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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
THEIA, the chunky guitars and driving rhythm rock trio from Burton-on-Trent, present a lighter shade of the band with new single 'Home;' the acoustically led and melodically charged song focuses on what’s important in life.
THEIA’s latest album Back In Line may be cut from the same monster riffs & huge beats mould of full-length debut Take The Pill, but the band’s grunge-tinged rifforama has been reshaped to a hard 'n' heavy rock sound that mixes classic old school with the contemporary.
It also, through stronger songwriting and lighter moments such as the wonderful 'Home,' showcases a heavy rock outfit with the subtlety and shade required to propel them forward, not Back In Line with the wannabees or also rans.
FabricationsHQ’s positive report on Back in Line can be found on the 2017 album reviews page.
THEIA are Kyle Lamley (lead vocals & guitars)
Paul Edwards (bass & vocals), Jake Dalton (drums)
Upcoming live shows:
26th August - Rockwich Unplugged, Northwich
27th August - Giff-fest, Wolverhampton
2nd September - B2, Norwich
3rd September - The Black Heart, London
8th September - The Hut, Corby
9th September - The Station, Cannock
http://theiauk.com/
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It also, through stronger songwriting and lighter moments such as the wonderful 'Home,' showcases a heavy rock outfit with the subtlety and shade required to propel them forward, not Back In Line with the wannabees or also rans.
FabricationsHQ’s positive report on Back in Line can be found on the 2017 album reviews page.
THEIA are Kyle Lamley (lead vocals & guitars)
Paul Edwards (bass & vocals), Jake Dalton (drums)
Upcoming live shows:
26th August - Rockwich Unplugged, Northwich
27th August - Giff-fest, Wolverhampton
2nd September - B2, Norwich
3rd September - The Black Heart, London
8th September - The Hut, Corby
9th September - The Station, Cannock
http://theiauk.com/
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Brian Downey, original drummer of Thin Lizzy and, along with the late and great Phil Lynott, the only ever-present of the band from their formative years until their original disbandment in 1983, will perform a rare concert at Nells Jazz & Blues in London on Friday 24th November with his new band Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous.
The band will also be undertaking a European tour through September and October
The talented four-piece, who have already made a name for themselves through a well-received Irish tour, will perform a 40th anniversary concert-set in London of one of the greatest live rock albums of all time – Thin Lizzy’s Live and Dangerous.
Brian Downey’s new band features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), and former Low Rider members Matt Wilson (vocals, bass) and Phil Edgar (guitar).
Photo: Larry Canavan
Says Downey of the band, "After the Thin Lizzy reunion shows finished in 2013, I was asked to join, what turned out to be Black Star Riders, but it just didn’t feel right for me. In January 2016, following an appearance at the Vibe For Philo in Dublin, I approached Brian Grace and that’s when we discussed getting a band together.
After a few rehearsals, Brian suggested that we rehearse with Matt Wilson and Phil Edgar, both of whom had been in a band called The Low Riders (their name taken from a lyric from Thin Lizzy's song Johnny The Fox).
"In January 2017, we jammed together at the Vibe For Philo, and it went so well, that we decided to form Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous make it a full time proposition."
The band have such chemistry, and fondness for playing together, that it’s not impossible they will start to write and rehearse new material as early as next year, which leads to personal observation…
With the notable and untouchable exception of Gary Moore, whose time(s) in Thin Lizzy were all too fleeting, and the greatest of respect to the great players that Messrs Robertson, Gorham, Bell, White et al were and are (and Phil Lynott wasn’t a good bassist, he was a great one) I believe Brian Downey to be the best core musician Thin Lizzy ever had.
Technically brilliant, razor sharp timing, wonderful touch/ feel and yet probably one of the most under-rated rock drummers of the classic rock era.
Great to see him back behind a kit, enthused and enjoying playing the songs he was such an integral part of, with a band he’s loudly and clearly comfortable with.
The band will also be undertaking a European tour through September and October
The talented four-piece, who have already made a name for themselves through a well-received Irish tour, will perform a 40th anniversary concert-set in London of one of the greatest live rock albums of all time – Thin Lizzy’s Live and Dangerous.
Brian Downey’s new band features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), and former Low Rider members Matt Wilson (vocals, bass) and Phil Edgar (guitar).
Photo: Larry Canavan
Says Downey of the band, "After the Thin Lizzy reunion shows finished in 2013, I was asked to join, what turned out to be Black Star Riders, but it just didn’t feel right for me. In January 2016, following an appearance at the Vibe For Philo in Dublin, I approached Brian Grace and that’s when we discussed getting a band together.
After a few rehearsals, Brian suggested that we rehearse with Matt Wilson and Phil Edgar, both of whom had been in a band called The Low Riders (their name taken from a lyric from Thin Lizzy's song Johnny The Fox).
"In January 2017, we jammed together at the Vibe For Philo, and it went so well, that we decided to form Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous make it a full time proposition."
The band have such chemistry, and fondness for playing together, that it’s not impossible they will start to write and rehearse new material as early as next year, which leads to personal observation…
With the notable and untouchable exception of Gary Moore, whose time(s) in Thin Lizzy were all too fleeting, and the greatest of respect to the great players that Messrs Robertson, Gorham, Bell, White et al were and are (and Phil Lynott wasn’t a good bassist, he was a great one) I believe Brian Downey to be the best core musician Thin Lizzy ever had.
Technically brilliant, razor sharp timing, wonderful touch/ feel and yet probably one of the most under-rated rock drummers of the classic rock era.
Great to see him back behind a kit, enthused and enjoying playing the songs he was such an integral part of, with a band he’s loudly and clearly comfortable with.
Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous, live at Nells Jazz & Blues, London.
Friday 24th November 2017
Tickets on sale now via 24 Hour Box Office: 0871 2200260 or www.seetickets.com
http://nellsjazzandblues.uk www.briandowneysaliveanddangerous.com
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Friday 24th November 2017
Tickets on sale now via 24 Hour Box Office: 0871 2200260 or www.seetickets.com
http://nellsjazzandblues.uk www.briandowneysaliveanddangerous.com
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Female folk trio Said The Maiden have announced a 22 date UK tour in support of forthcoming new album Here's A Health.
Said The Maiden are formed around three friends – Jess Distill, Hannah Elizabeth and Kathy Pilkinton – who discovered a mutual love of folk music when they reunited several years after spending their school years together in Hertfordshire.
After tentatively performing a few songs at their local Redbourn Folk Club, the trio soon picked up local and national folk circuit interest, securing major support and headline slots at folk clubs and festivals around the country.
In 2014 Said The Maiden released their debut album A Curious Tale. In 2015 Said The Maiden were awarded Bristol Folk Festival’s prestigious Isambard Folk Award and were voted Best Act by the audience at the Great British Folk Festival’s Introducing Stage (they returned to the GBFF in 2016 for an appearance on the main stage).
2015 also saw the release of the Of Maids and Mariners EP, featuring 'The Soldier.'
Said The Maiden are formed around three friends – Jess Distill, Hannah Elizabeth and Kathy Pilkinton – who discovered a mutual love of folk music when they reunited several years after spending their school years together in Hertfordshire.
After tentatively performing a few songs at their local Redbourn Folk Club, the trio soon picked up local and national folk circuit interest, securing major support and headline slots at folk clubs and festivals around the country.
In 2014 Said The Maiden released their debut album A Curious Tale. In 2015 Said The Maiden were awarded Bristol Folk Festival’s prestigious Isambard Folk Award and were voted Best Act by the audience at the Great British Folk Festival’s Introducing Stage (they returned to the GBFF in 2016 for an appearance on the main stage).
2015 also saw the release of the Of Maids and Mariners EP, featuring 'The Soldier.'
2017 has seen further recognition for Said The Maiden including winning the Folking Awards Rising Star prize and an NMG Award nomination for best Acoustic, Country & Folk act.
Here’s A Health, which will be released in November, showcases of the trio’s ever-developing yet distinctive sound and features their trademark A Cappella harmonies and fresh, new arrangements of traditional songs. The new album also displays a more diverse collection of material including a few covers of more modern folk songs as well as original compositions in the folk tradition.
Here’s A Health is also a collection of stories: tales of love and loss, myths and legends of the land and sea, and of the unforgettable characters who feature throughout the world of folklore.
The album launch of Here's A Health takes place at The Water Rats in London on Wednesday 1st November.
Here’s A Health, which will be released in November, showcases of the trio’s ever-developing yet distinctive sound and features their trademark A Cappella harmonies and fresh, new arrangements of traditional songs. The new album also displays a more diverse collection of material including a few covers of more modern folk songs as well as original compositions in the folk tradition.
Here’s A Health is also a collection of stories: tales of love and loss, myths and legends of the land and sea, and of the unforgettable characters who feature throughout the world of folklore.
The album launch of Here's A Health takes place at The Water Rats in London on Wednesday 1st November.
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JUNO and Maple Blues award winning Steve Hill, the acclaimed one-man blues rock band, will release his latest album Solo Recordings: Volume 3 on No Label Records in the UK on Friday 6th October 2017.
In support of the release, the acclaimed and individualistic musician will be Special Guest on the extensive Wishbone Ash UK tour that runs through October and November.
When it comes to his one-man band ethos, singer, guitarist, harmonica player and percussionist Steve Hill has no limits; anything goes.
On stage Hill is, literally and physically, a feisty and raucous one-man rock band. He performs standing up while singing or blowing the harp and playing guitar; his feet play bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and, with a drum stick fused to the head of his guitar, any other percussion within reach.
Solo Recordings: Volume 3 features originals that are outright rockers ('Damned,' 'Dangerous,' 'Rhythm All Over,' 'Smoking Hot Machine,' 'Can't Take It With You,' 'Walkin’ Grave') to more acoustic-based ('Slowly Slipping Away,' 'Troubled Times,' 'Emily') and three re-imagined and rearranged covers tracks ('Still a Fool & Rollin’ Stone,' 'Rollin & Tumblin’ / Stop Breaking Down,' 'Going Down That Road Feeling Bad').
In support of the release, the acclaimed and individualistic musician will be Special Guest on the extensive Wishbone Ash UK tour that runs through October and November.
When it comes to his one-man band ethos, singer, guitarist, harmonica player and percussionist Steve Hill has no limits; anything goes.
On stage Hill is, literally and physically, a feisty and raucous one-man rock band. He performs standing up while singing or blowing the harp and playing guitar; his feet play bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and, with a drum stick fused to the head of his guitar, any other percussion within reach.
Solo Recordings: Volume 3 features originals that are outright rockers ('Damned,' 'Dangerous,' 'Rhythm All Over,' 'Smoking Hot Machine,' 'Can't Take It With You,' 'Walkin’ Grave') to more acoustic-based ('Slowly Slipping Away,' 'Troubled Times,' 'Emily') and three re-imagined and rearranged covers tracks ('Still a Fool & Rollin’ Stone,' 'Rollin & Tumblin’ / Stop Breaking Down,' 'Going Down That Road Feeling Bad').
Wishbone Ash UK Tour with Special Guest Steve Hill
(Tickets - http://www.stevehillmusic.com/shows/ )
October:
Wednesday 18th - Dorking Halls, Dorking
Thursday 19th - O2 Academy Islington, London
Friday 20th - The Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare
Saturday 21st - Cheese & Grain, Frome
Sunday 22nd - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Tuesday 24th - Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-By-Sea
Wednesday 25th - The Brook, Southampton
Thursday 26th - Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
Friday 27th - The Hub, Plymouth
Saturday 28th - The Railway, Ipswich
Sunday 29th - King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Newmarket
Tuesday 31st - Princess Theatre, Hunstanton
November:
Thursday 2nd - Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, Wirral
Friday 3rd - The Tivoli, Buckley
Saturday 4th - Whitby Pavilion Theatre, Whitby
Sunday 5th - The Lowry, Manchester
Tuesday 7th - The Flowerpot, Derby
Wednesday 8th - The Irish Centre, Leeds
Thursday 9th - Bootleggers, Kendal
Friday 10th - The Jam House, Edinburgh
Saturday 11th - The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Sunday 12th - The Ferry, Glasgow
Tuesday 14th - Riverside Lodge, Morpeth
Wednesday 15th - ARC, Stockton-on-Tees
Thursday 16th - The Layton, Blackpool
Friday 17th - The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
Saturday 18th - Ashcon, Clitheroe
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(Tickets - http://www.stevehillmusic.com/shows/ )
October:
Wednesday 18th - Dorking Halls, Dorking
Thursday 19th - O2 Academy Islington, London
Friday 20th - The Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare
Saturday 21st - Cheese & Grain, Frome
Sunday 22nd - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Tuesday 24th - Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-By-Sea
Wednesday 25th - The Brook, Southampton
Thursday 26th - Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
Friday 27th - The Hub, Plymouth
Saturday 28th - The Railway, Ipswich
Sunday 29th - King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Newmarket
Tuesday 31st - Princess Theatre, Hunstanton
November:
Thursday 2nd - Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, Wirral
Friday 3rd - The Tivoli, Buckley
Saturday 4th - Whitby Pavilion Theatre, Whitby
Sunday 5th - The Lowry, Manchester
Tuesday 7th - The Flowerpot, Derby
Wednesday 8th - The Irish Centre, Leeds
Thursday 9th - Bootleggers, Kendal
Friday 10th - The Jam House, Edinburgh
Saturday 11th - The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Sunday 12th - The Ferry, Glasgow
Tuesday 14th - Riverside Lodge, Morpeth
Wednesday 15th - ARC, Stockton-on-Tees
Thursday 16th - The Layton, Blackpool
Friday 17th - The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
Saturday 18th - Ashcon, Clitheroe
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Award-winning Canadian blues rock guitarist and singer-songwriter JW - Jones will release his latest album High Temperature in the UK and Europe (on Solid Blues Records, via Proper Distribution), on 20th October.
The album dovetails an extensive nationwide UK tour starting at the Worthing Pavilion on Thursday, 23rd November.
High Temperature, produced by Nashville-based Colin Linden, recently won Best Self-Released CD at the 2017 International Blues Challenge (via Blues Foundation in Memphis); it was also named the Hot Shot Debut on the Billboard Top 10.
On the new album, Colin Linden takes JW - Jones into new territory with warm, analogue-driven tones, and a wide-range of material including the cool-groove blues of Same Mistakes...
The album dovetails an extensive nationwide UK tour starting at the Worthing Pavilion on Thursday, 23rd November.
High Temperature, produced by Nashville-based Colin Linden, recently won Best Self-Released CD at the 2017 International Blues Challenge (via Blues Foundation in Memphis); it was also named the Hot Shot Debut on the Billboard Top 10.
On the new album, Colin Linden takes JW - Jones into new territory with warm, analogue-driven tones, and a wide-range of material including the cool-groove blues of Same Mistakes...
"JW is ready to take his place among the greater blues-based musicians of the 21st century," says Colin Linden. "It’s an absolute pleasure to have worked on the new album."
Musician and producer Linden, an eight time JUNO and Grammy Award winner, is musical director for the hit TV series Nashville and the producer of albums for many iconic Canadian musicians including Bruce Cockburn and Colin James.
High Temperature is the follow-up to JW - Jones’ 2014 album Belmont Boulevard, which was nominated for both a Maple Blues and JUNO award; it held the #1 position on Canadian roots radio stations for thirteen weeks.
High Temperature – Track Listing:
Price You Pay; How Many Hearts; High Temperature; Murder In My Heart For The Judge; Who I Am; Away Too Long; Same Mistakes; Leave Me Out; Midnight Blues; Out In The Woods; Already Know; Where Do You Think I Was; Wham
November / December 2017 UK Tour
Book tickets at http://www.jw-jones.com/tour/
Worthing Pavilion - Thursday 23rd November
Cellar Bar, Bear Hotel, Devizes - Friday 24th November
The Thunderbolt, Bristol - Saturday 25th November
Mr Kyps, Poole - Sunday 26th November
Marr’s Bar, Worcester - Monday 27th November
Robin 2, Bilston - Tuesday 28th November
Kardomah94, Hull - Wednesday 29th November
The Musician, Leicester - Thursday 30th November
Pizza Express, Maidstone – Friday 1st December
Borderline, London - Saturday 2nd December
Voodoo Rooms, “Edinburgh Blues Club,” Edinburgh Sunday 3rd December
Waterfront, Norwich - Tuesday 5th December
Komedia, Brighton - Wednesday 6th December
The Talking Heads, Southampton - Thursday 7th Dec
The Octagon, “Keighley Blues Live,” Keighley
Friday 8th December
Sleazy’s, Glasgow - Saturday 9th December
Cluny 2, Newcastle - Sunday 10th December
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Musician and producer Linden, an eight time JUNO and Grammy Award winner, is musical director for the hit TV series Nashville and the producer of albums for many iconic Canadian musicians including Bruce Cockburn and Colin James.
