Forty Nights

New blog alert!

2008-03-28T02:19:00.001-07:00

Yet another blog to clog up the net but I will try and make it informative. It will cover family life, music, Stoke City FC, politics…anything really that tickles my fancy! Also I will use it as another way to plug GRTR! and the fine bands/music out there :)
Please feel free to comment as otherwise it is like talking to yourself which is never a healthy thing…
Best wishes,
Jason

Sport Relief mile successfully completed!

2008-03-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

It may have been a wet and windy day but my daughter Jasmine and myself completed the Sport Relief mile at Cranford! Jasmine needed some cajoling and we finished it in sixteen minutes which considering the weather was some feat. Jasmine was resplendent in her pink wellies which were ideal given the muddy field we ran on. Thanks again for your support, it is very much appreciated and up to £153 raised.
Thanks for reading & best wishes,
Jason & Jasmine

Our fundraising page

Childline Rocks

2008-02-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

CHILDLINE ROCKS at the Indigo2
Concert to Celebrate 21 years of ChildLine Charity

Thursday 13 March 2008 from 7pm

A fantastic line-up of rock giants, between them responsible for more than a hundred million record sales, will share the limelight to raise money for ChildLine.
ChildLine Rocks legendary performers will storm the stage at indig02 on 13th March 2008, in a one-off, world class classic rock line-up.

Sponsored by Kilmartin and hosted by Radio 2’s “Whispering” Bob Harris, described by ‘Radio Times’ as ‘one of the greats of contemporary music broadcasting’, ChildLine Rocks aims to raise a six figure sum for ChildLine.

Special VIP packages are available at ChildLine Rocks, including a pre-show reception, a chance to meet some of the artists and a live auction. VIP’s will be able to bid for tickets on the famous Flight 666 piloted by Bruce Dickinson for a trip to see Iron Maiden play live in Lisbon and be personally escorted by Bruce on a backstage tour. There will be guitars donated by Noel Gallagher and Status Quo, a Gibson guitar signed by all the artists appearing at ChildLine Rocks, a Led Zeppelin plaque and other top rock prizes.

Those not lucky enough to hold a VIP ticket can still enter a postal bid for a "money can't buy" auction prize, which will be entered at the live auction on the night.

Marillion: Currently locked down in the country at their Buckinghamshire studio, recording their fifteenth album, a double CD to be released later this year, singer Steve "h" Hogarth, guitarist Steve Rothery and bassist Pete Trewavas will be breaking off from the sessions to perform a special acoustic set for ChildLine Rocks. "We wholeheartedly support Childline and, to be honest, we'd do anything for Bob Harris anyway."

The Coral: Mercury Music Prize/Brits nominees and Noel Gallagher’s favourite band, The Coral have wowed the critics, conquered the charts, toured the world and re-defined the sound of British music with their evolving mix of rock, country, psychedelia and folk. The band will be unveiling their new guitarist and performing an acoustic set of material chosen specially for ChildLine Rocks.

The Zombies: Acknowledged by Courtney Love, Badly Drawn Boy, Paul Weller, the Foo Fighters and the Magic Numbers as one of the most influential British bands of all time, they were responsible for international hits ‘She’s Not There’ and ‘Time Of The Season’ and for the ground-breaking album ‘Odessey & Oracle’.

Russ Ballard: Formerly lead singer with Argent, who hit the charts in the early 70’s with ‘Hold Your Head Up’ and ‘God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You’, Russ also made his name as a successful writer (‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ for Rainbow and ‘Liar’ for Three Dog Night’) Russ will be performing live for the first time in over thirty years, joining the Zombies on stage for a unique performance for ChildLine Rocks.

Brian Bennett, OBE: Revered and multi-award-winning percussionist and original drummer for Cliff Richard & the Shadows, he also wrote many of their hits. He is the recipient of three Ivor Novello Awards and a Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and has been working recently with Brian May.

Fish: Charismatic and uncompromising, Fish boasts a prolific 25 year career as a writer, actor and vocalist, launched in the eighties with the phenomenal success of Marillion (‘Kayleigh’, ‘Lavender’ and ‘Incommunicado’) and continued through his solo albums, the latest of which ‘13th Star’ has just been released.

Thunder: One of the great British rock acts, Thunder have toured the world extensively since 1989 and released a huge body of records. In all, they’ve scored 18 top 40 UK singles and 8 top 40 albums, including ‘Laughing On Judgement Day’ (No.2/1992) and ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (No. 5/1995). They have won awards galore, including Best Rock Vocalist (Danny Bowes – Burrn Magazine Japan) and Best Live Rock Act (Kerrang Magazine).

Ian Paice: Deep Purple’s drummer since he joined the band (age 19) in 1968. Armed with a dazzlingly fast and influential technique, Ian has also worked with Paice, Ashton & Lord, Gary Moore, Whitesnake and with Paul McCartney on the ‘Run Devil Run’ album in 1999.

Glenn Hughes: Ex-Deep Purple vocalist, bass player and songwriter, Glenn is unique. No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style, blending hard rock, soul and funk. The KLF famously described him as ‘The Voice of Rock’ after his performance for their mega-hit ‘What Time Is Love’.

Thunder’s Luke Morley says: “The billing for ChildLine’s first rock concert is nothing short of rock solid. Together we’re going to make it a night to remember for rock music fans everywhere. When you buy your ticket you’ll know you’re helping to raising money so that children have someone to listen to them, and a safe place to go for help and advice”.

+ SPECIAL GUESTS To Be Confirmed

Tickets are priced at £50 for a standing balcony ticket, £65 for standing elsewhere, £125 for seated and £200 for VIP. (all tickets subject to booking fee)
Doors open at 7pm.
VIP pre-show begins at 6.30pm.

Ticket Booking: For more information or to book a ticket or VIP package
telephone 0844 844 0002

Auction: To place a bid in the auction please email Charlotte Lock on charlotte.lock@nspcc.org.uk - All advance bids must be returned by midnight on Monday 10th March.

ChildLine Rocks in conjunction with Classic Rock Magazine.

ChildLine: ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people, with trained volunteer counsellors available to comfort, advise and protect. In February 2006, ChildLine formally joined with the NSPCC in a move that will ensure even stronger services and a more influential voice for children of all ages. The ChildLine service, now one of the NSPCC’s listening services, still has the same well known telephone number – 0800 1111 – and children and young people can still call 24 hours a day and receive the same crucial service.

WINNER of a copy of the QUEEN 'Rock Montreal' DVD

2008-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

The DVD also include's the band's legendary Live Aid performance.

Who produced the band's 'A Night At The Opera' album?

The answer is Roy Thomas Baker and well done Jason Spriggs who wins the DVD!

Bearstock 3 gig review - The Hive, Brentford FC 3rd Feb 2008

2008-02-04T03:13:00.000-08:00

An early start, well 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, as the sound experts did their stuff and I err just moved some chairs and tables around. Two big worries whenever you organize a gig or event, one will the artists turn up and secondly will any audience appear! Luckily come 4.30pm half of the Veneex arrived and soon after followed the host for the evening Robert Rankin, accompanied by his lovely wife. Of the other performers they all turned up and big kudos to Robb Johnson was doing a ‘Great Railway Journey’ style trip from Brighton – three hours each way by train with the infamous bus replacement service.

Sound checks were done, the doors were open and there were people coming in – yippee! During the course of the evening we had 104 paying punters through the door and add to that the musicians the crowd was a healthy 140-150 – the busiest the Hive has been for ages!

First up the Magpies (who featured my wife and daughter’s guitar teacher) and they were stunning! Superb guitar playing accompanied by bongos and then their tour de force as one played the guitar neck whilst the drummer played a beat on the guitar’s body whilst they threw a shaker between each other and carried on playing.

In between each act Robert Rankin did a few songs and poems plus introduced us to the marvels of the Buff – a remarkable piece of head/neck ware which he moulded into many shapes with his take on Badly Drawn Boy and the noose which he called the Saddam. He really was an excellent host and his Flying V ukulele added a real touch of rock ‘n’ roll to the proceedings.

My daughter Jasmine and her friend Alex Jenkins were on next. Alex played a trumpet medley with Jasmine doing two numbers on her guitar. Both went down a storm with the crowd and good to see two young musicians (they are both only nine) starting out on the live circuit.

Rhode Island Red, a duo, played a set of their own material including ‘Butterfly Girl’, a truly great tune and one cover ‘Nobody’s Fault But Mine’ (some band called Led Zep apparently made this famous?). Like acoustic Rolling Stones, minus Mick Jagger’s lips…

Stepan Pasicznik, the accordion player with the Ukrainians, played a fine set mixing traditional Ukrainian songs with some in English and everyone knew his Ukrainian version of ‘Rasputin’, which was a hit for Boney M. Needless to say Stepan’s version was much better! An excellent set and very enjoyable.

More toot from Mr Rankin! This included his tribute to fellow ukulele wizard George Formby. Absolute genius the way he fits his own words into Formby’s. Of course being an author and knowing what shy, modest types they are he was relentlessly plugging his new book ‘The Da-Da-De-Da-Da Code’, available now I believe from all good bookshops and those friendly online types Amazon.

The Veenex managed to snake an electric guitar onto the stage but being fair their heavy edgy alternative rock needed it and luckily it wasn’t too loud for the neighbours. A good set of tunes – reminded me at times of Hundred Reasons mixed with a bit of the Foo Fighters. Nice touch as well as their lead singer is a Brentford season ticket holder.

Next up is Brentford legend Robb Johnson (and Robert Rankin was chuffed to appear on the same bill as of course his new book features the blues musician Robert Johnson – see how it all connects?) who featured some football themed favourites plus a few new tunes of his excellent new album, All The Way For This’ including ‘Moronland’. Another Brentford legend Graham Larkbey joined Robb for a couple of songs as well!

Raffle time, with ten prizes of which the star prize was a signed copy of…‘The Da-Da-De-Da-Da Code’! Then onto Paul Stead of Scared Heart, who was appearing solo but as luck would have it the band’s former bass player Darren was in the audience and joined Paul on guitar. Great to hear these songs acoustically including ‘Lay It On The Line’ (complete with a few ad libs from Paul!) and ‘Lost’.

One final word from Robert Rankin who was accompanied by his wife on ukulele for his version of another George Formby classic ‘When I am Cleaning Windows’. But his version was about writing fantastic fiction! I have to say personally Mr Rankin was the star of the show as he kept the whole evening running and anyone who does the Prodigy’s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ and ‘Firestarter’ on ukulele is tops in my book!
Headlining was Swill Odgers of the Men They Couldn’t Hang accompanied by a fiddle player, Phil Martin (Bitter Springs and The Long Decline, formerly with the Subway Sect). Swill is a very talented singer/songwriter in the folk/indie rock genre and he also played a couple of songs with lyrics penned by Robb Johnson. I was that impressed I bought a CD!

With the raffle added on the night raised £632 for the four charities (that’s £158 to each charity) – Diabetes UK, the Parkinson’s Disease Society, Spelthorne Crossroads for Carers and Bees United. Thanks to all who came along and supported the event and BIG thanks to Brentford FC for allowing me to use the venue for free so every penny raised on the night could go to the four charities. A perfect night for me seeing people enjoy live musicians (all of whom were excellent) and raising money for charity.

Jason Ritchie

PS I am still raising money for two other charities throughout 2008…
www.justgiving.com/fortynights
www.justgiving.com/classicrocknewswire

The roll of honour/thanks…

First off all the artists who appeared and gave their time for free and a special mention to Robert Rankin for being the best host you could wish for.

My wife, Nabila and daughter Jasmine; Alex Jenkins; Matt Davis, Peter Gilham, Tony Ashley and all at Brentford FC: mum & dad; Simon the PA wizard; Esther Angel for getting Robb Johnson & Swill Odgers onto the bill; the Stripes/Hive gigs crew of Tim ‘Top Cat’ Collinson, Feltham John, Kath, Bryan Clark (check out his monthly jazz nights at the Hive every first Monday of the month) and Pete Crook; Graham & the great bar staff; Jo Fletcher at Orion Publishing; Heathrow Villager; Staines & Ashford News; Staines Guardian; Feltham Chronicle; Hounslow & Richmond Times; Radio Wey; Radio Jackie; Hayes FM and those who supported the night, you are all stars!

www.sproutlore.com
www.robbjohnson.co.uk
www.myspace.com/swillandtheswaggerband
www.ukrainians.co.uk
www.sacredheartband.com
www.myspace.com/veenex
www.myspace.com/rhodeislandredband

New interview with GLYDER

2008-01-28T03:22:00.000-08:00

New interview with Irish hard rockers GLYDER who have supported my fundraising via their recent album lanch. Check out their great new album 'Playground For Life'.

EBay charity auctions

2008-01-02T02:59:00.000-08:00

I am also raising funds via EBay for the Nordoff-Robbins music threpy charity and the Donna Louise Trust (charity auctions are marked by a ribbon) and you can view the latest ones here -

Charity EBay auctions

The WINNERS of a copy of GLYDER's new CD 'Playground For Life'

2007-12-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

To say 'thank you' to people visiting this blog & spreading the word on my fundraising/donating YOU get the chance to WIN some goodies :)

First two competitions...

The WINNER of a copy of the excellent new album by GLYDER 'Playground For Life' is Sally Harrison - well done!

GLYDER come from which country?
Answer is Ireland

The WINNER a copy of DON FELDER's book on his time in the EAGLES, 'Heaven And Hell' is Yvonne Jarman - well done!

Which of the following musicians has NOT been a member of the Eagles?
Answer is Bob Seger

Use this search engine to raise money for Nordoff-Robbins

2007-12-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

Simply click here enter your search and raise money for the Nordoff-Robbins charity!
Thank you

Help rasie money for the Donna Lousie trust with Everyclick

2007-12-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

...simply click here and search away. Everyclick then donates a 50% of any paid for links you clink on in the search results.
Thanks!

2007-12-24T03:03:00.000-08:00

*** Please note I am also running another fundraising page during 2008 for the Donna Louise Trust. They provide a children's hospice service for Staffordshire and South Cheshire incorporating respite and palliative care, both in a hospice setting, and at home, for children who suffer from illnesses which mean they may not reach adulthood. I have chosen this charity as I originally come from the Potteries and want to support a local charity during 2008 as part of my fortieth birthday year. Anyone who helps give children a glimmer of joy in their short lives is worthy of support in my book***

As it is my 40th birthday in 2008 I thought a novel way to raise funds would be to have bands/authors I have enjoyed so far in my life and have them kindly plug this fundraising page for donations to their fans (be it through a gig, email newsletter, etc) to this worthy charity who help people through music.

Please support the bands/authors who have supported my fundraising efforts by going to one of their events or buying their music or books.

All the following will be plugging this fundraising site during the whole of 2008 on their websites, please visit them all :)

ROBERT RANKIN author of many fabulous books (everyone should read all of his Brentford trilogy books and 'The Toyminator').

UFO are one of best hard rock bands around, enjoying major success in the 70's they are still going strong today. Their latest album 'The Monkey Puzzle' is a 'must have'.

WAYSTED formed by UFO bass player PETE WAY are back with original vocalist FIN. Their latest album 'The Harsh Reality' is a cracking slice of good time rock 'n' roll. (Grab a copy of their 'Save Your Prayers' album which features a certain young DANNY VAUGHN on vocals)

LEC ZORN who plays classic AOR/melodic rock and he will be plugging this website on his website and MySpace.

DEL BROMHAM guitarist with STRAY is a top notch blues rock based musician.

VINNIE MOORE is currently guitarist with UFO and check out his solo albums plus he's played with many other rock legends including ALICE COOPER.

The HEAVY METAL KIDS are still going strong and you must grab a listen to their 'Hit The Right Button' CD - pure class.

The TAZ TAYLOR BAND feature guitar wizzard TAZ TAYLOR and the band's recent album features former RAINBOW/MSG vocalist GRAHAM BONNET.

Rock journalist DAVE LING is a legend and inspiration to all budding rock journos worldwide. He currently writes for 'Classic Rock' magazine and has previously contributed to 'Kerrang!', 'Metal Hammer', 'RAW' and many more.

DAVE BURN plays in a UFO tribute band called UUFO plus he has released a string of solo albums.

TEN YEARS AFTER are one of the seminal 70's rock bands and they are stil going strong today featuring original members Leo Lyons, Ric Lee, and Chick Churchill plus Joe Gooch on guitars.

NEWMAN is the band of Steve Newman, a very talented hard rock/AOR singer/songwriter and he will kindly plugged this site in November as part of his website relaunch. (Check out his new CD 'Primitive Soul')

CHRIS SINGLETON plugged this fundraising idea and page on Saturday 24th Nov via his blog (Chris is a very talented singer/songwriter who compses pop rock gems - check out his song 'Get Up' for proof)

BERNIE TORME & GMT plugged this site at the following gigs during Nov/Dec at York, Bury, Swansea & London (GMT are ex-Gillan members BERNIE TORME & JOHN MCCOY along with drummer ROBIN GUY. They play hard rock with a little punk edge - get their suberb debut album, one of the strongest debuts by any band in mnay a year)

GLYDER will plug this fundraising idea and page on Friday 18th January when they launch their new album, 'Playground For Life' at tthe Sugar Club, Dublin. (Glyder are the natural successors to the mighty THIN LIZZY and are one of the best new bands out there who mix the clsssic 70's rock sounds into their own modern hard rock style)

LION MUSIC record label will kindly plug the fundraising page on their My Space site and newsletters plus sone of their artists have kindly agreed to help out. Lion Music is home to HOUSE OF SHAKIRA, AWAKE, MILAN POLAK, SUN CAGED & many more.

RHODE ISLAND RED (featuring NIKK GUNNS) will plug this fundraising idea and page on Feb 3rd at Bearstock 3 gig

A BIG thanks to BATTTTTTY for helping with many of the artists above. Check out one of her websites here

To find out more on why I chose these bands please hop over to this forum

Join & support the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity on Facebook and MySpace

If you want to donate via PayPal please do using the email address papa_bear70@hotmail.com All money donated this way will be donated to the Nordoff-Robbins charity or the Donna Louise Trust (please state which charity you'd liek to donate to)

2007-09-05T04:40:00.001-07:00

The Classic Rock Newswire can now be found over at the place for classic rock, metal, prog rock and more - Get Ready To Rock!

Click here for all the latest rock and metal news

Guilfest 2007

2007-07-16T02:37:00.001-07:00

Friday night held some promising treats in store and the band I was most looking forward to seeing live the Hold Steady didn't disappoint. A greats et by this US band who sound at times like classic Springsteen mixed with Bruce Hornsby's piano! 'On The Radio' and 'Ships Ahoy' are made for the live arena whilst 'Let's Go out Tonight' is a perfect party song. 'You Can Make Him Like You' is another gem of their latest album while even 'Southtown Girls' sounds good live being my least favourite track on the new album. Great set by a very talented band and well worth seeing live.
The acoustic brother and sister duo of Rodrigo Y Gabriela were a real eye opener in their sheer speed and variety of playing acoustic guitars. Amazing to see and they use the guitar's body as an extra instrument adding percussion - simply stunning. They even throw in a couple of snippets from Metallica's 'Master Of Puppets' and Led Zep's 'Stairway To Heaven'. An amazing duo and definitely one worth seeing live.
Next off to the Kids Zone my daughter's favourite area and again Guilfest really cater well for the younger person. We watched a very good pair of jugglers who juggled with fire for an added twist. Again it is a circus theme with hoops and balls to juggle with along with face painting, fairground rides and wandering entertainers. Next up the theatre tent where we watched a selection of West End show songs performed by a trio called Creative Minds. Very enjoyable although often drowned out by the sound from he neighbouring rock tent.
Headlining Friday night were Supergrass who kicked off with 'Caught By The Fuzz' band they played a very hits loaded set including 'Pumping On Your Stereo' and the awesome 'Sun Hits The Sky'. Sound was slightly drowned out at times by the bass but other than that a great way to close the first night.
Couldn't make Saturday due to family commitments but we were back in force come Sunday but sadly missed the 250 strong Rock Choir who seemed to go down a storm by all accounts. The main stage was very ska/Mod friendly today so I gave it a wide berth :) Mind you I did pop back to see the Icicle Works, well Ian McNabb plus others and it was a very enjoyable set. 'Evangeline' and 'Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)' were the set stand outs and they seemed to go down well with the crowd although Ian McNabb seemed a bit disappointed by the overall crowd response at times.
Redwood on the Ents 24 stage were very good - like an updated Pearl Jam with the good bits of Nirvana added. They look destined for bigger things. As the rain started (thankfully briefly) I dodged into another tent to see a good, solid rock band with a flamboyant frontman who liked his spangly jackets! Good festival fodder but not something you'd rush out and buy. I am reliably informed by my wife and sister-in-law that the stalls were as good as ever with the lantern and silly hats stall being a highlight (we like to cover all bases in this review).
Caught the end of Dukes Special and was impressed by the final song, one for further investigation. Caught the first part of the Madness set which had all their fans going nutty as normal with all the faves there like 'Madness', 'Just Another Day' and 'One Step Beyond'. They work the crowd well and for a fun night you can't go wrong although their fans can get a bit boisterous which can put off the more casual fan.
But for me it has to be Uriah Heep to close this year's Guilfest. Like Blue Oyster Cult last year then spend fifteen minutes fannying around with the sound which means with a strict ten o'clock curfew they only had 45 minutes left to play. Just get on with the music as people at a festival will forgive a slightly less than perfect sound I am sure. Many fans were grumbling it has to be said. First chanmce in the UK to see new drumemr Russell Gilbrook as well who is a big hitter in the Chris Slade style and slots in well with the band's overall sound. A very heavy set with a stunning 'Between Two Worlds', 'Gypsy', 'Cry Freedom' and 'Sunrise'. Uriah Heep are a classic festival band as they work the crowd well and are not too heavy to put of the casual festival music fan looking for a band to watch. Along with the Hold Steady and Rodrigo Y Gabriela the bands of the festival for me.
Another great Guilfest with fine food, company, music and entertainment - what more could you want? Well better toliets as they were in a right state by Sunday night but bar that the best family festival around and big thanks to the organizers, bands, crews and Roland for the passes.

