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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the AI Free Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the AI Free Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Following the immediate sell-out of two Ronnie Wood And His Band shows at Amsterdam’s Paradiso, Wood will now be bringing the show, featuring Imelda May, to London’s O2 Kentish Town Forum on Friday 21st August and Cologne’s E-Werk on Thursday 3rd September.
General tickets go on sale from Friday 24th April at 10am (local times) at:
https://myticket.co.uk/artists/ronnie-wood-his-band (London show)
https://www.eventim.de/artist/ronnie-wood/ (Cologne show)
In March, Ronnie Wood announced he would be performing a rare solo show at the legendary Paradiso in Amsterdam. The show sold out in minutes, leading to a second night being added, which again sold out immediately.
The continued ticket demand led to the announcement of the London and Cologne shows.
These intimate and rare shows (the first full live solo sets Ronnie Wood has played in over 16 years) are an opportunity to see one of the world’s most iconic guitarists outside of his stadium performances with The Rolling Stones.
Joining the band for both performances will be Imelda May, who has collaborated multiple times with Ronnie Wood both on record and live, most notably at the 2023 Jeff Beck Tribute Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ronnie Wood is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones and the Faces. He has also won a record three prestigious Sony Radio Personality awards.
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General tickets go on sale from Friday 24th April at 10am (local times) at:
https://myticket.co.uk/artists/ronnie-wood-his-band (London show)
https://www.eventim.de/artist/ronnie-wood/ (Cologne show)
In March, Ronnie Wood announced he would be performing a rare solo show at the legendary Paradiso in Amsterdam. The show sold out in minutes, leading to a second night being added, which again sold out immediately.
The continued ticket demand led to the announcement of the London and Cologne shows.
These intimate and rare shows (the first full live solo sets Ronnie Wood has played in over 16 years) are an opportunity to see one of the world’s most iconic guitarists outside of his stadium performances with The Rolling Stones.
Joining the band for both performances will be Imelda May, who has collaborated multiple times with Ronnie Wood both on record and live, most notably at the 2023 Jeff Beck Tribute Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ronnie Wood is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones and the Faces. He has also won a record three prestigious Sony Radio Personality awards.
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Modern R'n'B quartet The Milk Men, featuring the talents of Jamie Smy (lead & backing vocals), Adam Norsworthy (guitars, keys, backing vocals), Lloyd Green (bass) and Mike Roberts (drums), will release their new, and sixth, studio album, The Milky Way, on Friday 15th May.
You can pre-order the album, which will be available on CD, Vinyl and Digital Download, at:
https://www.themilkmenmusic.com/uk-merchandise.html
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Waiting For Some Rock'N'Roll,' with an accompanying video that sees the band taking their show to another part of The Milky Way...
You can pre-order the album, which will be available on CD, Vinyl and Digital Download, at:
https://www.themilkmenmusic.com/uk-merchandise.html
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Waiting For Some Rock'N'Roll,' with an accompanying video that sees the band taking their show to another part of The Milky Way...
Commenting on the new album Adam Norsworthy, who released his latest singer-songwriter solo album Shadow On The Hill in January, says:
"We love for each album to have its own musical flavour, or personality, and we wanted to rock 'n' roll a bit more on this one. Full Phat was the bluesy rough 'n' ready debut; Gold Top sounds like a lost 70s classic (to me!); Deliverance was the more polished big 80s rock album; Spin The Bottle was our Queen-style attempt at every style of rock on each track; Holy Cow! was the dry, stripped back R'n'B album.
The Milky Way is our most energetic and dynamic record yet, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!"
Recorded primarily at Sound Lab Studios in North London, The Milky Way was co-produced by Wayne Proctor and Adam Norsworthy, and mixed & mastered by Wayne.
The album also features guest appearances from Nigel Feist (blues harmonica) and Greg Coulson (piano & Hammond).
Additionally, album cover-art legend Mark Wilkinson (Iron Maiden, Marillion, Judas Priest, to name but three) designed the full artwork package on both vinyl and CD.
The band, who will be gigging extensively through 2026, will launch the album at the legendary 100 Club in London on Thursday May 14th.
They will be supported on the night by Tom Davies & the Bluebirds, plus special guest Thomas Heppell.
Signed copies of the album will be on sale, plus free goodies for every ticket holder.
Tickets:
https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#THE-MILK-MEN-LONDON
Gig list for 2026: https://www.themilkmenmusic.com/gigs.html
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"We love for each album to have its own musical flavour, or personality, and we wanted to rock 'n' roll a bit more on this one. Full Phat was the bluesy rough 'n' ready debut; Gold Top sounds like a lost 70s classic (to me!); Deliverance was the more polished big 80s rock album; Spin The Bottle was our Queen-style attempt at every style of rock on each track; Holy Cow! was the dry, stripped back R'n'B album.
The Milky Way is our most energetic and dynamic record yet, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!"
Recorded primarily at Sound Lab Studios in North London, The Milky Way was co-produced by Wayne Proctor and Adam Norsworthy, and mixed & mastered by Wayne.
The album also features guest appearances from Nigel Feist (blues harmonica) and Greg Coulson (piano & Hammond).
Additionally, album cover-art legend Mark Wilkinson (Iron Maiden, Marillion, Judas Priest, to name but three) designed the full artwork package on both vinyl and CD.
The band, who will be gigging extensively through 2026, will launch the album at the legendary 100 Club in London on Thursday May 14th.
They will be supported on the night by Tom Davies & the Bluebirds, plus special guest Thomas Heppell.
Signed copies of the album will be on sale, plus free goodies for every ticket holder.
Tickets:
https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#THE-MILK-MEN-LONDON
Gig list for 2026: https://www.themilkmenmusic.com/gigs.html
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London based, folk-Americana influenced singer-songwriter Little Lore (aka Tricia Duffy) has taken inspiration from the work of Tennessee Williams for her forthcoming album Being Serafina (named after the central character in Williams’ celebrated 1950s play The Rose Tattoo).
The album has been preceded by four singles, the latest of which is 'Trying Not To Breathe.'
"This song is quite a departure, genre wise, for me, says Little Lore. But those who write with me know I love all the music. Trying Not To Breathe has been described as 'prog-tinged' - a phrase I love. In the song Serafina’s husband has died, and she is miscarrying her son. It’s a low point in her story, but musically I couldn’t be prouder of this song. Huge thanks to @rich.photog for the incredible cover image, which captures Serafina’s pain entirely."
Renowned New York-based producer and multi-instrumentalist, Oli Deakin, (who records under the name of Lowpines) produced the single and the forthcoming album. As with previous Little lore releases, he also provides much of the instrumentation.
All singles can be purchased, and digital album can be pre-ordered, at: https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
The album has been preceded by four singles, the latest of which is 'Trying Not To Breathe.'
"This song is quite a departure, genre wise, for me, says Little Lore. But those who write with me know I love all the music. Trying Not To Breathe has been described as 'prog-tinged' - a phrase I love. In the song Serafina’s husband has died, and she is miscarrying her son. It’s a low point in her story, but musically I couldn’t be prouder of this song. Huge thanks to @rich.photog for the incredible cover image, which captures Serafina’s pain entirely."
Renowned New York-based producer and multi-instrumentalist, Oli Deakin, (who records under the name of Lowpines) produced the single and the forthcoming album. As with previous Little lore releases, he also provides much of the instrumentation.
All singles can be purchased, and digital album can be pre-ordered, at: https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
Of the ambitious play-to-album project, Little Lore explains: "I wanted to explore whether Method acting techniques could be used as a songwriting device; my initial idea was that I could use the Method to write a collection of songs from multiple different character perspectives.
I signed up for Method acting classes and selected a monologue from a play I loved, The Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams. I loved and admired his ability to capture such rich female characters.
"Being Serafina is the result, an album that draws on a wide range of genre influences from the folk Americana people know me for along with prog rock, punk and blues peppered into the creative process."
A burgeoning presence on the UK Americana and singer-songwriter scene, Little Lore has received many plaudits, both for her astute, observational songwriting and for her warm, heartfelt vocals.
Add into the mix the lush instrumentation and sumptuous production from her principal musical collaborator, Oli Deakin, and the results can be nothing short of magical, as evidenced on previous, and fourth EP, the water-themed River Stories.
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I signed up for Method acting classes and selected a monologue from a play I loved, The Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams. I loved and admired his ability to capture such rich female characters.
"Being Serafina is the result, an album that draws on a wide range of genre influences from the folk Americana people know me for along with prog rock, punk and blues peppered into the creative process."
A burgeoning presence on the UK Americana and singer-songwriter scene, Little Lore has received many plaudits, both for her astute, observational songwriting and for her warm, heartfelt vocals.
Add into the mix the lush instrumentation and sumptuous production from her principal musical collaborator, Oli Deakin, and the results can be nothing short of magical, as evidenced on previous, and fourth EP, the water-themed River Stories.
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Contemporary and sonically atmospheric alt rock band The Dead Collective, built around the talents of singer-guitarist Oli Brown and drummer Wayne Proctor, and also featuring Black Star Riders & Wayward Sons guitarist Sam Wood, will be out on the road through the second half of April and early May for their 12-date Metamorphosis headline tour.
Tickets: https://www.thedeadcollective.com/tour
The band recently released a new single titled 'Cracks.'
An atmospheric, alt-blues soundscape, 'Cracks' is described by the band as "a painfully raw track of honest self-reflection, descending into resentment and rage, lyrically unravelling the weight of being burdened by scars, shame, and a sense of failure."
'Cracks' follows on from the band’s impacting trilogy of EPs 'Prelude,' 'Prologue' (both 2023) and 'Epilogue' (2024).
Tickets: https://www.thedeadcollective.com/tour
The band recently released a new single titled 'Cracks.'
An atmospheric, alt-blues soundscape, 'Cracks' is described by the band as "a painfully raw track of honest self-reflection, descending into resentment and rage, lyrically unravelling the weight of being burdened by scars, shame, and a sense of failure."
'Cracks' follows on from the band’s impacting trilogy of EPs 'Prelude,' 'Prologue' (both 2023) and 'Epilogue' (2024).
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The Anchoress (aka Welsh singer-songwriter-creative Catherine Anne Davies) has just announced the August release of her third solo album, As We Once Were.
There is also a dovetailing announcement for a special, one-off Album Launch Show at London’s legendary 100 Club on Saturday August 22nd.
Tickets are very limited and go on sale Tuesday 14th April at 10am here:
https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-anchoress/100-club/3625711
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'I Had a Baby, Not a Lobotomy,' featuring Mercury Music Prize nominated Welsh-Cornish musician Gwenno.
"I hope people receive it as intended – as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the persistent, quiet misogyny of motherhood," says Catherine Anne Davies of the new single. "I wrote it as an anthem for anyone who has ever been written off for daring to procreate. It’s also the starting point for my new podcast, The Milk & The Music, which I’m launching next month: a series of solutions-focused conversations about how the music industry grapples with its motherhood penalty. Because this conversation is so much bigger than one song."
There is also a dovetailing announcement for a special, one-off Album Launch Show at London’s legendary 100 Club on Saturday August 22nd.
Tickets are very limited and go on sale Tuesday 14th April at 10am here:
https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-anchoress/100-club/3625711
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'I Had a Baby, Not a Lobotomy,' featuring Mercury Music Prize nominated Welsh-Cornish musician Gwenno.
"I hope people receive it as intended – as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the persistent, quiet misogyny of motherhood," says Catherine Anne Davies of the new single. "I wrote it as an anthem for anyone who has ever been written off for daring to procreate. It’s also the starting point for my new podcast, The Milk & The Music, which I’m launching next month: a series of solutions-focused conversations about how the music industry grapples with its motherhood penalty. Because this conversation is so much bigger than one song."
Of the new album, Davies continues: "My third studio album is the long-awaited follow-up to UK Top 40 album The Art Of Losing, which scooped up a rack of Album of The Year nods from The Sunday Times, to Prog, to the Mail on Sunday. With Sir Elton John naming it ‘one of my favourite records of the year’ and Caitlin Moran calling it ‘the inadvertent, beautiful and truthful soundtrack to this moment,’ it went on to sell over 10,000 physical copies via the power of word of mouth.
"I created this new album at my very own Black Lodge Studios, while being given access to Pete Townshend’s collection of vintage analogue synthesisers to produce an epic 14-track widescreen exploration of the nature of time and transformation. Against the backdrop of the birth of my daughter (after the multiple losses documented on The Art Of Losing) and the discovery of my grandmother’s voice on a long lost cassette tape in her mother’s attic, I found myself asking the question: ‘What can we build out of the past? Are we destined to be held down by it? Can we ever return to these past versions of ourselves?’
This is As We Once Were.
I really think it’s my best work to date. And you know what a perfectionist I am…
Preorder it now and be part of this new chapter.”
Available as 2LP (with two colour options), Gatefold CD with Booklet, Hardback 2CD Media Book Edition, and Strictly limited edition Cassette Album, As We Once Were can be pre-ordered here:
https://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/products/the-anchoress-as-we-once-were-vinyl-lp-cd-cassette-lossless-dl
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"I created this new album at my very own Black Lodge Studios, while being given access to Pete Townshend’s collection of vintage analogue synthesisers to produce an epic 14-track widescreen exploration of the nature of time and transformation. Against the backdrop of the birth of my daughter (after the multiple losses documented on The Art Of Losing) and the discovery of my grandmother’s voice on a long lost cassette tape in her mother’s attic, I found myself asking the question: ‘What can we build out of the past? Are we destined to be held down by it? Can we ever return to these past versions of ourselves?’
This is As We Once Were.
I really think it’s my best work to date. And you know what a perfectionist I am…
Preorder it now and be part of this new chapter.”
Available as 2LP (with two colour options), Gatefold CD with Booklet, Hardback 2CD Media Book Edition, and Strictly limited edition Cassette Album, As We Once Were can be pre-ordered here:
https://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/products/the-anchoress-as-we-once-were-vinyl-lp-cd-cassette-lossless-dl
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Off the back of their recent sold-out concert at London’s Islington Garage, and winning the Young Artist of the Year award for the second year in a row at the UK Blues Awards 2026, Kent based blues rock trio The Zac Schulze Gang have announced an eight date UK Headline Tour for early 2027 (see tour poster below).
Tickets for the tour, which include their biggest London concert to date at The Islington Assembly Hall, are on sale now from:
https://www.alttickets.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets
https://www.gigantic.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets-gcmp/703075179
https://www.zacschulzegang.rocks/tour
Blending the sound of 70’s classic blues rock with modern alternative influences, the Zac Schulze Gang have built a loyal following around their 2025 debut album Straight To It (a title that says it all) and extensive touring around the UK and Europe, including support to the likes of Samantha Fish.
The band are fronted by singer-guitarist Zac Schulze, who is accompanied by the powerful rhythm section of his drumming brother Ben Schulze and bassist Ant Greenwell.
Their sound embodies elements of heritage classic rock acts such as AC/DC and Thin Lizzy, while nodding to contemporary influences like Turnstile, Royal Blood and Queens of the Stone Age.
Having won Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2024, the band followed up by winning Young Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards in both 2025 and 2026.
Tickets for the tour, which include their biggest London concert to date at The Islington Assembly Hall, are on sale now from:
https://www.alttickets.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets
https://www.gigantic.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets-gcmp/703075179
https://www.zacschulzegang.rocks/tour
Blending the sound of 70’s classic blues rock with modern alternative influences, the Zac Schulze Gang have built a loyal following around their 2025 debut album Straight To It (a title that says it all) and extensive touring around the UK and Europe, including support to the likes of Samantha Fish.
The band are fronted by singer-guitarist Zac Schulze, who is accompanied by the powerful rhythm section of his drumming brother Ben Schulze and bassist Ant Greenwell.
Their sound embodies elements of heritage classic rock acts such as AC/DC and Thin Lizzy, while nodding to contemporary influences like Turnstile, Royal Blood and Queens of the Stone Age.
Having won Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2024, the band followed up by winning Young Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards in both 2025 and 2026.
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UK rock artist Slyder Smith has released a brand new single, 'Killing The Machine.'
Stream/ download/ play here: https://slyder-smith.ffm.to/killingthemachine
Blending punky drive, gritty guitars and catchy melodies with socially charged lyricism, 'Killing The Machine' captures the tension between modern dependence on technology and the instinct to resist it.
"This one’s about that disturbing feeling that we’re losing control," says Slyder. "We’ve built something that’s meant to serve us, but it’s starting to feel like it’s shaping us instead."
'Killing The Machine' follows the success of previous singles 'Plan To Fail' and 'Nobody’s Listening'
Produced once again by Robin Wynn Evans (Manic Street Preachers, The View, Sam Brown, Dodgy), Killing The Machine, like previous singles Plan To Fail and 'Nobody’s Listening,' marks a bold forward step for Slyder Smith’s sound, where rock guitars blend with a modern production.
A limited edition Signed CD collectable bundle is also available: https://slydersmith.com/store
Stream/ download/ play here: https://slyder-smith.ffm.to/killingthemachine
Blending punky drive, gritty guitars and catchy melodies with socially charged lyricism, 'Killing The Machine' captures the tension between modern dependence on technology and the instinct to resist it.
