---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Her 2023 EP Full Circle (Part 1) was nominated for EP of the Year in Scotland.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Hollie Rogers has announced the forthcoming release of her new album, Everything’s Fine, which will be released on 5th June.
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Some Kinda Lover,' and now second taster, 'Spaceman.'
Stream the new single here: https://slinky.to/spaceman
Originally conceived as an upbeat rock anthem, 'Spaceman' took an unexpected turn, evolving into a piano-led ballad with strings performed by The Budapest Symphony Orchestra. The song was co-written with Hollie's collaborator & pianist Ed Blunt during a writing retreat and was inspired by a shared, real-life experience when they saw a flaming meteor tearing across the sky.
"We heard a sonic boom and saw a low-flying meteor crashing into the earth’s atmosphere," says Hollie.
"Neither of us will ever forget what it looked like – a huge green/orange orb streaking through the night sky. That was where our opening line came from."
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Some Kinda Lover,' and now second taster, 'Spaceman.'
Stream the new single here: https://slinky.to/spaceman
Originally conceived as an upbeat rock anthem, 'Spaceman' took an unexpected turn, evolving into a piano-led ballad with strings performed by The Budapest Symphony Orchestra. The song was co-written with Hollie's collaborator & pianist Ed Blunt during a writing retreat and was inspired by a shared, real-life experience when they saw a flaming meteor tearing across the sky.
"We heard a sonic boom and saw a low-flying meteor crashing into the earth’s atmosphere," says Hollie.
"Neither of us will ever forget what it looked like – a huge green/orange orb streaking through the night sky. That was where our opening line came from."
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 likes of Beth Nielsen Chapman, Elles Bailey, and, as heard on 'Spaceman,' the sweeping grandeur of The Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 likes of Beth Nielsen Chapman, Elles Bailey, and, as heard on 'Spaceman,' the sweeping grandeur of The Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robben Ford, the master of blues sophistication and tasteful guitar, will release a brand new album Two Shades of Blue on 27th March 2026 via Provogue/ Artone.
Pre-order/ stream here: https://lnk.to/RobbenFord
Ford has also released a second single from the album, the brass bolstered soul-blues pop of 'Perfect Illusion.'
"This was written back in 1999 on my own during a period of writing with Michael McDonald," Robben says.
"I went out to get some air and on the gravel driveway, and saw what looked like a jewel. I look closer and it’s a drop of water, reflecting the light. And I thought: 'Hah, perfect illusion!'."
Pre-order/ stream here: https://lnk.to/RobbenFord
Ford has also released a second single from the album, the brass bolstered soul-blues pop of 'Perfect Illusion.'
"This was written back in 1999 on my own during a period of writing with Michael McDonald," Robben says.
"I went out to get some air and on the gravel driveway, and saw what looked like a jewel. I look closer and it’s a drop of water, reflecting the light. And I thought: 'Hah, perfect illusion!'."
If you scan the five-time Grammy nominee’s back catalogue – a half-century hot-streak that darts between jazz, rock, fusion and blues – you’ll find a musician in a constant state of metamorphosis.
Two Shades Of Blue is no exception – a transatlantic modern classic that shapeshifted as the two separate sessions in the US & UK, with two different crack-squad bands, unfolded.
Two Shades Of Blue was loosely sparked by Ford’s move to London, which coincided with the launch of the Robben Ford Guitar Dojo with partner Milam Kelly Roberts.
"The way this album started, I planned it as a tribute to Jeff Beck," recalls Robben. "Meanwhile, the Guitar Dojo had reinvigorated my playing, so writing instrumental music became fresh for me again. I didn’t own a Stratocaster, so I literally went out and bought one for this project! Then Daniel Steinhardt from That Pedal Show put together a new pedalboard for me, along the lines of what Jeff Beck was using. I wanted to do something different, set myself a challenge."
Initially loading into Eastcote Studios, Robben Ford’s guitar and vocals lead a first-call band consisting of drummer Ianto Thomas (Mark Knopfler), keys man Jonny Henderson (Otis Grand), bassist Robin Mullarkey (Paloma Faith) and a three piece brass section.
The album also features the talents of bassist Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones), keys player Larry Goldings and drummer Gary Husband on the three instrumental tracks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Shades Of Blue is no exception – a transatlantic modern classic that shapeshifted as the two separate sessions in the US & UK, with two different crack-squad bands, unfolded.
Two Shades Of Blue was loosely sparked by Ford’s move to London, which coincided with the launch of the Robben Ford Guitar Dojo with partner Milam Kelly Roberts.
"The way this album started, I planned it as a tribute to Jeff Beck," recalls Robben. "Meanwhile, the Guitar Dojo had reinvigorated my playing, so writing instrumental music became fresh for me again. I didn’t own a Stratocaster, so I literally went out and bought one for this project! Then Daniel Steinhardt from That Pedal Show put together a new pedalboard for me, along the lines of what Jeff Beck was using. I wanted to do something different, set myself a challenge."
Initially loading into Eastcote Studios, Robben Ford’s guitar and vocals lead a first-call band consisting of drummer Ianto Thomas (Mark Knopfler), keys man Jonny Henderson (Otis Grand), bassist Robin Mullarkey (Paloma Faith) and a three piece brass section.
The album also features the talents of bassist Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones), keys player Larry Goldings and drummer Gary Husband on the three instrumental tracks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
US dream-pop duo Magic Wands have released a brand new single, titled 'Wishing Well.'
Co-written and produced by Dexy & Chris Valentine, 'Wishing Well' is the title song of an EP scheduled for late April. The single also follows the January release of 'Sacred Mirrors,' a collaborative single with Psychedelic Furs guitarist John Ashton, which itself comes after the autumn 2025 release of Cascades, the sixth Magic Wands album.
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/mwwishingwell
Or purchase on Bandcamp: https://magic-wands.bandcamp.com/album/wishing-well
Co-written and produced by Dexy & Chris Valentine, 'Wishing Well' is the title song of an EP scheduled for late April. The single also follows the January release of 'Sacred Mirrors,' a collaborative single with Psychedelic Furs guitarist John Ashton, which itself comes after the autumn 2025 release of Cascades, the sixth Magic Wands album.
