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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Music Critic, Freelance Writer, Artist Review & Promotion
"Putting the Words to the Music"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Music Critic, Freelance Writer, Artist Review & Promotion
"Putting the Words to the Music"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
A selection of the latest or topical music news, snippets, press releases and announcements, a
number of which include a dash of Muirsical humour or alternative, behind-the-spin views on the
official press blurb.
A selection of the latest or topical music news, snippets, press releases and announcements, a
number of which include a dash of Muirsical humour or alternative, behind-the-spin views on the
official press blurb.
Blackberry Smoke, the Atlanta based southern rock band, return to the UK in October after a set of smaller-venue dates in February.
Such was the success of those earlier dates and the #30 album chart position for their first UK release The Whippoorwill (in actuality the band’s third album, released in the US in 2012) the October dates will be at larger venues.
It’s a deserved return and success for both band and album, an outstanding release that incorporates blues, country and soul within its southern rock roots.
Blackberry Smoke – UK dates, October:
15th October - The Academy, Dublin
16th October – O2 ABC, Glasgow
17th October – Ritz, Manchester
19th October – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
21st October – Junction, Cambridge
22nd October – Institute, Birmingham
Tickets are now on sale.
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Such was the success of those earlier dates and the #30 album chart position for their first UK release The Whippoorwill (in actuality the band’s third album, released in the US in 2012) the October dates will be at larger venues.
It’s a deserved return and success for both band and album, an outstanding release that incorporates blues, country and soul within its southern rock roots.
Blackberry Smoke – UK dates, October:
15th October - The Academy, Dublin
16th October – O2 ABC, Glasgow
17th October – Ritz, Manchester
19th October – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
21st October – Junction, Cambridge
22nd October – Institute, Birmingham
Tickets are now on sale.
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In similar scheduling to Blackberry Smoke, and following their February shows, Black Stone Cherry have confirmed they will return to the UK for six arena dates in late October and the 1st of November.
Supporting on all dates will be Airbourne and Theory of a Deadman.
Black Stone Cherry - UK dates, October:
26th October – The Hydro, Glasgow
27th October – Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
28th October – International Arena, Cardiff
29th October – LG Arena, Birmingham
31st October – Manchester Arena, Manchester
1st November – Wembley Arena, London
Tickets are now on sale.
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Supporting on all dates will be Airbourne and Theory of a Deadman.
Black Stone Cherry - UK dates, October:
26th October – The Hydro, Glasgow
27th October – Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
28th October – International Arena, Cardiff
29th October – LG Arena, Birmingham
31st October – Manchester Arena, Manchester
1st November – Wembley Arena, London
Tickets are now on sale.
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Hard rock power-trio Wolfmother pulled a bit of a surprise recently when they released their third studio album, New Crown, on-line; it was immediately available to purchase and/or stream in its entirety.
The album can be purchased direct from the band’s Bandcamp page:
http://wolfmother.bandcamp.com/album/new-crown
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The album can be purchased direct from the band’s Bandcamp page:
http://wolfmother.bandcamp.com/album/new-crown
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There was an unexpected guest, and unexpected addition to the set-list, last month at one of Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden gigs.
AC/DC’s Brian Johnson was introduced for a bit of a sing-song on You Shook Me All Night Long; footage of the performance inevitably made it on to YouTube.
Joel has undertaken a monthly residency at the prestigious venue with the appearances scheduled to run until at least August.
AC/DC’s Brian Johnson was introduced for a bit of a sing-song on You Shook Me All Night Long; footage of the performance inevitably made it on to YouTube.
Joel has undertaken a monthly residency at the prestigious venue with the appearances scheduled to run until at least August.
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Following the announcement that Walter Trout will have ten of his back catalogue albums remastered and re-released, comes the further announcement of a new album.
The Blues Came Callin' is scheduled for release on June the 2nd on Provogue records, coinciding with the release of a book and documentary.
While such a release of material from a noted musician is usually welcomed or anticipated, it has become of secondary importance since the news of Walter Trout’s serious illness; the legendary blues rock guitarist is currently in urgent need of a liver transplant.
Ed van Zijl, Managing Director of Provogue Records issued the following statement:
"Walter is fighting for his life and there is nothing to celebrate at this moment. This is so very very sad and we all are praying for Walter to come out on top. The album will be released June 2nd as planned as Walter definitely wants this one to be heard. In the meantime our hearts are with Walter and his family."
Walter Trout’s wife and manager Marie commented that "even as he became a shadow of his former self, after losing 100 pounds and his strength, he continued touring, writing, playing, singing, and recording.
It’s a therapeutic lifeline for him when the blues comes callin’. The theme of this album is coloured by his confrontation with mortality combined with a deep, all-abiding desire to persevere."
Trout himself added: "When I think about looking out into the crowds of people and connecting with everyone on a soul level, and sharing the experience of music with them, this is what keeps me fighting to get back: My family and my music is my lifeline. These days, it means more to me than ever before."
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund-raising campaign to help cover Walter Trout’s medical bills can do so by donating here:
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/walter-trout-needs-a-new-liver-you-can-help-/151911
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Following the announcement that Walter Trout will have ten of his back catalogue albums remastered and re-released, comes the further announcement of a new album.
The Blues Came Callin' is scheduled for release on June the 2nd on Provogue records, coinciding with the release of a book and documentary.
While such a release of material from a noted musician is usually welcomed or anticipated, it has become of secondary importance since the news of Walter Trout’s serious illness; the legendary blues rock guitarist is currently in urgent need of a liver transplant.
Ed van Zijl, Managing Director of Provogue Records issued the following statement:
"Walter is fighting for his life and there is nothing to celebrate at this moment. This is so very very sad and we all are praying for Walter to come out on top. The album will be released June 2nd as planned as Walter definitely wants this one to be heard. In the meantime our hearts are with Walter and his family."