"This one’s about that disturbing feeling that we’re losing control," says Slyder. "We’ve built something that’s meant to serve us, but it’s starting to feel like it’s shaping us instead."
'Killing The Machine' follows the success of previous singles 'Plan To Fail' and 'Nobody’s Listening'
Produced once again by Robin Wynn Evans (Manic Street Preachers, The View, Sam Brown, Dodgy), Killing The Machine, like previous singles Plan To Fail and 'Nobody’s Listening,' marks a bold forward step for Slyder Smith’s sound, where rock guitars blend with a modern production.
A limited edition Signed CD collectable bundle is also available: https://slydersmith.com/store
Slyder Smith made his name as guitarist and backing vocalist in cult power-poppers Last Great Dreamers.
Following the release of 1994 debut album, Retrosexual, the Dreamers went on to be championed by Kerrang! magazine, who nominated them as Best New Band in 1995.
The band split two years later but reformed in 2015, racking up a further three studio albums and a live record.
In 2021, with Covid in full flow, Slyder cooked up a batch of new songs, some in styles he’d little explored in public.
The following spring, he recorded the songs with noted producer & studio engineer Pete Brown (George Harrison, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Marc Almond, The Smiths).
The results were the highly acclaimed album Charm Offensive by Slyder Smith & The Oblivion Kids, released in 2022.
Since relocating from Somerset to Scotland in 2023, Slyder Smith has set about proving he has what it takes to cross borders figuratively as well as literally.
Writing & demoing material in his home studio, Slyder has recorded a batch of songs with Robin Wynn Evans at TPot Studio in Perthshire.
Songs from these recordings are breing released through teh months of 2026, culminating in an album later this year.
Upcoming shows:
1st May - Audio (w/Bonifide), Glasgow
24th May - 10 Bar, Forfar
11th July - Rock Bottom, Falkirk
12th July - Trillians, Newcastle
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Following the release of 1994 debut album, Retrosexual, the Dreamers went on to be championed by Kerrang! magazine, who nominated them as Best New Band in 1995.
The band split two years later but reformed in 2015, racking up a further three studio albums and a live record.
In 2021, with Covid in full flow, Slyder cooked up a batch of new songs, some in styles he’d little explored in public.
The following spring, he recorded the songs with noted producer & studio engineer Pete Brown (George Harrison, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Marc Almond, The Smiths).
The results were the highly acclaimed album Charm Offensive by Slyder Smith & The Oblivion Kids, released in 2022.
Since relocating from Somerset to Scotland in 2023, Slyder Smith has set about proving he has what it takes to cross borders figuratively as well as literally.
Writing & demoing material in his home studio, Slyder has recorded a batch of songs with Robin Wynn Evans at TPot Studio in Perthshire.
Songs from these recordings are breing released through teh months of 2026, culminating in an album later this year.
Upcoming shows:
1st May - Audio (w/Bonifide), Glasgow
24th May - 10 Bar, Forfar
11th July - Rock Bottom, Falkirk
12th July - Trillians, Newcastle
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2xGrammy nominated roots-blues and rock singer-guitarist Samantha Fish will release her first official live album, Paper Doll Live, via Rounder Records, on June 12th.
Pre-order the album, which will be available on CD, Vinyl & Digital, here: https://ffm.to/sfpaperdolllive
Following the critical success of her Grammy-nominated album Paper Doll, the new live record showcases the intensity and chemistry that define her shows night after night.
"Truly, this is for the fans," says Samantha Fish of making her first official live record. "We’ve had numerous requests over the years. Paper Doll felt so great on stage that it felt like the perfect time to showcase the band and capture what we do every night. It wasn’t about chasing something new. It was about capturing the thing that has connected so deeply over the years."
The album has been preceded by the single 'Sweet Southern Sounds - Live,' which can be streamed here:
https://ffm.to/sfsssoundslive
Pre-order the album, which will be available on CD, Vinyl & Digital, here: https://ffm.to/sfpaperdolllive
Following the critical success of her Grammy-nominated album Paper Doll, the new live record showcases the intensity and chemistry that define her shows night after night.
"Truly, this is for the fans," says Samantha Fish of making her first official live record. "We’ve had numerous requests over the years. Paper Doll felt so great on stage that it felt like the perfect time to showcase the band and capture what we do every night. It wasn’t about chasing something new. It was about capturing the thing that has connected so deeply over the years."
The album has been preceded by the single 'Sweet Southern Sounds - Live,' which can be streamed here:
https://ffm.to/sfsssoundslive
Recorded at the historic Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, Paper Doll Live captures a band fully locked in and feeding off a packed crowd. The show, and the recording, was elevated further by the addition of Nashville gospel legends The McCrary Sisters, whose harmonies bring added depth and emotion to the performance.
"Their voices lifted every song," says Samantha. "I love beautiful backing vocals, they pack an emotional punch. I’ve been a fan of them for years, so that was really special for me."
Recognized as one of the most dynamic artists in contemporary blues and roots music, Kansas City Hall of Famer and multiple award-winner Samantha Fish has built a global following through relentless touring and critically acclaimed releases, including Wild Heart (2015), Chills & Fever (2017), Kill or Be Kind (2019), Faster (2021), Deathwish Blues with Jesse Dayton (2023), and Paper Doll (2023).
A commanding live performer, Fish has toured internationally, performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, shared stages with artists including Slash, and The Rolling Stones and has performed as part of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival.
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"Their voices lifted every song," says Samantha. "I love beautiful backing vocals, they pack an emotional punch. I’ve been a fan of them for years, so that was really special for me."
Recognized as one of the most dynamic artists in contemporary blues and roots music, Kansas City Hall of Famer and multiple award-winner Samantha Fish has built a global following through relentless touring and critically acclaimed releases, including Wild Heart (2015), Chills & Fever (2017), Kill or Be Kind (2019), Faster (2021), Deathwish Blues with Jesse Dayton (2023), and Paper Doll (2023).
A commanding live performer, Fish has toured internationally, performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, shared stages with artists including Slash, and The Rolling Stones and has performed as part of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival.
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German progressive metal band Vanden Plas will release new acoustic album, AcCult II, on June 12th via Frontiers Music Srl.
Pre-Order the album here: https://ffm.bio/accultii
Preceding the album is the single 'Far Off Grace,' of which singer Andy Kuntz says:
"Far Off Grace exemplifies the unpretentious, pure, and at the same time artistic, acoustic expression of all the songs on AcCult II. Compared to the studio version first released in 1999, this interpretation opens up many new avenues - it allows the song's once bombastic beauty to blossom in the interplay between Stephan Lill's guitar work, Alessandro Del Vecchio's grand piano, and the vocals, before driven to its finale by the full band, with Andreas Lill on drums and Torsten Reichert on bass."
Pre-Order the album here: https://ffm.bio/accultii
Preceding the album is the single 'Far Off Grace,' of which singer Andy Kuntz says:
"Far Off Grace exemplifies the unpretentious, pure, and at the same time artistic, acoustic expression of all the songs on AcCult II. Compared to the studio version first released in 1999, this interpretation opens up many new avenues - it allows the song's once bombastic beauty to blossom in the interplay between Stephan Lill's guitar work, Alessandro Del Vecchio's grand piano, and the vocals, before driven to its finale by the full band, with Andreas Lill on drums and Torsten Reichert on bass."
AcCult II is the highly anticipated acoustic sequel to Vanden Plas' 1996 acoustic album AcCult.
"When we released that first acoustic CD it was special to us in many ways," says Stephen Lill. "We arranged a few songs from our debut album, Colour Temple, into new acoustic versions.
Then we did the same with songs by other artists or bands that didn’t necessarily fit our usual musical style.
We’d always had it in the back of our minds to produce another acoustic CD at some point, but time flew by!
Now, with this new acoustic album, we stuck with the concept of the first AcCult CD; so AcCult II once again features acoustic versions of Vanden Plas songs, as well as two songs by other bands: Nothing Else Matters by Metallica and Boat on the River by Styx."
Additionally, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, 'You Fly.'
Vanden Plas are: Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), Alessandro Del Vecchio (keys).
AcCult II - track list:
Far Off Grace; Holes In The Sky; The Ghost Experiment; Boat On The River; Healing Tree; Postcard To God; Nothing Else Matters; You Fly (feat. John Helliwell)
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"When we released that first acoustic CD it was special to us in many ways," says Stephen Lill. "We arranged a few songs from our debut album, Colour Temple, into new acoustic versions.
Then we did the same with songs by other artists or bands that didn’t necessarily fit our usual musical style.
We’d always had it in the back of our minds to produce another acoustic CD at some point, but time flew by!
Now, with this new acoustic album, we stuck with the concept of the first AcCult CD; so AcCult II once again features acoustic versions of Vanden Plas songs, as well as two songs by other bands: Nothing Else Matters by Metallica and Boat on the River by Styx."
Additionally, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, 'You Fly.'
Vanden Plas are: Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), Alessandro Del Vecchio (keys).
AcCult II - track list:
Far Off Grace; Holes In The Sky; The Ghost Experiment; Boat On The River; Healing Tree; Postcard To God; Nothing Else Matters; You Fly (feat. John Helliwell)
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UK rock band Then Jerico, fronted by original singer & band founder Mark Shaw, have announced their FIRST (The Sound of Music) 40th Anniversary Tour.
The nine shows, which will be performed across November 2026 and January 2027 (see tour poster further below), celebrate the band’s debut album FIRST (The Sound of Music), which will be played in its entirety.
FIRST (The Sound of Music) was a Top 40 Uk Chart success that spawned four singles, including the band’s cover of Roxy Music’s 'Prairie Rose' and Top 20 hit 'The Motive' (the highest played single on BBC Radio One in 1987).
The debut album, which was critically and commercially successful worldwide, was followed by The Big Area which went on to achieve Gold status. The album, which made #4 in the UK Album Charts, included Top 20 hit single 'Big Area' (reaching #13) and two further chart singles, 'What Does It Take?' featuring Belinda Carlisle on backing vocals (#33), and 'Sugar Box' (#22).
In 2024, Mark Shaw released a 4CD Boxed Set retrospective: Then Jerico - Before The Future on Cherry Red Records, entering the Official UK National Album Chart at #50 and the Official UK National Independent Charts at #21.
The nine shows, which will be performed across November 2026 and January 2027 (see tour poster further below), celebrate the band’s debut album FIRST (The Sound of Music), which will be played in its entirety.
FIRST (The Sound of Music) was a Top 40 Uk Chart success that spawned four singles, including the band’s cover of Roxy Music’s 'Prairie Rose' and Top 20 hit 'The Motive' (the highest played single on BBC Radio One in 1987).
The debut album, which was critically and commercially successful worldwide, was followed by The Big Area which went on to achieve Gold status. The album, which made #4 in the UK Album Charts, included Top 20 hit single 'Big Area' (reaching #13) and two further chart singles, 'What Does It Take?' featuring Belinda Carlisle on backing vocals (#33), and 'Sugar Box' (#22).
In 2024, Mark Shaw released a 4CD Boxed Set retrospective: Then Jerico - Before The Future on Cherry Red Records, entering the Official UK National Album Chart at #50 and the Official UK National Independent Charts at #21.
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Peter Frampton will release his first album of all-original music in 16 years, Carry The Light, on May 15th.
Of the new album, Peter enthusiastically says "This was one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve ever worked on. I had the joy of writing and producing it with my son Julian, which made the whole experience even more special."
The album also includes guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, saxophonist Bill Evans, H.E.R., Graham Nash, keys player Benmont Tench and Tom Morello.
Morello appears on the new single 'Lions At The Gate,' of which Peter says:
"This is a powerful track with a powerful message; the incredible Tom Morello's playing took it to another level!"
Of the new album, Peter enthusiastically says "This was one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve ever worked on. I had the joy of writing and producing it with my son Julian, which made the whole experience even more special."
The album also includes guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, saxophonist Bill Evans, H.E.R., Graham Nash, keys player Benmont Tench and Tom Morello.
Morello appears on the new single 'Lions At The Gate,' of which Peter says:
"This is a powerful track with a powerful message; the incredible Tom Morello's playing took it to another level!"
Carry The Light will be released in a variety of formats, including CD, 180-gram yellow vinyl, Digital, hi-res audio and immersive Dolby Atmos®.
A special limited edition vinyl, numbered and featuring premium spot varnish cover treatment, will be available exclusively via the Peter Frampton online store, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl.
A similarly premium cover version on CD is also available.
Pre-save: https://peterframpton.lnk.to/carrythelight
Pre-order Vinyl or CD: https://peter-frampton.myshopify.com/collections/carry-the-light
In 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Peter Frampton was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a rare, degenerative muscle disease.
Ready to retire after a farewell tour in 2019, he then he realized he wanted to keep going until he can't.
Carry The Light, co-written with his son Julian and produced by father & son and Chuck Ainlay, is a 10 song journey that captures the wisdom of life entertained with the youthful magic of rock ‘n’ roll.
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A special limited edition vinyl, numbered and featuring premium spot varnish cover treatment, will be available exclusively via the Peter Frampton online store, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl.
A similarly premium cover version on CD is also available.
Pre-save: https://peterframpton.lnk.to/carrythelight
Pre-order Vinyl or CD: https://peter-frampton.myshopify.com/collections/carry-the-light
In 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Peter Frampton was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a rare, degenerative muscle disease.
Ready to retire after a farewell tour in 2019, he then he realized he wanted to keep going until he can't.
Carry The Light, co-written with his son Julian and produced by father & son and Chuck Ainlay, is a 10 song journey that captures the wisdom of life entertained with the youthful magic of rock ‘n’ roll.
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Rock band Red Giant, fronted by singer-guitarist and renowned YouTube guitar presenter Dave Simpson, have released a new single titled 'It's All Gone Wrong.'
It’s available on all streaming platforms here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/redgiant/its-all-gone-wrong
The song, which also features John Joe Gaskin (drums) and Johnny Simpson (bass) is the second single to be released from Red Giant’s forthcoming 4-track EP Red Giant Vol. 1, available April 29th.
Pre-order the EP here: https://www.redgiantofficial.com/product-page/rg-ep-vol1
It’s available on all streaming platforms here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/redgiant/its-all-gone-wrong
The song, which also features John Joe Gaskin (drums) and Johnny Simpson (bass) is the second single to be released from Red Giant’s forthcoming 4-track EP Red Giant Vol. 1, available April 29th.
Pre-order the EP here: https://www.redgiantofficial.com/product-page/rg-ep-vol1
Lyrically, 'It’s All Gone Wrong' is an outpouring of frustration aimed at the current state of the music industry, where hard working musicians are having to compete in an ever increasingly corporate world of nostalgia acts and auto-tuned performers.
"The world is constantly changing, and music is no exception. To ignore the feelings of human emotions generated in favour of AI music is a dead end in songwriting and performance - the greatest art was created from the outpourings of the human soul with feelings of inspiration’ not through the filter of technology.
'We sing another song for you in the hope it might get through'."
In 2024 blues rock band The Dave Simpson Trio changed their name, and style, to Red Giant and a heavier, rockier approach respectively.
In October of that year Red Giant recorded their self-titled debut album, which showcased the band’s blend of rock, blues, and grunge. Lyrically, the songs were inspired by heartbreak, betrayal, bullying, and mental health problem, but supported by an undertow of defiance and resilience.
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"The world is constantly changing, and music is no exception. To ignore the feelings of human emotions generated in favour of AI music is a dead end in songwriting and performance - the greatest art was created from the outpourings of the human soul with feelings of inspiration’ not through the filter of technology.
'We sing another song for you in the hope it might get through'."
In 2024 blues rock band The Dave Simpson Trio changed their name, and style, to Red Giant and a heavier, rockier approach respectively.
In October of that year Red Giant recorded their self-titled debut album, which showcased the band’s blend of rock, blues, and grunge. Lyrically, the songs were inspired by heartbreak, betrayal, bullying, and mental health problem, but supported by an undertow of defiance and resilience.
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Legendary space rockers Hawkwind will release a Psychedelic Collection of songs on 12th June that draws together previously unheard recordings, newly reworked classics and fresh material from the current line-up.
Available on CD, 2LP, Streaming & Download, Psychedelic Selection stands as an evolving chapter in the band’s still-expanding sonic universe.
Featuring brand new studio recordings alongside previously unheard material from ongoing and unreleased projects, the album captures various facets of the band’s creative output, from cosmic psychedelia to driving space rock and experimental electronica.
By opening with two new compositions, 'Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad' and 'There Are Fairies In The Garden,' the album offers a glimpse into a forthcoming Hawkwind project.
Elsewhere, 'The Judge And The Fisherman' and 'Goonhilly Downs' showcase the current line-up in full flight, delivering brand new material rooted in the band’s signature sound.
Psychedelic Selection also revisits key moments from Hawkwind’s past, but with fresh perspective.
'The Demented Man' and 'Those Days Of The Underground' are reimagined for the present day, while 'PSI Power' and 'The Traveller of Space' are presented in powerful live-in-the-studio recordings, capturing the energy of recent performances.
A particularly poignant highlight is 'Hurry On Sundown,' marking the final recording by guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton with the band - a fitting and atmospheric tribute to an important contributor.
