FabricationsHQ - Putting the Words to the Music
  • Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News Last update: December 12th
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  • West, Bruce & Laing - Out Into The Fields: The Albums 1972-1974
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  • 2025 Reviews>
    • Brave Rival - 5 to 4 EP
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    • Hollow Souls - Hollow Souls EP
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    • Paul Mallatratt (We Meet At Dawn, Middle Distance, The Long Ones Vol.2)
    • elliot. - Informant
    • The Birthday Massacre - Pathways
    • Alice Armstrong - Fury & Euphoria EP
    • Heartline : The Authorised Biography of Robin George (Martin Tracey)
    • Lynsey Dolan Band - Higher EP
    • The Davidson Trio - Cougar
    • The Rockerati - Black Book EP
    • Alliance - Before Our Eyes
    • Revenant - Best Medicine EP
    • Little Lore - River Stories EP
    • Pearl Handled Revolver - Tales You Lose
    • Dean Owens - Spirit Ridge
    • Félix Rabin - Blue Days EP
    • Simon McBride - Recordings 2020-2025
    • Dim Gray - Shards
    • Steve Hackett - Live Magic At Trading Boundaries
    • James O'Hurley - A Certain Stranger
    • Mud - The Rak Years 1973-75
    • Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado - House Of Sticks
  • 2025 Featured Album Reviews >
    • Preacher Stone - By The Horns
    • Rebecca Downes - A Storm Is Coming
    • Zen Orchestra - Zen Orchestra
    • Bison Hip - Everything That Came Before Was Just Leading Up To This
    • Cats In Space - Chapter 1
    • Walter Trout - Sign Of The Times
    • Robert Jon & The Wreck - Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes
    • Chantel McGregor - The Healing
    • Rigid Soul - Rigid Soul
    • Jakko M. Jakszyk - Son Of Glen
    • Bill Nelson - Quit Dreaming And Get On The Beam (Deluxe Edition)
    • Don Airey - Pushed to the Edge
    • Erja Lyytinen - Smell The Roses
    • The Damn Truth - The Damn Truth
    • The Adventures - Once More With Feeling
    • Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks - Live Perpetual Change
    • Jason Bieler & The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra - The Escapologist
    • Black Eyed Sons - Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits
    • Dream Theater - Parasomnia
    • Jethro Tull - Curious Ruminant
  • 2024 Reviews >
    • Robert Fleischman - Emotional Atlas
    • Lazarus Heights - Papillon
    • Toby Lee - House On Fire
    • Innes Sibun - The Preacher
    • Ned Evett - Strange Kind Of Freedom
    • DeWolff - Muscle Shoals
    • The Southern River Band - D.I.Y
    • MYPD - Basssik
    • Toby and the Whole Truth - Look Out! Vol.1
    • Blue Nation - The Ordinary People
    • The Round Window - Fram EP
    • Mike Ross - Electric Smoke
    • Mississippi MacDonald - I Got What You Need
    • The Dictators - The Dictators
    • Matt Steady - Flight Of The Raven
    • Various Artists - Tributes : Songs For Neil Vol 5
    • The Sheepdogs - Paradise Alone EP
    • Then Comes Silence - Trickery
    • Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast - Blueprints EP
    • Deep Purple =1
    • Arielle - Reel To Real
    • Raintown - Acoustic Heart
    • Ivan Drever - Covered
    • Rich Young - Prozac Diary
    • The Dave Foster Band - Maybe They'll Come Back For Us
    • Mr. Big - Ten
    • Jill Jackson - Curse Of The Damned
    • Daryl Hall - D
    • John Oates - Reunion
    • Gagarin - Komorebi
    • Paul Mallatratt - The Planets; Screaming Thru Heartache
    • Quinn Sullivan - Salvation
    • Edit The Tide - Reflections In Sound EP
    • Attic Theory - What We Fear The Most
    • Stone Angels - Up In Smoke
    • Ramblin' Preachers - Sins & Virtues
    • The Treatment - Wake Up The Neighbourhood
    • Ben Hemming - Darkness Before Dawn
    • The Now - Too Hot To Handle
    • Kelowna - Better Day EP
    • Tom Killner - Borrowed Time
    • Beaux Gris Gris And The Apocalypse - Hot Nostalgia Radio
    • The Milk Men - Holy Cow!
    • The Toy Dolls - The Singles
    • Turbulence - B1nary Dream
    • It Bites FD - Return To Natural
    • Blue Öyster Cult - Ghost Stories
    • Hawkwind - Stories From Time And Space
    • These Wicked Rivers - Force Of Nature
    • Alice Di Micele - Interpretations Vol 1
    • Walter Trout - Broken
    • Silveroller - At Dawn EP
    • Jack J Hutchinson - Battles
    • Little Lore - Seven Stories EP (Part One & Part Two)
    • Elles Bailey - The Night Owl & The Lark EP
    • Blue Nation - Reflections EP
    • Rick Wakeman - Live at the London Palladium 2023
    • Chris Wragg and Greg Copeland - The Last Sundown
    • Sons Of Liberty - The Detail Is In The Devil
    • EBB - The Management Of Consequences EP
    • Thunder - Live At Islington Academy 2006; Live At Leeds 2015
    • Robby Krieger And The Soul Savages
  • 2024 Featured Album Reviews>
    • Austin Gold - Ain't No Saint
    • Cats In Space - Time Machine
    • The Outlaw Orchestra - La Familia
    • Mojo Thunder - The Infinite Hope
    • Beth Hart - You Still Got Me
    • Eclipse - Megalomanium II
    • Al Stewart - Past, Present & Future (50th Anniversary Edition)
    • Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 2
    • Scalet Rebels - Where The Colours Meet
    • Robert Jon & The Wreck - Red Moon Rising
    • Elles Bailey - Beneath the Neon Glow
    • Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks - True
    • The Commoners - Restless
    • Brave Rival (Fight Or Flight)
    • Al Di Meola - Twentyfour
    • Focus - Focus 12
    • Big Wolf Band - Rebel's Journey
    • Robin Trower - Bridge Of Sighs (50th Anniversary Edition)
    • Vanden Plas - The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things
    • Troy Redfern - Invocation
    • Amigo The Devil - Yours Until The War Is Over
    • Preacher Stone - V
    • Bison Hip - Welcome To The Rest Of Your Life
    • Waysted - Won't Get Out Alive 1983-1986
    • SiX BY SiX - Beyond Shadowland
    • Dan Patlansky - Movin' On
    • Jane Getter Premonition - Division World
    • Today Was Yesterday - Today Was Yesterday
    • Steve Hackett - The Circus And The Nightwhale
    • Mama's Boys - Runaway Dreams 1980-1992
  • 2023 Reviews
  • 2023 Featured Album Reviews >
    • Blue Deal - Can't Kill Me Twice
    • THEIA - The Wet Die Young EP
    • The Round Window - Everywhere & Nowhere
    • Long Road Home - Are We Invisble?
    • Dolly Parton - Rockstar
    • Various Artists - Shake That Thing! The Blues In Britain 1963-1973
    • Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1
    • The Blue Lena - Darkwood
    • LALU - The Fish Who Wanted To Be King
    • Celebrate It Together : The Very Best Of Howard Jones 1983-2023
    • Stray - About Time
    • Skinny Knowledge - twentytwo
    • Robin Trower (featuring Sari Schorr) - Joyful Sky
    • Trevor Rabin - Rio
    • Vega - Battlelines
    • Downes Braide Association - Celestial Songs
    • High Pulp - Days In The Desert
    • Starlite & Campbell - STARLITE.ONE
    • Matteo Mancuso - The Journey
    • Oli Brown & The Dead Collective - Prelude & Prologue EPs
    • Extreme - Six
    • Bison Hip - Older Stronger Better
    • Joy Dunlop - Caoir
    • Mike Ross - Third Eye Open
    • Martin MIller - Maze Of My Mind
    • Cruachan - The Living and The Dead
    • King Kraken - MCLXXX
    • Heavy Metal Kids - The Albums 1974-1976
    • Anchor Lane - Call This a Reality?
    • Doomsday Outlaw - Damaged Goods
    • Hayley Griffiths - Far From Here Hayley Griffiths Band - MELANIE
  • 2022 Reviews
  • 2022 Featured Album Reviews >
    • Moon City Masters - The Famous Moon City Masters
    • Steve Hill - Dear Illusion
    • Kira Mac - Chaos is Calling
    • EBB - Mad & Killing Time
    • The Commoners - Find A Better Way
    • Rebecca Downes - The Space Between Us
    • Erja Lyytinen - Waiting For The Daylight
    • Chris Antonik - Morningstar
    • The Milk Men - Spin The Bottle
    • SiX BY SiX - SiX BY SiX
    • Jeff Berlin - Jack Songs
    • Keef Hartley Band - Sinnin' For You The Albums 1969-1973
    • Toby Lee - Icons Vol.1
    • Montrose - I Got The Fire : Complete Recordings 1973-1976