Walter Trout’s wife and manager Marie commented that "even as he became a shadow of his former self, after losing 100 pounds and his strength, he continued touring, writing, playing, singing, and recording.
It’s a therapeutic lifeline for him when the blues comes callin’. The theme of this album is coloured by his confrontation with mortality combined with a deep, all-abiding desire to persevere."
Trout himself added: "When I think about looking out into the crowds of people and connecting with everyone on a soul level, and sharing the experience of music with them, this is what keeps me fighting to get back: My family and my music is my lifeline. These days, it means more to me than ever before."
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund-raising campaign to help cover Walter Trout’s medical bills can do so by donating here:
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/walter-trout-needs-a-new-liver-you-can-help-/151911
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Def Leppard front man Joe Elliot’s side project the Down ‘n’ Outz are set to release their third Mott the Hoople homage album.
The Further Adventures Of… is due to be released on April the 22nd with a special edition iTunes version that will feature two additional tracks.
The Down 'n' Outz supported Mott The Hoople in 2009, which led to My ReGeneration, an album of Ian Hunter and Hoople related material.
The band then played at the High Voltage festival in 2010 and toured as main support to Paul Rogers in 2011. 2014/ 2015 live dates are expected to be announced later in the year.
The Further Adventures Of... track listing:
01. Rock And Roll Queen
02. Stiff Upper Lip
03. Marionette
04. One of the Boys
05. Whizz Kid
06. Violence
07. The Journey
08. Drivin' Sister
09. The Original Mixed-Up Kid
10. Crash Street Kidds
11. Broadside Outcasts
12. The Revenge of the Shipwrecked Hedgehog
13. Sea Diver (iTunes bonus track)
14. One of the Boys (radio edit; iTunes bonus track)
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The Further Adventures Of… is due to be released on April the 22nd with a special edition iTunes version that will feature two additional tracks.
The Down 'n' Outz supported Mott The Hoople in 2009, which led to My ReGeneration, an album of Ian Hunter and Hoople related material.
The band then played at the High Voltage festival in 2010 and toured as main support to Paul Rogers in 2011. 2014/ 2015 live dates are expected to be announced later in the year.
The Further Adventures Of... track listing:
01. Rock And Roll Queen
02. Stiff Upper Lip
03. Marionette
04. One of the Boys
05. Whizz Kid
06. Violence
07. The Journey
08. Drivin' Sister
09. The Original Mixed-Up Kid
10. Crash Street Kidds
11. Broadside Outcasts
12. The Revenge of the Shipwrecked Hedgehog
13. Sea Diver (iTunes bonus track)
14. One of the Boys (radio edit; iTunes bonus track)
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Following the not so surprising announcement that Christine McVie has re-joined Fleetwood Mac, the even less surprising announcement of a major US tour with the classic Rumours line-up has since confirmed the tour schedule.
The On With The Show Tour will start on September the 30th in Minneapolis and culminate 34 shows and 33 cities later at Ft. Lauderdale in Florida.
Christine McVie retired from the band in 1998 but the singer and keyboardist guested with the band at a few shows last year, including the O2 London date.
That was enough to start the Rumours (sorry) and the inevitable announcement.
While On With The Show is guaranteed to be a hot ticket tour (and might well set records for how far Live Nation and Ticketmaster can hike the prices for maximum profit) I’d rather the quintet got their creative heads together to see if they could produce some new material that isn’t inconsistent (Say You Will) or generated airplay and interest simply because it said Fleetwood Mac on the cover (Extended Play EP).
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The On With The Show Tour will start on September the 30th in Minneapolis and culminate 34 shows and 33 cities later at Ft. Lauderdale in Florida.
Christine McVie retired from the band in 1998 but the singer and keyboardist guested with the band at a few shows last year, including the O2 London date.
That was enough to start the Rumours (sorry) and the inevitable announcement.
While On With The Show is guaranteed to be a hot ticket tour (and might well set records for how far Live Nation and Ticketmaster can hike the prices for maximum profit) I’d rather the quintet got their creative heads together to see if they could produce some new material that isn’t inconsistent (Say You Will) or generated airplay and interest simply because it said Fleetwood Mac on the cover (Extended Play EP).
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Black Sabbath will headline the Great Oak Stage in Hyde Park on July the 4th as part of the Barclaycard British Summer Time gigs.
The main stage line-up of the event will also feature Soundgarden, Faith No More, Motorhead and Soulfly, although Motorhead’s appearance has to be questioned due to the on-going concerns over Lemmy’s health.
Other bands due to perform include Wolfmother and The Graveltones.
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The main stage line-up of the event will also feature Soundgarden, Faith No More, Motorhead and Soulfly, although Motorhead’s appearance has to be questioned due to the on-going concerns over Lemmy’s health.
Other bands due to perform include Wolfmother and The Graveltones.
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Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers have confirmed a new album is in the pipeline.
Hypnotic Eye, produced by Tom Petty, Mike Campbell and Ryan Ulyate, is scheduled for a summer release; it will be the band’s first album since Mojo four years ago.
A US tour is also being planned.
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Hypnotic Eye, produced by Tom Petty, Mike Campbell and Ryan Ulyate, is scheduled for a summer release; it will be the band’s first album since Mojo four years ago.
A US tour is also being planned.
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Yet another Ayrshire band with something to offer...
Brown Bear & the Bandits, who have pretty much invented a whole new genre – alternate skiffle-rock for the 21st century (but with no washboard in sight) – will digitally release the fun fast 'n' frantic single 'Dead or Alive' on May 25th.
It’s another great little release from the band, following on from 2012's Truth or Dare EP and the acoustic charm of last year’s 'Olive Tree.'
