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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
Black country based blues rock singer and songstress Rebecca Downes will release her highly anticipated third studio album More Sinner Than Saint on the 24th of May through her own label, Mad Hat Records.
You can find FabricationsHQ's Feature Review of the album by clicking here.
The album, mixed by Thunder’s Chris Childs and Bill Drescher (Rick Springfield, The Bangles) takes the music of Rebecca Downes into rockier territory yet with huge airplay potential; it also features guest guitar appearances from King King’s Alan Nimmo and Magnum’s Tony Clarkin.
With exciting new material that continues the evolution of Rebecca Downes’ blues infused music towards rock, More Sinner Than Saint has been worth the wait.
At the outset, the singer consulted with noted producer Chris Kimsey, who selected and refined the twelve chosen tracks to help achieve what Rebecca Downes and her co-writer Steve Birkett see and hear as the perfect expression of their current writing partnership.
With five of the twelve tracks mixed by Californian based Bill Drescher and seven by Chris Childs of Thunder, Rebecca Downes sonically shines throughout; her powerful yet soulful vocals lead the charge, backed by her superb studio band of Steve Birkett (guitars), Dan Clark (bass), Lloyd Daker (drums) and Magnum’s Rick Benton (keyboards).
The multi-blues award winning Alan Nimmo plays on 'If I Go To Sleep' while Magnum’s Tony Clarkin features on 'Breathe Out.'
"We were honoured and humbled to receive Chris Kimsey’s guidance. He gave us confidence about the direction of our writing; changing to a rockier sound and advice on the way the material should be recorded. Meeting Bill Drescher in LA was fantastic; such a lovely, down-to-earth guy and his mixing took the five tracks to the next level. Chris Childs has since done an excellent job on the rest in matching Bill’s mixing style.
We are very proud of this album and the way the music has evolved towards rock. More than ever before we believe it captures the best of our song writing."
- Rebecca Downes
Rebecca Downes has found her voice, HER voice. I love this voice. I love this album!
- Chris Kimsey
You can find FabricationsHQ's Feature Review of the album by clicking here.
The album, mixed by Thunder’s Chris Childs and Bill Drescher (Rick Springfield, The Bangles) takes the music of Rebecca Downes into rockier territory yet with huge airplay potential; it also features guest guitar appearances from King King’s Alan Nimmo and Magnum’s Tony Clarkin.
With exciting new material that continues the evolution of Rebecca Downes’ blues infused music towards rock, More Sinner Than Saint has been worth the wait.
At the outset, the singer consulted with noted producer Chris Kimsey, who selected and refined the twelve chosen tracks to help achieve what Rebecca Downes and her co-writer Steve Birkett see and hear as the perfect expression of their current writing partnership.
With five of the twelve tracks mixed by Californian based Bill Drescher and seven by Chris Childs of Thunder, Rebecca Downes sonically shines throughout; her powerful yet soulful vocals lead the charge, backed by her superb studio band of Steve Birkett (guitars), Dan Clark (bass), Lloyd Daker (drums) and Magnum’s Rick Benton (keyboards).
The multi-blues award winning Alan Nimmo plays on 'If I Go To Sleep' while Magnum’s Tony Clarkin features on 'Breathe Out.'
"We were honoured and humbled to receive Chris Kimsey’s guidance. He gave us confidence about the direction of our writing; changing to a rockier sound and advice on the way the material should be recorded. Meeting Bill Drescher in LA was fantastic; such a lovely, down-to-earth guy and his mixing took the five tracks to the next level. Chris Childs has since done an excellent job on the rest in matching Bill’s mixing style.
We are very proud of this album and the way the music has evolved towards rock. More than ever before we believe it captures the best of our song writing."
- Rebecca Downes
Rebecca Downes has found her voice, HER voice. I love this voice. I love this album!
- Chris Kimsey
Rebecca Downes Discography
Real Life EP (2013)
Back To The Start (2013)
Believe (2016)
BeLive (2017)
More Sinner Than Saint (2019)
Awards:
Female Vocalist of the Year; Emerging Artist of the Year; Runner-up Song of the Year (Believe)
British Blues Awards 2016
Female Vocalist of the Year
FORM UK Blues Awards 2018
Rebecca Downes – More Sinner Than Saint
Released May 24th on Mad Hat Records; catalogue no: MADHAT005 (CD) & MADHAT006 (Vinyl)
Pre-sale link: https://www.rebeccadownes.com/new-album-pre-order-1
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Real Life EP (2013)
Back To The Start (2013)
Believe (2016)
BeLive (2017)
More Sinner Than Saint (2019)
Awards:
Female Vocalist of the Year; Emerging Artist of the Year; Runner-up Song of the Year (Believe)
British Blues Awards 2016
Female Vocalist of the Year
FORM UK Blues Awards 2018
Rebecca Downes – More Sinner Than Saint
Released May 24th on Mad Hat Records; catalogue no: MADHAT005 (CD) & MADHAT006 (Vinyl)
Pre-sale link: https://www.rebeccadownes.com/new-album-pre-order-1
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Blues and rock guitarist John Verity had just released a new single, 'Where’s the Love?'
It's accompanied by three bonus / additional tracks in its CD and Digital download form.
A laid back, smooth blues cry for those ignored in an ill-divided me first world of rich over poor, and performed in that inimitable John Verity style with signature Fret-King Corona tone, 'Where’s the Love?' is accompanied by slow blues number 'Nothing But the Blues' (a highlight of John Verity live sets), 'I Just Don’t Love You Anymore,' which carries a distinct BB King feel and, as if to emphasise that influence, 'Like BB King.'
The latter track, which, in its originally recorded form, featured on John Verity's 2007 album Say Why, has been given a fresh lick of Chicago blues paint.
Ex Argent, Phoenix and Charlie man John Verity has been in fine form of late on the live circuit and in the studio (previous releases My Religion and Blue to My Soul are his best back-to-back blues based albums to date).
More importantly, and more blues authentically, John Verity, along with similarly minded blues playing notables such as Bernie Marsden and Snowy White (who has just released his latest album The Situation, see news item below) make it all about the sound, space and feel...
It's accompanied by three bonus / additional tracks in its CD and Digital download form.
A laid back, smooth blues cry for those ignored in an ill-divided me first world of rich over poor, and performed in that inimitable John Verity style with signature Fret-King Corona tone, 'Where’s the Love?' is accompanied by slow blues number 'Nothing But the Blues' (a highlight of John Verity live sets), 'I Just Don’t Love You Anymore,' which carries a distinct BB King feel and, as if to emphasise that influence, 'Like BB King.'
The latter track, which, in its originally recorded form, featured on John Verity's 2007 album Say Why, has been given a fresh lick of Chicago blues paint.
Ex Argent, Phoenix and Charlie man John Verity has been in fine form of late on the live circuit and in the studio (previous releases My Religion and Blue to My Soul are his best back-to-back blues based albums to date).
More importantly, and more blues authentically, John Verity, along with similarly minded blues playing notables such as Bernie Marsden and Snowy White (who has just released his latest album The Situation, see news item below) make it all about the sound, space and feel...
Official website: http://www.johnverity.com/
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Eighteen months on from last studio album Reunited, acclaimed British guitarist Snowy White has released his new album The Situation.
The new twelve track album once again features a number of the guitarist's "White Flames" musical collaborator’s and friends, including Max Middleton, Ferry Langendrijk and Jessica Lauren (keyboards), Kuma Harada and Walter Latupeirissa (bass), Juan van Emmerloot and Jeff Allen (drums).
Since the late 1960s Snowy White and his characteristic guitar playing have made their mark on tasteful blues rock.
Whether as a member of Thin Lizzy (featuring on the albums Chinatown and Renegade), working with Peter Green, an indispensable tour musician for Pink Floyd and later Roger Waters, or as a highly respected solo artist, Snowy White has remained true to his love for excellent, handmade music.
Talking about The Situation, Snowy White says "These songs are my expression of where I was in 2018… up and down, good and bad, weak and strong – it’s all here… just doing my thing as usual, enjoying playing with all my musician friends."
The new twelve track album once again features a number of the guitarist's "White Flames" musical collaborator’s and friends, including Max Middleton, Ferry Langendrijk and Jessica Lauren (keyboards), Kuma Harada and Walter Latupeirissa (bass), Juan van Emmerloot and Jeff Allen (drums).
Since the late 1960s Snowy White and his characteristic guitar playing have made their mark on tasteful blues rock.
Whether as a member of Thin Lizzy (featuring on the albums Chinatown and Renegade), working with Peter Green, an indispensable tour musician for Pink Floyd and later Roger Waters, or as a highly respected solo artist, Snowy White has remained true to his love for excellent, handmade music.
Talking about The Situation, Snowy White says "These songs are my expression of where I was in 2018… up and down, good and bad, weak and strong – it’s all here… just doing my thing as usual, enjoying playing with all my musician friends."
The guitarist has also given a quick snap-shot insight behind the meaning of each song in reflective, song-by-song summary…
The Situation – "Well, we’re all in a 'situation' of some kind or another…"
This Feeling – "When did I lose it? Time passes and we all see changes in ourselves."
LA Skip – "Venice Beach in LA, watching the jugglers as the sun went down and the air cooled."
We Can’t Seem To Do Much About It – "Well, maybe that’s a bit defeatist, but things do seem to be getting out of control…"
Crazy Situation Blues – "Got the blues in my heart most of the time, that’s just the way it is."
Blues In My Reflection – "Someone somewhere out there loves me? I wonder… "
So, Why Do I Still Have The Blues? – "Good question. But one thing I do know is that 'You Can’t Take It With You,' so better make the most of it while you can."
Migration - "I need a change of direction maybe? A new environment, could do the trick. It’s hard out there though, can’t always trust what you hear, plenty of people playing 'The Lying Game.' We can only make the most of things, go through these 'Hard Blues' and hope to come out the other side in one piece. As for the future, getting older, some hard times coming and, honestly, I 'Can’t Imagine' how it’s going to be…"
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The Situation – "Well, we’re all in a 'situation' of some kind or another…"
This Feeling – "When did I lose it? Time passes and we all see changes in ourselves."
LA Skip – "Venice Beach in LA, watching the jugglers as the sun went down and the air cooled."