Jason Ritchie
www.guilfest.co.uk

2007-07-09T02:43:00.001-07:00

Dear all,
The sun was shining as we set off on a 10K run of two laps around the wonderful Regent's Park, running past flower beds, Andrew Flintoff approved pedalos, kamikaze ducks and squirrels and boy was it hot out there! Mind you I highly recommend taking up running/jogging as I 've lost 6lbs in training and have definitely got the running craze back in my system.

The winner came in at just over 33 minutes (I reckon he cheated and took a short cut!) and I finished in 1hr 11mins 55 secs which I am very pleased with as this was my first race since 2002 and moving house last weekend was maybe not the best preparation :) I also beat four of the ten runners dressed as bananas out on the course.

832 1:11:55 RITCHIE, Jason Senior Men (less of the Senior if you don't mind!)

982 finishers (1,005 started) with the last time being one of the ten bananas on the course - these runners are all cancer survivors - in 1hr 41mins.

Race results

Fundraising - So far the total raised is £705 which has already beaten my target of £500. For those who have pledged on the sponsor forms I will be collecting your monies in the next month or you can send me cheques - please e-mail me if you wish to do the latter.

If you have not and still wish to sponsor me please do either here or via PayPal on papa_bear70@hotmail.com or by cash/cheque/Postal Order

Running blog

Thank you ALL for such wonderful support and donations. The money raised for the Parkinson's Disease Society will be split 50/50 - half to the local support groups based in Staines and Stoke-on-Trent and the other half towards funding the Parkinson's nurses nationwide.

Now what to run next? I am open to suggestions but please no marathons ;)

Best wishes ,
Jason Ritchie

About the charity I am raising funds for -

The Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS) provide vital work in not only research into the disease but fund Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists (there are currently 200 in the UK) and help run over 300 support groups and local branches throughout the UK. Many people know someone who has Parkinson’s and although there is no cure as yet with the help of medicine and local support groups the lifestyle of people with Parkinson’s has been greatly improved although more funds are still needed to keep up the results achieved so far.

2007-02-05T03:30:00.000-08:00

WAKING THE WITCH + JON REDFERN Windsor Arts Centre, Saturday 3rd February 2007

A new venue to me, being an old fire station converted into a very snazzy arts centre, complete with good acoustics in the main auditorium. First up was singer/songwriter Jon Redfern who was joined by a backing band consisting of a bass player, keyboards/acoustic guitar and a cellist, making for an eclectic musical mix and a very strong set of songs. Very rock ’n’ roll moment when he admitted they had been at the pub prior to the gig and had forgot to compile a set list although you’d never now given the strong musicianship on display.
Waking the Witch, the four piece female vocal phenomena, are touring in support of their recently released third album ‘The Boys From the Abattoir’, a stunning album full of vocal and musical delights. The four band members each have distinctive vocal styles and combined they provide one of the best harmonies I’ve heard since the early days of Clannad. Stripped of a backing band they rely simply on their voices and acoustic guitars (with a bit of mandolin), rattling through a set heavily based on their new album including the title track, ‘Spring Song’ (if the harmonies on this one don’t move you must be clinically dead!) and ‘Rock n Roll’ (not the Led Zep version). Highlight for me was ‘Yorkshire Boy’, a very jaunty number and one you could easily envisage getting played on BBC Radio 2 etc.
An excellent night of acoustic/vocal based music and both artists are well worth checking out, especially Waking the Witch who are simply one of the best female fronted folk/acoustic bands out there today.

Jason Ritchie

2007-01-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Get Ready To Rock! is now on MySpace :)

EVERGREY gig review

2006-11-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

My first visit to Dingwalls which is not an easy venue to find despite being in Camden and its location could partly explain why the gig was only just over half full in a 550 capacity venue. Not a bad venue and decent sound compared to Damn shame as Evergrey are one of the leading progressive metal bands out there.

First support band were Awake who played a solid set of metal, similar to Intense but not quite as strong in the vocal department. The keyboard player got off to a shaky start as well with a few dropped notes and unlike Evergrey his keys were used mainly to start/end each tune. Not bad at all and I will track down some of their albums to give them a listen, which is more than can be said of the next band Avatar. Sorry but I like someone who can sing and not someone who gargles with gravel before ‘singing’. Nice music which is ruined once the ‘vocals’ kick in. I doubt any death/black metal fan would be listening to this in say twenty years time as it is not a genre of music that you can call timeless. But if you like this style of metal I am sure they would suffice.

Evergrey are quite simply stunning live. They manage to deftly pull of the musical dexterity of their studio albums with ease (with a few cheats in recorded backing choirs but hey that’s allowed!) and this tour marked the UK debut of the band’s new bassist Frederik Larsson, who slotted in with ease. The sheer power of their songs is quite frankly breathtaking be it ‘End Of My Days’, with a very catchy chorus or the doom laden ‘In Remembrance’. The new album ‘Monday Morning Apocalypse’ was well represented with the title track, ‘Til Dagmar’ and ‘Obedience’ all getting an airing. Frontman Tom Englund seemed to be enjoying himself with quips to the audience and vocally he has the same power as on record, which is not always the case in some metal bands. The only real respite from the wall of guitar riffs came with ‘I’m Sorry’, although set closer ‘Great Deceiver’ soon had the headbangers back in action! Encore time and the pick had to be ‘Recreation Day’, a song that sums up the Evergreay sound – strong vocals, lyrics and guitars al, backed by a tight but loud rhythm section and the keys are used almost like a guitar as they are very riff driven.

Great set by a very talented band and one that would appeal to fans of power metal, the heavier end of prog rock and even thrash metal. Go see them if you get the chance.

Jason Ritchie

Blinded
End Of Your Days
Rulers Of The Mind
As I Lie Here Bleeding
Obedience
In Remembrance
Til Dagmar
Still In The Water
Monday Morning Apocalypse
Solitude Within
Mark Of The Triangle
More Than Ever
I'm Sorry
Great Deceiver
-----------------
When The Walls Go Down
Recreation Day
A Touch Of Blessing
The Masterplan

www.evergrey.net

PAUL RODGERS Albert Hall, London 3rd October 2006

2006-10-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

Last time Paul Rodgers played London he was at the Hammersmith Apollo, this time around it was the grander surrounding so f the Albert Hall with many of the audience looking like they were on work’s ‘jollys’ rather than rock fans! A decent sized crowd although sadly not sold out. Deborah Bonham played a short set of her take on blues rock although sadly without drummer Jerry Shirley (ex-Humble Pie) who was unavailable due to a family bereavement. A solid set although it did miss a backbeat.
Young rockers the Answer were up next and they fire blew the cobwebs away. They have the sound of classic Free meets Led Zep so were playing to a target audience really. They rattled through songs of their debut album including ‘Under the Sky’, the slide guitar led ‘Preachin’ and ‘Never Too Late’. This band has the tunes and musicianship to break it big time and unlike the Darkness they don’t need gimmicks to get their music across. For the band it was a perfect way to start their upcoming UK tour with fellow rising rock stars Roadstar.
Paul Rodgers and his band - guitarists Kurt Dengler and Howard Leese (Heart), Collective Soul’s drummer Ryan Hoyle and bassist Lynn Sorensen – took to the stage with a clutch of Free classics including ‘I’ll Be Creepin’, ‘Be My Friend’ and ‘Ride On A Pony’. The tour is partly to promote the new Free alums, a Best Of and live sets from the BBC. Sadly not much form his Bad Company days although he did dedicate ‘Bad Company’ to the late Bad Company bassist Boz Burrell and ‘Feel Like Making Love’ certainly got the many females in the audience all hot and bothered. His days with the Firm were represented by ‘Radioactive’ and ‘Closer’ whilst the pick of his solo tunes had to be the hard rocking ‘Saving Grace’, simply awesome live.
Prior to the gig Paul Rodgers had let slip in an interview at the launch of the Free albums that he would be joined by a special guest guitarist. Rumours had everyone from Queen’s Brian May to Jimmy Page (who worked with Rodgers in the Firm) as the mystery guest but it was none other than hard rock turned bluesman Gary Moore. He played two numbers with Rodgers (with Leese and Dengler leaving the stage for Moore to take centre stage), 'Standing Around' and 'Louisiana Blues'. Moore was on top form and with Rodgers blues voice you couldn’t really go wrong. Free’s ‘Wishing Well and ‘All Right Now’ also got an airing but surprisingly Bad Company’s classic ‘Can’t Get Enough’ didn’t, which was a shame. One new song as well, the anti-war song ‘Warboys’ which was okay but maybe needs a few more listens to fully appreciate it.
Encore time ‘The Hunter’ with Gary Moore back on stage and a Hendrix cover in ‘Little Wing’, with Howard Leese this time stealing the limelight with his soloing. The final encore was Paul Rodgers on his own doing Bad Company’s ‘Seagull’, a fitting end to a very enjoyable night. Shame it wasn’t longer as he played for just over 90 minutes and as with any artist with such a long and distinguished career you leave the gig thinking ‘why didn’t he play…?’ but hey he still has the voice and is a ‘must see’ live performer.

Chris Singleton Troubadour, London 19th September 2006

2006-09-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Off to the legendary Troubadour club for the first time for the album launch of ‘Twisted City’ by singer/songwriter Chris Singleton. Not a bad little venue at all, located underneath the restaurant above and good acoustics. An amazing array of musical legends have appeared here including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Led Zep and Keith Moon to name but a few.

Support came from the Sunstones, an acoustic trio with just a double bass and acoustic guitar as the musical accompaniment. Upbeat tunes although I did struggle to catch the lyrics at times and sadly the tunes failed to lodge in your head after one listen. A pleasant enough listen but nothing to grab your attention.

Chris Singleton first came under my radar with his debut single ‘Worry Number One’ and after reviewing this I found out his girlfriend Emma worked in the same office as me! So no pressure then on reviewing this gig… Kicking off with the single it was a fine set of quality pop rock tunes (latter day XTC is as near as I can get for a comparison) mixed with slower acoustic led songs. Next up was the next single ‘Get Up’ and I defy anyone not to be taken in by this song after their first listen. Catchy tunes don’t come much better than this. Backed by a very tight and able five piece band, they played most of the debut album including ‘Gimme Something’ and ‘Twisted City’. Encore was the delightful ‘Tonight’ (shades of John Lennon here), topping of a very assured and enjoyable launch of his debut album.

If you like pop rock, bands like XTC, Crowded House and well crafted tunes then go and buy this album as you will enjoy it, trust me.

Website

Please help

2006-09-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

Dear all,
As we are now fighting to keep Ashford & Sunbury open the previous petition is no longer valid as it covered all four centres based in Spelthorne that were facing closure. In Staines Leacroft has been saved and sadly Thameside is closing but we still need YOUR support to keep the pressure on Surrey County Council.
Please pass onto as many interested parties as you can.

Sign here

Thanks for your continued support!

UFO, TALISMAN & TOMMY BOLIN reviews

2006-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

TOMMY BOLIN `Whips and Roses II' SPV (2006)

The second volume featuring unreleased tracks and alternate takes from the `Teaser' album. You can only wonder what he would have produced had he lived (I for one would loved to have seen him carry on with Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale) after listening to this album and the first volume. There are two good rockers on here
namely `The Grind' and `Sooner Or Later', whilst the rest of the album highlights Bolin's fusion style of playing. The fourteen minute `Bagitblues Deluxe' best illustrates his style of playing and is a delight to hear. As with many unreleased tracks a few have poor sound quality and the live `Some People Call Me' is really for completists only as the crowd noise spoils the sound overall.
Another lovingly collated album making a fitting tribute to a gifted guitarist and one who sadly died way too young.

UFO `The Monkey Puzzle' SPV (2006)

I will be honest and say that the last few albums by this band have had a couple of good tunes but the albums for the main have not had me rushing back to play them again. However, their last album `You Are Here' was a definite improvement and with Andy Parker back at the drum stool this new album continues the band's
renaissance. Guitarist Vinnie Moore seems to be the spark in the band that sets this album apart from the past few albums as his playing fits the band's classic sound like a glove yet he does have odd moments where he adds his own stylings such as `Kingston Town'.
Phil Mogg is in fine voice and lyrically the band delved into familiar territory like drinking (`Drink Too Much') and a wry look at life on `Rolling Man'. Stand out track has to be `Black and Blue' which I am sure will go down a storm when played live. Being picky the album could have done with a real knock `em dead ballad and `Down By the River' is a filler being brutally honest.
Possibly the strongest UFO line-up for many a year and this album won't disappoint their fans.

TALISMAN `Seven' Frontiers (2006)

Since the band's last studio album `Cats & Dogs' the members of Talisman have been far from idle with Marcel Jacobs and Jamie Borger popping up on this year's rather good new album by Last Autumn's Dream (Borger is also involved in the Treat reunion), guitarist Fredrik Akesson has been touring with Arch Enemy and of course Jeff Scott Soto is currently filling in for Steve Augeri as Journey's
vocalist plus being part of Soul SirkUS. With all of this activity it is amazing they found time to record this album!
Musically it carries on from where `Cats & Dogs' left off with possibly a heavier edge overall particularly in the guitars, grab a listen to openers `Falling' and `Nowhere Fast' for proof. There are some tracks on here that are instant hits with your ears like `Shed A Tear Goodbye' and `Back 2 The Feeling', which sees the band almost in pop rock territory. Elsewhere there is a ballad and a couple of tunes take the funk rock groove that JSS does more on in his solo work. JSS sings his best as usual although his little `raps' in a couple of tunes can get tiresome after repeated listens.
Certainly this album will delight fans of the band but it is a couple of songs short of being as strong as JSS last solo album or the last Talisman album.

TYPE O NEGATIVE `Best Of' Roadrunner (2006) Roadrunner Records

This `Best Of' is a great place to start for anyone new to the band like me. Fronted by man mountain Peter Steele, the band take off where Sisters of Mercy left of in the late 80's. Yes it is very heavy goth tinged metal/rock, none more so than the cracking tune `Christian Woman', that features sublime harmony vocals with deep, doomy vocals from Steele. Mind you with the backing vocals
credited to Bensonhoist Lesbian Choir you known this band are not run of the mill! `Love You To Death' is classic goth rock and `I Don't Wanna Be Me' shows the band have some tongue in cheek humour amongst the bleak lyrics. Couple of interesting covers on here as well in Neil Young's `Cinnamon Girl', which is slowed down to a grinding riff, whilst you will never hear such an off the wall
rendition of Purple's `Highway Star' that's for sure!

A very worthy introduction to a fine band who will delight goth metal fans and those who like melodic yet doom laden music.

ELO remasters Sony BMG (2006) ELO website

Delayed from earlier this year the first batch of remasters are finally here! Main man Jeff Lynne has been heavily involved both in the remastering and adding sleeve notes to each of the three albums. Along with Lynne's comments you also get very informative sleeve notes from ELO archivist Rob Caiger along with many previously
unseen photos. After the band's first tow more experimental/progressive albums
ELO's next album was 1973's `On the Third Day' (***1/2), which although it kept some progressive leanings like `Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe', Lynne was well on his way to penning the melodic classics the band became famous for like `Ma-Ma-Ma Belle' and `Showdown'. Five bonus tracks on here including two alternate versions of `Ma-Ma-Ma Belle' and for collectors Marc Bolan plays
guitar on four of these tracks. Not an album for the fan of the classic ELO sound but highly recommended for the ELO fanatic!

`Elderado' came next, which has already been release a few years ago with bonus tracks, so next up is 1975' `Face The Music' (****). Two big hits on this album were `Evil Woman' and `Strange Magic', the latter on the best ELO tracks in my humble opinion. Other treats on here include ELO meets punk on `Poker' (well it is very fast paced!), the blissful `Waterfall' and the instrumental mix
of `Waterfall', one of the four bonus tracks on this CD.

`A New World Record' (*****) released back in 1976 marks the
first of ELO's five star releases in my book (next up were `Out of the Blue', `Discovery' and `Time'). From the opening `Tightrope' and its strings overload through to the mellow refrains of the closing track `Shangri-La' there is not one filler track. Three big hit singles of this album - `Rockaria!', `Livin' Thing' and `Telephone Line'. Another good rock track was the reworking of the Move song `Do Ya' – a real classic guitar riff on this one. Bonus wise there are six tracks on here including `Surrender', a nice short pop ditty which strangely hasn't made it onto an album before appearing here.

These three re-releases are all a ELO fan could ask for and they
are well worth adding to your CD collection. Can't wait for `Out of
the Blue'…

Freddie Mercury - 60 today

2006-09-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Freddie Mercury would have been sixty today - can you imagine him with a pensioner's bus pass???
Sadly missed but his music lives on.
RIP 1946-1991

Stoke sign Ricardo Fuller

2006-09-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

As deadline day passed and tumbleweed did blow around the Britannia stadium Tony Pulis signed striker Ricardo Fuller from Southampton. He looks a good signing (he is highly regarded by fans at preston where he was previously) although in true Stoke fashion he has had knee injuries in the past!
Elsewhere Hannes Sigudsson joined Bronby no doubt lured by UEFA cup action and no club came forward for Bangora, who is still training whilst trying to regain his fitness. Can't see him staying now especially as he went AWOL over the summer.
Pulis has now turned his attention to loans and former player (and yet another Pompey player) Andy Griffin's name keeps popping up on Stoke MB's as a possible loanee. He would be good but we really need a decent central midfielder as Dave Brammer is frankly pants and should be shipped back to Crewe ASAP.
Come on Stoke!

10 Q's with PHIL SOUSSAN (OZZY/BEGGERS & THIEVES)

2006-08-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

Bass player Phil Soussan has just released a very enjoyable solo album 'Vibrate' that feaures members of Toto amongst others. Previously he has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Beggers & Thieves, French rock 'n' roll legend Johnny Hallyday and he started out with Wildlife the UK band that featured ex-Bad Company drummer and future members of FM.

Website

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

I am currently preparing for some solo gigs, writing/producing Trev Lukather's album, getting ready to go to Nashville to start a very hush hush "supergroup" (I HATE that word!), hum... waiting here at home for my new guitar to show up from MusicMan and typing.

2. Could you take us through the songs (e.g. ideas behind the songs) on your solo album, 'Vibrate' please...

Sure!
Human Race - one of the last songs that I wrote on the album. It is about being patronized and propagandad (is that a word?) and having people manipulate the truth and thinking that they can pull the wool over your eyes. I am not going to share my politics here, but it is not what you might expect!

Open Your Eyes - This is about trying to help a friend out of depression.

Friend By My Side - Funky, funky funk! This is about funk! I like funk an' funky thangs. I like songs that sound like you have a room full of relatives in the background singin' along. I mean, I used to listen to a lot of 70's funk and so this was a little taste - a hitcherino if you will. I also had much fun playing recently with Richie Kotzen - who is the bomb when it comes to funk/rock and I wanted to include this aspect to my playing - Richie is also playing on this. (Oh.... lyrically it is about trusting your instincts!)

Elderberry Trees - This is a love song (no shit!). It's about the feeling you get when you meet your soul mate! It is also about gardening.

In America - America; land of hope and the Ancient Greeks (sorry TH !). Everyone rags on this place yet everyone wants to live here. A good place to come to if you want to find opportunity. Even when you don't find what you want there is always another stone to turn over.

No Regrets - This is a Petty type storyteller ballad about people compromising themselves. It is about accountability.

Smile - Trying to help out a friend who had more than their share of shit shoveled upon them.

Killing Time - I was pissed off at a girlfriend who was extremely negative. This goes out to all the negative people out there - you know who you aren't!

Long As You Live - This is a positive song written with my friend Joe Brucato, one of the most beautiful souls out there although he has the tact of a mountain! (Sorry joe!). Written a long time ago I wanted to include it as I love the message that it presents.

Haunted - This is a reflection on how your experiences carry forward into the rest of your life - there is a lesson that I had to learn here and that was to enter each new experience innocently and as new...