    • Orianthi - Live From Hollywood
    • Valeriy Stepanov Fusion Project - Album No. 2
    • Dan Reed Network - Let's Hear It For The King
    • Ali Ferguson - The Contemplative Power Of Water
    • Edgar Winter - Brother Johnny
    • Joe Satriani - The Elephants Of Mars
    • Dave Cureton - State Of Mind
    • Larry McCray - Blues Without You
    • Tears for Fears - Tipping Point
    • Kris Barras Band - Death Valley Paradise
    • Dan Patlansky - Shelter of Bones
    • Black Lakes - For All We've Left Behind
    • Wille & The Bandits - When The World Stood Still
    • LALU - Paint the Sky
    • Various Artists - Revolt Into Style 1979
  • Selected 2025 Gig Reviews >
    • Hollow Souls - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • Cats In Space - Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow
    • Robin Trower - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • Gypsy Pistoleros and The Outlaw Orchestra - DreadnoughtRock, Bathgate
    • Erja Lyytinen - Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
    • Troy Redfern - Backstage, Kinross
  • Selected 2024 Gig Reviews>
    • Silveroller - Backstage, Kinross
    • Dave Arcari - Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine
    • Jack J Hutchinson - Bannermans, Edinburgh
    • Gypsy Pistoleros - Bannermans, Edinburgh
    • Kira Mac - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • Sari Schorr; Matt Pearce & The Mutiny - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • Dan Patlansky - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • The Davey Pattison Band - Backstage, Kinross
    • Verity/Bromham Band - Backstage, Kinross
    • Moving Pictures - Venue 38, Ayr
    • The Countess Of Fife - Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine
    • Connor Selby - Backstage at the Green, Kinross
    • Rebecca Downes - Backstage, Kinross
  • Selected 2023 Gig Reviews >
    • Ben Poole - The Ferry, Glasgow
    • Moving Pictures - The Garage, Glasgow
    • Hamish Stuart & James Bown Is Annie; Hamilton Loomis - Darvel Music Festival
    • Amigo The Devil - The Classic Grand, Glasgow
    • Davey Pattison Blues Band - DreadnoughtRock, Bathgate
    • Joe Satriani - O2 Academy, Glasgow
    • Walter Trout - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • Dan Patlansky - Stereo, Glasgow
    • Sari Schorr - The Classic Grand, Glasgow
    • Focus - The Ferry, Glasgow
    • Elles Bailey - The Caves, Edinburgh
    • The Blackheart Orchestra - Hotel Utopia UK tour
    • The Wilson Brothers - Backstage at the Green, Kinross
  • Selected 2022 Gig Reviews >
    • WinterStorm Rock Weekender - Troon
    • Jack J Hutchinson - Bannermans, Edinburgh
    • Paul McCartney - Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury 2022
    • Daryl Hall - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
    • Joe Bonamassa - SEC Armadillo, Glasgow
    • Dan Patlansky - Oran Mor, Glasgow
    • Eric Gales - Oran Mor, Glasgow
  • Muirsical Conversations 2025>
    • Lee Mark Jones (September 2025)
    • Walter Trout (September 2025)
    • Connor Selby (August 2025)
    • Robert Berry (June 2025)
    • Ned Evett (May 2025)
    • Sandi Thom (February 2025)
  • Muirsical Conversations 2024>
    • Mississippi MacDonald (December 2024)
    • Walter Trout (October 2024)
    • Albert Bouchard (August 2024)
    • Robert Berry - August 2024
    • Troy Redfern (May 2024)
    • Dan Patlansky (March 2024)
    • Connor Selby (February 2024)
  • Muirsical Conversations 2023>
    • Del Bromham (November 2023)
    • Sari Schorr (October 2023)
    • Suzy Starlite & Simon Campbell (September 2023)
    • Ali Ferguson (August 2023)
    • Leoni Jane Kennedy (August 2023)
    • Joy Dunlop (May 2023)
    • Dan Patlansky - April 2023
    • Hayley Griffiths (February 2023)
    • Steve Hill (January 2023)
  • Muirsical Conversations 2022>
    • Rebecca Downes (December 2022)
    • Chris Antonik (November 2022)
    • Pat Travers (October 2022)
    • Robert Berry (August 2022)
    • JW-Jones (August 2022)
    • Mike Ross (July 2022)
  • Selected Muirsical Conversations From The Archive>
    • Bernie Marsden (December 2021)
    • Robin George (November 2021)
    • Dennis DeYoung (June 2021)
    • Robert Berry (March 2021)
    • Dan Reed (February 2021)
    • Steve Hackett (January 2021)
    • John Verity (September 2020)
    • Steve Hackett (July 2020)
    • Gary Moat (March 2020)
    • Steve Hackett (October 2019)
    • Rebecca Downes (May 2019)
    • Ben Poole & Wayne Proctor (January 2019)
    • Dan Reed (November 2018)
    • Del Bromham (October 2018)
    • Brian Downey (September 2018)
    • Raintown - Paul Bain & Claire McArthur Bain (May 2018)
    • Hamilton Loomis (December 2017)
    • Alan Nimmo (October 2017)
    • Erja Lyytinen (September 2017)
    • Suzi Quatro (September 2017)
    • Biff Byford (August 2017)
    • Dan Patlansky (June 2017)
    • Graham Bonnet (May 2017)
    • Simon Thacker (April 2017)
    • Sari Schorr (March 2017)
    • Stevie Nimmo (February 2017)
    • Dan Reed (February 2017)
    • Adam Norsworthy (January 2017)
    • Colin James (December 2016)
    • John Lees (October 2016)
    • Sari Schorr (August 2016)
    • Mike Vernon (August 2016)
    • Wayne Proctor (July 2016)
    • Laurence Jones (April 2016)
    • Chantel McGregor (March 2016)
    • John Young (January 2016)
    • Michael Schenker (November 2015)
    • Martin Barre (October 2015)
    • Chris Norman (September 2015)
    • Joanne Shaw Taylor (August 2015)
    • Fee Waybill (July 2015)
    • Ian Anderson (June 2015)
    • John Lodge (June 2015)
    • John Lawton (May 2015)
    • Steve Hackett (May 2015)
    • Manny Charlton (April 2015)
    • Ben Poole (April 2015)
    • Alan Nimmo (February 2015)
    • Popa Chubby (December 2014)
    • Paul Young (July 2014)
    • Bernie Shaw (June 2014)
    • Lee Kerslake (December 2013)
    • Pat Travers (September 2013)
    • Steve Hunter (August 2013)
    • Joy Dunlop (March 2013)
    • Gwyn Ashton (Dec. 2012)
    • Greg Lake (October 2012)
    • Ned Evett (August 2012)
    • Steven Lindsay (July 2012)
    • Dave Cureton (June 2012)
    • Jon Anderson (May 2012)
    • Jeremey Frederick Hunsicker (March 2012)
    • Amy Schugar (Feb. 2012)
    • Robert Fleischman (November 2011)
    • Ivan Drever (Sep. 2011)
    • Michael Sadler (June 2011)
    • James Evans (April 2011)
    • Alyn Cosker (Nov. 2010)
    • Scott Higham (Nov. 2010)
    • Kevin Chalfant (Oct. 2010)
    • Francis Dunnery (Sep. 2010)
    • Duncan Chisholm (Aug 2010)
  • Muirsical Articles >
    • 2019AB?
    • All the World's a Stage (and people falling off it) – 2015 in Review
    • The Fool Guitar - The Fool Story
    • Alex Harvey - Framed in Words. And pictures
    • Home of a Ramblin' Band (Allman Brothers Band Big House Museum)
    • Journey - That Time Forgot
    • Laser Love - Blue Oyster Cult Glasgow Apollo 29-04-78
    • Phil Lynott - Remembering Pt. 3
    • Freddie Mercury - The Days of His Life
    • Gary Moore - Last Exit
    • Mott - Without any of the Hoople-la
    • Muirsical Six of the Best
    • Music Town: A Decade of the Darvel Music Festival
    • Pat Travers - The Forgotten Power Trio
    • Playing Tribute
    • Preaching to the Glasgow Choir Slade 26-03-1982
    • Gerry Rafferty - Humblebum to Multi-Million Seller
    • Cliff Richard - The Rock and Roll Juvenile
    • Slade - Thanks For the Memories
    • The Sweet - A Cut Above the Rest
    • Talon - On Eagles Wings
    • Wild Horses - Thoroughbreds or also-rans?
  • A Personal Journey: Definitive Edition (eBook)
  • Steve Perry (vocalist): One in a Million (eBook)
  • A Writer's Muirsings >
    • Superbowl XLVII MVP: Beyoncé (February 2013)
    • Michael Jackson: The Alternative Verdict (Nov 2011)
    • True Colours (November 2010)
    • It's a New Language, Old Bean (October 2010)
    • Finger Pointing (July 2010)
    • Suffer the Little Children (April 2010)
    • Hey 'Banker', can you spare a dime? (February 2010)
  • Author Bio & Site Info
  • Contact FabricationsHQ
  • Sophie Sirota
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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 Words to the Music"