We Can’t Seem To Do Much About It – "Well, maybe that’s a bit defeatist, but things do seem to be getting out of control…"
Crazy Situation Blues – "Got the blues in my heart most of the time, that’s just the way it is."
Blues In My Reflection – "Someone somewhere out there loves me? I wonder… "
So, Why Do I Still Have The Blues? – "Good question. But one thing I do know is that 'You Can’t Take It With You,' so better make the most of it while you can."
Migration - "I need a change of direction maybe? A new environment, could do the trick. It’s hard out there though, can’t always trust what you hear, plenty of people playing 'The Lying Game.' We can only make the most of things, go through these 'Hard Blues' and hope to come out the other side in one piece. As for the future, getting older, some hard times coming and, honestly, I 'Can’t Imagine' how it’s going to be…"
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The major difference between The Mustangs (a band who can R&B and rock it up as well as they can melodically pop it out) and their British blues rock contemporaries (other than that mix of styles just described) is they don’t pander to the twelve bar, every album must have a ten minute slow blues and "give us another shuffle" fraternity.
2017’s Just Passing Through (FabricationsHQ’s blues based album of that year), musically and lyrically, took the listener on life’s beginning-to-end journey through the analogy of a train ride.
That release, a beautifully crafted and intelligently structured melodic blues album, is now followed by the environmentally themed concept album, Watertown.
For the new album the band once again joined forces with drummer/ producer/ mixer Wayne Proctor (Just Passing Through was produced and mixed by Proctor and Steve Wright of House of Tone at Y Dream Studios, North Wales); the results are the perfect blend of excellent sound and conceptual vision, the latter close to the personal and political heart of The Mustangs drummer Jon Bartley, whom many will know as co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.
"This new album feels very fulfilling for me," says Jon, adding "it’s the first time we’ve gone out with a record that has a message that aligns with what I do politically.
I loved playing on it because it’s got some great tunes and lovely performances by the rest of the band, but there’s an extra dimension due to the themes and the story."
Of that story, band front man and main songwriter Adam Norsworthy (who released the outstanding singer-songwriter albums Rainbird in 2016 and The Circus Moon last year) says:
"It’s about the conflict between unchanging nature and the all-consuming march of city and industry, told through the eyes of a young couple. Jon was really the inspiration for the story, which came to me when we played at the Glastonbury Festival last year – we met so many people who are passionate about preserving and protecting what’s left of our natural environment, and we wanted to have our say too.
We’ve stretched our wings on this record to take in more of our influences including folk, rock, country, prog and psychedelia. There’s even a nod to Frank Sinatra, the Godfather of concept albums, in the title!"
Watertown will be released by Skyfire Records on June 7th; it's preceded by lead-off single, 'She Didn’t Get Into The Water.'
2017’s Just Passing Through (FabricationsHQ’s blues based album of that year), musically and lyrically, took the listener on life’s beginning-to-end journey through the analogy of a train ride.
That release, a beautifully crafted and intelligently structured melodic blues album, is now followed by the environmentally themed concept album, Watertown.
For the new album the band once again joined forces with drummer/ producer/ mixer Wayne Proctor (Just Passing Through was produced and mixed by Proctor and Steve Wright of House of Tone at Y Dream Studios, North Wales); the results are the perfect blend of excellent sound and conceptual vision, the latter close to the personal and political heart of The Mustangs drummer Jon Bartley, whom many will know as co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.
"This new album feels very fulfilling for me," says Jon, adding "it’s the first time we’ve gone out with a record that has a message that aligns with what I do politically.
I loved playing on it because it’s got some great tunes and lovely performances by the rest of the band, but there’s an extra dimension due to the themes and the story."
Of that story, band front man and main songwriter Adam Norsworthy (who released the outstanding singer-songwriter albums Rainbird in 2016 and The Circus Moon last year) says:
"It’s about the conflict between unchanging nature and the all-consuming march of city and industry, told through the eyes of a young couple. Jon was really the inspiration for the story, which came to me when we played at the Glastonbury Festival last year – we met so many people who are passionate about preserving and protecting what’s left of our natural environment, and we wanted to have our say too.
We’ve stretched our wings on this record to take in more of our influences including folk, rock, country, prog and psychedelia. There’s even a nod to Frank Sinatra, the Godfather of concept albums, in the title!"
Watertown will be released by Skyfire Records on June 7th; it's preceded by lead-off single, 'She Didn’t Get Into The Water.'
The Mustangs were formed in 2001 and in 2005 won the legendary Eel Pie Club’s New Blues Talent search.
The band has produced eight albums of all original material, a live album and fifteen year anthology The Best of The Mustangs 2001-2016.
They have long been a favourite on the live circuit and a go-to band for any festival worth its blues and rock salt.
The Mustangs:
Adam Norsworthy – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Derek Kingaby – Blues Harp
Jon Bartley – Drums
Ben McKeown – Bass Guitar
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The band has produced eight albums of all original material, a live album and fifteen year anthology The Best of The Mustangs 2001-2016.
They have long been a favourite on the live circuit and a go-to band for any festival worth its blues and rock salt.
The Mustangs:
Adam Norsworthy – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Derek Kingaby – Blues Harp
Jon Bartley – Drums
Ben McKeown – Bass Guitar
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American rock legends Toto will perform at the Live At Chelsea Concert Series 2019, which is celebrating its fifth year of bringing live music to the spectacular outdoor grounds of the Royal Hospital, home of the Chelsea Pensioners.
Toto, in their only UK appearance of 2019, will headline the Live At Chelsea Concert Series on Thursday 13th June 2019 (The Gipsy Kings will headline the event on Friday 14th June).
Special Guest support to Toto will be British rock quartet The Darkness.
Consisting of Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar), Dan Hawkins (guitar, vocals), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Ed Graham (drums), The Darkness first came to prominence in 2003 with the success of debut album Permission to Land. Bolstered by the hits 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love,' 'Growing on Me' and 'Get Your Hands off My Woman,' the album went on to sell over 1.3 million units in the UK.
The band have since released a further four studio albums (as well as 2018's Live at Hammersmith) and have garnered four Kerrang awards and three BRITs.
Currently celebrating 40 years since the release of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, Toto are one of the world’s foremost rock bands.
With their current line-up built around a core of Joseph Williams (lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards) and Steve Lukather (guitars, vocals), the group continue to celebrate a legacy of hits ('Hold The Line,' 'Africa' and 'Rosanna' to name but three) and accolades (six GRAMMY Awards including Best Record in 1983 for Toto IV and inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009).
The London show is part of Toto’s 40 Trips Around The Sun World Tour in celebration of their 40th Anniversary; the band recently released an album of the same name, which contains a selection of their best and biggest songs plus three previously unreleased tracks.
Guitarist and Toto ever-present Steve Lukather recently published his autobiography The Gospel According to Luke.
The Live At Chelsea Concert Series has established itself as a welcome fixture in the summer music calendar, in no small part due to the eclectic range of artists who have previously featured, including Rufus Wainwright, Simply Red, Belle & Sebastian and the Kaiser Chiefs.
Every year a portion of the ticket sales from the event is donated towards the care of the Chelsea Pensioners, as well as the maintenance of the Grade I listed site which has provided care and comradeship to ex-military personnel since 1682 when it was founded by King Charles II.
For more information on the Chelsea Pensioners and the Royal Hospital Chelsea, please visit:
ww.chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Tickets start from £45; for more information on tickets and hospitality event packages, please visit: www.liveatchelsea.com
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Toto, in their only UK appearance of 2019, will headline the Live At Chelsea Concert Series on Thursday 13th June 2019 (The Gipsy Kings will headline the event on Friday 14th June).
Special Guest support to Toto will be British rock quartet The Darkness.
Consisting of Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar), Dan Hawkins (guitar, vocals), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Ed Graham (drums), The Darkness first came to prominence in 2003 with the success of debut album Permission to Land. Bolstered by the hits 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love,' 'Growing on Me' and 'Get Your Hands off My Woman,' the album went on to sell over 1.3 million units in the UK.
The band have since released a further four studio albums (as well as 2018's Live at Hammersmith) and have garnered four Kerrang awards and three BRITs.
Currently celebrating 40 years since the release of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, Toto are one of the world’s foremost rock bands.
With their current line-up built around a core of Joseph Williams (lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards) and Steve Lukather (guitars, vocals), the group continue to celebrate a legacy of hits ('Hold The Line,' 'Africa' and 'Rosanna' to name but three) and accolades (six GRAMMY Awards including Best Record in 1983 for Toto IV and inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009).
The London show is part of Toto’s 40 Trips Around The Sun World Tour in celebration of their 40th Anniversary; the band recently released an album of the same name, which contains a selection of their best and biggest songs plus three previously unreleased tracks.
Guitarist and Toto ever-present Steve Lukather recently published his autobiography The Gospel According to Luke.
The Live At Chelsea Concert Series has established itself as a welcome fixture in the summer music calendar, in no small part due to the eclectic range of artists who have previously featured, including Rufus Wainwright, Simply Red, Belle & Sebastian and the Kaiser Chiefs.
Every year a portion of the ticket sales from the event is donated towards the care of the Chelsea Pensioners, as well as the maintenance of the Grade I listed site which has provided care and comradeship to ex-military personnel since 1682 when it was founded by King Charles II.
For more information on the Chelsea Pensioners and the Royal Hospital Chelsea, please visit:
ww.chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Tickets start from £45; for more information on tickets and hospitality event packages, please visit: www.liveatchelsea.com
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Virtuoso and Mr Big guitarist Paul Gilbert returns to Music Theories Recordings with Behold Electric Guitar, an album of twelve new, original songs, most of which are instrumental.
The one exception is 'A Herd of Turtles,' where Paul opted his best Liverpudlian accent to recite his poem of hope, inserting ferocious funk riffs for musical contrast in between.
The songs styles, and songwriting process, on Behold Electric Guitar is not what you would expect from a shredder like Paul Gilbert.
The guitarist actually started most of the songs by writing lyrics first; the melody, with the right chords, arrangement and groove, was then formed.
The lyrics were then translated to a guitar melody, making the need for the actual lyrics themselves redundant. The results are Paul Gilbert’s most expressive and inspired guitar playing to date.