Stream the single here: https://ffm.to/mwwishingwell
Or purchase on Bandcamp: https://magic-wands.bandcamp.com/album/wishing-well
Formed in Nashville by vocalists/ guitarists Dexy and Chris Valentine, and now based in Los Angeles, Magic Wands are known for a shimmering, dreamy sound that melds elements of shoegaze, dream pop, post-punk and goth.
The duo’s sixth album, Cascades, was released to enthusiastic reviews.
"Amid the cacophony of today’s world, Magic Wands emerges like a whisper in the wind; a spellbinding blend of sound that feels both familiar and foreign" - POST-PUNK
"Moody and atmospheric. For maximum effectiveness, listen to it at dusk with a single candle lit." - SPILL MAGAZINE
"Both familiar and quietly bold, a record that walks that razor-thin line between dream-pop and gothic atmosphere."
- CHAIN D.L.K.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The duo’s sixth album, Cascades, was released to enthusiastic reviews.
"Amid the cacophony of today’s world, Magic Wands emerges like a whisper in the wind; a spellbinding blend of sound that feels both familiar and foreign" - POST-PUNK
"Moody and atmospheric. For maximum effectiveness, listen to it at dusk with a single candle lit." - SPILL MAGAZINE
"Both familiar and quietly bold, a record that walks that razor-thin line between dream-pop and gothic atmosphere."
- CHAIN D.L.K.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enigmatic Los Angeles Indie band Love Ghost, whose genre-bending style includes grunge, alt-rock, emo, metal and trap rock, have brought a darker texture to their cover of 80s novelty-pop hit 'Rock Me Amadeus.'
A global smash in 1986 for Austrian musician Falco, the infectious, fun song has been turned into something far more industrial by Love Ghost, yet preserving the synth-pop flair of the original.
Stream: https://ffm.to/loveghostrockmeamadeus
Bandcamp: https://loveghost.bandcamp.com/track/rock-me-amadeus-edit
A global smash in 1986 for Austrian musician Falco, the infectious, fun song has been turned into something far more industrial by Love Ghost, yet preserving the synth-pop flair of the original.
Stream: https://ffm.to/loveghostrockmeamadeus
Bandcamp: https://loveghost.bandcamp.com/track/rock-me-amadeus-edit
Rock Me Amadeus is the second song to be lifted from the band’s forthcoming EP Anarchy and Ashes, which will be released on 27th March.
It follows on from previous single 'Vengeance,' an up-tempo hard rock track with a contemporary angst; the music video for 'Vengeance' has since racked up almost 300,000 YouTube plays.
Produced by Tim Skold (best known for his hit-making tenure with Marilyn Manson), Anarchy and Ashes is an electrifying collision of hard rock and industrial grit that captures Love Ghost at their most urgent and unapologetic.
The EP will be promoted by a 16 date European tour that starts on 2nd April in Vienna (coincidentally the birthplace of Falco). The band will then play two UK dates in London (New Cross Inn, 30th April) and Manchester (Lion’s Den, 1st May).
Tickets: https://loveghost.com/draft-tour-tickets-copy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It follows on from previous single 'Vengeance,' an up-tempo hard rock track with a contemporary angst; the music video for 'Vengeance' has since racked up almost 300,000 YouTube plays.
Produced by Tim Skold (best known for his hit-making tenure with Marilyn Manson), Anarchy and Ashes is an electrifying collision of hard rock and industrial grit that captures Love Ghost at their most urgent and unapologetic.
The EP will be promoted by a 16 date European tour that starts on 2nd April in Vienna (coincidentally the birthplace of Falco). The band will then play two UK dates in London (New Cross Inn, 30th April) and Manchester (Lion’s Den, 1st May).
Tickets: https://loveghost.com/draft-tour-tickets-copy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charity festival event Milkfest, which raised over £8,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity in February of last year, will return to the Indigo O2 in London on March 1st for its second outing.
This year’s chosen charity is Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity.
MIlkfest '26 features 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 including UK Blues Vocalist Of The Year Elles Bailey.
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 Milkfest '26 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."
"It’s an honour to be part of the Milkfest 2026 line-up," adds Elles. "I’m really looking forward to this very special event celebrating the wonderfully eclectic British blues scene, all in support of the incredible charity Dementia UK."
Tickets for Milkfest ’26 are on sale via: https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/milkfest-25
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This year’s chosen charity is Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity.
MIlkfest '26 features 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 including UK Blues Vocalist Of The Year Elles Bailey.
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 Milkfest '26 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."
"It’s an honour to be part of the Milkfest 2026 line-up," adds Elles. "I’m really looking forward to this very special event celebrating the wonderfully eclectic British blues scene, all in support of the incredible charity Dementia UK."
Tickets for Milkfest ’26 are on sale via: https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/milkfest-25
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
French multi-instrumentalist and prog musician Franck Carducci, who recently signed to Cherry Red Records, has announced the release of his most ambitious and fully realised work to date.
Sheeple, which blends classic, progressive rock influences with a modern, theatrical edge, will be released April 10th on Cherry Red Records’ Esoteric Antenna label on CD, Gatefold Vinyl, Digital Download and Streaming.
The album will be backed by a Launch Show at Liverpool’s Cavern Club on 8th April.
Drawing inspiration from the spirit of 1970s prog and rock, Sheeple still manages to ground itself in the present, moving confidently between high-energy rock, expansive arrangements and more atmospheric, reflective moments.
Lyrically, Sheeple explores themes of freedom, conformity, control and personal responsibility, pairing intelligent, thought-provoking ideas with rich melodic hooks and dramatic musical shifts.
The results are a cohesive and immersive listening experience, and Franck Carducci’s most all-encompassing work to date.
Sheeple will be accompanied by an Album Launch Show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on 8th April, bringing the album’s dramatic soundworld to the stage in one of the UK’s most iconic music venues.
The band will then throw a Meet & Greet listening party at Harrison Pub in London on 9th April, at 5pm.
Since 2011, Franck Carducci has released six albums and performed more than 500 concerts across Europe, earning a reputation as one of the continent’s most compelling live performers.
He has toured extensively in the UK & Europe and shared stages with such luminary artists as Sting, Steve Hackett, Marillion, Wishbone Ash and Focus.