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​Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane

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                                            Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News​​​​
Wille and the Bandits, the Cornish based rootsy band celebrated for fusing styles as freely as they speak their lyrical minds, are back with their most ambitious project yet.
Their new album, Salt Roots, due for release February 27th, 2026, dives deep into the band’s eclectic musical DNA, from huge riffs to beautiful melodies and grooves that carry you away like the tide.

As importantly, and given their passion for environmental and social justice, Wille and the Bandits have partnered with Surfers Against Sewage, one of the UK’s leading ocean charities, to use their music as a platform for change.
 
The first single from the album, 'Trouble Round the Bend,' one of the heaviest and most powerful songs the band have recorded, has now been followed by a second taster, 'Wheal Jane.'
A haunting, 
dark blues-rock portrait of life deep underground in Cornwall’s Wheal Jane tin mine, the accompanying music video was filmed inside a mine shaft.
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The Wheal Jane site, known for its dangerous and unforgiving conditions, stands as a stark symbol of the region’s industrial past. At its peak, Cornwall’s mining industry employed more than 30,000 people. Men, women, and children as young as twelve endured gruelling conditions, often working twelve-hour shifts, six days a week, deep underground.

The song captures the sensation of being trapped deep below the surface, far from daylight and certainty, reflecting the grit and vulnerability of those who worked in the mine’s depths day after day.
"We wanted to show what it felt like to be down there, the pressure, the darkness, the sense of being cut off from the world above," says Wille. "The story is rooted in real lives and real danger."
 

Wille and the Bandits are:
William Edwards (lead vocals, guitars), Harry Mackaill (bass), Stevie Watts (Hammond organ), Zachariah O'Loughin (drums).
 
Pre-order Salt Roots here: https://www.willeandthebandits.com/pre-order-salt-roots

The band will head out on tour in the spring to promote the album.
March 2026 Dates
4th Fleece | Bristol
5th The Brook | Southampton
6th John Peel Centre | Stowmarket
7th The Star | Guildford
11th Night and Day | Manchester
12th Voodoo Rooms | Edinburgh
13th Rum Shack | Glasgow
14th Cluny | Newcastle
18th Acapela | Cardiff
19th Albert’s Shed | Shrewsbury
20th Adelphi | Liverpool
21st Amped | Huddersfield
22nd Bodega | Nottingham
27th Greystones | Sheffield
28th Carnglaze Caverns | Liskeard (with Martin Harley, True Strays, Echo Town and James Dixon
April 2026 Dates
29th Half Moon Putney | London
 
Tickets: 
https://www.willeandthebandits.com/tour-dates/categories/uk-tour

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Swedish dark-atmospheric progressives Wolverine have released a new single entitled 'This World And All Its Dazzling Lights.'
​The single is lifted from forthcoming ‘comeback’ album (the band’s first in a decade) Anomalies, released 6th February via Music Theories Recordings.
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/Wolverineband

'This World And All Its Dazzling Lights' carries a layered warmth and elegance, which plays to the lyric, as vocalist Stefan Zell sings "How we came to be, how we came to see, this world and all its dazzling lights, splashing through a wave of time across the sky…"
The song however hides a darker lyrical narrative as it twists and winds beneath the current of the music.
 
"I think this is one of the best songs we’ve written," says Zell, "although, at the same time, I think it will challenge many of our fans."  
"A song that means different things for different people," adds so-songwriter and drummer Marcus Losbjer. "For me, it is about the society we live in today with filter bubbles, fake news and information/impression overload in general."

It’s been ten years since the Söderhamn quintet last released a full album, 2016’s Machina Viva, and four years since their last new music, the four track EP A Darkened Sun.

The first song to be heard from the new album was previous single 'A Perfect Alignment,' which is the first part of a trilogy of songs on the album (alongside 'Circuits' and opening track 'A Sudden Demise').
 
Wolverine have always carried a similar dark emotional heft to their fellow countrymen Katatonia, driven by a sonic wall of sound. Lyrically, however, Stefan Zell has plenty of subject matter for Anomalies.
"I look at all our songs as small snippets of a diary; if you look back through the catalogue, it’s my life as a writer. It’s amazing to have these snippets of time documented in this way but I really feel there are a lot more questions now to ask about life, ageing, and values. It’s nothing we even thought about when we were in our 20s. It evolves."

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New York based Makes My Blood Dance (MMBD), an exciting hybrid of electro-goth, pop-metal and electronic dance music, have signed to Metropolis Records.

To mark their partnership with one of the leading labels in the electronic and industrial music genres, MMBD have released a new single entitled 'Your Little Hand In Mine.'
The group describe the darkly romantic song as "our left field heartbreaker. It’s the closest track we have to a ballad, but wired with the same voltage that makes crowds lose their minds when we’re on tour!"
The accompanying AI-enhanced video is a surreal collision of fantasy and real world imagery that "feels like a moment of raw truth dressed in myth and electricity," add the band.
Rapidly building a following through relentless touring, MMBD will play a set of seven headline US dates in February 2026. The seven shows will be followed by a full US tour in April and May, opening for Powerman 5000.

The debut album by MMBD will be released during the tour with Powerman 5000.
Capturing the group’s filmic flair and electro-goth, pop-metal, and dark-dance aesthetic, the album will include 'Your Little Hand In Mine' as well as previous singles, 'Heavy Metal Armour' and 'Time And a Place.'

The latter pairing have already racked up over a million plays on Spotify, with similar YouTube numbers for their video clips.

Purchase the singles at: 
https://makesmyblooddance.bandcamp.com/

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Laurence Jones will release his first ever solo acoustic album, aptly titled On My Own, on January 23rd of next year; it will be supported by a full, dovetailing solo acoustic tour (see dates further below).
Pre-order the album (CD & Splatter Vinyl) at: https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/category/all-products  

Following the success of the title track and 'One Life' as pre-album taster singles, comes a third preview, 'Get Back Up,' available on all streaming platforms via https://lynkify.in/song/get-back-up/AWwP1BzX

"Get back up came to me in a time of need", Laurence shares. "It's about determination, grit and the fight in you to get back up, whether that’s picking yourself up off the floor when you are ill, or mentally saying to yourself 'you got this.' I also wanted the music to have swagger and a backbeat you can feel like a pulse.
I named my record label Ron Records, after my best friend and grandad; at the end of the video that accompanies the song there’s a photo of my grandad and myself when I was a kid, and him showing me how to play dominos."
The upcoming acoustic shows will feature support from Laurence’s fiancée, Amy Eftekhari.
"Amy has been the biggest support in my life and career," Laurence says. "She put her own music on hold to help me, but she is an incredible artist in her own right. She’s sung backing vocals with legends like Beverley Knight and Joss Stone, but now it’s her time to shine."
 
Laurence and Wayne also produced Amy’s debut EP, All The Words; the EP includes a song written and performed by Laurence and Amy, making the project a personal and artistic milestone for the couple).


Tour tickets here: https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/live
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After the success of their two rapidly sold out shows in London and Glasgow, showcasing their new singer and new songs, Scottish contemporary rock band Mason Hill have confirmed a run of five UK dates in the spring (see dates further below).

Tickets are already moving fast for what are expected to be yet more sell-out shows. 
Ticket link: https://www.gigantic.com/mason-hill-tickets
 
"We are on such a high after returning to the stage over the last couple of weeks" says bassist Matt Ward.
"We will be firing on all cylinders in March, bringing everyone their favourite Mason Hill songs, and playing a whole bunch of new one of which you might just get a sneak peek at soon!"
 
Mason Hill recently released their new single 'Remember,' the first music to feature new vocalist and frontman Tom Ward, and assisted in no small measure by the production of Dan Weller 
The song is also the first opportunity for fans to hear the path the band are now taking, one that sees a darker turn both lyrically and sonically, powered by an intense, brooding and contemporary edge.
'Remember' is the first step on the road to a new album from Mason Hill, most of which has now been recorded with renowned producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow, Those Damn Crows).

Mason Hill have been no strangers to adversity over their ten year existence.
They’ve endured false starts, botched record deals and a six-year gap between 2015’s eponymous debut EP and the release of critically acclaimed debut album Against The Wall, which landed during the height of the Covid pandemic, meaning the band weren’t initially able to tour in support of it.
The departure of former singer Scott Taylor at the end of 2023 was another obstacle they had to overcome.
 
"We’re still Mason Hill, but in some ways, with Tom in the line-up, it feels like we’re a brand-new band," says guitarist James Bird. "And all the good stuff and the bad stuff, I’m glad it happened in a sense, because wthout it we wouldn’t be in the place we’re in right now, which I couldn’t be more excited about.
This is who we are now. This is Mason Hill."
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The Rockerati, the British pub rocking, Rockpile influenced rock 'n' roll band formed around singer-songwriter-guitarist David McCarthy, have released a Double A side Christmas single featuring a Chuck Berry in overdrive cover of 'Run Rudolph Run' and seasonal rock 'n' roll original, 'Santa Clause (Has Got The Sack).'

However, rather than Xmas bauble you over the head with yet another tinsel coated ditty on the airwaves, or having to pay to purchase or stream the tracks, The Rockerati have caught the spirit of Christmas gifting by offering the tracks free, as a Christmas present.
Those who would like the single (a 90 second taster of 'Run Rudolph Run' can be heard below) need only ask the man with the beard at [email protected] to be sent a copy.
The Rockerati nod heavily, and intentionally, to the Dave Edmunds/ Nick Lowe/ Rockpile sound of the late 70s and early 80s (plus a splash of the Ramones and Chuck Berry).