The album expands into more exploratory territory with tracks drawn from associated projects, including Dave Brock’s unreleased Dance and Trance material ('Land Of Min,' 'Out Of Luck') and Magnus Martin’s 'Ocean’s Spiral,' adding new dimensions to the Hawkwind sound world.
Blending past, present and future, Psychedelic Collection stands as both an entry point for new listeners and an essential addition for long-time fans.
Pre-order Psychedelic Collection at:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-psychedelic-selection-cd-edition
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-psychedelic-selection-double-vinyl-edition
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Available on CD, 2LP, Streaming & Download, Psychedelic Selection stands as an evolving chapter in the band’s still-expanding sonic universe.
Featuring brand new studio recordings alongside previously unheard material from ongoing and unreleased projects, the album captures various facets of the band’s creative output, from cosmic psychedelia to driving space rock and experimental electronica.
By opening with two new compositions, 'Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad' and 'There Are Fairies In The Garden,' the album offers a glimpse into a forthcoming Hawkwind project.
Elsewhere, 'The Judge And The Fisherman' and 'Goonhilly Downs' showcase the current line-up in full flight, delivering brand new material rooted in the band’s signature sound.
Psychedelic Selection also revisits key moments from Hawkwind’s past, but with fresh perspective.
'The Demented Man' and 'Those Days Of The Underground' are reimagined for the present day, while 'PSI Power' and 'The Traveller of Space' are presented in powerful live-in-the-studio recordings, capturing the energy of recent performances.
A particularly poignant highlight is 'Hurry On Sundown,' marking the final recording by guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton with the band - a fitting and atmospheric tribute to an important contributor.
The album expands into more exploratory territory with tracks drawn from associated projects, including Dave Brock’s unreleased Dance and Trance material ('Land Of Min,' 'Out Of Luck') and Magnus Martin’s 'Ocean’s Spiral,' adding new dimensions to the Hawkwind sound world.
Blending past, present and future, Psychedelic Collection stands as both an entry point for new listeners and an essential addition for long-time fans.
Pre-order Psychedelic Collection at:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-psychedelic-selection-cd-edition
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-psychedelic-selection-double-vinyl-edition
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British singer-songwriter Jenny Colquitt, who has been compared to the likes of Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette and KT Tunstall, has released a powerful new story-telling single, 'Peace Man.'
Of the new song, which is taken from forthcoming album Pockets Full of Rain, Jenny says: "Peace Man was written about an unsavoury encounter that was experienced by a close family member, and is based on this true story. The song takes you on the journey of this encounter and weaves through themes of faith, love, grief and manipulation. It is a hit back at using grief to manipulate a situation for personal gain.
The characters in the story are exaggerated versions of real-life events and make for a humorous yet hard hitting upbeat ballad."
Of the new song, which is taken from forthcoming album Pockets Full of Rain, Jenny says: "Peace Man was written about an unsavoury encounter that was experienced by a close family member, and is based on this true story. The song takes you on the journey of this encounter and weaves through themes of faith, love, grief and manipulation. It is a hit back at using grief to manipulate a situation for personal gain.
The characters in the story are exaggerated versions of real-life events and make for a humorous yet hard hitting upbeat ballad."
'Peace Man' is available to play/ stream here: https://hypeddit.com/jennycolquitt/peaceman
You can also purchase the single, and pre-order the album (Digital, CD, Vinyl, and related merch) via:
Single: https://jennycolquitt.bandcamp.com/track/peace-man
Album: https://jennycolquitt.bandcamp.com/album/pockets-full-of-rain-pre-order
"After a very tough year, I could not be prouder of this album, not only from an artistic perspective but as a personal triumph that represents resilience, hard work and passion," says Jenny of her third album.
"This album is one of the most creative pieces I have ever made and pushes my boundaries as a writer, incorporating new styles and instrumentation. It delves in to my inner thoughts and makes them sing; it gives a voice to the light, the dark, the colourful and everything in between; it weaves through important topics such as equality, experience, climate change and mental health. I couldn’t be more excited for you to hear it both produced, and on stage."
To support the album’s release, Jenny will undertake an eight date promotional tour across May & June in in intimate venues across England. More dates will also be to be announced.
Tickets are available via: https://jennycolquitt.co.uk/tickets
Pockets Full of Rain May/June Promotional Tour:
Friday 8th May - St Mary’s Creative Space, Chester
Saturday 9th May - The Met, Bury
Thursday 21st May - Hare and Hounds, Birmingham
Friday 22nd May - Stables 2, Wavendon, Milton Keynes
Saturday 23rd May - The Star Inn, Guildford
Saturday 30th May - The Philharmonic Music Room, Liverpool
Wednesday 10th June - The Fulford Arms, York
Thursday 11th June - The Greystones, Sheffield
"Strong and expressive voice, impactful lyrics and winning melodies" - Paul Sexton (BBC Radio 2)
Official Website: https://jennycolquitt.co.uk/
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You can also purchase the single, and pre-order the album (Digital, CD, Vinyl, and related merch) via:
Single: https://jennycolquitt.bandcamp.com/track/peace-man
Album: https://jennycolquitt.bandcamp.com/album/pockets-full-of-rain-pre-order
"After a very tough year, I could not be prouder of this album, not only from an artistic perspective but as a personal triumph that represents resilience, hard work and passion," says Jenny of her third album.
"This album is one of the most creative pieces I have ever made and pushes my boundaries as a writer, incorporating new styles and instrumentation. It delves in to my inner thoughts and makes them sing; it gives a voice to the light, the dark, the colourful and everything in between; it weaves through important topics such as equality, experience, climate change and mental health. I couldn’t be more excited for you to hear it both produced, and on stage."
To support the album’s release, Jenny will undertake an eight date promotional tour across May & June in in intimate venues across England. More dates will also be to be announced.
Tickets are available via: https://jennycolquitt.co.uk/tickets
Pockets Full of Rain May/June Promotional Tour:
Friday 8th May - St Mary’s Creative Space, Chester
Saturday 9th May - The Met, Bury
Thursday 21st May - Hare and Hounds, Birmingham
Friday 22nd May - Stables 2, Wavendon, Milton Keynes
Saturday 23rd May - The Star Inn, Guildford
Saturday 30th May - The Philharmonic Music Room, Liverpool
Wednesday 10th June - The Fulford Arms, York
Thursday 11th June - The Greystones, Sheffield
"Strong and expressive voice, impactful lyrics and winning melodies" - Paul Sexton (BBC Radio 2)
Official Website: https://jennycolquitt.co.uk/
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Acclaimed British blues-rock singer-guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor has released a new single titled 'The Trouble With Love,' out now via Journeyman Records.
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/the-trouble-with-love
The groove-driven song, with call and answer hook chorus, lyrically "documents the push and pull of love, the highs and the lows and yes, the trouble it can cause," says Joanne.
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/the-trouble-with-love
The groove-driven song, with call and answer hook chorus, lyrically "documents the push and pull of love, the highs and the lows and yes, the trouble it can cause," says Joanne.
'The Trouble With Love' is the latest preview of Joanne Shaw Taylor's forthcoming studio album, due later this year.
"I always had this song as the heart of the album," Joanne shares. "Love is such a powerful emotion that we’ve been writing songs about it for hundreds of years."
The new single follows on from recent singles, the defiant blues-gospel styled 'Hell Or High Water' and collaborative number, 'What Good Is My Love?' featuring Orianthi.
The upcoming album builds on the momentum of Joanne Shaw Taylor’s critically acclaimed Black & Gold, which drew widespread praise upon its release.
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"I always had this song as the heart of the album," Joanne shares. "Love is such a powerful emotion that we’ve been writing songs about it for hundreds of years."
The new single follows on from recent singles, the defiant blues-gospel styled 'Hell Or High Water' and collaborative number, 'What Good Is My Love?' featuring Orianthi.
The upcoming album builds on the momentum of Joanne Shaw Taylor’s critically acclaimed Black & Gold, which drew widespread praise upon its release.
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George Thorogood and The Destroyers have announced two June dates in England as part of the final tour of the UK, which itself forms part of the band’s ongoing The Baddest Show on Earth tour of North America and Europe.
The two shows are at the University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall (Monday 29th June) and The O2, London (Tuesday 30th June). Tickets are on sale now at:
https://www.thehallswolverhampton.co.uk/events/george-thorogood-the-destroyers/
https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/george-thorogood-destroyers
Dovetailing with the shows is the release of The Baddest Show on Earth: Greatest Hits Live, which will be released on June 12th via Craft Recordings.
The career spanning album captures performances from 1978 through 2024, highlighting the band’s reputation as one of blues rock’s most enduring live acts.
"When the lights go down, the downbeat hits and the audience erupts; all bets are off. The Destroyers are at their best when we play for the people, and these are some of our favorite, and rarest, performances from the past five decades. You wanted the baddest, you got it."
- George Thorogood.
The album will be available on CD, Digital formats and Vinyl.
The Vinyl will feature four previously unreleased tracks, while the expanded CD and Digital versions include eight unreleased performances. Physical editions also include new liner notes from Grammy Award-winning producer and blues musician Scott Billington.
The collection features some of the band’s most recognizable songs, including 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,' 'Bad to the Bone,' 'Move It on Over' and lead-off single, 'Who Do You Love?'
The two shows are at the University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall (Monday 29th June) and The O2, London (Tuesday 30th June). Tickets are on sale now at:
https://www.thehallswolverhampton.co.uk/events/george-thorogood-the-destroyers/
https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/george-thorogood-destroyers
Dovetailing with the shows is the release of The Baddest Show on Earth: Greatest Hits Live, which will be released on June 12th via Craft Recordings.
The career spanning album captures performances from 1978 through 2024, highlighting the band’s reputation as one of blues rock’s most enduring live acts.
"When the lights go down, the downbeat hits and the audience erupts; all bets are off. The Destroyers are at their best when we play for the people, and these are some of our favorite, and rarest, performances from the past five decades. You wanted the baddest, you got it."
- George Thorogood.
The album will be available on CD, Digital formats and Vinyl.
The Vinyl will feature four previously unreleased tracks, while the expanded CD and Digital versions include eight unreleased performances. Physical editions also include new liner notes from Grammy Award-winning producer and blues musician Scott Billington.
The collection features some of the band’s most recognizable songs, including 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,' 'Bad to the Bone,' 'Move It on Over' and lead-off single, 'Who Do You Love?'
For more than 50 years, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have remained one of the most consistent and consistently passionate progenitors of blues-based rock.
Formed in 1973 by guitarist, singer, and songwriter George Thorogood and drummer Jeff Simon, the Delaware-based band honed their sound on stages across the Northeast, building a devoted word-of-mouth following through their high-energy performances and blistering grooves.
Today, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, featuring Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), have played more than 8,000 live shows. Career highlights include their record-breaking 50 States in 50 Dates tour in 1981, numerous high-profile tours alongside the likes of The Rolling Stones, Sammy Hagar, and ZZ Top, to name but three, and landmark performances at Live Aid and Saturday Night Live.
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Formed in 1973 by guitarist, singer, and songwriter George Thorogood and drummer Jeff Simon, the Delaware-based band honed their sound on stages across the Northeast, building a devoted word-of-mouth following through their high-energy performances and blistering grooves.
Today, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, featuring Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), have played more than 8,000 live shows. Career highlights include their record-breaking 50 States in 50 Dates tour in 1981, numerous high-profile tours alongside the likes of The Rolling Stones, Sammy Hagar, and ZZ Top, to name but three, and landmark performances at Live Aid and Saturday Night Live.
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Guildford based alt-pop punk rockers RiotWeekend have released the punchy and kinetic new single 'Smile.' Out now on all good digital platforms, 'Smile' dovetails with, and features on, the band’s recently released sophomore EP Table4Four.
"Smile draws on our heavier influences, as well as soft and heavy contrasting vocals to represent both sadness and anger," comment the band. "It tells the story of someone going through a break up and trying to move on but feeling stuck in a rut. Seeing your ex find happiness with someone new and the pain that comes with it, wanting to be happy for them but also wanting to smash up their car windows."
"Smile draws on our heavier influences, as well as soft and heavy contrasting vocals to represent both sadness and anger," comment the band. "It tells the story of someone going through a break up and trying to move on but feeling stuck in a rut. Seeing your ex find happiness with someone new and the pain that comes with it, wanting to be happy for them but also wanting to smash up their car windows."
The Table4Four EP is available on CD & Digital Download direct from the band here:
https://riotweekend.bandcamp.com/merch
Of the new EP, the band (Holly Nunn - vocals, bass; Tomma Moulard & Rab McGowan – guitars; Salvatore Bertolone - drums) say "We’ve unapologetically drawn from our influences and created what we would love to hear if we were listening to it. There’s the heavy fun and good time side of us, and also the deeper and softer; what we write about is relatable, real, and from our life experiences."
The band recorded, self-produced and mixed the EP at Blackberry Studios, Chichester with mastering handled by the renowned Pete Maher (Jack White, Linkin Park, Liam Gallagher).
Blending pop punk catchiness with hard hitting riffs, RiotWeekend released their self-titled debut EP in 2022, gaining International and BBC Introducing airplay.
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https://riotweekend.bandcamp.com/merch
Of the new EP, the band (Holly Nunn - vocals, bass; Tomma Moulard & Rab McGowan – guitars; Salvatore Bertolone - drums) say "We’ve unapologetically drawn from our influences and created what we would love to hear if we were listening to it. There’s the heavy fun and good time side of us, and also the deeper and softer; what we write about is relatable, real, and from our life experiences."
The band recorded, self-produced and mixed the EP at Blackberry Studios, Chichester with mastering handled by the renowned Pete Maher (Jack White, Linkin Park, Liam Gallagher).
Blending pop punk catchiness with hard hitting riffs, RiotWeekend released their self-titled debut EP in 2022, gaining International and BBC Introducing airplay.
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Emerging storytelling Indie-folk rock artist Alys North has released a new single, 'Replace You With.'
A highly contemporary take on acoustic-electric singer-songwriter rock, 'Relace You With' is, lyrically, a love you-hate you-(don’t) miss you number that showcases Alys North’s dynamic, raw and authentic approach to her artistry.
A highly contemporary take on acoustic-electric singer-songwriter rock, 'Relace You With' is, lyrically, a love you-hate you-(don’t) miss you number that showcases Alys North’s dynamic, raw and authentic approach to her artistry.
Raised in a small Northern Territory town before honing her skills and passion in Brisbane, Australia, Alys North can be now be found carving out her sound in venues and streets around Cardiff, as well as other parts of the UK.
With lyrics that land with striking honesty, Alys’ songwriting is unfiltered and unafraid; the results, as heard on the new single and song’s such as the Indie driven 'Monday Morning,' are a powerful mix of vulnerability and grit from an artist who refuses to hold back.
Connect with Alys North at:
https://www.instagram.com/alys_north_/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Alys-North-Music/61553695989214/#
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LM8NZA2WQVl84SgxLppQg
https://www.tiktok.com/@alys.north
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With lyrics that land with striking honesty, Alys’ songwriting is unfiltered and unafraid; the results, as heard on the new single and song’s such as the Indie driven 'Monday Morning,' are a powerful mix of vulnerability and grit from an artist who refuses to hold back.
Connect with Alys North at:
https://www.instagram.com/alys_north_/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Alys-North-Music/61553695989214/#
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LM8NZA2WQVl84SgxLppQg
https://www.tiktok.com/@alys.north
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Canadian vocal powerhouse Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar have announced the forthcoming release of live album A Beautiful Buzz.
A big band soul-blues revue, A Beautiful Buzz, which will be released May 22nd via Gypsy Soul Records, was recorded at A.C.T. Theatre in Maple Ridge, BC, the final show of the band’s Love Is All Around tour across Western Canada in late 2022.
CD and limited edition Gatefold Double Vinyl editions of the album will be available to pre-order shortly at:
www.samanthamartinmusic.com/store
The Digital edition can be pre-saved via: https://lnk.fuga.com/samanthamartindeltasugar_abeautifulbuzz
The album has been preceded by, first, lead-off single 'My Crown' and second taster, a vibrant, soul-groovin', gospel-tinged take of The Band classic 'The Shape I'm In' (Stream the song here).
The song is bolstered further by featuring JUNO Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk) on guest vocals and acoustic guitar.
A big band soul-blues revue, A Beautiful Buzz, which will be released May 22nd via Gypsy Soul Records, was recorded at A.C.T. Theatre in Maple Ridge, BC, the final show of the band’s Love Is All Around tour across Western Canada in late 2022.
CD and limited edition Gatefold Double Vinyl editions of the album will be available to pre-order shortly at:
www.samanthamartinmusic.com/store
The Digital edition can be pre-saved via: https://lnk.fuga.com/samanthamartindeltasugar_abeautifulbuzz
The album has been preceded by, first, lead-off single 'My Crown' and second taster, a vibrant, soul-groovin', gospel-tinged take of The Band classic 'The Shape I'm In' (Stream the song here).
The song is bolstered further by featuring JUNO Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk) on guest vocals and acoustic guitar.
Deeply reverent of soul and gospel traditions, with a roots-blues core, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most commanding live acts.