Pre-order hard copy (CD or Vinyl) of Sheeple here:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/franck-carducci-sheeple-cd-edition
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheeple, which blends classic, progressive rock influences with a modern, theatrical edge, will be released April 10th on Cherry Red Records’ Esoteric Antenna label on CD, Gatefold Vinyl, Digital Download and Streaming.
The album will be backed by a Launch Show at Liverpool’s Cavern Club on 8th April.
Drawing inspiration from the spirit of 1970s prog and rock, Sheeple still manages to ground itself in the present, moving confidently between high-energy rock, expansive arrangements and more atmospheric, reflective moments.
Lyrically, Sheeple explores themes of freedom, conformity, control and personal responsibility, pairing intelligent, thought-provoking ideas with rich melodic hooks and dramatic musical shifts.
The results are a cohesive and immersive listening experience, and Franck Carducci’s most all-encompassing work to date.
Sheeple will be accompanied by an Album Launch Show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on 8th April, bringing the album’s dramatic soundworld to the stage in one of the UK’s most iconic music venues.
The band will then throw a Meet & Greet listening party at Harrison Pub in London on 9th April, at 5pm.
Since 2011, Franck Carducci has released six albums and performed more than 500 concerts across Europe, earning a reputation as one of the continent’s most compelling live performers.
He has toured extensively in the UK & Europe and shared stages with such luminary artists as Sting, Steve Hackett, Marillion, Wishbone Ash and Focus.
Pre-order hard copy (CD or Vinyl) of Sheeple here:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/franck-carducci-sheeple-cd-edition
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revered hard rock band Little Angels have announced an ultra-rare UK tour in November featuring the full original line-up of vocalist Toby Jepson, guitarist Bruce Dickinson, keys player Jim Dickinson, bassist Mark Plunkett and drummer Mark Richardson.
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.
Front man Toby Jepson says: "We have the best fans in the world. For nearly forty years they’ve stood by the band despite the rarity of shows and new music. It feels like the right time to come back together, for all the right reasons. Playing music as friends, for friends, because we love it."
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!"
Little Angels – Big Bad & Back Tour, November 2026
Thursday 12th – Glasgow, O2 Academy
Friday 13th – Manchester, O2 Ritz
Saturday 14th – Leeds, O2 Academy
Monday 16th – Norwich, UEA
Thursday 19th – Oxford, O2 Academy
Friday 20th – Nottingham, Rock City
Saturday 21st – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
Tuesday 24th – Liverpool, O2 Academy
Thursday 26th – Bristol, O2 Academy
Friday 27th – Bournemouth, O2 Academy
Saturday 28th – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster at 9am, Friday 13th February
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Front man Toby Jepson says: "We have the best fans in the world. For nearly forty years they’ve stood by the band despite the rarity of shows and new music. It feels like the right time to come back together, for all the right reasons. Playing music as friends, for friends, because we love it."
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!"
Little Angels – Big Bad & Back Tour, November 2026
Thursday 12th – Glasgow, O2 Academy
Friday 13th – Manchester, O2 Ritz
Saturday 14th – Leeds, O2 Academy
Monday 16th – Norwich, UEA
Thursday 19th – Oxford, O2 Academy
Friday 20th – Nottingham, Rock City
Saturday 21st – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
Tuesday 24th – Liverpool, O2 Academy
Thursday 26th – Bristol, O2 Academy
Friday 27th – Bournemouth, O2 Academy
Saturday 28th – London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster at 9am, Friday 13th February
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Multi-instrumentalist Pete Briley, part of "heavygrass" exponents The Outlaw Orchestra and highly individualistic low-fi/ hi-pop singer-songwriter solo artist, has released a new single that is 18 years late…
'My Baby' 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.
'My Baby' 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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rock band Red Giant, fronted by singer-guitarist and renowned YouTube guitar presenter Dave Simpson, have released a new single titled 'Can’t Find Me.'
It’s available on all streaming platforms here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/redgiant/cant-find-me
The song, which also features John Joe Gaskin (drums) and Johnny Simpson (bass) is the first single to be released from Red Giant’s forthcoming EP Red Giant Vol. 1, which will be 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/cant-find-me
The song, which also features John Joe Gaskin (drums) and Johnny Simpson (bass) is the first single to be released from Red Giant’s forthcoming EP Red Giant Vol. 1, which will be available April 29th.
Pre-order the EP here: https://www.redgiantofficial.com/product-page/rg-ep-vol1
Lyrically 'Can’t Find Me' charts Dave Simpson’s journey through mental problems caused by an uncaring school system which, paradoxically, encouraged the very bullying the authorities wanted to eradicate.
The lack of support created a feeling of isolation, exclusion and of being ignored; with no self-worth, he couldn’t confide in family or friends, leading to thoughts of self-harm.
'Can’t Find Me' is the story of so many similar people, and it is the hope of Red Giant that the song reaches who it needs to, and shows them that they are not alone, and that being here is so much better than the other choices.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lack of support created a feeling of isolation, exclusion and of being ignored; with no self-worth, he couldn’t confide in family or friends, leading to thoughts of self-harm.
'Can’t Find Me' is the story of so many similar people, and it is the hope of Red Giant that the song reaches who it needs to, and shows them that they are not alone, and that being here is so much better than the other choices.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swedish dark-atmospheric progressives Wolverine have released a new single entitled 'Nightfall.'
The single is lifted from their brand new ‘comeback’ album (the band’s first in a decade) Anomalies, which was released on 6th February via Music Theories Recordings.
Purchase/ stream here: https://lnk.to/Wolverineband
Talking about the song, singer Stefan Zell says, "Wolverine goes pop! Seriously, a catchy song that I love. The lyrics do, however, deal with a significantly less catchy topic: death anxiety."
This one is, lyrically, from my really darkest period, where I had death anxiety every night when I went to bed," Zell admits. "It felt like someone stomping on my chest. Just wanting the night to be over. I was not in a good place in life. But I found the contrast between the music and the lyrics quite tempting in a way. You can almost dance to it once it gets going!"
The single is lifted from their brand new ‘comeback’ album (the band’s first in a decade) Anomalies, which was released on 6th February via Music Theories Recordings.
Purchase/ stream here: https://lnk.to/Wolverineband
Talking about the song, singer Stefan Zell says, "Wolverine goes pop! Seriously, a catchy song that I love. The lyrics do, however, deal with a significantly less catchy topic: death anxiety."