'Dead or Alive' will also feature on the band's forthcoming debut album, expected later this year – meanwhile click here to check out a preview of 'Dead or Alive' on the band’s Soundcloud page.
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Brown Bear & the Bandits, who have pretty much invented a whole new genre – alternate skiffle-rock for the 21st century (but with no washboard in sight) – will digitally release the fun fast 'n' frantic single 'Dead or Alive' on May 25th.
It’s another great little release from the band, following on from 2012's Truth or Dare EP and the acoustic charm of last year’s 'Olive Tree.'
'Dead or Alive' will also feature on the band's forthcoming debut album, expected later this year – meanwhile click here to check out a preview of 'Dead or Alive' on the band’s Soundcloud page.
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Earlier this month Neil Young, after a highly successful Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign, launched his Pono music player through a promotional video featuring musical advocates that included Jack White, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Arcade Fire.
Young has created the Pono music player as a high-fidelity alternative to the iPod, with the legendary musician stating that the device will sonically reproduce “the feeling, spirit and emotion that the artists put in their original studio recordings. Pono is about the music, it’s about the people who make the music, and the way it sounds to us when we’re in the studio making it. It’s about you hearing what we hear, and that hasn’t happened in a long time.”
Most of the Kickstarter donations were pledged to guarantee a First Edition of the prism-shaped Pono, a device that will utilise premium-quality FLAC music files.
The standard 128GB PonoPlayer will cost $300/ £180 but a $400/ £240 “artist signature series” version featuring laser-engraved signatures and music picks from various artists (including Beck, Patti Smith and the Foo Fighters) will also be available.
It is also hoped that digital music files for the device will be sold on a PonoMusic.com store, with sound quality ranging from CD quality minimum to around thirty times more (sound) data than the average MP3 file.
The PonoPlayer is expected to begin production in late summer 2014.
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Young has created the Pono music player as a high-fidelity alternative to the iPod, with the legendary musician stating that the device will sonically reproduce “the feeling, spirit and emotion that the artists put in their original studio recordings. Pono is about the music, it’s about the people who make the music, and the way it sounds to us when we’re in the studio making it. It’s about you hearing what we hear, and that hasn’t happened in a long time.”
Most of the Kickstarter donations were pledged to guarantee a First Edition of the prism-shaped Pono, a device that will utilise premium-quality FLAC music files.
The standard 128GB PonoPlayer will cost $300/ £180 but a $400/ £240 “artist signature series” version featuring laser-engraved signatures and music picks from various artists (including Beck, Patti Smith and the Foo Fighters) will also be available.
It is also hoped that digital music files for the device will be sold on a PonoMusic.com store, with sound quality ranging from CD quality minimum to around thirty times more (sound) data than the average MP3 file.
The PonoPlayer is expected to begin production in late summer 2014.
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There’s no question of what was the biggest female artist story in the rocked up pop or popped up rock musical world in March.
One of the most newsworthy female artists made a statement that had potentially millions of fans across the world, and a solid dedicated fan base in the UK, talking for hours on the impact, whys and wherefores.
I am of course talking about Kylie Minogue’s surprise never-saw-it-coming hints that she may leave The Voice UK after only one season as a Judge/ Coach, due to clashes with forthcoming tour schedules.
If true, she will take her services back home to Australia for their own version of the series that is all about the marketable value sorry, marvellous voice, of the singers chosen to go through to the final stages.
I could hardly believe it myself – Kylie Minogue… a Voice Coach?
One of the most newsworthy female artists made a statement that had potentially millions of fans across the world, and a solid dedicated fan base in the UK, talking for hours on the impact, whys and wherefores.
I am of course talking about Kylie Minogue’s surprise never-saw-it-coming hints that she may leave The Voice UK after only one season as a Judge/ Coach, due to clashes with forthcoming tour schedules.
If true, she will take her services back home to Australia for their own version of the series that is all about the marketable value sorry, marvellous voice, of the singers chosen to go through to the final stages.
I could hardly believe it myself – Kylie Minogue… a Voice Coach?
Oh, and it seems that singer lass Kate Bush, who has a bit of creative ability about her, has announced a residency at the Eventim Apollo in London through August 26th to September 19th.
The Before The Dawn shows will be her first set of full performance gigs for 35 years and first live performance in 12 years.
This sort of announcement would usually guarantee an every show sell-out before the ink on the printed tickets dries out but I'm not altogether sure if it will even make the news, what with the Kylie calamity ‘n’ all.
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The Before The Dawn shows will be her first set of full performance gigs for 35 years and first live performance in 12 years.
This sort of announcement would usually guarantee an every show sell-out before the ink on the printed tickets dries out but I'm not altogether sure if it will even make the news, what with the Kylie calamity ‘n’ all.
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Led Zeppelin have confirmed the release date for Jimmy
Page's remastered versions of the band’s first three albums, which will all include
bonus audio material.
Led Zeppelin I, II and III will each be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats on June the 2nd; the Deluxe Editions will include a second disc of previously unreleased audio tracks.
Jimmy Page commented that “the material on the companion discs presents a portal to the time of the recording of Led Zeppelin. It is a selection of work in progress with rough mixes, backing tracks, alternate versions, and new material recorded at the time.”
As perhaps expected, there will also be a Super Deluxe boxed set including a 70 page book filled with rare or previously unseen photos and memorabilia.
Pre-orders are available now at www.ledzeppelin.com
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Led Zeppelin I, II and III will each be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats on June the 2nd; the Deluxe Editions will include a second disc of previously unreleased audio tracks.
Jimmy Page commented that “the material on the companion discs presents a portal to the time of the recording of Led Zeppelin. It is a selection of work in progress with rough mixes, backing tracks, alternate versions, and new material recorded at the time.”