A two-time JUNO Award nominee and seven-time Canadian Blues Award nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year, Samantha Martin has long drawn comparisons to the great soul shouters of the past.
As Rhythm & Booze put it, "Samantha Martin’s name can be talked of in the same sentence as Etta James, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin. It’s soul for the modern age with a turbocharger."
"The Love Is All Around tour, initially set for January 2022, faced the trials of postponement until November 2022, marking the closing chapter of COVID-era delays," says Samantha.
"By the time the tour kicked off, I was six months pregnant with my son. I’ve never been one to be easily deterred.
So, clad in a winter jacket that barely zipped, our 13-person touring party loaded into a sprinter and a rental car and embarked on a tour from the sub-zero temperatures of Saskatoon to the balmy West Coast of Canada!
"Each show was a whirlwind of energy and emotion, but one stood out above the rest. Perhaps it was the excitement of the final show, or maybe it was the realization that my life was about to change in a big way.
Whatever the reason, the atmosphere was electric, filled with ‘a beautiful buzz’ that I wanted to share with you.
This album is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of music amidst life's transformations."
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A two-time JUNO Award nominee and seven-time Canadian Blues Award nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year, Samantha Martin has long drawn comparisons to the great soul shouters of the past.
As Rhythm & Booze put it, "Samantha Martin’s name can be talked of in the same sentence as Etta James, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin. It’s soul for the modern age with a turbocharger."
"The Love Is All Around tour, initially set for January 2022, faced the trials of postponement until November 2022, marking the closing chapter of COVID-era delays," says Samantha.
"By the time the tour kicked off, I was six months pregnant with my son. I’ve never been one to be easily deterred.
So, clad in a winter jacket that barely zipped, our 13-person touring party loaded into a sprinter and a rental car and embarked on a tour from the sub-zero temperatures of Saskatoon to the balmy West Coast of Canada!
"Each show was a whirlwind of energy and emotion, but one stood out above the rest. Perhaps it was the excitement of the final show, or maybe it was the realization that my life was about to change in a big way.
Whatever the reason, the atmosphere was electric, filled with ‘a beautiful buzz’ that I wanted to share with you.
This album is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of music amidst life's transformations."
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Finnish goth 'n' rollers The 69 Eyes have announced the release of a new 4-Track EP I Survive, which is out June 5th via BLKIIBLK (the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group).
To celebrate the announcement, the band have released their cover of Thin Lizzy’s 80s rocker 'Cold Sweat,' which was produced by Erno Laitinen and mixed by Barry Pointer (Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe).
The video, filmed during the band's recent European tour, features a cameo by Portuguese goth legend Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell).
"A friend of mine sent me our demo of Cold Sweat from over ten years ago and asked why we never released it," says band frontman Jyrki 69. "After hearing the demo, Gabi Hakanen, head of Vallila Music House, said 'this is The 69 Eyes at their best. Rock for the radio!' Every respectable rock band covers Thin Lizzy at some point, so now that is done as well!"
To celebrate the announcement, the band have released their cover of Thin Lizzy’s 80s rocker 'Cold Sweat,' which was produced by Erno Laitinen and mixed by Barry Pointer (Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe).
The video, filmed during the band's recent European tour, features a cameo by Portuguese goth legend Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell).
"A friend of mine sent me our demo of Cold Sweat from over ten years ago and asked why we never released it," says band frontman Jyrki 69. "After hearing the demo, Gabi Hakanen, head of Vallila Music House, said 'this is The 69 Eyes at their best. Rock for the radio!' Every respectable rock band covers Thin Lizzy at some point, so now that is done as well!"
Formed in Helsinki in 1989 and still going strong with the same line-up some four decades later, the "Helsinki Vampires" have earned their legendary status.
In a world with fewer and fewer true believers in leather jackets, midnight sunglasses and low-slung guitars, The 69 Eyes keep the Johnny Thunders' flame burning like an endless, sleazy club night from back in the day.
Their biggest hit, 'Lost Boys,' from 2005, was made into an iconic music video by MTV's Jackass star and professional skateboarder Bam Margera; the song remains on annual Halloween rock playlists.
The band have to date released thirteen albums, reaching gold, platinum and mainstream status in their native Finland.
The 69 Eyes are: Jyrki 69 (lead vocals), Bazie (guitar, backing vocals), Timo-Timo (guitar), Archzie (bass, backing vocals), Jussi 69 (drums)
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In a world with fewer and fewer true believers in leather jackets, midnight sunglasses and low-slung guitars, The 69 Eyes keep the Johnny Thunders' flame burning like an endless, sleazy club night from back in the day.
Their biggest hit, 'Lost Boys,' from 2005, was made into an iconic music video by MTV's Jackass star and professional skateboarder Bam Margera; the song remains on annual Halloween rock playlists.
The band have to date released thirteen albums, reaching gold, platinum and mainstream status in their native Finland.
The 69 Eyes are: Jyrki 69 (lead vocals), Bazie (guitar, backing vocals), Timo-Timo (guitar), Archzie (bass, backing vocals), Jussi 69 (drums)
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Award-winning British blues & roots artist Sunjay has announced the forthcoming release of his latest studio/ covers album, Split The Sheets, which will be available from 18th September.
Pre-order the album here: https://www.sunjay.tv/
Following lead-off single, a cover of Jimmy Reed's Take Out Some Insurance (which received airplay on BBC Radio 2) comes a second taster in the shape of Stephen Bruton's 'That's Love.'
Rather than presenting it as a gentle roots interpretation, or similar to the country honky-tonk original, Sunjay's version is fuller bodied, leaning into groove, energy, and warmth. Built around a band performance, the arrangement blends blues, Americana and classic pop.
"This song captures love exactly as it is, joyful, chaotic, and impossible to control," says Sunjay. "We wanted the recording to feel just as alive as the lyric."
Sunjay is set to appear on BBC Radio 2's The Blues Show with Cerys Matthews on Monday 30th March.
Pre-order the album here: https://www.sunjay.tv/
Following lead-off single, a cover of Jimmy Reed's Take Out Some Insurance (which received airplay on BBC Radio 2) comes a second taster in the shape of Stephen Bruton's 'That's Love.'
Rather than presenting it as a gentle roots interpretation, or similar to the country honky-tonk original, Sunjay's version is fuller bodied, leaning into groove, energy, and warmth. Built around a band performance, the arrangement blends blues, Americana and classic pop.
"This song captures love exactly as it is, joyful, chaotic, and impossible to control," says Sunjay. "We wanted the recording to feel just as alive as the lyric."
Sunjay is set to appear on BBC Radio 2's The Blues Show with Cerys Matthews on Monday 30th March.
On the new album, Sunjay continues: "Split The Sheets is a very significant record for me. It’s the final covers record I’ll be making, and so closes a long chapter of interpretation and learning. It also allowed me to take everything I’ve absorbed over the years and use it without restraint. I didn’t want a polite record, I wanted something with weight and emotional honesty. This album feels like a statement and a turning point."
Praise for Sunjay
"One of the UK’s finest young Blues stars." - Iain Anderson, BBC Radio Scotland,
"A very accomplished and dynamic guitarist, with echoes of a young Ralph McTell." - RNR Magazine.
"One of the best young pickers and singers around." - Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
Sunjay – Confirmed Live Dates
17th May – Forest Folk Club, Forest of Dean
18th May – Warwick Folk Club
20th May – Banbury Folk Club
21st May – Anchor Folk Club, Surrey
29th May – Stables 2, Milton Keynes
31st May – Saltburn Blues Club
2nd June – Swallow Theatre, Dumfries
3rd June – Dunfermline Folk Club
6th June – Nettleham Live, Lincolnshire
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Praise for Sunjay
"One of the UK’s finest young Blues stars." - Iain Anderson, BBC Radio Scotland,
"A very accomplished and dynamic guitarist, with echoes of a young Ralph McTell." - RNR Magazine.
"One of the best young pickers and singers around." - Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
Sunjay – Confirmed Live Dates
17th May – Forest Folk Club, Forest of Dean
18th May – Warwick Folk Club
20th May – Banbury Folk Club
21st May – Anchor Folk Club, Surrey
29th May – Stables 2, Milton Keynes
31st May – Saltburn Blues Club
2nd June – Swallow Theatre, Dumfries
3rd June – Dunfermline Folk Club
6th June – Nettleham Live, Lincolnshire
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Acclaimed singer-songwriter Hollie Rogers has announced the forthcoming release of her new album, Everything’s Fine, which will be released on 5th June. Pre-order: https://hollierogers.bigcartel.com/
The album has been preceded by the singles 'Some Kinda Lover,' 'Spaceman' (featuring the Budapest Symphony Orchestra) and, now, a third taster via the title track.
Stream here: www.slinky.to/everythingsfine
The light-hearted and upbeat song will resonate with busy people, parents, and particularly women – masters in the art of "keep calm and carry on."
Written during one of Chris Difford’s invite-only songwriting retreats, Hollie wrote the song with Beth Nielsen-Chapman and Elles Bailey, who both add their voices to the song.
"I already knew Beth and Elles, but we’d never had the chance to write together before this," explains Hollie. "Poor Elles was really ill, but not even a zombie apocalypse would stop her making music. That spirit is probably what led to us discussing how much we juggle as independent women; how many plates we spin, how stressful it can be, and how effortless we make it look."
The album has been preceded by the singles 'Some Kinda Lover,' 'Spaceman' (featuring the Budapest Symphony Orchestra) and, now, a third taster via the title track.
Stream here: www.slinky.to/everythingsfine
The light-hearted and upbeat song will resonate with busy people, parents, and particularly women – masters in the art of "keep calm and carry on."
Written during one of Chris Difford’s invite-only songwriting retreats, Hollie wrote the song with Beth Nielsen-Chapman and Elles Bailey, who both add their voices to the song.
"I already knew Beth and Elles, but we’d never had the chance to write together before this," explains Hollie. "Poor Elles was really ill, but not even a zombie apocalypse would stop her making music. That spirit is probably what led to us discussing how much we juggle as independent women; how many plates we spin, how stressful it can be, and how effortless we make it look."
Following the emotional turbulence that defined her 2022 album Criminal Heart, Hollie Rogers took an unexpected turn in her personal story when she became engaged to the very person who inspired the record.
For a brief, hopeful moment, life settled into a gentler rhythm. Everything, it seemed, was fine… until it wasn’t.
New album Everything’s Fine was born from that tension, the collision of romance, responsibility, and the quiet chaos of adult life – fertile ground for a record that is both wryly humorous and deeply heartfelt.
A candid, relatable collection of songs for anyone who is struggling to hold it together whilst insisting that they’re doing just fine.
"Everything’s Fine aims to capture life in all its messy, brilliant, unpredictable moments," explains and expands Hollie. "Some songs hit hard, some make you smile, and some do both. I wanted to tell stories that feel real and connect emotionally. Basically, life happens and this is the soundtrack."
Born and raised in Cornwall, Hollie Rogers has since earned glowing praise from some of the most respected names in songwriting, including Suzanne Vega ("a magnificent and powerful voice"), Chris Difford ("Hollie’s songwriting always knocks me out"), Ralph McTell ("a sensitive and observant songwriter") and Nick Mason ("reminiscent of Carole King and Joni Mitchell"). Praise doesn't come much higher.
While rooted in Americana, Everything’s Fine weaves together elements of blues, Laurel Canyon folk, Burlesque, and pop. The album also brings together a cast of long-time friends and new creative partners, with contributions from the aforementioned Beth Nielsen Chapman & Elles Bailey, and, as heard on 'Spaceman,' the sweeping grandeur of The Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
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For a brief, hopeful moment, life settled into a gentler rhythm. Everything, it seemed, was fine… until it wasn’t.
New album Everything’s Fine was born from that tension, the collision of romance, responsibility, and the quiet chaos of adult life – fertile ground for a record that is both wryly humorous and deeply heartfelt.
A candid, relatable collection of songs for anyone who is struggling to hold it together whilst insisting that they’re doing just fine.
"Everything’s Fine aims to capture life in all its messy, brilliant, unpredictable moments," explains and expands Hollie. "Some songs hit hard, some make you smile, and some do both. I wanted to tell stories that feel real and connect emotionally. Basically, life happens and this is the soundtrack."
Born and raised in Cornwall, Hollie Rogers has since earned glowing praise from some of the most respected names in songwriting, including Suzanne Vega ("a magnificent and powerful voice"), Chris Difford ("Hollie’s songwriting always knocks me out"), Ralph McTell ("a sensitive and observant songwriter") and Nick Mason ("reminiscent of Carole King and Joni Mitchell"). Praise doesn't come much higher.
While rooted in Americana, Everything’s Fine weaves together elements of blues, Laurel Canyon folk, Burlesque, and pop. The album also brings together a cast of long-time friends and new creative partners, with contributions from the aforementioned Beth Nielsen Chapman & Elles Bailey, and, as heard on 'Spaceman,' the sweeping grandeur of The Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
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Swedish glam rockers Lipz have released a rendition of Paula Abdul’s 80s hit 'Straight Up' as a new single.
Of the cover, and their approach, the band say "We’ve transformed the pop classic into a bold, hard-hitting rock anthem while keeping the unforgettable melodies intact!"
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/lipz_straightup
Of the cover, and their approach, the band say "We’ve transformed the pop classic into a bold, hard-hitting rock anthem while keeping the unforgettable melodies intact!"
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/lipz_straightup
Lipz were formed in 2011 by Alexander (vocals, guitar) and Koffe (drums) Klintberg, and lead guitarist Conny Svärd.
The band released their debut single 'Ghost Town' in 2012, followed by the EP Psycho three years later.
The quest for a stable bass player however led to a three-year adventure to complete their debut album (Alexander took on bass duties).
In 2023 Lipz signed with Frontiers Records; their latest album, Changing The Melody, was released in March 2024.
Lipz are: Alex K Klintberg (lead vocals, guitar); Jonatan Berg (guitars/ backing vocals); Koffe K Klintberg (drums/ backing vocals); Taneli Armas (bass/ backing vocals)
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The band released their debut single 'Ghost Town' in 2012, followed by the EP Psycho three years later.
The quest for a stable bass player however led to a three-year adventure to complete their debut album (Alexander took on bass duties).
In 2023 Lipz signed with Frontiers Records; their latest album, Changing The Melody, was released in March 2024.
Lipz are: Alex K Klintberg (lead vocals, guitar); Jonatan Berg (guitars/ backing vocals); Koffe K Klintberg (drums/ backing vocals); Taneli Armas (bass/ backing vocals)
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Renowned singer-songwriter Justin Hayward, The Voice of the Moody Blues, will be back out on the road in October with his band for his The Story In Your Eyes UK Tour.
Tickets for the twelve shows are on sale now, excepting the Truro Town Hall show in Cornwall (on sale from 18th May).
Tickets are available from ticketline.co.uk, ticketmaster.co.uk and the venues direct.
The tour is named for one of Justin’s many compositions for The Moody Blues, which was released as a single 55 years ago and featured on the band’s seventh album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, which reached No. 1 on the UK Album Chart, and placed No. 2 for three weeks in the US.
"So many of the venues we are playing this year hold warm and special memories for me going right back," reflects Justin. "Music brings us a world of imagination and I am looking forward to being right there in the middle of that."
Tickets for the twelve shows are on sale now, excepting the Truro Town Hall show in Cornwall (on sale from 18th May).
Tickets are available from ticketline.co.uk, ticketmaster.co.uk and the venues direct.
The tour is named for one of Justin’s many compositions for The Moody Blues, which was released as a single 55 years ago and featured on the band’s seventh album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, which reached No. 1 on the UK Album Chart, and placed No. 2 for three weeks in the US.
"So many of the venues we are playing this year hold warm and special memories for me going right back," reflects Justin. "Music brings us a world of imagination and I am looking forward to being right there in the middle of that."
Justin Hayward OBE, of the iconic Moody Blues, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, penned numerous Moodies hits including the masterful ‘Nights in White Satin’, ‘Tuesday Afternoon’, ‘Question’, ‘The Voice,’ ‘I Know You’re Out there Somewhere’ and In Your Wildest Dreams.’
Each helped lay the foundation for the incredible success story of the Moody Blues, as well as his dovetailing, and later, solo work, with albums such as Songwriter, Night Flight, Moving Mountains, Classic Blue with Mike Batt, and The View From the Hill.
In 1978 he had huge global success with 'Forever Autumn,' created for, and lifted from Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, and starring in its spectacular live production.
His Spirits Of The Western Sky album (2013) was followed by the Spirits…Live DVD, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Video chart.
In 2020, Justin took to YouTube for the Tuesday Afternoon Video Series; this led to the digital album Tuesday Afternoons: The Audio Files. In 2021 he released the songs 'One Summer Day and 'My Juliette' followed by 'Living For Love' in 2022. In 2025 he released 'Life In a Northern Town' with Mike Batt.
Justin spent much of 2023 and 2024 on the road, and on the sea, with two On The Blue cruises.
He also undertook a sell-out co-headlining tour in the USA with Christopher Cross.
Last year, he completed the Forever Autumn tour of the UK, as well as multiple dates across the US.
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Each helped lay the foundation for the incredible success story of the Moody Blues, as well as his dovetailing, and later, solo work, with albums such as Songwriter, Night Flight, Moving Mountains, Classic Blue with Mike Batt, and The View From the Hill.