This one is, lyrically, from my really darkest period, where I had death anxiety every night when I went to bed," Zell admits. "It felt like someone stomping on my chest. Just wanting the night to be over. I was not in a good place in life. But I found the contrast between the music and the lyrics quite tempting in a way. You can almost dance to it once it gets going!"
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 '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."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first song to be heard from the new album was '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."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky rock 'n' rollers Otis have released a new single titled 'I’m Wicked.'
Frontman/ guitarist Boone Froggett laughs as he recalls the genesis of the swampy, groove-driven song:
"Lyrically it came from our guitarist Alex Wells, who was telling us about a funeral he was at.
Families were there, all talking to the preacher as they filed out, and when he met Alex he kind of just stood back saying 'Son, I can’t shake your hand. You’ve got the evil in you.'
We thought it hilarious, as Alex is one of the nicest guys around!"
"Musically, it’s more of a traditional blues style than our last singles," continues Boone. "Sure, there’s a Bobby Rush vibe, but we spiced it up with more rock 'n' roll changes."
Recorded in a live, full band take at The Rock House in Franklin Tennessee, 'I'm Wicked' was produced by Grammy Award winning musician Kevin McKendree (Brian Setzer, George Thorogood).
Frontman/ guitarist Boone Froggett laughs as he recalls the genesis of the swampy, groove-driven song:
"Lyrically it came from our guitarist Alex Wells, who was telling us about a funeral he was at.
Families were there, all talking to the preacher as they filed out, and when he met Alex he kind of just stood back saying 'Son, I can’t shake your hand. You’ve got the evil in you.'
We thought it hilarious, as Alex is one of the nicest guys around!"
"Musically, it’s more of a traditional blues style than our last singles," continues Boone. "Sure, there’s a Bobby Rush vibe, but we spiced it up with more rock 'n' roll changes."
Recorded in a live, full band take at The Rock House in Franklin Tennessee, 'I'm Wicked' was produced by Grammy Award winning musician Kevin McKendree (Brian Setzer, George Thorogood).
Alongside Boone Froggett and Alex Wells are co-founder John Seeley (bass) and Dale Myers (drums). Collectively, the tight-knit guys stay connected to their homegrown roots, having been around traditional instruments such as piano, fiddle and guitar from a young age.
An appreciation of country-rock, bluegrass and folk music, as well as being brought up on deep-diving vinyl collections, means their musical palette is much broader than standard southern rock.
Having played such iconic venues as the Allman Brothers Big House in Macon, Georgia and The Iridium in New York, a previous chance meeting with Billy F Gibbons led to the legend listening and becoming a friend and fan of the band - even handing their albums off to the likes of Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck.
Previous US/ UK tours have included sharing stages with the likes of ZZ Top, The Kentucky Headhunters, Jackyl, Blackberry Smoke and UK favourites the Kris Barras Band.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An appreciation of country-rock, bluegrass and folk music, as well as being brought up on deep-diving vinyl collections, means their musical palette is much broader than standard southern rock.
Having played such iconic venues as the Allman Brothers Big House in Macon, Georgia and The Iridium in New York, a previous chance meeting with Billy F Gibbons led to the legend listening and becoming a friend and fan of the band - even handing their albums off to the likes of Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck.
Previous US/ UK tours have included sharing stages with the likes of ZZ Top, The Kentucky Headhunters, Jackyl, Blackberry Smoke and UK favourites the Kris Barras Band.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 is preceded by lead-off single, and beautifully realised scene setter, 'Fair Weather,' which can be purchased at: https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
Or streamed via: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/littlelore/fair-weather
The album is preceded by lead-off single, and beautifully realised scene setter, 'Fair Weather,' which can be purchased at: https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
Or streamed via: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/littlelore/fair-weather
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.
"So began an intimate love affair of my own with this beautiful, vulnerable, funny and flawed character, Serafina. 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
"So began an intimate love affair of my own with this beautiful, vulnerable, funny and flawed character, Serafina. 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern California roots-rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck, who return to the UK in April for six dates as part of their UK & European spring tour, have announced further dates in the UK for June (including the Dorset Love Rocks Festival) and October. See poster below.
Planet Rock are currently running a 48-hour ticket pre-sale for the June and October tour dates.
Pre-sale tickets are available from https://planetrock.gigantic.com/robert-jon-the-wreck-tickets-presale-7587
(Password RJTW2026).
Tickets go on general sale 10am on Friday, February 6th from:
https://www.alttickets.com/robert-jon-the-wreck-tickets
https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robert-Jon-and-The-Wreck.htm
https://www.gigantic.com/robert-jon-the-wreck-tickets
Planet Rock are currently running a 48-hour ticket pre-sale for the June and October tour dates.
Pre-sale tickets are available from https://planetrock.gigantic.com/robert-jon-the-wreck-tickets-presale-7587
(Password RJTW2026).
Tickets go on general sale 10am on Friday, February 6th from:
https://www.alttickets.com/robert-jon-the-wreck-tickets
https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robert-Jon-and-The-Wreck.htm
https://www.gigantic.com/robert-jon-the-wreck-tickets
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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.
Following the release of singles 'Trouble Round the Bend' and 'Wheal Jane,' the band offer a third taster in the Latin-Cuban influenced shape of 'Reina del Mar,' a track that reinforces and highlights the band's genre-fluidity.
Their new album, Salt Roots, due for release February 27th, 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.
Following the release of singles 'Trouble Round the Bend' and 'Wheal Jane,' the band offer a third taster in the Latin-Cuban influenced shape of 'Reina del Mar,' a track that reinforces and highlights the band's genre-fluidity.
Of the new single, frontman Wille says "I wrote the initial riff around ten years ago while travelling around Cuba and listening to some of the Buena Vista Social Club members still playing in Havana.
I always loved how Ry Cooder brought slide guitar influences over the top of the band, and later Derek Trucks did the same with his own band. However, it wasn’t until I was on tour with a few days off in Galicia, Spain, knocking around and waiting for some surf to appear, that the idea of Maria came about. With its strong association with the sea, and Reina del Mar meaning ‘queen of the sea’ in Spanish, the song started to develop, as I felt the chorus needed to be in Spanish. The song is about waiting for the sea to show its magic."