Behold Electric Guitar will be released worldwide on Music Theories Recordings on Friday May 17th and will be available digitally, on CD and double vinyl (the vinyl is limited to 1000 copies but includes a code for a complimentary MP3 download of the album).
An album taster in the shape of an official video for 'Havin' It' has been released, of which Paul Gilbert says:
"I finally wrote a song with long guitar solos! It took me decades to stretch beyond my pop song structure habits, and it feels great to be free, and just play, and play, and play.
The song still has melodies and themes, and those were inspired by the idea that when you have something good, you still want more. Havin' it don't make me stop wantin' it!"
The one exception is 'A Herd of Turtles,' where Paul opted his best Liverpudlian accent to recite his poem of hope, inserting ferocious funk riffs for musical contrast in between.
The songs styles, and songwriting process, on Behold Electric Guitar is not what you would expect from a shredder like Paul Gilbert.
The guitarist actually started most of the songs by writing lyrics first; the melody, with the right chords, arrangement and groove, was then formed.
The lyrics were then translated to a guitar melody, making the need for the actual lyrics themselves redundant. The results are Paul Gilbert’s most expressive and inspired guitar playing to date.
Behold Electric Guitar will be released worldwide on Music Theories Recordings on Friday May 17th and will be available digitally, on CD and double vinyl (the vinyl is limited to 1000 copies but includes a code for a complimentary MP3 download of the album).
An album taster in the shape of an official video for 'Havin' It' has been released, of which Paul Gilbert says:
"I finally wrote a song with long guitar solos! It took me decades to stretch beyond my pop song structure habits, and it feels great to be free, and just play, and play, and play.
The song still has melodies and themes, and those were inspired by the idea that when you have something good, you still want more. Havin' it don't make me stop wantin' it!"
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There’s something new approaching out of the UK’s modern progressive movement and the shadowy, mid-evening light…
Dusk are a new, progressively focused three piece built around the talents of solo artist Dec Burke (ex Darwin’s Radio and Frost*), Scott Higham (ex Pendragon) and Sean Spear (ex Grey Lady Down and Darwin’s Radio).
Initially formed as a band for Dec Burke’s recent Fusion 2019 festival set, the trio's instant chemistry led immediately thereafter to Dusk, a three-piece that will bring both contemporary heavy rock weight and melodic appeal to their brand of modern prog – a progressive (pun intended) extension of Book of Secrets (Dec Burke's excellent 2016 solo album) but with their own collective voice.
Dusk are a new, progressively focused three piece built around the talents of solo artist Dec Burke (ex Darwin’s Radio and Frost*), Scott Higham (ex Pendragon) and Sean Spear (ex Grey Lady Down and Darwin’s Radio).
Initially formed as a band for Dec Burke’s recent Fusion 2019 festival set, the trio's instant chemistry led immediately thereafter to Dusk, a three-piece that will bring both contemporary heavy rock weight and melodic appeal to their brand of modern prog – a progressive (pun intended) extension of Book of Secrets (Dec Burke's excellent 2016 solo album) but with their own collective voice.
Dusk : Dec Burke – vocals, guitars; Scott Higham – drums, vocals; Sean Spear – bass guitars
https://www.facebook.com/dusk4music/
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https://www.facebook.com/dusk4music/
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Copenhagen based rockers Before Fire, who caught the attention of FabricationsHQ last year with the old school meets contemporary sound of 'There She Goes,' have released a new single, 'Risk It.'
The band’s earlier, debut EP Temper of Two also caught the attention of the Danish Media but truth be told the band are in a stronger position now than then as was proven with 'There She Goes' and now 'Risk It,' a punchy and post-punky piece of vibrant garage inspired rock that channels their inner Jack White...
The band’s earlier, debut EP Temper of Two also caught the attention of the Danish Media but truth be told the band are in a stronger position now than then as was proven with 'There She Goes' and now 'Risk It,' a punchy and post-punky piece of vibrant garage inspired rock that channels their inner Jack White...
Before Fire plan to release several tracks across 2019 which will then be compiled in to a new EP.
The band will be also playing across Denmark in 2019 and, should their new material make its contemporary and indie garage rock mark, possibly further afield.
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The band will be also playing across Denmark in 2019 and, should their new material make its contemporary and indie garage rock mark, possibly further afield.
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As just about every British blues rock fan will be aware, King King have a new rhythm to their rock.
Following co-founder and bassist Lindsay Coulson’s departure form the band last month (bowing out on the final show of the band’s spring UK tour in Glasgow) Zander Greenshields was announced and introduced as the band’s new bassist on stage at that same gig.
A fellow Glasgow musician and long-time friend of Alan Nimmo (playing with the guitarist in Nimmo’s first band Silvertrain as well as the Blackwater Blues Band (who featured Alan and Stevie Nimmo) and the Nimmo Brothers), Zander Greenshields was more lately seen as part of Stevie Nimmo’s live band.
All of which meant the Glasgow based Greenshields was such an obvious and goof-fit choice that, frankly, there would have been a public inquiry launched by those of us around the Glasgow music scene locale if he hadn’t been chosen to be King King’s new bassist.
As blues fate and rock circumstance would have it, the King King Glasgow show was also the last to feature long-standing drummer Wayne Proctor, whose departure from the band was announced earlier this month.
Currently touring with the Oli Brown Band, Proctor also has numerous production or mixing projects on the go in his House of Tone Productions guise (the British Blues Awards Hall of Famer is fast becoming as respected for his audio skills as he is for his talents behind a kit).
Replacing one of the best groove drummers in the British blues rock scene is a hard ask but bringing in a Boston Berklee College of Music graduate and one Scotland’s finest drummers isn’t a bad answer.
Andrew Scott, a favoured session player for many years, brings a new percussive dynamic to the band – and blues rock fans who appreciate or love progressive rock (the more modern, post-rock instrumental equivalent), should check out Scott’s Leviathan Owl project, which has thus far produced two excellent EPs
https://leviathanowl.bandcamp.com/
Following co-founder and bassist Lindsay Coulson’s departure form the band last month (bowing out on the final show of the band’s spring UK tour in Glasgow) Zander Greenshields was announced and introduced as the band’s new bassist on stage at that same gig.
A fellow Glasgow musician and long-time friend of Alan Nimmo (playing with the guitarist in Nimmo’s first band Silvertrain as well as the Blackwater Blues Band (who featured Alan and Stevie Nimmo) and the Nimmo Brothers), Zander Greenshields was more lately seen as part of Stevie Nimmo’s live band.
All of which meant the Glasgow based Greenshields was such an obvious and goof-fit choice that, frankly, there would have been a public inquiry launched by those of us around the Glasgow music scene locale if he hadn’t been chosen to be King King’s new bassist.
As blues fate and rock circumstance would have it, the King King Glasgow show was also the last to feature long-standing drummer Wayne Proctor, whose departure from the band was announced earlier this month.
Currently touring with the Oli Brown Band, Proctor also has numerous production or mixing projects on the go in his House of Tone Productions guise (the British Blues Awards Hall of Famer is fast becoming as respected for his audio skills as he is for his talents behind a kit).
Replacing one of the best groove drummers in the British blues rock scene is a hard ask but bringing in a Boston Berklee College of Music graduate and one Scotland’s finest drummers isn’t a bad answer.
Andrew Scott, a favoured session player for many years, brings a new percussive dynamic to the band – and blues rock fans who appreciate or love progressive rock (the more modern, post-rock instrumental equivalent), should check out Scott’s Leviathan Owl project, which has thus far produced two excellent EPs
https://leviathanowl.bandcamp.com/
Zander Greenshields and Andrew Scott will join King King on their upcoming European dates (which include two UK shows) before entering the studio to record what will be King King’s fifth studio album and the follow up to their acclaimed chart album, Exile & Grace.
King King will also join Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Blues Cruise, taking in Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Valletta, from August 16th-21st
www.kingking.co.uk/tour and www.bluesaliveatseaeurope.com
KING KING : confirmed summer dates:
Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands - Sunday 9th June
Ribs N Blues Festival, Raalte, Netherlands - Monday 10th June
Le Toit Rouge, Montélimar, France - Friday 14th June
Rock Festival, Barcelona, Spain - Friday 5th July
Festival Guitare en Scene, Saint-Julien en Genevois, France - Thursday 11th July
Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea: Friday 16th August – Wednesday 21st August
King King will also join Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Blues Cruise, taking in Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Valletta, from August 16th-21st
www.kingking.co.uk/tour and www.bluesaliveatseaeurope.com
KING KING : confirmed summer dates:
Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands - Sunday 9th June
Ribs N Blues Festival, Raalte, Netherlands - Monday 10th June
Le Toit Rouge, Montélimar, France - Friday 14th June
Rock Festival, Barcelona, Spain - Friday 5th July
Festival Guitare en Scene, Saint-Julien en Genevois, France - Thursday 11th July
Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea: Friday 16th August – Wednesday 21st August
The new look King King (l to r) Zander Greenshields, Alan Nimmo, Jonny Dyke, Andrew Scott
(photo: Graham Milne)
(photo: Graham Milne)
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Ayrshire’s impacting emo-rock trio Twin Heart, featuring Dawn (vocals, guitar) and Murray (drums, vocals) Baxter, will be both celebrating and wrapping up ten years of music together with a selected collection of final dates in April.
The pair, who were also part of Ayrshire’s lyrically emotive and musically angular rock quartet Mechanical Smile, produced a musical nod to both bands last month with their Mechanical Heart EP.
The five track EP features a new track (the mellower and spacious vignette 'Mechanical Heart'), three atmospheric reworks of Mechanical Smile songs ('Arrows,' 'Kaleidoscope,' 'Leap Of Faith') and recent Twin Heart single 'This Place is Not My Own.'
Twin Heart also made an impact beyond the county borders of Ayrshire, making the announcement of a run of final shows (including a final TBC date in their hometown of Kilmarnock) and disbandment a seemingly curious decision, but as Murray Baxter confirmed to FabricationsHQ, it’s more a case of right time for the right reasons…
"Basically we just need a break from it all; Dawn and I been going at it full pelt for over ten years and we sacrificed a lot over those years to push ourselves as far as we could, musically.
We played some amazing shows, but we feel it’s the right time to call it a day – but who knows what the future holds…!"
The pair, who were also part of Ayrshire’s lyrically emotive and musically angular rock quartet Mechanical Smile, produced a musical nod to both bands last month with their Mechanical Heart EP.