In 1978 he had huge global success with 'Forever Autumn,' created for, and lifted from Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, and starring in its spectacular live production.
His Spirits Of The Western Sky album (2013) was followed by the Spirits…Live DVD, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Video chart.
In 2020, Justin took to YouTube for the Tuesday Afternoon Video Series; this led to the digital album Tuesday Afternoons: The Audio Files. In 2021 he released the songs 'One Summer Day and 'My Juliette' followed by 'Living For Love' in 2022. In 2025 he released 'Life In a Northern Town' with Mike Batt.
Justin spent much of 2023 and 2024 on the road, and on the sea, with two On The Blue cruises.
He also undertook a sell-out co-headlining tour in the USA with Christopher Cross.
Last year, he completed the Forever Autumn tour of the UK, as well as multiple dates across the US.
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Birmingham based blues-rock outfit The Davidson Trio, featuring Owen Davidson (lead vocals, bass), Ben Bicknell (guitars) and Ellis Brown (drums), will follow up their 2025 debut album Cougar with a 5-track EP on 1st May.
Titled Follow You, the EP is edgier, darker and more orientated towards rock than their debut offering, as typified by lead-off single 'War.'
Titled Follow You, the EP is edgier, darker and more orientated towards rock than their debut offering, as typified by lead-off single 'War.'
A dark, pulsating track with a classic Robin Trower/ psychedelic vibe, the song lyrically reflects the everyday battles we all face.
"It’s the feeling of wanting to defend what we love the most whatever that may be - music, loved ones, our culture, even our possessions," explains Owen Davidson.
"We were even fighting our own battles during the writing and recording of the EP," continues Ellis Brown. "Floods, health, budgets and strict time scales, but I think these battles have been won."
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"It’s the feeling of wanting to defend what we love the most whatever that may be - music, loved ones, our culture, even our possessions," explains Owen Davidson.
"We were even fighting our own battles during the writing and recording of the EP," continues Ellis Brown. "Floods, health, budgets and strict time scales, but I think these battles have been won."
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Award-winning British blues icon Robin Trower has announced a short run of UK tour for the Autumn (see tour poster below).
Planet Rock presale tickets are on sale now via: https://planetrock.seetickets.com/tour/robin-trower
General sale tickets will go live on Friday 13th March at 9am at:
https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robin-Trower.htm
The evergreen Robin Trower has been in an incredibly rich vein of form in recent years with a slew of acclaimed studio albums including Come and Find Me (2025), Joyful Sky, featuring Sari Schorr (2023), and No More Worlds To Conquer (2022).
Earlier this year Robin Trower released One Moment In Time: Live In The USA, which showcased the Godfather of Tone in full flight.
Recorded during his Summer 2025 USA tour, the album features newer songs and classic gems, including 'Day of the Eagle.'
Planet Rock presale tickets are on sale now via: https://planetrock.seetickets.com/tour/robin-trower
General sale tickets will go live on Friday 13th March at 9am at:
https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robin-Trower.htm
The evergreen Robin Trower has been in an incredibly rich vein of form in recent years with a slew of acclaimed studio albums including Come and Find Me (2025), Joyful Sky, featuring Sari Schorr (2023), and No More Worlds To Conquer (2022).
Earlier this year Robin Trower released One Moment In Time: Live In The USA, which showcased the Godfather of Tone in full flight.
Recorded during his Summer 2025 USA tour, the album features newer songs and classic gems, including 'Day of the Eagle.'
Talking about the live shows, Robin says "I prefer this format because I have more freedom.
In a three-piece, everybody is trying to make up for the missing instrument. We’ve got Richard Watts on bass and vocals: a wonderful voice, great musician. Then there’s Chris Taggart on drums, another fantastic musician. We’ve been working together now for a good ten years’ now, and I’m very fortunate to play with guys of this calibre."
In a three-piece, everybody is trying to make up for the missing instrument. We’ve got Richard Watts on bass and vocals: a wonderful voice, great musician. Then there’s Chris Taggart on drums, another fantastic musician. We’ve been working together now for a good ten years’ now, and I’m very fortunate to play with guys of this calibre."
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Award-winning Danish roots rocking octet Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado will release Live At Hotel Cecil on 19th June via Provogue/Artone.
Pre-Order here: https://lnk.to/Risager
To dovetail with the announcement, the band have released a groovin' and blues blistering version of 'Hold My Lover Tight' as a single.
Pre-Order here: https://lnk.to/Risager
To dovetail with the announcement, the band have released a groovin' and blues blistering version of 'Hold My Lover Tight' as a single.
Situated in the heart of Copenhagen Hotel Cecil, which has been home to a Jazz house and a Playhouse, originally served as a meeting place, lecture hall, and administrative hub for the women’s emancipation movement in Denmark when it was built in 1936.
The show was recorded at the band’s sold-out performance on 29th November 2025, one of the final gigs of the House of Sticks winter tour.
"Hotel Cecil has a certain intimacy," says Thorbjørn Risager. "It’s big enough to have power, but still close enough that you can really feel the faces in front of you. That kind of room invites you to dig deeper, both musically and emotionally. There’s a history in places like that. You can feel that many stories have unfolded there."
"We always approach a live show with respect for the music, for each other, and for the audience," he continues. "It’s never just about playing the songs as they are on the record. It’s about creating a moment that only exists that night."
In February, the band revealed the first taster from the album, the slow and smouldering 'Said I Was Hurt.' This song, along with 'Already Gone,' 'Long Time Ago,' 'House of Sticks,' and 'Inner Light,' is one of five tracks taken from latest studio album, House of Sticks.
'Hold My Lover Tight' is one of four taken from 2017's Change My Game.
Thorbjørn Risager (vocals, guitar), Emil Balsgaard (organ, keys), Joachim Svensmark (guitars), Kasper Wagner (baritone sax), Hans Nybo (tenor sax), Peter W Kehl (trumpet), Søren Bøjgaard (bass) and Martin Seidelin (drums, percussion) - have won four Danish Music Awards (with seven nominations), Best Band in the European Blues Awards and the prestigious German Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik Jahrespreis (German Record Critics' Awards).
They’ve sold over 100,000 physical albums and surpassed 32 million streams, all while blazing a trail worldwide with more than 1500 shows.
They've opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, jammed with the legendary Buddy Guy and even picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself, Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their "Hot rhythm and blues."
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The show was recorded at the band’s sold-out performance on 29th November 2025, one of the final gigs of the House of Sticks winter tour.
"Hotel Cecil has a certain intimacy," says Thorbjørn Risager. "It’s big enough to have power, but still close enough that you can really feel the faces in front of you. That kind of room invites you to dig deeper, both musically and emotionally. There’s a history in places like that. You can feel that many stories have unfolded there."
"We always approach a live show with respect for the music, for each other, and for the audience," he continues. "It’s never just about playing the songs as they are on the record. It’s about creating a moment that only exists that night."
In February, the band revealed the first taster from the album, the slow and smouldering 'Said I Was Hurt.' This song, along with 'Already Gone,' 'Long Time Ago,' 'House of Sticks,' and 'Inner Light,' is one of five tracks taken from latest studio album, House of Sticks.
'Hold My Lover Tight' is one of four taken from 2017's Change My Game.
Thorbjørn Risager (vocals, guitar), Emil Balsgaard (organ, keys), Joachim Svensmark (guitars), Kasper Wagner (baritone sax), Hans Nybo (tenor sax), Peter W Kehl (trumpet), Søren Bøjgaard (bass) and Martin Seidelin (drums, percussion) - have won four Danish Music Awards (with seven nominations), Best Band in the European Blues Awards and the prestigious German Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik Jahrespreis (German Record Critics' Awards).
They’ve sold over 100,000 physical albums and surpassed 32 million streams, all while blazing a trail worldwide with more than 1500 shows.
They've opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, jammed with the legendary Buddy Guy and even picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself, Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their "Hot rhythm and blues."
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Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks, who have just announced the Second Leg of their YES Epics, Classics, and More Tour of the USA, have, due to fan demand, added four additional UK shows to their September/ October run of dates in the UK & parts of Europe.
The newly announced shows are in Oxford, Portsmouth, Brighton, and Nottingham.
Full dates for the UK tour leg are as follows:
Sep 6 - Brighton @ Dome
Sep 8 - Portsmouth @ Guildhall
Sep 10 - Oxford @ New Theatre
Sep 13 - Nottingham @ Royal Concert Hall
Sep 15 - Birmingham @ Symphony Hall
Sep 17- Bath @ Forum
Sep 20 - London @ Palladium
Sep 22 - Liverpool @ Philharmonic
Sep 26 - Manchester @ Opera House
Sep 28 - Glasgow @ Royal Concert Hall
Oct 1 - Gateshead @ Glasshouse
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The newly announced shows are in Oxford, Portsmouth, Brighton, and Nottingham.
Full dates for the UK tour leg are as follows:
Sep 6 - Brighton @ Dome
Sep 8 - Portsmouth @ Guildhall
Sep 10 - Oxford @ New Theatre
Sep 13 - Nottingham @ Royal Concert Hall
Sep 15 - Birmingham @ Symphony Hall
Sep 17- Bath @ Forum
Sep 20 - London @ Palladium
Sep 22 - Liverpool @ Philharmonic
Sep 26 - Manchester @ Opera House
Sep 28 - Glasgow @ Royal Concert Hall
Oct 1 - Gateshead @ Glasshouse
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The Who have announced the forthcoming release of Live At Eden Project, recorded at their landmark, orchestra backed show at Cornwall’s iconic Eden Project.
Scheduled for release on May 29th, the album will be available as a 2CD Digipak, Limited Edition 3LP Gatefold (pressed on recycled vinyl and packed in a separate paper wallet), Standard 3LP Gatefold, and across all major Digital platforms.
Pre-order here: https://edenproject.lnk.to/album
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Pinball Wizard.'
Scheduled for release on May 29th, the album will be available as a 2CD Digipak, Limited Edition 3LP Gatefold (pressed on recycled vinyl and packed in a separate paper wallet), Standard 3LP Gatefold, and across all major Digital platforms.
Pre-order here: https://edenproject.lnk.to/album
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Pinball Wizard.'
In 2023 The Who added a remarkable new chapter to their legacy with their live performance at Eden Project.
Set within one of the UK’s most sustainable and visually striking venues, the band, featuring founder members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey and backed by the Heart of England Philharmonic Orchestra, delivered a performance that fused classic rock intensity with orchestral grandeur.
The Eden Project’s natural acoustics and enclosed structures created a unique sonic environment unmatched by traditional stadium settings; the recording reflects this atmosphere.
The smaller capacity also allowed for a closer connection between band and audience, and a sense of being inside the performance rather than observing it from afar.
Live at Eden Project also presents one of the strongest and most focused setlists of The Who’s orchestral period. Alongside anthems such as 'Baba O’Riley' and 'Pinball Wizard,' the album includes rarely performed gems such as 'Cry If You Want,' 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere,' and 'The Rock,' all creating a career-spanning journey that balances hits, deeper cuts, and orchestral showpieces.
The Who - Live at Eden Project, tracklisting:
Overture; 1921; Amazing Journey; Sparks; The Acid Queen; Pinball Wizard; We’re Not Gonna Take It; Who Are You; Eminence Front; The Kids Are Alright; You Better You Bet; Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere; Substitute; I Can’t Explain; My Generation; Cry If You Want; Won’t Get Fooled Again; Behind Blue Eyes; The Real Me; I’m One; 5:15; The Rock; Love, Reign O’er Me; Baba O’Riley
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Set within one of the UK’s most sustainable and visually striking venues, the band, featuring founder members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey and backed by the Heart of England Philharmonic Orchestra, delivered a performance that fused classic rock intensity with orchestral grandeur.
The Eden Project’s natural acoustics and enclosed structures created a unique sonic environment unmatched by traditional stadium settings; the recording reflects this atmosphere.
The smaller capacity also allowed for a closer connection between band and audience, and a sense of being inside the performance rather than observing it from afar.
Live at Eden Project also presents one of the strongest and most focused setlists of The Who’s orchestral period. Alongside anthems such as 'Baba O’Riley' and 'Pinball Wizard,' the album includes rarely performed gems such as 'Cry If You Want,' 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere,' and 'The Rock,' all creating a career-spanning journey that balances hits, deeper cuts, and orchestral showpieces.
The Who - Live at Eden Project, tracklisting:
Overture; 1921; Amazing Journey; Sparks; The Acid Queen; Pinball Wizard; We’re Not Gonna Take It; Who Are You; Eminence Front; The Kids Are Alright; You Better You Bet; Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere; Substitute; I Can’t Explain; My Generation; Cry If You Want; Won’t Get Fooled Again; Behind Blue Eyes; The Real Me; I’m One; 5:15; The Rock; Love, Reign O’er Me; Baba O’Riley
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Noted Canadian roots rock and soul band Bywater Call have released a new single titled 'How Long.'
Following on from the dreamy soul of 'Only,' the band's second single of the year is available on all streaming platforms via https://linktr.ee/bywatercall
Both tracks will feature on their forthcoming fourth studio album, set for release in July.
The horns backed, soul meets R&B slow burn of 'How Long' "is a raw and introspective song that wrestles with guilt, fragility, and the fear of becoming the very thing you never wanted to be," comments lead singer Meghan Parnell. "Lyrically and melodically, we tried to convey the vulnerability and self-reflection of someone living in the fragile space between remorse and repetition."
Following on from the dreamy soul of 'Only,' the band's second single of the year is available on all streaming platforms via https://linktr.ee/bywatercall
Both tracks will feature on their forthcoming fourth studio album, set for release in July.
The horns backed, soul meets R&B slow burn of 'How Long' "is a raw and introspective song that wrestles with guilt, fragility, and the fear of becoming the very thing you never wanted to be," comments lead singer Meghan Parnell. "Lyrically and melodically, we tried to convey the vulnerability and self-reflection of someone living in the fragile space between remorse and repetition."
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Bywater Call is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), Julian Nalli (tenor sax) and newest member, Andrew Moljgun (keys).
Their latest studio album, Shepherd, was selected as the Blues Album of the Year by UK’s Classic Rock Magazine. Their live album Sunshine was released in August 2025 to rave reviews.
Additionally, the band was nominated for the 2025 UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year. They also received multiple independent Blues Awards and Canadian Maple Blues Award nominations at the 2024 Awards Season.
Bywater Call are currently on tour in the USA and Canada; they will undertake a 25 date European tour through May & June.
More info on full itinerary of dates and ticket links at: www.bywatercall.com
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Their latest studio album, Shepherd, was selected as the Blues Album of the Year by UK’s Classic Rock Magazine. Their live album Sunshine was released in August 2025 to rave reviews.
Additionally, the band was nominated for the 2025 UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year. They also received multiple independent Blues Awards and Canadian Maple Blues Award nominations at the 2024 Awards Season.
Bywater Call are currently on tour in the USA and Canada; they will undertake a 25 date European tour through May & June.
More info on full itinerary of dates and ticket links at: www.bywatercall.com
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Welsh born Canadian blues rock guitarist Philip Sayce will release his fiery new live album Scorched Earth Volume 2: Live in LA / London on 1st May via Atomic Gemini Records.
The album also ties in with Sayce’s upcoming live shows in the UK (see tour poster further below).
To mark the announcement of the sequel to 2016's equally feisty and full-on Scorched Earth Volume 1, Sayce has released another live single 'Morning Star,' which available now on all streaming services:
https://ffm.to/philipsayce_morningstarlive
'Morning Star' follows on from the live version of 'Peace Machine,' which was released late last year.
The album also ties in with Sayce’s upcoming live shows in the UK (see tour poster further below).
To mark the announcement of the sequel to 2016's equally feisty and full-on Scorched Earth Volume 1, Sayce has released another live single 'Morning Star,' which available now on all streaming services:
https://ffm.to/philipsayce_morningstarlive
'Morning Star' follows on from the live version of 'Peace Machine,' which was released late last year.
Recorded during sold-out performances at The Baked Potato in Los Angeles and a packed, over-capacity show at The Garage in London, Scorched Earth Volume 2: Live in LA / London showcases Philip Sayce's blues and psychedelic influenced brand of ultra high energy rock 'n' roll, alongside band mates Sam Bolle (bass) and Bryan Head (drums).
"These shows were pure electricity," comments Philip. "There’s something powerful about capturing a moment when the band, the songs, and the audience are completely locked in. LA and London brought that magic. We lit the fuse, and you can feel it."
Scorched Earth Volume 2: Live in LA / London
Pre-save the digital album at: https://ffm.to/philipsayce_scorchedearthvol2
Track listing: One Foot In The Grave; Once; Bitter Monday; Peace Machine; Lady Love Divine; 5:55; Morning Star; Spanish Castle Magic.
May/June UK Tour Tickets available from https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Philip-Sayce.htm
and https://www.philipsayce.com/tour
Special Guests: Tom Moriarty, all shows except Chantel McGregor (Holmfirth Only)
"These shows were pure electricity," comments Philip. "There’s something powerful about capturing a moment when the band, the songs, and the audience are completely locked in. LA and London brought that magic. We lit the fuse, and you can feel it."