She Couldn't Cry - Another storyteller about a girl who reached the lowest low.

Water's Edge - This has nothing to do with Roger Waters! Although it is a tribute to one of my favorite artists ever... I wrote this for someone who was very lonely.

3. How did you get some top draw musicians on your album such as the Toto guys? Any plans to play some gigs on the back of the album's release in Europe?

I have been fortunate enough to work regularly with these musicians for quite some time. When it became time for me to do this they contacted me and wanted to be involved. If things go well with this album I would love to come to europe to tour.

4. Beggers & Thieves were a very underated band - was there ever a second studio album made by the band? Any chance the band would get back together again?

They made a second album after I left. There is no reason that we wouldn't get together again. We would need it to be financially viable .. and Louis would need to return the guitar he took!

5. You've appeared on many albums by the French legend musical Johnny Hallyday. How did you hook-up with him and why do you think he's never really has success here in the UK and even the US?

I played on the demo of a track that he covered on his Rough Town" album and his producer - my long time friend Chris Kimsey - fell in love with the part. Chris asked me to come and play it on the actual record and we all hit it off from that point. Johnny called me up and asked me to be in his band; what a band! Shane Fontayne, Jim Prime, Ian Wallace, Tim Moore and Robin Le Mesurier. I think that the French market has always been very intrinsic - nothing comes in and nothing goes out and that is why he has never been heard of in many other countries. Despite that, he remains the 4th biggest selling artist in music history for the world!! Fuckin' unbelievable, huh. We call him the Grand Fromage!

6. You played on Ozzy's 'Ultimate Sin' album. What was it like at the time working with Ozzy who wasn't at his most sober during this album! Why did you leave the band?

It was an amazing time. Metal had never been so big, Ozzy's gigs had never been so well attended and I had major success with a song that I wrote. My closest friend was in the band with me and I liked Ozzy very much and we became good friends even out of the workplace. I think that Ozzy drinks because he is bored but I never liked people making fun of that. Ultimately (!) I had business disagreements with Sharon regarding future publishing arrangements and I decided to move on. I think that she took that really personally and she has certainly never forgiven me for that. I was close with her at the time and I have no hard feelings. I had a great time with them. It seems that they either really like people or they really dislike people and there is no ground inbetween. Maybe one day we will all just get along again.

7. Apart from your new solo album ,what album(s) that you have appeared on are you most proud of musically and why?

That has to be Steve Lukather's "Luke" album. I consider Steve to be one of the greats and we have a great friendship and writing relationship. I wrote half of this record and of that I was an incredibly proud. The tour that followed became the most fun I have ever had on the road in terms of musical quality and just fun. Gregg and Brett were fantastic and every night we would take all those songs and see how far we could improvise and "stretch" them, completely pushing the limits of our musical ability. I grew as a musician and as a bass player.

8. How did you get your first break into the music business? What piece of advice would you pass onto budding musicians?

I answered every bass player wanted ad in the back of the Melody Maker! Learn as much as you can about your instrument and other instruments and learn to be tasteful!! Don't give up and realize that the first project that you leave marks the beginning of your musical journey!

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to ride motorcycles, take photographs, drink with friends. I like to have sex and honk at pedestrians. If you honk twice and really short they will think that you know them and it will leave them wondering the rest of the day.

10. Message to your fans...

Thanks for being there and being interested, thanks for letting someone else into your head. Write me and tell me what you think - I try to respond to all of my fans!

Rising Star - CHRIS SINGLETON

2006-08-17T01:25:00.000-07:00

Singer/songwriter Chris Singelton releases his debut solo album in September and it is a damn fine album (read the review here ). Check out the extremely catchy 'Get Up' for proof (you can listen to this song and two other songs at Last FM). Over to Chris...

What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

I’m about to start rehearsing the live stuff again with my band. We’re doing some shows in London during September and October to promote the album.

Brief history of how you got into the music business and the style of music you play

Got into the music industry at the age of 11 when I figured out how a record player worked. Found “Revolver” by the Beatles in my dad’s record collection and it was downhill from there! Or uphill, depending on your point of view…but that’s how I got into music. I play a lot of retro-rock and pop tinged with a bit of electronica. In recent reviews they’ve described my voice as a mix of John Lennon and George Harrison, and my songwriting as McCartney-esque. 75% of the Beatles. Could be worse, although I must say that I do have a lot of time for Ringo.

Could you take us through the songs on your excellent debut album 'Twisted City' and where the lyrical/musical ideas came from?
The basic idea behind “Twisted City” is that it’s a tube journey through London - each song is a stop on the journey. I wrote a lot of it on the move, as I was travelling frequently between Dublin and London for two years. I’d jot down ideas for songs on old tube tickets, boarding cards, you name it. I’d even record myself singing onto my mobile phone’s voicemail. Looked like a nutter when I did that. In the end I had this mad collection of musical bits and bobs on various bits of travelling paraphernalia, and I eventually put them all down properly in my little studio…and that’s how the album came about. Lyrical and musical ideas? The lyrics are about two things really – firstly, relationships (love, loss, the usual) and secondly, trying to ‘make it’ as a musician in London. I see the album as a bit of a documentary of what was going on in my life for two years. Musically it’s influenced by a lot of things. The Beatles loom large in it I think, as does Bowie and a bit of the Stones. It’s all influenced by old 60s and 70s acts really, but because I’ve got a room full of contemporary music equipment - samplers, synths and computers etc., I think all my influences got a bit warped and hopefully the album sounds fresh as a result.

How do you view the current live scene as regards new bands/artists getting exposure?

Don’t know much about the live scene really as I’ve been concentrating primarily on recording. As for bands getting exposure, I think the exposure you get is directly proportional to the marketing spend!

How has the Internet helped spread the word about yourself? Do you think downloading is helping or killing music?

The Internet has been very useful for me, I’ve used Myspace quite extensively to get my songs out there and the feedback’s been very positive. I think on the whole downloading is good for singles, but not necessarily so good for albums, as people get into the habit of picking and choosing individual tracks and don’t necessarily hear albums as the artists intended.

Who would you ideally like to go out and tour with?

Supergrass – I think they’re great.

What bands/artists do you admire and/or are an influence?

I like so many different acts that it’s hard to list all the ones I admire. Obviously I’m a big fan of 60s and 70s acts like Beatles, Kinks, Bowie, Pink Floyd and so on – that period really was a golden era for music. In terms of contemporary acts, I’ve got a lot of time for Supergrass, Aimee Mann , Belle and Sebastian and Primal Scream.

What have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?

Hard to say really, because I feel like with this record I’m just starting out! I guess the low points have been the times when I’ve got a lot of ‘nos’ from record companies, and the high has definitely been getting the opportunity to release this record.

What ideally would you like to achieve ideally by this time next year?

I’d like to have sold a truckload of copies of Twisted City, and have my next album recorded ready for a September 2007 release!

What's the most rock 'n' roll moment you have had so far?

This interview…no, I guess getting the album mastered at Abbey Road was fairly rock and roll. Certainly one of the most expensive moments I’ve had so far…

What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?

My album “Twisted City” is out on 19th September, and my single, “Worry Number One” is out on 12th September. You should be able to buy them from all good record shops, but if you live near a bad one, you’ll be able to get it on iTunes, www.chrissingleton.co.uk and various other online retailers.

Message to your fans...

Hello to both of you!

New interview with BOB DAISLEY (RAINBOW/OZZY/URIAH HEEP/LIVING LOUD)

2006-08-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Interview

EDEN - Open Minds

2006-08-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

Majestic Rock (2006)

Vince O'Regan is one busy man! He produced and wrote for Bob Catley's latest solo album, he has another band Alibi ready to release their new album on Escape Music and now we have Eden formed with Kick vocalist Nick Workman. Don't expect an AOR/melodic rock album by numbers though as Eden have successfully added a real hard edge to their music whilst still keeping the melodies intact. `Close Your Eyes' and `Chase the Sun' have superb guitar riffs coupled with a very heavy rhythm section – not quite metal but near enough! The sought of tracks TNT are so good at when they are on form. `Fools Parade' is quite simply one of the best tunes I have heard all year, from its anthemic chorus to the stunning harmony vocal section towards the end of the song. Again the guitars are high in the mix and riffing away. Only one ballad on the whole album and it is a good `un, `How Far Are You' allows Nick Workman to take the spotlight.

One of the strongest debuts by a UK rock band in many a year and all the better as they seemed to have found that winning formula of having a big guitar sound without comprising the melodies. Hopefully Eden will prove to be a long term band and not just a one-off.

The season starts with an away loss

2006-08-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Stoke City started their season away at Southend on Saturday with a 1-0 loss and judging by the match reports despite some hard work in midfield never looked like scoring.

We have signed defender Danny Higginbotham from Southampton who seems to be a good player but we are lacking a decent central midfielder and a proven goal scorer. Hopefully Tony Pulis will sign a few players before the August transfer window deadline.

Other good news is that AWOL striker Sammy Bangora finally turned-up on Friday (4th Aug) a mere five weeks late! Be interesting to see if we play him or sell him quickly as he is very unreliable at returning from international games.

TOM PETTY `Highway Companion' American Recordings (2006)

2006-08-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

The follow-up the disappointing `The Last DJ' album sees ELO's Jeff Lynne back on board both production and playing wise. The only other musician involved is Mike Campbell, a member of Tom Petty's long time band the Heartbreakers. The sound is very crisp and clear as you'd expect with Jeff Lynne at the helm and the songs hark back to some of Petty's best albums namely `Full Moon Fever' and `Into the Great Wide Open'. Listen to `Big Weekend' and you'd swear it was from one of these albums. `Saving Grace' bizarrely brings to mind Canned Heat's `On the Road Again', mainly due to the background riff and again is crystal clear slice of Petty genius. Petty is in reflective mood on much of the album on tracks such as `Turn This Car Around' and ` Flirting With Time' (he recently stated he had given his last interview) perhaps suggesting he is winding down his career (hopefully not though!). The jangly guitars and crystal clear percussion are back as well I am happy to report. Only `Night Driver' fails to hit the spot being a bit too mellow.

If you like Petty's solo albums then you are in for a treat and hopefully Jeff Lynne will be involved again next time around. It is not as instant as say listening to `Full Moon Fever' but repeated plays open up delights each time, surely the sign of good music.

JOURNEY `Evolution'/'Escape' Legacy/Sony (2006)

2006-08-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Now reviewing these two little gems is a real treat! Both have been re-mastered with added booklets containing rare and previously unseen photos (and looking at Neal Schon's bouffant hair I am not surprised!) plus in the case of `Escape' you get bonus tracks.1979's `Evolution' starts with the short intro `Majestic' where the band's trademark harmonies come to the fore. Track wise there are some certifiable classics such as `Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' and the stop/start vocals on `City of the Angels'. You want more? Try `Just the Same Way' or Steve Perry excelling vocally on `Lovin' You Is Easy'.

There isn't a filler track on this album at all but for me the best album Journey have made so far is 1981's `Escape', which saw former Babys member Jon Cain take over from Gregg Rolie on the keyboards. Again not a filler in sight (although I have never personally been a fan of `Who's Crying Now' as it has been used too often on compilations and radio) and if anything the guitars are ramped up – check out `Lay It Down' or the title track for proof. `Mother, Father' is a real goose bumps tune as Perry pours his heart and soul into the song, whilst `Don't Stop Believin' is one of those feel good anthems the band do so well. Bonus wise you get the B-side to `Still They Ride', the track `La Raza Del Sol', which is not bad but you can see why it was a B-side! Add to these three live tracks from the recently released `Live In Houston' CD/DVD, namely `Don't Stop Believin', `Who's Crying Now' and `Open
Arms'.

Long time fans of the band will enjoy these I am sure and hopefully they can pick up new fans, who should start with either (or preferably both) of these albums and then go from there. Truly one of the best bands of all time who had the musical ability, the voice in Steve Perry and the songs.

10 Q's with JIM PETRIK (PRIDE OF LIONS/SURVIVOR)

2006-07-31T02:32:00.000-07:00

Jim Petrik rose to fame as part of Survivor who had a struing of hit singles and albums in the 80's. Since leaving Survivor he has toured with his earlier band the Ides of March, formed the melodic rock band Pride of Lions plus released a very good solo album 'Above the Sorm' earlier this year.

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

RIGHT NOW I AM BUSY WRITING NEW MATERIAL FOR THE NEXT PRIDE OF LIONS CD- IT IS TENTATIVELY CALLED "THE ROARING OF DREAMS" AND GOES BACK A BIT TO THE HOOKIER APPROACH OF OUR FIRST ALBUM- AND A BIT OF VITAL SIGNS AND THE EYE OF THE TIGER ALBUM. OF COURSE THERE'S PLENTY OF PRIDE OF LIONS IDENTITY AS WELL. I AM ALSO DOING SHOWS WITH THE IDES OF MARCH AND PREPARING FOR A BIG PRIDE OF LIONS SHOW ON OCT 7TH AT MORAINE VALLEY COLLEGE NEAR CHICAGO.

2. Could you take us through the songs on the new Pride of Lions live CD/DVD eg how did you chose the tracklist etc-

I WANTED TO OF COURSE FEATURE SONGS FROM THE FIRST AND SECOND POL ALBUM AS WELL AS BLACK RIBBONS- BUT I ALSO WANTED TO SHOW MY LEGACY BY INCLUDING SOME FAVORITES OF MINE FROM MY SURVIVOR DAYS. WE EVEN PULLED OUT A REALLY COOL VERSION OF MY IDES HIT FROM 1970- VEHICLE. AS FAR AS THE POL STUFF- I REALLY THINK "GONE". "UNBREAKABLE" AND "GIFT OF SONG" REALLY WORKED WELL ON THE DVD.

3. Your latest solo album has been gaining rave reviews and rightly so! Any plans to tour this album and which songs would you really like to perform live given a chance?

I AM DOING A SET WITHIN THE POL SET ON OCT 7TH FEATURING STUFF FROM ATS. LIVE LIFE FOR SURE- AND PROBABLE THE TITLE TRACK AS WELL AS STAND AND BE COUNTED.

4. Survivor have changed vocalists again now meaning fans can hear Survivor songs in three different bands - Survivor, Jimi Jamison band and yourself. Do you think this dilutes the band's heritage/image in anyway and what is your take on Jimi Jamison leaving for the second time and so soon after the new album?

I AM NOT SURE WHAT EFFECT THIS WILL HAVE ON THE IMAGE ETC. I HAVENT SPOKEN TO EITHER FRANKIE OR JIMEI SINCE THE SPLIT SO I REALLY DONT KNOW THE STORY- BUT I WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT IT HAPPENED.

5. Would you ever consider a joint tour with Pride of Lions and Ides of March on the same bill? How do you manage your time and songwriting skills between the two bands?

I WOULD LOVE THAT- BUT I THINK I WOULD COLLAPSE AT THE END OF THE NIGHT! I WRITE A LOT - SO MATERIAL IS NO PROBLEM.

6. Have you been pleased with the progress Pride of Lions have made so far eg fan reaction, live shows and has the band achieved what you imagined it would do?

IT HAS GONE BEYOND MY DREAMS. IT HAS ALSO SET A HIGH STANDARD- AND I ALWAYS WANT TO EXCEDE THE AUDIENCES EXPECTATIONS- THATS WHY ME AND TOBY ARE WORKING SO HARD RIGHT NOW TO PUT TOGETHER NEW SONGS.

7. You have written many classic tunes down the years. What are your particular favourates and how do you approach yuor song writing?

I LOVE MOST OF THEM LIKE MY OWN CHILDREN- SOME HAVE DONE BETTER THAT OTHERS- BUT I AM DEEPLY CONNECTED TO EACH ONE. I PARTICULARLY LIKE I CANT HOLD BACK- THE SEARCH IS OVER- EVER SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN- OCEANS- REBEL SON- HOLD ON LOOSELY AND WHAT DO YOU REALLY THINK.

8. What piece of advice would you pass onto budding musicians wnating to satrt out today in the music business?

DO IT BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT- NOT BECAUSE YOU HOPE TO BECOME FAMOUS AND GET RICH - THOSE MOTIVES RARELY WORK FOR LONG. KEEP THE PASSION FOR WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR HEART AND PLAY IN FRONT OF PEOPLE EVERY CHANCE YOU GET- EVEN IF ITS FOR FREE.

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I LOVE TO CYCLE WITH MY WIFE- TAKE MY 16 YEAR OLD MUSICIAN SON COLIN TO ROCK SHOWS- COLLECT GUITATRS- AND SEE GREAT INSPIRING MOVIES- OH YEAH AND EAT GREAT FOOD AND ENJOY AN OCCASIONAL GIN MARTINI

10. Message to your fans...

THANK YOU A MILLIONS FOR BELIEVING IN ME- AND LISTENING TO MY MESSAGE. I BELIEVE IN YOU- 100% LOVE- JIM

10 Q's with DEREK SHERINIAN (BILLY IDOL/DREAM THEATER/PLANET X)

2006-07-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

A true keyboard legend, Derek Sherinian he has appeared with Alice Cooper, Kiss, Dream Theater and currently part of Billy Idol's band. All this and his solo albums plus Planet X.

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

I am currently on tour with Billy Idol, and promoting my new CD "Blood Of The Snake"

2. Could you take us through the songs (e.g. ideas behind the songs) on the new album 'Blood of the Snake' (including the wonderful ocver of 'In The Summertime'!)...

Summertime was my favorite song when I was a kid. One day, Billy started singing it at rehearsal, and we decided to cover it for my record. We brought Slash in to play guitar, and he sounded awesome. We just shot a video for Summertime. The rest of the music is instrumental metal/fusion. There is one other vocal song called "Man With No Name" that features Zakk Wylde on vocals and guitgar. It is very Black Sabbath influenced.

3. How did you get the gig with Billy Idol and how has the current European tour been going? Are there many keyboards parts to do with his music as it is very guitar led.

The tour has been going great! Billy is always fun to work with. There are a lot of keyboards on his classic hits.

Read the full interview here

Blue Oyster Cult London Astoria 23rd July 2006

2006-07-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

What a treat to see the mighty BOC twice in the space of a week! After seeing a good but short set at the Guilfest last Saturday night it was time to see a full set. Not a bad turn out crowd wise although the first level of the Astoria was closed. Support came from John Young (Asia/Scorpions/Bonnie Tyler/Fish), doing a solo set with just his keys and his band played via Mini Disc. He was honest about this saying he wanted the audience to hear the songs in full band mode as they should be heard. A good set featuring ‘When I Was Young’, the epic ‘The Unknown Solder’, a moving rendition of ‘Underside’ and ‘Open Skies’. After a lukewarm reception form the crowd he had soon won them over and hopefully picked up a few new fans in the process. A brave move appearing solo and on keyboards before a full on rock band!

BOC finally came on at 8.45 but minus keys/guitars man Allen Lanier who we were told was ill but as Eric Bloom said the band ‘liked to rock’ and wanted to play the gig. The set list has some of the Guilfest tunes including opener ‘I Love the Night’, ‘O.D.’d On Life Itself’, ‘Burnin’ For You’ and ‘Cities On Flame With Rock ‘N’ Roll’ along with a few tunes I have not heard them play before or in a long time like a superb rendition of ‘Black Blade’ and ‘Then Came Last Days of May’. Relative new bass player Richie Castellano is a real find for the band with his fast playing and occasional funk touches – I even enjoyed his bass solo during ‘Godzilla’, although a ‘hit all my drums and cymbals loudly’ drum solo by Jules Radino I could easily have done without. Please drummers unless you do something different like the late, great Cozy Powell’s ‘Mars’ drum solo stop doing solos! Great to hear one of my favourite BOC tracks ‘This Ain’t the Summer of Love’, plus ‘Harvest Winds’ of the ‘Heaven Forbid’ album, ‘Shooting Shark’, ‘Harvester of Eyes’ and ‘7 Screaming Dizz-busters’. Due to the poxy curfew at this venue (10.15 tonight) the band finished on ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ with the promise to be back soon.

Always worth going to see BOC live if you get the chance as they are one of the great rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time and hopefully we can hear a new album soon. Finally, get well soon Allen Lanier.

Guilfest gig review

2006-07-17T02:23:00.000-07:00

Guilfest is everything a good festival should be - eclectic mix of bands, sunny weather, friendly security/stewards (who don't confiscate food!) and lots of weird and wonderful stalls, oh and a lot of food and drink stalls. Friday night featured Embrace who by all accounts were shocking!
We started our weekend on Saturday and first up was the Storys - not bad but a typical festival band ie you like the music at the time as it wafts over you but a day later you can't remember anything of the tunes! Hop over to the Ents 24 stage for Steve Morano, who was not bad at all and tunes that fitted the summer sunshine perfectly.