High Temperature is the follow-up to JW - Jones’ 2014 album Belmont Boulevard, which was nominated for both a Maple Blues and JUNO award; it held the #1 position on Canadian roots radio stations for thirteen weeks.
High Temperature – Track Listing:
Price You Pay; How Many Hearts; High Temperature; Murder In My Heart For The Judge; Who I Am; Away Too Long; Same Mistakes; Leave Me Out; Midnight Blues; Out In The Woods; Already Know; Where Do You Think I Was; Wham
November / December 2017 UK Tour
Book tickets at http://www.jw-jones.com/tour/
Worthing Pavilion - Thursday 23rd November
Cellar Bar, Bear Hotel, Devizes - Friday 24th November
The Thunderbolt, Bristol - Saturday 25th November
Mr Kyps, Poole - Sunday 26th November
Marr’s Bar, Worcester - Monday 27th November
Robin 2, Bilston - Tuesday 28th November
Kardomah94, Hull - Wednesday 29th November
The Musician, Leicester - Thursday 30th November
Pizza Express, Maidstone – Friday 1st December
Borderline, London - Saturday 2nd December
Voodoo Rooms, “Edinburgh Blues Club,” Edinburgh Sunday 3rd December
Waterfront, Norwich - Tuesday 5th December
Komedia, Brighton - Wednesday 6th December
The Talking Heads, Southampton - Thursday 7th Dec
The Octagon, “Keighley Blues Live,” Keighley
Friday 8th December
Sleazy’s, Glasgow - Saturday 9th December
Cluny 2, Newcastle - Sunday 10th December
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Ian Anderson will present 50 Years of Jethro Tull with eight UK concerts in April 2018; the octet of dates will form part of a worldwide touring schedule.
On the 2nd of February 1968, at the famous Marquee Club on Wardour Street in London, Jethro Tull first performed under that name. The band’s debut album, This Was, was released later that same year.
Jethro Tull went on to become one of the most successful and enduring bands of their era; releasing thirty studio and live albums and selling over 60 million units worldwide, they became one of the biggest selling Progressive Rock artists of all time (their immense and diverse catalogue of work encompasses folk, blues, classical and heavy rock).
The anniversary concerts will feature a broad mix of material, some of it focusing on the earlier formative period through to the "heavy hitters" of the Tull catalogue from albums such as This Was, Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, Too Old To Rock And Roll: Too Young To Die, Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, Crest of a Knave and even a touch of 2012’s forty-years on sequel Thick as a Brick 2.
Of the anniversary tour, Ian Anderson says: "I am not usually a birthday or anniversary kind of guy but, just for once, I won't be a party-pooper either!
I treasure the memories of the earlier years of Jethro Tull repertoire, associated as it is with the adventures of visiting so many countries for the first time to connect with new fans around the world. And this is a celebration of all the thirty-three band members who graced our ranks - musicians who brought their talents, skills and styles to bear on the performances live and in the studio. Join me and the current band for a nostalgic evening of varied music, representative of my ever-changing songwriting as our careers progressed through the years."
50 Years of Jethro Tull
Ian Anderson - David Goodier - John O'Hara - Florian Opahle - Scott Hammond - and surprise virtual guests
Pre-sale tickets will be available on 30th August: http://www.gigantic.com/jethro-tull-tickets-presale-1051
and the venue box offices.
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On the 2nd of February 1968, at the famous Marquee Club on Wardour Street in London, Jethro Tull first performed under that name. The band’s debut album, This Was, was released later that same year.
Jethro Tull went on to become one of the most successful and enduring bands of their era; releasing thirty studio and live albums and selling over 60 million units worldwide, they became one of the biggest selling Progressive Rock artists of all time (their immense and diverse catalogue of work encompasses folk, blues, classical and heavy rock).
The anniversary concerts will feature a broad mix of material, some of it focusing on the earlier formative period through to the "heavy hitters" of the Tull catalogue from albums such as This Was, Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, Too Old To Rock And Roll: Too Young To Die, Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, Crest of a Knave and even a touch of 2012’s forty-years on sequel Thick as a Brick 2.
Of the anniversary tour, Ian Anderson says: "I am not usually a birthday or anniversary kind of guy but, just for once, I won't be a party-pooper either!
I treasure the memories of the earlier years of Jethro Tull repertoire, associated as it is with the adventures of visiting so many countries for the first time to connect with new fans around the world. And this is a celebration of all the thirty-three band members who graced our ranks - musicians who brought their talents, skills and styles to bear on the performances live and in the studio. Join me and the current band for a nostalgic evening of varied music, representative of my ever-changing songwriting as our careers progressed through the years."
50 Years of Jethro Tull
Ian Anderson - David Goodier - John O'Hara - Florian Opahle - Scott Hammond - and surprise virtual guests
Pre-sale tickets will be available on 30th August: http://www.gigantic.com/jethro-tull-tickets-presale-1051
and the venue box offices.
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While a particular petition FabricationsHQ would like to flag up (link below) is venue/ event specific, in this case the WinterStorm rock weekender in Troon and the approved-now-refused status of the dates for said festival in 2018, it goes a lot further than one particular Ayrshire town and the related and clear political machinations and NIMBY maneuverings within one particularly un-visionary Ayrshire Council.
Indeed it sums up the frustrations and difficulties for many live music event organisers and promoters trying to do just that – organise and promote live music events in the best places for said live music events (in this case there’s also a humungously big clue in the middle word of the name Troon Concert Hall).
Suffice to say (because I need say no more, event organiser Ian McCaig having done a wonderfully worded job as you will see on the detailed reason-for-petition) I would now ask, nay implore, any and all fans of live music, and artists and bands alike, who find it difficult enough to get decent gigs at decent venues in front of decent crowds, to get signing...
https://www.change.org/p/south-ayrshire-council-keep-music-live-give-music-and-arts-events-the-priority-in-public-owned-concert-halls?recruiter=618893147&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition
Indeed it sums up the frustrations and difficulties for many live music event organisers and promoters trying to do just that – organise and promote live music events in the best places for said live music events (in this case there’s also a humungously big clue in the middle word of the name Troon Concert Hall).
Suffice to say (because I need say no more, event organiser Ian McCaig having done a wonderfully worded job as you will see on the detailed reason-for-petition) I would now ask, nay implore, any and all fans of live music, and artists and bands alike, who find it difficult enough to get decent gigs at decent venues in front of decent crowds, to get signing...
https://www.change.org/p/south-ayrshire-council-keep-music-live-give-music-and-arts-events-the-priority-in-public-owned-concert-halls?recruiter=618893147&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition
Issues with Local Council and withdrawn / rescheduled 2018 dates aside, WinterStorm 2017 promises to be even bigger and better than its inaugural 2017 event.
The new rock festival in South Ayrshire’s coastal town of Troon has just confirmed a surprise guest band appearance in the shape of a welcome return to the live stage for Scottish rockers Heavy Pettin’ some thirty years after their final 80s hurrah (and their only 2017 date).
Also just announced, and completing what is an impressive sixteen acts over two days line-up, are appearances by swaggering rock and rollers The Quireboys, female heavy metal band Rock Goddess (playing their first Scottish date for three decades) and Syteria, the side-project of Jackie Chambers from Girlschool.
Additionally, bassist Chris Glen, vocalist Doogie White and GUN drummer Paul McManus will perform a set as Glen-White-McManus and Friends.
The above band announcements complete what will be a stand-out rock weekend and an excellent opportunity for Scottish rock fans and those from much further afield to catch some great names in heavy and melodic rock (Tyketto, Graham Bonnet Band, Dare, Praying Mantis, Tygers of Pan Tang, Bernie Tormé) blues-rock (Bernie Marsden, who will be joined by Neil Murray) and a number of noted, up and coming acts who are already making an impact or are about to, including Scottish hard melodic rockers The King Lot, Glasgow’s Mason Hill (who have just signed to Frontiers Records), Stone Broken, Bigfoot and Massive Wagons.
The event will again be MC’d by Scottish rock DJ, Tom Russell.
Tickets have already sold to the numbers of last year’s inaugural WinterStorm festival, with a full four months still to go before this year’s event kicks off on the 24th of November.
Which means, with only an estimated 300 or so tickets left for each day, and given the latest band announcements, those wishing to attend who have not yet purchased a ticket may have to move as fast as a Tygers of Pan Tang power riff.
Ian McCaig of Plan B Events and the man behind the event, said,
“We were really fortunate with our first-year line up and there was quality right through both days; it’s going to be difficult to follow but hopefully we can match it. This announcement fills in the two day line-up which had already confirmed NWOBHM legends Praying Mantis and Tygers of Pan Tang, and guitar legends Bernie Tormé (Gillan) and Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake).
Graham Bonnet will be on stage on the Saturday night and the more melodic side of the weekend sees Dare, and US rockers Tyketto, both appearing.”
WinterStorm Troon Rock Weekend, 24th & 25th November 2017.
Website: www.winterstorm.co.uk
Online Ticket Sales, Pricing and Accommodation Info: https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/en/tickets-2017/
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The new rock festival in South Ayrshire’s coastal town of Troon has just confirmed a surprise guest band appearance in the shape of a welcome return to the live stage for Scottish rockers Heavy Pettin’ some thirty years after their final 80s hurrah (and their only 2017 date).
Also just announced, and completing what is an impressive sixteen acts over two days line-up, are appearances by swaggering rock and rollers The Quireboys, female heavy metal band Rock Goddess (playing their first Scottish date for three decades) and Syteria, the side-project of Jackie Chambers from Girlschool.
Additionally, bassist Chris Glen, vocalist Doogie White and GUN drummer Paul McManus will perform a set as Glen-White-McManus and Friends.
The above band announcements complete what will be a stand-out rock weekend and an excellent opportunity for Scottish rock fans and those from much further afield to catch some great names in heavy and melodic rock (Tyketto, Graham Bonnet Band, Dare, Praying Mantis, Tygers of Pan Tang, Bernie Tormé) blues-rock (Bernie Marsden, who will be joined by Neil Murray) and a number of noted, up and coming acts who are already making an impact or are about to, including Scottish hard melodic rockers The King Lot, Glasgow’s Mason Hill (who have just signed to Frontiers Records), Stone Broken, Bigfoot and Massive Wagons.
The event will again be MC’d by Scottish rock DJ, Tom Russell.
Tickets have already sold to the numbers of last year’s inaugural WinterStorm festival, with a full four months still to go before this year’s event kicks off on the 24th of November.
Which means, with only an estimated 300 or so tickets left for each day, and given the latest band announcements, those wishing to attend who have not yet purchased a ticket may have to move as fast as a Tygers of Pan Tang power riff.
Ian McCaig of Plan B Events and the man behind the event, said,
“We were really fortunate with our first-year line up and there was quality right through both days; it’s going to be difficult to follow but hopefully we can match it. This announcement fills in the two day line-up which had already confirmed NWOBHM legends Praying Mantis and Tygers of Pan Tang, and guitar legends Bernie Tormé (Gillan) and Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake).
Graham Bonnet will be on stage on the Saturday night and the more melodic side of the weekend sees Dare, and US rockers Tyketto, both appearing.”
WinterStorm Troon Rock Weekend, 24th & 25th November 2017.
Website: www.winterstorm.co.uk
Online Ticket Sales, Pricing and Accommodation Info: https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/en/tickets-2017/
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Swedish melodic rockers H.E.A.T have released a lyric video for 'Time On Our Side,' the first track to be previewed from what will be the band’s fifth studio album, Into The Great Unknown.
The new album was produced by Tobias Lindell, who also produced the band’s previous offering, 2014's Tearing Down The Walls.
Into The Great Unknown also features the return of guitarist Dave Dalone, who played on the band's first three albums. Dalone left in 2013 but rejoined the band last October, replacing founder member Eric Rivers.
Dave Dalone and drummer Crash gave a little insight into how the band arrived at the album title, which suits perfectly, for a number of reasons:
"The plan, to focus entirely on the song writing and to not do a live show until the new album is out, was a new thing for us" states Crash. “We had never done anything like it, how do you 'not' play live for two years? We had been doing live shows since we were kids. Another leap into the great unknown is the music itself."
"During the making of this album, I think we all felt a little bit like astronauts going off to space for the first time," continues Dave Dalone. "We set out on a journey not knowing what we would come back with, or if we'd even make it back. There's just no point in doing the same album over and over again just because it works. When it all comes down to it, you want to make the songs shine to their full potential. If that includes bending the rules of the genre or crossing paths into unknown territory, so be it."
As regards 'Time On Our Side,' singer Erik Grönwall explains that "it’s a song about a relationship in which you have lost something over the years and it has become more and more difficult to endure. The lyrics are sung in the perspective where you are begging your counterpart to have faith and patience in each other with a promise that you’ll do everything in your power to make it better again."
"When I first heard the chorus on Time On Our Side there wasn't a single hair on my body that didn't stand straight up," says bassist Jona Tee. It's just one of those songs that immediately touches you and sends shivers all over the body. The combination of the melody and the lyrics is just perfect. It instantly puts you in a state of mind where you begin to ponder what really matters."
The new album was produced by Tobias Lindell, who also produced the band’s previous offering, 2014's Tearing Down The Walls.
Into The Great Unknown also features the return of guitarist Dave Dalone, who played on the band's first three albums. Dalone left in 2013 but rejoined the band last October, replacing founder member Eric Rivers.
Dave Dalone and drummer Crash gave a little insight into how the band arrived at the album title, which suits perfectly, for a number of reasons:
"The plan, to focus entirely on the song writing and to not do a live show until the new album is out, was a new thing for us" states Crash. “We had never done anything like it, how do you 'not' play live for two years? We had been doing live shows since we were kids. Another leap into the great unknown is the music itself."
"During the making of this album, I think we all felt a little bit like astronauts going off to space for the first time," continues Dave Dalone. "We set out on a journey not knowing what we would come back with, or if we'd even make it back. There's just no point in doing the same album over and over again just because it works. When it all comes down to it, you want to make the songs shine to their full potential. If that includes bending the rules of the genre or crossing paths into unknown territory, so be it."
As regards 'Time On Our Side,' singer Erik Grönwall explains that "it’s a song about a relationship in which you have lost something over the years and it has become more and more difficult to endure. The lyrics are sung in the perspective where you are begging your counterpart to have faith and patience in each other with a promise that you’ll do everything in your power to make it better again."
"When I first heard the chorus on Time On Our Side there wasn't a single hair on my body that didn't stand straight up," says bassist Jona Tee. It's just one of those songs that immediately touches you and sends shivers all over the body. The combination of the melody and the lyrics is just perfect. It instantly puts you in a state of mind where you begin to ponder what really matters."
Into The Great Unknown will be released on September 22nd via EarMusic; H.E.A.T will tour the album in the UK in December, with dates to be announced soon.
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London based rockers Dirty Thrills have announced a Planet Rock sponsored UK tour in November on which they will support Black Star Riders.
The four band bill also includes Blues Pills and Tax The Heat.
Black Star Riders with Dirty Thrills, Blues Pills and Tax The Heat:
08th November – WOLVERHAMPTON, Wulfrun Hall
09th November – EDINBURGH, Queen’s Hall
10th November - WARRINGTON, Parr Hall
12th November - HULL, University Of Hull
14th November - MIDDLESBOROUGH, Empire
15th November - SHEFFIELD, O2 Academy
16th November - LEICESTER, O2 Academy
18th November - CAMBRIDGE, Junction
19th November - PORTSMOUTH, Pyramids
Additionally, Dirty Thrills will be supporting GUN on the following dates:
2nd December – GLASGOW, Barrowland Ballroom
8th December - MANCHESTER, Academy
9th December - LONDON, Electric Ballroom
Dirty Thrills have also just released a new single, 'I’ll Be With You.'
The song, as with previous single 'Law Man,' is lifted from forthcoming album, Heavy Living, which will be released on September the 15th.
An album launch show party will take at The Crowndale in London on September 13th.
The four band bill also includes Blues Pills and Tax The Heat.