Scorched Earth Volume 2: Live in LA / London
Pre-save the digital album at: https://ffm.to/philipsayce_scorchedearthvol2
Track listing: One Foot In The Grave; Once; Bitter Monday; Peace Machine; Lady Love Divine; 5:55; Morning Star; Spanish Castle Magic.
May/June UK Tour Tickets available from https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Philip-Sayce.htm
and https://www.philipsayce.com/tour
Special Guests: Tom Moriarty, all shows except Chantel McGregor (Holmfirth Only)
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Two time Grammy winner Tyler Bryant, following years of fronting acclaimed blues-rock outfit Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, is now carving out a new path as a solo artist.
His fourth solo single, 'Screwed & Tattooed,' has just been released, accompanied by an official music video.
The track was written with his fellow Texan and two time Grammy Award winner, country/Americana singer-guitarist-songwriter Rodney Crowell.
'Screwed & Tattooed' can be streamed on all digital platforms via: https://linktr.ee/TylerBryantMusic
His fourth solo single, 'Screwed & Tattooed,' has just been released, accompanied by an official music video.
The track was written with his fellow Texan and two time Grammy Award winner, country/Americana singer-guitarist-songwriter Rodney Crowell.
'Screwed & Tattooed' can be streamed on all digital platforms via: https://linktr.ee/TylerBryantMusic
Of the song, and collaboration with Rodney Crowell, Tyler says "As a Texan, I grew up on Rodney’s records. My early blues explorations landed 15-year-old me at a party in California where I met him for the first time.
I had no idea then that, 19 years later, I’d be producing an album for him. At the tail end of making Rodney’s latest album, Airline Highway, we found ourselves in my studio with a couple of acoustic guitars. We both have an appreciation for low down dirty blues, and when my right thumb started riding the A string of my Kalamazoo acoustic, Rodney started spitting out lines. We laughed this song into existence!"
Tyler Bryant’s debut solo release, the rootsy and rockin' 'Falling Up,' served as an ice breaker that bridged the gap between his work with The Shakedown and the more introspective tone of his solo material.
Follow-up single, 'Planted,' took a more stripped-down and vulnerable approach; third solo release 'Mama Like To Rock' (written by Bryant and his wife, Grammy winner Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe, who features on backing vocals), showcased Bryant’s evolving, rootsy Americana-inspired sound.
After years at the helm of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Bryant is now forging a distinct path as a solo artist. Releasing music independently has given him the freedom to follow his creative instincts. Bryant describes this chapter as intuitive, unfiltered, and entirely self-directed.
Official Website: www.tylerbryantmusic.com
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I had no idea then that, 19 years later, I’d be producing an album for him. At the tail end of making Rodney’s latest album, Airline Highway, we found ourselves in my studio with a couple of acoustic guitars. We both have an appreciation for low down dirty blues, and when my right thumb started riding the A string of my Kalamazoo acoustic, Rodney started spitting out lines. We laughed this song into existence!"
Tyler Bryant’s debut solo release, the rootsy and rockin' 'Falling Up,' served as an ice breaker that bridged the gap between his work with The Shakedown and the more introspective tone of his solo material.
Follow-up single, 'Planted,' took a more stripped-down and vulnerable approach; third solo release 'Mama Like To Rock' (written by Bryant and his wife, Grammy winner Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe, who features on backing vocals), showcased Bryant’s evolving, rootsy Americana-inspired sound.
After years at the helm of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Bryant is now forging a distinct path as a solo artist. Releasing music independently has given him the freedom to follow his creative instincts. Bryant describes this chapter as intuitive, unfiltered, and entirely self-directed.
Official Website: www.tylerbryantmusic.com
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Sicilian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso has announced details of his new album Route 96, which will be released on 24th April via Music Theories Recordings. Pre-order: https://lnk.to/matteomancuso
The album features appearances from young Gypsy Jazz exponent Antoine Boyer, jazz/ fusion multi-instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov and Steve Vai, who features on 'Solar Wind', which has just been released as a single.
"Having Steve appear on the record was a huge honour," says Matteo. "His contributions ended up making Solar Wind the most important song on the album. I was listening to a lot of his records like Passion And Warfare while composing this music; Steve sent back his parts in just a couple of weeks and what he played was spectacular! It’s not shreddy, I wanted something melodic rather than over the top, but still very Vai-like."
The album features appearances from young Gypsy Jazz exponent Antoine Boyer, jazz/ fusion multi-instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov and Steve Vai, who features on 'Solar Wind', which has just been released as a single.
"Having Steve appear on the record was a huge honour," says Matteo. "His contributions ended up making Solar Wind the most important song on the album. I was listening to a lot of his records like Passion And Warfare while composing this music; Steve sent back his parts in just a couple of weeks and what he played was spectacular! It’s not shreddy, I wanted something melodic rather than over the top, but still very Vai-like."
In support of the album Matteo Mancuso, who will tour the US through late January and February, will undertake a European tour in April & May, plus two UK dates – his first ever Scottish show at the Oran Mor, Glasgow, on 13th May and Islington Assembly Hall, London on 14th May.
For full list of dates and ticket info, head to: https://www.matteomancuso.net/tour
Matteo Mancuso burst on the scene in 2023 with debut album The Journey after his prodigious ability caught the attention of the likes of Tosin Abasi, Al Di Meola, Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai.
The album, which featured his dazzling fingerstyle technique across beautifully crafted compositions, saw him adorn the front covers of multiple Guitar magazines; his international touring took flight with sold-out shows across Europe and the US.
With second album, Route 96 (named after his year of birth, as well as the 96kHz audio sample rate Steve Vai recommended him to record at), the compositional concepts are more orchestrated and developed, with Mancuso showing no shortage of creative wind in the sails.
The album, which also features Riccardo Oliva (bass) and Gianluca Pellerito (drums), was recorded at Fico D’India Studios in Casteldaccia, Italy and produced by Matteo, along with his father Vincenzo Mancuso.
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For full list of dates and ticket info, head to: https://www.matteomancuso.net/tour
Matteo Mancuso burst on the scene in 2023 with debut album The Journey after his prodigious ability caught the attention of the likes of Tosin Abasi, Al Di Meola, Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai.
The album, which featured his dazzling fingerstyle technique across beautifully crafted compositions, saw him adorn the front covers of multiple Guitar magazines; his international touring took flight with sold-out shows across Europe and the US.
With second album, Route 96 (named after his year of birth, as well as the 96kHz audio sample rate Steve Vai recommended him to record at), the compositional concepts are more orchestrated and developed, with Mancuso showing no shortage of creative wind in the sails.
The album, which also features Riccardo Oliva (bass) and Gianluca Pellerito (drums), was recorded at Fico D’India Studios in Casteldaccia, Italy and produced by Matteo, along with his father Vincenzo Mancuso.
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Leading British blues rock lights King King will showcase their acoustic side with seven dates in April followed by a full band, hometown headline set at the eighth Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival at the Oran Mor on Sunday, 26th April. See Acoustic & Festival poster further below.
The Acoustic Tour dates will feature Swiss born, French singer-guitarist Félix Rabin as special guest.
Félix, who is no stranger to British stages and festival events, released his latest EP, Blue Sky, in 2025.
Blue Sky, as with previous EP Pogboy, are the forerunners to what will be his full-length debut album.
For King King the seven acoustic shows are a chance to play a run of more relaxed and intimate shows before gearing up for their full band headliner at the Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival.
The eighth edition of the twice-yearly event features six bands, including the Scottish tandem of the high-octane Gerry Jablonski Band and fast rising blues rock outfit Bison Hip, who have been shortlisted in the UK Blues Awards for Best Emerging Act Of The Year.
Bison Hip’s third, and best to date, album Everything That Came Before Was Just Leading Up To This, was released last year.
The festival line-up is completed by Steve Pablo Jones, the Lightning Threads and Thomas Heppel.
Tickets can be purchased at:
https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#KING-KING-TOUR (Acoustic shows)
https://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/glasgow/tickets.html (Festival)
The Acoustic Tour dates will feature Swiss born, French singer-guitarist Félix Rabin as special guest.
Félix, who is no stranger to British stages and festival events, released his latest EP, Blue Sky, in 2025.
Blue Sky, as with previous EP Pogboy, are the forerunners to what will be his full-length debut album.
For King King the seven acoustic shows are a chance to play a run of more relaxed and intimate shows before gearing up for their full band headliner at the Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival.
The eighth edition of the twice-yearly event features six bands, including the Scottish tandem of the high-octane Gerry Jablonski Band and fast rising blues rock outfit Bison Hip, who have been shortlisted in the UK Blues Awards for Best Emerging Act Of The Year.
Bison Hip’s third, and best to date, album Everything That Came Before Was Just Leading Up To This, was released last year.
The festival line-up is completed by Steve Pablo Jones, the Lightning Threads and Thomas Heppel.
Tickets can be purchased at:
https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#KING-KING-TOUR (Acoustic shows)
https://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/glasgow/tickets.html (Festival)
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Award-winning Finnish singer-guitarist Erja Lyytinen has announced her 50th Anniversary Rock Blues Birthday UK Tour, which takes in seven dates in October (See tour poster below).
Tickets are on sale now at https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
The special 50th Birthday tour, which includes dates across Europe, will feature songs from Lyytinen’s back catalogue, which date back to 2002. The set will also perform songs from latest studio album, Smell the Roses, along with some unexpected song choices.
"I did my first tour in the UK with Blues Caravan back in 2006, so it´s been exactly twenty years now doing gigs on this music lover’s island," reminisces Erja. "I remember how exciting it was to finally do my first UK tour back then. What I loved the most was the fact that the audiences understood and related to my lyrics. The witty humour and friendly British people simply stole my heart.
"This year I’m celebrating the big number of turning 50, but I still feel as that 15-year-old girl who fell in love with the electric guitar by listening to guitarists like Tony Iommi and Richie Blackmore, and wanting to travel around the world to play for audiences. This year we have updated our set list with some old gems and surprise numbers, so it´s going to be a lot of fun to come to the UK for a birthday tour!"
Tickets are on sale now at https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
The special 50th Birthday tour, which includes dates across Europe, will feature songs from Lyytinen’s back catalogue, which date back to 2002. The set will also perform songs from latest studio album, Smell the Roses, along with some unexpected song choices.
"I did my first tour in the UK with Blues Caravan back in 2006, so it´s been exactly twenty years now doing gigs on this music lover’s island," reminisces Erja. "I remember how exciting it was to finally do my first UK tour back then. What I loved the most was the fact that the audiences understood and related to my lyrics. The witty humour and friendly British people simply stole my heart.
"This year I’m celebrating the big number of turning 50, but I still feel as that 15-year-old girl who fell in love with the electric guitar by listening to guitarists like Tony Iommi and Richie Blackmore, and wanting to travel around the world to play for audiences. This year we have updated our set list with some old gems and surprise numbers, so it´s going to be a lot of fun to come to the UK for a birthday tour!"
Erja Lyytinen is one of the leading blues-rock guitarists on the international touring circuit.
During a recording career spanning more than 20 years, the high-flying Finnish musician has released thirteen studio albums and several live albums.
Lyytinen’s musical pallet is vast, encompassing the very best of contemporary blues rock, hard rock and touches of progressive rock, whilst inspired and influenced by the blues greats of yore.
Her current studio album, Smell the Roses, released in 2025, was ranked #6 on the UK’s Independent Blues Broadcasters chart.
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During a recording career spanning more than 20 years, the high-flying Finnish musician has released thirteen studio albums and several live albums.
Lyytinen’s musical pallet is vast, encompassing the very best of contemporary blues rock, hard rock and touches of progressive rock, whilst inspired and influenced by the blues greats of yore.
Her current studio album, Smell the Roses, released in 2025, was ranked #6 on the UK’s Independent Blues Broadcasters chart.
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Nashville-based, Southern hued rock and roll band Parker Barrow will return to the UK in July for five intimate club shows and a highly anticipated performance at Steelhouse Festival.
Tickets for the July club shows, which take in Frome (Treehouse, 17th), Stowmarket (John Peel Centre, 18th), Glasgow (Audio, 21st), Sheffield (Greystones, 22nd) and Leek (Foxlowe Arts Centre, 23rd) are on sale now via: https://planetrock.seetickets.com/tour/parker-barrow https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Parker-Barrow.htm and https://www.weareparkerbarrow.com/tour
To celebrate the announcement, and in ongoing promotion of their excellent Hold The Mash EP, the band have released 'Glass Eyes Cryin'' as a single.
It's available on all streaming platforms at: https://hyperfollow.com/glasseyescryin
'Glass Eyes Cryin’,' which opens like it might just slip into the classic Joe Cocker version of 'With a Little Help From My Friends,' soon reshapes itself into a swaggering, southern bluesy mid-tempo that’s given a fuller-bodied sound from keys player Eric Safka.
"I’m walking out your door, can’t change my mind, oh my I’m so tired of your glass eyes cryin'!" sings Megan Kane with impassioned purpose.
"This was the first song we wrote and recorded for Hold The Mash," says Parker Barrow’s drummer, Dylan Turner. "We felt it was the perfect song to kickstart a musical shift to what the band has become since our previous record - groovy with gospel elements, it features a powerful vocal from Megan that’s a sass-filled response to situations of emotional manipulation. The song takes you on the emotional journey that comes with the realization that actions truly speak louder than words."
Tickets for the July club shows, which take in Frome (Treehouse, 17th), Stowmarket (John Peel Centre, 18th), Glasgow (Audio, 21st), Sheffield (Greystones, 22nd) and Leek (Foxlowe Arts Centre, 23rd) are on sale now via: https://planetrock.seetickets.com/tour/parker-barrow https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Parker-Barrow.htm and https://www.weareparkerbarrow.com/tour
To celebrate the announcement, and in ongoing promotion of their excellent Hold The Mash EP, the band have released 'Glass Eyes Cryin'' as a single.
It's available on all streaming platforms at: https://hyperfollow.com/glasseyescryin
'Glass Eyes Cryin’,' which opens like it might just slip into the classic Joe Cocker version of 'With a Little Help From My Friends,' soon reshapes itself into a swaggering, southern bluesy mid-tempo that’s given a fuller-bodied sound from keys player Eric Safka.
"I’m walking out your door, can’t change my mind, oh my I’m so tired of your glass eyes cryin'!" sings Megan Kane with impassioned purpose.
"This was the first song we wrote and recorded for Hold The Mash," says Parker Barrow’s drummer, Dylan Turner. "We felt it was the perfect song to kickstart a musical shift to what the band has become since our previous record - groovy with gospel elements, it features a powerful vocal from Megan that’s a sass-filled response to situations of emotional manipulation. The song takes you on the emotional journey that comes with the realization that actions truly speak louder than words."
Husband-and-wife duo Megan Kane and Dylan Turner lead Parker Barrow. The name of the band is a homage to Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the infamous American bank robbers during the early 1930’s Great Depression.
In 2023 Parker Barrow expanded with the full-time inclusion of guitarist and musical director Alex Bender.
Their debut album Jukebox Gypsies was released to glowing reviews from music press and fans globally; the single 'Back To Birmingham' racked up over a million YouTube views.
In 2025 they released the EP Hold The Mash, featuring the singles 'Make It,' 'Novocaine' and 'The Healer.'
They toured the UK supporting the Damn Truth later that same year, winning many new fans.
Hold The Mash is available on all streaming platforms at:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/parkerbarrow/hold-the-mash-vol-1
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In 2023 Parker Barrow expanded with the full-time inclusion of guitarist and musical director Alex Bender.
Their debut album Jukebox Gypsies was released to glowing reviews from music press and fans globally; the single 'Back To Birmingham' racked up over a million YouTube views.
In 2025 they released the EP Hold The Mash, featuring the singles 'Make It,' 'Novocaine' and 'The Healer.'
They toured the UK supporting the Damn Truth later that same year, winning many new fans.
Hold The Mash is available on all streaming platforms at:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/parkerbarrow/hold-the-mash-vol-1
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Revered hard rock band Little Angels, who recently announced an ultra-rare UK tour in November featuring the original line-up of Toby Jepson (vocals), Bruce Dickinson (guitars), Jim Dickinson (keys), Mark Plunkett (bass) and Mark Richardson (drums), have added three additional dates due to high demand (see tour poster further below).
Additionally, the shows in Manchester (O2 Ritz), Leeds (O2 Academy), Nottingham (Rock City) and Wolverhampton (KK's Steel Mill) now have Low Ticket Availability, while London (O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire) has Sold Out.
The last time Little Angels toured was in 2012, following their triumphant return at Download Festival.
Those shows came eighteen years after their sold-out farewell gig at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1994.
Formed nearly forty years ago in their hometown of Scarborough, Little Angels emerged from the ashes of the NWOBHM movement, becoming one of the defining UK hard rock bands of the late 80s and early 90s.
Across their short career, Little Angels built a fiercely loyal fanbase, scoring eleven UK Top 40 singles and four hit albums, including Jam, which reached #1 in 1993.
Alongside their own sold-out headline tours, they shared stages with such giants as Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Faith No More.
Adding to the sense of occasion, long-time friend and contemporary Luke Morley of Thunder will support on all dates.