The five track EP features a new track (the mellower and spacious vignette 'Mechanical Heart'), three atmospheric reworks of Mechanical Smile songs ('Arrows,' 'Kaleidoscope,' 'Leap Of Faith') and recent Twin Heart single 'This Place is Not My Own.'
Twin Heart also made an impact beyond the county borders of Ayrshire, making the announcement of a run of final shows (including a final TBC date in their hometown of Kilmarnock) and disbandment a seemingly curious decision, but as Murray Baxter confirmed to FabricationsHQ, it’s more a case of right time for the right reasons…
"Basically we just need a break from it all; Dawn and I been going at it full pelt for over ten years and we sacrificed a lot over those years to push ourselves as far as we could, musically.
We played some amazing shows, but we feel it’s the right time to call it a day – but who knows what the future holds…!"
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This recently YT posted blast from the all-girl rock (with a touch of pop, soul and funk) past helps underline and remind just what a consummate, talented and (sadly not fully recognised at the time) outstanding band Fanny were.
Seen by many as a "gimmick" band (Warner Bros only signed them to their Reprise label on that very pretext, ignoring their genuinely strong musicianship, vocals and songwriting) the band had a smattering of successful hit singles but their albums never did the higher charting business they should have; it would be decades before the industry recognised their talent/ efforts to all-female music.
Fans of the original band should also check out the 2018 spin-off album Fanny Walked the Earth featuring the Millington sisters and the band's original / pre-debut album drummer-singer, Brie Howard.
Seen by many as a "gimmick" band (Warner Bros only signed them to their Reprise label on that very pretext, ignoring their genuinely strong musicianship, vocals and songwriting) the band had a smattering of successful hit singles but their albums never did the higher charting business they should have; it would be decades before the industry recognised their talent/ efforts to all-female music.
Fans of the original band should also check out the 2018 spin-off album Fanny Walked the Earth featuring the Millington sisters and the band's original / pre-debut album drummer-singer, Brie Howard.
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Singer-songwriter Heather Findlay, who comfortably crosses and blends the boundaries of progressive, folk, ballad and rock, is gearing up to release her new, and long-awaited, solo album Wild White Horses.
Scheduled for a spring release the album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales in collaboration with, and production from, Thunder’s Luke Morley.
A number of short promotional teasers have been released, culminating in the Making Of trailer that features selected audio of tracks from the forthcoming album -- all of which points to a multi-faceted release that may well turn out to be not just the ex Mostly Autumn vocalist’s finest work to date but the album that widens and increases the audience numbers the captivating voice and talents of Heather Findlay so richly deserve.
Scheduled for a spring release the album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales in collaboration with, and production from, Thunder’s Luke Morley.
A number of short promotional teasers have been released, culminating in the Making Of trailer that features selected audio of tracks from the forthcoming album -- all of which points to a multi-faceted release that may well turn out to be not just the ex Mostly Autumn vocalist’s finest work to date but the album that widens and increases the audience numbers the captivating voice and talents of Heather Findlay so richly deserve.
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The Stray Cats are back!
Original founding members of the acclaimed and iconic American rockabilly rollers - Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (bass, vocals) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals) - are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a new album and tour.
The album, entitled 40, is the band’s first new album in twenty-six years; it will be released on May 24th via Surfdog Records and distributed by Mascot Label Group in Europe and the UK.
The song titles alone, including 'Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me),' 'Rock It Off,' 'Mean Pickin’ Mama' and 'Devil Train,' instantly let listeners know they’re in for a non-stop rocking time.
Pre-orders and Merchandise can be obtained from the Mascot label Group Shop Store (Europe Only):
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/Pre-orders/
Album options and Merch includes T-shirt bundles with new Stray Cats 40 design (sizes M-XXL); Blue Marble vinyl - Limited to 500, only available from the MLG store; Silver vinyl - Limited to 2000 in Europe; Black vinyl; Deluxe CD box set with 2 bonus tracks (not on regular CD or vinyl); Stray Cats-themed coasters, stickers and postcard.
Original founding members of the acclaimed and iconic American rockabilly rollers - Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (bass, vocals) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals) - are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a new album and tour.
The album, entitled 40, is the band’s first new album in twenty-six years; it will be released on May 24th via Surfdog Records and distributed by Mascot Label Group in Europe and the UK.
The song titles alone, including 'Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me),' 'Rock It Off,' 'Mean Pickin’ Mama' and 'Devil Train,' instantly let listeners know they’re in for a non-stop rocking time.
Pre-orders and Merchandise can be obtained from the Mascot label Group Shop Store (Europe Only):
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/Pre-orders/
Album options and Merch includes T-shirt bundles with new Stray Cats 40 design (sizes M-XXL); Blue Marble vinyl - Limited to 500, only available from the MLG store; Silver vinyl - Limited to 2000 in Europe; Black vinyl; Deluxe CD box set with 2 bonus tracks (not on regular CD or vinyl); Stray Cats-themed coasters, stickers and postcard.
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British rock quintet Piston has just released their new single 'One More Day;' the song has been remixed by Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Stone Broken, Wille & The Bandits, Bad Touch, Funeral For A Friend).
The single can be ordered as a digital download from iTunes via: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/piston/595541815
Piston, who have appeared with various noted acts including The Temperance Movement and Sebastian Bach, have made a name for themselves via their raw, rock sound and energetic live performances.
Of the single, Piston vocalist Rob Angelico says "One More Day is about learning to trust in the natural progression of life. We can't turn back time here, we can only progress and move forward. We always have another day to find the light."
As regards plans for 2019 the band commented that "we are all really looking forward to getting back out on the road again, catching up with the fans and playing them a bunch of new songs - it has been almost six years since our last release, and it has been one hell of a journey.
We recorded a whole album and scrapped it and re-sculpted our sound! 2019 is the year for Piston!"
The single can be ordered as a digital download from iTunes via: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/piston/595541815
Piston, who have appeared with various noted acts including The Temperance Movement and Sebastian Bach, have made a name for themselves via their raw, rock sound and energetic live performances.
Of the single, Piston vocalist Rob Angelico says "One More Day is about learning to trust in the natural progression of life. We can't turn back time here, we can only progress and move forward. We always have another day to find the light."
As regards plans for 2019 the band commented that "we are all really looking forward to getting back out on the road again, catching up with the fans and playing them a bunch of new songs - it has been almost six years since our last release, and it has been one hell of a journey.
We recorded a whole album and scrapped it and re-sculpted our sound! 2019 is the year for Piston!"
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Escape Music have announced the release of Attitude, the debut from British melodic/ rock supergroup Lonerider featuring FM vocalist Steve Overland, legendary drummer Simon Kirke of Free and Bad Company fame, Steve Morris (Heartland) on guitars & keyboards, Thunder’s Chris Childs on bass and Brian J Anthony (acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion).
The album was released in April and is available on CD and Limited Edition Double LP Vinyl (only 500 vinyl copies will be produced, in transparent gold and individually numbered).
The album was produced by the band and mixed and mastered by Brian J Anthony.
Lonerider - Attitude (all songs by Steve Overland/Steve Morris)
1- My Imagination 2- Lonerider 3- Hard Heart to Break 4- Fast Train 5- Wanted Man 6- Yesterday Heroes
7- Angel without Wings 8- Rock ‘N Roll Dreamer 9- One in A Million 10- Gimme Your Love 11- Rhythm of Life 12- Heart & Soul.
Bonus tracks (Double LP Vinyl ONLY):
When Love Leaves Town; Have A Little Faith; Rock ‘N Roll Dreamer (acoustic version); Yesterday Heroes (acoustic version).
If you like Bad Company then Lonerider are going to be a treat for you; with the feel of classic Bad Company yet with modern, fresh and vibrant songs, Lonerider certainly have the quality – and the Attitude.
The album was released in April and is available on CD and Limited Edition Double LP Vinyl (only 500 vinyl copies will be produced, in transparent gold and individually numbered).
The album was produced by the band and mixed and mastered by Brian J Anthony.
Lonerider - Attitude (all songs by Steve Overland/Steve Morris)
1- My Imagination 2- Lonerider 3- Hard Heart to Break 4- Fast Train 5- Wanted Man 6- Yesterday Heroes
7- Angel without Wings 8- Rock ‘N Roll Dreamer 9- One in A Million 10- Gimme Your Love 11- Rhythm of Life 12- Heart & Soul.
Bonus tracks (Double LP Vinyl ONLY):
When Love Leaves Town; Have A Little Faith; Rock ‘N Roll Dreamer (acoustic version); Yesterday Heroes (acoustic version).
If you like Bad Company then Lonerider are going to be a treat for you; with the feel of classic Bad Company yet with modern, fresh and vibrant songs, Lonerider certainly have the quality – and the Attitude.
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Sad news that Peter Frampton’s next tour will be almost certainly be his last, especially given the reason behind such an announcement.
The celebrated musician made the "last tour" announcement on Friday 22nd February then spoke about the reasoning behind it to Anthony Mason on CBS This Morning: Saturday the following day – he has a degenerative muscular disease known as inclusion body myositis (a rare and incurable inflammatory condition which causes the muscles to slowly weaken).
Frampton was diagnosed with the condition some three and half years ago but has only now spoken publicly about it. Says Frampton of the condition, and the future:
"What will happen, unfortunately, is that it affects the finger flexors. That's the first telltale sign is the flexors, you know. So for a guitar player, it's not very good.
The reason I'm calling it the 'farewell tour,' again, is because I know that I will be at the top of my game for this tour and I will make it through this and people won't be saying, 'Oh you know, he can't play as good.' I can. But we just don't know for how long.
If this is the farewell tour, then maybe if the drug trial works, there'll be the miracle tour... I wish, but I'm realistic, too — this really is the farewell tour.""
The full interview can be viewed here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/peter-frampton-farewell-tour-will-be-his-last-singer-reveals-inclusion-body-myositis-diagnosis-in-cbs-this-morning-interview-2019-02-23/
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The celebrated musician made the "last tour" announcement on Friday 22nd February then spoke about the reasoning behind it to Anthony Mason on CBS This Morning: Saturday the following day – he has a degenerative muscular disease known as inclusion body myositis (a rare and incurable inflammatory condition which causes the muscles to slowly weaken).