The Kids Zone is a must see with our daughter leading the charge! Again there are circus themed itmes to play with like juggling balls, unicycle (very dicey on the adult frame I can tell you!) and some colourful ribbons to wave like a madman! Show wise there is a show every hour right up until 9pm - the kids should be in bed by then surely??? We watched three very talented musicians from Ghana. Amazing acrobatic and balancing skills.
Back to the music and more summery tunes with the Cosmic Rough Riders. Great harmonies in this band! We then nipped off to our hotel - well it was a mangement conference centre called Horsley Towers. This is let out to weddings, leisure guests at weekends and the quieter summer months. Very nice place as we don't do camping..

Early evening and it was the pap, err sorry pop of Sophie B Hawkins - moving swiftly onto ex-Squeeze vocalist Glen Tilbrook & the Fluffers. Very likeable music - similar to say Crowded House or indeed Squeeze. The Rock Sound tent features the louder end of music and I had a quick check of the Hedrons. Very good all girl rockers who can pen a decent tune. Sadly missed the band with the name of the festival Chop, Chop: Bear Touch?
Gary Numan was second to last on the main stage and he was very good I have to say. Like an English Rammstein! His latter day music is very metal meets industrial and although no natural frontman he does pour his all into the vocals. His hits 'Cars' and 'Are Friends Electric?' of course got the biggest cheers of the day - the latter interestingly had a piano replacing the main synth riff prior to the chorus. A-Ha were headlining but as much as I like them the boys from New York city were starting up on the Ents 24 stage...Blue Oyster Cult!

Strange choice of headliners given the very non-rock bill that preceeded them (but they maybe a bit too old for the hip and happening Rock Sound tent!). Good mix of BOC classics including 'OD'd On Life Itself', 'Shooting Shark', 'ETI', ‘Cities On Flame With Rock ‘n ‘Roll’, 'Burnin' For You' and 'Godzilla'. The latter featured an extended drum/bass solo which maybe okay in a normal set but at a festival with an hour to play is a bit of a luxary. '(Don't Fear) The Reaper' closed the short set (only a hour - criminal!) and they seemed to have won over some new fans. Only downside was the mix - guitars were barely audible at times and you could not tell they had three guitar players on some songs! The new bass player and drummer seemed to slot in well although they miss Danny Miranda as he was very good at getting the audience involved.

Sunday was very hot (so much so we had to leave early due to heat induced illness). But we did see the Ukuele Orchestra of Great Britain who are simply superb. Do go and see them live if you get a chance. They take a classic song and give it whole new life. 3 Men and Black may not be a name you know but they do feature some known names in former Alarm man Dave Sharp standing in for the absent JJ Gilmour plus Nick Welsh (Selector/Bad Manners) & Eric Falkner (Bay City Rollers) with Pauline Black (Selector). They play ska and add some good acoustic tunes including the Alarm's 'Stand' and a Bay City Roller's number 'Shang A Lang'! An enjoyable set and a pleasant surprise.
60's singer/songwriter Donovan (resplendant in bright green) was very good as well and in fine form and voice. He went down well with the crowd including his standard 'Sunshine Superman'.

Sadly the heat was too much and we had to head home sadly meaning missing Billy Idol (although a bonus was missing the Stranglers for the umpteenth time at Guilfest!). That is one thing the organizers could do with more of is shady areas or more protection from the sun at peak times of the day.
Another wonderful Guilfest and roll on next year...

PS Can I suggest any of these for the festival next year...John Otway, Twisted Sister, Tears for Fears, Undercut, Paul Liddell & Elbow. Well I can but hope :)

All change...

2006-07-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Jeff Scott Soto is now singing with Journey on the latter's current US tour with Def Leppard. Current Journey vocalist Steve Augeri has had some vocal problems and so the band have drafted in the extremely talented Mr Soto. Check out JSS any solo work or any Talisman album for further proof.

Survivor have jetisoned Jimi Jamison for the second time, just over month after releaseing their new album - the band's first since 1988! In his place comes ex-MSG vocalist Robin McAuley. The band plan a new album next year, which given their current work rate is superhuman! Most probably due to the fact that they what to get the new band's sound out there. I like both vocalists so be interesting to see how the Survivor sound develops. Bassist Barry Dunaway has also been gven the golden handshake as Billy Ozzello returns (he was the band's bassist prior to Dunaway!).

Stoke 2 - 0 Newcastle Town

2006-07-10T02:59:00.000-07:00

Stoke got their pre-season friendlies underway at local neighbours Newcastle Town (managed by former Stokie Nigel Gleghorn) with trialist Nathan Blake (ex-Leeds/Bradford) and 'Big Mama' Sidebe getting the goals. No new faces bar Nathan Blake (who due to injury had no club last season) and Pulis's only signing so far Vincvent Pericard, who judging by match reports hardly had a great start to his Stoke career - early days yet.

Stoke have been rebuffed in an attmept to sign former player Andy Griffin from Portsmouth and we have been linked with a fair few players including another former player Clive Clarke, currently at West Ham and John McEveley & Paul Gallagher at Blackburn.

Meanwhile on Saturday my daughter and myself went along to see Staines Town beat Brentford 3-1. Hardly the greatest game of football, even by friendly standards and Brentford looekd very poor defensively at times (their no.14 whoever he was has certainly been at the pies over the break!). Another team with a new manager and they have seen half a dozen regular first team players leave already since the end of the season including the highly rated Jay Tabb.

10 Q's with ROBIN GEORGE

2006-07-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Remember the single 'Heartline' in the mid-80's? Robin George is a very talented guitarist/singer/songwriter. His new album is out now & well worth getting. Over to the man himself...

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

I’m in the studio mixing the Damage Control album…I think it’s the best band/album I’ve ever been involved with, but then I always say that!

2. Could you take us through the tracks on the new album 'Crying Diamonds' (BTW a superb album & back to your best UIMHO) and any stories behind the songs?

Thanks for the compliment. They are my versions of the songs Robert Plant, Glenn Hughes and other great singers had performed but not released (yet!) so I knew the songs were good enough to be heard. In a different time I’m convinced tracks like Haunted and Learn the Dance would have been hits, (but it aint over yet!)

3. This album has seen a release before on Zoom Club Records. What changes did you make for the Majestic Rock release and any plans to tour around this release?

It’s been re-mixed and mastered and I’ve added a couple of tracks to make it worth while for people to listen to (I hope). Zoom Club didn’t really release the album, it sort of escaped!
It wasn’t available in most shops, and so Geoff Gillespie (he was A&R at Zoom Club at the time) thought it was too good to waste, so now he’s at Majestic Rock, he asked to re-release it through them, so here it is.
I’m planning to do some gigs with a major British act later this year…watch this space.

4. Damage Control - how is this album progressing and how did you hook-up with Pete Way? How did Spike of the Quireboys get involved?

As I said we‘re at final mix stage and it really rocks as an album.
The ideas started to flow during the Waysted back from the dead mixing session (I was mixdown producer). At the end of each day, I’d play Pete a few of my tracks, and in return he’d attack one of my beautiful guitars and execute some of his ideas. We started recording straight after we finished the Waysted mixes and really liked how the songs sounded. I was singing lead, which Pete really liked, but I felt we needed a stronger voice, and a power front man.
Enter Spike. He and Pete have been friends for years and Pete suggested he did some backing vocals on the album…the rest is history…as soon as I heard Spikes’ voice, I knew he was the man for the gig.
Chris Slade is a superb drummer and also fantastic to work with.

5. Are there any artists/bands out there you would like to work with if given the chance and why?

I’m sticking with Damage Control for now even though I’ve had a few great offers lately…typical!

6. What have been the most memorable gigs and why?

The ones I can’t remember! I can’t remember why!!

7. Why do you think the 'Heartline' single never became the hit is so rightly deserved?

Bronze records went broke as it was breaking as a single wordwide, so the money ran out…shame; I really liked Gerry Bron and his team.

8. You have worked with two of the most famous vocalists in rock, Phil Lynott and David Byron. What was it like working with them and what are your fondest memories of them both?

It was an honour and a privilege to have worked with both Phil and David, and a tragedy to lose them so young. I have so many memories, all of them fond; it would take all day to recount them.
They were both real stars, but I’m proud to say they were also my dear friends who taught me lots about this business.

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Making music.

10. Message to your fans...

Thanks for all your support and goodwill over the years… it’s priceless to me.

FOREIGNER gig review

2006-07-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 30th June 2006

Looking forward to seeing Foreigner for the first time and although Lou Gramm has left after recovering from his brain tumor and finding religion, the reviews of 'newboy' Kelly Hansen (Hurricane) have been glowing. But first up Deborah Bonham and her band (who featured ex-Humble Pie man Jerry Shirley on drums). They played a
tight set of blues based rock and in Deborah Bonham they have a very powerful yet melodic vocalists. Sadly though this band are out if time in that had they been around in the early 70's they would have been massive with their brand of music. Still very enjoyable and a band worth seeing live (Jerry Shirley on drums was a joy to watch).

Now Foreigner 2006 are a different beast than the last time they toured the UK in the 90's. Gone is original vocalist Lou Gramm leaving guitarist Mick Jones as the sole original member. Joining him are long time Foreigner sidemen Jeff Jacobs (keys) and Tommy Sobel (guitars/flute/sax) with newboys Jason Bonham (Bonham/UFO/Virginia Wolf) on drums, Jeff Pilson (War & Peace/Dokken) on bass and Steve Tyler doppledanger Keyy Hansen (Hurricane) on vocals.

Were they any good? Just a bit & them some! Playing a very rocky set (mind you Foreigner were never a ballads band it was more the record company after hit singles) including 'Cold As Ice' (complete with spot on harmonies), 'Headgames', 'Starider', 'Feels Like the First Time', 'Double Vision', 'Urgent' and 'Blue Morning Blue Day'. Yes we had a few slower moments like 'Waiting For A Girl Like You' and an acoustic run through 'Say You Will' which gave the song a whole new lease of life. The band clicked from the off and in Kelly Hansen they have a frontman who not only gives the songs justice but works the crowd well. Jason Bonham and Jeff Pilson fit together hand in glove and Pilson is like a jack-in-the-box bouncing all over the stage. These three new members have given the band a whole new lease of life and I for one hope they record new music.

The extended 'Jukebox Hero' was the only slight lull as the band slipped in Led Zep's 'Whole Lotta Love'. Encore time bought a nice surprise as original bassist Rick Price (since his Foreigner days he's has toured with bad Comapny and is now in Kenny Jones' new band) came on for the closing number 'Hot Blooded' and with his tan he nearly outshone that of the Tango like Mick Jones.One of the best gigs I have seen in a long time and go see this band as they ROCK!

Last FM

2006-06-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

Just found this wonderful online radio station thanks to Kurt's Krap. Its free to join - simply download a player and then play music! You can listen to an artist or as I prefer select music similar to an artist (for example mine is currently set at bands similar to Night Ranger) and it will play tunes by and similar to the artist/band.
There is a very wide choice of music on there plus you ca join discussion groups, add friends and share their playlists etc.
You can add you recent playlists to your site (see top of this site) - very anorak :)
Go have a look at Last FM

ELO ‘The Harvest Years 1970-73’ (3 CD set 2006) EMI

2006-06-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

EMI don’t half like releasing their ELO material in various shapes and forms. EMI only had ELO for the band’s first tow albums and these were much more progressive and experimental than the 70’s hits that followed once Roy Wood left and ELO signed to Sony. Indeed this version of ELO was a joint partnership between Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood (with Bev Bevan on drums) and the sound features much more cello and French horn than latter day ELO where the strings were much more melodic and less harsh. ELO started out as a Move offshoot and the Move was kept going to produce hit singles to fund the ELO concept.
This three CD set just about covers it all featuring the two albums, the single versions released off these albums plus a host of demo and outtake versions. The early ELO is very interesting as the band had a much more progressive leaning especially on tracks such as the spoken word ‘The Battle of Marston Moor’ and the extended workouts on ‘Roll Over Beethoven’. Having said that you can see early signs of Jeff Lynne’s hit single writing in ‘10538 Overture’ (the guitar riff from this track was famously lifted by Paul Weller on his hit ‘Changing Man’ plus Def Leppard have just covered it) and ‘Showdown’.
Many ELO fans will have these tunes as they have been released under various guises but this three CD set gathers them together nicely. A definate ‘must have’ for any EL fan and fans of 70’s progressive music in general.

CD 1:
10538 Overture
Look At Me Now
Nellie Takes Her Bow
The Battle Of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644)
First Movement (Jumping Biz)
Mr Radio
Manhattan
Rumble (49th Street Massacre)
Queen Of The Hours
Whisper In The Night
ELO First Album Sessions (1970-1971)
10538 Overture (Take 1 Recorded 12/7/70)
The Battle Of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644) (Take 1 Recorded 28/4/71)
Whisper In The Night (Take 1/Take 2 Edit Recorded 28/4/71)
Mr Radio (Take 9 Recorded 18/11/70)
CD 2:
In Old England Town (Boogie No 2)
Momma
Roll Over Beethoven
From The Sun To The World (Boogie No.1)
Kuiama
Harvest Sessions (1972-1973)
In Old England Town (Boogie No 2) (Take 1 Quad SQ Mix)
Roll Over Beethoven (Take 1) (Session Master 8 September)
Mambo (Dreaming Of 4000 Take 1)
Wilf's Solo (Instrumental)
Baby I Apologise (Session Outtake 1 June 1973)
Showdown (Take 1)
CD 3:
10538 Overture (Single Version)
Mr Radio (7'' Single Version)
Roll Over Beethoven (Single Version)
Showdown
In Old England Town (Instrumental)
The Electric Light Orchestra Alternate Album Mix
10538 Overture (Quad SQ Mix)
Look At Me Now (Quad Mix)
Nellie Takes Her Bow (Quad Mix)
The Battle Of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644) (Quad Mix)
First Movement (Jumping Biz) (Quad Mix)
Mr Radio (Quad SQ Mix)
Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) (Quad Mix)
Queen Of The Hours (Quad Mix)
Whisper In The Night (Quad Mix)

Stoke KO the season against Southend

2006-06-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

The 2006/07 fixtures are out today and Stoke kick off on August 5th away to the newly promoted Southend. Weather permitting it should be a good day out by the seaside!
Final game of the season is away at QPR on Saturday May 6th. Be an interesting Championship this year with Sunderland, Birmingham, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Leeds bound to be the tipped teams for success. Newboys Colchester may struugle especially as their manager has left, whilst Barnsley and Southend will doubltess be picked out as potential strugglers.
As for Stoke...depebds who we get in during the summer. Pericard seems a good addition especially as he was a free transfer and if we can add a decent left back, an attacking midfielder and a striker who scores more than once every ten matches we will be in with a chance!

SHOOTING STAR `Circles'

2006-06-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Frontiers

Shooting Star are a band who never quite achieved the success or recognition they deserve, having released a real gem of an album, `Silent Scream' back in 1985. Their last album was released back in 2000 and since then they have recruited one of melodic rock's vocal giants, former 707/Storm vocalist Kevin Chalfant. He joins the original members Van McLain (guitar/vocals), Steve Thomas (drums) and Ron Verlin (bass) with the line-up completed by keyboards player Dennis Laffoon and violinist Shane Michaels. Happy to report that that the band has produced an album worthy of their name. `Runaway' and `Trouble In Paradise' really rock, with Laffoon's Hammond runs sounding not unlike former Uriah Heep man Ken Hensley. The band even have a progressive track in the shape of `We're Not Alone', where the violin and keys mix nicely, to create a sound like classic Kansas. The AOR is still here though and `Without Love' would certainly see of many latter day AOR wannabes.

Definitely one for fans of the band and those who enjoy well played and catchy AOR mixed wit classic rock. Also in vocalist Kevin Chalfant they have the voice to really bring these songs to life, a very wise move on the band's part.

FROST ‘Milliontown’

2006-06-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

Inside Out (2006) Inside Out

Songwriter/keyboards player Jem Godfrey (he’s written many a hit including ones for Atomic Kitten and Ronan Keating) has a love of prog rock and in Frost he wants to explore this along with handpicked musicians. The line-up is completed by guitarist John Mitchell (Arena/Kino/The Urbane/John Wetton) and IQ’s rhythm section – John Jowitt and Andy Edwards. Rather than rehash classic 70’s sounds or mimic the 80’s prog bands Frost do progress in their music. Highlights are many and like any good album in this genre it takes awhile to discover all the musical delights on offer. ‘Snowman’ is a wonderful ballad and the most hook filled tune on here. Conversely the title track clocks in at over 26 minutes and features some amazing keys and guitar work. The opening instrumental ‘Hyperventilate’ starts quietly with gentle piano before it kicks off big time with guitar solos and layers of keys – superb! Slight hints of Kino and It Bites in the mix as well. For straight ahead rock, albeit played with dazzling prowess, ‘No me No You’ hits the psot nicely.
One for fans of damn fine music – Frost do deserve the progressive music tag as they push themselves musically and its not all been done before. If you enjoy music by Kino, Porcupine Tree, IQ and Arena this is an album to own. Be very interesting to see where they go musically on their next album.

Tony Pulis returns as Stoke manager

2006-06-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Stoke City have appointed Tony Pulis as their new manager on a 12-month rolling contract.

In a statement on the club's website, Potters chairman Peter Coates said: "Tony knows the club, knows the area, knows the passion our fans have for Stoke City and - most importantly - understands the potential we have at the club.
"He wants to come back because he truly believes he can bring the club success and I'm absolutely convinced he can.

"I did not make a £10million investment in the club for us to remain a mid-table Championship side.

"I made it to bring success to a club I've supported all my life and I believe the appointment of Tony Pulis will help us achieve that."

New interview with SHINETH

2006-06-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

SHINETH are a Swedish based AOR band and their debut CD is a real must have for fans of TNT, Treat, Enuff Z Nuff et al.

Interview

GLENN HUGHES Music For The Divine Frontiers (2006)

2006-06-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Glenn Hughes has really hit a purple patch of late and this new album moves on nicely from where 'Soul Mover' left off.

Red Hot Chilli Pepper's (RHCP) drummer Chad Smith is again behind the drum kit and this time is joined by RHCP guitarist John Frusciante (regular Hughes' guitar slinger JJ Marsh is still very much involved).

The main difference between this new album and the last one is the use of string arrangements and these work very well. Pick of the album? Has to be 'Monkey Man' with its falsetto chorus and big funky backline - Hughes has never sounded so good!

'Too High' and 'The Valiant Denial' both blend funk and hard rock seamlessly (and it has to said better than the RHCP on their latest album). Some nice curveballs as well with closer 'The Divine' - a very mellow, acoustic number and again Hughes is on top form vocally.

Only 'Black Light' lets the side down, whilst the bonus track of a cover of Moody Blues' 'Nights In White Satin' certainly deserves its place on the album.

Possibly Hughes' best album to date in that it has hard rock to keep his fans happy whilst allowing Hughes to revel in his love of funk and soulful vocals. Be interesting to see how he plans to top this one!

Gig review - Former ELO Part 2 members

2006-06-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Shepherd's Bush Empire, 23 May 2006

Or Orchestra or any other concoction of names that doesn't use ELO solely in the band title! It may not feature Jeff Lynne but his influence is felt not only in the songs but the fact that he owns the name.

From ELO in the 1970's you've got Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminski and strings arranger Louis Clark plus founder member of ELO Part 2 Eric Troyer (ex-Meat Loaf/Billy Joel). Joining these four are guitarist/vocalist Parthenon Huxley and drummer Gordan Townsend. So you've got members from all eras of ELO's colourful history bar any true original member!

But before the band take to the stage singer/songwriter Don Howard does a decent set of original material with some covers including the Beatles 'Get Back' which finds favour with the crowd.

Orchestra (it is easier to call them this!) play a set cram full of ELO classics including 'Mr Blue Sky', 'Turn to Stone', 'Telephone Line', 'Ma Ma Belle' and 'Wild West Hero' to name but a few.

Groucutt, Troyer and Huxley all share lead vocals across the set list and a few rarely heard tunes get an airing including a wonderful 'Ticket to the Moon'. The band are very tight and know their stuff (although Louis Clark seems underemployed often standing by his string synth not playing at all).

They play a few numbers of the Orchestra's latest album, 'No Rewind', which is very hard to get in any shops and even these go down well but nothing like the ELO classics.

It is a near sell out crowd as well just proving that ELO's music is back in demand especially after the success of last year's 'Greatest Hits' compilation both here and in the US.

Closing the night with 'Last Train to London' and 'Don't Bring Me Down' bought to an end a night of great, timeless music. Go and see this band as they are keeping the sound of ELO live in the concert halls.

If only Jeff Lynne would reunite with the classic 70's line-up - that would easily sell out Wembley Arena and get the 'Out of the Blue' spaceship stage show back as well. Ah well, I can but dream!

New albums worth a lsiten...

2006-05-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Some very good albums out there at the moment including...
House of Lords who are back to their classic hard rock sound and fans will love this one.
Wolfmother another band steeped in a 70's rock sound and there are some wonderful progressive rock moments on the album too. Lyrically though they are literally away with the fairies!
The Answer are a young band with Led Zep influences but for me its not quite a classic, still worth getting though. But for me Glyder beat them hands down with their Thin Lizzy influenced rock.
Finally the new Newman album is out now on Escape Music. He palys damn fine melodic hard rock with no frills and plemty of catchy riffs.
Got the new Widespread Panic album today so will give that a spin...

