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Rockasteria

Peter Jackson's latest J.R.R. Tolkein-based film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters today. But Tolkein's books haven't just inspired films. Here's a look back at a few Hobbit- and Lord of the Rings-inspired musical moments.

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The Beatles performing on stage in 1963.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr are remembered for their instrumental roles in launching the British invasion and bringing the aesthetic of rock and roll to new frontiers with everything from electronic effects to sitars.

Kenneth Partridge, Meg Boeni


Wikimedia Commons

If you’re the type of artist that cares more about the art than the money and fame, then hiding your identity is the best way to keep your audience’s attention on the art rather than the superficial. Here are 11 stories behind masked bands.

Rudie Obias


Getty Images

Could it be true? That the summer’s biggest hit is not really a Robin Thicke original? There's controversy brewing over “Blurred Lines.”

Stacy Conradt








Getty Images/Simpsons Wikia/Erin McCarthy

You know how you occasionally hear an awesome turn of phrase and immediately think, “That would make the best band name? These people did the same thing, but the difference between us and them is that they actually went on to name a band.

Stacy Conradt




Getty Images

In 1968, the “Canadian Content” law was enacted: It required every radio station to dedicate 25 percent of each broadcast hour to Canadian content.

Kara Kovalchik




ThinkStock

Encores have become concert standard issue. Artists pencil in a big hit or two at the back end of their set list, walk off stage, wait for fans to shout for the encore, act surprised, play aforementioned hit songs in all their encore glory, rinse, repeat.

Erik van Rheenen