
100 Metal Facts You Might Not Know
Behind-the-scenes details and lesser-known information about some of the biggest bands.
10 Best B-Sides Ever
Counting down the Top 10 non-album B-sides of all time.
40 Years Ago: U2 Become Arena-Rockers on ‘Under a Blood Red Sky’
A lot of things went wrong before this live project helped made them one of the '80s' biggest concert acts.
Rock Music’s 25 Craziest Conspiracy Theories
Which stories are true, and which aren't? Let's count them down.
How ZZ Top Began Their ’80s Transformation
'Deguello' was their last album of the '70s – and in more ways than one.
How Fans Actually Shaped ‘100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong’
This gold-selling collection didn't just name-check his most ardent followers. They were part of the process.
Potential Collaborators for Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
Who's to say that they would stick with the tried-and-true trio format?
How a Record Store Clerk’s Fake Grunge Slang Became Real
Future CEO of Sub Pop Records turned 'The New York Times' into a bunch of lamestains.
The ’80s Most Outrageous Rock Fashions
Dig out your hairspray and shoulder pads!
December 2023 New Music Releases
Music industry engines usually begin to idle each December, but this year is a bit different.