Coates takes over & Boskamp's new job

2006-05-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Peter Coates today formally regained control of Stoke City and in the process wiped out much of the club's debt. He also stated he would keep the wage budget as it was and would not force the new manager to sell players. We shall see...
As for the new manager it looks like Pulis (no!) or possibly Gary Megson - not a favorate at Forest but he did okay in his brief tenure previously at Stoke. Outside bet is Brian Kerr with Lou Macari as Director of Football. John Rudge , the flat capped ex-Vale man is still on 'gardening leave' but likely to have some role under Coates new regime at the club. How about groundsman :)
Meanwhile, former manager Johan Boskamp is now the new manager with Belgian side Standard Liege. I shall follow that teams fortunes with interest next season. Good luck Boskamp!

10 Q's with James Christain (HOUSE OF LORDS)

2006-05-17T02:11:00.000-07:00

James Christian is the vocalist with melodic rock band House of Lords, who have just released possibly their best album since their debut album via Frontiers. He has also recorded two solo albums that are well worth tracking down.

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

Right now we are getting ready to tour in Europe and return the the States to do more dates. it is long overdue

2. Could you take us through the songs (e.g. ideas behind the songs) on the excellent new album please…

The songs for this record we written specifically for this project. There are no old tunes here. Just a fresh approach the traditional sound of House of Lords.
Every track tells its own story

3. How did the FireFest show go and why did you decide not to use the line-up on the last album on this new album? Any plans to release the FireFest show on DVD and CD at all?

It was great. It felt so good to be back onstage after a very long time. The reason I did not use the original line-up is that we really had some musical difference going on and there was no way "World Upside Down would have ever been made with that line-up.

4. Did you expect the debut HOL album to be still held in such regard all these years later?

I am happy that it is still a popular record. I am very proud of the work we have done in our long career

5. Why did HOL break-up back in the mid-90’s? Do you think having new members one each album added to the band’s overall sound or in hindsight would having a stable line-up maybe have led to more success? Do you still keep in contact with any ex-members of the band?

The band broke in the 90's because of the arrival of Grunge Music on the scene. Just like that, The melodic sound was no longer popular. there was no point in doing a record if we would have trouble getting it out there. So after 10 years there seems to be more interest now. I do keep in contact with the other members. We will always be friends

Read more here

2006-05-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Not seen or heard any Landmarq before tonight's gig although I have read reviews ect about them. Fronted by Tracy Hitchings (and including keyboards player Mike Varty who is also in Credo!) they played an enjoyable set of progressive music. Nothing that would really make me rush out and buy one of their CD's it has to be said but you can't fault the musicianship on display and 'Angel Coming Home' was certainly a stand out in the set.
Credo were back at Stripes following their CD launch gig last November and the set this time was all taken from the rather excellent 'Rhetoric' album released last year. Kicking off with the air keyboard friendly 'The Game' it was a very enjoyable set. Even the sound gremlins couldn't stop the music (and full credit to the PA wizard Tim who kept it all running). 'Skin Trade' and 'Turn the Gun Around' really suit the live environment (not easily achieved with some prog rock music). Like Lanmarq, you just marvel at the musicianship on display from the watertight drums, rock sold bass coupled with immense keyboard runs and some very stlylish guitar solos that never outstay their welcome. Defintely a band to go see live and buy 'Rhetoric', easily one of the best 'classic' sounding progressive music albums of the past few years along with Arena, Kino and Presto Ballet. Good news Credo are back in September with Polish porg rockers Quidum.

Jason Ritchie

Credo
Landmarq

Karl Henry set to leave & Pulis return draws nearer?

2006-05-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Out of contract Karl Henry is possibly being lined-up by QPR. If he did move Stoke would be entitled to a fee due to his age. He's not a bad squad player but unlikely to develop much more at Stoke to be honest.

Meanwhile as the Coates takeover rumbles on in the background the new manager seems to be the return of Tony Pulis. Two young players have sung Pulis's praises in the local press recently and of course Coates is a fan of Pulis's mangerial style (it ain't pretty to watch but does grind out the results). If Pulis does return expect a flurry of transfer activity and lots of hard working, tall defenders and workmanlike midfielders to arrive. Plus say bye bye to Hoefkens & Bangora no doubt.

Coates looks set to takeover Stoke City

2006-05-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Icelandic consortium and Peter Coates have agreed in principle to Coates taking over Stoke once more (he originally sold it to them in the first place). Mind you it could all go pear shaped in typical Stoke fashion. It should be completed in two weeks time.
On the rumoured manager front, former manager Gary Megson seems a strong rumour, as Coates has always stated he wants an English manager. Megson was ironically manager prior to the Icelandic takeover and was sacked to be replaced by Gudjon Thordarsson (now at Notts County). Megson was frankly pants at Notts Forest although he did okay at West Brom. As long as it is not Tony Pulis or John Rudge I will give any new manager a chance...

Bye bye Boskamp

2006-05-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Seems Boskamp is no longer Stoke's mansger asfter our 5-1 pummelling of relegated Brighton. Hughlight had to be a hat trick by youngster Rooney - no not that Rooney but young Irishman Adam Rooney. A definate one to watch although doubtless in true Stoke tradition we will sell him if he seems any good...
Goalkeeper Ed de Goey won't be at Stoke next season as he has left after his contract ran out and loanees Paul Gallagher & Junior have returned to their respective clubs.
So we await a) who will be owning Stoke next season and b) who will be manager.
Coates is still odds on to take control of the club with Tony Pulis his seemingly favoured manager (please NO!!!). Mick McCarthy & Ian Holloway still keep getting mentioned. Either way we need someone soon so we can plan for next season.

THE ALARM, Islington Academy Sat 29th April 2006

2006-04-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Early start and finish tonight (10pm curfew at this venue) menat
the support band Sweet City Fire were well into their set by the
time I arrived. They certinly seemed to be going down well with the
crowd with their brand of indie based guitar rock. Not too bad at
all and they knowheir marketing as they plugged their My Space site
and had some of their fans handing out free 5 track CD's to the
crowd (will play mine & give it a review later on).
After seeing the Alarm just over two years ago (after a mere gap
of 18 years!) I was looking forward to seeing them again especially
after the superb new album, 'Under Attack'. From the off the band
played like men possessed with a real drive and energy.
'Superchannel' of the new album got the night underway and then
the set was littered with Alarm anthems like 'Absolute
Reality', 'Rain In The Summertime' and a rip roaring '68 Guns' - the
damn roof nearly blew off on this one! A short acoustic set by Mike
Peters whilst the audience and the band drew breath before more
anthemic rock 'n' roll. Great to see Mike Peters playing and singing
at the top of his ability and lets hope the music can help someway
in his fight against cancer.
Encore time saw '45 RPM' - the hit single the Alarm had back in
2004 under another name and one that fooled the radio stations into
thinkling it was some new teenage band! Closing on 'Spirit of '76'
due to time constraints although the crowd and Mike Peters breiefly,
started of into 'Blaze of Glory'.
In a word - stunning. Great tunes and atmosphere played by a very
passionate band. Highly recommended to see live!

Jason Ritchie

SUPERCHANNEL
ABSOLUTE REALITY
CEASE AND DESIST
WHERE WERE YOU HIDING...?
RAINDOWN
RIGHT BACK WHERE I STARTED FROM
IT'S ALRIGHT IT'S OK
RAIN IN THE SUMMERTIME
BE STILL
SOLD ME DOWN THE RIVER
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY
UNSAFE BUILDING
COMING HOME
REASON 41(ACOUSTIC)
UNBREAK THE PROMISE(ACOUSTIC)
WALK FORVER BY MY SIDE (SOLO)
THIS IS THE WAY WE ARE
RESCUE ME
I NEVER LEFT I ONLY WENT AWAY
MARCHING ON
MY TOWN
68 GUNS

Encores...
WITHOUT A FIGHT
45 RPM
SPIRIT OF 76
...and sung by the crowd...
BLAZE OF GLORY

10 Q's with BEV BEVAN (ELO/THE MOVE)

2006-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Drummer Bev Bevan was a founding member of both the MOVE and ELO, the latter went onto massive worldwide success in the 70's and early 80's before calling it a day in the mid-80's. Bevan also drummed on BLACK SABBATH's ill fated 'Born Again' album that featured IAN GILLAN on vocals.
In the 90's he was a founding member of ELO PART II, who featured fellow ex-ELO members KELLY GROUCUTT, MIK KAMINSKI & LOUIS CLARK. They released two studio albums and played a memorable gig at the Royal Albert Hall. When JEFF LYNNE came back with a new ELO album BEV BEVAN left ELO PART II and they had to change their name for legal reasons (hence no answers to Q's 6 & 7 I guess). Nowadays BEV BEVAN hosts a radio show on Saga FM plus tours with BEV
BEVAN's MOVE.

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

Touring with "Bev Bevans Move", radio show "Bev Bevan's Jukebox on Saga105.7fm", "Bev Bevan's Retro Rock CD reviews in the "Sunday Mercury"

2. How did get a version of the Move back together and what did it feel like performing the songs live again?

Phil Bates, Phil Tree and Neil Lochwood are old friend's, great musicians and it's great working with them and playing some fine music too.

3. How did you get the opportunity to become a DJ and what do you like best about doing your radio shows?

I approached Saga105.7fm with the idea. I just love playing my favourite songs from the 50's, 60's, 70's.

4. Why do you think ELO are getting more recognition for their music now than they ever did at their peak as the critics in particular were never fans of the band.

Quality music stands the test of time.

5. Who made you want to start drumming? Any one you would love to work with in the future if given the chance?

Rock n roll music of my childhood inspired me – Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Eddie Cochran

6. Why did you leave ELO Part 2? Were the band happy with how Telstar promoted the first ELO Part 2 album or did you all feel more could have been done?

(No answer)

7. Would you ever be tempted into an ELO reunion with Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy et al if it was offered to you? (Highly unlikely I know!)

(No answer)

8. Which song(s) do you enjoy performing most live and why?

Of "Bev Bevan's Move" current setlist, the songs I most enjoy playing are "Purple Haze", "Strange Brew", "Need Your Love so Bad" etc.

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Playing Golf, watching football, movies, reading, concerts, exercising my dogs, wine, my wife's cooking!

10. Message to your fans...

Come see the band! Get in touch by emailing bev@saga1057fm.co.uk

Kind regards
Bev Bevan

LOVE/HATE gig review

2006-04-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

LOVE/HATE + ZODIAC MINWARP + RATTLESNAKE REMEDY Camden Underworld, London 25th April 2006

Rattlesnake Remedy opened up a three band bill of good time, no frills rock ‘n’ roll and they went down very well with the crowd. They play a sound not unlike the Stones with a hint of Guns ‘n’ Roses and they played their rather good new single ‘Drag You Down’. They seemed pretty tight music wise especially as this was the first date of the UK tour. Definitely a band to go see live and I recommend getting their single which is out next week.
Now Zodiac Mindwarp has been gigging for over twenty years now and had a brief spell of UK chart success most notably with ‘Back Seat Education’ which got an airing tonight. The music is riff driven rock and you can see where Monster Magnet got some of their ides from! Not a bad set but sadly ruined by a bass solo at the end of their set – please no! Good for a live gig but I am not overly tempted to investigate further.
Now every home should have a copy of Love/Hate’s classic debut ‘Black Out In The Red Room’, a real treat packed full of short hard rocking tunes with a punk attitude. The band today features only original vocalist Jizzy Pearl (who also has appeared in the last few years with Ratt and Addler’s Appetite) joined by bassist Robbie Crane (Ratt) and guitarist Alex Grossi (Bang Tango/Beautiful Creatures/Quiet Riot) plus a drummer whose name I didn’t catch! Jizzy Pearl’s voice still sounds as good as it did on the debut and I must admit I don’t know why I waited so long to see this band as they are superb! Despite getting in late with no soundcheck due to Heathrow customs and teething sound problems they ploughed on through a very heavy set. Highlights had to be ‘Rocket Queen’, the sheer sleaze ‘n’ grind of ‘Spinning Wheel’, and ‘She’s An Angel’. Of the newer solo/latter day Love/Hate tunes ‘Lies’ and ‘Tranquilizer’ stood out well. The band played well together with Alex Grossi in particular laying down some killer riffs. A superb encore in ‘Dope’ and ‘Black Out’ –two classic tunes. Jizzy Pearl has lost none of his vocal range nor onstage energy and I would highly recommend seeing his band.

CREDO update

2006-04-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?
We are currently in the process of undertaking tour dates with Landmarq and Quidam, as well as being in discussion re some pretty special gig dates, my lips, unfortunately, have to be sealed at this point!

Plans for the rest of 2006...
To sell loads of copies of Rhetoric. We have two successful tours under our belts and have a big chunk of the new album written. I am currently formulating the lyrics, some of the new music that is taking shape is awesome and I can’t wait to get going properly on it

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...
Highlights, well this year!!! Press and fan response to RHETORIC has blown us away, personally doing gigs when 2 years ago I never thought I would ever get out of a hospital bed again gets me every time, playing with ARENA and KINO has been great, just looking forward to the Landmarq and Quidam dates now….

Message for your fans...
Stay alive, oh yeah and buy the album, and then the T Shirts, and then the old album……

All things Credo

Don’t panic, just turn out the vote on May 4th

2006-04-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

The YouGov poll in today's Daily Telegraph is cause for concern but it is not altogether unexpected. In 2004 the BNP received 4.9% of the vote in the European Elections, and this was when the right wing UKIP polled 16%.

Support for the BNP has gone up slightly since then as growing disillusionment with the mainstream parties and the fallout from 7 July and the Danish cartoon controversy play out. What is happening, however, is that people are now more prepared to state their support publicly.

People should not be fooled by the BNP and their racist agenda. While their leaders tour the TV studios claiming that they are no longer racist, a simple look at the BNP's constitution proves this to be a sham. Their constitution clearly states that:

1. They are opposed to any racial integration.
2. Black people can never be considered British, even if they were born here.
3. BNP membership is restricted to people of Anglo-Saxon heritage.
4. They propose an Apartheid-style state in Britain where whites are given priority under the law for jobs, housing and education.
5. The oppose mixed marriages.

Searchlight has identified almost 80 council wards where the BNP pose a risk. Our assessment has not changed in the last week. We, together with activists across the country, have prepared for these elections for the past year. Over the last few months we have identified 33,000 voters who dislike the BNP in 42 target wards. Our job is to turn out these voters. If the majority of these people turn out on 4 May then the BNP can be stopped.

The YouGov poll is a cause for concern, but rather than worry about it people should do the one thing in their power, and that is vote. The vast majority of people are opposed to the racist BNP but this means nothing if we don't get out and vote on 4 May.

Hope will triumph over hate.

Nick Lowles
Searchlight

Next Stoke manager?

2006-04-24T03:28:00.000-07:00

Looks like Johan Boskamp will have his last game in charge of Stoke City away at Brighton this Sunday.
As for the next manager it all depends on who owns the club as Peter Coates is trying to buy the club of its current Icelandic owners. Rumoured managers include the return of Tony Pulis (please say this isn't true!), Mick McCarthy, former player Adran Heath and current QPR boss on 'gardening leave' Ian Holloway.
6,000 reduced price season tickets were sold for next season by the deadline set of Friday 21st April - just over a 1,000 down on this time last year. Not bad at all considering fans don't know who will own the lcub leat alone manage it!

JEFF SCOTT SOTO ‘Essential Ballads’

2006-04-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

Frontiers (2006)

It still amazes me (and many others) how Jeff Scott Soto is not a bigger household name as he can sing in many styles and has a superb stage presence. If Queen don’t tour again with Paul Rodgers they should get JSS in quick smart. Anyway onto this collection of eighteen ballads, which includes three new songs of which the acoustic refrains of ‘Through It All’ is a real gem of a song. Eighteen ballads in one sitting can seem a daunting prospect especially when you know JSS can rock/funk out with the best of them but with songs this good you can’t go wrong. Personal picks would be the Journey cover ‘Send Her My Love’, the slow builder ‘Holding On’ and the heartfelt ‘If This Is The End’. Only ‘4U’ is one to skip for me. Musician wise you have some top draw talent including Howie Simon, Gary Schutt, Talisman’s Jamie Borger and Ricky Phillips (Bad English/The Babys).
If you have yet to sample the delights of JSS I would suggest you try one of his excellent solo albums and/or Talisman’s ‘Truth’ and ‘Cats & Dogs’ first, just so you get the full range of his musical talents. For JSS fans this collection is worth getting for the three new songs alone plus the rather splendid Journey cover.

HOUSE OF LORDS CD review

2006-04-19T02:11:00.000-07:00

HOUSE OF LORDS ‘World Upside Down’ Frontiers (2006) Frontiers website

House of Lords return with the follow-up to the rather disappointing ‘The Power and the Myth’, a fact which vocalist James Christian wanted to rectify with this release and hence got back with original keyboards wizard Greg Giuffria. The rest of the line-up is completed by Jeff Kent (bass/keys/vocals), Jimi Bell (guitar) and BJ Zampa (drums).
The band have high standards to reach for me as their debut and follow-up ‘Sahara’ are classic albums chock full of melodic hard rock with that pomp edge provided by Greg Giuffria’s keyboards. This album hits those heights and then some! After a suitably grandiose intro full of swirling keys and guitar ‘These Are The Times’ rocks in on a big riff and the distinct vocals of James Christian. There are plenty of good hard rock tunes on here like ‘SOS’ and the superb ‘My Generation’, a homage to the band’s musical heroes. This track features wonderful arrangements and sublime harmonies – it doesn’t get much better than this.
Then of course it wouldn’t be a House of Lords album with some ballads including the title track and ‘Field of Shattered Dreams’ just blows other bands’ ballads out of the water! After a neat acoustic intro the song lifts up in all the right places and again the harmonies hit all the right spots. A special mention to guitarist Jimi Bell, as he fits the HOL sound to a tee – more than a match for Lanny Cordola.
Essential for any fans of the band as they recapture their classic sound but with modern production (everything in its right place and clearly heard). Easily going to be an ‘Album of the Year’ for many.

For fans of…. House of Lords, classic hard rock
Download…just buy the album as it is all good!

MATTHEW SWEET & SUSANNA HOFFS ‘Under the Covers Vol. 1’ Shout Factory (2006) Website

The poptastic talents of Matthew Sweet teams up with Bangles vocalist Susanna Hoffs (they have worked together previously as Ming Tea on the Austin Powers soundtracks) and they cover a collection of their favourite 60’s songs. Joining them is Beach Boys collaborator Van Dyke Parks on keyboards and strings.
Where to start? Well how about with album highlights ‘Monday Monday’ which sounds even better than the Mamas and Papas original! Matthew Sweet as his surname suggests has a very high, sweet vocal tone that combines well with Hoffs. Love’s ‘Alone Again Or’ will delight your ears (very reminiscent of the Thorns or Shaw/Blades although obviously this one has female vocals as well). They do ‘rock out’ though with Neil Young’s ‘Cinnamon Girl’ and ‘Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere’. As befits the pairs vocal talents there get a chance to harmonize on the Beach Boys ‘Warmth of the Sun’.
Fantastic album that just shows that classic songs can stand the test of time and of course that Sweet and Hoffs make a great team. Even better as the title of the album suggests this is just volume one so there is more to follow!

For fans of…. Matthew Sweet, the Thorns, Shaw/Blades, harmony led music
Download…Monday Monday, Alone Again Or, Cinnamon Girl

10 Q's with DEAN HOWARD (T'PAU/SOLO)

2006-04-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

Guitarist Dean Howard rose to prominence with pop rockers T'PAU and since then has toured with IAN GILLAN, BAD COMPANY and now his own band.

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.) .

I recorded an album about a year and half ago with some of my mates guesting on vocals ie Ian Gillan, Danny Bowes from Thunder and Toby Jepson from the Little Angels also Dave Dommeney, who is the singer of my band. The album is called volume one and is available through Townsend records. We supported Deep Purple about a year ago and we have been doing a few shows of our own. We are currently talking to a couple of record labels with the view of recording volume two.

2. You’re on the new Ian Gillan album, ‘Gillan’s Inn’. Will you be involved in any tour dates to back up this release? How did you first meet-up with Ian Gillan?

I have just played guitar for Ian at the Royal Albert Hall and there might be some more dates later in the year to promote his album, Gillans Inn. I met Ian in 1992 when I joined his band for a world tour. I got the gig because T'pau had just split, so I was available. Ian's co manager was a mate of mine so he asked me if I was interested in the job, obviously I was.

3. How did the Monsters of Rock tour go? Do you think you picked up any new
fans?

The tour went well but unfortunately we went on so early that there wasnt a great amount of people at the start of our set but by the end of our short set we was playing to about half to three quarters full; the reception was great at every gig.