The band, who garnered attention with impressive 2018 debut album Waterloo Sunrise, released a brand new 4-track EP, Black Book, earlier this year.
The EP was preceded by two rock and rollicking, non EP singles – 'Analogue Again' and rockin' 'Big Dog.'
 
The above singles and EP are only available on Bandcamp, the community based distribution service that The Rockerati (and many others) believe to be the best option in the face of streaming services exploitation.
(Waterloo Sunrise can now also be purchased as a 10 track Digital Special Edition on Bandcamp). 

The second full-length album from The Rockerati is expected around Easter 2026.
 
Praise for The Rockerati and Black Book
"Oh aye, there's nothing wrong here!"  - Ian Fortnam Classic Rock
 "There's no time for filler here, just good, honest rock 'n' roll fun"  - Realgonerocks.com
 "Highly contagious energy and fun"  - The Rockabilly Chronicle
 "Hits hard and doesn't overstay its welcome… how rock 'n' roll ought to be"  - Rockthejointmagazine
 "Long may The Rockerati roll"  - FabricationsHQ

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Starlite & Campbell, the genre diverse duo featuring Suzy Starlite & Simon Campbell, have released their powerful, blues rock take of Robert Johnson’s 'Ramblin' On My Mind' as a single.

The song was originally recorded in Germany to be part of a tribute album to, arguably, the father of the blues. They pair loved it so much, they decided to release it as a single.
Purchase on Bandcamp: https://starlite-campbell.bandcamp.com/track/ramblin-on-my-mind
 
"Robert Johnson’s original 1930s recording of 'Ramblin’ On My Mind' speaks to the universal human impulse to escape, seek self-discovery, and hit the road," says Simon. This theme deeply resonated with us, making the track feel as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago. Everyone, at some point, has felt the itch to escape... that feeling of having 'ramblin’ on your mind' is a fundamental part of the human experience."
The music video that accompanies the single chronicles the couple’s 'Blues Pilgrimage' across the American South. A visual representation of their own 'ramblin’,' it features both incredible and intimate moments such as playing live at the iconic Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale; behind-the-scenes tours of Sun Records, FAME Recording Studio, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley’s childhood homes; playing a live session on Radio Memphis.
 
The video also includes footage of Simon in producer mode, recording Johnny Henderson’s Hammond organ part at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales, plus recent footage celebrating the origins of the band Mott The Hoople in Suzy Starlite’s hometown of Ross-on-Wye with her family.
 
'Ramblin' On My Mind' by Starlite & Campbell - a powerful blend of blues history and contemporary analogue rock production, featuring: Suzy Starlite (bass guitar) & Simon Campbell (guitars & vocals), with Steve Gibson (drums) and Jonny Henderson (Hammond organ).

Artists and full-time musicians husband and wife Suzy Starlite & Simon Campbell are storytellers in music: recording, writing, producing in their own analogue studio.
The also love vinyl and writing cool blogs at VIBES.


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​Belarus-based alternative metal act Mission Jupiter have released a lyric video for a short-song edit of 'This Is Not The End,' the closing number on their recently released, critically acclaimed third album Aftermath.

"The song carries a message of hope and renewal, reminding us that even in darkness there is always a glimmer of light ahead," the band state. "It also serves as a natural continuation of the album’s preceding song, 'Nothing Lasts Forever’, completing the emotional journey of the album."
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Aftermath was the band’s first album with powerhouse new singer Kate Varsak, whose voice is suited perfectly to a set of epic, drama-packed songs that should see the group achieve lift-off far beyond their home territory.
 
Aftermath - LP, CD, Digital - out now on Label 51 Recordings
Stream: https://label51.ffm.to/missionjupiteraftermath.ket
Bandcamp: 
https://mission-jupiter.bandcamp.com/album/aftermath
 
"An impressive release… vocalist Kate Varsak emerges as a great asset" - PROG

"They have evolved into a force that blurs the lines between progressive rock, alternative, post-rock and cinematic atmosphere" - OUT OF RAGE

"This album establishes Mission Jupiter as an extremely versatile outfit" - AT THE BARRIER

"Blends dark emotion with soaring intensity... a haunting journey through pain and resilience" - FEM METAL

"Aftermath is heavier than its predecessors, but it’s tempered by some of the band’s best-to-date atmospheric, downtempo and genuinely moving moments." - FABRICATIONSHQ
 
​MISSION JUPITER
Kate Varsak - vocals; Vlad Shvakel - guitars; Eugene Zuyeu - drums. With Dmitri Soldatenko - saxophone

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Multi-award winning rootsy/ British Americana songstress Elles Bailey has released a new single 'Better Days.'
The track is the third to be taken from her new album Can’t Take My Story Away, released January 16th on Cooking Vinyl and Outlaw Music.
 
A moving tribute to Elles' late friend, guitarist Matt Long, the soulful, blues driven track was written by Matt before he sadly passed away.
"Better Days carries such a beautiful truth, that hope is never far away. Singing it feels like a privilege, and a way to celebrate the life and music of my late friend," Elles says of the track. "We emerged onto the UK blues scene around the same time, crossing paths at festivals and on tour. It kinda felt like we were climbing this wild musical ladder together and then he got diagnosed with cancer.
When he passed, his parents showed me ‘Better Days’ and I recorded a version with my friends The Cinelli Brothers as part of the tribute album to Matt With A Little Help From My Friends.
I loved the song so much I wanted it to be a part of this album story too, so recorded another version when we were tracking for this record."
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Produced by Luke Potashnick and recorded with a stellar line-up of musicians separate from her live band, the eleven tracks of Can’t Take My Story Away tie together to form the album Elles Bailey has been destined to make. An honest and vulnerable glimpse into her own story, the album was created over a three year period, including songs whose origins can be traced back almost ten years.

"There’s definitely an empowerment to this record," Elles says. "There is a quiet strength running through this album and a deep-rooted honesty; whilst there are some moments that reflect on some of the hardest chapters of my story, there’s a feeling of joy threaded through every note."
 
The album is available to pre-order on multiple formats including CD, CD Zine, Coloured Vinyl and Cassette, with signed copies also available. Pre-order (including bundles) here: 
https://ellesbailey.tmstor.es/
    
Elles Bailey 
will celebrate the release of the album with a run of stripped back, acoustic instores through January. 
Elles and her long-standing touring band will then head out on a run of UK and EU dates through February and March 2026 to support the album. Tickets and more info at: https://www.ellesbailey.com/tour

Elles Bailey UK & EU Dates:
Instore Shows:
January
Fri 16th - London, Rough Trade West
Sat 17th - Oxford, Truck
Sat 17th - Leamington Spa, Temperance
Sun 18th - Leeds, Vinyl Whistle
Sun 18th - Liverpool, Jacaranda
Mon 19th - Bury, Wax & Beans
Tue 20th - Nottingham, Rough Trade
Wed 21st - Southampton, Vinilo
Wed 21st - Brighton, Resident
Thu 22nd - Marlborough, St Peters Church
Headline Full Band Tour:
February
Fri 20th - Stuttgart, Im Wizemann
Sat 21st - Munich, Ampere
Sun 22nd - Nuremberg, Hirsch
Mon 23rd - Aschaffenburg, Colas-Saal
March
Thu 19th - London, Islington Assembly Hall
Fri 20th - Warwick, Arts Centre 
Sat 21st - Bristol, Electric
Tue 24th - Manchester, Band on the Wall
Wed 25th - Glasgow, St Luke's 
Thu 26th - Gateshead, Glasshouse 2
Fri 27th - Holmfirth, Picturedrome 


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Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast have released a brand new single, 'Everything I Need,' available now on all streaming platforms.
The song, which captures and mixes the spirit of Southern soul and classic rock revival with a lyric that acts as a spiritual catharsis, is a further testament to the band’s evolution as one of the most dynamic acts in modern roots rock, fronted by the commanding and impacting voice of Caitlin Krisko. 

 
"Everything I Need came from the nights on tour in the UK last year where the audience became the heartbeat of the room," says Caitlin. "Those shows reminded me that no matter how far from home I am, music always finds a way to make us family."
'Everything I Need' is just one piece of what’s to come from Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast’s highly anticipated full-length album Heirloom.
A sweeping collection of songs that bridge raw rock & roll energy with soulful ballads, Heirloom carries forward the band’s reputation for strong, meaningful songs while diving deeper into themes of love, loss, resilience, and legacy. It's an album that represents the band at their most honest and musically expansive.

 
Official Website: https://www.caitlinkriskoandthebroadcast.com/

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Cherry Red Records and its progressive imprint Esoteric Recordings have announced the signing of acclaimed French progressive rock artist Franck Carducci, ahead of the release of his brand-new studio album Sheeple, which will arrive in Spring 2026.
The album will be supported by an extensive European & UK tour, kicking off with a prestigious launch show at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool on 8th April 2026.
 
Since 2010, Franck Carducci has released six albums (four studio, two live), including 2023’s stripped back acoustic album Naked, with Mary Renaud.
Carducci has also performed over 500 shows, which includes 15 UK tours and showcase performances at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, the Cavern Club, and Germany’s Loreley Amphitheatre.
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In 2022 he opened for Sting, who praised him as "a very tough act to follow." He has also opened for Marillion, Wishbone Ash, Focus, Ange, Pineapple Thief and Steve Hackett, who contributed to his second album Torn Apart and hailed his work as "imaginative, varied and strong."