As perhaps expected, there will also be a Super Deluxe boxed set including a 70 page book filled with rare or previously unseen photos and memorabilia.
Pre-orders are available now at www.ledzeppelin.com
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AOR Heaven Press Release : Alien - Eternity; SunStrike - Rock Your World
Firefest favourites Alien were formed in Gothenburg, Sweden during the fall of 1986 by guitarist Tony Borg.
Later the same year the band recorded two songs, ‘Headstrong’ and ‘I’ll Survive’ (at Studio Bohus); Virgin Scandinavia were so taken by them that they signed the band and released both tracks as singles whilst going on to offer the band a worldwide deal.
Late 1987 would see the Swedes cut three songs with producer Mark Dearnley (AC/DC, Def Leppard) at Abba’s Polar Studios.
One, ‘Only One Woman’ (a cover of the classic Graham Bonnet song) later went on to top the charts at home, with the B-side ‘Somewhere Out There’ also going to No.1 in the instrumental chart.
Buoyed by this great response, the group relocated to Sound City Studios, Los Angeles with producer Chris Minto (Pat Benatar, Kiss), to record the debut Alien (1988).
Two songs (‘Feel My Love’ and ‘Brave New Love’) went on later to feature in the 1988 remake of classic 50’s Sci-Fi movie, The Blob.
The band was a huge hit with Virgin. Whilst in London, Alien shot photos with Simon Fowler, were featured by Derek Oliver (in Kerrang! magazine) and signed with Steve Barnett at Hard To Handle Management (who also handled Gary Moore).
But Virgin America had a new album cover done and included remixes by Duane Baron and John Purdell; the international release would also see some songs changed (due to the introduction of new singer Pete Sandberg who replaced Jim Jidhed in late 1988), which included the first single ‘The Air That I Breathe.’
New promo and cover shots were then shot in LA as well as a video for ‘Tears Don't Put Out The Fire,’ directed by Dough Freel, chosen mainly for his work on the Def Leppard’s Hysteria videos.
‘Tears…’ was then chosen as the international single release.
Tony Borg and Pete Sandberg continued recording and released Shiftin’ Gear in 1990, ending the Virgin era.
A Stockholm based Alien featuring Tony Borg pressed on, but, after the release of Crash (1994) and having toured extensively, Tony called it quits; Alien was no more.
In 2005 Tony and Jim Jidhed got in touch once again, boosted by an offer from Frontiers to record once more. But living far apart recording was difficult, and although Dark Eyes was released in 2005 Alien were put to rest once again; Jim and Tony realizing that it would take the original line-up to make it truly sound like Alien.
In 2010, rejuvenated, the original line-up reunited and a handful of festivals were chosen to launch the reunion.
A new single ‘Ready To Fly’ was cut and this went down so well with the crowds, especially those that made the band’s first Firefest performance (in 2011) so special, that the band seriously began to think of a new record.
Recording started on August 1st 2013 (again at Bohus Sound) and continued throughout the year, the band taking a break only to perform at the 10th Anniversary of Firefest, the second triumphant time the band had graced this great event.
Eternity doesn’t just highlight a new purpose in Alien; it rekindles old ties too...
The band decided to add the song ‘I’m A Fighter,’ a track written back in the 80’s by LA co-writers Pam Barlow and Janet Morrison Minto. Pam and Janet then wrote lyrics for Eternity, so the circle is complete.
Alien truly are one of the bands that broke the mould in the European AOR scene and their continued presence in it seems now assured as Eternity pushes all the right buttons and strikes all the perfect shapes…
Alien – Eternity
AOR Heaven; Release Date: 28th April
Jim Jidhed - Vocals
Tony Borg - Guitars
Jimmy Wandroph - Keyboards
Ken Sandin - Bass
Toby Tarrach - Drums
Track Listing:
In Love We Trust; Unbroken; Love Will Lead Me Home; I Believe; Summer Of Love; What Goes Up; I’m a Fighter; Wildheart; Liar, Liar; Look at Us Now; Burning Heart; In Truth.
Later the same year the band recorded two songs, ‘Headstrong’ and ‘I’ll Survive’ (at Studio Bohus); Virgin Scandinavia were so taken by them that they signed the band and released both tracks as singles whilst going on to offer the band a worldwide deal.
Late 1987 would see the Swedes cut three songs with producer Mark Dearnley (AC/DC, Def Leppard) at Abba’s Polar Studios.
One, ‘Only One Woman’ (a cover of the classic Graham Bonnet song) later went on to top the charts at home, with the B-side ‘Somewhere Out There’ also going to No.1 in the instrumental chart.
Buoyed by this great response, the group relocated to Sound City Studios, Los Angeles with producer Chris Minto (Pat Benatar, Kiss), to record the debut Alien (1988).
Two songs (‘Feel My Love’ and ‘Brave New Love’) went on later to feature in the 1988 remake of classic 50’s Sci-Fi movie, The Blob.
The band was a huge hit with Virgin. Whilst in London, Alien shot photos with Simon Fowler, were featured by Derek Oliver (in Kerrang! magazine) and signed with Steve Barnett at Hard To Handle Management (who also handled Gary Moore).
But Virgin America had a new album cover done and included remixes by Duane Baron and John Purdell; the international release would also see some songs changed (due to the introduction of new singer Pete Sandberg who replaced Jim Jidhed in late 1988), which included the first single ‘The Air That I Breathe.’
New promo and cover shots were then shot in LA as well as a video for ‘Tears Don't Put Out The Fire,’ directed by Dough Freel, chosen mainly for his work on the Def Leppard’s Hysteria videos.
‘Tears…’ was then chosen as the international single release.
Tony Borg and Pete Sandberg continued recording and released Shiftin’ Gear in 1990, ending the Virgin era.