Black Star Riders with Dirty Thrills, Blues Pills and Tax The Heat:
08th November – WOLVERHAMPTON, Wulfrun Hall
09th November – EDINBURGH, Queen’s Hall
10th November - WARRINGTON, Parr Hall
12th November - HULL, University Of Hull
14th November - MIDDLESBOROUGH, Empire
15th November - SHEFFIELD, O2 Academy
16th November - LEICESTER, O2 Academy
18th November - CAMBRIDGE, Junction
19th November - PORTSMOUTH, Pyramids
Additionally, Dirty Thrills will be supporting GUN on the following dates:
2nd December – GLASGOW, Barrowland Ballroom
8th December - MANCHESTER, Academy
9th December - LONDON, Electric Ballroom
Dirty Thrills have also just released a new single, 'I’ll Be With You.'
The song, as with previous single 'Law Man,' is lifted from forthcoming album, Heavy Living, which will be released on September the 15th.
An album launch show party will take at The Crowndale in London on September 13th.
Heavy Living – track listing:
I’ll Be With You; Go Slow; Law Man; Hanging Around; Lonely Soul; No Resolve; Interlude; The Brave; Rabbit Hole; Drunk Words; Get Loose
Dirty Thrills : Louis James - Lead Vocals, Harmonica; Jack Fawdry - Guitar, Backing Vocals;
Steve Corrigan – Drums; Aaron Plows – Bass
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I’ll Be With You; Go Slow; Law Man; Hanging Around; Lonely Soul; No Resolve; Interlude; The Brave; Rabbit Hole; Drunk Words; Get Loose
Dirty Thrills : Louis James - Lead Vocals, Harmonica; Jack Fawdry - Guitar, Backing Vocals;
Steve Corrigan – Drums; Aaron Plows – Bass
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As most, if not all, British blues rock fans will now be aware King King have had to cancel a number of festival and tour dates due to further vocal rest and recuperation required by Alan Nimmo.
The King King front man’s official message and announcement you can read below.
The Exile & Grace album tour dates, originally scheduled for October, have since been rescheduled for January of next year:
London Shepherd’s Bush Empire - Wednesday 17th January
Birmingham, Town Hall - Thursday 18th January
Bath, Forum - Saturday 20th January
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Friday 26th January
Sheffield, Leadmill - Saturday 27th January
Two festival date appearances have confirmed replacement acts; King King’s slot at The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne on Sunday 27th August has been filled by Ten Years After (who now feature singer/guitarist Marcus Bonfanti) while the Darvel Music Company’s Town Hall show on Saturday 2nd September will now be headlined by The Stevie Nimmo Trio.
King King’s new album, Exile & Grace, will be released on Friday 6th October.
Exile & Grace – track listing:
(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin; Heed The Warning; Broken; Find Your Way Home; Tear It All Up; Betrayed Me; Long Time Running; Nobody Knows Your Name; I Don’t Wanna Lie.
Bonus Track (on Vinyl Edition only): Give Me All Your Love
"As you know I have had yet another set back concerning the recovery of my vocal cords. Firstly I'd like to once again apologise to you for not being able to carry on at the Wharf in Tavistock on Friday 28th July and also for not being able to perform our shows at Buckley and Steelhouse festival on the same weekend.
Unfortunately, it is now clear, that in order for my voice to fully recover I need to undertake an extended break from performance. After further consultation, I plan to take a minimum of a 3-month break to undergo a period of rest & vocal rehabilitation.
This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to take in my career and fully realise King King will be letting down an awful lot of people in the next few months, I can only apologise most sincerely. It would be unfair to our wonderful fans, for me to carry on as I am and risk ruining any further King King gigs.
I'm working to get fighting fit, both vocally and physically to perform at the top of my game when we return to the stage towards the end of the year."
Alan Nimmo
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The King King front man’s official message and announcement you can read below.
The Exile & Grace album tour dates, originally scheduled for October, have since been rescheduled for January of next year:
London Shepherd’s Bush Empire - Wednesday 17th January
Birmingham, Town Hall - Thursday 18th January
Bath, Forum - Saturday 20th January
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Friday 26th January
Sheffield, Leadmill - Saturday 27th January
Two festival date appearances have confirmed replacement acts; King King’s slot at The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne on Sunday 27th August has been filled by Ten Years After (who now feature singer/guitarist Marcus Bonfanti) while the Darvel Music Company’s Town Hall show on Saturday 2nd September will now be headlined by The Stevie Nimmo Trio.
King King’s new album, Exile & Grace, will be released on Friday 6th October.
Exile & Grace – track listing:
(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin; Heed The Warning; Broken; Find Your Way Home; Tear It All Up; Betrayed Me; Long Time Running; Nobody Knows Your Name; I Don’t Wanna Lie.
Bonus Track (on Vinyl Edition only): Give Me All Your Love
"As you know I have had yet another set back concerning the recovery of my vocal cords. Firstly I'd like to once again apologise to you for not being able to carry on at the Wharf in Tavistock on Friday 28th July and also for not being able to perform our shows at Buckley and Steelhouse festival on the same weekend.
Unfortunately, it is now clear, that in order for my voice to fully recover I need to undertake an extended break from performance. After further consultation, I plan to take a minimum of a 3-month break to undergo a period of rest & vocal rehabilitation.
This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to take in my career and fully realise King King will be letting down an awful lot of people in the next few months, I can only apologise most sincerely. It would be unfair to our wonderful fans, for me to carry on as I am and risk ruining any further King King gigs.
I'm working to get fighting fit, both vocally and physically to perform at the top of my game when we return to the stage towards the end of the year."
Alan Nimmo
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Charismatic and acclaimed Scandinavian blues rockers Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado will play a quartet of dates in the UK this Autumn.
Fronted by a voice like no other and with undisputed talent, dedication and perseverance, the Danish outfit are on the verge of a success that will open some new doors in new territories; one of the most successful blues & roots bands on the European continent, they sell out most venues when they play them for the second time.
Of their latest and strongest studio album to date, Change My Game, Pete Feenstra of Get Ready To Rock said "they draw on a rich heritage of blues, jazz, r&b, soul, funk and rock to pen songs of such stature that they contemporize every facet of their music. Together with Thorbjørn Risager’s unique voice they leave the listener hitting the play again button."
FabricationsHQ's review of Change My Game stated that the album is "a broadening of both the sound and creative scope of the band and one that has universal / airplay appeal beyond the borders of the blues gigs and blues festivals that have seen Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado develop in to a must-see attraction from Canada to India and most points in between."
Catch this must-see band at:
Edinburgh Blues Club (venue: Voodoo Rooms), 28th September.
Hartlepool (venue: Hartlepool Supporters Club), 29th September.
Carlisle Blues Festival (venue: The Crown & Mitre Hotel), 30th September.
Manchester (venue: Band on the Wall), 1st October.
Tickets can be purchased via:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/thorbjorn-risager-and-the-black-tornado
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Fronted by a voice like no other and with undisputed talent, dedication and perseverance, the Danish outfit are on the verge of a success that will open some new doors in new territories; one of the most successful blues & roots bands on the European continent, they sell out most venues when they play them for the second time.
Of their latest and strongest studio album to date, Change My Game, Pete Feenstra of Get Ready To Rock said "they draw on a rich heritage of blues, jazz, r&b, soul, funk and rock to pen songs of such stature that they contemporize every facet of their music. Together with Thorbjørn Risager’s unique voice they leave the listener hitting the play again button."
FabricationsHQ's review of Change My Game stated that the album is "a broadening of both the sound and creative scope of the band and one that has universal / airplay appeal beyond the borders of the blues gigs and blues festivals that have seen Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado develop in to a must-see attraction from Canada to India and most points in between."
Catch this must-see band at:
Edinburgh Blues Club (venue: Voodoo Rooms), 28th September.
Hartlepool (venue: Hartlepool Supporters Club), 29th September.
Carlisle Blues Festival (venue: The Crown & Mitre Hotel), 30th September.
Manchester (venue: Band on the Wall), 1st October.
Tickets can be purchased via:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/thorbjorn-risager-and-the-black-tornado
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Black Country Communion have announced two dates in England for January 2018 in support of the release of their new album BCCIV on Friday 22nd September; the band will play Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Tuesday 2nd January and London Hammersmith Apollo on Thursday 4th January 2018.
These will be the only two concerts the band will play in the UK and Europe.
Tickets are now on sale via 0844 844 0444 or can be booked online from: www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.eventim.co.uk
Black Country Communion comprise vocalist / bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer Jason Bonham, keyboardist Derek Sherinian and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa.
BCCIV is the band’s first studio album since 2013's Afterglow and, like its three predecessors, was overseen by producer Kevin Shirley.
"We had around four months to write this album, and I think the results speak for themselves," comments Glenn Hughes.
"All four of us wanted to make a record that stood up to the first three albums, however, the new album is more of a progression, as we wanted to be careful not to repeat the previous albums.
A lot has happened since we recorded Afterglow so, in many ways, the new album shows BCC with a much harder, riffier and bigger and bolder sound."
'Collide,' the opening track of the album, is also the first single...
These will be the only two concerts the band will play in the UK and Europe.
Tickets are now on sale via 0844 844 0444 or can be booked online from: www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.eventim.co.uk
Black Country Communion comprise vocalist / bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer Jason Bonham, keyboardist Derek Sherinian and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa.
BCCIV is the band’s first studio album since 2013's Afterglow and, like its three predecessors, was overseen by producer Kevin Shirley.
"We had around four months to write this album, and I think the results speak for themselves," comments Glenn Hughes.
"All four of us wanted to make a record that stood up to the first three albums, however, the new album is more of a progression, as we wanted to be careful not to repeat the previous albums.
A lot has happened since we recorded Afterglow so, in many ways, the new album shows BCC with a much harder, riffier and bigger and bolder sound."
'Collide,' the opening track of the album, is also the first single...
Black Country Communion – BCCIV – track listing:
Collide (4:07); Over My Head (4:06); The Last Song For My Resting Place (7:57); Sway (5:24); The Cove (7:11); The Crow (6:00); Wanderlust (8:18); Love Remains (4:53); Awake (4:42); When The Morning Comes (7:56) Bonus Track: (on Vinyl Edition only): With You I Go
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Collide (4:07); Over My Head (4:06); The Last Song For My Resting Place (7:57); Sway (5:24); The Cove (7:11); The Crow (6:00); Wanderlust (8:18); Love Remains (4:53); Awake (4:42); When The Morning Comes (7:56) Bonus Track: (on Vinyl Edition only): With You I Go
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Alice Cooper will perform his first headline tour of the UK in five years when he plays five arena dates in November 2017.
The shows will be at Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London with support from The Mission and The Tubes.
The dates dovetail with Alice Cooper’s recently released new studio album, Paranormal, which features writing input and performances from original Alice Cooper Band members Mike Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith.
Paranromal was recorded with long time Alice Cooper producer Bob Ezrin.
Tickets are on sale now.
Alice Cooper UK Arena dates, November 2017:
Leeds, First Direct Arena - Saturday 11th; Glasgow, The SSE Hydro – Sunday 12th
Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena – Tuesday 14th; Manchester, The Manchester Arena – Wednesday 15th
London, The SSE Arena, Wembley – Thursday 16th
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The shows will be at Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London with support from The Mission and The Tubes.
The dates dovetail with Alice Cooper’s recently released new studio album, Paranormal, which features writing input and performances from original Alice Cooper Band members Mike Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith.
Paranromal was recorded with long time Alice Cooper producer Bob Ezrin.
Tickets are on sale now.
Alice Cooper UK Arena dates, November 2017:
Leeds, First Direct Arena - Saturday 11th; Glasgow, The SSE Hydro – Sunday 12th
Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena – Tuesday 14th; Manchester, The Manchester Arena – Wednesday 15th
London, The SSE Arena, Wembley – Thursday 16th
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Dan Reed Network will be special guest on Extreme’s UK tour dates in December.
Tickets for the Extreme / DRN shows starts with an O2 pre-sale on Wednesday, 2nd August at 9am, followed by a Live Nation pre-sale on Thursday 3rd August at 9am.
Tickets go on sale to the general public from livenation.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.co.uk on Friday 4th August at 9am.
To celebrate their special guest slot the Dan Reed Network have released the official music video for their single 'Infected, ' lifted from their critically acclaimed album Fight Another Day.
Tickets for the Extreme / DRN shows starts with an O2 pre-sale on Wednesday, 2nd August at 9am, followed by a Live Nation pre-sale on Thursday 3rd August at 9am.
Tickets go on sale to the general public from livenation.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.co.uk on Friday 4th August at 9am.
To celebrate their special guest slot the Dan Reed Network have released the official music video for their single 'Infected, ' lifted from their critically acclaimed album Fight Another Day.
"DRN is honoured to be touring with Extreme this December in the UK. The funk rock scene of the late 80s and early 90s was an exciting, inventive era in the music scene and to be sharing the stage with one of a handful of bands that championed that movement will be nothing but good times on stage for us, and a raucous experience for the audience. Time to funk it up big time!"
Dan Reed.
Extreme December 2017 UK Tour with Dan Reed Network
Newcastle O2 Academy - Wednesday 13th December
Glasgow O2 Academy - Thursday 14th December
Leeds O2 Academy - Saturday 16th December
Birmingham O2 Academy - Sunday 17th December
Bristol O2 Academy - Monday 18th December
London O2 Academy Brixton - Wednesday 20th December
Dan Reed.
Extreme December 2017 UK Tour with Dan Reed Network
Newcastle O2 Academy - Wednesday 13th December
Glasgow O2 Academy - Thursday 14th December
Leeds O2 Academy - Saturday 16th December
Birmingham O2 Academy - Sunday 17th December
Bristol O2 Academy - Monday 18th December
London O2 Academy Brixton - Wednesday 20th December
Meanwhile the DRN's front man will release his fourth solo album, Confessions, on Friday the 15th of September.
The album is now available for worldwide pre-order through the Dan Reed Store: https://danreed.tmstor.es/
The new album will coincide with Reed’s four, intimate, Confessions solo shows, including two in beautiful church settings:
London, St. Pancras Old Church, 14 Sept
Manchester, Sacred Trinity Church, Salford, 15 Sept (SOLD OUT)
Newcastle, The Cluny 2, 16 Sept
Nottingham, Greyhound Beeston, 17 Sept (SOLD OUT)
The first three performances are limited in ticket numbers as they are being filmed and recorded for an intimate, up close and personal DVD.
A special video download link will be sent to all ticket holders of the first three performances; after the tour, the gigs will be available to download in high quality MP4 format.
Remaining tickets for the two, non-sold-out shows can be booked from:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/dan-reed-confessions
For Confessions, Dan Reed wanted to create a genuine solo album to push his own comfort zone as a keyboardist and guitarist, creating something entirely from self-expression.
Reed performed all the live instruments and vocals, and also programmed the beats and synth parts; Confessions also features special guest appearances by guitarists Rob Daiker, Geoff Tyson and Martin Tidmarsh.
The review of Dan Reed's recent solo acoustic show at the Dreadnoughtrock in Bathgate, with support from Scottish hard-AOR trio The King Lot, who were also in acoustic mode for the evening, can be read by clicking here.
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The album is now available for worldwide pre-order through the Dan Reed Store: https://danreed.tmstor.es/
The new album will coincide with Reed’s four, intimate, Confessions solo shows, including two in beautiful church settings:
London, St. Pancras Old Church, 14 Sept
Manchester, Sacred Trinity Church, Salford, 15 Sept (SOLD OUT)
Newcastle, The Cluny 2, 16 Sept
Nottingham, Greyhound Beeston, 17 Sept (SOLD OUT)
The first three performances are limited in ticket numbers as they are being filmed and recorded for an intimate, up close and personal DVD.
A special video download link will be sent to all ticket holders of the first three performances; after the tour, the gigs will be available to download in high quality MP4 format.
Remaining tickets for the two, non-sold-out shows can be booked from:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/dan-reed-confessions
For Confessions, Dan Reed wanted to create a genuine solo album to push his own comfort zone as a keyboardist and guitarist, creating something entirely from self-expression.
Reed performed all the live instruments and vocals, and also programmed the beats and synth parts; Confessions also features special guest appearances by guitarists Rob Daiker, Geoff Tyson and Martin Tidmarsh.
The review of Dan Reed's recent solo acoustic show at the Dreadnoughtrock in Bathgate, with support from Scottish hard-AOR trio The King Lot, who were also in acoustic mode for the evening, can be read by clicking here.
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Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, a truly independent and original band within the British blues scene, will play The Corn Exchange in Devizes on Friday 8th September and Farnham Maltings on Thursday 14th September as part of their Summer Gigs schedule.
Built around the creative force and songwriting team of Zoe Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral, the band have made a considerable impact these last five years; they have produced four well received and widely broadcast studio albums (including multiple plays on the BBC Radio 2 Paul Jones show) and two live album in that timeframe.
This is the Life I Choose, the latest in that line of top quality, multi-disciplinary blues, was released in March.
