Inside the epic life and music of Merle Haggard, the only outlaw-country superstar who actually spent time in prison and rode the rails. Plus: Drake; Bleached; and readers react to our 100 Greatest Drummers list.

Senior writer David Fricke talks about Iggy Pop’s new album with Josh Homme– and why it might be the Stooges great’s last. Plus: The National unleash their secret Grateful Dead obsession, and new music from Sturgill Simpson

What happens when a big rock band loses its head? We look at the best and worst case scenarios, from AC/DC to Stone Temple Pilots. Also: new music from Arctic Monkey Alex Turner’s side project, Last Shadow Puppets, and Zayn.

Can Axl Rose and Slash pull off the rock reunion of the year? A deep dive into the monster band’s ups and downs; plus: new music from Andrew Bird and Fiona Apple; and what did Beatles producer George Martin actually do?

Bob Dylan just dropped a magical treasure trove of music, film and writings onto the world; Rob Sheffield and Andy Greene delve deep into the heart of this Dylanologists’ dream. Plus: has Kendrick Lamar brought back jazz?

HBO's "Vinyl” aims to capture the wild energy of the music biz in the 1970s. So what does it get right about rock and roll, and what does it gets wrong? Plus: The 40 greatest emo albums; Car Seat Headrest; and Parquet Courts

Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo talks about the unusual places he looked for inspiration for Weezer’s upcoming “White Album” – among them, the beach, and … Tinder! Plus: FKA Twigs’ new song; lost Elliott Smith tracks; and DIIV.

Rolling Stone writers and editors talk Kanye West’s pained, fragmented new album “The Life of Pablo” Plus: Aussie rocker Courtney Barnett makes ramen cool; and one very-outnumbered writer mounts a passionate, lonely defense of the compact disc.

"Almost Famous" director Cameron Crowe talks about covering Frey and the Eagles as a teenage correspondent for Rolling Stone in the 1970s. Plus: Beyoncé's "Formation"; Sunflower Bean; and does the gold record still count?

Is Hillary Clinton really a Lana Del Rey fan? And why does Ben Carson like "MacArthur Park" so much? RS editors and writers delve deep into the candidates' music tastes. Plus: Inside the Grammys, and Vampire Weekend's Rostam

The inside story behind Bowie's remarkable comeback in his final years, featuring an interview with Bowie's longtime producer Tony Visconti. Also: Beck, Mick Jagger and Nile Rodgers remember Bowie; Rihanna's "Anti" and the age of the surprise album.

The writers and editors of Rolling Stone take you inside the biggest stories in music. Featuring interviews with our favorite artists; what's playing in the office; expert insight on the week's biggest music news; and much more.