4. T’Pau – What were the live highlights with the band? Have you been involved in the reunited T’Pau that toured last year?

It was great fun being a "popstar". It was all our first professional band and then for it to become so big was great, I will never forget it. No I am not involved in any reunions.

5. Which song(s) do you enjoy performing most live and why?

Thats a hard question as there has been so many over the years, but I really enjoyed playing the Purple songs that I played with Ian. Also one of my favourite bands being Bad Company I obviously enjoyed playing their songs. I always enjoy playing my own music.

6. Bad Company – You toured the US with this band. How did the gigs go and why did you leave?

The tour of America was fantastic. We Co headlined with Ted Nugent whom I am a big fan of and we did a bunch of shows with Lynyrd Skynyrd which was amazing. I did not leave, they split up so I had no choice.

7. How did you get your first break into the music business? What piece of advice
would you pass onto budding musicians?

I got my first break by being in the right place at the right time. You need to be persistent, confident and have belief in yourself, play as much as you can and meet as many people as you can. Most of my professional jobs have come my way by being there and knowing people in the biz.

8. Would you like to join a band again or do you prefer having a band under your own name so you can have more artistic freedom?

I like both

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am currently managing my sons band called For Us She Envies. Getting along to gigs, writing songs for my next album and building up my guitar collection.

10. Message to your fans...

Hope to see you at a show somewhere in the near future. Keep checking out the web site for info www.dean-howard.info... and most importantly of all keep rockin' Deano

THE LION KING, Lyceum Theatre, London

2006-04-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

Now my daughter I s a BIG fan of all things Lion King so after seeing the three films numerous times it seemed only right to go and see this lavish stage show. Well worth seeing as the costumes are nothing short of spectacular! You have people taking on giraffes, hyenas and of course the main Lion King characters. The plot stays true to the original cartoon with a few extra songs and comedy ad libs. Timon and Pumba are particularly good, with both sounding like the film version. Of the music the live percussionists are excellent and the songs are really belted out – some great African tribal music which I personally love to hear.
You can’t fault this musical as it has the lot – strong songs, enthusiastic and talented cast coupled with very colourful and creative scenery. Go and see this show if you get a chance as it is really worth every penny!

10 Q's with NEIL CARTER (UFO/GARY MOORE)

2006-04-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Neil Carter was the keyboards/guitar/sax player with UFO during the band's early 80's period and he then went onto join Gary Moore's band for a series of classic hard rock albums. Now he is a well respected music teacher. Visit his his rather good Website and read on...

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

Well as far as any of the 'previous life' activities go, none at all but I am about to go to Malaysia to examine and next year New Zealand and the USA. Otherwise it is business as usual with tons of teaching and examining.

2. Since leaving Gary Moore's band you have been a music teacher. What was it like to teach at first and have any of your past pupils gone onto being full time musicians?

Actually I admit I was lousy at first but as ever, enthusiastic, so I got by. No one had ever taught me how to teach so I had to find my way and discover the tools of the trade and get used to preparing candidates for exams etc. I think I know my stuff these days but it took me a couple of years, and also a while to understand how to interact with children and teenagers. I really love it now but for a long time it was hell on earth! I have taught a few that have gone on and in fact one of my past pupils now teaches some kids from my school. So many really talented kids have passed through the College but become doctors/lawyers etc. It is the way of the public school I'm afraid!

3. UFO What were the musical and live highlights of your time in the band?

Musically I suppose the initial album 'Wild and Willing' as I really liked such a lot of the songs on that and it was all 'new'. 'Making Contact', I felt responsible for a lot of that album and am pleased with it on the whole. Live I suppose some of the headlining shows in the USA and Reading in 1980 of course. I had a bootleg sent to me of the Chicago show in 1981 and it is really good. Never thought I'd say that!

4. Gary Moore You played on what many Gary Moore fans would regard as his classic hard rock albums in the 80s. What was it like playing with musicians like Bob Daisley and the late, great Cozy Powell? How did the bands camaraderie differ from UFO?

With Gary I was always aware that ultimately it was his show although it did feel like a band on stage. I suppose my position was a little different as I had the longest serving term and I wrote with Gary. I like to think it was a good partnership. The strange thing is that when I joined his band all the musicians, Ian, Neil and myself had come from much bigger acts but you could tell Gary was on the 'up' and he was always so well respected by other musicians. Working with Bob was always great and Cozy was a fine drummer (albeit rather briefly with us!). Working with Gary was so different to UFO, much more professional and well organized but perhaps not quite so unpredictable!

5. Did you get other band offers after you left Gary Moore and would you be tempted back into working with say Gary Moore or Paul Chapman if the chance arose?

Strangely no.....I wonder why? I suppose it was left 'open' for almost a year afterwards and no one actually said 'that's it, no more rock tours' so I was in limbo, but getting on with life. I did some writing and recording of my own but somehow I had no real desire to carry on. Which, looking back now, I find strange but understandable in a way. I had done such a lot and we had finished on a real high. Why go downwards or start again and I would have had to. I think you would really have to want it badly to do that and I didn't. Added to which money was still coming in from royalties so I wasn't exactly destitute! I have had the odd 'what about it' from both Paul and Gary over the years and I never rule it out but I think I am so far out of the loop now I don't know if I would be any good!

6. Who/what made you want to be a musician?

Â I wanted to be on the 'stage' I knew that, but I loved music and playedÂ instruments (piano, recorder)Â from a very early age. My Mum was heavily involved in am dram and I used to ache to be involved in those productions when I was very little. I did so much playing in those things which gave me a good grounding and helped my sight reading immensely. Then one day Bowie came along and that was it. I wanted to be Mick Ronson!

7. How did you get your first break into the music business? What piece of advice would you pass onto budding musicians?

My first break was with Gilbert O' Sullivan when I was 19, until then I had been in semi-pro bands although technically I was 'pro' ˜cos I didn't work and my parents supported me! That came about from our bands guitarist answering an advert as he wanted a 'rock' band to back him. I was the singer but usefully I could play other instruments so I think it helped to 'sell' us. In the course of a 45 minute set I played 7 instruments for him. Slave labour. As far as 'advice' goes I suppose something I have learnt is in order to be successful at anything in life you need supreme self motivation and above all, self belief. It doesn't necessarily take supreme talent!

8. Which song(s) do you enjoy performing most live and why?

Always with UFO the classics especially 'Lights Out' and 'Only you can Rock me because they are such classic rock songs. Gary, hmmmm, I could say the entire set list of the 'Wild Frontier' tour as that really has to have been my favourite period I was with him. If you look at the Sweden live video we were having such a good time and it worked so well live. I have a bootleg of the 'After the War' tour and we look terrified and miserable! (Mind you that was right at the start of the tour with Chris Slade who just about new the songs....just!)

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Well it has beenÂ documented before, but I am a Judge of pedigree cats and that is my hobby. I go all over Europe judging although not quite as much nowadays as I am so busy with work. I enjoy it, although I am not sure whether it's cool to say so! I also do a fair amount of arranging these days and enjoy that a lot too!

10. Message to your fans...

For those that hold memories of the things I did in the past and have the albums, thanks for your support and feel free to check out the website as there will be some new stuff appearing from time to time. I really enjoy hearing from you all and thanks to those who have emailed me. Have fun!

CARL WAYNE `Songs From the Wood and Beyond: Anthology 1973-2003'

2006-04-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary (2006) Website

Vocalist Carl Wayne was the singer with the 60's hit makers the Move, then he went into musiclas and theatre for much of the 70's and 80's including major success in the hit West End musical `Blood Brothers'. He made a comeback into rock music circles as a member of the Hollies in 2000 before sadly passing away from cancer in 2004.
This collection features many unreleased tracks, some featuring the highly talented Roy Wood (also a former member of the Move). Of definite interest to ELO fans are his wonderful versions of `Midnight Blue' and `Steppin' Out', the latter features a stunning musical arrangement. `Hot Cars' with Roy Wood is an obvious
highlight as is the choral `Someday', which sees Wayne's voice in the spotlight back by a gentle choral backing. A couple of songs are definite collector/fan only like `Hazel Eyes' but overall this is highly recommended for fans of ELO and the Move. His untimely death was a real loss to music.

IAN GILLAN `Gillan's Inn'

2006-04-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

(2006 Dual Disc) Immergent

An album to celebrate Ian Gillan's forty years in the music business and what an album it is! First off it is a dual disc i.e. one side is your standard CD whilst flip it over and you get a DVD. The DVD is a treat in itself with live Deep Purple footage from when Joe Satriani briefly guested with them plus you can chose who solos on `Smoke On The Water' – including Satriani, Steve Morse or Jeff Healey. There are interviews as well plus `making of' footage of the album's recordings, along with a very enjoyable and humorous track by track commentary by Ian Gillan. All this and you haven't even started on the CD yet!
The tracks are drawn from all areas of Gillan's career to date including a rather stonking run through Black Sabbath's `Trashed' with Tony Iommi riffing away backed by Deep Purple's rhythm section of Roger Glover and Ian Paice. Purple purists may well balk at the version of `Smoke On The Water' with its gang chorus (including one of Gillan's musical heroes Cliff Bennett) and Steve Morse soloing like his life depended on it! But personally I think that is what this album is all about, Ian Gillan having fun with his muso pals and laying down some cracking tunes. My personal favourite Gillan solo track `No Laughing In Heaven' sounds splendid on here with Don Airey laying down some neat keyboard touches (although the rhythm guitar part is credited to Fanny Craddock – surely not the 70's TV cook???). Old Purple pal Jon Lord guests on `When A Blind Man Cries' and ironically guitarist Jeff Healey plays on this one as well. Helaey has a lovely blues style all of his own and he really adds to this version with his playing.
Lots of other guests including Ronnie Dio, former Rainbow keyboards player Mickey Lee Soule, Janick Gers (former Gillan guitarist now in Iron Maidden), Uli Jon Roth Joe Elliott plus of course all of the current Deep Purple line-up appear throughout the album.
Simply a great album to play loud and enjoy!

Music Matters - JAY RUSNAK (IRONHORSE)

2006-04-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

First and last albums bought & why...
---First album ever bought was KISS--Destroyer at the age of nine because KISS was like a comic book come to life. The most recent album I picked up is The Duke by Jorn Lande......I'm on a serious Jorn kick lately---he's the top of the heap vocally these days and stylistically he's everything I ever wanted to hear from a rock singer.

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

1) RAINBOW--Long Live Rock And Roll
2) GARY MOORE--Victims of the Future
3) JORN--Out To Every Nation
4) JOHN NORUM--Face The Truth
5) BLACK SABBATH--Heaven and Hell

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

Old Frank Sinatra, Tori Amos, Sarah McLaughlan, New Lee Aaron Jazz stuff...

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

Jorn, Evergrey---a lot of stuff over in Europe....the quality of everything is so high--production, material, performances. It's rather inspiring compared to what we hear here in the states. I also was very impressed with Evanescence when they first came out.

First and latest gig attended...
Scorpions--Love at First Sting tour-1984
Yngwie--a few months ago--no bands tour much near where I live now so I went just for the hell of it.

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...

For IRONHORSE, I would go with "Haunted Saloon". Very moody and dynamic--blues, country and metal all wrapped up in one. For me--hasn't been recorded yet. Now if I only had acess to Jorn!.........;-)

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...
Alice in Chains---the Purple Dog/Tripod album

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...
writer, probably. It's the only other useful skill I have.

Music Matters with JOE GEESIN

2006-04-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Gellow GRTR! reviwer/interviewer JOE GEESIN gives us his lowdon on music that matters to him...

First and lastest albums bought & why...

First: The Motors - Approved By The Motors. Aged 9. Heard "Airport" and loved and have done so ever since.
Last: Saxon's Dogs Of War, the reissue with 2 extra live tracks. Great Great band and their 90s stuff is so much underrated.

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

Too many to mention, my top 10 changes often, but here's a couple
The Motors - anything
Deep Purple - Made In Japan
Gillan - Future Shock
Rainbow - Rising
Eloy - Metromania
Foghat - Stone Blue
Nazareth - No Mean City
Molly Hatchet - Double Trouble Live
Freedom Call - Crystal Empire
Peter Frampton - Breaking All The Rules

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

I have a few by Bad Manners and a pretty much complete Madness collection

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

Rhapsody - a different take on European melodic speed metal. Operatic too. Last 2 albums are partly orchestrated with narration from Christopher Lee. Superb!

First and latest gig attended...

First - Pink Floyd's The Wall at Earls Court, 80/81 ish. Aged 10 or 11.
Last - Dirty Shoes, a classic covers band who do loads of AC/DC and Led Zep

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...

My only vinyl appearance is on a Pink Floyd album, sampled as a baby. I think we'll move on from that.......

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...

I own several truly awful albums because of guest appearances, being a collector and all that.
Examples would be Elkie Brooks' "Minutes" (Zal Cleminson), Julie Felix's "Clotho's Web" (Cozy Powell), and probably a whole host of others. In fact Powell played on some of the best hard rock ever and some of the worst too as a session man.

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...

How about "If I wasn't stuck in advertising I'd be a musician" LOL

GLYDER update

2006-04-12T01:07:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

Promoting our debut album and touring Ireland also doing a dedication to Phil Lynott gig in dumfries in Scotland on 30th April

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Clive aid in doncaster in aid of the Clive Burr MS trust on 26th May, We will be touring France in october and hopefully the UK sometime before the summer is out. Later in the Year we plan to record the follow up to our debut for early 2007 release

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Highlights are releasing the album and Philomena Lynott making a really heartfelt speech at opur album launch, The vibe for Philo in January was also a great moment, The lows were missing out on playing a tour of Holland with Wishbone Ash and the constant wait to get things going

Message for your fans...

Thanks for all the emails , messages from myspace friends, forum members for supporting us and buying the album

Website
My Space

First and lastest albums bought & why...

the adventures of Thin Lizzy because they are awesome and i was blown away the first time I heard em, last one was really a DVD trouble live in Stockholm becuase
Trouble are the most underrated band of all time.

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

Every Thin Lizzy album and Every Iron Maiden album up to Seventh Son

Heaven and hell and Mob Rules by Black Sabbath

Headless Cross - Black Sabbath

Trouble - Manic Frustration

Out of the silent planet King s X

Blizzrd of Oz and Diary of a Madman- Ozzy Osbourne

Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour
Steevy Ray Vaughan - Couldnt stand the weather

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...
Sting - Mercury falling great album!

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...
Edguy- reminds me of Queensryche cheesy metal but absolutely rockin, The Mob feat Ty Tabor , Kip Winger and Reb Beach - Powerful melodic vocals with really good guitar playing, Foo fighters are around a long time but ive recently been turned on to them BIG TIME

First and latest gig attended...
Metallica back on Justice for all tour, latest was The Australian Pink Floyd

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...
Just go out and Buy the new Glyder album I know you want to, ask Jason from Getreadytorock.com he will tell you it ROCKS!!!

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...
Some Frank Zappa one I cant remeber nbame of that cost me 20 quid to hear a crazy loon rambling on and making weird noise, Not that I dont like some of Zappas other stuff but....Too many albums out there that arent worth the money

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...
fisherman tumbling on the sea far away from dry land and its bitter memories

MICHAEL HANNON (AMERICAN DOG)

2006-04-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

We just finished recording Led Zeppelin's "Hot Dog", for the cd that goes with Classic Rock Magazine, it's for the Led Zep issue that will be out in July, which will coincide with our U.K. tour, We've also recently recorded 4 songs for Pete Way's next solo disc, We've mailed him the music, which he'll do the singing on. We've also been demoing songs for our next disc and playing a ton of live shows, all this while working day jobs, having no managment or label! Business as usual I guess!

Plans for the rest of 2006...

More of the same keep beating our heads against the wall, playing "Anywhere and Everywhere" , and refusing to die!

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

The Highlight of this year so far was a Mini-Tour we did with Broken Teeth that covered a lot of big cities, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, etc.

The lowlight so far has been the consant struggle to get any support in our home-town, we can go 100 miles in any direction and get good gigs, just nothing here at home.

Message for your fans...

Never Say Die! Real Rock-n-Roll is still around you just have to dig a little deeper to find it!

First and lastest albums bought & why...

The first albums I bought were these various artist things they have here in the States, they were buy a company called K-Tel and they had 40 of the biggest hits of the day on them.......but the first "Real" album I bought was Kiss-Alive!, which is still to this day in my top 10 of all time.

The latest...........Just today I got the Lemmy Anthology "Damage Case"

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

There's a lot of 'em, but let'a list a few.
AC/DC - "Powerage"
ZZ Top - "Tres Hombres"
Ted Nugent - s/t
The Godz- s/t
and the entire Motorhead Catalog!!

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

The brass stuff, like the first three Chicago (Transit Authority) albums, Chase, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Miles Davis.

I have an Allman Brothers "Best of" playing as I type this, but I don't think that would surprise anyone.

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

A co-worker just turned me on to the Cramps, I've been aware of them for a long time but this is the first time I've heard a full cd.

On newer bands , we toured with a group from Sweden called Crucified Barbara who are great, I'm really looking forward to their second disc. I didn't mention they were all female because it doesn't matter they're just damn good.

First and latest gig attended...

The first "Big" show I went to was Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles together!! Fleetwood Mac were on "Rumors" and the Eagles were on "Hotel California", it was in Pittsburgh at Three Rivers Stadium.

My latest was Whitesnake, ...Last Summer in Columbus, which was Fantastc! I don't get out to see many shows anymore as I am playing so much myself.

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...

I think "Shitkicker" off our "Red, White, Black and Blue" cd best describes our band and our attitude.

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...

Being a Compete Motorhead Junkie, I bought a "best of" cd recently called "Deaf Forever", which in the catalog was described as a cd with a dvd side...................pffffttt!!! Another best of Motorhead I don't need, (I have at least 20 of 'em already!) the dvd side is what I was excited about!..........the dvd side on this Bastard is "surround sound" for yer dvd player! BASTARDS!

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...

a Roadie! cuz I'm a lifer!

Cheers!
Michael Hannon

DIDGE DIGITAL (BLACK MOON/Ex-FM)

2006-04-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

Done a 4 track demo,"Fanfare" - "Fire" - "Lucky Man" - "Romeo & Juliet" to help the band get gigs.Next gig - Thurs.4 May.Diamond Club,Sutton in Ashfield.(with exploding ribbon controller!)

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Get more gigs............etc......maybe have a holiday this year?

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Highlight - still alive! lowlight - total apathy in the music industry towards live bands,or anyone trying something different!

Message for your fans...

Be Happy..........stay out the music business !!!! It sucks.

Website

First and lastest albums bought & why...

First album was "Tarkus" by ELP.I even had to borrow a record player to play it. The last album I bought was "I" by Patrick Moraz - I spotted the one CD copy in a shop in Leeds.I had the original album back in the 70s,but got rid of it 'cos I wore it out!

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

All the albums featuring major keyboard players !

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

"Tin Drum" by Japan and "Best of" by Thomas Dolby.

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

"Far From The Dance",saw them at Huddersfield Rock Cafe.I think they still need to write that hit single tho'

First and latest gig attended...

First gig - sneaked into St.Georges Hall Bradford - to see ELP in the 70s.Met Emerson backstage tuning up the Moog modular before showtime.I had a mate called Owen who worked backstage and he could get me in to see the show for free! Top !!!! Latest gig - took my girlfriend to see Shania Twain !!!! at Sheffield Arena. Not impressed - giant karaoke doesn't do it for me? 10 people on stage and probably only three of 'em actually playing something? I think that was the "Let's fleece England" part of the tour, judging by the prices on the merchandising.

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...

"Pictures At An Exhibition by ELP"

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...

Can't think of any ???

If I wasn't a musician I'd be .....

something to do with electronics/computers etc.

STEVE CONTE (NEW YORK DOLLS) news

2006-04-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

I just finished recording the 3rd new york dolls studio album, produced by jack douglas (john lennon, cheap trick, aerosmith) with special guests iggy pop, michael stipe & bo diddley. look for it in stores this summer!

Plans for the rest of 2006...

touring w/ the dolls in the usa & europe and unleashing my new band "steve conte & the frequencies" on the world!

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

writing songs with david johansen and sylvain sylvain for the new dolls album!

Message for your fans...

keep your ears and mind open for good, new music...

Website
My Space

First and lastest albums bought & why...
beatles '65 and rolling stones "throught the past darkly" were my 1st childhood albums (my 1st 7'' or 45 was "stand" b/w "i wanna take you higher" by sly & the family stone) latest cd i bought was elmore james "dust my broom" box set

Album(s) you couldn't be without...
chris whitley "living with the law"....beatles "revolver"...

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...
"queens of country" collection

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...
madeline peyroux "careless love"...she sounds just like billie holiday

First and latest gig attended...
black sabbath @ casion arean in asbury pk, nj was 1st....last was ziggy marley @ starland ballroom

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...
"goin out west" by tom waits

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...
plastic bertrand's greatest hit(s)

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...
horse whisperer

PAUL LIDDELL news

2006-04-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

I'm currently touring with Steve Daggett. We've got 20 dates around the UK in April. We've also recorded a CD to sell at the gigs, it's a very limited edition thing called 'Lo - Showbiz' which is a very accurate statement about this tour! We need roadies who are willing to work for peanuts. Any takers?