Zoe Schwarz and band also have a series of plaudits and nominations to their name, including Runner-Up nods in both Best Band and Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards two years running.
But this is no "second best" band – this is a first-class outfit with a fresh approach to the UK blues scene.
Zoe Schwarz's distinct vocal stylings (a phrasing that’s all her own with the sophistication of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone and an ability to holler the blues when needed) along with Rob Koral’s catchy, vibrant riffs and musical arrangements, continue to stretch the term "blues," moving forward while nodding to the past.
They also deliver thought provoking or serious lyricism within the subject matter of many of their songs.
'Broken,' from This is the Life I Choose, is a genuine and heartfelt blues for the UK’s homeless (all proceeds from the digital download of the single are donated to the Charity Crisis).
Built around the creative force and songwriting team of Zoe Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral, the band have made a considerable impact these last five years; they have produced four well received and widely broadcast studio albums (including multiple plays on the BBC Radio 2 Paul Jones show) and two live album in that timeframe.
This is the Life I Choose, the latest in that line of top quality, multi-disciplinary blues, was released in March.
Zoe Schwarz and band also have a series of plaudits and nominations to their name, including Runner-Up nods in both Best Band and Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards two years running.
But this is no "second best" band – this is a first-class outfit with a fresh approach to the UK blues scene.
Zoe Schwarz's distinct vocal stylings (a phrasing that’s all her own with the sophistication of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone and an ability to holler the blues when needed) along with Rob Koral’s catchy, vibrant riffs and musical arrangements, continue to stretch the term "blues," moving forward while nodding to the past.
They also deliver thought provoking or serious lyricism within the subject matter of many of their songs.
'Broken,' from This is the Life I Choose, is a genuine and heartfelt blues for the UK’s homeless (all proceeds from the digital download of the single are donated to the Charity Crisis).
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Devizes Friday 8th September
Advance tickets £10.00 (£12.00 on the door); purchase by calling 01380 725 944 or online at:
https://zoeschwarzbluecommotion.bandcamp.com/merch/zoe-schwarz-blue-commotion-the-corn-exchange-devises-08-09-17
Doors open at 7.30pm
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham 14th September
Advance tickets £12.00; purchase by calling 01252 793 430 or reserve online at: http://www.boogaloopromotions.com/tickets/
Doors open at 8.15pm
"A great band. Terrific musicians." Paul Jones Rhythm & Blues, BBC Radio 2
"Innovative spark, virtuoso playing and a dare-devil attitude." Get Ready To Rock
"A whip-crack band… expressive voice… impressive material." Classic Rock The Blues Magazine
"Incendiary vocal, guitar and organ work." Ed Mitchell, The Blues Magazine
"Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion brought a different level of class to the main stage; lovely fluid guitar from Rob Koral & Zoe's powerful, impassioned vocal." Moray Stuart, Blues In Britain (Ealing Blues Festival)
Official website: http://www.bluecommotion.com
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Advance tickets £10.00 (£12.00 on the door); purchase by calling 01380 725 944 or online at:
https://zoeschwarzbluecommotion.bandcamp.com/merch/zoe-schwarz-blue-commotion-the-corn-exchange-devises-08-09-17
Doors open at 7.30pm
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham 14th September
Advance tickets £12.00; purchase by calling 01252 793 430 or reserve online at: http://www.boogaloopromotions.com/tickets/
Doors open at 8.15pm
"A great band. Terrific musicians." Paul Jones Rhythm & Blues, BBC Radio 2
"Innovative spark, virtuoso playing and a dare-devil attitude." Get Ready To Rock
"A whip-crack band… expressive voice… impressive material." Classic Rock The Blues Magazine
"Incendiary vocal, guitar and organ work." Ed Mitchell, The Blues Magazine
"Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion brought a different level of class to the main stage; lovely fluid guitar from Rob Koral & Zoe's powerful, impassioned vocal." Moray Stuart, Blues In Britain (Ealing Blues Festival)
Official website: http://www.bluecommotion.com
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Singer Mollie Marriott, daughter of former Small Faces and Humble Pie singer-guitarist, the late Steve Marriott (and step-daughter to singer Joe Brown) will release her debut album Truth Is a Wolf on Friday 3rd November 2017 via Amadeus Music.
The album can be pre-ordered at www.molliemarriott.com and is available as a standard CD, Deluxe CD and Limited Edition red vinyl.
"Fan favourite" bundles are also available with exclusive signed merchandise ranging from t-shirts, posters, set lists, unique polaroid images and even house gigs.
On Truth is a Wolf Mollie Marriott collaborated with Paul Weller on both the title track and 'King Of Hearts.' 'Control,' the lead-off track from the album, was released as a single in March.
The album can be pre-ordered at www.molliemarriott.com and is available as a standard CD, Deluxe CD and Limited Edition red vinyl.
"Fan favourite" bundles are also available with exclusive signed merchandise ranging from t-shirts, posters, set lists, unique polaroid images and even house gigs.
On Truth is a Wolf Mollie Marriott collaborated with Paul Weller on both the title track and 'King Of Hearts.' 'Control,' the lead-off track from the album, was released as a single in March.
"I’m really excited about the album. It features a lot of different styles and I think it really showcases my vocals. We have a lot of fun making the album and I hope people enjoy listening to it. I can’t wait to perform the songs when we tour with Bad Touch in the UK during November!"
Mollie Marriott
"Infectiously vivacious, soulful and connected. Mollie is the real deal."
Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
"Strong songs with a great voice, Mollie’s got it all."
Ronnie Wood, the Rolling Stones
"…they say the apple doesn’t fall far, it’s not surprising she has an incredibly soulful voice and is a great live performer."
Peter Frampton
Mollie Marriott Truth is a Wolf Track Listing:
Control; Broken; Truth Is a Wolf; Give Me a Reason; Run With the Hounds; Love Your Bones; Transformer; Fortunate Fate; King of Hearts; My Heaven Can Wait; Armour *; Gravity *
(*on Deluxe Edition)
On tour in the UK, November 2017 (Special Guest support to Bad Touch)
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
Sheffield, Plug - Thursday 9th November
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre - Friday 10th November
Hard Rock Hell Festival (Bad Touch only) - Saturday 11th November
Bristol, Tunnels - Thursday 16th November
Manchester, Ruby Lounge - Friday 17th November
Newcastle, Cluny - Saturday 18th November
Nottingham, Bodega - Sunday 19th November
Glasgow, Stereo - Thursday 23rd November
Leeds, Brudenell - Friday 24th November
Coventry, Empire - Saturday 25th November
London, Islington Academy - Sunday 26th November
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Friday 1st December
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 2nd December
Both acts will also be playing Planet Rockstock
(Sunday 3rd December)
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Mollie Marriott
"Infectiously vivacious, soulful and connected. Mollie is the real deal."
Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
"Strong songs with a great voice, Mollie’s got it all."
Ronnie Wood, the Rolling Stones
"…they say the apple doesn’t fall far, it’s not surprising she has an incredibly soulful voice and is a great live performer."
Peter Frampton
Mollie Marriott Truth is a Wolf Track Listing:
Control; Broken; Truth Is a Wolf; Give Me a Reason; Run With the Hounds; Love Your Bones; Transformer; Fortunate Fate; King of Hearts; My Heaven Can Wait; Armour *; Gravity *
(*on Deluxe Edition)
On tour in the UK, November 2017 (Special Guest support to Bad Touch)
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
Sheffield, Plug - Thursday 9th November
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre - Friday 10th November
Hard Rock Hell Festival (Bad Touch only) - Saturday 11th November
Bristol, Tunnels - Thursday 16th November
Manchester, Ruby Lounge - Friday 17th November
Newcastle, Cluny - Saturday 18th November
Nottingham, Bodega - Sunday 19th November
Glasgow, Stereo - Thursday 23rd November
Leeds, Brudenell - Friday 24th November
Coventry, Empire - Saturday 25th November
London, Islington Academy - Sunday 26th November
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Friday 1st December
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 2nd December
Both acts will also be playing Planet Rockstock
(Sunday 3rd December)
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Derby based Doomsday Outlaw, who showcased an attention grabbing delivery of hard 'n' heavy southern styled blues rock on their second album, last year’s Suffer More, have just released gritty and blues drenched 'All That I Have' as a single.
The song is also a strong marker of the band’s expanded sound that strikes a balance between heavy blues and heavy metal (as opposed to following the metal brick road that led to debut album Black River); of the song, lead vocalist Phil Poole (who made his debut with the band on Suffer More) says:
"All That I Have marks the start of the journey into recording our album Suffer More as the first song we wrote together and also a favourite of ours and fans. It encapsulates the whole feel of the album and my personal experience at the time of writing. A song about loss, love, depression… but ultimately redemption."
The song is also a strong marker of the band’s expanded sound that strikes a balance between heavy blues and heavy metal (as opposed to following the metal brick road that led to debut album Black River); of the song, lead vocalist Phil Poole (who made his debut with the band on Suffer More) says:
"All That I Have marks the start of the journey into recording our album Suffer More as the first song we wrote together and also a favourite of ours and fans. It encapsulates the whole feel of the album and my personal experience at the time of writing. A song about loss, love, depression… but ultimately redemption."
Doomsday Outlaw are currently in the studio laying down new tracks for their Frontiers Records label debut (due for release in Spring 2018) but will be performing a couple of dates in early August:
4th August - The Old School House, Barnsley
5th August - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (Mosh for Rossi charity festival)
'All That I Have' can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-That-I-Have-Single/dp/B0743MN7M3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501080893&sr=8-3&keywords=doomsday+outlaw
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/all-that-i-have-single/id1261808893
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4th August - The Old School House, Barnsley
5th August - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (Mosh for Rossi charity festival)
'All That I Have' can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-That-I-Have-Single/dp/B0743MN7M3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501080893&sr=8-3&keywords=doomsday+outlaw
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/all-that-i-have-single/id1261808893
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British avant-garde progressives Gentle Giant, whose ambitious and complex work produced an eleven album career from 1970 to 1980, will release Three Piece Suite (Steven Wilson Mix) on September the 29th.
The album is a specially curated selection of songs and compositions from the band’s first three albums (Giant, Acquiring the Taste, Three Friends); the song choices were determined by the limited availability of multi-track master tapes from the era (only a few songs from each album are known to exist as multi-tracks, with the rest presumably lost).
The tracks selected for Three Piece Suite are presented in both 5.1 surround sound and as a new stereo mix from Steven Wilson, fast becoming as well-known and acclaimed for his classic back catalogue remixes (including Jethro Tull and King Crimson) as he is for his solo work and various side-projects.
Wilson was also responsible for the 5.1 and new stereo mixes of Gentle Giant’s 1974 album The Power and the Glory and 1972’s Octopus (in 2014 and 2015 respectively).
In anticipation of Three Piece Suite an animated video for 'Peel the Paint' has been released.
The album is a specially curated selection of songs and compositions from the band’s first three albums (Giant, Acquiring the Taste, Three Friends); the song choices were determined by the limited availability of multi-track master tapes from the era (only a few songs from each album are known to exist as multi-tracks, with the rest presumably lost).
The tracks selected for Three Piece Suite are presented in both 5.1 surround sound and as a new stereo mix from Steven Wilson, fast becoming as well-known and acclaimed for his classic back catalogue remixes (including Jethro Tull and King Crimson) as he is for his solo work and various side-projects.
Wilson was also responsible for the 5.1 and new stereo mixes of Gentle Giant’s 1974 album The Power and the Glory and 1972’s Octopus (in 2014 and 2015 respectively).
In anticipation of Three Piece Suite an animated video for 'Peel the Paint' has been released.
Three Piece Suite will be available in the following formats:
Two-disc digipak containing 96/24 animated Blu-ray plus CD; Single disc digipak CD;
Two-disc gatefold LP in180g high-end vinyl; 95/24 digital download of the CD version.
The album’s liner notes, by interviewer Anil Prasad, include reflections from Gentle Giant’s members about the writing and recording sessions. Steven Wilson and Tony Visconti also share their observations about the early days of this collection of timeless music from one of progressive rock’s most influential bands.
"I was a very optimistic young man in 1970… I thought music like theirs would save the world from mediocrity. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth in it. I championed their cause by becoming sympathetic to the point where I temporarily joined the band for both albums. I modified their arrangements and pulled off some stunning audio effects that gave their sound more depth and immediacy. The band knew I was on their side.
I remember there being a great feeling of camaraderie during the sessions."
Tony Visconti
"To create the new mixes, I used Logic as the software and Universal Audio plug-ins, which provide emulations of classic analog outboard effects, channel strips and old mixing desks… I used these tools to clean things up and bring out some more clarity, detail and definition in some of the instrumental interplay. There was never a question of trying to outdo the original mixes, but offer different perspectives on them."
Steven Wilson
Three Piece Suite track listing:
Giant, 'Nothing at All, Why Not (from Giant), Pantagruel’s Nativity, The House, The Street, The Room (from Acquiring the Taste), Schooldays, Peel the Paint, Mr. Class and Quality?, Three Friends (from Three Friends), Freedom’s Child (previously commercially unreleased, from the band’s first recording sessions with producer Tony Visconti).
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Two-disc digipak containing 96/24 animated Blu-ray plus CD; Single disc digipak CD;
Two-disc gatefold LP in180g high-end vinyl; 95/24 digital download of the CD version.
The album’s liner notes, by interviewer Anil Prasad, include reflections from Gentle Giant’s members about the writing and recording sessions. Steven Wilson and Tony Visconti also share their observations about the early days of this collection of timeless music from one of progressive rock’s most influential bands.
"I was a very optimistic young man in 1970… I thought music like theirs would save the world from mediocrity. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth in it. I championed their cause by becoming sympathetic to the point where I temporarily joined the band for both albums. I modified their arrangements and pulled off some stunning audio effects that gave their sound more depth and immediacy. The band knew I was on their side.
I remember there being a great feeling of camaraderie during the sessions."
Tony Visconti
"To create the new mixes, I used Logic as the software and Universal Audio plug-ins, which provide emulations of classic analog outboard effects, channel strips and old mixing desks… I used these tools to clean things up and bring out some more clarity, detail and definition in some of the instrumental interplay. There was never a question of trying to outdo the original mixes, but offer different perspectives on them."
Steven Wilson
Three Piece Suite track listing:
Giant, 'Nothing at All, Why Not (from Giant), Pantagruel’s Nativity, The House, The Street, The Room (from Acquiring the Taste), Schooldays, Peel the Paint, Mr. Class and Quality?, Three Friends (from Three Friends), Freedom’s Child (previously commercially unreleased, from the band’s first recording sessions with producer Tony Visconti).
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The Waterboys have got their popedelic funk on for new single 'If The Answer is Yeah,' recently released as an official audio taster for forthcoming double album Out Of All This Blue, released September 8th.
An instant download of the single is available to anyone pre-ordering Out Of All This Blue from the band's official store or iTunes via the link https://TheWaterboys.lnk.to/BlueFA
An instant download of the single is available to anyone pre-ordering Out Of All This Blue from the band's official store or iTunes via the link https://TheWaterboys.lnk.to/BlueFA
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Cardington, the second studio album from modern melodic progressives Lifesigns featuring John Young (keyboards & lead vocals), Frosty Beedle (drums), Jon Poole (bass) and Steve Rispin (sound) is set for release between mid to late August.
The album also features guest guitar contributions from Dave Bainbridge (Iona, Celestial Fire, Strawbs, Lifesigns for future live shows), Menno Gootjes (Focus), Niko Tsonev (Steven Wilson, Lifesigns 2014-2016) and Robin Boult (Fish).
The release of Cardington follows a successful PledgeMusic campaign where the band’s fans helped to fund the album upfront.
Those who pledged and supported will automatically receive a copy of the album; those yet to order or wishing to purchase can do so at: www.lifesigns.me/product/lifesigns-cardington/
The album will initially be available on CD with a vinyl version expected to follow a few weeks after CD release.
Cardington features seven tracks comprised of four songs and three larger pieces, including the title track, which tells the story of the famous Cardington Sheds in Bedfordshire, originally built to house the R100 and R101 Airships in the late 1920's and early 1930's.
The Cardington Sheds (only a few miles from "Lifesigns HQ" and the centrepiece for the artwork used on the album’s front cover) can still be seen and are a monument to both the past and the future.
In the 1920’s it was thought that airships would take over world travel but it was not to be; the Cardington Sheds have become a monument to glorious failure (and the related tragedy of the R101’s fatal crash in France in 1930) and a place that contains the spirit of a bygone age.