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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I always loved how Ry Cooder brought slide guitar influences over the top of the band, and later Derek Trucks did the same with his own band. However, it wasn’t until I was on tour with a few days off in Galicia, Spain, knocking around and waiting for some surf to appear, that the idea of Maria came about. With its strong association with the sea, and Reina del Mar meaning ‘queen of the sea’ in Spanish, the song started to develop, as I felt the chorus needed to be in Spanish. The song is about waiting for the sea to show its magic."
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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noted American rock singer and frontman of The Dead Daisies, John Corabi, has announced the upcoming release of his full-length debut solo album, New Day, which is due April 24th 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Pre-Order New Day here: https://ffm.bio/johncorabi_newday
Following the release of the title track as lead-off single, comes a second taster from the album, 'When I Was Young.'
Of the new single, John says "When I Was Young is a lyrically poignant song about an aging man looking back and reminiscing in a conversation with his son, about the ups and downs of his life. A beautiful look at life blended with acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, with an uptempo Maggie May vibe!"
Pre-Order New Day here: https://ffm.bio/johncorabi_newday
Following the release of the title track as lead-off single, comes a second taster from the album, 'When I Was Young.'
Of the new single, John says "When I Was Young is a lyrically poignant song about an aging man looking back and reminiscing in a conversation with his son, about the ups and downs of his life. A beautiful look at life blended with acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, with an uptempo Maggie May vibe!"
New Day marks John Corabi’s first full-length solo album of original material.
Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter & producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic 70s rock, soul, and blues influences.
On the album, which also features previously released singles 'Così Bella' (2021) and 'Your Own Worst Enemy' (2022), John Corabi is joined by Marti Frederiksen (backing vocals, guitars, piano, percussion), Evan Frederiksen (drums, bass, B3 organ, guitar, mandolin, programming), Richard Fortus (lead guitar) and Paul Taylor (keys).
Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke also appears, contributing a number of guitar solos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter & producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic 70s rock, soul, and blues influences.
On the album, which also features previously released singles 'Così Bella' (2021) and 'Your Own Worst Enemy' (2022), John Corabi is joined by Marti Frederiksen (backing vocals, guitars, piano, percussion), Evan Frederiksen (drums, bass, B3 organ, guitar, mandolin, programming), Richard Fortus (lead guitar) and Paul Taylor (keys).
Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke also appears, contributing a number of guitar solos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American singer Lou Gramm, best known as the iconic voice of classic era Foreigner, will release a brand new solo album of previously unreleased material on 27th March.
Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/lou-gramm-released-cd
Released presents ten original songs written by Lou Gramm and former Black Sheep bandmate Bruce Turgon; the collection captures the classic AOR sound of Gramm’s solo career while delivering a sense of completion.
"My new album is a collection of unreleased songs that were recorded in the 1980s during the production of my solo albums of that period," says Lou.
"These are powerful, heartfelt songs with a great vintage sound taken from my old multitrack tapes. When I pulled these songs out of the vault, I knew I had to finish them for my fans, so they can experience what I did when I first heard them after all these years. It means a lot to me to finally see this album released, and to feel that my catalog is now complete."
Produced by Lou Gramm, Released features appearances from Tony Franklin and Vivian Campbell, alongside long-time collaborators such as Lou’s brother Ben Gramm on drums.
The result is a collection rooted in the era that made Lou Gramm one of rock’s most recognisable voices.
Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/lou-gramm-released-cd
Released presents ten original songs written by Lou Gramm and former Black Sheep bandmate Bruce Turgon; the collection captures the classic AOR sound of Gramm’s solo career while delivering a sense of completion.
"My new album is a collection of unreleased songs that were recorded in the 1980s during the production of my solo albums of that period," says Lou.
"These are powerful, heartfelt songs with a great vintage sound taken from my old multitrack tapes. When I pulled these songs out of the vault, I knew I had to finish them for my fans, so they can experience what I did when I first heard them after all these years. It means a lot to me to finally see this album released, and to feel that my catalog is now complete."
Produced by Lou Gramm, Released features appearances from Tony Franklin and Vivian Campbell, alongside long-time collaborators such as Lou’s brother Ben Gramm on drums.
The result is a collection rooted in the era that made Lou Gramm one of rock’s most recognisable voices.
Lou Gramm emerged from a highly musical family before forming Black Sheep, whose two albums for Capitol Records have since become cult favourites.
A pivotal meeting with Mick Jones in 1975 led to the formation of Foreigner the following year, launching a career that produced a run of multi-platinum albums and hit singles.
Alongside his work with Foreigner, Lou enjoyed major solo success with debut solo album Ready Or Not (1987), which featured the hit single 'Midnight Blue.' Ready Or Not was followed by Long Hard Look (1989), which included another hit single, 'Just Between You And Me.'
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A pivotal meeting with Mick Jones in 1975 led to the formation of Foreigner the following year, launching a career that produced a run of multi-platinum albums and hit singles.
Alongside his work with Foreigner, Lou enjoyed major solo success with debut solo album Ready Or Not (1987), which featured the hit single 'Midnight Blue.' Ready Or Not was followed by Long Hard Look (1989), which included another hit single, 'Just Between You And Me.'
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acclaimed British blues‑rock songstress Joanne Shaw Taylor has released a brand new single 'Hell Or High Water,' which is out now on Journeyman Records.
The single also offers a glimpse into a new slate of material Taylor plans to unveil over the coming year.
Stream here: https://ffm.to/0xrbr6b
'Hell Or High Water,' which builds from its acoustic, roots-Gospel opening to evolve into a defiant, hard rock blues is, as Joanne Shaw Taylor comments, “about surviving the war inside your own head and refusing to give in. It’s about resilience and self-belief even in the hardest of times.”
The single also offers a glimpse into a new slate of material Taylor plans to unveil over the coming year.
Stream here: https://ffm.to/0xrbr6b
'Hell Or High Water,' which builds from its acoustic, roots-Gospel opening to evolve into a defiant, hard rock blues is, as Joanne Shaw Taylor comments, “about surviving the war inside your own head and refusing to give in. It’s about resilience and self-belief even in the hardest of times.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renowned, progressively-tinged rock band Atomic Rooster will be back out on the UK roads in February and March in support of latest album Circle The Sun, which was released on Esoteric/Cherry Red in October of last year (read FabricationsHQ’s review of the album here).