Frampton was diagnosed with the condition some three and half years ago but has only now spoken publicly about it. Says Frampton of the condition, and the future:
"What will happen, unfortunately, is that it affects the finger flexors. That's the first telltale sign is the flexors, you know. So for a guitar player, it's not very good.
The reason I'm calling it the 'farewell tour,' again, is because I know that I will be at the top of my game for this tour and I will make it through this and people won't be saying, 'Oh you know, he can't play as good.' I can. But we just don't know for how long.
If this is the farewell tour, then maybe if the drug trial works, there'll be the miracle tour... I wish, but I'm realistic, too — this really is the farewell tour.""
The full interview can be viewed here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/peter-frampton-farewell-tour-will-be-his-last-singer-reveals-inclusion-body-myositis-diagnosis-in-cbs-this-morning-interview-2019-02-23/
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Welsh heavy blues rockers Everyday Heroes, winners of the StormBreakers Battle of the Bands event last year that led to their highly impacting spot at WinterStorm Troon 2018, continue to impress with their hard 'n' gritty, guitar-led storytelling variant of the genre.
Latest song/ single, 'Soul to Save,' also bodes well for the forthcoming debut album…
Latest song/ single, 'Soul to Save,' also bodes well for the forthcoming debut album…
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New British melodic rock and county band Collateral have released a radio remix of their single 'Midnight Queen' along with accompanying official music video.
The single has been remixed for rock radio by Romesh Dodangoda, who has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song for his production work on Bring Me The Horizon’s single 'Mantra.'
At the end of 2018 Collateral released their debut 4-track EP 4 Shots! on Roulette Records.
The EP can be purchases here www.roulettemedia.uk/collateral-store; it is also available on all digital platforms.
The melodic rock and country hooked 'Midnight Queen' features on the EP along with the southern-meets-melodic rock of 'Going With the Wind,' the country clothed 'Angels Crying' and powerful melodic rock ballad 'Just Waiting For You'.
The single has been remixed for rock radio by Romesh Dodangoda, who has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song for his production work on Bring Me The Horizon’s single 'Mantra.'
At the end of 2018 Collateral released their debut 4-track EP 4 Shots! on Roulette Records.
The EP can be purchases here www.roulettemedia.uk/collateral-store; it is also available on all digital platforms.
The melodic rock and country hooked 'Midnight Queen' features on the EP along with the southern-meets-melodic rock of 'Going With the Wind,' the country clothed 'Angels Crying' and powerful melodic rock ballad 'Just Waiting For You'.
Collateral are a melodic hard rock band that should appeal to both old and new rock fans who love the sound of classic Bon Jovi, Tyketto, Def Leppard and Little Angels.
Collateral burst on to the music scene in 2018 when they attracted the attention of venues, festivals (they played Hard Rock Hell’s private VIP party), press and hard melodic rock lovers.
Five years on from the Angelo Tristan Band, formed around singer-guitarist Angelo Tristan and bass player Jack Bentley Smith, ripped jeans, cowboy boots, long hair (and plenty of eye-liner) have become as much a part of Collateral (who also feature guitarist Todd Winger and drummer Ben Atkinson) as the quality brand of hard melodic rock heard on 4 Shots!
Upcoming Collateral shows:
Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend (supporting Bad Touch) - Friday 26th April
Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk
Borderline, London (Co-headien wiuth Daxx & Roxanne) - Saturday 8th May
Tickets: www.alttickets.com www.seetickets.com
Camden Rocks, London - Sunday 2nd June
Tickets: https://camdenrocksfestival.com/tickets
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Collateral burst on to the music scene in 2018 when they attracted the attention of venues, festivals (they played Hard Rock Hell’s private VIP party), press and hard melodic rock lovers.
Five years on from the Angelo Tristan Band, formed around singer-guitarist Angelo Tristan and bass player Jack Bentley Smith, ripped jeans, cowboy boots, long hair (and plenty of eye-liner) have become as much a part of Collateral (who also feature guitarist Todd Winger and drummer Ben Atkinson) as the quality brand of hard melodic rock heard on 4 Shots!
Upcoming Collateral shows:
Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend (supporting Bad Touch) - Friday 26th April
Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk
Borderline, London (Co-headien wiuth Daxx & Roxanne) - Saturday 8th May
Tickets: www.alttickets.com www.seetickets.com
Camden Rocks, London - Sunday 2nd June
Tickets: https://camdenrocksfestival.com/tickets
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Burnt Out Wreck, fronted by Gary Moat, were recently back in the ex Heavy Pettin’ musician’s Scottish homeland for a number of dates including BonFest.
FabricationsHQ took the opportunity to have a few words with Gary Moat about the band (see further below).
Burnt Out Wreck’s debut album, Swallow, takes its influence from the High Voltage rock and roll that used to be the order of the 70s and 80s day but both band and album sit firmly and squarely in the present, delivering a brand of unpretentious, honest, well-written and well-performed swaggering rock and roll...
FabricationsHQ took the opportunity to have a few words with Gary Moat about the band (see further below).
Burnt Out Wreck’s debut album, Swallow, takes its influence from the High Voltage rock and roll that used to be the order of the 70s and 80s day but both band and album sit firmly and squarely in the present, delivering a brand of unpretentious, honest, well-written and well-performed swaggering rock and roll...
Swallow, along with a heavy schedule of headline, special guest and festival dates in 2018, helped the band make a dent in the rock ‘n’ roll landscape, something Gary Moat confirmed to FabricationsHQ:
"The critical reaction to Swallow was fantastic, to say the least; not a bad word was said about it, over all.
We also had a great year in 2018, playing to thousands of people up and down the UK; we loved all the gigs but especially enjoyed the tour dates as special guest to Anvil, particularly at the Cat House in Glasgow.
Leo’s Gravesend with Bad Touch was another great gig but so was Monsterfest in Inverness and Trillians in Newcastle, to name just a few more. You can’t beat playing live!"
The recent Scottish dates were a welcome and quick return north of the border for Burnt Out Wreck; at the end of last year they played Paisley and Dundee with support from Scarlet Rebels.
The band also played the Jagermeister Showcase Stage at WinterStorm Troon, a performance that had many hoping for a Main Stage appearance in the future…
"WinterStorm turned out to be just awesome; we have to thank all the people that got behind us and made our performance, and WinterStorm, what it was. We would love to be asked back and, of course, a main stage performance would be the icing on the cake!
The dates we played in Scotland with Scarlet Rebels were great too. We first met the Scarlet Rebels boys at The Underworld in London, when they were called Void; we were both supporting Anvil and we struck up a great relationship there and then.
They are a great young band and really know how to rock; just top blokes all round to be honest!"
Burnt Out Wreck were born out of the disbandment of previous band Mother’s Ruin, featuring Gary Moat and lead guitarist Adrian Dunn. But what prompted the change of name/ new band?
"It was just time for a change, simple as that. I also thought I had best change it before recording Swallow, and that worked out really well!
Adrian and I recorded Swallow, with Mike Ivory adding some of the drums, but Burnt Out Wreck are myself, Adrian, Alex Carmichael on bass, Paul Gray on drums and Miles Goodman on rhythm guitar.
We’ve played non-stop since the release of Swallow, and still are! [laughs]; the next step is to get on to the next rung of the ladder but by heck it’s tough out there.
But we just love playing live and that rubs off on the fans and audiences who come to our shows."
Given the high-energy performances delivered by Burnt Out Wreck and the rock (and roll) solid groundwork laid by Swallow, that step up to the next rung on the ladder could well be provided by the forthcoming second album and further exposure via bigger shows…
"Yes, I’ve been told to pull my finger out by the management – that’s my wife, Claire, the witch of music management [laughs] – and get that second album done!
"We really did not have a minute the whole of 2018 but we have now recorded that second album; the release date will be later this year when you can expect more of the same good old rock ‘n’ roll!
"Beyond that we have our blended Burnt Out Wreck whisky out and will be playing bigger gigs - we've just done BonFest - including the Sunshine Festival in August with plenty more to come!"
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"The critical reaction to Swallow was fantastic, to say the least; not a bad word was said about it, over all.
We also had a great year in 2018, playing to thousands of people up and down the UK; we loved all the gigs but especially enjoyed the tour dates as special guest to Anvil, particularly at the Cat House in Glasgow.
Leo’s Gravesend with Bad Touch was another great gig but so was Monsterfest in Inverness and Trillians in Newcastle, to name just a few more. You can’t beat playing live!"
The recent Scottish dates were a welcome and quick return north of the border for Burnt Out Wreck; at the end of last year they played Paisley and Dundee with support from Scarlet Rebels.
The band also played the Jagermeister Showcase Stage at WinterStorm Troon, a performance that had many hoping for a Main Stage appearance in the future…
"WinterStorm turned out to be just awesome; we have to thank all the people that got behind us and made our performance, and WinterStorm, what it was. We would love to be asked back and, of course, a main stage performance would be the icing on the cake!
The dates we played in Scotland with Scarlet Rebels were great too. We first met the Scarlet Rebels boys at The Underworld in London, when they were called Void; we were both supporting Anvil and we struck up a great relationship there and then.
They are a great young band and really know how to rock; just top blokes all round to be honest!"
Burnt Out Wreck were born out of the disbandment of previous band Mother’s Ruin, featuring Gary Moat and lead guitarist Adrian Dunn. But what prompted the change of name/ new band?
"It was just time for a change, simple as that. I also thought I had best change it before recording Swallow, and that worked out really well!
Adrian and I recorded Swallow, with Mike Ivory adding some of the drums, but Burnt Out Wreck are myself, Adrian, Alex Carmichael on bass, Paul Gray on drums and Miles Goodman on rhythm guitar.
We’ve played non-stop since the release of Swallow, and still are! [laughs]; the next step is to get on to the next rung of the ladder but by heck it’s tough out there.
But we just love playing live and that rubs off on the fans and audiences who come to our shows."
Given the high-energy performances delivered by Burnt Out Wreck and the rock (and roll) solid groundwork laid by Swallow, that step up to the next rung on the ladder could well be provided by the forthcoming second album and further exposure via bigger shows…
"Yes, I’ve been told to pull my finger out by the management – that’s my wife, Claire, the witch of music management [laughs] – and get that second album done!