The two sheds at Cardington are still used. One operates as a film set (and for rehearsals of major touring bands) while the other acts as the home base of the Hybrid Air Vehicle, Airlander 10.
Cardington – Lifesigns, released August 2017
Track Listing : N; Voice In My Head; Chasing Rainbows; Difference; Impossible; Touch; Cardington
Lifesigns outstanding self-titled debut album was released in 2013 on the Antenna / Esoteric label; it received solid critical acclaim and was a Feature Review on FabricationsHQ.
A number of impressive live shows were performed in 2014 and 2015 (including Cruise To The Edge both those years) culminating in the excellent Live in London - Under the Bridge CD/DVD set.
Well received festival appearances at the Ramblin’ Man Fair, Cropredy and Loreley Night of the Prog followed in 2016 as well as support to Marillion on their summer dates in Germany.
Although no gigs are planned in 2017, Lifesigns intend to announce three shows in January 2018 to accompany their welcome return to Cruise To The Edge (February 3rd-8th) and an appearance at Progdreams VII at the De Boerderij, Zoetermeer on March 4th.
Click here for FabricationsHQ’s extensive interview feature with John Young from 2016
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The album also features guest guitar contributions from Dave Bainbridge (Iona, Celestial Fire, Strawbs, Lifesigns for future live shows), Menno Gootjes (Focus), Niko Tsonev (Steven Wilson, Lifesigns 2014-2016) and Robin Boult (Fish).
The release of Cardington follows a successful PledgeMusic campaign where the band’s fans helped to fund the album upfront.
Those who pledged and supported will automatically receive a copy of the album; those yet to order or wishing to purchase can do so at: www.lifesigns.me/product/lifesigns-cardington/
The album will initially be available on CD with a vinyl version expected to follow a few weeks after CD release.
Cardington features seven tracks comprised of four songs and three larger pieces, including the title track, which tells the story of the famous Cardington Sheds in Bedfordshire, originally built to house the R100 and R101 Airships in the late 1920's and early 1930's.
The Cardington Sheds (only a few miles from "Lifesigns HQ" and the centrepiece for the artwork used on the album’s front cover) can still be seen and are a monument to both the past and the future.
In the 1920’s it was thought that airships would take over world travel but it was not to be; the Cardington Sheds have become a monument to glorious failure (and the related tragedy of the R101’s fatal crash in France in 1930) and a place that contains the spirit of a bygone age.
The two sheds at Cardington are still used. One operates as a film set (and for rehearsals of major touring bands) while the other acts as the home base of the Hybrid Air Vehicle, Airlander 10.
Cardington – Lifesigns, released August 2017
Track Listing : N; Voice In My Head; Chasing Rainbows; Difference; Impossible; Touch; Cardington
Lifesigns outstanding self-titled debut album was released in 2013 on the Antenna / Esoteric label; it received solid critical acclaim and was a Feature Review on FabricationsHQ.
A number of impressive live shows were performed in 2014 and 2015 (including Cruise To The Edge both those years) culminating in the excellent Live in London - Under the Bridge CD/DVD set.
Well received festival appearances at the Ramblin’ Man Fair, Cropredy and Loreley Night of the Prog followed in 2016 as well as support to Marillion on their summer dates in Germany.
Although no gigs are planned in 2017, Lifesigns intend to announce three shows in January 2018 to accompany their welcome return to Cruise To The Edge (February 3rd-8th) and an appearance at Progdreams VII at the De Boerderij, Zoetermeer on March 4th.
Click here for FabricationsHQ’s extensive interview feature with John Young from 2016
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Mr. Big have announced a UK tour for November 2017 to promote their new album, Defying Gravity.
The shows, the concluding dates of what will be a headlining European tour, will also feature The Answer and Faster Pussycat.
16th November – Nottingham, Rock City
17th November – Newcastle, O2 Academy
19th November – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
21st November – Manchester, Academy
22nd November – Glasgow, O2 ABC
23rd November – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
Recorded in just six days at Ocean Studios in Burbank, California, Defying Gravity reunites Mr. Big with producer Kevin Elson, who was behind the glass for the band’s first four albums.
The new album showcases the trademark Mr. Big sound and songcraft of melody and virtuoso bass and guitar interplay but there’s a bluesier sensibility at the heart of Defying Gravity, exemplified by the big beats and bluesy rock of 'Everybody Needs a Little Trouble' and the slide affected melodic blues of 'Be Kind.'
Elsewhere there’s the self-effacing, nostalgia-rock nod to a chart-topping past on '1992' while the snappy beats and melodic hard pop 'n' roll of the title track is a declaration of positivity, beating the odds and still swinging two decades after many similar bands would have run out of steam or called it a day...
The shows, the concluding dates of what will be a headlining European tour, will also feature The Answer and Faster Pussycat.
16th November – Nottingham, Rock City
17th November – Newcastle, O2 Academy
19th November – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
21st November – Manchester, Academy
22nd November – Glasgow, O2 ABC
23rd November – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
Recorded in just six days at Ocean Studios in Burbank, California, Defying Gravity reunites Mr. Big with producer Kevin Elson, who was behind the glass for the band’s first four albums.
The new album showcases the trademark Mr. Big sound and songcraft of melody and virtuoso bass and guitar interplay but there’s a bluesier sensibility at the heart of Defying Gravity, exemplified by the big beats and bluesy rock of 'Everybody Needs a Little Trouble' and the slide affected melodic blues of 'Be Kind.'
Elsewhere there’s the self-effacing, nostalgia-rock nod to a chart-topping past on '1992' while the snappy beats and melodic hard pop 'n' roll of the title track is a declaration of positivity, beating the odds and still swinging two decades after many similar bands would have run out of steam or called it a day...
Defying Gravity is released on Frontiers Records on Friday the 21st of July on CD, Deluxe CD/DVD and digital formats; Vinyl LP version and a limited deluxe Collector’s Edition box set will be released on the 18th of August.
Click here for FabricationsHQ’s review of Defying Gravity.
Mr. Big : Eric Martin - Vocals, Paul Gilbert - Guitar, Billy Sheehan- Bass, Pat Torpey- drums
Matt Starr - touring drummer
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Click here for FabricationsHQ’s review of Defying Gravity.
Mr. Big : Eric Martin - Vocals, Paul Gilbert - Guitar, Billy Sheehan- Bass, Pat Torpey- drums
Matt Starr - touring drummer
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German art-rock progressives RPWL have just released their new live video/album A New Dawn.
The concept albums Beyond Man and Time (2012) and Wanted (2014) were career highlights for RPWL, who now celebrate two decades together with the release of the conceptual concert movie A New Dawn.
Documenting the last stop on a tour in support of Wanted
(a triumphant appearance in their hometown of Freising, Bavaria on October 31st 2015) the elaborate one-off show comprised not only a rock concert, but also a play and a multimedia event, involving fifty actors and extras.
That performance is now released as the multi-format title A New Dawn, available on BluRay and DVD, with the audio also available as 2xCD and 3xLP.
A limited Collector’s Box version adds the script of the performance, a poster and a 'Veritas Forte' pill from the show to all the aforementioned formats. The BluRay is presented in Dolby Atmos surround sound.
With Beyond Man and Time RPWL were spinning the big wheel, musically as well as thematically.
The first part of an evolving album trilogy about the liberation of the mind was a direct reference to Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, while their multi-layered concept revolved around a protagonist seeking his inner self.
For its sequel, Wanted, the band created an imaginative story about a band trying to spread the homeopathic hyper-awareness drug 'Veritas Forte.'
As a consequence faced with the wrath of political and religious leaders, the band is driven underground – and is 'Wanted.'
The ensuing Wanted tour took RPWL through much of mainland Europe where the band’s shows were cleverly woven multi-media events.
For the last show of the tour, on Halloween 2015, the performance was massively re-arranged and received a new title : A New Dawn.
The concept albums Beyond Man and Time (2012) and Wanted (2014) were career highlights for RPWL, who now celebrate two decades together with the release of the conceptual concert movie A New Dawn.
Documenting the last stop on a tour in support of Wanted
(a triumphant appearance in their hometown of Freising, Bavaria on October 31st 2015) the elaborate one-off show comprised not only a rock concert, but also a play and a multimedia event, involving fifty actors and extras.
That performance is now released as the multi-format title A New Dawn, available on BluRay and DVD, with the audio also available as 2xCD and 3xLP.
A limited Collector’s Box version adds the script of the performance, a poster and a 'Veritas Forte' pill from the show to all the aforementioned formats. The BluRay is presented in Dolby Atmos surround sound.
With Beyond Man and Time RPWL were spinning the big wheel, musically as well as thematically.
The first part of an evolving album trilogy about the liberation of the mind was a direct reference to Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, while their multi-layered concept revolved around a protagonist seeking his inner self.
For its sequel, Wanted, the band created an imaginative story about a band trying to spread the homeopathic hyper-awareness drug 'Veritas Forte.'
As a consequence faced with the wrath of political and religious leaders, the band is driven underground – and is 'Wanted.'
The ensuing Wanted tour took RPWL through much of mainland Europe where the band’s shows were cleverly woven multi-media events.
For the last show of the tour, on Halloween 2015, the performance was massively re-arranged and received a new title : A New Dawn.
For A New Dawn, selected Wanted chapters were extended and the production established a direct connection with the Beyond Man and Time album via its ensemble cast.
The performance turned into a memorable show in front of an enthusiastic audience, which RPWL refer to as one of the absolute highlights of their career.
The A New Dawn BluRay and DVD formats comprise two-hour long stereo and surround sound mixes of the concert, each with audio tracks in both English as well as German.
For the English version the lines from the German language live show were dubbed by the
narrator and the actors.
Both formats also contain extras: a 15 minute 'Making Of' film, the encore 'Unchain The Earth' and an unreleased video clip of 'The Fisherman,' a 15 minute song contained on Beyond Man and Time.
RPWL : Yogi Lang (vocals & keyboards); Kalle Wallner (guitars); Markus Jehle (keyboards); Werner Taus (bass); Marc Turiaux (drums)
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The performance turned into a memorable show in front of an enthusiastic audience, which RPWL refer to as one of the absolute highlights of their career.
The A New Dawn BluRay and DVD formats comprise two-hour long stereo and surround sound mixes of the concert, each with audio tracks in both English as well as German.
For the English version the lines from the German language live show were dubbed by the
narrator and the actors.
Both formats also contain extras: a 15 minute 'Making Of' film, the encore 'Unchain The Earth' and an unreleased video clip of 'The Fisherman,' a 15 minute song contained on Beyond Man and Time.
RPWL : Yogi Lang (vocals & keyboards); Kalle Wallner (guitars); Markus Jehle (keyboards); Werner Taus (bass); Marc Turiaux (drums)
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Bigfoot, the hard rock outfit from Wigan who sport a wide range of influences, from the Eagles to Pantera, have become one of the latest UK signings by Frontiers Music Srl, who also have the excellent Glasgow based Mason Hill on their books (see news item and video further down this page).
To celebrate, Frontiers have just released the official music video for 'The Fear,' a song that will appear on the band’s forthcoming, self-titled debut album.
'The Fear' was written shortly after the release of the second EP; Sam Millar describes the track, lyrically, as "a song about the fear in our heads and how it can consume your whole life and take over."
Mick McCullagh adds that, musically, 'The Fear' "is a Jekyll and Hyde type affair. There’s the gnarly, in your face heavy rock guitar side of it, then the melodic, anthemic side with big uplifting vocals. It’s very dynamic."
To celebrate, Frontiers have just released the official music video for 'The Fear,' a song that will appear on the band’s forthcoming, self-titled debut album.
'The Fear' was written shortly after the release of the second EP; Sam Millar describes the track, lyrically, as "a song about the fear in our heads and how it can consume your whole life and take over."
Mick McCullagh adds that, musically, 'The Fear' "is a Jekyll and Hyde type affair. There’s the gnarly, in your face heavy rock guitar side of it, then the melodic, anthemic side with big uplifting vocals. It’s very dynamic."
Touring constantly since 2014 and performing at festivals including Breakout, Bloodstock, Hard Rock Hell and Steelhouse, the quintet – Antony Ellis (vocals), Sam Millar & Mick McCullagh (guitars), Matt Avery (bass), Tom Aspinall (drums) – built themselves a solid and loyal grassroots following in their home territory.
Two successful self-released EP’s also helped to draw the attention of the Italian rock-based label Frontiers Music.
The self-titled debut album by Bigfoot is due to be released on the 13th of October; it was co-produced by the band with Justin Richards, who also mixed the record.
Track listing : Karma; The Fear; Tell Me a Lie; Forever Alone; Eat Your Words; Prisoner of War; Freak Show; I Dare You; The Devil in Me; Uninvited; Yours.
Upcoming UK shows:
25th August – Hair Metal Heaven, Hull
14th October – Sound Control, Manchester (album launch event)
11th November – Corporation, Sheffield (supporting Tyketto)
24th November – WinterStorm Festival, Troon
25th November – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh (supporting Tyketto)
Website : www.bigfootband.co.uk
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Two successful self-released EP’s also helped to draw the attention of the Italian rock-based label Frontiers Music.
The self-titled debut album by Bigfoot is due to be released on the 13th of October; it was co-produced by the band with Justin Richards, who also mixed the record.
Track listing : Karma; The Fear; Tell Me a Lie; Forever Alone; Eat Your Words; Prisoner of War; Freak Show; I Dare You; The Devil in Me; Uninvited; Yours.
Upcoming UK shows:
25th August – Hair Metal Heaven, Hull
14th October – Sound Control, Manchester (album launch event)
11th November – Corporation, Sheffield (supporting Tyketto)
24th November – WinterStorm Festival, Troon
25th November – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh (supporting Tyketto)
Website : www.bigfootband.co.uk
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Following Joe Bonamassa’s successful UK tour earlier this year, which included two sold out concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the celebrated blues-rock singer-songwriter-guitarist will return to the UK in March 2018 to perform seven shows.
The dates include trips to Cardiff (Motorpoint Arena, March 9), Manchester (Manchester Arena, March 10), Carlisle (Sands Centre, March 11), Aberdeen (GE Oil & Gas Centre, March 13), Gateshead (Sage, March 14), Birmingham (Genting Arena, March 16) and Brighton (Brighton Centre, March 17).
Tickets for all seven shows will be available via a
72-hour ticket pre-sale from www.planetrock.com from 9am on Tuesday 11th July, 2017.
Tickets will then go on general sale at 9am on Friday 14th July from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates.
The March 2018 UK tour will feature Joe Bonamassa and a band of world-class musicians playing material from latest studio album Blues of Desperation and a number of Bonamassa fan favourites.
Joe Bonamassa – March 2018 UK Tour
72-hour ticket pre-sale from www.planetrock.com from 9am on Tuesday 11th July.
General sale from 9am on Friday 14th July from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates
24 Hour Ticket Hotline: 0844 844 0444
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The dates include trips to Cardiff (Motorpoint Arena, March 9), Manchester (Manchester Arena, March 10), Carlisle (Sands Centre, March 11), Aberdeen (GE Oil & Gas Centre, March 13), Gateshead (Sage, March 14), Birmingham (Genting Arena, March 16) and Brighton (Brighton Centre, March 17).
Tickets for all seven shows will be available via a
72-hour ticket pre-sale from www.planetrock.com from 9am on Tuesday 11th July, 2017.
Tickets will then go on general sale at 9am on Friday 14th July from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates.
The March 2018 UK tour will feature Joe Bonamassa and a band of world-class musicians playing material from latest studio album Blues of Desperation and a number of Bonamassa fan favourites.
Joe Bonamassa – March 2018 UK Tour
72-hour ticket pre-sale from www.planetrock.com from 9am on Tuesday 11th July.
General sale from 9am on Friday 14th July from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates
24 Hour Ticket Hotline: 0844 844 0444
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Solid Entertainments have announced the Ilfracombe Folk, Roots & World Music Festival will be returning to Ilfracombe Holiday Park on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of October.
The event is followed one month later by the Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival, which returns to Ilfracombe Holiday Park over the 10th, 11th & 12th of November (see news item further down this page).
With two major name headliners in Fairport Convention and Lindisfarne, a final headline act to be named soon and another fifteen very different, beguiling acts on the bill, this promises to be one of North Devon's finest festivals in 2017.
Based in suburban north London, Fairport Convention played their first concert in a church hall in May 1967. Half a century later, they are still in fine form and one of the busiest bands around.
In 2002 Fairport Convention won the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and their seminal album Liege and Lief was voted Best Folk Album Ever by Radio 2 listeners (in 2006 Liege and Lief was awarded a Gold Disc for its continuing sales).
