9/11 12th Anniversary: Classic Rockers Look Back, Rise Above

The 12-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa., is a time for reflection on a day that will forever live on in infamy.

It's also a chance to remember how some of rock's biggest names reacted to the tragedy. Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, David Bowie and others performed at the ‘Concert for New York City' (and McCartney documented the gig and his days leading up to it with a movie titled ‘The Love That You Make'); Neil Young penned the tune 'Let's Roll' for the heroes of Flight 93; and Bruce Springsteen released the 9/11 inspired album 'The Rising.'

In more recent years, members of Rush and Aerosmith were among the artists featured on a special 10th anniversary 9/11 commemorative edition of the syndicated radio program the Chop Shop Guitar Show. Several artists took to Twitter on the 10th anniversary of the attacks to share their memories of the tragic day and offer condolences for the families of the victims. And Paul Simon made an appearance at Ground Zero to perform an stirring rendition of his classic tune, ‘The Sound of Silence,’ at this year's Twin Towers Memorial Service.

And then there's Top 10 National Anthem Guitar Solos, a special we published that looks at various rockers' versions of 'The Star Spangled Banner.' Given the emotional impact that music can have, it seems a fitting way to tie together a series dedicated not just to remembering the events of that harrowing day, but also the inspiring ways people reacted to the it. Tragedy of this magnitude by definition brings untold suffering to the world, but it also often guides and influences actions of hope and understanding that may alleviate just some of the pain.

Here are links to the 9/11-related features that have run on Ultimate Classic Rock:

Paul McCartney Looks Back on 9/11 Benefit Concert With Documentary
Neil Young 'Let's Roll' Lyrics Uncovered
Bruce Springsteen's 'The Rising' Revisited on 9/11 Anniversary
Listen to Rush and Aerosmith Recalling 9/11 on Chop Shop Radio Special
Top 10 National Anthem Guitar Solos
9/11 Ten Year Anniversary: Rockers Remember on Twitter
Paul Simon Performs 'The Sound of Silence' at Ground Zero
Five Great Performances From the Concert for New York