Plans for the rest of 2006...

More touring up and down the UK, just trying to spread the word so people actually know who I am! More songwriting, and hopefully a totally fun packed and debauched Summer as good as the last one. More gigs also with my new band 'Delphians'. www.myspace.com/delphians

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Making it through to the final of the northerntrax.net song competition. I'm in the running to win the thing, which would be great! A few gigs stick out in my mind from this year too, one at 'The Ent Shed' in Bedford, one at Cherry Burton Village Hall, the new Delphians EP launch at Smugglers in Sunderland and Porters in Bath. They were gooood. Lowlights have been few and far between (I'm touching wood as I type!) but standing in the corner of a grot hole pub being heckled by middle aged drunk women wasn't much fun.

Message for your fans...

Fans?

Website
My Space

First and lastest albums bought & why...

First album I bought was 'Never Loved Elvis' by The Wonder Stuff. I still listen to it now (although I've upgraded to a CD copy, the cassette snapped!) I just love the songs, great lyrics. 'Mission Drive' is such an exciting tune, it makes me want to jump around like a fool. Latest album was 'The Gulley Flats Boys' by Frances Dunnery. It's a really chilled out kind of album, and his voice is great. I love to hear accents in a vocal and his Cumbrian really gives it an edge. I think it's cumbrian, might be something else...

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

'VS' - Pearl Jam, 'Superunknown' - Soundgarden, 'Grace' - Jeff Buckley, 'Siamese Dream' - Smashing Pumpkins, 'Evil Empire' - Rage Against The Machine.

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

Probably all of the above! A lot of metal and rock considering I'm an acoustic based artist.

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

Jose Gonzalez because he sounds like Nick Drake and Elliott Smith at the same time.

First and latest gig attended...

My first gig was Baz Warne (now guitarist with the Stranglers) at a pub in Sunderland called The Ropery. It was really packed and I immediately decided to become a guitar toting rock god. It still hasn't happened unfortunately....I actually haven't been to a gig in a while, I'm always gigging on the same night as the ones I want to go to! I think it was probably Steve Daggett @ the Smugglers, also in Sunderland. I like pub gigs. Lo - Showbiz.

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...

'Is This It' by The Strokes. In a word, SHIT.

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...

mad scientist living in a tall tower watching people through a golden telescope...

CRY HAVOC news

2006-04-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

Recording new Cry Havoc album, plus an exciting new international project that I started in January, playing bass on David Readman solo album.

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Really finish the three records I am working on, including working with my favourite producer on them. Have also written a record with David Readman which we hope to finalise by the tail end of the year ... a lot of songs, we'll just pick the best ones and go shopping for a deal.

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Still a little early to state highlights - but the involvement of the names on my international project is amazing even me! The band members, particualrly the
guitarist I discovered are quite something else! I think the major highlights are still to come musically, but Celtic winning the league back and finally seeing the
mighty Edguy in Germany make up my general highlights so far. Lowlights - thanksfully none so far!

Message for your fans...

What fans?
LOL! Thanks to all who continue to visit the Cry Havoc website - many thanks! This new record is gonna rock like you will not believe!

Website

THE HEAL news update

2006-04-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

We are just putting together the final touches to our summer festival programme and we've been writuing some new material. All details on www.theheal.net or www.myspace.com/theheal

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Lots of gigs at universities and colleges, write more stuff, want to get back into the studio again this year, just trying to fit it in!

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Lowlight has been the gap for exams at uni! One month of no music!!!!
Highlight has been just gettin back to basics. Writing new material and how well people have responded to it.

Message for your fans...

Thanks as always. A driving force behind everything we do!

Website
My Space

BOB DAISLEY news update

2006-04-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

Bass player Bob Daisley (LIVING LOUD/RAINBOW/OZZY/URIAH HEEP)

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

A: At present I'm recording some tracks for another "Hoochie Coochie Men" blues album which will feature Jon Lord on keyboards again. Just finished mixing a live Kahvas Jute preformance for a DVD and some new studio tracks too.

Plans for the rest of 2006...

A: Hopefully, we should be able to write/record another Living Loud album when everybody's available this year. Also, a trip to London to record the keyboards with Jon for the Hoochies album. And of course, the release of the Kahvas Jute DVD and CD.

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

A: Highlights, see above. So far, no real lowlights.

Message for your fans...

A: As always, just a thank you for being interested in what I do and for support and as often, their kind words.

Website

WILL SMITH interview

2006-04-10T00:42:00.000-07:00

Go & see his excellent 'Return to Childhood' stand-up show - very funny and a must see for MARILLION fans!

Why did you want to become a stand-up comic and how did your first show go?

I first wanted to be a comedian when I was six or seven and my dad showed me Laurel and Hardy's "Perfect Day" on tv. I did stuff at school assemblies that was kind of like stand-up, but my first proper stand-up gig to a paying audience was at the Joiners Arms in Southampton, and it went really well - I know it's a better story if it was terrible!

How did the recent Misplaced Childhood tour go? Were you pleased with the reaction you have had so far?

Well the tour's about to start on Easter Monday. I did three weeks in Edinburgh last August and a run at the Soho Theatre in London in February, and it's gone great. It gets a good reaction from Fish and Marillion fans as well as from people born to late to have even heard of them!

How did you first come up with the idea to actually use Fish in the show and what was it like filming the sequences for the show with him?

I'm a huge fan of Fish and have followed his career for years, so I knew he's been getting into acting, plus anyone who's seen him live will know he's very very funny himself. He basically does stand-up in between the songs, so I thought he'd be up for it. I got him to come and see my last show "10 Arguments I Should Have Won" to see what he thought and he not only loved it, but invited me to come and stay and film at his place. We had a great time doing it. I had a rough idea of what I wanted the arc to be, but he came up with great ideas and we kind of busked it up together. It turned out better than I could have dreamt, he's got a real flair for comedy and impro.

Which Marillion gig has been your favourate and why?

That would have to be when they played the Gloucester Hall in Jersey in 1988 - one of the last Fish-era gigs and it was in my hometown. When you grow up somewhere where hardly any bands play and then your favourite band roll up and you're on the front row, it's pretty awesome. It's still one of the best gigs I've ever seen anyone play.

Read the full interview here...

Will Smith on My Space

NIKK GUNNS update

2006-04-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

Putting together a new band with other Reloaded members Jon Tuck and Lloyd Pritchard, we are currently talking to guitarists. Plus an acoustic solo side project

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Get a new band together and work to get back out playing live again

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Musically, neither yet, it is too early in the year to tell!!

Message for your fans...

Thanks for your patience, the new band will be worth the wait.

Website

First and lastest albums bought & why...
1st Album- Rio by Duran Duran Last-15 by Buckcherry

Album(s) you couldn't be without...
Stones "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main St" Bon Jovi "New Jersey" GnR "Appetite for Destruction"

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...
Best of Johnny Cash

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen... RoadStar/Hurricane Party- well woth catching live if you can. Am looking forward to the debut album

First and latest gig attended...
1st Gig Motley Crue (not saying when as that ages me!!) Last Thunder at Hammersmith Odeon/Appollo

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...
"Ain't No Angel"- Reloaded or "You Don't Know Me"- solo track

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...
Extreme "Pornograffiti"

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...
nightmare to live with

POWER QUEST news update

2006-04-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

Just finished a UK tour with Pagan's Mind following on from the tour with Helloween in February. Currently writing new songs for the 4th PQ album.

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Continue writing ahead of a trip to Norway in August for Ragnarock festival in Oslo. Possibly a couple more shows with Pagan's Mind as well. Then hopefully another tour in the autumn.

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Helloween and Pagan's Mind for sure! No lowlights...unless you count getting persecuted at work by my boss! lol!

Message for your fans...

Thanks to everyone who has been out to see us on the recent tours and bought our
albums and merch. Really appreciate the support and we look forward to seeing you all again later in the year.

Website/links...

Website
My Space

The HEAL - up & coming UK rockers

2006-04-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Christian Williams, Guitarist from The Heal

First and lastest albums bought & why...

The first album I bought was Nirvana- Nervermind on cassette, after I saw them on TV. I think I was 12, and I was totally blown away becuase up until then all I had heard was blues music. I'd never heard anything like it. The most recent album I bought was Menos El Osla, by Minus The Bear, to help me relax whilst I'm wondering around London

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

Senses Fail- Let it Enfold you, Jimi Hendrix- Best Of, U2- Achtung Baby,
Steve Vai- Passion and Warfare

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

Tom Petty and The Heart Breakers

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

Emanuel, this band signed to Vagrant records are really good, energetic, and don't use the same chord progressions as most "Emo" bands. Minus The Bear are a really chilled out, spacey band everyone should listen to. Fat Freddys Drop are a nice chilled out dub band from New Zealand. Good for when your mates come round

First and latest gig attended...

First gig I went to was probably some blues gig I was forced to go to as a baby. The earliest I can remember is BB King. The last one was my own at Farnham College :)

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...

What If I Win, becuase it sums up how everyone in the band feels and brings out all of our musical personalities

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...

Hard Fi- Stars of CCTV, because it helped them overtake us as the most famous band from Staines

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...

Painter or writer

MILLION update

2006-04-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Over to MILLION Bassist BJ Laneby -

What are you currently up to (eg recording, gigs etc)?

We are writing songs for the new album, it´s looking very promising.

In the meantime, Majestic Rock will release "M.ILL.ION 1991-2006 , The Best so far" a powerpacked compilation album celebrating 15 years since the first M.ILL.ION album was recorded. Some previously unreleased goodies will be on it as well. A song called "Evil Inside" from the Kingsize recordings, "Candyman Live in England" recorded at Firefest last May and the video of "Backdoor Queen". The cover and booklet will be done by Hugh Gilmour who´s done Sabbath, Maiden and Motörhead covers a.o

We´ll do a gig in Växjö, Sweden this coming Thursday April 13. Tony Martin from Sabbath will play as well, so that will be cool.

Plans for the rest of 2006...

Record the new M.ILL.ION album and maybe do some shows in support of the Best of album.

Highlights/lowlights of the year so far...

Lowlights: Looking for a guitarist replacemet for Jonas Hermansson...

Highlights so far: The return of Jonas and the promising songwriting. I´m excited about the new material and look forward to recording it.

Message for your fans...

Thanks for believing in our special mix of hardrock/classic rock /melodic metal. Looking forward to present a new exciting album this year and to see You all on tour. Together we´re the Rock´n Roll Nation, remember!

Always appreciate Your emails. Don´t forget to sign the guestbook at our homepage. Take care, everybody! cheers, B.J

Website/links...
Website

Emails: band@million.o.se

First and lastest albums bought & why...

First: Nazareth´s "Razamanaz", it was my introduction to hard rock at early age. Been a fan ever since!

Latest: Whitesnake´s live DVD /Album. Great stuff, Coverdale is a favourite and the band he has now kicks ass.

Album(s) you couldn't be without...

KISS "Alive", Deep Purple "Made In Japan", Thin Lizzy "Live and Dangerous", Black Sabbath "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", Springsteen´s whole catalogue, Beatles´ Catalogue

Album(s) in my collection that would surprise people...

Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston, Cat Stevens, Eagles... You have to be broadminded and not just listen to the same style all the time

Band(s)/artist(s) you've discovered recently & why they are worth a listen...

Hate to say this, but can´t remember when I got floored by a new artist. To much commercial bullshit, recycling and produced trendfollowing going on. Super extreme metal without melodies and made up so called stars that pose to a dancetrack on MTV ain´t my cup of tea... What the fuck happened to real bands and rock´n roll???

First and latest gig attended...

First gig: KISS, Scandinavium Gothenburg (Sweden) 1976 as a kid. There was a riot and little B.J was very scared.

Latest: My band M .ILL.ION played a show with Statetropper in Copenhagen recently and I´m a big fan of Gary Barden so that was cool. Lot´s of drinks backstage I have to admit...:-)

Piece of music/album by myself/band that sums up my sound/band...

The coming compilation album "MILL.ION 1991-2006 - The best so far" or "Kingsize" our latest album

Album you bought you really wish you hadn't...

Can´t remember any cd I bought being that bad. I´m given a lot of albums and among them there sure are some weak ones, but it would be very unpolite to point them out, wouldn´t it?

I want the vinyls back! Lousy LP´s were at least good for smashing or could be used as frisbees...:-)

If I wasn't a musician I'd be a...

Maybe a promotor or a journalist. Hey, I was pretty good at football too so striker for Liverpool would suit me fine :-)

New look to blog

2006-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hope it is easier on the eye! Removed a lot of ads, out of date posts, etc. to give a smarter look.
Music wise I have discovered via the delights of EMusic the rather wonderful band ELBOW. Very mellow but weird music - COLDPLAY meets RADIOHEAD.

Another good 'un are THE SHAZAM - excellent pop rock and well worth investigating. Along with fellow pop rock greats WALTHAM, SQUARE ONE & FIVE STAR IRIS, they are bands that deserve huge success.

Finally meldoic rock fans grab a copy of the new LAST AUTUMN album just out on Escape Music Their second album, released last year was frankly a dog but this one is SUPERB melodic rock/AOR. It has already score a 91% review on MelodicRock.Com
Fans of classic EUROPE, TNT, TREAT go by now!!!

LAST AUTUMN’S DREAM ‘Winter In Paradise’ Escape Music (2006)

Last Autumn’s Dream revolve around vocalist Mikael Erlandsson and Fates Warning guitarist Andy Malacek. Their debut album featured 3/5ths of Europe and was a very enjoyable melodic rock album. For last year’s album, ‘II’ the Europe members had left and to be honest the resulting album was very average. Now for album number three they have enlisted Talisman’s rhythm section of Marcel Jacob and Jamie Borger, who provide a very tight backbeat. From the off with the hard rocking opener ‘Love To Go’ you know its going to be miles above the last album. Reminded me of those long lost 80’s greats Skagarak and classic Europe. There are some cracking 80’s synths on ‘Don’t Let Your Love Go Down’ before the guitars kick in and then some! Queen fans will delight at the harmonies and Brian May style guitar solos on ‘Echoes From the Past’, whilst ‘All I Want Is Rock ‘N’ Roll’ is one of those classic hard rock tunes that is so simple in sound and lyrics but you just can’t stop playing it! A really good album and such a change from some of the recent melodic rock releases that are rehashes of the 80’s sound.
A definite ‘must have’ for lovers of melodic rock and hopefully they can keep hold of the Talisman guys for the next album.

GLYDER album review

2006-04-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

GLYDER (2006) Bad Reputation

I was lucky enough to be sent a promo copy of the band's debut last year and it easily warranted a four star rating. Having seen the band live as well last summer I can safely safe I am a fan! Now the band have been signed (and about time too) with this album due out in May. It features the production talents of legendary producer Chris Tsangarides, so as you would expect the sound is top notch.
In fact if Thin Lizzy were still going today (I know there is the Sykes/Gorham version but without Phil Lynott it will never be a true Thin Lizzy) they would sound not unlike this album. Some cracking tunes on here including 'Saving Face' and `You Won't Bring Me Down', both mix catchy guitar riffs and melodic choruses. The latter could easily be a single and get some serious airplay. 'She's Got It'is a classic rocker(in fact the opening guitar passage sounds at times like AC/DC's `Thunderstruck'!). The Thin Lizzy vibe pervades over `Colour Of Money' whilst `Takin' Off' hits a catchy groove.
Definitely a band who are worthy of further investigation and although they have a Thin Lizzy sound at times (mainly in the vocals and bass lines), the band are not mere copycats. A very strong debut album and heartily recommended for all fans of classic rock out there.

New interviews with FISH, DAVID COVERDALE, THE CARS & JUDAS PRIEST

2006-04-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Interviews galore!

QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS US gig review

Very talneted singer NATASCHA SOHL and some damn fine photos of the lady as well :)

Rising Stars - RATTLESNAKE REMEDY

2006-04-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.) Matt - Both! Never even have time to scratch our own arses...
Dave - Touring the U.K and Europe, you gotta love travelling - one of the perks of the job.
Ben - Touring, recording, writing, fucking and occasionally sleeping.
Mark - We're looking forward to the single release, too.

Brief history of how you got into the music business and the style of music you play Lee - The love of blues and wanting to get laid Ben - We play hard blues rock born from anger, frustration and listening to far too much Free and Led Zeppelin!
Dave - Playing instruments when I was younger opened a lot of doors for me to play in bands and hang around long haired ruffians who liked rock... the best way to get started. I soaked up as much music as possible and now I'm squeezing it out!
Mark - Playing guitar's the only thing I've cared about since my early teens, the way I play is influenced by everything I hear and love.

How do you hope to get Rattlesnake Remedy heard above all the other bands and singers vying for attention out there?
Lee - We are the people's band
Matt - By doing what we do: we're a live band and that's how we'll get remembered the best.
Ben - We have no agenda, we just share our love for music with whoever wants to listen, and have a good time everywhere we go...surprisingly that combination is quite infectious.
Mark - Get out there and get in people's faces, if no one knows who you are it's because you're not working hard enough at it.

How do you view the current live scene as regards new bands getting exposure?
Lee - It's hard as fuck, you gotta keep playing and just work hard.
Dave - There's a cool retro rock thing going on with bands like Roadstar and The Glitterati, as well as us, so things are looking up.
Ben - All the big record companies are scared to do anything new, which is why everything sounds so similar in mainstream rock. They don't want to risk losing money so they play it safe. We've decided to go independent so we can do it our way...we're not afraid to stand out.

How has the Internet helped spread the word about the band? Do you think downloading is helping or killing music?
Lee - It's helping us `cause it gets our music out there Matt - I don't understand how bands ever got by without the net!
Dave - It brings us to an audience you ordinarily can't reach so it's helping us out a lot.
Ben - With bands like us, downloading is not as detrimental because we are primarily a live band, so people still want to come and see us regardless. You have to remember that that is what it all used to be about...live music! The Internet helps with sites such as MySpace, you can spread the word quicker than an STI.

You have toured with many bands including LA Guns and Roadstar.
Which tour(s) did you enjoy the most and did the headline bands treat you okay? Who else would you ideally like to go out and tour with?
Matt - Some bands can be dickheads *cough - Malmsteen - cough*, but generally they're cool. They're especially cool when they need to borrow one of our Marshall cabs.
Lee - Every band has been cool. I'd actually like to tour with Oasis. It'd be great to blow `em off the stage, though!
Ben - We have a blast with everyone we meet, I'd love to tour with Velvet Revolver.
Mark - Steve Riley (LA Guns) was cool to hang out with, but that was probably `cause he wanted our drugs...

What bands/artists do you admire and/or are an influence?
Lee - Stones, Aerosmith, Oasis
Dave - Led Zeppelin, Floyd, Free.
Ben - Bands with feel...all the great blues players Mark - Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains, early Aerosmith, Pantera....
I could make a big list here!
Matt - We all love the blues, and I'm listening to Reef a lot at the moment.

What have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?
Ben - Touring abroad is one big highlight. Lowpoints usually involve too much beer and a kebab.
Lee - High point: playing shows to people who are up for a good time. Low point: mopping sick up out of the tour-bus.
Dave - Finally realising we could make a damn fine live album, that's the highlight so far.
Mark - High point - getting to play with artists you've grown up listening to. Low point - the kebabs in Finland are shit!

What ideally would you like to achieve by this time next year?
Matt - Plenty more overseas gigs, and hopefully our album will be doing well.
Lee - I'd like to get sucked off by Keira Knightly.
Dave - A decent reception for our debut album - I just want our songs to be heard worldwide, and then go there to perform `em live!
Ben - A reliable wage would be pretty kick-ass!

What's the most rock n roll moment you have had so far?
Dave - Going to Europe if that's rock n' roll - travelling is a big part of what I think rock n' roll is - and doing what we feel like.
We all felt like playing in Finland... so we did it.
Ben - Having a sauna backstage on tour in Finland...and pissing on the coals.
Mark - When our van driver filled our DIESEL van with petrol. We'd just got back on the motorway, ground to a halt in the hard shoulder and ended up having to reverse at about 5mph back to the services. A very Spinal Tap moment. Needless to say we missed the gig.

What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?
Ben - We had a limited edition tour EP that we'd be selling at gigs but we sold out everywhere we went an they're all gone already! The debut single will be released in UK & Ireland May 1st 2006, available in all good record stores!
Mark - The album will follow shortly.

Message to your fans...
Matt - Buy a t-shirt...we're poor!
Ben - I promise I'll last longer next time...
Dave - Buy our single you'll love it, see us live you'll love it!
Get close enough to smell us... then regret it!
Mark - Don't piss up an electric fence.