"We really did not have a minute the whole of 2018 but we have now recorded that second album; the release date will be later this year when you can expect more of the same good old rock ‘n’ roll!
"Beyond that we have our blended Burnt Out Wreck whisky out and will be playing bigger gigs - we've just done BonFest - including the Sunshine Festival in August with plenty more to come!"
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Photo by Tony Joe Gardner
The recent passing of Scottish drummer Ted McKenna was particularly tragic and unexpected, given the still performing fitness of the man and that his death came from complications (haemorrhage) during a routine operation for a hernia.
The news of the outstanding and acclaimed musician’s death was initially announced on social media by a close friend of the family, who confirmed his passing from "a haemorrhage during elective surgery. Freak occurrence and a huge surgical team fought for 10 hours to save him."
Born in Lennoxtown in East Dumbartonshire in 1950, Ted McKenna had been musically active since the late 60s, developing in to one of the greatest, and most highly respected sticksmen in rock (a genuinely lovely guy and true educator, you'd be quicker making a list of drummers who haven’t had at least one lesson from Ted McKenna than those who have).
His most successful and celebrated works came as a member of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band (1972-1977), Rory Gallagher (1978-1981) and the Michael Schenker Group (1981-1984) but his career and percussive CV is littered with so many noteworthy projects (including appearances with, or sessions for, the likes of Dan McCafferty, Ian Gillan, the Greg Lake Band with Gary Moore, Womack and Womack and individualistic blues rock guitarist Gwyn Ashton) you begin to wonder how he ever found time to put his drum sticks down.
Although not his first band, the progressively styled Tear Gas were the outfit that led to bigger and better things (the core members of the band would become the late Alex Harvey’s Sensational ensemble).
Post SAHB, Rory Gallagher and MSG Ted McKenna formed his own band, McKenna's Gold, before later forming The (Sensational) Party Boys which led to a partial reformation of SAHB; that led, in turn, to a full reunion in 2004 of the remaining SAHB members (Ted and Hugh McKenna, Chris Glen and Zal Cleminson, joined by vocalist Max Maxwell), which lasted five years.
Although primarily plying his trade in rock (and blues with Rory Gallagher) Ted McKenna was a multi disciplined musician who also worked with, among others, jazz guitarist John Etheridge, Juno Award-winning blues guitarist Amos Garrett, the aforementioned Gwyn Ashton and the group Band of Friends.
The latter, put together as a celebration of the music of Rory Gallagher and featuring Dutch guitarist Marcel Scherpenzeel and ex Gallagher alumni McKenna and bassist Gerry McAvoy, won Best Blues Band of 2013 at the European Blues Awards; Ted McKenna then won the Best Musician (Performance) award at the 2015 European Blues Awards.
Latterly, Ted McKenna reunited with Michael Schenker Group alumni for the Michael Schenker Fest, a celebratory touring reunion that released the Live Tokyo CD+DVD in 2017 and studio album Resurrection in 2018.
Ted McKenna died on the 19th of January 2019. He was 68.
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The news of the outstanding and acclaimed musician’s death was initially announced on social media by a close friend of the family, who confirmed his passing from "a haemorrhage during elective surgery. Freak occurrence and a huge surgical team fought for 10 hours to save him."
Born in Lennoxtown in East Dumbartonshire in 1950, Ted McKenna had been musically active since the late 60s, developing in to one of the greatest, and most highly respected sticksmen in rock (a genuinely lovely guy and true educator, you'd be quicker making a list of drummers who haven’t had at least one lesson from Ted McKenna than those who have).
His most successful and celebrated works came as a member of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band (1972-1977), Rory Gallagher (1978-1981) and the Michael Schenker Group (1981-1984) but his career and percussive CV is littered with so many noteworthy projects (including appearances with, or sessions for, the likes of Dan McCafferty, Ian Gillan, the Greg Lake Band with Gary Moore, Womack and Womack and individualistic blues rock guitarist Gwyn Ashton) you begin to wonder how he ever found time to put his drum sticks down.
Although not his first band, the progressively styled Tear Gas were the outfit that led to bigger and better things (the core members of the band would become the late Alex Harvey’s Sensational ensemble).
Post SAHB, Rory Gallagher and MSG Ted McKenna formed his own band, McKenna's Gold, before later forming The (Sensational) Party Boys which led to a partial reformation of SAHB; that led, in turn, to a full reunion in 2004 of the remaining SAHB members (Ted and Hugh McKenna, Chris Glen and Zal Cleminson, joined by vocalist Max Maxwell), which lasted five years.
Although primarily plying his trade in rock (and blues with Rory Gallagher) Ted McKenna was a multi disciplined musician who also worked with, among others, jazz guitarist John Etheridge, Juno Award-winning blues guitarist Amos Garrett, the aforementioned Gwyn Ashton and the group Band of Friends.
The latter, put together as a celebration of the music of Rory Gallagher and featuring Dutch guitarist Marcel Scherpenzeel and ex Gallagher alumni McKenna and bassist Gerry McAvoy, won Best Blues Band of 2013 at the European Blues Awards; Ted McKenna then won the Best Musician (Performance) award at the 2015 European Blues Awards.
Latterly, Ted McKenna reunited with Michael Schenker Group alumni for the Michael Schenker Fest, a celebratory touring reunion that released the Live Tokyo CD+DVD in 2017 and studio album Resurrection in 2018.
Ted McKenna died on the 19th of January 2019. He was 68.
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British guitar rock quintet The Treatment recently released their fourth album, Power Crazy.
The band will hit the road in May in support of the album on the Power Crazy Tour with special guests, Bigfoot
The twelve track Power Crazy continues the band’s successful full-on n feisty formula of big beats, riffs and punchy choruses; it’s also the first album to feature new singer Tom Rampton, who can be heard to full voiced effect on lead off number taster track 'Bite Back.'
The band will hit the road in May in support of the album on the Power Crazy Tour with special guests, Bigfoot
The twelve track Power Crazy continues the band’s successful full-on n feisty formula of big beats, riffs and punchy choruses; it’s also the first album to feature new singer Tom Rampton, who can be heard to full voiced effect on lead off number taster track 'Bite Back.'
A high-energy live outfit, The Treatment have toured with such names as Alice Cooper, Steel Panther, Thin Lizzy, KISS, Motley Crüe and Slash; they have also performed at a number of UK festivals including Download and Hellfest.
The Treatment are: Tom Rampton – vocals; Tagore Grey - guitars; Tao Grey – guitars; Rick Newman – bass;
Dhani Mansworth – drums
Power Crazy Tour with special guests Bigfoot
Wed 22nd May - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Thurs 23rd May - Hanger 18, Swansea
Fri 24th May - The Underworld, London
Sat 25th May - The Waterfront, Norwich
Mon 27th May - The Portland, Cambridge
Wed 29th May - Corporation, Sheffield
Thurs 30th May - Rebellion, Manchester
Fri 31st May - Stereo, Glasgow
Sat 1st June - The Brickyard, Carlisle
Sun 2nd June - The Cluny, Newcastle
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The Treatment are: Tom Rampton – vocals; Tagore Grey - guitars; Tao Grey – guitars; Rick Newman – bass;
Dhani Mansworth – drums
Power Crazy Tour with special guests Bigfoot
Wed 22nd May - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Thurs 23rd May - Hanger 18, Swansea
Fri 24th May - The Underworld, London
Sat 25th May - The Waterfront, Norwich
Mon 27th May - The Portland, Cambridge
Wed 29th May - Corporation, Sheffield
Thurs 30th May - Rebellion, Manchester
Fri 31st May - Stereo, Glasgow
Sat 1st June - The Brickyard, Carlisle
Sun 2nd June - The Cluny, Newcastle
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2018 was a good year for a number of bands emerging in, or starting to rise from, the New Wave of Classic Rock movement in the UK.
One of many notable acts looking to make even bigger headway in 2019 are Scarlet Rebels from South Wales.
Previously active as V0iD the revamped line-up/ band, as Scarlet Rebels, have been around a little over a year but have already garnered some ear and eye catching attention through a heavy gigging schedule and powerful songs.
Front man Wayne Doyle spoke to FabricationsHQ about the band’s hectic 2018, plans for 2019 and his hopes and aspirations for Scarlet Rebels...
FabricationsHQ: 2018 was a busy and interesting year for Scarlet Rebels; emerging from the Void, as it were…
"Yes! We went from being V0iD to changing the name to Scarlet Rebels and signing a multi album record deal with ROAR! Rock of Angels Records.
We opened for Anvil, Jared James Nichols, Aaron Buchanan and the Cult Classics, The Wild! and played with Those Damn Crows, the Heretic Order, Burnt Out Wreck, SKAM! and Theia... we also played Hard Rock Hell Road Trip in Ibiza.
2018 was our first year in this line-up; we’ve been flat out writing, recording, gigging and rehearsing!
So, yeah, 2018 was awesome. I think we may finally be turning people onto us so we’re positive about things going forward."
FHQ: Part of that 2018 live schedule included the Stormbreakers Battle of the Bands event, playing for an opening slot at WinterStorm 2018.
Your fellow countrymen Everyday Heroes won out that night but it has to be gratifying you were included in an event showcasing some of the best upcoming talent in the New Wave of Classic Rock…
"Yeah, of course. Everyday Heroes were on fire that night but to be honest they are pretty much anytime we’ve seen them! They’re amazing live, top guys too!
It’s always nice to be asked to play anywhere, so if we’re free, we do. The bands that were on that night all have a good reputation and following, so it was nice to be involved."
One of many notable acts looking to make even bigger headway in 2019 are Scarlet Rebels from South Wales.
Previously active as V0iD the revamped line-up/ band, as Scarlet Rebels, have been around a little over a year but have already garnered some ear and eye catching attention through a heavy gigging schedule and powerful songs.
Front man Wayne Doyle spoke to FabricationsHQ about the band’s hectic 2018, plans for 2019 and his hopes and aspirations for Scarlet Rebels...
FabricationsHQ: 2018 was a busy and interesting year for Scarlet Rebels; emerging from the Void, as it were…
"Yes! We went from being V0iD to changing the name to Scarlet Rebels and signing a multi album record deal with ROAR! Rock of Angels Records.