A Stockholm based Alien featuring Tony Borg pressed on, but, after the release of Crash (1994) and having toured extensively, Tony called it quits; Alien was no more.
In 2005 Tony and Jim Jidhed got in touch once again, boosted by an offer from Frontiers to record once more. But living far apart recording was difficult, and although Dark Eyes was released in 2005 Alien were put to rest once again; Jim and Tony realizing that it would take the original line-up to make it truly sound like Alien.
In 2010, rejuvenated, the original line-up reunited and a handful of festivals were chosen to launch the reunion.
A new single ‘Ready To Fly’ was cut and this went down so well with the crowds, especially those that made the band’s first Firefest performance (in 2011) so special, that the band seriously began to think of a new record.
Recording started on August 1st 2013 (again at Bohus Sound) and continued throughout the year, the band taking a break only to perform at the 10th Anniversary of Firefest, the second triumphant time the band had graced this great event.
Eternity doesn’t just highlight a new purpose in Alien; it rekindles old ties too...
The band decided to add the song ‘I’m A Fighter,’ a track written back in the 80’s by LA co-writers Pam Barlow and Janet Morrison Minto. Pam and Janet then wrote lyrics for Eternity, so the circle is complete.
Alien truly are one of the bands that broke the mould in the European AOR scene and their continued presence in it seems now assured as Eternity pushes all the right buttons and strikes all the perfect shapes…
Alien – Eternity
AOR Heaven; Release Date: 28th April
Jim Jidhed - Vocals
Tony Borg - Guitars
Jimmy Wandroph - Keyboards
Ken Sandin - Bass
Toby Tarrach - Drums
Track Listing:
In Love We Trust; Unbroken; Love Will Lead Me Home; I Believe; Summer Of Love; What Goes Up; I’m a Fighter; Wildheart; Liar, Liar; Look at Us Now; Burning Heart; In Truth.
SunStrike: a glare on the road that can temporarily blind… or, as here, a band that will blind you with catchy melodies and big choruses!
The AOR Heaven label returns once again to Sweden with the release of the debut album from SunStrike, a melodic rock band formed in late 2012 by guitarist Joachim Nordlund and drummer Johan Lindstedt from the band Astral Doors, joined initially by singer Christian Hedgren (Twilight Force).
Right from the word go these three guys had a very clear image of how the music should sound: from then on, pure, melodic, hard rock was on the agenda!
With only a handful of songs written, the boys felt that the songs needed the touch of a real keyboard player.
Up until then Joachim had done the keyboard parts on one or two songs, but a real sense of urgency then gripped the line-up as the band sought to make the music sharper and more defined.
Christian knew a guy that he felt would be perfect for the job and after a cup of coffee and a handshake Fredrik Plahn (Prey) joined the team.
All four felt that this was simply far too good to be just a project, so after a couple of weeks a second guitar player, Mats Gesar (Thalamus), and bass player Björn Lundqvist (Twilight Force) joined the band and SunStrike were born…
Two demos were posted on the band’s Facebook page in the summer of 2013 and immediately the word was out about this new melodic rock outfit.
Radio stations started to play the songs and just from the Astral Doors connection a couple of record companies showed interest.
The song-writing and recording processes continued throughout 2013 (at Joachim’s own Big Turn Studio) and finally the band had some 12 songs that were strong enough for the album that quickly took on the title Rock Your World.
For the mixing and mastering process Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T) was chosen as a key ingredient in the process; cover art and booklet design was done by Carl-André Beckston (Monowasp).
Get ready to be knocked out by a SunStrike!
Sunstrike – Rock Your World
AOR Heaven; Release Date: 28th April
Christian Hedgren – Lead Vocals
Johan Lindstedt - Drums & Backing Vocals
Joachim Nordlund - Lead Guitar
Fredrik Plahn – Keyboards
Mats Gesar – Guitars
Bjorn Lundqvist - Bass
Track Listing:
Power of the Dreams; Rock Your World; Fireball; Right Track; Roll the Dice; Rock it Out; Never Let You Go; Higher; Scream and Shout; Into the Light; Edge of Life; Heat of the Night.
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The AOR Heaven label returns once again to Sweden with the release of the debut album from SunStrike, a melodic rock band formed in late 2012 by guitarist Joachim Nordlund and drummer Johan Lindstedt from the band Astral Doors, joined initially by singer Christian Hedgren (Twilight Force).
Right from the word go these three guys had a very clear image of how the music should sound: from then on, pure, melodic, hard rock was on the agenda!
With only a handful of songs written, the boys felt that the songs needed the touch of a real keyboard player.
Up until then Joachim had done the keyboard parts on one or two songs, but a real sense of urgency then gripped the line-up as the band sought to make the music sharper and more defined.
Christian knew a guy that he felt would be perfect for the job and after a cup of coffee and a handshake Fredrik Plahn (Prey) joined the team.
All four felt that this was simply far too good to be just a project, so after a couple of weeks a second guitar player, Mats Gesar (Thalamus), and bass player Björn Lundqvist (Twilight Force) joined the band and SunStrike were born…
Two demos were posted on the band’s Facebook page in the summer of 2013 and immediately the word was out about this new melodic rock outfit.
Radio stations started to play the songs and just from the Astral Doors connection a couple of record companies showed interest.
The song-writing and recording processes continued throughout 2013 (at Joachim’s own Big Turn Studio) and finally the band had some 12 songs that were strong enough for the album that quickly took on the title Rock Your World.
For the mixing and mastering process Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T) was chosen as a key ingredient in the process; cover art and booklet design was done by Carl-André Beckston (Monowasp).
Get ready to be knocked out by a SunStrike!