The 18 date tour (see full list below) includes three Scottish dates -- Aberdeen, Paisley and Kinross.
Since reforming in 2016, with the blessing of band founder Vincent Crane’s widow, Atomic Rooster, with their early 70s heyday guitarist Steve "Boltz" Bolton at the helm, have gone from strength to strength via frequent touring and scores of festivals in the UK and Europe.
Aside from their hugely successful and much-loved chart hits, 'Devil’s Answer' and 'Tomorrow Night,' Atomic Rooster are acclaimed for their brace of now classic, proto-metal/ Gothic-prog albums Death Walks Behind You (1970) and In The Hearing Of… (1971).
Those albums, along with releases such as Made In England (featuring Chris Farlowe on vocals) established the ‘Rooster as a 70s rock force.
The current line-up, featuring Bolton, Adrian Gautrey (lead vocals, keys), Shug Millidge (bass) and Paul Everett (drums) draw heavily from those early classics as well as showcasing material from Circle The Sun, the band’s first all-new/ full-length album in 42 years.
Atomic Rooster – UK Tour dates
Tickets:
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/88818
February
19th – Aberdeen, Drummonds
20th – Paisley, The Bungalow
21st – Kinross, Backstage
22nd – Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre
23rd – London, The Water Rats
24th – Folkestone, Speedway
25th - St. Leonards, The Piper
26th – Blackpool, Waterloo
27th – Hull, Wrecking Ball
March
1st – Liverpool, Cavern Club; 10th - Newcastle, Cluny 2; 12th - Derby, The Flowerpot; 13th - Northampton, The Black Prince; 14th - Glastonbury, King Arthur; 25th – Sheffield, Greystones; 26th - Grimsby, Yardbirds;
27th - Cromer Community Centre; 28th - Crumlin, The Patriot
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 18 date tour (see full list below) includes three Scottish dates -- Aberdeen, Paisley and Kinross.
Since reforming in 2016, with the blessing of band founder Vincent Crane’s widow, Atomic Rooster, with their early 70s heyday guitarist Steve "Boltz" Bolton at the helm, have gone from strength to strength via frequent touring and scores of festivals in the UK and Europe.
Aside from their hugely successful and much-loved chart hits, 'Devil’s Answer' and 'Tomorrow Night,' Atomic Rooster are acclaimed for their brace of now classic, proto-metal/ Gothic-prog albums Death Walks Behind You (1970) and In The Hearing Of… (1971).
Those albums, along with releases such as Made In England (featuring Chris Farlowe on vocals) established the ‘Rooster as a 70s rock force.
The current line-up, featuring Bolton, Adrian Gautrey (lead vocals, keys), Shug Millidge (bass) and Paul Everett (drums) draw heavily from those early classics as well as showcasing material from Circle The Sun, the band’s first all-new/ full-length album in 42 years.
Atomic Rooster – UK Tour dates
Tickets:
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/88818
February
19th – Aberdeen, Drummonds
20th – Paisley, The Bungalow
21st – Kinross, Backstage
22nd – Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre
23rd – London, The Water Rats
24th – Folkestone, Speedway
25th - St. Leonards, The Piper
26th – Blackpool, Waterloo
27th – Hull, Wrecking Ball
March
1st – Liverpool, Cavern Club; 10th - Newcastle, Cluny 2; 12th - Derby, The Flowerpot; 13th - Northampton, The Black Prince; 14th - Glastonbury, King Arthur; 25th – Sheffield, Greystones; 26th - Grimsby, Yardbirds;
27th - Cromer Community Centre; 28th - Crumlin, The Patriot
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 here: https://lnk.to/matteomancuso
Route 96 features appearances from Steve Vai, jazz/ fusion multi-instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov and young Gypsy Jazz exponent Antoine Boyer, who features on 'Isla Feliz,' which has just been released as a single.
"This was the first tune I wrote for the new record," says Matteo. "I wanted to write something Latin influenced using classical guitar, but I ended up using distortion as well.
I had the privilege to collaborate with one of the most talented and brilliant players we have in our galaxy, Mr. Antoine Boyer. Thank you so much, Antoine, for your amazing work!"
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/matteomancuso
Route 96 features appearances from Steve Vai, jazz/ fusion multi-instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov and young Gypsy Jazz exponent Antoine Boyer, who features on 'Isla Feliz,' which has just been released as a single.
"This was the first tune I wrote for the new record," says Matteo. "I wanted to write something Latin influenced using classical guitar, but I ended up using distortion as well.
I had the privilege to collaborate with one of the most talented and brilliant players we have in our galaxy, Mr. Antoine Boyer. Thank you so much, Antoine, for your amazing work!"
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glam-punk goth ’n’ roll outlaws the Gypsy Pistoleros have released the first taste of their most ambitious album yet.
'Dark Faerie Tales' is both the lead single and title track from their forthcoming album, which will be released on 17th April via The New Church Records/ Plastichead Distribution.
Previous album, Church of the Pistoleros, was hailed as one of 2025’s most fearless rock releases.
With Dark Faerie Tales, the band push their genre-defying vision into even darker, grander territory — a glam-goth-punk fever dream, forged in their own twisted mythology.
'Dark Faerie Tales' is both the lead single and title track from their forthcoming album, which will be released on 17th April via The New Church Records/ Plastichead Distribution.
Previous album, Church of the Pistoleros, was hailed as one of 2025’s most fearless rock releases.
With Dark Faerie Tales, the band push their genre-defying vision into even darker, grander territory — a glam-goth-punk fever dream, forged in their own twisted mythology.
Produced by, and co-written once again with Dave Draper (Michael Monroe, Ginger Wildheart, The Wildhearts, Ryan Hamilton, Therapy?, Elvana), Dark Faerie Tales blends sleaze-soaked punk energy with gothic grandeur, flamenco fire, and glam swagger.
Available worldwide & instore on three-colour vinyl, digipak CD, and digital, the release will be accompanied by an initial run of UK tour dates, beginning April 16th at The Underworld in London.
More shows will follow later in the year.
