Cover Story

Kings of Leon Raise Hell

They grew up traveling the South in the back of an Oldsmobile with their Pentecostal-preacher father, and now they're selling out arenas and living the high life. The inside story on America's hottest band.
By Austin Scaggs

Kings of Leon Revealed: Austin Scaggs dishes on 13 things you probably don't know about Kings of Leon — like their real first names, and how to clear a room with jalapeños.
Playlist: Ten must-hear Kings of Leon songs.
Photos: Exclusive shots at home with the Kings for their Rolling Stone shoot.
Photos: Snapshots from the Kings of Leon family album.
Video: Behind the scenes of the band's RS photo shoot.
Video: Follow the guys on a tour of their Nashville homes.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Republicans' Bankruptcy of Ideas

Once the masters of evil politics, the GOP has been reduced to half-assed buffoonery, providing comic relief for desperate times. By Matt Taibbi

From the Archives: Check out Matt Taibbi's '08 report, "It's a Class War, Stupid," which explores our dying economy and the shrinking middle class.

FEATURES

Twilight of the Hulk

For three decades, Hulk Hogan was the world's biggest wrestler and a pop-culture icon. Now, knocked down by a broken marriage, an empty bank account and a busted-up body, is he down for the count?
By Erik Hedegaard

Ruined by Reality TV: From Hogan Knows Best to Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, Rob Sheffield recaps the reality shows that have shattered relationships.
Photos: The rise and fall of Hulk Hogan, from his youth as Terry Bollea to the peak of Hulkamania, "Hulk Knows Best" and beyond

CLOSE-UP

Paul and Ringo's Transcendent Duet

The Fab Two reunite at a star-studded Radio City Music Hall event. Photograph by Max Vadukul

Report: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Reunite Onstage at New York Benefit

TV

How 'The Office' Changed Television

The show has perfected the delicate art of cringe comedy, but will the formula translate to Parks and Recreation, the new Amy Poehler sitcom?
By Rob Sheffield

Rock and Roll

2009 Hall of Fame Rocks Cleveland

A raucous hometown crowd cheered on this year's inductees, led by Metallica, Run-DMC and Jeff Beck.

Report: Rolling Stone's essential Rock Hall coverage

Reissues: Entire Beatles Catalog Gets Sonic Upgrade

From the Archives: Look back at our reviews of the Beatles' albums, plus their records that made our "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.

On the Stage: Curtain Will Rise on 'American Idiot' Musical

Checking In: New Tour For Aerosmith, Album to Follow

Benefit: Rockers Reach Out to 'Crawdaddy!' Founder Paul Williams

Industry: Battle Over Online Piracy Gets a Sheriff

Bookshelf: The Secrets Behind Dylan's Songs

ON THE ROAD

The Dead's Long, Strange
Day in NY

Weir, Les and Co. kick off reunion tour with three free shows in 24 hours.

Dead Come Alive: See live pics, and get the lowdown on the first show of the Dead's first tour since 2004.

PLUS: Fall Out Boy Party All Night in Sin City

Fall Out Boy's Video Tour Diary, Part One: Patrick Stump’s Favorite Fan Art
Photos: Fall Out Boy Suit Up for "Believers Never Die, Part Deux" Tour
Live Report: Fall Out Boy Take on Corporate America at “Believers Never Die, Part Deux” Launch

BREAKING

Tinted Windows

Meet the unlikely new supergroup. (Hint: It includes Taylor Hanson and James Iha.)

Video: Tinted Windows perform live.

Q&A;

Kelly Clarkson

The pop star on why Auto-Tune ticks her off and not kissing Katy Perry

RECORDS

Bob Dylan's Grim Sign of
the Times

He's never sounded lustier, more ravaged or more pissed off.

PLUS: Asher Roth, Tinted Windows, Chairlift, Heaven and Hell, Allen Toussaint, Jane's Addiction, Empire of the Sun, Booker T., White Lies, Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers, Crystal Antlers, Chester French, A.R. Rahman, Crocodiles, Depeche Mode and reissues of Radiohead's Pablo Honey, The Bends and OK Computer.

FRICKE'S PICKS:
Fleet Foxes' J. Tillman, Marco Benevento and Wolves in the Throne Room

MOVIES

'Tyson' Hits Hard

The new doc about Iron Mike, the tragic former champ and ex-con, pulls no punches.

PLUS: State of Play, 17 Again, Grey Gardens and Is Anybody There?

Travers Hits Twitter: Tap in for daily Twitter updates — juicy interview tidbits and knee-jerk reviews — from our film critic.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Finding 'Lost': As the season's end nears, prime time's most enigmatic hit is finally serving up answers. Lost producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof reveal the show's biggest secret of all: It's all about faith.

Dave Matthews Band: A review of opening night of DMB's new tour in New York.

Live: Manchester Orchestra in the S.S.: The Atlanta buzz band talks about making its new LP and previews exclusive cuts.

Hanging with Slayer: In the studio with the thrash giants as they grind out the follow-up to 2006's Christ Illusion.

Coachella: Reviews, Tweets and pics from the California desert as McCartney, M.I.A. and others kick off fest season.