We opened for Anvil, Jared James Nichols, Aaron Buchanan and the Cult Classics, The Wild! and played with Those Damn Crows, the Heretic Order, Burnt Out Wreck, SKAM! and Theia... we also played Hard Rock Hell Road Trip in Ibiza.
2018 was our first year in this line-up; we’ve been flat out writing, recording, gigging and rehearsing!
So, yeah, 2018 was awesome. I think we may finally be turning people onto us so we’re positive about things going forward."
FHQ: Part of that 2018 live schedule included the Stormbreakers Battle of the Bands event, playing for an opening slot at WinterStorm 2018.
Your fellow countrymen Everyday Heroes won out that night but it has to be gratifying you were included in an event showcasing some of the best upcoming talent in the New Wave of Classic Rock…
"Yeah, of course. Everyday Heroes were on fire that night but to be honest they are pretty much anytime we’ve seen them! They’re amazing live, top guys too!
It’s always nice to be asked to play anywhere, so if we’re free, we do. The bands that were on that night all have a good reputation and following, so it was nice to be involved."
Becky O'Grady Live Photography
FHQ: Mention of Everyday Heroes, along with yourselves and others such as Kane’d, to name but three, points to a strong young crop of Welsh rock bands…
"There are so many good rock bands in Wales at the moment. There’s a lot of Indie rock flourishing around Wales as well but I think the rock scene is flourishing all over the place – it’s nice to see people support the NWOCR movement through Social Media; that’s given an outlet for people to find new bands and long may that continue."
FHQ: Scarlet Rebels are very much a contemporary rock band with meaty riffs and pacey tempos but there’s a melodic sensibility to the songs; songwriting is clearly as important as the energy, and intensity, of the final product…
"To me it’s the most important thing. Everything we do has to be about the songs.
What we record has to serve the song well and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t get used. I believe in the songs I’ve written previously but what we’ve written for our next release are the best I’ve been involved with; I’m so excited for it to be put out!"
FHQ: You are also a high-energy band on-stage; that gives both band and songs extra impetus…
"Yeah I guess so. Gary Doyle, our drummer, is a powerhouse, so you need to try and match that.
Chris Jones is a complete ball of energy as well; he’s a showman and plays lead guitar like it should be. Everything we do live is higher intensity and quicker than on record as well; we love playing live so hopefully that comes across as well!"
FHQ: You performed in Scotland recently in support to Burnt Out Wreck, fronted by ex Heavy Pettin’ man Gary Moat. Your contemporary rock-metal dovetailed well with Burnt Out Wreck’s old-school, highly impacting hard rock...
"Man, Burnt Out Wreck are just so good. They’re real gents as well.
Being able to spend time with Gary and just talk to him and soak in the advice he has to offer was an absolute pleasure. Gary and Claire, their manager, have been hugely supportive of us, particularly Claire. It’s unreal to be honest and it’s massively appreciated."
FHQ: Scarlet Rebels’ Stormbreakers Battle of the Bands performance and Burnt Out Wreck’s appearance on the Jagermeister showcase stage of WinterStorm 2018 leads to the observation that both bands would be a great fit for WinterStorm 2019. A festival you would love to play?
"Well, being completely honest, that’s the reason we came up to play Stormbreakers last year!
As much as we wanted to do it last year, we went with the intention to put ourselves forward for 2019; we drove from Wales to Scotland in a day and back, to basically audition for it this year.
They know we want to play it and I think we’ve shown how much we want to play it, so hopefully they will give us the opportunity!"
FHQ: From stage to studio – I believe there will be an album from Scarlet Rebels this year and a lot more gigging…
"Correct! I’m so proud of the album – all the boys pulled out brilliant performances to make the songs kick.
We wrote a lot of it between us as well, so it’s a true collective effort. I can’t wait for people to hear it.
Right now we’re discussing what singles we’ll be releasing and when the album will be released, so keep your eyes peeled!
And, yeah, we have a lot on this year! We have some gigs and festivals already booked and others being booked. My main ambition is, as cheesy as it sounds, to get the album and songs heard as much as possible, whether that’s by people buying the album, or streaming, or watching videos on YouTube, or airplay.
We’re going to spend this year pushing all of that as well as playing live as much as we can – then we start recording the next album at the end of this year!
So we aren’t going anywhere for a while yet; we’re going to be getting into peoples’ faces as much as we can!"
"There are so many good rock bands in Wales at the moment. There’s a lot of Indie rock flourishing around Wales as well but I think the rock scene is flourishing all over the place – it’s nice to see people support the NWOCR movement through Social Media; that’s given an outlet for people to find new bands and long may that continue."
FHQ: Scarlet Rebels are very much a contemporary rock band with meaty riffs and pacey tempos but there’s a melodic sensibility to the songs; songwriting is clearly as important as the energy, and intensity, of the final product…
"To me it’s the most important thing. Everything we do has to be about the songs.
What we record has to serve the song well and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t get used. I believe in the songs I’ve written previously but what we’ve written for our next release are the best I’ve been involved with; I’m so excited for it to be put out!"
FHQ: You are also a high-energy band on-stage; that gives both band and songs extra impetus…
"Yeah I guess so. Gary Doyle, our drummer, is a powerhouse, so you need to try and match that.
Chris Jones is a complete ball of energy as well; he’s a showman and plays lead guitar like it should be. Everything we do live is higher intensity and quicker than on record as well; we love playing live so hopefully that comes across as well!"
FHQ: You performed in Scotland recently in support to Burnt Out Wreck, fronted by ex Heavy Pettin’ man Gary Moat. Your contemporary rock-metal dovetailed well with Burnt Out Wreck’s old-school, highly impacting hard rock...
"Man, Burnt Out Wreck are just so good. They’re real gents as well.
Being able to spend time with Gary and just talk to him and soak in the advice he has to offer was an absolute pleasure. Gary and Claire, their manager, have been hugely supportive of us, particularly Claire. It’s unreal to be honest and it’s massively appreciated."
FHQ: Scarlet Rebels’ Stormbreakers Battle of the Bands performance and Burnt Out Wreck’s appearance on the Jagermeister showcase stage of WinterStorm 2018 leads to the observation that both bands would be a great fit for WinterStorm 2019. A festival you would love to play?
"Well, being completely honest, that’s the reason we came up to play Stormbreakers last year!
As much as we wanted to do it last year, we went with the intention to put ourselves forward for 2019; we drove from Wales to Scotland in a day and back, to basically audition for it this year.
They know we want to play it and I think we’ve shown how much we want to play it, so hopefully they will give us the opportunity!"
FHQ: From stage to studio – I believe there will be an album from Scarlet Rebels this year and a lot more gigging…
"Correct! I’m so proud of the album – all the boys pulled out brilliant performances to make the songs kick.
We wrote a lot of it between us as well, so it’s a true collective effort. I can’t wait for people to hear it.
Right now we’re discussing what singles we’ll be releasing and when the album will be released, so keep your eyes peeled!
And, yeah, we have a lot on this year! We have some gigs and festivals already booked and others being booked. My main ambition is, as cheesy as it sounds, to get the album and songs heard as much as possible, whether that’s by people buying the album, or streaming, or watching videos on YouTube, or airplay.
We’re going to spend this year pushing all of that as well as playing live as much as we can – then we start recording the next album at the end of this year!
So we aren’t going anywhere for a while yet; we’re going to be getting into peoples’ faces as much as we can!"
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Steve Hackett will be embarking on his latest Genesis Revisted tour in November; the 20 date schedule will be formed around two highly significant albums' from the acclaimed guitarist's illustrious career.
The 2019 Genesis Revisited and Classic Hackett shows will showcase the seminal Genesis album Selling England By The Pound in its entirety, together with most of Steve Hackett’s classic solo album Spectral Mornings, which will be then celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Released in 1973, Selling England By The Pound went to No. 3 in the UK Album Charts; it has been described as the definitive Genesis album and remains a firm fan favourite.
The album includes classic Genesis cuts such as 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight,' 'Firth of Fifth,' 'Cinema Show' and 'I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe).'
Other classic Genesis tracks will also feature in the show.
2019 marks the 40th anniversary of one of Steve Hackett’s most popular solo albums, Spectral Mornings; the anniversary milestone will be celebrated by Hackett and his band (Roger King - keyboards, Jonas Reingold - bass, Gary O’Toole - drums/percussion, Rob Townsend - saxophones/flutes, Nad Sylvan – vocals) performing numbers from the album on the 2019 tour.
The 2019 Genesis Revisited and Classic Hackett shows will showcase the seminal Genesis album Selling England By The Pound in its entirety, together with most of Steve Hackett’s classic solo album Spectral Mornings, which will be then celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Released in 1973, Selling England By The Pound went to No. 3 in the UK Album Charts; it has been described as the definitive Genesis album and remains a firm fan favourite.
The album includes classic Genesis cuts such as 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight,' 'Firth of Fifth,' 'Cinema Show' and 'I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe).'
Other classic Genesis tracks will also feature in the show.
2019 marks the 40th anniversary of one of Steve Hackett’s most popular solo albums, Spectral Mornings; the anniversary milestone will be celebrated by Hackett and his band (Roger King - keyboards, Jonas Reingold - bass, Gary O’Toole - drums/percussion, Rob Townsend - saxophones/flutes, Nad Sylvan – vocals) performing numbers from the album on the 2019 tour.
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FabricationsHQ was a champion of the Liverpool based Matchstickmen, a four piece whose 2011 debut album Through Hell… And Kept Going showcased solid, 90s styled alternative rock in a contemporary setting.
It was followed by the even stronger From Our own Ashes, five years later.
From Our Own Ashes was the sort of album that made you keen to hear what the Matchstickmen would come up with next, but the album was somewhat prophetic in its title...
Fate, the departure of bassist Iain Forsyth (Matchstickmen were a true All For One and One For All quartet) and a rebranding meant the Matchstickmen extinguished themselves to rise from their own ashes as Attic Theory, with new members Tim Cunningham (guitars) and Kenny McArthur (bass) joining Lewis Wright (vocals), Peter Donnelly (guitars) and Dave Hornby (drums).
Four of the band also perform as the only UK tribute to the late Scott Weiland and the Stone Temple Pilots (as the Stone Temple Pirates) but new material was always the Sherlock Holmes inspired name of the new band’s game, as the groove meets grunge of debut single 'Saints Among Us' loudly and proudly showcases...