Website

QUEENSRYCHE `Operation: Mindchrime II'

2006-04-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

Rhino/Atlantic (2006) Band website

The follow-up to one of the metal/rock genre's finest albums `Operation: Mindchrime' that was released back in 1988 – my how times flies! In between times Queensryche's fortunes have risen (via the marvellous `Empire') to falling to the poor selling and frankly very average `Q2K' album. So there is a lot riding on this release and does it deliver? Just ever so! Taking the story on from where it left off looking at the fate of Nikki and how after all these years his thoughts of revenge would be bottled up and how this would affect him. Pamela Moore is back recreating her role as the whore turned nun Sister Mary (although in spirit form as Sister Mary was bumped off in the original album). Then of course Dr X gets a voice and what a voice as Ronnie Dio takes on his character.
Musically it is very similar to the original less the very 80's snare drum sound so popular at the time and there is a very good use of strings throughout the album, especially on the grand instrumental opener `Freiheit Overture'. Song of the album though has to be the vocal trade off between Geoff Tate and Ronnie Dio on `The Chase' – simply stunning. `I'm An American' is a no holds barred rocker and the lead single. The lyrics are tinged with irony and it is not the all out patriotic song you'd expect from the title. Pamela Moore takes the limelight on `An Intentional Confrontation', whilst `Murderer?' gets the listener thinking. I won't spoil the outcome of the album as it does answer some questions left open from the first album but then does open a whole load more!
Musically the band are on top form, with Scott Rockenfield in particular drumming up a storm when needed. Simply buy this album and enjoy, that's all you need to do.

QUEEN 'Making of A Night at the Opera' DVD

2006-03-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

QUEEN `The Making of A Night at the Opera' (Double DVD 2006) Eagle Rock

Released as a single DVD of the `Making Of' documentary and then this special double disc edition which adds the whole of the `ANATO'
album in surround sound accompanied by live footage and other footage. (Pretty sure this second DVD is the one that was released with the special anniversary CD last year) The interviews are current – with Brian May, Roger Taylor and producer Roy Thomas Baker plus fellow musicians Ian Hunter and Joe Perry, mixed in with archive interviews featuring Freddie Mercury. Strange that John Deacon isn't interviewed in the present but then he ahs publicly retired from all things Queen. Also contained on disc one are analysis of the tracks plus an exclusive acoustic performance of "39" and "Love Of My Life" by Brian May.
The second disc features the original videos for `You're My Best Friend' (the one with lots of candles that must have had the fire officer having kittens!) and the classic `Bohemian Rhapsody'. Other tracks feature live performances of the songs including `Sweet Lady'
from the band's Hyde Park gig in 1976 and Brian May's recent rendition of `God Save The Queen' perched on top of Buckingham Palace. I particularly like the use of old black and white film footage to accompany `Seaside Rendezvous'.
If you are a Queen fan then you will love this DVD as would anyone after the story behind one of the greatest rock albums of all time (and many would say the band's finest album as well). Great all round package just a shame they couldn't coax John Deacon for a few words.

Save Our Centres - Good news!

2006-03-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

Good news!
But please keep the pressure up as this is a reprieve, although a very important one as it allows time to get these centres used even more locally.
Thanks for all your support and keep up to date at -

Campaign HQ

Update on Youth Centre Closures - 22nd March 2006

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL PLANS NEW APPROACH TO YOUTH SERVICES

The County Council’s plans to close youth centres are being revised to give more time to develop new approaches to providing services for young people in Surrey.

Initial engagement with young people, community groups and users has brought to light a variety of opportunities to help strengthen the county’s services for young people.

Time is now needed to explore different solutions for the individual centres and clubs, leading to firm proposals in the autumn. In some communities the solutions for providing youth services will be straightforward, in others a new approach will be more relevant, possibly delivered in partnership with voluntary organisations, community groups or other partners.

The review has exposed poor charging policies where youth centre buildings are rented to other users. By looking to increase charges, the council’s youth service will largely cease to subsidise other users. This means important funds will not be diverted from youth work to pay utilities bills.

Andrew Crisp, Executive Member for Schools, Children and Community Services, said: “This process has been extremely valuable. The youth service has a clear overall strategy but we must also be flexible enough to respond to local circumstances. There are some very exciting ideas emerging which I am keen to pursue. By giving ourselves more time we will deliver better results for each community and for young people. We will also have a greater opportunity to involve young people as well as other stakeholders in designing services relevant to them.

”One thing that has become clear in the debate about how we provide youth services is that the current arrangements are not feasible in the longer term. We need to change the way that our youth centres are run and how we are providing services for the young people of the county.”

At the heart of the youth service strategy is an increasing focus on working with young people on programmes and activities in their communities rather than being limited purely to buildings. Maintaining safe places for young people to meet will also be important, but more needs to be done to reach vulnerable and at risk young people.

The next steps will be to work with other providers and young people, community groups and youth centre users, districts and boroughs to discuss opportunities for the future. The council will be contacting them in the coming weeks to discuss options. The aim is to have a clear plan for each of the centres by the autumn. New arrangements will be put in place before ending the existing youth provision.

There will need to be local solutions developed with regard to youth service capacity and future direction of youth work. In some instances the initial review has confirmed plans to close the current centre but in others there are other options to be considered. An overview of proposals is outlined below. All of these are subject to further discussion. Future activity will explore options for:

- Banstead –increased community/partnership role and revising charges for users
- Bookham –increased community/partnership role in running the centre
- Ashford – increased community/partnership role and revising charges for users
- Frimley Green – increased community/partnership role in running the centre
- Leacroft, Staines - no change to current arrangements at present
- Thameside, Staines – close and reinvest in other facilities
- Sunbury – increased community/partnership role and revising charges for users
- Yo-Yo, Epsom – wider consultation to include the future use of Lintons
- Sheerwater and Maybury – no change to current arrangements at present
- Guildford - Stoughton and Bellfields – end existing arrangements and develop new youth service provision, possible new centre
- Byfleet – centre already closed
- Haslemere – NeutralZone and Old Fire Station – close and develop new provision in Haslemere
- Merstham – close existing building and develop alternative partnerships with other providers
- Englefield Green – examine alternative provision
- Chobham – cease to use office facilities and examine appropriate partnerships for the delivery of youth work.

The youth service directly and also in partnership provides a vast range of programmes in a variety of locations across Surrey including centre-based as well as town centres, neighbourhoods, schools and other facilities. This is the youth service of the future, in line with the government green paper ‘Every Child Matters’ and the future children trust arrangements, and reflects a significant strength in Surrey’s services for young people recently highlighted by the independent education watchdog, Ofsted.

Sign the petition!

2006-03-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sign the petiton to stop the youth & community centre closures

Thank you

HARD FI back the Save Our Centres campaign!

2006-02-23T04:22:00.000-08:00

Local band (well to Staines anyway) Hard Fi are backing our campaign to stop the closure of these vital youth & community cnetres in Surrey.

You can keep up to date with the campaign here. Please add your support & thanks to all who have contributed so far.

NOTE - Normal blog service i.e. music & books will be resumed in April after the vital council vote on these proposed closures.

SAVE OUR CENTRES

2006-02-09T03:22:00.000-08:00

SAVE OUR CENTRES

Surrey CC are seeking to save costs by planning to close four youth & community centres in the Spelthorne area (see list below). These centres host not only youth nights but special needs groups, sports clubs, a spiritualist church, a Baptist church and a nursery, thus playing a key role in local communities. It is a very short sighted and rushed plan, which will hit the wider local community in Ashford and Staines with fewer facilities available for youngsters and other age groups.
YOU can help by e-mailing/writing to the address below and contacting the local press.

Please sign the petition –
www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/save_centres/

If you wish to get involved further, please use the contact details at the foot of this letter.

www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/G1539
www.capitalcounty.com/saveourcentres.htm
Save Our Centres patron RUSSELL GRANT
Supporters include local bands HARD-FI & THE HEAL

E-mail for objections. Please cc in all as they form the SURREY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE who recommend how the full council should vote (or just target the leader of Surrey CC Mr Skellett) –
christine.stevens@surreycc.gov.uk, d.munro@surreycc.gov.uk, geoff.marlow@surreycc.gov.uk, helyn.clack@surreycc.gov.uk, j.smith@surreycc.gov.uk, laurie.burrell@surreycc.gov.uk, n.skellett@surreycc.gov.uk, peter.langham@surreycc.gov.uk, sally.marks@surreycc.gov.uk, andrew.crisp@surreycc.gov.uk

Or in writing -
Mr. N. Skellett, Surrey County Council, Room 250, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2DN by 17 March.

Centres to close (18 in all county wide) -
Ashford youth centre; Leacroft youth centre, Staines; Sunbury youth centre; Thameside youth centre, Staines

For more information please contact junefines@yahoo.co.uk or 07952 378271

THANK YOU

THE DARKNESS gig review

2006-02-09T03:20:00.000-08:00

THE DARKNESS + JULIET LEWIS & THE LICKS + THE ARK Alexandra Palace, London 8th February 2006

First time I have seen a live band at this rather grand venue (which until the 1950’s housed BBC radio stations) and the walk up the hill keeps you fit! First up were Swedish band the Ark – oh dear. The singer seemed to love himself and was showing of his err manly chest at every opportunity. The music was okay, a bit predictable and the singer was sadly crap. He had no depth and they are one of the worst bands I have seen in a long time.

Next up Hollywood actress turned rocker Juliet Lewis. Sadly again not that impressed, the music was good, solid modern punk/indie not a million miles away from say Green Day but Juliet Lewis failed to have the strong vocals needed to rise above the band’s music. I’d stick to the movies love…

Scarily this is the fifth time I have seen the Darkness in concert since first witnessing them supporting Def Leppard back in early 2003. The last time I saw them headlining at Wembley Arena I was disappointed mainly due to the lengthy and rambling onstage banter plus they didn’t have enough songs back then to fill a headliners set having only released one album. Last time Justin Hawkins rode in on a white tiger, as you do but this time he was astride a pair of large flashing breasts! This was to loosely tie-in with the opening track ‘Knockers’. Not a great track to start a gig with but they were soon off and running with a splendid run through ‘Givin’ Up’, ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’ and ‘Friday Night’. Biggest cheer of the night went ‘Growing On Me’ – a rocking little number about genital warts. Ballad time saw Justin on the piano singing ‘Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time’ before the band rejoined for ‘Blindman’. Off went Justin’s cat suit and out came his love handles! As he said himself he has ‘filled out’ but he was still leaping and prancing all over the stage like some demented cross between Dave Lee Roth and Max Wall. The stage show was very pyrotechnic with flash bombs, flames and fireworks – Spinal Tap was never this much fun.

New bassist Richie Edwards fitted in nicely and even got solo spot in ‘Black Shuck’, whilst Dan Hawkins in his obligatory Thin Lizzy t-shirt kept the riffs coming all night. Good mix in the crowd from metal heads to lads on the piss via a hen party! Good to see also a six year old giving it the Dio approved devil horns during some of the set urged on by his mum and dad.

Encore time gave us the hard rocking ‘English Country Garden’ with Justin Hawkins playing a mock church organ and the set closed with ‘Bald’ off their latest album. Much better than last time I saw them with Justin Hawkins cutting down on the aimless banter between songs although he doesn’t quite yet work a crowd with ease of say Dave Lee Roth or Paul Rodgers.

Finally a big thank you to my wife & daughter for this surprise birthday present – they are the best!

SQUARE ONE ‘Supersonic’ CD review

2006-02-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

Website

The debut release from the rather good Aussie rockers Square One. I have to say I have not heard an album where I like all the songs for a long time (bar the superb new Toto opus). I challenge anyone not to hum ‘Tonight’ after one play or the ultra catchy pop rocker ‘Colour Me Blue’. Musically they mix the harmonies of the Beatles and Cheap Trick with some great guitars – the title track illustrates this amply. Even the two bonus tracks are good, ‘Always With You’ would be an airplay hit if it ever got some airplay. Overall the album reminds you of say Waltham, the better moments of latter day Def Leppard or Nelson. Let the music do the talking and go e-mail the band now at squareonemusic@yahoo.com.au (I paid by Paypal) for payment details and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

STYX ‘Equinox/Crystal Ball’ BGO Records (2006)

2006-02-08T01:57:00.000-08:00

Website
The first two Styx albums following their being signed by a major label, A&M get a re-mastered re-releases on BGO complete with sleeve notes and all on one disc! After releasing four albums via the indie label Wooden Nickel and scoring chart success with ‘Lady’ Styx went up a level with ‘Equinox’. Just listen to the wonderful harmonies on ‘Lorelei’, still played live today by the band or ‘Mother Dear’ with the keyboard wizardry of Dennis de Young. A few songs miss the mark notably James Young token rocker ‘Midnight Ride’ but overall the first real essential Styx album in their catalogue.
The follow-up 1976’s ‘Crystal Ball’ saw John Curulewski leave to be replaced by Tommy Shaw, thus creating the classic line-up in many fans eyes. The album starts off with a band with ‘Put Me On’ featuring a heavy guitar, followed by the gentler ‘Mademoiselle’. ‘Jennifer’ is a solid track despite the rather dubious lyrical content about an affair with a 17 year old girl! The title track is the first real Tommy Shaw classic and a song he had from his previous band. It is classic Styx, big harmony filled chorus, lots of guitar and keyboard interplay but all driven by the band’s underlying belief that melody comes first. Dennis de Young shows off his early love of all things Broadway with the album closer ‘Clair De Lune/Ballerina’.
If you don’t have these two albums this is a great chance to get them and for those Styx fans still clinging onto their vinyl copies it is now time to upgrade! Along with ‘Grand Illusion’ these two albums show Styx in all their 70’s glory.

10 Q's with TOBY JEPSON (Ex-LITTLE ANGELS)

2006-02-07T01:56:00.000-08:00

Toby Jepson was the lead singer with the excellent UK rockers Little Angels who achieved chart success in the UK in the late 80's and early 90's. He has since gone solo and you can find out more at his website

1. What are you currently up to? (E.g. touring/studio, etc.)

Resting after the Thunder tour! Then putting a comprehensive dvd package together that includes all things Angels as well as my most recent stuff, oh and beginning to write my next record.

2. How did you onto the recent tour with Thunder? What was it like being back on the big stages again?

It was emotional! Last time I played the venues I was selling them out as the singer in the Angels! I have to say it was incredible, the audience reaction was nothing short of astounding every night and I take my hat off to the Thunder boys for managing to keep the flame alive, they rocked hard every night and were absolute gentlemen.

3. Highlights of the recent UK tour with Thunder and Roadstar? Any chance you will appear at this year’s Monsters of Rock festival in June?

Don’t know about monsters of rock, would love to but will wait to be asked…highlights? Far too many…just being able to feel that buzz again at that level and to know that my music has managed to survive after all these years was amazing.

4. Could you take us through your latest release ‘Twisted Rhapsodies’ and some of the ideas/stories behind the songs?

The twisted album is a collection of songs written over the last 10 years that appear on the album in various forms. There are unfinished masters, demo’s, songs written for others, home recordings etc…it shows my working process and also the nature of my musical interests. The album is by no means a fully fledged rock album, I have experimented with various musical forms over the years and this release was an opportunity to give the fans a record that reflected my search. The album I am beginning to make at the moment will be a new start. Twisted represents the end of the beginning if you like.

5. Who made you want to start singing? Anyone you would love to work with in the future if given the chance?

I loved Freddie Mercury, and still do. I wish I had a fraction of his wit, singing ability, and grace as a performer. Others would include David Coverdale, John Lennon. I would love to work with Dave Grohl I think the guy is a phenomenal writer and performer. Also Jon Bon Jovi, he was THE nicest guy I met and worked with in the Angels days and was and still is a huge talent.

6. Why did Little Angels call it a day and what were the live highlights with the band?

This ground is to heavily trodden and laboured to give a clear answer. Suffice to say we had reached the end of our journey. I loved every minute of being in that band…apart from the breaking up bit!

7. Would you ever consider reforming Little Angels or are you happy enough to play the Little Angels tunes as part of your solo touring?

I would never reform the band. Full stop. I love the songs and love performing them, but I don’t want to live on my past forever, it is the creation of new music that interest me now and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

8. Which song(s) do you enjoy performing most live and why?

Don’t have specific favorite, I love them all. I don’t perform the ones I DON’T like!

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Being with my family, Watching movies, wine, building stuff….

10. Message to your fans...

Love is what drives me to keep making music. Respect yourselves and respect to you from me for always being there. I exist because you want me to.

Peace is what I do it for.

This blog is one year old!

2006-02-06T03:32:00.000-08:00

Yes my blog is now one year old. Thanks for all the views and feedback. The main aim has always been to get the word out on music & books I have enjoyed and think others may enjoy as well.
Any feedback as ever always welcome plus any good pointers on music and books to check out.

LEMMY ‘Damage Case’ review

2006-02-06T03:26:00.000-08:00

(Double CD 2006) Castle/Sanctuary Sanctuary Records

There are countless Motorhead compilations and live CD’s out there – many of poor quality, so you’d think yet another one would not be needed. But this is more about Lemmy and his varied solo output plus a few choice Motorhead gems. To be honest some tracks really are for the Lemmy/Motorhead completist only like his early recorded work with the Rockin’ Vicars and Sam Gopal. The less said about the Young and Moody Band’s ‘Don’t Do That’ the better as it features a couple of the Nolan sisters but I guess when you are Lemmy you do what you damn well want! But there are some real gems on here like his guest appearance on the Damned’s cover of the Sweet classic ‘Ballroom Blitz’ – you can easily spot Lemmy’s thunderous bass on this one. His infamous duet with Wendy O Williams on ‘Stand By Your Man’ is one you will either love or hate, whilst Motorhead’s ‘1916’ is a classic and a rare chance to hear Lemmy sing melodically! Highlights for me bar the Headgirl classic ‘Please Don’t Touch’ are the three tracks on here Lemmy recorded with Stray Cats members Slim Jim Phantom and Danny B. Good, honest classic rock ‘n’ roll, something Lemmy has always loved and of course Motorhead are a rock ‘n’ roll band in his view.
Damn fine compilation for the avid Motorhead fan out there and the rock ‘n’ roll music is the biggest eye opener and enjoyable highlight on here aside from the Hawkwind and Motorhead tracks.

THUNDER gig review

2006-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

THUNDER + TOBY JEPSON + ROADSTAR Hamersmith Odean, Saturday 4th February 2006

First time I have seen a gig at the Apollo with the seats out and strangely no-one in the circle, whether this is due to fire limits on the number of people I am not sure. Anyway Roadstar (Hurricane Party as was) played a short 20 minute set and they seemed to go down well with the crowd. They aren't bad at what they do - straight ahead riff rock not a million miles away from classic 70's era Quo. The singer is a cross between the Cult's Ian Astbury and the fey antics of Mick Jagger. But they really need to get their debut album out pronto to build on the obvious live following they have built up.
Former Little Angels singer Toby Jepson played set geared towards Little Angel classics although the newer material he played was very good as well. Great to hear 'Boneyard', 'Kickin' Up Dust' and 'Too Much Too Young' again and played with such passion by his back-up band. Hopefully he will tour again soon, meanwhile I am off to play some Little Angels :)
Thunder have a very large and passionate following. Trends and bands may go but you always know you will get entertained at a Thunder show. The band play with ease and Danny Bowes is on the best singers and frontmen around, working the audience with ease. The newer songs like the sing-a-long 'I Love You More Than Rock 'n' Roll' easily stand up to classics such as 'Higher Ground' and theit power ballad 'Love Walked In'. The crowd loved it and so too did the band by the looks of things. Danny Bowes still has the voice - just listen to 'Like A Satellite' for proof and in Luke Morely you have the archetypal rock guitarist - lost of style with talent to back it up.
Encore time saw Roadstar and Toby Jepson back on stage for a run through Elton John's 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting' - mayhem on the stage with so many band members around and the Roadstar vocalist was lucky not to clock someone with his swinging mike! 'Dirty Love' closed the show and a great night of hard rock music. Nothing too fancy just good, solid well played tunes and long may Thunder contine! Great to see Toby Jepson again after a long time as well.

Original ASIA to reform!

2006-02-02T03:23:00.000-08:00

Great news indeed as the original ASIA line-up reunite (Steve Howe/John Wetton/Carl Palmer/Geoff Downes). Their first two albums - 'Asia' & 'Alpha' - are 'must haves' for any rock fans collection. Quite what will happen with the current ASIA line-up who feature John Payne (whose now been in Asia longer than his predesscor John Wetton) and Geoff Downes is open to question...

From the John Wetton wesbite

The response to the Asia 25th anniversary news has been overwhelming to say the very least! To further feed the frenzy, we can now confirm that the original four Asia members (Downes, Howe, Palmer, Wetton) will indeed be recording a CD and DVD as well as planning a world tour to celebrate this milestone with their fans. Stay tuned to CTD for the very latest info.

Message from John Wetton

"It is the intention of all 4 original members, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, and John Wetton, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of 'ASIA.'
All four wish to convey their heartfelt thanks for the global support, love and enthusiasm that has made this possible".
31 January 2006