Sunstrike – Rock Your World
AOR Heaven; Release Date: 28th April
Christian Hedgren – Lead Vocals
Johan Lindstedt - Drums & Backing Vocals
Joachim Nordlund - Lead Guitar
Fredrik Plahn – Keyboards
Mats Gesar – Guitars
Bjorn Lundqvist - Bass
Track Listing:
Power of the Dreams; Rock Your World; Fireball; Right Track; Roll the Dice; Rock it Out; Never Let You Go; Higher; Scream and Shout; Into the Light; Edge of Life; Heat of the Night.
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Just when you think every conceivable musical genre has been heard, reinvented or mashed up with another…
Teeny-bop pop and death metal anyone?
A couple of years ago Babymetal, the Japanese teen-girl trio (a splinter of the female Japanese Idol group Sakura Gakuin) put their voices and choreographed dance moves to death metal riffs, all of which produced one of the most insane and inane musical concepts of all time.
Yet it also guaranteed Japanese entertainment company Amuse, Inc. a fad that would pull in a larger gimmick-led and gimmick-fed audience with each passing year/ release.
Sadly, the success of the latter has led to the former observation being rendered moot.
The band’s debut album (including five previously issued singles) was released in February; Babymetal quickly became the second-best selling album in the iTunes store.
And then there’s the video for ‘Gimme Choco!’ which, as you have probably guessed, is a death metal and poppified chorus homage to that sweet and addictive pleasure that comes from the cacao tree.
Teeny-bop pop and death metal anyone?
A couple of years ago Babymetal, the Japanese teen-girl trio (a splinter of the female Japanese Idol group Sakura Gakuin) put their voices and choreographed dance moves to death metal riffs, all of which produced one of the most insane and inane musical concepts of all time.
Yet it also guaranteed Japanese entertainment company Amuse, Inc. a fad that would pull in a larger gimmick-led and gimmick-fed audience with each passing year/ release.
Sadly, the success of the latter has led to the former observation being rendered moot.
The band’s debut album (including five previously issued singles) was released in February; Babymetal quickly became the second-best selling album in the iTunes store.
And then there’s the video for ‘Gimme Choco!’ which, as you have probably guessed, is a death metal and poppified chorus homage to that sweet and addictive pleasure that comes from the cacao tree.
The Beliebers and fans of manufactured pop will hate it (which immediately gives it some credence) as will the dedicated death metal-heads (see last brackets), but somewhere in between just about everyone else (or perhaps it’s simply a percentage of the very large Japanese population) has contrived to put Babymetal on the musical mash-up map.
I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or buy a family-sized bar of Cadbury’s Turkish Delight chocolate, which I suddenly have the urge to demolish in one sitting.
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I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or buy a family-sized bar of Cadbury’s Turkish Delight chocolate, which I suddenly have the urge to demolish in one sitting.
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Queen have announced a month-long US summer tour that will start on June the 19th in Chicago and end with a gig in Washington DC on the 20th July.
As per the last few times Queen performed full concerts, including London, Kiev and Moscow in 2012, the shows will be fronted by Adam Lambert.
Queen have one of the biggest fan-bases in the world so won’t exactly have to give away tickets to fill the venues, but it is interesting and hardly surprising that the choice of Lambert has split that fan-base between those who champion any incarnation of the band and those that have been highly critical of both the choice of singer and Brian May and Roger Taylor’s continuing use of the Queen name.
It’s also ironic that the Queen Extravaganza, organised and overseen by Roger Taylor, is a stronger official tribute to the classic Queen sound and show than the Taylor and May led official brand.
But then the former, which performed across the US in 2012 and 2013 (and will tour Europe in May of this year) has the extraordinary vocal talents of Canadian singer Marc Martel while the latter has the 2009 American Idol runner-up who undeniably has a voice, but absolutely no vocal gravitas.
The Show Must Go On, though, eh boys?
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As per the last few times Queen performed full concerts, including London, Kiev and Moscow in 2012, the shows will be fronted by Adam Lambert.
Queen have one of the biggest fan-bases in the world so won’t exactly have to give away tickets to fill the venues, but it is interesting and hardly surprising that the choice of Lambert has split that fan-base between those who champion any incarnation of the band and those that have been highly critical of both the choice of singer and Brian May and Roger Taylor’s continuing use of the Queen name.
It’s also ironic that the Queen Extravaganza, organised and overseen by Roger Taylor, is a stronger official tribute to the classic Queen sound and show than the Taylor and May led official brand.
But then the former, which performed across the US in 2012 and 2013 (and will tour Europe in May of this year) has the extraordinary vocal talents of Canadian singer Marc Martel while the latter has the 2009 American Idol runner-up who undeniably has a voice, but absolutely no vocal gravitas.
The Show Must Go On, though, eh boys?
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California Breed, a new power trio featuring Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and new kid on the hard rock block, guitarist singer-songwriter Andrew Watt, have released further information about their forthcoming debut album.
The tracks were recorded in Nashville by Dave Cobb and the album is expected to feature 12 songs, with a bonus track appearing on the obligatory deluxe edition.
The album is due for release on May the 19th.
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The tracks were recorded in Nashville by Dave Cobb and the album is expected to feature 12 songs, with a bonus track appearing on the obligatory deluxe edition.
The album is due for release on May the 19th.
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The Calling Festival hasn’t just got a new name (previously known as Hard Rock Calling); it’s also moved location.
The event will now take place at Clapham Common in London over the weekend of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June and will feature Aerosmith (Saturday Headliners), Joe Bonamassa, Thunder, and Walking Papers.
Each day is expected to feature twenty acts and Toby Leighton-Pope, Live Nation’s Vice President of Promotions, stated “This year is one of the most exciting on record for the Calling Festival. We’re bringing one of America’s most iconic bands to headline Saturday 28th June. There’s still lots of announcements to come, including a big Sunday night headliner, and we’re excited at what’s in store.”