A Fairytale For The Damned…
"Once upon a twisted dusk, in a desert where gods had lost their names, stood the Church of the Pistoleros, built from shattered guitars, broken hearts, and outlaw fire.
It burned… but from the ashes rose a new cult, born of chaos and dreaming in half-remembered hymns.
Now, Gypsy Pistoleros sing under starlight in tangled woods where belief is rhythm, glitter, and spell work; legends in apocalyptic fur, crowned in scars, howling at the dark."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available worldwide & instore on three-colour vinyl, digipak CD, and digital, the release will be accompanied by an initial run of UK tour dates, beginning April 16th at The Underworld in London.
More shows will follow later in the year.
A Fairytale For The Damned…
"Once upon a twisted dusk, in a desert where gods had lost their names, stood the Church of the Pistoleros, built from shattered guitars, broken hearts, and outlaw fire.
It burned… but from the ashes rose a new cult, born of chaos and dreaming in half-remembered hymns.
Now, Gypsy Pistoleros sing under starlight in tangled woods where belief is rhythm, glitter, and spell work; legends in apocalyptic fur, crowned in scars, howling at the dark."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 have already Sold Out for their show at KK's Streel Mill in Wolverhampton and there are limited tickets left for The Garage in Glasgow and the Exchange in Bristol.
Ticket link: https://www.gigantic.com/mason-hill-tickets
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.
Tickets have already Sold Out for their show at KK's Streel Mill in Wolverhampton and there are limited tickets left for The Garage in Glasgow and the Exchange in Bristol.
Ticket link: https://www.gigantic.com/mason-hill-tickets
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."
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."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
British soul and blues singer-songwriter Jo Harman, who has recently felt a renewed pull towards Black American music of the late 60s and early 70s – specifically songs offering powerful commentary on social injustice – has completed a trilogy of such releases with a delicate and compelling rendition of the Ralph MacDonald/ William Salter composition 'Trade Winds.'
The song carries a message that Jo Harman feels profoundly and, frankly, can’t be denied ("the winds are blowing, the choice is all up to you").
The song carries a message that Jo Harman feels profoundly and, frankly, can’t be denied ("the winds are blowing, the choice is all up to you").
'Trade Winds' follows on from Jo Harman’s two similarly framed 2025 covers, 'Someday We’ll All Be Free' (named Record of the Week by multiple radio stations and a Top 5 success in the UK Soul Chart) and 'Don’t Give Up On Me,' which went on to surpass a quarter of a million Spotify plays.
The social injustice 'trilogy' comes ahead of plans to release new original material from 2026 onwards, which may develop into the long-awaited third album from Jo Harman.
Purchase the 'Trade WInds' CD single and previous Jo Harman releases at: https://joharman.com/shop/
Digital download: https://joharman1.bandcamp.com/
"One of the UK's finest talents" - Rag N Bone Man
"When she sings, I, for one, believe her" - Hamish Stuart
"Hearing Jo sing is a spiritual experience" - Michael McDonald
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The social injustice 'trilogy' comes ahead of plans to release new original material from 2026 onwards, which may develop into the long-awaited third album from Jo Harman.
Purchase the 'Trade WInds' CD single and previous Jo Harman releases at: https://joharman.com/shop/
Digital download: https://joharman1.bandcamp.com/
"One of the UK's finest talents" - Rag N Bone Man
"When she sings, I, for one, believe her" - Hamish Stuart
"Hearing Jo sing is a spiritual experience" - Michael McDonald
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finnish goth 'n' rollers The 69 Eyes have announced their signing to BLKIIBLK, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group.
Starting a brand new chapter in their career, and to celebrate, the band have released a brand new song, 'I Survive,' which features, and was co-written by, American guitarist Steve Stevens (best known as Billy Idol's guitarist and songwriting collaborator).
Stream the song here: https://ffm.to/the69eyes-isurvive
Starting a brand new chapter in their career, and to celebrate, the band have released a brand new song, 'I Survive,' which features, and was co-written by, American guitarist Steve Stevens (best known as Billy Idol's guitarist and songwriting collaborator).
Stream the song here: https://ffm.to/the69eyes-isurvive
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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, can be pre-ordered (Vinyl/ CD) here: https://mattlongtributealbum.bigcartel.com/
And as Download: https://epw0uq-0v.myshopify.com/
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, Matt left behind not just a catalogue of powerful songs, but a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path.
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, can be pre-ordered (Vinyl/ CD) here: https://mattlongtributealbum.bigcartel.com/
And as Download: https://epw0uq-0v.myshopify.com/
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, Matt left behind not just a catalogue of powerful songs, but a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path.
For his 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, 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."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noted Canadian roots rock and soul band Bywater Call have released a new single titled 'Only.'
It’s available on all streaming platforms via https://linktr.ee/bywatercall
The song, a "losing a love" soul ballad led by a smooth and passionate vocal from Meghan Parnell, hearkens back to the late 60s and early 70s sweet soul sound, here compete with additional backing vocals from Joanna Mohammed (Aphrose) and Claire Davis.
"Only is a simple, yet emotionally powerful tune," says the band’s guitarist and co-writer Dave Barnes. "It shows off a sweet, softer side of Meg’s usual powerhouse vocals."
It’s available on all streaming platforms via https://linktr.ee/bywatercall
The song, a "losing a love" soul ballad led by a smooth and passionate vocal from Meghan Parnell, hearkens back to the late 60s and early 70s sweet soul sound, here compete with additional backing vocals from Joanna Mohammed (Aphrose) and Claire Davis.
"Only is a simple, yet emotionally powerful tune," says the band’s guitarist and co-writer Dave Barnes. "It shows off a sweet, softer side of Meg’s usual powerhouse vocals."
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 will be on tour in the USA and Canada from January through to April; they will undertake a 24 date European tour in May & June.
More info on full itinerary of dates and ticket links at: www.bywatercall.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 will be on tour in the USA and Canada from January through to April; they will undertake a 24 date European tour in May & June.
More info on full itinerary of dates and ticket links at: www.bywatercall.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern rockers The Georgia Thunderbolts are turning down the stage lights on their journey for a while, with their single 'Overlord - Until We Meet Again.'