Blending the spirit of 70s rock with modern theatrical flair, Franck Carducci has built a formidable reputation as one of Europe’s most compelling live performers.
His music draws on the evocative worlds of Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Led Zeppelin and Genesis, paired with atmospheric, dreamlike moments. His spectacular stage show, described as "a surrealistic rock circus" by Prog Magazine, has earned rave reviews from across the rock press.
Carducci’s has also won Classic Rock Society magazine’s Best Overseas Band award.
 
Now, the partnership with Esoteric Recordings marks an exciting new chapter for Franck Carducci as he prepares to unveil Sheeple, an album set to expand his ambitious musical universe - and bring his celebrated, flamboyant live shows back to the UK & Europe.

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Hastings-based band Kay Iris, whose captivating, signature sound incorporates Americana, country, rock, blues and folk, have released a brand-new single titled 'The Other Side.'
It follows on from earlier 2025 singles 'Stories We Tell' and 'Last To Be Sung.'

Discussing the rootsy new single, Kay Iris explains that "The Other Side explores the topic of circumstance - when and where you were born, the working class and the elite, self-starters vs nepotism. As independent artists, these things all become so apparent when you reach a certain level in the industry. We wanted to create an empowering anthem that would ignite the heart of anyone who wasn't happy with their lot in life, and remind them you can achieve your goals with enough grit and determination."
Kay Iris are formed around the talents of singer, songwriter, guitarist and activist Kay Iris and accomplished instrumentalist and songwriter Matt Patmore.
With ethereal vocals, thought-provoking lyrics and inspiration taken from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joni Mitchell and Laci Kaye Booth, Kay Iris write and perform songs that aim to inspire and empower.
 

Having opened for The Lottery Winners at The De La Warr Pavillion in May, Kay Iris then made a number of main stage Summer festival appearances including Pub In The Park, The Vegan Campout, and Country Calling. The band also supported Doves at the Summer Nights by the Sea festival, Chantel McGregor at The Carlisle in Hastings and Picture Parlour at The Piper in Hastings.
 
Creating sounds for sustainability
– Kay Iris intends to use their platform to help promote sustainable and ethical lifestyle choices. Past projects include their One Tank, One Tree tour, in which they partnered with Tree Nation to donate trees to reforestation projects, based on how far they travelled.
Looking forward, they hope to attain a line of sustainable and ethically sourced merchandise, perform at eco-friendly festivals and support conservational charities and venues.
 
Kay" captivates with her incomparable voice and stellar writing"  - Pete Smith, Producer (Sting, Randy Crawford, Joe Cocker).

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Paulie Boy Blues, an exciting new name in modern blues rock and roll, will return to the UK in January 2026 for six headline dates (see poster below).
 
Hailing from Montgomery County, Maryland, the charismatic 26 year old guitarist and singer has been lighting up stages across the East Coast of the United States, and breaking into the Canadian scene.
He is now setting his sights once again on the UK.
 
"This will be my third UK appearance," Paulie says with enthusiasm. "I’ve been touring up and down the East Coast, and now I’m bringing that same energy across the pond!"
Paulie fronts the psychedelic blues rock outfit Back From The Dead, a U.S. based band that has been captivating audiences with their fiery performances. 
In August of this year, the group travelled from the south of England all the way to Scotland, earning a word-of-mouth buzz.
For this new run of shows, Paulie will perform with a British backing band called The Yorkshire Puddings.

Paulie’s love for the blues runs deep, but he's telling his own story, and people are listening.
UK's Blues Matters Magazine reported on his last tour by stating that "This young artist is proof that the
spirit of rock and roll is still alive, loud, and unshakably global."
 
Recent singles, a raucous take of Little Richard's 'Early One Morning' and the psychedlic blues of original number 'Chasing The Dragon,' are available on all major streaming platforms.

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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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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."
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British rock institution Thunder are set to re-release their acclaimed Live album.
A true rock document that revives the raw power of the original recordings in a contemporary sound, Live, originally released in 1998, is being made available for the first time in a remastered version on vinyl, digitally, and as an exclusive digipak.
 
The 22 track album which, depending on chosen format, also features nine bonus tracks, will be released on 16th January 2026.  
Pre-order: https://thunder.lnk.to/live

Thunder are one of the defining forces, and sounds, in British hard rock.
The band combines classic rock riffing with bluesy undertones and stadium-ready hooks – a distinctive style that has, at its heart, the distinctive voice of Danny Bowes and the songwriting and guitar talent of Luke Morley.

The recordings from 1997 were made during a period of transition: bassist Chris Childs joined the band just before the recordings and has been a permanent member of the line-up ever since.
​The shows from this period are raw, energetic and full of enthusiasm, with extended solo passages, spontaneous moments and interaction with the audience.

​In 2025 the album was carefully remastered to reproduce the untamed live energy in modern sound quality. You don’t just feel like a listener, you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
  
Thunder - Live (1998).  Release date: 16th January 2026
Formats: Digital; 2CD; 3LP Gatefold; Limited Edition 3CD (with Bonus Tracks); Limited Edition 4LP (with Bonus Tracks)
 
Track listing (CD/ Vinyl):
Welcome To The Party; Higher Ground; Don’t Wait Up; Low Life In Hight Places; Gimme Some Lovin’; Empty City; Until My Dying Day; A Better Man; Does It Feel Like Love?; Dance To The Music; She’s So Fine; Backstreet Symphony; An Englishman On Holiday; I’ll Be Waiting; Laughing On Judgement Day; Like A Satellite; Moth To The Flame; Living For Today; The Only One; Love Walked In; River Of Pain; Dirty Love

Bonus Tracks: New York, New York; Pilot Of My Dreams; Everybody Wants Her; Lazy Sunday Afternoon; Stand Up; The Only One (Studio Version); Too Bad (Studio Version); Something About You (The Nomis Session); This Forgotten Town (Acoustic)

Line-up: Danny Bowes – Lead Vocals; Luke Morley – Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica; Ben Matthews – Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals; Chris Childs – Bass Guitar, Vocals; Gary "Harry" James - Drums

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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 third solo single, 'Mama Like To Rock,' has just been released, accompanied by an official music video.
The track, written by Bryant and his wife, Grammy winner Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe (who also features on backing vocals), continues to showcase Bryant’s evolving, rootsy Americana-inspired sound.
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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, marking a turning point in Bryant’s creative journey. "I told myself it was time to be has honest as possible and share the real stuff," Teryl says. "For years, I’ve written songs to process life and kept them tucked away; it’s scary to be vulnerable, but I’ve reached a point where sharing that side feels necessary."
 
'Mama Like To Rock' came to be on a sunny Tennessee morning in late September.
"I’ve got a brand-new son named Jesse and I love sittin’ out on the porch with him and his mama," states Teryl. "I started singing little tunes to make them smile, and this song just stuck. My family inherited a beautiful old nylon string guitar from Rebecca’s grandfather; it’s really the only guitar we keep in our house and has become our main songwriting tool.
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Her grandfather didn’t play much, but it isn’t lost on me that his guitar was instrumental in the birth of this song, which is a celebration of my wife, my son, and the life we’re building together."
 
The new single features Teryl Bryant (vocals, guitar), Scott Mulvahill (upright bass), Chris Powell (drums & percussion), Simon Maartensson (keys) and Rebecca Lovell (backing vocals).
It can be found on all major streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/TylerBryantMusic
 
Official Website: www.tylerbryantmusic.com

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Lancaster’s finest rock export, Massive Wagons, have released a brand-new single titled 'Everywhere We Go.'

The track, packed with the band’s trademark energy, big riffs, even bigger choruses and stadium-sized hooks, also acts, as the title proudly declares, as a celebration and sense of community that runs through everything the band do.
 
"We wanted it to sound huge wherever it’s played... radio, kitchen, or concert hall," says g
uitarist Adam Thistlethwaite. "Matt O’Grady completely understood that and nailed the energy in the mix."
 
"Everywhere We Go is one of those songs you just know will go off live... big chorus, big energy, it’s built for the stage!" adds v
ocalist Barry Mills.
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​The release of the new single heralds a bold new era for Massive Wagons.
Building on their growing success across Europe, the band have signed to Reaper Entertainment for their next album; they have also joined forces with Brainstorm Music Marketing in Germany, which will further cement their presence on the European rock scene.
 
To mark the occasion of the Reaper Entertainments signing, the single is also available as a very limited edition (500 copies worldwide) 7-inch vinyl single.
The vinyl will be available on tour at the merch stand and can be pre-ordered via the Reaper Entertainment Shop: 
https://www.reaper-entertainment.com/product/89577/everywhere-we-go
 
Following their upcoming headline set at Planet Rockstock and European Headline tour dates this December, Massive Wagons will release a live album in March 2026 via Earache Records, captured during their sold-out homecoming show at Lancaster University’s Great Hall.
Pre-order at: 
https://earache.com/collections/massive-wagons
 
The band have also announced their UK headline Everywhere We Go Tour for April–May 2026.
Tickets will be available to purchase from 17th November here: 
https://www.massivewagons.com/live
 
Massive Wagon UK Live Dates
28.11.2025 - Trecco Bay, Wales (Planet Rockstock)
2026
07.02.2026 Warrington, Parr Hall (Full Nelson show)
EVERYWHERE WE GO UK TOUR
17.04.2026 – Norwich, Epic Studios
18.04.2026 – Leicester, O2 Academy
19.04.2026 – Holmforth, The Picturedrome
23.04.2026 – Aberdeen, The Tunnels
24.04.2026 – Middlesbrough, Empire
25.04.2026 – Hull, The Welly
30.04.2026 – Margate, Dreamland
01.05.2026 – Exeter, Phoenix
02.05.2026 – Gloucester, Guildhall

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The Steve Morse Band have just released their new album, Triangulation, via Music Theories Recordings.