Tickets are on sale now but with The Calling Festival being a Live Nation event, don't expect any of those tickets to be less than seventy quid, and that's before the V.I.P. ticketing malarkey is considered.
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The event will now take place at Clapham Common in London over the weekend of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June and will feature Aerosmith (Saturday Headliners), Joe Bonamassa, Thunder, and Walking Papers.
Each day is expected to feature twenty acts and Toby Leighton-Pope, Live Nation’s Vice President of Promotions, stated “This year is one of the most exciting on record for the Calling Festival. We’re bringing one of America’s most iconic bands to headline Saturday 28th June. There’s still lots of announcements to come, including a big Sunday night headliner, and we’re excited at what’s in store.”
Tickets are on sale now but with The Calling Festival being a Live Nation event, don't expect any of those tickets to be less than seventy quid, and that's before the V.I.P. ticketing malarkey is considered.
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Queens of the Stone Age have been announced as co-headliners with Paramore for the Reading and Leeds festivals this year. They’ll play Reading on the Friday night and Leeds on the Saturday.
Arctic Monkeys and Blink 182 will headline the main stages on the Saturday and Sunday nights.
The Reading and Leeds festivals will take place over the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of August.
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Arctic Monkeys and Blink 182 will headline the main stages on the Saturday and Sunday nights.
The Reading and Leeds festivals will take place over the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of August.
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Pink Floyd’s music will form part of what is being described as a "surreal, multi-sensory journey through Pink Floyd’s extraordinary worlds" when Their Mortal Remains exhibition opens in Milan at the La Fabbrica Del Vapore.
The exhibition within the large factory space will host special effects, audio and imagery relating to Pink Floyd’s music and art.
Aubrey Powell, director and curator of the exhibition, commented that "If ever a band lent itself to a major retrospective exhibition it’s Pink Floyd. For a curator, selecting what to include from such a treasure trove, is both a dream and a nightmare: however there were elements that just had to be included, for example a 20 metre-wide sculpture of The Wall, 5 metre high inflatables and of course a flying pig. We shall be aiming for state-of-the-art, visuals and sonic delivery, similar to the experience of attending a Pink Floyd concert, you never know what to expect next."
Their Mortal Remains opens on the 19th September.
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The exhibition within the large factory space will host special effects, audio and imagery relating to Pink Floyd’s music and art.
Aubrey Powell, director and curator of the exhibition, commented that "If ever a band lent itself to a major retrospective exhibition it’s Pink Floyd. For a curator, selecting what to include from such a treasure trove, is both a dream and a nightmare: however there were elements that just had to be included, for example a 20 metre-wide sculpture of The Wall, 5 metre high inflatables and of course a flying pig. We shall be aiming for state-of-the-art, visuals and sonic delivery, similar to the experience of attending a Pink Floyd concert, you never know what to expect next."
Their Mortal Remains opens on the 19th September.
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The Rush Backstage Club website, the one-stop shop for any and all Rush merchandise the major collector/ fan could ever want, have announced a 40th anniversary re-release for the Canadian band’s debut album.
Re-DISCovered is packaged as a high quality vinyl box-set and is now available for pre-order.
The release date is expected to be April the 15th.
The album has been remastered at Abbey Road studios by Sean McGee, who has been responsible for the recent run of Beatles vinyl re-masters.
Re-DISCovered will be packaged in a high quality 12”x12” box and the record will be 200 gram vinyl from the Direct Metal Mastering process, the highest quality vinyl currently available.
The box set will include re-production of the original 1974 Canadian retail poster and publicity photos from Moon Records of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and original drummer John Rutsey.
Also part of the package is an early/ origins Rush Family Tree and a memorabilia collage featuring gig adverts, reviews and photos.
Pre-ordering information:
http://www.rushbackstage.com/rushbackstage/media-260/compact-discs/rush-rediscovered-lp-box-set.html
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Re-DISCovered is packaged as a high quality vinyl box-set and is now available for pre-order.
The release date is expected to be April the 15th.
The album has been remastered at Abbey Road studios by Sean McGee, who has been responsible for the recent run of Beatles vinyl re-masters.
Re-DISCovered will be packaged in a high quality 12”x12” box and the record will be 200 gram vinyl from the Direct Metal Mastering process, the highest quality vinyl currently available.
The box set will include re-production of the original 1974 Canadian retail poster and publicity photos from Moon Records of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and original drummer John Rutsey.
Also part of the package is an early/ origins Rush Family Tree and a memorabilia collage featuring gig adverts, reviews and photos.
Pre-ordering information:
http://www.rushbackstage.com/rushbackstage/media-260/compact-discs/rush-rediscovered-lp-box-set.html
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Setting sail soon, like so many other acts have done recently, are Motörhead.
Although only teaser announcements for their Motörboat Cruise have been released so far, it does seem that the loudest ever sea event is going to be a reality, setting sail from Miami later in the year.
Personally, I’d rather hear an announcement that Lemmy is back to full health before a life on the ocean wave is undertaken; it was only last month after all that Motörhead cancelled their European dates when it was confirmed Lemmy’s health is still a concern.
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Although only teaser announcements for their Motörboat Cruise have been released so far, it does seem that the loudest ever sea event is going to be a reality, setting sail from Miami later in the year.
Personally, I’d rather hear an announcement that Lemmy is back to full health before a life on the ocean wave is undertaken; it was only last month after all that Motörhead cancelled their European dates when it was confirmed Lemmy’s health is still a concern.
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Alice Cooper, recently announced as the Special Guest act for Mötley Crüe‘s farewell tour, has confirmed the idea he had last year for a covers album has come to fruition.