Of the hard hitting, riff-driven song and its lyrical impetus, frontman TJ Lyle explains: "Throughout history, we've seen people in power try to achieve their goals, and often it's done in the wrong way. This song sheds some light on that subject. We were put on this earth to love and support each other as brothers and sisters but recently, it seems we've gone our separate ways from that. Let's get back to love, respect, and care.
Seek humanity, not greed."
Of the hard hitting, riff-driven song and its lyrical impetus, frontman TJ Lyle explains: "Throughout history, we've seen people in power try to achieve their goals, and often it's done in the wrong way. This song sheds some light on that subject. We were put on this earth to love and support each other as brothers and sisters but recently, it seems we've gone our separate ways from that. Let's get back to love, respect, and care.
Seek humanity, not greed."
Hailed as the new torchbearers of Southern rock, it hasn't been as glamorous as you might imagine for The Georgia Thunderbolts. It's been hard graft and hard miles, with the realities of touring North America and mainland Europe in 2025 proving to be overwhelming, both financially and personally.
Time away from steady work also took its toll, compounded by TJ Lyle suffering a mild stroke just before they were due to embark on the band’s first UK tour. While now fully recovered, at the time his health, ultimately, had to come first.
When the school friends released their self-titled debut EP on Mascot Records in August 2020, few could have predicted the whirlwind five years that followed for TJ Lyle, Zach Everett (bass), Bristol Perry (drums) and guitarists Riley Couzzourt & Logan Tolbert.
The band quickly found themselves championed by Rolling Stone as proof that "Southern rock continues to thrive in the 21st century," while Classic Rock magazine declared the five-piece as the genre’s "new heroes."
Two albums on Mascot Records – Can We Get A Witness (2021); Rise Above It All (2024) – intertwined with multiple tours across the US and Europe; along the way they played shows with Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, The Outlaws and The Kentucky Headhunters.
As the band takes a hiatus, they part with, "Though our futures may be uncertain, as we know life’s changes can bring, it’s wonderful to see that Mascot Records' belief in our music is still upheld with the release of our single Overlord. We also appreciate all the help and support from our manager, Richard Young.
We never knew how this journey would go, and it certainly exceeded the expectations of five guys from rural Georgia. We have been blessed, and we love you all. Thanks for the memories!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time away from steady work also took its toll, compounded by TJ Lyle suffering a mild stroke just before they were due to embark on the band’s first UK tour. While now fully recovered, at the time his health, ultimately, had to come first.
When the school friends released their self-titled debut EP on Mascot Records in August 2020, few could have predicted the whirlwind five years that followed for TJ Lyle, Zach Everett (bass), Bristol Perry (drums) and guitarists Riley Couzzourt & Logan Tolbert.
The band quickly found themselves championed by Rolling Stone as proof that "Southern rock continues to thrive in the 21st century," while Classic Rock magazine declared the five-piece as the genre’s "new heroes."
Two albums on Mascot Records – Can We Get A Witness (2021); Rise Above It All (2024) – intertwined with multiple tours across the US and Europe; along the way they played shows with Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, The Outlaws and The Kentucky Headhunters.
As the band takes a hiatus, they part with, "Though our futures may be uncertain, as we know life’s changes can bring, it’s wonderful to see that Mascot Records' belief in our music is still upheld with the release of our single Overlord. We also appreciate all the help and support from our manager, Richard Young.
We never knew how this journey would go, and it certainly exceeded the expectations of five guys from rural Georgia. We have been blessed, and we love you all. Thanks for the memories!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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, 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).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American virtuoso rock guitarist Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X, solo) has released an official video to accompany his latest single, 'Show Not Yourself Glad (At The Misfortune of Another).'
The song, which follows previous singles 'Go Not Thither' and 'If You Soak Bread In The Sauce' is lifted from his forthcoming conceptual album, WROC, released 27th February via Music Theories Recordings.
The song, which follows previous singles 'Go Not Thither' and 'If You Soak Bread In The Sauce' is lifted from his forthcoming conceptual album, WROC, released 27th February via Music Theories Recordings.
WROC, which stands for Washington's Rules of Civility, could very well be Paul Gilbert’s most outlandish offering to date.
Using George Washington's Rules of Civility as a conceptual homing beacon, Gilbert has thought well outside the musical box to use an etiquette guide dating to the late 1500s as his main source of inspiration.
"I've never in my life had such a good time writing songs," he admits. "I would look through the rules, sing them out loud and see which ones worked. Sometimes I'd have to flip something around or grab another rule for a bridge, but a lot of these songs are word for word.
"And, if you haven't found a worthy New Year's resolution yet, how about: 'Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another'? This Washington rule is easier than it looks, as it doesn't forbid you from feeling glad at an enemy's misfortune. It just tells you not to show it! This song also contains a second possible New Year's resolution: 'Spit not in the fire.' Happy New Year!"
Paul Gilbert knows a thing or two about which rules to follow, and when to break them.
In Mr. Big, he was responsible for pioneering pop-rock anthems. In Racer X, he pushed the electric guitar to its furthest limits, in a more metallic direction, As a solo artist, he’s traversed both instrumental and vocal-led sonic landscapes that have crossed over from blues, classical and jazz to straight-up rock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using George Washington's Rules of Civility as a conceptual homing beacon, Gilbert has thought well outside the musical box to use an etiquette guide dating to the late 1500s as his main source of inspiration.
"I've never in my life had such a good time writing songs," he admits. "I would look through the rules, sing them out loud and see which ones worked. Sometimes I'd have to flip something around or grab another rule for a bridge, but a lot of these songs are word for word.
"And, if you haven't found a worthy New Year's resolution yet, how about: 'Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another'? This Washington rule is easier than it looks, as it doesn't forbid you from feeling glad at an enemy's misfortune. It just tells you not to show it! This song also contains a second possible New Year's resolution: 'Spit not in the fire.' Happy New Year!"
Paul Gilbert knows a thing or two about which rules to follow, and when to break them.
In Mr. Big, he was responsible for pioneering pop-rock anthems. In Racer X, he pushed the electric guitar to its furthest limits, in a more metallic direction, As a solo artist, he’s traversed both instrumental and vocal-led sonic landscapes that have crossed over from blues, classical and jazz to straight-up rock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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. 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/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
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/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
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).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
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.
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 guitarist 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 vocalist Barry Mills.
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 guitarist 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 vocalist Barry Mills.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"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