When I first started playing (late '70s) "Classic Rock" meant the Stones, Who, Free, etc. Bands such as Zep, Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and the like were generally not called classic rock but "Heavy Metal".

Move forward 30 years and it seems to me that most bands on here who play classic rock are playing what used to be called heavy metal. I'm curious as to when the term changed and if there's any particular reason why it happened?

All of which begs the other question. If the Stones/Who etc are no longer Classic Rock, what should they be called nowadays? It struck me that maybe bands, like cars, after 20 years or so become classics and then after 40 years or so they become vintage !

So, "Vintage Rock" anyone?

Buz