As editor of Classic Rock Magazine, Sian Llewellyn has become the definitive chronicler of rock’s past and present. Her work balances reverence for legends like Led Zeppelin with sharp analysis of modern acts like Ghost, creating a bridge between generations of musicians and fans.
With 15+ years at Classic Rock, Llewellyn has curated over 200 cover stories while maintaining the magazine’s status as the genre’s most authoritative voice. Her editorial vision continues to shape how global audiences engage with rock history.
Sian Llewellyn has cemented her reputation as a leading authority on classic rock through decades of dedicated journalism. Beginning her career at Total Guitar as deputy editor, she honed her ability to dissect musical craftsmanship before ascending to her current role as editor of Classic Rock Magazine. Her work bridges the gap between rock’s golden era and its modern iterations, offering nuanced analyses of legends like Led Zeppelin while championing newer acts like Ghost and Rival Sons.
This 4,000-word oral history traces Heart’s journey from 1970s rock pioneers to their 2010s resurgence. Llewellyn’s interview technique reveals previously untold stories about gender barriers in the industry, with the Wilson sisters detailing their battles against sexist labeling. The article’s publication coincided with Heart’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, cementing its status as a definitive career retrospective.
Combining archival research with new interviews, Llewellyn reconstructs Barrett’s creative process and mental health struggles. Her analysis of early demo tapes challenges myths about the songwriter’s abrupt departure, arguing his influence permeates Floyd’s later work. Music historians praised the piece for humanizing Barrett beyond his “mad genius” caricature.
This ambitious curation project required evaluating 500+ albums across four decades. Llewellyn’s criteria balanced commercial success with cultural impact, resurrecting overlooked gems like Franke & The Knockouts’ Below the Belt. The list sparked debate among AOR purists while introducing the genre to younger readers through streaming-era playlists.
Llewellyn prioritizes pieces that contextualize music within broader cultural movements. A successful 2023 pitch explored how Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott influenced Ireland’s punk scene – not just the band’s discography. Avoid generic album/tour announcements; instead propose historical deep dives or genre evolution analyses.
Following her Women in Rock initiative, Llewellyn actively seeks stories about female instrumentalists and producers. Recent features on Fanny’s 1970s trailblazing and Taylor Momsen’s modern rebrand demonstrate this focus. Pitches should emphasize gender-specific challenges/achievements without resorting to tokenism.
The Classic Rock team collaborates closely with photographers to create iconic images. A 2024 spread featuring Ghost in a converted cathedral showcased Llewellyn’s preference for theatrical settings. Include ideas for unique photo locations or archival visual elements when pitching.
Llewellyn’s AC/DC cover story examined the band’s influence on TikTok’s rock revivalists. Successful pitches draw clear lineages between legacy acts and emerging artists, such as a recent piece linking Judas Priest to New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal bands.
Avoid basic biographical summaries – Classic Rock readers expect deep catalog knowledge. A praised 2023 article dissected alternate takes from Van Halen’s 1984 sessions, complete with technical input from producer Ted Templeman. Include expert sources or rare archival material in pitches.
This prestigious honor recognized Llewellyn’s 25-year career reshaping rock journalism. The judging panel highlighted her editorial leadership during Classic Rock’s 2018 relaunch, which doubled digital subscriptions while maintaining print quality. Competing against 150+ nominees, her win underscored the magazine’s enduring relevance.
The Professional Publishers Association shortlisted Llewellyn for her innovative issue designs and successful brand extensions. Notable achievements included the 20 Million Club podcast launch and a collaboration with the British Library on rock photography archives. Though she lost to a tech publication editor, the nomination affirmed her commercial and creative impact.
“Great rock journalism isn’t about ranking albums – it’s about preserving the living history of a culture that changed the world.”
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