The album should be out by the Spring and will feature Cooper covers of material from, amongst others, The Doors, The Who and The Beatles.
There is a somewhat macabre link (well it is Alice Cooper) yet a fitting tribute being paid to some of the artists being covered – the songs chosen by Alice Cooper are all based around members of an informal drinking club from the 60’s and 70’s called the Hollywood Vampires (Cooper was part of the club):
“It’s basically all my dead, drunk friends, I’m covering all my friends that I used to drink with that aren’t with us anymore” confirmed the Coop.
It’s a well-known fact Alice Cooper shared a drink or three with Jim Morrison, Keith Moon, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix; but it was far more than just a five piece band:
“That’s just four of ‘em, when you get down to Harry Nilsson and T. Rex, all the other guys that we used to drink with, then you can start picking some pretty good songs for a covers album.”
I’ll drink to that, Alice.
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The album should be out by the Spring and will feature Cooper covers of material from, amongst others, The Doors, The Who and The Beatles.
There is a somewhat macabre link (well it is Alice Cooper) yet a fitting tribute being paid to some of the artists being covered – the songs chosen by Alice Cooper are all based around members of an informal drinking club from the 60’s and 70’s called the Hollywood Vampires (Cooper was part of the club):
“It’s basically all my dead, drunk friends, I’m covering all my friends that I used to drink with that aren’t with us anymore” confirmed the Coop.
It’s a well-known fact Alice Cooper shared a drink or three with Jim Morrison, Keith Moon, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix; but it was far more than just a five piece band:
“That’s just four of ‘em, when you get down to Harry Nilsson and T. Rex, all the other guys that we used to drink with, then you can start picking some pretty good songs for a covers album.”
I’ll drink to that, Alice.
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Following the announcements earlier in the year from Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks (where the guitarists’ confirmed they will be leaving the Allman Brothers Band at the end of 2014), Gregg Allman has announced he is to wind down the legendary band he co-founded in 1969:
“This is it – this is the end of it… 45 years is enough and I want to do something else, anyway.
Everyone has their own real good perspective bands.”
It’s a fitting time to end the legendary band – 2014 is the 45th Anniversary of the group and with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks departure the Allman Brothers Band would unarguably become the Allman Brothers Brand – Gov’t Mule man Haynes has been with the ABB for a quarter of a century while Trucks has been a member of the southern rock outfit for fifteen years.
Both will be part of the band’s 45th and final year; the anniversary celebrations start with a residency at New York’s Beacon Theatre throughout March.
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“This is it – this is the end of it… 45 years is enough and I want to do something else, anyway.
Everyone has their own real good perspective bands.”
It’s a fitting time to end the legendary band – 2014 is the 45th Anniversary of the group and with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks departure the Allman Brothers Band would unarguably become the Allman Brothers Brand – Gov’t Mule man Haynes has been with the ABB for a quarter of a century while Trucks has been a member of the southern rock outfit for fifteen years.
Both will be part of the band’s 45th and final year; the anniversary celebrations start with a residency at New York’s Beacon Theatre throughout March.
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The Red Hot Chilli Peppers have been announced as the Saturday headliners for the Isle of Wight Festival; they join Biffy Clyro (Friday) and The Kings of Leon (Sunday) as the main stage attractions.
It will also be the Chilli’s only UK performance in 2014 and first festival appearance in the UK since 2007.
On confirming the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Isle of Wight’s Festival Promoter John Giddings commented:
“Finally- we’ve got them! One of the most exciting rock bands of the modern era come to visit… and judging by the performances I have seen previously, will be a highlight in the music history of the festival… Rock the Wight!”
Biffy Clyro, who won the Q Magazine Award for album of the year with Opposites, will play the Main Stage on Friday the 13th of June.
Guitarist/ vocalist Simon Neil commented: “To follow the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam is an honour. We cannot wait to get back to this iconic Festival, and this beautiful island!”
The Kings of Leon, in what will be their only UK festival appearance of the year, bring the event to a close on the Sunday.
The 2014 Isle of Wight Festival takes place from Thursday the 12th to Sunday the 15th of June and tickets are now on sale.
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It will also be the Chilli’s only UK performance in 2014 and first festival appearance in the UK since 2007.
On confirming the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Isle of Wight’s Festival Promoter John Giddings commented:
“Finally- we’ve got them! One of the most exciting rock bands of the modern era come to visit… and judging by the performances I have seen previously, will be a highlight in the music history of the festival… Rock the Wight!”
Biffy Clyro, who won the Q Magazine Award for album of the year with Opposites, will play the Main Stage on Friday the 13th of June.
Guitarist/ vocalist Simon Neil commented: “To follow the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam is an honour. We cannot wait to get back to this iconic Festival, and this beautiful island!”
The Kings of Leon, in what will be their only UK festival appearance of the year, bring the event to a close on the Sunday.
The 2014 Isle of Wight Festival takes place from Thursday the 12th to Sunday the 15th of June and tickets are now on sale.
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The Vintage Caravan, a retro-rock power trio from the Greater Reykjavik area of Iceland, released Voyage on Nuclear Blast Records earlier this year.
The album showcases both the heavily influenced late 60’s/ early 70’s blues/ hard rock sound of the band and their modern, feisty musical attitude.
Voyager is available as a digital download, CD and a 2 LP 180 gram clear or black vinyl edition.
To get a taste of heavy Icelandic retro-blues rock, check out the official lyric video for 'Midnight Meditation' below.
The album showcases both the heavily influenced late 60’s/ early 70’s blues/ hard rock sound of the band and their modern, feisty musical attitude.
Voyager is available as a digital download, CD and a 2 LP 180 gram clear or black vinyl edition.
To get a taste of heavy Icelandic retro-blues rock, check out the official lyric video for 'Midnight Meditation' below.