To celebrate the release, the title track, featuring Dream Theater's John Petrucci, has been issued as a dovetailing single.
Talking about the track, and Petrucci's contribution, Steve Morse says "You simply can't point to anybody and say they're better than this guy. Perfect execution, solo ideas, sounds, everything!
The 'Tri' part of the title comes from the tritone interval that's used in the basic guitar riff."

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The new album sees Morse teaming up once again with bassist Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs, Flying Colors) and drummer Van Romaine (Enrique Iglesias).
"Dave and Van have been the bedrock of this trio, and this recording shows why," continues Steve.
"These guys are unique and incredible musicians on their own, and together, our chemistry is magical. I'd bring an idea, and hear it instantly, and then hear it improved! We made this album together, and you can hear that."
 
The album includes guest appearances from not John Petrucci but Eric Johnson and Steve’s son Kevin Morse, who joins his father on 'Taken by an Angel.'
The latter, which closes out the album, is a tribute to Steve's late wife Janine.

"​That song is new territory for me," explains Steve.
"It was put together for my late wife's memorial service, with my son Kevin playing along. It brought tears to many folks' eyes because Janine was a huge part of my life, career, and Steve Morse Band tours."
 
Steve Morse started his career in the mid-1970s, playing jazz-rock with the Grammy nominated The Dixie Dregs.
The following decade he formed the Steve Morse Band (grabbing an additional Grammy nod), and joined arena heavyweights Kansas.
​He was then recruited by Deep Purple in 1994.
Despite being in one of the world's biggest bands, Morse continued to innovate in other projects, including Living Loud, Angelfire, Flying Colors, and the guitar supergroup G3.
He announced his departure from Deep Purple in 2022, leaving to care for his wife, who passed away in 2024.
 
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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. 
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Acclaimed Canadian roots-rockers The Commoners will be returning to the UK in December for a 10-date headline tour (see tour dates poster further below). Special Guests are North Devon alt-rock duo Candar. 
Tickets: Gigantic.com and Commoners.ca
 
"The UK has become a second home for us," says The Commoners bassist, Ben Spiller. "Over the last few years, we’ve had the pleasure of rocking dozens of shows across five unforgettable UK tours and festivals."


As an appetiser to the upcoming tour, the band have released a brand-new single 'Just Watch Me.'
The rootsy, swaggering, southern styled track is available on all streaming platforms here: ​https://lnk.fuga.com/thecommoners_justwatchme
Alt-rock duo Candar, fresh from two Glastonbury appearances and a sold-out UK & Ireland run with Bôa in 2024, will feature as special guests at each show.

The duo - Ella Crossland (vocals, guitars) and Finn McAuley (drums) - have a sound built on meloic hooks, dirty riffs and a driving rhythm.
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The band's December tour follows on from the release of The Commoners - Live in the UK, which is available on CD and Vinyl here, and Digitally here.
Featuring nine songs, the album includes Commoners anthems and fan favourites with added parts, extended sections, all performed live on the band’s 2024 UK Tour.
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Following a series of live benefit concerts for talented and acclaimed singer-guitarist Matt Long, who tragically passed at 29 years old on 6th October 2024 after an 18 month battle with cancer, the blues and rock world in which he operated have come together once again with double album tribute A Little Help From My Friends.
 
The proceeds of the album will go to the cancer ward at Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, where Matt received medical treatment.

The album, which will be released on 20th March 2026, can be pre-ordered (Vinyl/ CD) here: https://mattlongtributealbum.bigcartel.com/
And as Download: 
https://epw0uq-0v.myshopify.com/
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Matt Long, best known as the frontman and creative force behind award-winning UK
band Catfish, had been named Instrumentalist of the Year twice at the UK Blues Awards.
Only 29 years old, he left behind not just a catalogue of powerful songs, but a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path.​

For Matt’s parents, Paul and Fiona Long, grief soon gave rise to a mission to celebrate their
son’s music and spirit in a way that could also help others.
The result is With a Little Help from My Friends, a double album that reimagines and celebrates Matt’s songs and carries his legacy forward.
 
Reaching out to musicians who had supported Matt during his illness, and at the benefit gigs held in his honour, the response to the tribute album was overwhelming.
Soon, a lineup featuring Elles Bailey, The Cinelli Brothers, When Rivers Meet, Brave Rival, Blue Nation, Sean Webster, Dom Martin, Chantel McGregor, Alice Armstrong (who also created the album’s cover art) and Will Wilde, among others, came together to record Matt’s songs, both from the Catfish catalogue and Matt’s heavier project, the Revenant Ones.

Additionally, luminary US guitarists Joe Bonamassa and Walter Trout contributed solos on tracks that retain Matt’s original vocals.
Two of Matt’s guitar tutors from the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Nic Meier and Nat Martin, also contributed solos.

Through his music, Matt often spoke openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety, hoping to connect with listeners who might feel the same. Fiona Long hopes that honesty will continue to resonate.
"He always played with passion and wrote from personal experience so that he could connect with a song on a very direct level," says Fiona. "I also hope the fact he bared his soul and spoke openly about his struggle with depression will inspire others not to be afraid to talk about it if they’re suffering themselves."

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UK rock artist Slyder Smith has released a brand new single, 'Plan To Fail.'
Stream/ download here: https://lnk.to/wVa8Yp


A hook-laden, guitar driven number with big melodies, 'Plan To Fail' explores the darker corners of ambition.
"It’s about fighting the voice in your head that tries talking you out of chasing your dreams," says Slyder.
"You make endless plans and convince yourself you’re preparing; but really, you’re just stalling because you’re frightened of not being good enough. This song is about the freedom that comes from admitting our flaws doing it anyway.”
 
'Plan To Fail' follows the success of previous single 'Nobody’s Listening,' which was released in August.

Produced once again by Robin Wynn Evans (Manic Street Preachers, The View, Sam Brown, Dodgy), 'Plan To Fail,' like '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; it includes pre-production demo tracks of 'Nobody’s Listening' & 'Plan To Fail,' signed poster & lyric sheet.
Purchase here: https://slydersmith.com/store
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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 will be released in the coming months, culminating in an album release in 2026.

​Slyder Smith and his band head out on the road for three dates in November, supporting ex-Wildhearts bass player Danny McCormack & The UK Reprobates. 
8th Nov - Vic Bikers Bar, Coalville 
21st Nov - Dragonffli, Pontypool  
​22nd Nov - Coopers Arms, Aberystwyth

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Francis Rossi will release a new solo album, The Accidental, on 30th January on earMUSIC.

The first new album from Rossi since 2019’s We Talk Too Much (with singer & violinist Hannah Rickard) and that same year’s Status Quo album, Backbone, The Accidental can be pre-ordered here:
https://francis-rossi.lnk.to/TheAccidental

The album has been preceded by the 2-track streaming/ download single 'Go Man Go' and 'Something In The Air (Stormy Weather),' which can be listened to here: https://francis-rossi.lnk.to/SomethingInTheAir​
Of the new album, and in explanation of its title, Francis Rossi says:
"This truly came out of nowhere. I spend my life in and out of the studio, rehearsing, tinkering, but something happened earlier this year and, before I knew it, we had created something special."

While Rossi’s previous solo albums explored his love for acoustic ballads, vocal harmonies, and the blend of British rock with country influences, The Accidental marks a return to the guitar-driven sound of Status Quo.
"For anyone who liked any of my solo albums previously," continues Rossi, "...well, I’ve no idea what you’ll make of this one, because it’s a real departure. It’s loud, the guitars are right to the fore, and there are some great songs there."
 
Francis Rossi – The Accidental.  Release date: January 30th, 2026
Formats: Black LP Gatefold, Limited Edition Crystal Clear LP Gatefold, CD Digipak, Streaming, Download.

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The Black Eyed Sons, following their debut show at The Lexington last year, will be out on their first live run this November and December, including two sold-out nighst at Hard Rock Hell (see full list of dates further below).
Live, the band will be celebrating and promoting their chart-topping debut album Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits, which reached #1 on the Official UK Blues Chart.
 
Additionally, the band have released an official video for their deeply personal track, 'Autumn Reigns,' featuring Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke.
Written by frontman Guy Griffin, the song was inspired by the tragic loss of his brother Daniel, in 2021.
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"Autumn Reigns was written as if by the person who’s gone for the people left behind; its lyrics deal with loss, grief and the passage of time, trying to make sense of life after tragedy, something we all go through at some point in our lives," reflects Guy. "A sad subject, but I hope the song’s uplifting... that’s how I’d like it to be heard. This one's for you, Dan."