It was followed by the even stronger From Our own Ashes, five years later.
From Our Own Ashes was the sort of album that made you keen to hear what the Matchstickmen would come up with next, but the album was somewhat prophetic in its title...
Fate, the departure of bassist Iain Forsyth (Matchstickmen were a true All For One and One For All quartet) and a rebranding meant the Matchstickmen extinguished themselves to rise from their own ashes as Attic Theory, with new members Tim Cunningham (guitars) and Kenny McArthur (bass) joining Lewis Wright (vocals), Peter Donnelly (guitars) and Dave Hornby (drums).
Four of the band also perform as the only UK tribute to the late Scott Weiland and the Stone Temple Pilots (as the Stone Temple Pirates) but new material was always the Sherlock Holmes inspired name of the new band’s game, as the groove meets grunge of debut single 'Saints Among Us' loudly and proudly showcases...
Attic Theory are also working toward the release of an EP in 2019 with launch help from Toby Jepson and Rob Town in their Lightning In a Bottle guise (a new music consultation agency designed to help musicians and bands).
Website: http://attictheory.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/AtticTheory/
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Website: http://attictheory.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/AtticTheory/
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Styx have an announced an exclusive UK show for 2019.
The American melodic hard rock giants will play the prestigious London Palladium on the 4th June for An Evening Of Styx. The band will perform music that celebrates their now forty-seven year career, including tracks from their most recent album, The Mission.
For the last four decades Styx have been a staple of Rock radio playlists with songs such as 'Crystal Ball', 'Come Sail Away,' 'Lorelei,' 'Blue Collar Man,' 'Renegade,' 'The Grand Illusion,' 'Too Much Time On My Hands' and 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).'
This will be the first Styx headline show in the UK since 2005 and their first performance in the UK since their tour with Journey and Foreigner in 2011.
The current line-up of Styx has been working together for over fifteen years : co-founder James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars) who joined the band in 1976, Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass).
Original bassist Chuck Panozzo still makes occasional appearances with the band.
Formed in Chicago in 1972 Styx released six studio albums between 1972 and 1977; they broke out with their album The Grand Illusion, released in July 1977.
Through the later seventies and eighties, the band released the albums Pieces Of Eight, Cornerstone, Paradise Theatre and Kilroy Was Here.
Styx released The Mission, their conceptually themed and sixteenth studio album, in June 2017; it became their biggest charting album since Kilroy Was Here in 1983.
The album debuted on various Billboard charts including No. 6 in Top Rock Albums, No. 29 in Digital Albums and No. 45 in the Billboard 200 (including catalogue and streaming).
A special two-disc reissue of The Mission was released in 2018; it includes a CD of the original album, a Blu-ray version mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound by singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and producer Will Evankovich (accompanied by visualizations for each of the album’s fourteen songs based on the album artwork), Making of The Mission Documentary, four music videos and three hi-res audio playback modes.
Tickets for the London show are on sale now via https://myticket.co.uk/artists/an-evening-with-styx
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The American melodic hard rock giants will play the prestigious London Palladium on the 4th June for An Evening Of Styx. The band will perform music that celebrates their now forty-seven year career, including tracks from their most recent album, The Mission.
For the last four decades Styx have been a staple of Rock radio playlists with songs such as 'Crystal Ball', 'Come Sail Away,' 'Lorelei,' 'Blue Collar Man,' 'Renegade,' 'The Grand Illusion,' 'Too Much Time On My Hands' and 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).'
This will be the first Styx headline show in the UK since 2005 and their first performance in the UK since their tour with Journey and Foreigner in 2011.
The current line-up of Styx has been working together for over fifteen years : co-founder James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars) who joined the band in 1976, Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass).
Original bassist Chuck Panozzo still makes occasional appearances with the band.
Formed in Chicago in 1972 Styx released six studio albums between 1972 and 1977; they broke out with their album The Grand Illusion, released in July 1977.
Through the later seventies and eighties, the band released the albums Pieces Of Eight, Cornerstone, Paradise Theatre and Kilroy Was Here.
Styx released The Mission, their conceptually themed and sixteenth studio album, in June 2017; it became their biggest charting album since Kilroy Was Here in 1983.
The album debuted on various Billboard charts including No. 6 in Top Rock Albums, No. 29 in Digital Albums and No. 45 in the Billboard 200 (including catalogue and streaming).
A special two-disc reissue of The Mission was released in 2018; it includes a CD of the original album, a Blu-ray version mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound by singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and producer Will Evankovich (accompanied by visualizations for each of the album’s fourteen songs based on the album artwork), Making of The Mission Documentary, four music videos and three hi-res audio playback modes.
Tickets for the London show are on sale now via https://myticket.co.uk/artists/an-evening-with-styx
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Tankus the Henge have one of the most memorable band names in music but they are also a band that are genuinely impossible to categorise (lead vocalist Jaz Delorean has stated that their sound is a mix of "dirty guitar music and New Orleans Jazz" but their wide and varied influences range from Tom Tom Waits to Queens of the Stone Age).
All the above shape both Tankus the Henge and their recently released album I Crave Affection Baby, But Not When I Drive.
Not only did they deliver one of the most interesting albums of 2018 (and surely a nomination for Best Album Title) they musically feature on what is, for FabricationsHQ, the best (and multi-award winning) Music Video of 2018 via the puppetry and visual storytelling (with an impacting twist ending) of 'Things Were Better Before,' which tells of a Dystopian future while commenting on environmental issues...
All the above shape both Tankus the Henge and their recently released album I Crave Affection Baby, But Not When I Drive.
Not only did they deliver one of the most interesting albums of 2018 (and surely a nomination for Best Album Title) they musically feature on what is, for FabricationsHQ, the best (and multi-award winning) Music Video of 2018 via the puppetry and visual storytelling (with an impacting twist ending) of 'Things Were Better Before,' which tells of a Dystopian future while commenting on environmental issues...
Tankus the Henge have built their reputation on a myriad of influences, clever song writing and spectacular live shows – the band have played hundreds of shows across Europe, subsequently building a strong and devoted fan base.
The band are supported and championed by the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Sunday Brunch and BBC Radio 4; The Guardian has described their live performances as "…a virtual carnival of sound that’s high on energy and deep on soul."
I Crave Affection Baby, But Not When I Drive is out now on the Freshly Squeezed label.
'Things Were Better Before' short-film animation credits:
22S Productions in co-production with Trukitrek Puppet Company.
Tankus the Henge fully support the 2018 Plastics Bill sponsored by British MP Geraint Davies, which will bring forward the ban of non-recyclable plastics to 2025.
To make a difference share this video and (if in the UK) email your MP to ask them to support the Plastics Bill by signing Early Day Motion 1863 - https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/52338
https://tankusthehenge.com/
http://www.trukitrek.net/
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The band are supported and championed by the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Sunday Brunch and BBC Radio 4; The Guardian has described their live performances as "…a virtual carnival of sound that’s high on energy and deep on soul."
I Crave Affection Baby, But Not When I Drive is out now on the Freshly Squeezed label.
'Things Were Better Before' short-film animation credits:
22S Productions in co-production with Trukitrek Puppet Company.
Tankus the Henge fully support the 2018 Plastics Bill sponsored by British MP Geraint Davies, which will bring forward the ban of non-recyclable plastics to 2025.
To make a difference share this video and (if in the UK) email your MP to ask them to support the Plastics Bill by signing Early Day Motion 1863 - https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/52338
https://tankusthehenge.com/
http://www.trukitrek.net/
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British progressive luminaries Marillion return to the road in the UK and Europe late in 2019 with an extended line up of musicians joining the band.
The Friends From The Orchestra shows will feature the In Praise of Folly String Quartet plus Sam Morris (French Horn) and Emma Halnan (Flute), all of whom will feature on select numbers throughout the show.
In December 2017 Marillion played a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall which was the fastest selling concert of the band’s career; it featured this same ensemble of musicians who featured on the spring 2018 UK tour.
The concert at the Royal Albert hall was hailed by fans and critics alike as one of the best concerts of Marillion’s history. The recording of the show, All One Tonight, has since been released on DVD, Blu-Ray, CD and vinyl, topping the charts in five countries.
On the November 2019 tour Marillion will play a selection of songs that span their fourteen album career with lead vocalist Steve Hogarth; 2019 celebrates thirty years of Hogarth joining the band.
Says the front man "Has it really been 30 years?! (guitarist) Steve Rothery tells me it’s his 40th anniversary so it’s a double celebration! It’s amazing to be in this position after all this time. We’ve added this wonderful six-piece to the band for this entire tour. They’re brilliant players, good friends, and the chemistry we have together has already spoken for itself. I thought we’d never beat that night at the Royal Albert Hall... but there’s going to be two nights and two different RAH set lists this time, so let’s see what we, and our legendary fans, can do."
Tickets are on sale now and available from https://myticket.co.uk/ and venue box offices.
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The Friends From The Orchestra shows will feature the In Praise of Folly String Quartet plus Sam Morris (French Horn) and Emma Halnan (Flute), all of whom will feature on select numbers throughout the show.
In December 2017 Marillion played a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall which was the fastest selling concert of the band’s career; it featured this same ensemble of musicians who featured on the spring 2018 UK tour.
The concert at the Royal Albert hall was hailed by fans and critics alike as one of the best concerts of Marillion’s history. The recording of the show, All One Tonight, has since been released on DVD, Blu-Ray, CD and vinyl, topping the charts in five countries.
On the November 2019 tour Marillion will play a selection of songs that span their fourteen album career with lead vocalist Steve Hogarth; 2019 celebrates thirty years of Hogarth joining the band.
Says the front man "Has it really been 30 years?! (guitarist) Steve Rothery tells me it’s his 40th anniversary so it’s a double celebration! It’s amazing to be in this position after all this time. We’ve added this wonderful six-piece to the band for this entire tour. They’re brilliant players, good friends, and the chemistry we have together has already spoken for itself. I thought we’d never beat that night at the Royal Albert Hall... but there’s going to be two nights and two different RAH set lists this time, so let’s see what we, and our legendary fans, can do."
Tickets are on sale now and available from https://myticket.co.uk/ and venue box offices.
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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
Victor Wooten