The current Fairport Convention line-up is Simon Nicol (lead vocal, rhythm and electric guitars), Dave Pegg (backing vocals, bass guitar, mandolin), Ric Sanders (violin), Chris Leslie (lead vocal, fiddle, bouzouki, mandolin) and Gerry Conway (percussion and drums).
In the 21st century Lindisfarne, the unforgettable 70s folk-rock pioneers, are based around a six-piece line-up of co-founder Rod Clements (vocals, mandolin, slide guitar, fiddle), long-time members Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars), Steve Daggett (vocals, keyboards, guitars), Charlie Harcourt (guitar, vocals), Ian Thomson (bass, vocals) and ex-Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson, who joined in 2013.
With a repertoire of timeless songs including 'Meet Me On The Corner,' 'Fog On The Tyne,' 'Lady Eleanor' and 'Run For Home,' Lindisfarne's power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.
The event is followed one month later by the Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival, which returns to Ilfracombe Holiday Park over the 10th, 11th & 12th of November (see news item further down this page).
With two major name headliners in Fairport Convention and Lindisfarne, a final headline act to be named soon and another fifteen very different, beguiling acts on the bill, this promises to be one of North Devon's finest festivals in 2017.
Based in suburban north London, Fairport Convention played their first concert in a church hall in May 1967. Half a century later, they are still in fine form and one of the busiest bands around.
In 2002 Fairport Convention won the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and their seminal album Liege and Lief was voted Best Folk Album Ever by Radio 2 listeners (in 2006 Liege and Lief was awarded a Gold Disc for its continuing sales).
The current Fairport Convention line-up is Simon Nicol (lead vocal, rhythm and electric guitars), Dave Pegg (backing vocals, bass guitar, mandolin), Ric Sanders (violin), Chris Leslie (lead vocal, fiddle, bouzouki, mandolin) and Gerry Conway (percussion and drums).
In the 21st century Lindisfarne, the unforgettable 70s folk-rock pioneers, are based around a six-piece line-up of co-founder Rod Clements (vocals, mandolin, slide guitar, fiddle), long-time members Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars), Steve Daggett (vocals, keyboards, guitars), Charlie Harcourt (guitar, vocals), Ian Thomson (bass, vocals) and ex-Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson, who joined in 2013.
With a repertoire of timeless songs including 'Meet Me On The Corner,' 'Fog On The Tyne,' 'Lady Eleanor' and 'Run For Home,' Lindisfarne's power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.
Situated in a beautiful part of the country, Ilfracombe holiday park has been extensively refurbished by the new owners; with fully furnished apartments, ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms and a range of great facilities, everything needed is under one roof.
Additionally car parking is free for the weekend and food and drinks will also be available via a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales and a varied menu.
The Ilfracombe Folk, Roots & World Music Festival, 20th, 21st and 22nd October, 2017
Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
Early Bird Tickets: £119 per person - includes three nights self-catering accommodation (based on 2/3/4 Sharing)
Early Bird Ticket (Single Occupancy): £145 - includes 3 nights self-catering accommodation
Day Tickets: £25 per person
Tickets can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at http://www.ilfracombefolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.ilfracombefolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Music starts at 2pm and ends at 11.30pm each day/ evening.
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Additionally car parking is free for the weekend and food and drinks will also be available via a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales and a varied menu.
The Ilfracombe Folk, Roots & World Music Festival, 20th, 21st and 22nd October, 2017
Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
Early Bird Tickets: £119 per person - includes three nights self-catering accommodation (based on 2/3/4 Sharing)
Early Bird Ticket (Single Occupancy): £145 - includes 3 nights self-catering accommodation
Day Tickets: £25 per person
Tickets can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at http://www.ilfracombefolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.ilfracombefolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Music starts at 2pm and ends at 11.30pm each day/ evening.
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Jes Falcon isn’t a household name but every household who enjoys rock with a twist, or quirky alt-pop, should be giving him a listen.
FabricationsHQ has been a fan and supporter of Jes Falcon (and entertainer styled artists like him) since the engaging, Spanish born (but Euro and US travelling) musician released his first full–length work Fake Bluff in 2012.
He’s also created some clever little videos with high production values to promote his music, the latest being for 'Shut Up, I’m On a Roll!' a fun little number that will feature on forthcoming album Things Nobody Taught Us.
The fact that this particular video/ song will never bounce around the world and back again Gangnam Style, instead more than likely destined for low-level numbers success, is something I doubt Jes Falcon cares a jot about, much preferring to be counted among those for whom it’s about artistic passion over musical fashion.
Which is just another reason to like the guy.
FabricationsHQ has been a fan and supporter of Jes Falcon (and entertainer styled artists like him) since the engaging, Spanish born (but Euro and US travelling) musician released his first full–length work Fake Bluff in 2012.
He’s also created some clever little videos with high production values to promote his music, the latest being for 'Shut Up, I’m On a Roll!' a fun little number that will feature on forthcoming album Things Nobody Taught Us.
The fact that this particular video/ song will never bounce around the world and back again Gangnam Style, instead more than likely destined for low-level numbers success, is something I doubt Jes Falcon cares a jot about, much preferring to be counted among those for whom it’s about artistic passion over musical fashion.
Which is just another reason to like the guy.
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Following last year’s European tour with Zakk Wylde and his UK tour dates supporting Walter Trout, blues raucous guitarist Jared James Nichols was back in the UK in June as support to Blue Oyster Cult on their 45th Anniversary UK tour shows.
Nichols also supported UFO on two dates in July and made festival appearances at Ramblin' Man Fair and the Steelhouse Festival.
FabricationsHQ caught up with the Wisconsin born musician after his set in Glasgow supporting Blue Oyster Cult; it's a testament to the singer and guitarist's stage presence, musical muscle and bristling energy of his blues rock power trio – Nichols, Denis Holm (bass), Erik Sandin (drums) – that his set was not just well received but well attended by a still arriving crowd who were there to see 45 years of rock legends Blue Oyster Cult and not necessarily a full-on, meaty half hour of blues rock.
"Yeah, you never know, but that was a great crowd, confirmed Nichols, "and last night at Nottingham was just jammed! It's great to play the UK again and watching Blues Oyster Cult is always gonna be special!"
While the set is still based around Jared James Nichols acclaimed debut album Old Glory and the Wild Revival (including a blistering rendition of album opening number 'Playin' For Keeps' and the "boogie like we're down on the farm!" (to use Nichols' own introduction) of 'Can You Feel It'), a taster of what's to come on album number two, Black Magic, was featured by way of new single 'Last Chance.'
It's a short, sharp 'n' feisty number that’s not so much full-on blues rock as pedal down blues rawk...
Nichols also supported UFO on two dates in July and made festival appearances at Ramblin' Man Fair and the Steelhouse Festival.
FabricationsHQ caught up with the Wisconsin born musician after his set in Glasgow supporting Blue Oyster Cult; it's a testament to the singer and guitarist's stage presence, musical muscle and bristling energy of his blues rock power trio – Nichols, Denis Holm (bass), Erik Sandin (drums) – that his set was not just well received but well attended by a still arriving crowd who were there to see 45 years of rock legends Blue Oyster Cult and not necessarily a full-on, meaty half hour of blues rock.
"Yeah, you never know, but that was a great crowd, confirmed Nichols, "and last night at Nottingham was just jammed! It's great to play the UK again and watching Blues Oyster Cult is always gonna be special!"
While the set is still based around Jared James Nichols acclaimed debut album Old Glory and the Wild Revival (including a blistering rendition of album opening number 'Playin' For Keeps' and the "boogie like we're down on the farm!" (to use Nichols' own introduction) of 'Can You Feel It'), a taster of what's to come on album number two, Black Magic, was featured by way of new single 'Last Chance.'
It's a short, sharp 'n' feisty number that’s not so much full-on blues rock as pedal down blues rawk...
Hailed as one of the most exciting new blues rock guitarists around, Jared James Nichols is no stranger to UK audiences; in 2015 he embarked on a full European tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd followed by a UK tour supporting the legendary Glenn Hughes.
Nichols gained a lot of new fans with his performances and collected rave reviews from the critics for his debut studio album Old Glory and the Wild Revival and follow-on Highwayman EP, of which FabricationsHQ commented "both album and EP deserve the attention of every fan of vibrant, high-energy, guitar slingin’ blues rock."
As confirmed by Jared james Nichols, Black Magic is scheduled for a September release ("It's being mixed and mastered as we speak; I can't wait to get it out there!")
Look out for a Feature-Interview article with Jared James Nichols on FabricationsHQ later in the year.
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Nichols gained a lot of new fans with his performances and collected rave reviews from the critics for his debut studio album Old Glory and the Wild Revival and follow-on Highwayman EP, of which FabricationsHQ commented "both album and EP deserve the attention of every fan of vibrant, high-energy, guitar slingin’ blues rock."
As confirmed by Jared james Nichols, Black Magic is scheduled for a September release ("It's being mixed and mastered as we speak; I can't wait to get it out there!")
Look out for a Feature-Interview article with Jared James Nichols on FabricationsHQ later in the year.
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IO Earth, the Birmingham based symphonic progressives with a distinct and powerful sound (and a band who have incorporated everything from dance to ambient to heavy rock in their sonic repertoire, the "IO Earth Sound") will return to the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham for the third time in May 2018 when they present another IO Earth Extravaganza Weekend.
Held over the 5th and 6th of May, the weekend event will include two shows on the first day with a Meet & Greet (at the Pitcher and Piano, Brindley Place) the following day.
The first show on Saturday the 5th of May is a "By Request" performance where IO Earth fans pick the set list (the band’s official Facebook page is the place to see when and where to make any set-list requests.
The second show, later that same day, will be a performance of IO Earth’s forthcoming studio release, Solitude, in its entirety – the band’s fourth album can be pre-ordered now via the band’s PledgeMusic page where you can also buy related merchandise, a double vinyl edition of Solitude, the opportunity to purchase a front row ticket (with sound check access) for both 5th of May shows and a number of "Artist Experience" offers.
Tickets for the Extravaganza Weekend are on sale now via the Crescent Theatre’s website or Box Office:
121 643 5858
Tickets are £33.50 (includes booking fee)
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Saturday 5th May 2018:
IO Earth with the Orchestra of Sound and Emotion
Crescent Theatre (Main House)
Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
Anticipated running time: 3 hours
15:30 - IO Earth ("By Request" show)
20:30 - IO Earth (Solitude) "UK Premier Performance"
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Sunday 6th May 2018:
Meet & Greet at The Pitcher & Piano, Brindley Place
13:00 Onwards
IO Earth – Solitude
The follow-up to their critically acclaimed New World album, Solitude returns to a single disk format and will have a very pronounced theme dealing with the struggles of mental illness and depression.
As always however, while the music may address darker issues, it will also consist of uplifting and beautiful melodies, giving the overall feeling of hope and redemption.
IO Earth’s core consists of the writing and performing duo of Dave Cureton and Adam Gough.
Along with their incredibly gifted band members, they promise another breathtaking project in this, their fourth studio album.
Dave Cureton: Guitars, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Adam Gough: Keyboads, Piano, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Luke Shingler: Soprano Sax, Flute, EWI
Jez King: Violin
Christian Nokes: Bass Guitar
CJ Jerromes: Drums & Percussion
And joining the band for her first IO Earth album:
Rosanna Lefevre: Vocals
www.ioearth.com
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Held over the 5th and 6th of May, the weekend event will include two shows on the first day with a Meet & Greet (at the Pitcher and Piano, Brindley Place) the following day.
The first show on Saturday the 5th of May is a "By Request" performance where IO Earth fans pick the set list (the band’s official Facebook page is the place to see when and where to make any set-list requests.
The second show, later that same day, will be a performance of IO Earth’s forthcoming studio release, Solitude, in its entirety – the band’s fourth album can be pre-ordered now via the band’s PledgeMusic page where you can also buy related merchandise, a double vinyl edition of Solitude, the opportunity to purchase a front row ticket (with sound check access) for both 5th of May shows and a number of "Artist Experience" offers.
Tickets for the Extravaganza Weekend are on sale now via the Crescent Theatre’s website or Box Office:
121 643 5858
Tickets are £33.50 (includes booking fee)
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Saturday 5th May 2018:
IO Earth with the Orchestra of Sound and Emotion
Crescent Theatre (Main House)
Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
Anticipated running time: 3 hours
15:30 - IO Earth ("By Request" show)
20:30 - IO Earth (Solitude) "UK Premier Performance"
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Sunday 6th May 2018:
Meet & Greet at The Pitcher & Piano, Brindley Place
13:00 Onwards
IO Earth – Solitude
The follow-up to their critically acclaimed New World album, Solitude returns to a single disk format and will have a very pronounced theme dealing with the struggles of mental illness and depression.
As always however, while the music may address darker issues, it will also consist of uplifting and beautiful melodies, giving the overall feeling of hope and redemption.
IO Earth’s core consists of the writing and performing duo of Dave Cureton and Adam Gough.
Along with their incredibly gifted band members, they promise another breathtaking project in this, their fourth studio album.
Dave Cureton: Guitars, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Adam Gough: Keyboads, Piano, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Luke Shingler: Soprano Sax, Flute, EWI
Jez King: Violin
Christian Nokes: Bass Guitar
CJ Jerromes: Drums & Percussion
And joining the band for her first IO Earth album:
Rosanna Lefevre: Vocals
www.ioearth.com
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Gwyn Ashton’s forthcoming Solo Elektro release is a psychedelic, stoner blues rock album with a difference. It was recorded solely by Ashton, 100% live, with guitar, vocal mic, kick drum and octave divider.
The task was set to create a totally honest album, free of any layering of instruments, to achieve the same sound Gwyn Ashton gets at a solo performance - after all, anyone can multitrack dozens of instruments and harmony vocals but not many can pull off this sort of live recording, or so effectively.
Over a period of two weeks, whilst touring Europe, Gwyn Ashton set his mobile studio up in three vacant hotel rooms, two in the Czech Republic and one in England, and recorded Solo Elektro.
Recorded on only four tracks, with no overdubbing of vocals or any other parts, Gwyn Ashton spent days recording one song at a time until the vocals, guitars and kick drum were all in time with each other and the vibe of the songs were at their peaks.
Collaborating with songwriting partner Garry Allen took place over the internet from Allen's home in Melbourne, Australia; the two bounced ideas back and forth until the songs were finished.
Gywn Ashton then took the sound files to MixMasters Studios in Adelaide, South Australia where the album was mixed through an old SSL mixing console, various hardware preamps and graphic equalisers.
The task was set to create a totally honest album, free of any layering of instruments, to achieve the same sound Gwyn Ashton gets at a solo performance - after all, anyone can multitrack dozens of instruments and harmony vocals but not many can pull off this sort of live recording, or so effectively.
Over a period of two weeks, whilst touring Europe, Gwyn Ashton set his mobile studio up in three vacant hotel rooms, two in the Czech Republic and one in England, and recorded Solo Elektro.
Recorded on only four tracks, with no overdubbing of vocals or any other parts, Gwyn Ashton spent days recording one song at a time until the vocals, guitars and kick drum were all in time with each other and the vibe of the songs were at their peaks.
Collaborating with songwriting partner Garry Allen took place over the internet from Allen's home in Melbourne, Australia; the two bounced ideas back and forth until the songs were finished.
Gywn Ashton then took the sound files to MixMasters Studios in Adelaide, South Australia where the album was mixed through an old SSL mixing console, various hardware preamps and graphic equalisers.
Solo Elektro will be released on Fab Tone Records in September; the album should also be available as part of Gwyn Ashton’s appearance at the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne on the 27th of August.
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Pocketful of Stones, the first Hue and Cry (Pat and Greg Kane) record of completely original material since 2012’s Hot Wire, will be released on September 1st 2017.
Pocketful of Stones is the brothers' accumulated creative outpourings and observations from the past four years; the album covers a tumultuous relationship with politics, examines their perspectives of love and parenthood, looks at how reflection in oneself can ultimately lead to appreciating what makes you truly happy, and what the shortcomings of failing to live up to modern societal standards can be.
Hue and Cry have created a significant and deeply affecting album that will appeal to anyone who has an interest in human nature… from the parent, to the activist, to the young and disenfranchised.
As Pat Kane explains, Pocketful Of Stones is "about sensing that time is running out for you to do everything you need and want to do. At this age and stage, you have responsibilities which you have to live up to. If 'half a century has piled up' (as the title track lyrics put it), then you must know something by now."
To celebrate the announcement of Pocketful Of Stones, Hue And Cry have made the title song available.