For anyone struggling with grief or mental health challenges, the band encourages donations or support to Mind at: 
www.mind.org.uk/

​The Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits Tour Part 1
Remaining Dates
Dec 12th  – Bradford, Nightrain (with Revenant)
Dec13th  – Newcastle, The Cluny
Dec 17th  – Bilston, The Robin (with Revenant)
Dec18th – Llandudno, Motorsport Lounge
Dec 20th London, Camden Underworld (with The Dirty Strangers)


​Tickets: https://blackeyedsons.com/shows/

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Welsh AOR styled rock band Mojo have released a new single entitled 'Nôl Yn Dy Freichia Di' ('Back In Your Arms').

Sung in their native language by bi-lingual frontman/ guitarist Bedwyr Morgan (a consummate singer-songwriter who has also released a dual-language EP and full length solo album), 'Nôl Yn Dy Freichia Di' is a fine example of how a vibrant, melodically infectious song can make a feel-good/ relationship lyric universal, no matter the language.

Mojo will release a new Welsh language album in February 2026.  
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Award-winning, British blues icon Robin Trower will release his new album One Moment In Time: Live In The USA on 30th January via Artone/Provogue.  Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/RobinTrower

For Robin Trower, stage and studio are two sides of the same coin. If you’ve followed his six-decade career, you’ll know every song on One Moment In Time, starting with 'Day of the Eagle,' the opening track of his 1974 masterpiece, Bridge of Sighs.    
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In the summer of 2025 and riding high on the acclaim for his latest solo album, Come And Find Me, Robin Trower, with his tried and trusted bandmates Richard Watts (bass, lead vocals) and Chris Taggart (drums), crossed the Atlantic for a 25-date run in the nation that has welcomed him since the start.
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Several shows were recorded, but Trower honed in on the material caught at the Music Box At The Borgata in Atlantic City, and the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire.
"The new album is the best take of each song from those two nights," explains Trower. "It’s about the performance, but also down to the sound quality. You have to choose carefully – I did a lot of listening!"   
             
The 14 track album represents a whistlestop guide to Robin Trower’s fabled career, the bluesman striking a keen balance of all-time classics and new songs that reflect where he stands as an artist in modern times.
You’ll find no fewer than four songs from 1974’s gold-selling masterpiece, Bridge Of Sighs, but there are also a quartet of tunes lifted from 2022’s No More Worlds To Conquer, as well as 'One Go Round' from latest studio album Come And Find Me.
               
One Moment In Time: Live In The USA
Track Listing: The Razor's Edge; Too Rolling Stoned;
Wither On The Vine; Somebody Calling; Distant Places Of The Heart; One Go Round; It's Too Late; Day Of The Eagle; Bridge Of Sighs; No More Worlds To Conquer;
Daydream; Little Bit Of Sympathy; Rise Up Like The Sun;
Birdsong

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Following her recent run of five regional UK dates, critically acclaimed British blues songstress Joanne Shaw Taylor will return to the UK in January 2026 for five more regional concerts, taking in Edinburgh (The Queen’s Hall), Buxton (Opera House), Blackpool (Opera House), Sunderland (The Fire Station), and Southend (Palace Theatre).

Tickets are on sale now via:
https://www.gigantic.com/joanne-shaw-taylor-tickets
https://www.planetrocktickets.co.uk/
https://www.joanneshawtaylor.com/tour/
 
The shows celebrate, and continue the promotion of, Taylor’s latest album Black & Gold.
Released by Journeyman Records, it is available on Vinyl, CD and Digital here:

https://shop.joanneshawtaylor.com/collections/media-uk

Renowned for her guitar play, soulful songwriting and blues-husky vocality, Joanne Shaw Taylor blends blues and soul with rock and pop.
​
The upcoming shows will feature not just songs from the critically acclaimed Black & Gold, but standout tracks from her earlier albums, along with cover-tributes to classic blues legends.

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Southern California roots-rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck have released a new, standalone single 'Back To The Beginning Again.' Stream the song here: https://ffm.to/n0da8vr
 
Anchored by stacked guitars and a swampy drum groove, the song is a rootsy, southern rocker laced with subtle nods to 90s grunge and alternative music. It also features a classic rock inspired Hammond solo from Jake Abernathie.
"Back To The Beginning Again was written while on tour sometime last year," shares guitarist Henry James. "The song reflects on deeper feelings of disillusionment and depression that happen while on tour and working in the music industry as a whole. Lyrically it's a desire to go back to those feelings of excitement and freshness from the early years of performing in bands."
'Back To The Beginning Again' follows on from the band’s acclaimed studio album Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes, which was released on Journeyman Records.
Order it and other RJ&TW merch here: 
https://shop.robertjonandthewreck.com/collections/music

Robert Jon & The Wreck return to the UK next April for six dates as part of their UK & European spring tour.
Tickets: 
https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
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Blues rock powerhouse Beth Hart will return to the UK for five shows in May 2026 (see tour poster below).
Planet Rock’s 48-hour ticket pre-sale starts 10am GMT on Wednesday October 22nd.
Link: 
https://planetrock.gigantic.com/beth-hart-tickets

Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT on Friday October 24th via: ww.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
And (for 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.

Beth Hart’s music, infused with her raw, soulful vocal energy, and heart on the sleeve approach, has captivated audiences worldwide, earning her top spots on the Billboard Blues charts and performances at iconic venues such as Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and London's Royal Albert Hall.
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Flamenco glam-punk Goth ‘n’ rollers the Gypsy Pistoleros are set to return in the spring of next year with their most ambitious and eclectic album yet.
Dark Faerie Tales is due for release on April 17th 2026 on The New Church Records/ Plastichead Distribution. The album will be available worldwide & instore on three-colour vinyl, digipak CD, and digital.
 
The first single, with accompanying video, 'Dark Faerie Tales,' is expected to be released late January 2026.
 
Following the success of the critically praised Church of the Pistoleros, the band have conjured up something even bolder – a sequel of sorts, the forthcoming album is a dark fairytale for the damned; a love letter to the beautiful and broken; a twisted hymn for the strange of heart.
 
Born from the fires of their own musical and lyrical mythology, Dark Faerie Tales drifts through haunted woods and neon dreams, where sleaze-drenched punk anthems meet gothic grandeur and glam swagger.
Produced and co-written once again by the band’s sonic alchemist Dave Draper (Michael Monroe, Ginger Wildheart, The Wildhearts, to name but three), it’s a record that musically lives & lyrically breathes rebellion and myth.
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​Live, Gypsy Pistoleros are part gothic and glam-punk theatre, part rock spectacle.
Catch them on tour in 2026 in support of Dark Faerie Tales (see confirmed dates below)

Gypsy Pistoleros are: Gypsy Lee Pistolero (Lead Vocals); Kerry Pistolero White (Bass & Backing Vocals)
Shane Pistolero Sparkz (Guitar & Backing vocals); Chris Pistolero Hopton (Drums)
 
Order Gypsy Pistoleros albums here: https://www.plastichead.com/artist/gypsy-pistoleros
 
Dark Faerie Tales UK Tour 2026
Tickets: https://gypsypistoleros.com/shows

11 April –  The Band Club, St Austell
16 April –  The Underworld, London (Album Launch Show)
17 April –  The Marrs Bar, Worcester
18 April -   Th Dragonffli, Pontypool, Wales
22 April –  The Cluny, Newcastle
25 April –  Bannermans, Edinburgh
1–2 May – Beltane Gathering Festival, Nottingham
9th May - Festival Date TBA
15 May –  The Old Cold Store, Nottingham
16 May –  The Holy Diver, Stockport
23 May –  Breaking Bands Festival, Droitwich
3 October - The Dreadnought, Bathgate
23 October - The International, Leicester
(More dates TBC)

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Following the release earlier this year of latest album Some Kind of Feeling, critically acclaimed Australian singer-guitarist Orianthi has released a fifth track, 'Dark Days Are Gone,' as a single.

Orianthi also recently announced six dates in the UK at the top of 2026 (see tour poster below).
Tickets: The Gig Cartel


Produced by Kevin Shirley (as were six other songs on the album), 'Dark Days Are Gone' is a groove driven rocker that makes it lyrically clear a soured relationship is well and truly over.
Some Kind of Feeling was released digitally by Woodward Avenue Records in June.
Purchase, download or stream via: https://orcd.co/OrianthiSKOF


The multi-talented Orianthi has collaborated with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora; she was also hired by Michael Jackson’s for his London performances the year of his untimely death.
She then went on to become a successful artist in her own right, starting with Top 20 Billboard pop hit 'According to You' and gold-selling Geffen album Believe, released in 2009.
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North Carolina rock 'n' southern rollers Preacher Stone, who recently released their latest studio album By The Horns (purchase here: https://preacherstoneband.com/ ) will return to the Uk at the top of 2026 for 10 Headline dates, plus an appearance at Planet Rock Winter’s End in Trecco Bay Wales.
Tickets:  https://preacherstoneband.com/in-concert

Special guests for all headline shows are rising hard rockers Revenant.
 