"I think this will be a fantastic celebration of that amazing time when Thunder and Little Angels both broke through," comments Luke. "There’s a lot of people out there that were really into both bands, so I think I’m going to have to throw in a couple of Thunder tunes; it would be rude not to!"
Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/little-angels-tickets/artist/3005347
Additionally, the shows in Manchester (O2 Ritz), Leeds (O2 Academy), Nottingham (Rock City) and Wolverhampton (KK's Steel Mill) now have Low Ticket Availability, while London (O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire) has Sold Out.
The last time Little Angels toured was in 2012, following their triumphant return at Download Festival.
Those shows came eighteen years after their sold-out farewell gig at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1994.
Formed nearly forty years ago in their hometown of Scarborough, Little Angels emerged from the ashes of the NWOBHM movement, becoming one of the defining UK hard rock bands of the late 80s and early 90s.
Across their short career, Little Angels built a fiercely loyal fanbase, scoring eleven UK Top 40 singles and four hit albums, including Jam, which reached #1 in 1993.
Alongside their own sold-out headline tours, they shared stages with such giants as Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Faith No More.
Adding to the sense of occasion, long-time friend and contemporary Luke Morley of Thunder will support on all dates.
"I think this will be a fantastic celebration of that amazing time when Thunder and Little Angels both broke through," comments Luke. "There’s a lot of people out there that were really into both bands, so I think I’m going to have to throw in a couple of Thunder tunes; it would be rude not to!"
Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/little-angels-tickets/artist/3005347
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Scottish Indie singer Megan Black has released a brand new single 'You Have a Way.'
Blending Joni Mitchell in her Laurel Canyon music days with British new wave sensibilities of the later 70s, 'You Have a Way' lyrically reflects on the bittersweetness of a relationship that is not all it could be.
The song was made Track Of The Week on BBC Introducing in Scotland ("alt-rock dressed up in flares and velvet").
Blending Joni Mitchell in her Laurel Canyon music days with British new wave sensibilities of the later 70s, 'You Have a Way' lyrically reflects on the bittersweetness of a relationship that is not all it could be.
The song was made Track Of The Week on BBC Introducing in Scotland ("alt-rock dressed up in flares and velvet").
With a focus on themes such as feminism, mental health, the LGBTQ+ community, addiction and climate change, Megan Black released her debut album Deadly Is The Woman in 2022.
Her 2023 EP Full Circle (Part 1) was nominated for EP of the Year in Scotland.
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Her 2023 EP Full Circle (Part 1) was nominated for EP of the Year in Scotland.
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Multi-instrumentalist Pete Briley, who recently confirmed his departure from "heavygrass" exponents The Outlaw Orchestra, has been slowly but assuredly establishing himself as a highly individualistic low-fi/ hi-pop singer-songwriter solo artist.
His latest solo offering is 'My Baby,' which was originally written and recorded 18 years ago by a 20 year old Briley as a rough demo in a low-budget studio session.
However, that early version earned him his first ever proper radio spin when it was played by Tom Robinson on BBC Introducing Yorkshire, who saw potential despite the rough and ready recording quality.
Flash forward to the present and 'My Baby' has been re-recorded in Briley’s own studio; the new version preserves the song’s original folksy, ukelele led core, but now fully produced with warm, analogue textures.
His latest solo offering is 'My Baby,' which was originally written and recorded 18 years ago by a 20 year old Briley as a rough demo in a low-budget studio session.
However, that early version earned him his first ever proper radio spin when it was played by Tom Robinson on BBC Introducing Yorkshire, who saw potential despite the rough and ready recording quality.
Flash forward to the present and 'My Baby' has been re-recorded in Briley’s own studio; the new version preserves the song’s original folksy, ukelele led core, but now fully produced with warm, analogue textures.
Speaking about the song and its 18 years later release, Pete says:
"It was surreal. It’s not often you get to go back and directly compare your efforts nearly twenty years apart. Hearing it again, I was impressed at the songwriting chops of that clueless, 20 year old kid, and grateful that nearly two decades of performing and recording had given me the tools to realise the vision he had back then – but still with the same old uke!"
'My Baby' is available on all major streaming platforms and can be heard/ purchased on Pete Briley’s Bandcamp page, where you can also his previous singles and full length debut, Album #1
https://petebriley.bandcamp.com/track/my-baby
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"It was surreal. It’s not often you get to go back and directly compare your efforts nearly twenty years apart. Hearing it again, I was impressed at the songwriting chops of that clueless, 20 year old kid, and grateful that nearly two decades of performing and recording had given me the tools to realise the vision he had back then – but still with the same old uke!"
'My Baby' is available on all major streaming platforms and can be heard/ purchased on Pete Briley’s Bandcamp page, where you can also his previous singles and full length debut, Album #1
https://petebriley.bandcamp.com/track/my-baby
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Genre fluid duo Starlite & Campbell, who are all about the Vibe and the sound over any pre-determined style, have introduced their latest project VIBRATIONISTS with the single 'It Ain’t Right.'
Listen, stream or purchase here: https://starlite-campbell.com/it-ain-t-right-live-links
A collaborative project and concept with artists from all over the world, the VIBRATIONISTS interpretation of 'It Ain't Right' (originally recorded for Starlite & Campbell’s second album The Language Of Curiosity), features bodhrán master Dave Boyd from Northern Ireland.
Of the fully reimagined song, the musically adventurous Suzy Starlite and Simon Campell say:
"While we’ve always pushed boundaries as Starlite & Campbell, VIBRATIONISTS is born from a different spark. When we meet inspirational musicians, we don’t just want them to play on a track; we want to see where a third influence will take us. It’s about stepping onto a path without knowing the destination – the groove of the unknown!"
Listen, stream or purchase here: https://starlite-campbell.com/it-ain-t-right-live-links
A collaborative project and concept with artists from all over the world, the VIBRATIONISTS interpretation of 'It Ain't Right' (originally recorded for Starlite & Campbell’s second album The Language Of Curiosity), features bodhrán master Dave Boyd from Northern Ireland.
Of the fully reimagined song, the musically adventurous Suzy Starlite and Simon Campell say:
"While we’ve always pushed boundaries as Starlite & Campbell, VIBRATIONISTS is born from a different spark. When we meet inspirational musicians, we don’t just want them to play on a track; we want to see where a third influence will take us. It’s about stepping onto a path without knowing the destination – the groove of the unknown!"
"The philosophy behind VIBRATIONISTS is simple," continue Suzy and Simon. "What happens if you take a song and infuse it with a totally different musical DNA? If you recorded with James Gadson on drums or Thom Yorke on loops, the groove would shift in ways you couldn’t predict. That’s the Vibrationist spirit.
By bringing Dave’s unique percussive language into the mix, we’ve created a sound and a feel that is fresh, unexpected, and entirely different from the original version of the song.
"To capture that immediate, unrepeatable spark of inspiration, we recorded the track live at the Supertone SonicLab. There are no overdubs, just the sound of three musicians inspiring each other in real-time.
VIBRATIONISTS is a wide-open door. We don’t know what will happen next, and that’s exactly why we’re doing it!"
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By bringing Dave’s unique percussive language into the mix, we’ve created a sound and a feel that is fresh, unexpected, and entirely different from the original version of the song.
"To capture that immediate, unrepeatable spark of inspiration, we recorded the track live at the Supertone SonicLab. There are no overdubs, just the sound of three musicians inspiring each other in real-time.
VIBRATIONISTS is a wide-open door. We don’t know what will happen next, and that’s exactly why we’re doing it!"
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The Bootleg Beatles, the highly acclaimed Fab Four tribute, have announced dates and details of their forthcoming ICONIC UK tour, which will focus on seven famous legendary appearances on stage and TV by The Beatles.
Tickets for the thirteen shows, which all take place through December 2026, are on sale now from:
bootlegbeatles.com/gigs/
With more than a little help from their orchestra, the multi-media ICONIC shows will plot the course of The Beatles’ rise to fame from the Liverpool Cavern, when Ringo first joined the band in August 1962, to their London rooftop finale in January 1969.
Including re-enactments of their record breaking 1965 Shea Stadium concert in New York and the global satellite TV broadcast of 'All You Need Is Love,' this is a very special, must-see show for all Beatles and music fans.
The Bootleg Beatles – ICONIC UK Tour, December 2026
Saturday 5th – De Montfort Hall, LEICESTER
Sunday 6th – Philharmonic Hall, LIVERPOOL
Tuesday 8th – Usher Hall, EDINBURGH
Wednesday 9th – Royal Concert Hall, GLASGOW
Thursday 10th – Bridgewater Hall, MANCHESTER
Friday 11th – City Hall, NEWCASTLE
Saturday 12th – Royal Concert Hall, NOTTINGHAM
Monday 14th – Barbican, YORK
Tuesday 15th – Symphony Hall, BIRMINGHAM
Wednesday 16th – City Hall, SHEFFIELD
Friday 18th – Utilita Arena, CARDIFF
Saturday 19th – Brighton Centre, BRIGHTON
Sunday 20th – Bristol Beacon, BRISTOL
"Just incredible… you are in the room with The Beatles" – Jeremy Vine on 5
"The magic of perfect Illusion" – Rolling Stone.
"The Bootleg Beatles knock it out of the park" – Liverpool Echo
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Tickets for the thirteen shows, which all take place through December 2026, are on sale now from:
bootlegbeatles.com/gigs/
With more than a little help from their orchestra, the multi-media ICONIC shows will plot the course of The Beatles’ rise to fame from the Liverpool Cavern, when Ringo first joined the band in August 1962, to their London rooftop finale in January 1969.
Including re-enactments of their record breaking 1965 Shea Stadium concert in New York and the global satellite TV broadcast of 'All You Need Is Love,' this is a very special, must-see show for all Beatles and music fans.
The Bootleg Beatles – ICONIC UK Tour, December 2026
Saturday 5th – De Montfort Hall, LEICESTER
Sunday 6th – Philharmonic Hall, LIVERPOOL
Tuesday 8th – Usher Hall, EDINBURGH
Wednesday 9th – Royal Concert Hall, GLASGOW
Thursday 10th – Bridgewater Hall, MANCHESTER
Friday 11th – City Hall, NEWCASTLE
Saturday 12th – Royal Concert Hall, NOTTINGHAM
Monday 14th – Barbican, YORK
Tuesday 15th – Symphony Hall, BIRMINGHAM
Wednesday 16th – City Hall, SHEFFIELD
Friday 18th – Utilita Arena, CARDIFF
Saturday 19th – Brighton Centre, BRIGHTON
Sunday 20th – Bristol Beacon, BRISTOL
"Just incredible… you are in the room with The Beatles" – Jeremy Vine on 5
"The magic of perfect Illusion" – Rolling Stone.
"The Bootleg Beatles knock it out of the park" – Liverpool Echo
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Esteemed American guitarist Eric Johnson has announced an 11-date UK tour in July and August.
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Eric-Johnson.htm
And https://www.ericjohnson.com/tour
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Eric-Johnson.htm
And https://www.ericjohnson.com/tour
One of the most outstanding instrumentalists in rock over the past 40 years, Texas guitarist Eric Johnson was already a legend before he recorded his first album.
By the early 1980s, many celebrated guitarists were singing the praises of the "skinny kid from Austin," with comparisons made to such greats as Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix.
With the release of his 1986 solo debut album Tones, the guitarist finally emerged onto the scene fully formed, and a front cover of Guitar Player magazine.
With following album, 1990’s platinum-selling Ah Via Musicom (which featured the Grammy Award winning song 'Cliffs of Dover'), Eric Johnson became an international guitar phenomenon.
Since that 1986 debut, Eric Johnson has released seventeen solo albums, as well as albums with other artists such as jazz guitarist Mike Stern, and the platinum-selling G3 Live with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.
In 2024 Johnson was a featured performer on the Experience Hendrix 2024 Tour, which crossing the US from Washington state to Florida; he rejoined in March and April 2025 for the Experience Hendrix 2025 Tour through further parts of the US, and Canada.
August of 2025 saw the first dates of his Texaphonic tour, featuring a set of new blues rock power trio material.
The Texaphonic tour continues in the US from April through May 2026, including a headlining appearance at the Austin Blues Festival.
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By the early 1980s, many celebrated guitarists were singing the praises of the "skinny kid from Austin," with comparisons made to such greats as Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix.
With the release of his 1986 solo debut album Tones, the guitarist finally emerged onto the scene fully formed, and a front cover of Guitar Player magazine.
With following album, 1990’s platinum-selling Ah Via Musicom (which featured the Grammy Award winning song 'Cliffs of Dover'), Eric Johnson became an international guitar phenomenon.
Since that 1986 debut, Eric Johnson has released seventeen solo albums, as well as albums with other artists such as jazz guitarist Mike Stern, and the platinum-selling G3 Live with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.
In 2024 Johnson was a featured performer on the Experience Hendrix 2024 Tour, which crossing the US from Washington state to Florida; he rejoined in March and April 2025 for the Experience Hendrix 2025 Tour through further parts of the US, and Canada.
August of 2025 saw the first dates of his Texaphonic tour, featuring a set of new blues rock power trio material.
The Texaphonic tour continues in the US from April through May 2026, including a headlining appearance at the Austin Blues Festival.
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Synth pioneer and singer-songwriter Thomas Dolby has announced seven UK tour dates for May for his brand new show, Iconic 80s Recollections.
For this unique concert series, Thomas Dolby will bring his musical journey to life, blending songs, stories and reminiscences from that 80s period.
Normally opting to appear solo, for this tour Thomas will be accompanied by notable musical guests including Jakko Jakzyk (guitar), Mat Hector (drums) and Ukrainian internet phenomenon Ana Pshokina (bass).
The shows will also provide a sneak peek into an ambitious new symphonic work-in-progress to be premièred in late 2026 or 2027. With the help of A.I. and a digital samples, Thomas and band will perform in front of a virtual symphony orchestra, projected on a large screen.
Joining Thomas Dolby as special guest will be Prefab Sprout’s Martin McAloon.
The tour will start on 15th May in Manchester at the O2 Ritz and will play further shows in Bournemouth (O2 Academy, 16th), Bristol (O2 Academy, 17th), Birmingham (O2 Institute 20th), London (Shepherd’s Bush Empire 21st), Leeds (O2 Academy 24th) and Edinburgh (Queen’s Hall, 27th).
Tickets for all dates are on sale now, via the venues and https://www.thomasdolby.com/tour-dates/
For this unique concert series, Thomas Dolby will bring his musical journey to life, blending songs, stories and reminiscences from that 80s period.
Normally opting to appear solo, for this tour Thomas will be accompanied by notable musical guests including Jakko Jakzyk (guitar), Mat Hector (drums) and Ukrainian internet phenomenon Ana Pshokina (bass).
The shows will also provide a sneak peek into an ambitious new symphonic work-in-progress to be premièred in late 2026 or 2027. With the help of A.I. and a digital samples, Thomas and band will perform in front of a virtual symphony orchestra, projected on a large screen.
Joining Thomas Dolby as special guest will be Prefab Sprout’s Martin McAloon.
The tour will start on 15th May in Manchester at the O2 Ritz and will play further shows in Bournemouth (O2 Academy, 16th), Bristol (O2 Academy, 17th), Birmingham (O2 Institute 20th), London (Shepherd’s Bush Empire 21st), Leeds (O2 Academy 24th) and Edinburgh (Queen’s Hall, 27th).
Tickets for all dates are on sale now, via the venues and https://www.thomasdolby.com/tour-dates/
Thomas Dolby came to prominence in the 1980s, releasing hit singles including ‘She Blinded Me with Science’ (1982) and ‘Hyperactive!’ (1984), before becoming an in-demand producer and session music, working the likes of Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Def Leppard, The Thompson Twins and Belinda Carlisle.
Dolby also famously shared the stage with David Bowie at Live Aid and Roger Waters at The Wall in Berlin.
In the 1990s Thomas Dolby founded Beatnik, the Silicon Valley software developer of the polyphonic ringtone engine that played back the Nokia tune (embedded in more than three billion cell phones and devices made by Nokia, Microsoft and Motorola).
From 2001 to 2012, Thomas Dolby served as TED's Music Director, programming music for the TED stage, assembling a wide variety of house bands and collaborations to play between speakers.
Since 2014, Thomas Dolby has been on the faculty at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he leads Peabody’s Music for New Media program, which enrolled its first students in 2018.
Thomas Dolby has received four Grammy nominations, and was awarded the Roland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
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Dolby also famously shared the stage with David Bowie at Live Aid and Roger Waters at The Wall in Berlin.
In the 1990s Thomas Dolby founded Beatnik, the Silicon Valley software developer of the polyphonic ringtone engine that played back the Nokia tune (embedded in more than three billion cell phones and devices made by Nokia, Microsoft and Motorola).
From 2001 to 2012, Thomas Dolby served as TED's Music Director, programming music for the TED stage, assembling a wide variety of house bands and collaborations to play between speakers.
Since 2014, Thomas Dolby has been on the faculty at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he leads Peabody’s Music for New Media program, which enrolled its first students in 2018.
Thomas Dolby has received four Grammy nominations, and was awarded the Roland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
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Francis Rossi will undertake a brand new tour-show titled Songbook: Quo – Past, Present, Future from September through to November 2026.