The track includes lyrics that detail the central theme of the album with what Pat Kane describes as "lots of poetic images… I love the way that Greg has arranged the song as one giant metronome, ticking away."
The song also features the Glasgow String Quartet.
Pocketful of Stones is the brothers' accumulated creative outpourings and observations from the past four years; the album covers a tumultuous relationship with politics, examines their perspectives of love and parenthood, looks at how reflection in oneself can ultimately lead to appreciating what makes you truly happy, and what the shortcomings of failing to live up to modern societal standards can be.
Hue and Cry have created a significant and deeply affecting album that will appeal to anyone who has an interest in human nature… from the parent, to the activist, to the young and disenfranchised.
As Pat Kane explains, Pocketful Of Stones is "about sensing that time is running out for you to do everything you need and want to do. At this age and stage, you have responsibilities which you have to live up to. If 'half a century has piled up' (as the title track lyrics put it), then you must know something by now."
To celebrate the announcement of Pocketful Of Stones, Hue And Cry have made the title song available.
The track includes lyrics that detail the central theme of the album with what Pat Kane describes as "lots of poetic images… I love the way that Greg has arranged the song as one giant metronome, ticking away."
The song also features the Glasgow String Quartet.
Hue & Cry Live Dates 2017
Fri 25th Aug: Jazz Festival, Rye - Piano and vocals headline concert
Fri 16th Sep: Atkinson Theatre, Southport - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 17th Sep: Unity Works, Wakefield - Piano and vocals headline concert
Pocket Full Of Stones Scottish tour (tickets on sale from June 23rd)
Fri 17th Nov: Fat Sams, Dundee – Full band concert
Sat 18th Nov: Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen – Full band concert
Sun 19th Nov: Beacon Arts centre, Greenock – Full band concert
Fri 24th Nov: Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh – Full band concert
Sat 25th Nov: Town Hall, Hamilton – Full band concert
Hue And Cry caught the public’s attention in the late 80s with a string of chart friendly hits including 'Labour Of Love' and 'Looking For Linda.' Their pop sound was not to last, however; in the 90s they took an experimental turn and demonstrated their abilities to slip in and out of a multitude of styles, including drum 'n' bass, Afrobeat and R&B. After the six albums of exploration, the Kane brothers felt compelled to go their separate ways and pursue individual creative outlets.
The hiatus was short lived, ending in 2005 when the revitalised Kane brothers returned with a modern, matured outlook. 2008’s Open Soul was followed by the seasonal offering Xmasday, 2012’s funk inspired Hot Wire, a reworking of their best selling, Top 10 album Remote entitled Remote: Major To Minor and September Songs, an album of Frank Sinatra covers.
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Fri 25th Aug: Jazz Festival, Rye - Piano and vocals headline concert
Fri 16th Sep: Atkinson Theatre, Southport - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 17th Sep: Unity Works, Wakefield - Piano and vocals headline concert
Pocket Full Of Stones Scottish tour (tickets on sale from June 23rd)
Fri 17th Nov: Fat Sams, Dundee – Full band concert
Sat 18th Nov: Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen – Full band concert
Sun 19th Nov: Beacon Arts centre, Greenock – Full band concert
Fri 24th Nov: Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh – Full band concert
Sat 25th Nov: Town Hall, Hamilton – Full band concert
Hue And Cry caught the public’s attention in the late 80s with a string of chart friendly hits including 'Labour Of Love' and 'Looking For Linda.' Their pop sound was not to last, however; in the 90s they took an experimental turn and demonstrated their abilities to slip in and out of a multitude of styles, including drum 'n' bass, Afrobeat and R&B. After the six albums of exploration, the Kane brothers felt compelled to go their separate ways and pursue individual creative outlets.
The hiatus was short lived, ending in 2005 when the revitalised Kane brothers returned with a modern, matured outlook. 2008’s Open Soul was followed by the seasonal offering Xmasday, 2012’s funk inspired Hot Wire, a reworking of their best selling, Top 10 album Remote entitled Remote: Major To Minor and September Songs, an album of Frank Sinatra covers.
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Solid Entertainments have announced a back to back Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival double for the neighbouring counties of Lancashire and north Yorkshire…
The fifth Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival will take place at Whitby Pavilion on Saturday the 14th October while the very first Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival in Clitheroe will take place at The Grand in Clitheroe on Sunday the 15th of October.
Whether its fish and chips or ice cream; history or culture; vampires or Goths (Bram Stoker’s Dracula was influenced by the author’s stay in Whitby and the town hosts a Goth fringe festival); or a return of blues and rock, Whitby is a beautiful part of the country to partake in any or all of them.
The five confirmed acts, along with the yet-to-be announced headliner, offer six very different but striking bands, mixing legendary names and emerging artists; the results are a six band festival that should appeal to blues, rhythm and rock lovers of all ages and tastes.
The next day the event and bands heads west to Lancashire for the first Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival.
Both festivals will feature a tbc headliner as well as:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remains a highly popular and exciting live rhythm and blues act.
Danny Bryant – often referred to as a National Blues Treasure, Bryant released his ninth album, title excellent Blood Money, in 2016.
Red Butler – four young people that have amalgamated into a dynamic band, able to generate power and sensitivity in their take on blues-rock! The band’s second album, Nothing to Lose, was released in 2016.
The Rainbreakers – passionate to deliver authenticity, the band have sustained an honest and ever growing following through a relentless desire to perform. Their recent Rise Up EP was met with solid, critical acclaim and is a soulful and psychedelic shift beyond anything they have done prior.
The Blues Issue – a South coast five-piece with an explosive combination of twin guitars, hollerin’ blues harp and a supercharged rhythm section.
Both events will also cater for all food and drink needs; there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
The fifth Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival will take place at Whitby Pavilion on Saturday the 14th October while the very first Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival in Clitheroe will take place at The Grand in Clitheroe on Sunday the 15th of October.
Whether its fish and chips or ice cream; history or culture; vampires or Goths (Bram Stoker’s Dracula was influenced by the author’s stay in Whitby and the town hosts a Goth fringe festival); or a return of blues and rock, Whitby is a beautiful part of the country to partake in any or all of them.
The five confirmed acts, along with the yet-to-be announced headliner, offer six very different but striking bands, mixing legendary names and emerging artists; the results are a six band festival that should appeal to blues, rhythm and rock lovers of all ages and tastes.
The next day the event and bands heads west to Lancashire for the first Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival.
Both festivals will feature a tbc headliner as well as:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remains a highly popular and exciting live rhythm and blues act.
Danny Bryant – often referred to as a National Blues Treasure, Bryant released his ninth album, title excellent Blood Money, in 2016.
Red Butler – four young people that have amalgamated into a dynamic band, able to generate power and sensitivity in their take on blues-rock! The band’s second album, Nothing to Lose, was released in 2016.
The Rainbreakers – passionate to deliver authenticity, the band have sustained an honest and ever growing following through a relentless desire to perform. Their recent Rise Up EP was met with solid, critical acclaim and is a soulful and psychedelic shift beyond anything they have done prior.
The Blues Issue – a South coast five-piece with an explosive combination of twin guitars, hollerin’ blues harp and a supercharged rhythm section.
Both events will also cater for all food and drink needs; there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
Whitby Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival - Saturday 14th October.
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival - Sunday 15th October
The Grand, 8 York Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2DL
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
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Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival - Sunday 15th October
The Grand, 8 York Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2DL
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
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Birmingham based blues-rock songstress Rebecca Downes is looking to release her third album early next year but even at this early stage in the recording process it’s fair to say Miss Downes is very happy with how it’s all shaping up, as confirmed when FabricationsHQ spoke to the wee lass with the big voice recently…
"The new album takes off where the songs Believe and Sailing On a Pool of Tears (from critically acclaimed second album Believe) left off.
I can't wait to start playing some of the tunes live, they're much harder hitting and some are much darker than before.
I feel like they're truly me and for that reason alone I need to put this album out."
Recognised as a vocal force by critics, her peers and the British Blues Awards (Emerging Talent and Best Female Vocalist in 2016) the abilities of Rebecca Downes and the quality of her top-notch band are not in doubt, but success and the ticket sales an artist deserves on the circuit are never guaranteed.
Rebecca Downes is well aware of the difficulties but is doing everything she can to get herself noticed and heard by a larger, and far wider, audience.
Photo Credit: Neil Hodgson
"Yeah, it ain’t easy but we are putting everything behind this next album.
We should have a major tour support early next year to coincide with its release, Noble PR will be doing promotion and Chris Kimsey is overseeing some of the recording in an advisory capacity.
Chris came to see us at the 100 Club in London and offered his services as he loved us so much! You don't get that often... it's been amazing bouncing songs around with Chris and getting his feedback; he's amazing to work with."
"Talent Will Out" they say but that’s certainly not true in a musical climate where industry has been replaced by business and where marketable commodity runs roughshod over musical creativity.
But if Talent is indeed to get a fair hearing then it sounds like all the evidence you could ever need will be found on album number three from Rebecca Downes and her band...
"This is my big shot, this album; I'll be doing all I can. We’ve just been signed by one of the biggest Euro agencies, which has helped a lot, and there should be a full tour next year. We also have some major interest from a management company in the States, so we shall see where it all goes!"
We shall indeed, but if it was based on spirit, commitment, passion and work ethic Rebecca Downes would be there already, Believe me...
"The new album takes off where the songs Believe and Sailing On a Pool of Tears (from critically acclaimed second album Believe) left off.
I can't wait to start playing some of the tunes live, they're much harder hitting and some are much darker than before.
I feel like they're truly me and for that reason alone I need to put this album out."
Recognised as a vocal force by critics, her peers and the British Blues Awards (Emerging Talent and Best Female Vocalist in 2016) the abilities of Rebecca Downes and the quality of her top-notch band are not in doubt, but success and the ticket sales an artist deserves on the circuit are never guaranteed.
Rebecca Downes is well aware of the difficulties but is doing everything she can to get herself noticed and heard by a larger, and far wider, audience.
Photo Credit: Neil Hodgson
"Yeah, it ain’t easy but we are putting everything behind this next album.
We should have a major tour support early next year to coincide with its release, Noble PR will be doing promotion and Chris Kimsey is overseeing some of the recording in an advisory capacity.
Chris came to see us at the 100 Club in London and offered his services as he loved us so much! You don't get that often... it's been amazing bouncing songs around with Chris and getting his feedback; he's amazing to work with."
"Talent Will Out" they say but that’s certainly not true in a musical climate where industry has been replaced by business and where marketable commodity runs roughshod over musical creativity.
But if Talent is indeed to get a fair hearing then it sounds like all the evidence you could ever need will be found on album number three from Rebecca Downes and her band...
"This is my big shot, this album; I'll be doing all I can. We’ve just been signed by one of the biggest Euro agencies, which has helped a lot, and there should be a full tour next year. We also have some major interest from a management company in the States, so we shall see where it all goes!"
We shall indeed, but if it was based on spirit, commitment, passion and work ethic Rebecca Downes would be there already, Believe me...
Rebecca Downes recent Blues Revue headlining show at the Old Fire Station in Carlisle can be read by clicking here.
FabricationsHQ will be featuring Rebecca Downes in Muirsical Conversation later in the year.
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FabricationsHQ will be featuring Rebecca Downes in Muirsical Conversation later in the year.
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Not content with having just toured through the UK for a second time, over two legs, and currently undertaking another set of European dates, the Force of Nature that is Sari Schorr and The Engine Room, featuring the unfettered guitar work of Innes Sibun, will be back on the UK road later this year.
The band will undertake further headlining dates in September and November and will be Special Guest on Walter Trout’s UK dates through October.
And that, my blues rockin’ friends, is a double-bill you don’t want to miss).
"Sari Schorr is a force of nature, a meteor, a comet."
Blues Matters
"Sari Schorr has been blessed with a voice not of this world."
Devilsgate Media
"Sari Schorr is part a vocal thread that connects the later female greats – Janis Joplin to Tina Turner to Elkie Brooks to Ann Wilson... and now to Sari Schorr."
FabricationsHQ
Sari Schorr and the Engine Room – Autumn-Winter UK tour dates
Hull, The Fruit. 28th September
Carlisle Blues Rock Festival, 29th September
Poynton Royal British Legion, Bluefunk Club, 1st October
Southampton, The Brook (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 9th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 10th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 11th October
Wrexham, William Aston Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 13th October
Wakefield, Warehouse 23 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 14th October
Preston, Guildhall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 15th October
Bilston, Robin2 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 17th October
Harpenden, Public Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 18the October
Bristol, Bierkeller Theatre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 20th October
Swansea Sin City (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 21st October
Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 22nd October
Laygate South Shields, The Unionist Club, 9th November
Bewdley, St Georges Hall, 10th November
Tenby, Blues Festival, 11th November
Bristol, Louisiana 16th November
Sutton, Boom Boom Blues @ Sutton Utd, 17th November
Winchester, Railway Inn, 18th November
Confirmed UK shows, 2018
Putney, The Half Moon, 16th January
Maidenhead, Norden Arts Centre, Date TBC
Skegness Blues Weekend, 19th January
St Helens, Citadel, 20th January
Nottingham, Village Hall, 13th April
Sheffield, The Academy, 14th April
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The band will undertake further headlining dates in September and November and will be Special Guest on Walter Trout’s UK dates through October.
And that, my blues rockin’ friends, is a double-bill you don’t want to miss).
"Sari Schorr is a force of nature, a meteor, a comet."
Blues Matters
"Sari Schorr has been blessed with a voice not of this world."
Devilsgate Media
"Sari Schorr is part a vocal thread that connects the later female greats – Janis Joplin to Tina Turner to Elkie Brooks to Ann Wilson... and now to Sari Schorr."
FabricationsHQ
Sari Schorr and the Engine Room – Autumn-Winter UK tour dates
Hull, The Fruit. 28th September
Carlisle Blues Rock Festival, 29th September
Poynton Royal British Legion, Bluefunk Club, 1st October
Southampton, The Brook (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 9th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 10th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 11th October
Wrexham, William Aston Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 13th October
Wakefield, Warehouse 23 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 14th October
Preston, Guildhall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 15th October
Bilston, Robin2 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 17th October
Harpenden, Public Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 18the October
Bristol, Bierkeller Theatre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 20th October
Swansea Sin City (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 21st October
Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 22nd October
Laygate South Shields, The Unionist Club, 9th November
Bewdley, St Georges Hall, 10th November
Tenby, Blues Festival, 11th November
Bristol, Louisiana 16th November
Sutton, Boom Boom Blues @ Sutton Utd, 17th November
Winchester, Railway Inn, 18th November
Confirmed UK shows, 2018
Putney, The Half Moon, 16th January
Maidenhead, Norden Arts Centre, Date TBC
Skegness Blues Weekend, 19th January
St Helens, Citadel, 20th January
Nottingham, Village Hall, 13th April
Sheffield, The Academy, 14th April
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Hot on the heels of the recent announcement that Bad Touch will support the Kentucky Headhunters on their forthcoming UK tour through October (see news item further below) the Norfolk based southern styled blues rockers have confirmed their own, follow-on, headline UK tour.
Support will come from Special Guest Mollie Marriott, daughter of former Small Faces and Humble Pie singer/ guitarist, the late Steve Marriott.
Support will come from Special Guest Mollie Marriott, daughter of former Small Faces and Humble Pie singer/ guitarist, the late Steve Marriott.
Photo: Rob Blackham
"We’re excited to be taking to the road in November with Mollie," says Bad Touch’s lead singer, Stevie Westwood (above, second from left). "Not only is she only a great vocalist in her own right, but she’s also the daughter of the legendary guitarist and singer Steve Marriott. It will be great to have Mollie touring with us. She’s got a killer voice. It’s going to be a lot of fun."
Bad Touch recently released their second studio album Truth Be Told. The album features the single '99%' remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
Mollie Marriott has spent her music career in the wings, having worked mostly as a backing singer with numerous artists including Oasis and her stepfather Joe Brown.
The singer is now embarking on a solo career and recently released the single 'Control,' from forthcoming album Truth is a Wolf.
Bad Touch – November 2017 UK Tour with Special Guest Mollie Marriott
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
Sheffield, Plug - Thursday 9th November
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre - Friday 10th November
Hard Rock Hell Festival (Bad Touch only) - Saturday 11th November
Bristol, Tunnels - Thursday 16th November
Manchester, Ruby Lounge - Friday 17th November
Newcastle, Cluny - Saturday 18th November
Nottingham, Bodega - Sunday 19th November
Glasgow, Stereo - Thursday 23rd November
Leeds, Brudenell - Friday 24th November
Coventry, Empire - Saturday 25th November
London, Islington Academy - Sunday 26th November
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Friday 1st December
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 2nd December
Planet Rockstock - Sunday 3rd December
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"We’re excited to be taking to the road in November with Mollie," says Bad Touch’s lead singer, Stevie Westwood (above, second from left). "Not only is she only a great vocalist in her own right, but she’s also the daughter of the legendary guitarist and singer Steve Marriott. It will be great to have Mollie touring with us. She’s got a killer voice. It’s going to be a lot of fun."