As regards the new album, and alluding to its title, the band state that "we literally grabbed this one by the horns as we have been through a lot of personal turmoil, angst and grief alongside incredible highs over recent years. We’ve 100% unapologetically made the type of rock 'n' roll record that we grew up listening to in the 70s; it rocks from the off and we rode it like we stole it!"
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Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral & Friends have released a new single titled 'Venus Ain’t So far Away.'
The song, available on RKUK Records via Proper, is lifted from brand new studio album Colourful House.
 
With fittingly astral lyrics from Pete Feenstra, 'Venus Ain't So Far Away' is a psychedelic blues track that channels Jefferson Airplane in their late 60s hay day.
 
"Venus Ain’t So Far Away began unusually for us
 – with just a title!" explains guitarist Rob Koral.
"We then asked lyricist Pete Feenstra to craft the words before adding a few simple chords. Once the words and music connected the song quickly took shape; with a few tweaks it became something we’re truly proud of, and ended up with a strong 60s psychedelic feel
 – unplanned but fitting!"
'Venus Ain’t So far Away' features Zoe Schwarz on vocals, Rob Koral on guitar, Pete Whittaker on Hammond, Eddie John on drums and guest bassist Paddy Blight.
It was mixed and mastered by Paul Stacey (Steven Wilson/ The Black Crowes/ Noel Gallagher).
 
Colourful House will be the seventh 'band' studio album by established vocal & guitar duet Zoe Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral; the new album features fourteen new and original songs that expertly blend blues, soul, pop, funk and rock.

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Welsh born Canadian blues rock guitarist Philip Sayce, who is currently spending studio time in Toronto and Los Angeles working on a brand new album, will return to the UK in May 2026 for a ten date tour (see poster below).
 
Sayce's 2024 studio album The Wolves Are Coming received high praise from the UK music press, including interviews and thumbs up reviews in music magazines such as Classic Rock, Guitarist, Guitar Interactive, HRH, R'N'R, Blues Matters and Blues in Britain.
 
A protégé of the late Jeff Healey and a long-time collaborator with Melissa Etheridge, Philip Sayce has shared stages from Montreux Jazz Festival to Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival
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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!"
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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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The organisers and promoters of Milkfest, the charity festival event that raised over £8,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity on its inaugural outing in February, are delighted to announce that tickets for Milkfest '26 are now on sale.
​
This year’s chosen charity is Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity.
The event, which will take place on March 1st at the Indigo, O2, in London, will feature a number of name act and artists from the rock, blues and soul scenes; Squeeze legend Chris Difford will headline the show.
 
Other names on the bill include duo Hamish Stuart and Robbie Macintosh, both of whom played in Paul McCartney’s band; Stuart was a founder member of the Average White Band, whilst Macintosh was the guitarist in the Pretenders.
 
Blues greats the Climax Blues Band will also perform at the event, alongside an array of award-winning contemporary British blues bands including Brave Rival and Alice Armstrong.
A range of special guest performers will appear on the day.
 
Milkfest is the brainchild of acclaimed British blues rock band The Milk Men, who will open the show.
The band’s guitarist Adam Norsworthy is the festival’s organizer.

"We are very excited for tickets to finally go on sale as we have a brilliant line up of great music all day," comments Adam. "We want to pack the place out to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Dementia UK, and a cause that is, sadly, very close to so many people."
 
Milkfest bill-topper Chris Difford said: "I’m overjoyed to be asked to perform with my band at Milkfest.
​I very much hope to see you there to help us raise funds and awareness for Dementia UK."


"I am honoured to be a part of what is not only going to be the party of the year, but an event in aid of such a powerful, important cause," adds Blues vocalist of the Year Alice Armstrong. "I Can't wait to take part in something so special with such talented artists!"

Tickets for Milkfest ’26 are on sale via: https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/milkfest-26-indigo2-20497300/
 
Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity.
Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia, a progressive and complex condition that can be devastating for the whole family. A huge and growing health crisis, it’s the leading cause of death in the UK. 
Admiral Nurses are continually supported and developed by Dementia UK, to provide life-changing advice and support to anyone affected by dementia, whenever it’s needed.
They work on the free national Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, in face-to-face and virtual clinics, and in the community, in GP practices, hospitals, and care homes.  

You can contact Dementia UK’s Helpline on 0800 888 6678, or email: [email protected]
You can also book a free video or phone appointment to get expert dementia support from an Admiral Nurse. Find out more at dementiauk.org/appointment
Website: www.dementiauk.org   Twitter: @DementiaUK   Facebook: www.facebook.com/DementiaUK

  
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UK-based, award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Leoni Jane Kennedy, who was recently voted #4 in PROG Magazine’s Readers Poll for Best New Artist, has released a new single titled 'Sloe.' 
Stream the track here: 
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/leonijanekennedy/sloe
 
The contemporary, Indie-prog vibed 'Sloe' is the fourth of seven singles to be released by Leoni Jane Kennedy this year; it follows the soulfully crafted 'Jesse,' the rockier shades of 'Different Kind Of Woman' and the darker colours of the lyrically introspective 'Closer.'
​Collectively the septet will form her debut album of all-original material, Synthetic.

​
"Sloe was written during my time at university, explains Leoni. "I would regularly see drunk people having their keys taken off them by friends, and the song talks of taking a moment to think even in that state of mind. This track is meant to bring awareness to the effects drunk driving has on our society, and how things need to change. I'm not trying to seem a saint here, but the least I can do, using my music platform, is try to bring awareness to things that affect people's lives every day."
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Leoni Jane Kennedy, who is also a member of The Anchoress’s touring band, is creating a new wave of rock with progressive influences in her rhythmic and melodic structures.

Winning her first title with an Under 19s singer-songwriter award in 2014, Leoni went on to receive a Yamaha sponsorship, an endorsement from Orange Amplification and further songwriting awards.
In 2018 Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor chose her from hundreds of applicants to receive the Freddie Mercury Scholarship, financing her university tuition fees. Leoni graduated with First Class Honours before moving to London where she is currently studying a Masters Degree in Songwriting.

Primarily a PRS guitar player, her talents on the instrument were recognised when she was chosen as a PRS Guitars Pulse Artist; in 2024 she was promoted to full PRS Guitars Artist Endorsee.

Leoni’s first album, 2023's New World Woman, an acoustic reimagining of songs by Canadian prog and rock legends Rush, was a great success, earning her plaudits and praise from Rush fans.
 
Described as a force of nature, Leoni Jane Kennedy, , is recognised by many in the UK music industry as one to watch.


Website: https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/
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Western Australian good-time, old-school guitar-rock band The Southern River Band have just released their brand new album Easier Said Than Done.

The album includes latest single 'No Such Thing.'
Easier Said Than Done is available as a Digital Download, CD (+ Digital album), and Limited Edition ‘Dreamsauce’ Vinyl.

The Southern River Band exploded into view all over the world at the end of 2023 after their high energy, shape shifting riff-rocker 'Stan Qualen' was featured on the YouTube series Justin Hawkins Rides Again.
The results were the rest if the world finding out what rock fans in Australia have known for quite some time...
that The Southern River Band are the real deal.

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Critically acclaimed American singer-guitarist Samantha Fish will return to British shores in February & March for her eight-date Paper Doll UK Tour (see poster below).

Tickets are on sale now at www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets
and https://samanthafish.com/#tour
Tickets for the Edinburgh Queen’s Hall show are available at www.thequeenshall.net
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Buffalo born, Nashville based soul-blues singer-songwriter & guitarist Mick Hayes has released a brand new song titled 'Feeling Lowdown.'
Built on a gritty blues groove and moody soulfulness, the song explores the frustration, heartbreak and emotional toll of fighting through the mental anguish of 2020 and the global pandemic.
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'Feeling Lowdown' follows on from previous single, the equally impacting 'Checkered Past.' 
Both songs were produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and feature Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Reese Wynans. 
'Checkered Past' was also the first song to be released from what will be Mick Hayes' eleventh independent release, Lies & Letdowns. Recorded at Ocean Way Nashville Studios, the new album is part reflection, part reinvention.

Mick Hayes has been a full-time musician since his early twenties; since 2003, he has gone on to release ten albums of original material and performed for thousands of fans as direct support for rock legends such as the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick and Peter Frampton.
Along the way, Mick has received guitar lessons from Steve Vai, caught the attention of Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald, and appeared on reality TV (as well as navigating a few misguided management contracts).

In 2020, Mick released My Claim to Fame. Recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album was met with critical acclaim.
Shortly after the album’s release a global pandemic reshaped the world; the subsequent lockdowns and uncertainty allowed Mick time to reflect and reassess his musical direction.
In 2023, after two decades of personal and professional growth, Mick relocated to Franklin, Tennessee. Embracing his new life as a Nashville resident, he found renewed momentum in the city’s vibrant music scene.
 
Those ensuing years and a personal re-evaluation have led to his highly anticipated return with his eleventh independent release, Lies & Letdowns.
A rawer, deeply personal album, Lies & Letdowns chronicles the past five years of struggle and growth. 
 
The warm sounding, sixties soul-blues sonics of 2020 album My Claim To Fame, recorded on vintage equipment at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, was a significant, box ticked career moment for Mick Hayes. The reflective, poignant and personal Lies & Letdowns promises to be the same. 

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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
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