Tickets for all shows go on sale on Friday 30th January at 10am from:
www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/francis-rossi/
Fans can also register to gain access to the Presale on Thursday 29th January at: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/francis-rossi-presale/
Additionally, and available for the first time on this tour, are strictly-limited VIP Soundcheck Experience tickets.
Of the new show, Francis Rossi says "I have put together a really packed new show for Autumn of this year. I’ll be keeping a whole lot of the hits in the set, of course, but also mixing it up with a couple of curveballs. These theatre shows are a great way to really connect with the audience, and try something a little bit different."
Francis Rossi will once again be joined by guitarist Andy Brook, who appeared on the 2025 Songbook tour. Brook also co-produced Rossi’s new solo album The Accidental, which is released January 30th.
Tickets for all shows go on sale on Friday 30th January at 10am from:
www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/francis-rossi/
Fans can also register to gain access to the Presale on Thursday 29th January at: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/francis-rossi-presale/
Additionally, and available for the first time on this tour, are strictly-limited VIP Soundcheck Experience tickets.
Of the new show, Francis Rossi says "I have put together a really packed new show for Autumn of this year. I’ll be keeping a whole lot of the hits in the set, of course, but also mixing it up with a couple of curveballs. These theatre shows are a great way to really connect with the audience, and try something a little bit different."
Francis Rossi will once again be joined by guitarist Andy Brook, who appeared on the 2025 Songbook tour. Brook also co-produced Rossi’s new solo album The Accidental, which is released January 30th.
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Blues rock powerhouse Beth Hart will return to the UK for five shows in May 2026 (see tour poster below).
Support at all shows are British roots-rock-blues band Wille and the The Bandits, performing as an Acoustic Duo.
Tickets are on sale via: ww.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
and (Edinburgh date): https://www.gigsinscotland.com/artist/beth-hart
The UK tour celebrates and promotes the renowned singer’s current, and critically acclaimed album, You Still Got Me. Released by Provogue/Mascot Label Group in 2024, the album is available on CD, Vinyl and Digital.
Support at all shows are British roots-rock-blues band Wille and the The Bandits, performing as an Acoustic Duo.
Tickets are on sale via: ww.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
and (Edinburgh date): https://www.gigsinscotland.com/artist/beth-hart
The UK tour celebrates and promotes the renowned singer’s current, and critically acclaimed album, You Still Got Me. Released by Provogue/Mascot Label Group in 2024, the album is available on CD, Vinyl and Digital.
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AK & The Red Kites, the UK blues rock band with a retro infused vibe, have released a new single 'Cosmic Train.'
Of the hard driving number, which will feature on full-length debut album Hotter Than The Sun (releasing May 8th), singer-guitarist & songwriter Andrew Knightley (who also became frontman of The Dust Coda in 2024) says, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "it’s a full on, smokin’ blues rocker about those moments and nights of hedonism and decadence that go down in legend; bring the party!"
Of the hard driving number, which will feature on full-length debut album Hotter Than The Sun (releasing May 8th), singer-guitarist & songwriter Andrew Knightley (who also became frontman of The Dust Coda in 2024) says, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "it’s a full on, smokin’ blues rocker about those moments and nights of hedonism and decadence that go down in legend; bring the party!"
The band’s debut EP Proverbial Storm, released in 2024, showcased Andrew Knightley's eclectic range as a songwriter and musician. The six tracks ranged from high tempo hard rockers and swampy vibed heavy blues-rock to incursions into the territories usually occupied by the likes of Rival Sons and Ritchie Kotzen.
A previous single from the EP, 'Stronger,' was curated by Slash for his blues rock Spotify playlist; it has amassed almost a quarter of a million streams.
However as last year’s single 'We Belong' and now 'Cosmic Train' testify, AK & The Red Kites could, as their moniker suggests, soon be flying even higher as a confident and consummate contemporary rock trio.
AK & The Red Kites are Andrew Knightley (lead vocals, guitar), Rob Hoey (bass) and Ash Sims (drums).
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A previous single from the EP, 'Stronger,' was curated by Slash for his blues rock Spotify playlist; it has amassed almost a quarter of a million streams.
However as last year’s single 'We Belong' and now 'Cosmic Train' testify, AK & The Red Kites could, as their moniker suggests, soon be flying even higher as a confident and consummate contemporary rock trio.
AK & The Red Kites are Andrew Knightley (lead vocals, guitar), Rob Hoey (bass) and Ash Sims (drums).
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Sweden’s melodic rock champions Europe will undertake 19 shows across the UK and Europe next October, in a 40th Anniversary celebration of their seminal 1986 album The Final Countdown.
The album catapulted the group to international fame on the back of the title track single, which reached No1 in 25 countries around the globe.
The multi-platinum selling album was a Top 10 album in 15 countries, including three No.1 slots (Sweden, Spain, Finland, Switzerland). It spent over 60 weeks on the US Billboard chart, where it peaked at #8.
With the continued success of the song 'The Final Countdown' into the digital age, the band received an award from YouTube in 2022 for the first Swedish band ever to receive One Billion views for any one song (as of today it’s close to 1.4 Billion views).
The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary tour, which will travel across 12 countries, includes three dates in the UK (Glasgow, Wolverhampton, London).
The shows will consist of a career retrospective set list, culminating in the band playing The Final Countdown album in its entirety.
2026 will also see the release of the band's as yet untitled 12th studio record, which was recorded at RMV studios in Stockholm with famed producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost, The Pixies, Royal Blood, Opeth).
Special Guests on the whole tour will be Canada’s rock 'n' roll hot shots The Damn Truth, who have just come off a successful headline tour of the UK.
Scottish rock stalwarts GUN will also be appearing as Very Special Guests on all UK shows.
Ticket pre-sale starts Wednesday 26th November at 10am
Tickets go on general sale Friday 28th November at 10am
Link (UK dates): https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/europe/
European dates:
October 5th Netherlands – Arnhem, Musis
October 6th France – Paris, Olympia
October 8th Spain – Barcelona, Poble Espanyol
October 9th Spain – Bilbao, Arena Miribilla
October 10th Spain – Madrid, La Cubierta
October 12th Switzerland – Lausanne, Salle Metropole
October 13th Switzerland – Zurich, Volkshaus
October 14th Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
October 16th Germany – Stuttgart, Liederhalle
October 17th Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
October 19th Germany – Berlin, Admiralspalast
October 20th Poland – Warsaw, Torwar
October 22nd Denmark – Copenhagen, Falconer
October 23rd Sweden – Gothenburg, Film Studios
October 24th Sweden – Stockholm, BK
October 26th Norway – Oslo, Sentrum Scene
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The album catapulted the group to international fame on the back of the title track single, which reached No1 in 25 countries around the globe.
The multi-platinum selling album was a Top 10 album in 15 countries, including three No.1 slots (Sweden, Spain, Finland, Switzerland). It spent over 60 weeks on the US Billboard chart, where it peaked at #8.
With the continued success of the song 'The Final Countdown' into the digital age, the band received an award from YouTube in 2022 for the first Swedish band ever to receive One Billion views for any one song (as of today it’s close to 1.4 Billion views).
The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary tour, which will travel across 12 countries, includes three dates in the UK (Glasgow, Wolverhampton, London).
The shows will consist of a career retrospective set list, culminating in the band playing The Final Countdown album in its entirety.
2026 will also see the release of the band's as yet untitled 12th studio record, which was recorded at RMV studios in Stockholm with famed producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost, The Pixies, Royal Blood, Opeth).
Special Guests on the whole tour will be Canada’s rock 'n' roll hot shots The Damn Truth, who have just come off a successful headline tour of the UK.
Scottish rock stalwarts GUN will also be appearing as Very Special Guests on all UK shows.
Ticket pre-sale starts Wednesday 26th November at 10am
Tickets go on general sale Friday 28th November at 10am
Link (UK dates): https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/europe/
European dates:
October 5th Netherlands – Arnhem, Musis
October 6th France – Paris, Olympia
October 8th Spain – Barcelona, Poble Espanyol
October 9th Spain – Bilbao, Arena Miribilla
October 10th Spain – Madrid, La Cubierta
October 12th Switzerland – Lausanne, Salle Metropole
October 13th Switzerland – Zurich, Volkshaus
October 14th Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
October 16th Germany – Stuttgart, Liederhalle
October 17th Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
October 19th Germany – Berlin, Admiralspalast
October 20th Poland – Warsaw, Torwar
October 22nd Denmark – Copenhagen, Falconer
October 23rd Sweden – Gothenburg, Film Studios
October 24th Sweden – Stockholm, BK
October 26th Norway – Oslo, Sentrum Scene
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Blues Rock's resilient icon, Walter Trout, has announced a 14-date UK tour for October 2026 (see poster below).
The tour will see him play songs from not just his acclaimed back catalogue, but from his latest and highly praised album, Sign of the Times, which was released in September this year.
You can listen to and order the album here: https://lnk.to/waltertrout
Talking about returning to the UK, Walter says, "I'm always looking forward to spending time in the country of my ancestors. The audiences always help me and my band feel right at home!"
Tickets are available from https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Walter-Trout.htm
In his half-century as a street-level social observer and honest songwriter, Walter Trout has never told his fans what to think, how to feel, or where to stand politically.
But in an era when his home nation – and the wider world – is ripping at the seams over the battlelines of modern life, the iconic US bluesman's hard-rocking new album, Sign Of The Times, is a primal scream and pressure valve for all of us. "I wanted to reflect upon what's going on in the world," he explains.
"For me, writing these songs is therapy. They're not just about what's happening out there, but how it affects you in your head. Sign Of The Times just became the obvious title."
The tour will see him play songs from not just his acclaimed back catalogue, but from his latest and highly praised album, Sign of the Times, which was released in September this year.
You can listen to and order the album here: https://lnk.to/waltertrout
Talking about returning to the UK, Walter says, "I'm always looking forward to spending time in the country of my ancestors. The audiences always help me and my band feel right at home!"
Tickets are available from https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Walter-Trout.htm
In his half-century as a street-level social observer and honest songwriter, Walter Trout has never told his fans what to think, how to feel, or where to stand politically.
But in an era when his home nation – and the wider world – is ripping at the seams over the battlelines of modern life, the iconic US bluesman's hard-rocking new album, Sign Of The Times, is a primal scream and pressure valve for all of us. "I wanted to reflect upon what's going on in the world," he explains.
"For me, writing these songs is therapy. They're not just about what's happening out there, but how it affects you in your head. Sign Of The Times just became the obvious title."
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Joe Jackson and his band will be back out on the road in 2026, including seven UK dates (see poster further below). The UK dates follow a major North American tour that runs from May to July 2026.
The shows will feature songs from throughout Joe Jackson’s remarkable career, as well as promote the releases of his new album Hope and Fury, which will be released worldwide on 10th April 2026.
Tickets are on sale now from www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/joe-jackson/
"Hello cruel world I’m not going away, so I might as well have my say," sings Joe Jackson on his new album, which might well be his best work yet.
Though often depicted as a chameleonic artist who constantly changes his style, Joe Jackson insists that most of his albums are in his "own mainstream" – sophisticated pop songs, using different kinds of rhythms and combinations of instruments.
At the same time, Jackson reserves the right to step away from that mainstream. His most recent 'sidestep,' Mr. Joe Jackson presents Max Champion in ‘What A Racket!’ saw him hilariously channelling a forgotten Music Hall entertainer from Edwardian England.
Hope and Fury however returns to the JJ mainstream, in the company of his on-and-off band since 2016 – "bassist for life" Graham Maby, guitarist Teddy Kumpel, and drummer Doug Yowell, augmented by Latin percussionist Paulo Stagnaro. The results are an album that might strike a fan as a cross between 2019’s Fool, 1991’s Laughter and Lust, and 1982’s Night and Day.
In keeping with the title (an ironic twist on 'Land of Hope and Glory'), this is also a more English Joe Jackson than we’ve seen for quite a while, with some songs suggesting a love/hate relationship with his homeland.
For example, 'Welcome to Burning-By-Sea' describes a fictional seaside town but turns out to be a microcosm of the whole country, while 'End of the Pier' cleverly contrasts British working-class life in 1922 with a post-pandemic version in 2022.
No, Joe Jackson is definitely not going away.
The shows will feature songs from throughout Joe Jackson’s remarkable career, as well as promote the releases of his new album Hope and Fury, which will be released worldwide on 10th April 2026.
Tickets are on sale now from www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/joe-jackson/
"Hello cruel world I’m not going away, so I might as well have my say," sings Joe Jackson on his new album, which might well be his best work yet.
Though often depicted as a chameleonic artist who constantly changes his style, Joe Jackson insists that most of his albums are in his "own mainstream" – sophisticated pop songs, using different kinds of rhythms and combinations of instruments.
At the same time, Jackson reserves the right to step away from that mainstream. His most recent 'sidestep,' Mr. Joe Jackson presents Max Champion in ‘What A Racket!’ saw him hilariously channelling a forgotten Music Hall entertainer from Edwardian England.
Hope and Fury however returns to the JJ mainstream, in the company of his on-and-off band since 2016 – "bassist for life" Graham Maby, guitarist Teddy Kumpel, and drummer Doug Yowell, augmented by Latin percussionist Paulo Stagnaro. The results are an album that might strike a fan as a cross between 2019’s Fool, 1991’s Laughter and Lust, and 1982’s Night and Day.
In keeping with the title (an ironic twist on 'Land of Hope and Glory'), this is also a more English Joe Jackson than we’ve seen for quite a while, with some songs suggesting a love/hate relationship with his homeland.
For example, 'Welcome to Burning-By-Sea' describes a fictional seaside town but turns out to be a microcosm of the whole country, while 'End of the Pier' cleverly contrasts British working-class life in 1922 with a post-pandemic version in 2022.
No, Joe Jackson is definitely not going away.
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Luminary guitarist Steve Hackett has announced an all-encompassing Best of Genesis & Solo Gems UK Tour for October 2026 (see all dates further below).
Tickets are on sale from 19th September at: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett
The seventeen dates, which culminate with a return to the Royal Albert Hall on the 26th October, will introduce two new members of Hackett’s band to his UK audiences: Swedish keyboard player Lalle Larsson replaces longtime associate Roger King, while German drummer Felix Lehrmann takes over from Craig Blundell.
Larsson and Lehrmann will take their places in the touring band alongside Jonas Reingold (bass, backing vocals), Nad Sylvan (vocals) and Rob Townsend (saxophone, flutes, additional keys).
"The main thing is to keep a focus on the music, which drives it all, but there will be some big changes in the band," says Steve. "Craig and Roger are amazing musicians, but I know Lalle and Felix will be equally fantastic. I’ve never worked with Lalle before but he’s brilliant, and more than qualified for the job of recreating Genesis circa 1971 to 1977. We’ve already been working with Felix, and listening to him with Jonas Reingold on bass is like a thousand iron girders coming at you at 100mph!"
Tickets are on sale from 19th September at: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett
The seventeen dates, which culminate with a return to the Royal Albert Hall on the 26th October, will introduce two new members of Hackett’s band to his UK audiences: Swedish keyboard player Lalle Larsson replaces longtime associate Roger King, while German drummer Felix Lehrmann takes over from Craig Blundell.
Larsson and Lehrmann will take their places in the touring band alongside Jonas Reingold (bass, backing vocals), Nad Sylvan (vocals) and Rob Townsend (saxophone, flutes, additional keys).
"The main thing is to keep a focus on the music, which drives it all, but there will be some big changes in the band," says Steve. "Craig and Roger are amazing musicians, but I know Lalle and Felix will be equally fantastic. I’ve never worked with Lalle before but he’s brilliant, and more than qualified for the job of recreating Genesis circa 1971 to 1977. We’ve already been working with Felix, and listening to him with Jonas Reingold on bass is like a thousand iron girders coming at you at 100mph!"
Steve Hackett’s innovative guitar-work was an integral part of the classic Genesis catalogue from Nursery Cryme (1971) to Wind And Wuthering (1977).
Over recent years a series of themed tours have spotlighted many of the Genesis albums upon which Hackett played such a key role, including a 50th anniversary celebration of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.
The latter tour was captured for posterity with the release of The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall; a stunning audio/visual document of his show at the iconic London venue in October 2024, it was released in 2025.
In January 2024 Hackett released his most-recent studio album The Circus and The Nightwhale, which was received with critical acclaim and great reviews.
"I’m still in love with the idea of music, I absolutely adore it. It still sends shivers up and down my spine and, so far, it’s kept me sufficiently young to keep touring with gusto!" - Steve Hackett
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Over recent years a series of themed tours have spotlighted many of the Genesis albums upon which Hackett played such a key role, including a 50th anniversary celebration of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.
The latter tour was captured for posterity with the release of The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall; a stunning audio/visual document of his show at the iconic London venue in October 2024, it was released in 2025.
In January 2024 Hackett released his most-recent studio album The Circus and The Nightwhale, which was received with critical acclaim and great reviews.
"I’m still in love with the idea of music, I absolutely adore it. It still sends shivers up and down my spine and, so far, it’s kept me sufficiently young to keep touring with gusto!" - Steve Hackett
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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