Bad Touch recently released their second studio album Truth Be Told. The album features the single '99%' remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
Mollie Marriott has spent her music career in the wings, having worked mostly as a backing singer with numerous artists including Oasis and her stepfather Joe Brown.
The singer is now embarking on a solo career and recently released the single 'Control,' from forthcoming album Truth is a Wolf.
Bad Touch – November 2017 UK Tour with Special Guest Mollie Marriott
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
Sheffield, Plug - Thursday 9th November
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre - Friday 10th November
Hard Rock Hell Festival (Bad Touch only) - Saturday 11th November
Bristol, Tunnels - Thursday 16th November
Manchester, Ruby Lounge - Friday 17th November
Newcastle, Cluny - Saturday 18th November
Nottingham, Bodega - Sunday 19th November
Glasgow, Stereo - Thursday 23rd November
Leeds, Brudenell - Friday 24th November
Coventry, Empire - Saturday 25th November
London, Islington Academy - Sunday 26th November
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Friday 1st December
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 2nd December
Planet Rockstock - Sunday 3rd December
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Following her critically acclaimed Fire On The Floor UK tour last November, Beth Hart will return to the UK to perform three solo concerts in the beautiful settings of Leeds Town Hall (Monday 30th October), The Forum in Bath (Wednesday 1st November) and Coventry Cathedral (Friday 3rd November).
Tickets are now on general sale, available from the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 871 8819 or via booking at www.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
In 2018 Beth Hart, with full band, will play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in what will be her biggest UK concert of her career; the show will take place on the 4th of May and is already sold out.
"Beth Hart has a blues-rock voice so ballsy, it could pin you to the wall."
The Times
"With Beth Hart, you get a versatile, genre-defying powerhouse of a vocalist and one of the great female singers of our time."
National Rock Review
"You won’t find many other singers who give of themselves, emotionally and vocally, to the degree Beth Hart does. Miss her at your peril."
FabricationsHQ
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Tickets are now on general sale, available from the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 871 8819 or via booking at www.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
In 2018 Beth Hart, with full band, will play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in what will be her biggest UK concert of her career; the show will take place on the 4th of May and is already sold out.
"Beth Hart has a blues-rock voice so ballsy, it could pin you to the wall."
The Times
"With Beth Hart, you get a versatile, genre-defying powerhouse of a vocalist and one of the great female singers of our time."
National Rock Review
"You won’t find many other singers who give of themselves, emotionally and vocally, to the degree Beth Hart does. Miss her at your peril."
FabricationsHQ
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Following their recent UK tour supporting King King and double-headline Planet Rock Roadstars UK tour with Broken Witt Rebels, Bad Touch will be back out on the UK circuit once again when they support American southern blues rockers the Kentucky Headhunters on their On Safari UK Tour through October.
This will be the second time Bad Touch have toured the UK supporting The Headhunters; they toured together in July of 2016 and the bands got on so well they decided to do it again.
Says Richard Young, guitarist and vocalist of the Kentucky Headhunters – "In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter's and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers. There is a certain charm and charisma between the two bands that transcends to the fans of both bands, on stage and off. We’re proud to announce their return for this year's October UK dates. Simply put, it wouldn't be the same without them."
Country Music Association and Grammy award-winners the Kentucky Headhunters have, according to the RIAA, sold over 11 million albums worldwide; rich in southern rock, the Headhunters’ current album On Safari tips the hat to family and the southern way of life in the USA.
Bad Touch’s latest album, Truth Be Told, recorded at Mwnci Studios in Wales, features the single 99%; it was remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
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This will be the second time Bad Touch have toured the UK supporting The Headhunters; they toured together in July of 2016 and the bands got on so well they decided to do it again.
Says Richard Young, guitarist and vocalist of the Kentucky Headhunters – "In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter's and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers. There is a certain charm and charisma between the two bands that transcends to the fans of both bands, on stage and off. We’re proud to announce their return for this year's October UK dates. Simply put, it wouldn't be the same without them."
Country Music Association and Grammy award-winners the Kentucky Headhunters have, according to the RIAA, sold over 11 million albums worldwide; rich in southern rock, the Headhunters’ current album On Safari tips the hat to family and the southern way of life in the USA.
Bad Touch’s latest album, Truth Be Told, recorded at Mwnci Studios in Wales, features the single 99%; it was remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
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While Solid Entertainments have a number of great summer-month blues festivals lined up again this year (you will find information on them elsewhere on this News page) it shouldn’t be forgotten that the winter blues weather can be shaken off by visiting the winter blues music of the Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival, which returns to Ilfracombe Holiday Park over the 10th, 11th & 12th of November.
Following the success of last year’s festival, the 2017 event promises to be even more special, with three great headliners (The Pretty Things, The Blues Band, Snakecharmer) and another sixteen very different, but striking, bands.
The full line-up over the three days is as follows:
Friday 10th November
The Pretty Things – Eddie Martin – Southbound – Mark Pontin Group – Split Whiskers – The Ryk Mead Band
After more than forty-five years of continuous service, The Pretty Things remain a significant and challenging force in rock and roll.
Despite their veteran status, their contemporary relevance, undiminished energy and inspirational commitment inspires emerging generations of new artists and young fans, whilst retaining their devoted, fanatical, core fan base
Saturday 11th November
The Blues Band – Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – Simon McBride – The Joe Anderton Band – Saiichi Sugiyama Band – Backbone Blues Band
What does a great musical tradition demand? Discipline, devotion, passion and love.
Whether it’s Beethoven or B. B. King, Howlin’ Wolf or Handel, it all sounds better garnished with a huge helping of virtuosity and, as importantly, feeling.
When it comes to the Blues, aficionados of the genre can relax when The Blues Band is in their neighbourhood, because they know their music’s in good hands.
Sunday 12th November
Snakecharmer – Crow Black Chicken – Xander and The Peace Pirates – Rainbreakers – Elles Bailey – Albany Down – Grizzly Rhys Morgan
The British melodic blues rock supergroup Snakecharmer, who have just released their excellent new album Second Skin, consist of Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake), Laurie Wisefield (ex Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne), the husky blues voice of Chris Ousey (Heartland) and latest recruit Simon McBride, who Guitar Magazine rank "among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world"
Following the success of last year’s festival, the 2017 event promises to be even more special, with three great headliners (The Pretty Things, The Blues Band, Snakecharmer) and another sixteen very different, but striking, bands.
The full line-up over the three days is as follows:
Friday 10th November
The Pretty Things – Eddie Martin – Southbound – Mark Pontin Group – Split Whiskers – The Ryk Mead Band
After more than forty-five years of continuous service, The Pretty Things remain a significant and challenging force in rock and roll.
Despite their veteran status, their contemporary relevance, undiminished energy and inspirational commitment inspires emerging generations of new artists and young fans, whilst retaining their devoted, fanatical, core fan base
Saturday 11th November
The Blues Band – Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – Simon McBride – The Joe Anderton Band – Saiichi Sugiyama Band – Backbone Blues Band
What does a great musical tradition demand? Discipline, devotion, passion and love.
Whether it’s Beethoven or B. B. King, Howlin’ Wolf or Handel, it all sounds better garnished with a huge helping of virtuosity and, as importantly, feeling.
When it comes to the Blues, aficionados of the genre can relax when The Blues Band is in their neighbourhood, because they know their music’s in good hands.
Sunday 12th November
Snakecharmer – Crow Black Chicken – Xander and The Peace Pirates – Rainbreakers – Elles Bailey – Albany Down – Grizzly Rhys Morgan
The British melodic blues rock supergroup Snakecharmer, who have just released their excellent new album Second Skin, consist of Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake), Laurie Wisefield (ex Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne), the husky blues voice of Chris Ousey (Heartland) and latest recruit Simon McBride, who Guitar Magazine rank "among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world"
As indicated by the line-up of acts above, Ilfracombe festival goers can expect to see and hear top class live performances with sets that incorporate a creative mix of original new material and a few classic numbers that many will remember.
Situated in a beautiful part of the country, the Ilfracombe holiday park has been extensively refurbished by the new owners and with fully furnished apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedroom accommodation, with the addition of two heated indoor pools, a sauna, fully equipped gym, Indian cuisine & takeaway, free WiFi in the Clubhouse, a launderette, bar meals, an on-site store and restaurant.
With accommodation for the weekend being just a short walk away from the music you won’t need to worry about booking that taxi to take you home or to a hotel at the end of each night; also, car parking is free for the weekend.
No need to search for food and drinks on the day either, there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu on offer.
Don't miss out on Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival 4 on the 10th, 11th and 12th November.
Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
Early Bird tickets, including three nights accommodation, are only £119 per person.
To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
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Situated in a beautiful part of the country, the Ilfracombe holiday park has been extensively refurbished by the new owners and with fully furnished apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedroom accommodation, with the addition of two heated indoor pools, a sauna, fully equipped gym, Indian cuisine & takeaway, free WiFi in the Clubhouse, a launderette, bar meals, an on-site store and restaurant.
With accommodation for the weekend being just a short walk away from the music you won’t need to worry about booking that taxi to take you home or to a hotel at the end of each night; also, car parking is free for the weekend.
No need to search for food and drinks on the day either, there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu on offer.
Don't miss out on Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival 4 on the 10th, 11th and 12th November.
Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
Early Bird tickets, including three nights accommodation, are only £119 per person.
To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
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It’s been quite the five years for Wilko Johnson and 2017 is going to cap it all off as a very special half decade or so...
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Wilko Johnson Band and is also, come July, the distinctive and highly individualistic guitarist’s 70th Birthday.
More significantly however Wilko Johnson will play a 30th anniversary / 70th birthday celebration concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, 26th September.
The concert is all the more noteworthy given the chop-chord styled guitarist is, to use his own tongue-in-black-humour-cheek line "supposed to be dead!"
(Johnson was diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer; in 2013 however, through a second opinion and life-saving surgery, he was alive, well and cancer-free).
Having been reborn, in a close to literal sense, Wilko Johnson, in collaboration with Roger Daltrey, delivered the hit album Going photo: Leif Laaksonen
Back Home in 2014, reaching #3 in the UK charts.
The album also featured Norman Watt-Roy, Dylan Howe, Steve Weston and Mick Talbot.
2015 then saw the release of the documentary The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson, which explored Johnson’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and subsequent, remarkable recovery.
The film was well received across the big screen and BBC 4 (earning a Kermode award in 2016).
Wilko Johnson’s memoir, Don’t You Leave Me Here, was published in the Spring of 2016.
And now, in September, Wilko Johnson will perform with his rhythm section of Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and ex Blockhead drummer (and son of guitarist Steve Howe) Dylan Howe, in the company of a Royal Albert Hall full of fans, family, friends and Special Guests performer John Cooper Clarke.
Tickets are on sale now, from the outlets as highlighted below.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Wilko Johnson Band and is also, come July, the distinctive and highly individualistic guitarist’s 70th Birthday.
More significantly however Wilko Johnson will play a 30th anniversary / 70th birthday celebration concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, 26th September.
The concert is all the more noteworthy given the chop-chord styled guitarist is, to use his own tongue-in-black-humour-cheek line "supposed to be dead!"
(Johnson was diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer; in 2013 however, through a second opinion and life-saving surgery, he was alive, well and cancer-free).
Having been reborn, in a close to literal sense, Wilko Johnson, in collaboration with Roger Daltrey, delivered the hit album Going photo: Leif Laaksonen
Back Home in 2014, reaching #3 in the UK charts.
The album also featured Norman Watt-Roy, Dylan Howe, Steve Weston and Mick Talbot.
2015 then saw the release of the documentary The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson, which explored Johnson’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and subsequent, remarkable recovery.
The film was well received across the big screen and BBC 4 (earning a Kermode award in 2016).
Wilko Johnson’s memoir, Don’t You Leave Me Here, was published in the Spring of 2016.
And now, in September, Wilko Johnson will perform with his rhythm section of Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and ex Blockhead drummer (and son of guitarist Steve Howe) Dylan Howe, in the company of a Royal Albert Hall full of fans, family, friends and Special Guests performer John Cooper Clarke.
Tickets are on sale now, from the outlets as highlighted below.
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Nine Miles South, who mix grungy heavy rock with blues and country, caught the attention of FabricationsHQ across 2016 with their self-titled 3 track EP, follow up single 'Bones' and an excellent live set north of the border in support to progressive metallers Dorje.
The Guildford based quartet were also cited as a FabricationsHQ one-to-watch choice in 2016 – new single 'White Lines' certainly is certainly helping to prove they are just that.
The track, with accompanying video, is described by the band as "a song about how making bad decisions can leave you losing everyone and everything."
As the title suggests and the lyric and mini-movie video reinforce, it’s also the story of how drink and drug-culture life choices are, invariably, the wrong choices.
From an understated southern country guitar line intro, 'White Lines' picks up and kicks up into a higher gear of rock, blues and country with heavy rock melodies.
It is, put simply, Nine Miles South.
The Guildford based quartet were also cited as a FabricationsHQ one-to-watch choice in 2016 – new single 'White Lines' certainly is certainly helping to prove they are just that.
The track, with accompanying video, is described by the band as "a song about how making bad decisions can leave you losing everyone and everything."
As the title suggests and the lyric and mini-movie video reinforce, it’s also the story of how drink and drug-culture life choices are, invariably, the wrong choices.
From an understated southern country guitar line intro, 'White Lines' picks up and kicks up into a higher gear of rock, blues and country with heavy rock melodies.
It is, put simply, Nine Miles South.
Nine Miles South: Seb Mikkelsen - vocals, guitars, Jon Antony- guitar, backing vocals, Andy Sleigh - bass, backing vocals, David Wilson - drums.
Website: http://www.ninemilessouth.com
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Website: http://www.ninemilessouth.com
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Good news for Michael Schenker’s UK and European fans...
The Michael Schenker Fest (classic M.S.G shows) will be heading to Europe and the UK in October and November; the shows reunite the original three M.S.G. vocalists, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).
The UK dates take place at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (Thursday 2nd November), the O2 Academy, Sheffield (Friday 3rd November), the O2 Ritz, Manchester (Saturday 4th November) and Hull City Hall (Sunday 5th November).
FabricationsHQ’s Feature Review of the Michael Schenker Fest, Live in Tokyo CD-DVD release can be found here: http://www.fabricationshq.com/michael-schenker-fest-live.html
Tickets for the Hull City Hall concert are on sale now with tickets for the London, Sheffield and Manchester shows on sale to the general public from 10am on Monday 20th March
(O2 Priority customers can take advantage of their pre-sale which started at 12 noon on Friday 17th March).
Says Michael Schenker of the shows: "It’s a miracle that after all these years, a tour like this will take place with the original band members of M.S.G. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. It's an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the 80s performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982.
"Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members including Gary Barden, Chris Glen and Ted McKenna being part of it, and to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann again as well, is pretty awesome!"
For more information on the show and the tour: www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/michaelschenker/schenkerfest-uktour.htm
The Michael Schenker Fest (classic M.S.G shows) will be heading to Europe and the UK in October and November; the shows reunite the original three M.S.G. vocalists, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).
The UK dates take place at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (Thursday 2nd November), the O2 Academy, Sheffield (Friday 3rd November), the O2 Ritz, Manchester (Saturday 4th November) and Hull City Hall (Sunday 5th November).
FabricationsHQ’s Feature Review of the Michael Schenker Fest, Live in Tokyo CD-DVD release can be found here: http://www.fabricationshq.com/michael-schenker-fest-live.html
Tickets for the Hull City Hall concert are on sale now with tickets for the London, Sheffield and Manchester shows on sale to the general public from 10am on Monday 20th March
(O2 Priority customers can take advantage of their pre-sale which started at 12 noon on Friday 17th March).
Says Michael Schenker of the shows: "It’s a miracle that after all these years, a tour like this will take place with the original band members of M.S.G. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. It's an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the 80s performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982.
"Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members including Gary Barden, Chris Glen and Ted McKenna being part of it, and to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann again as well, is pretty awesome!"
For more information on the show and the tour: www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/michaelschenker/schenkerfest-uktour.htm
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
