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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Creative music duo Starlite & Campbell (aka husband & wife team of Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell) have released an atmospheric and rhythmically haunting interpretation of Tim Buckley and Larry Beckett's much-loved 'Song To The Siren.'
Recorded live at the 'Supertone Sonic Laboratory' analogue recording studio in Portugal, 'Song To The Siren' can be purchased on Bandcamp: https://starlite-campbell.bandcamp.com/track/song-to-the-siren
A song of love, hope and loss, Starlite & Campbell’s version retains the melancholy of the Tim Buckley original, but accentuates the hopeful side of the song’s interpretative lyricism, enhanced by a beautifully sympathetic vocal from Suzy Starlite.
Recorded live at the 'Supertone Sonic Laboratory' analogue recording studio in Portugal, 'Song To The Siren' can be purchased on Bandcamp: https://starlite-campbell.bandcamp.com/track/song-to-the-siren
A song of love, hope and loss, Starlite & Campbell’s version retains the melancholy of the Tim Buckley original, but accentuates the hopeful side of the song’s interpretative lyricism, enhanced by a beautifully sympathetic vocal from Suzy Starlite.
A deeply resonating ballad that means many things to many people, 'Song To The Siren' carries personal and professional significance to Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell respectively, through their understanding of, and respect for, the deep call of the waters...
Suzy tragically lost a childhood friend when she drowned off the coast of Bude in Cornwall.
Simon has led many expeditions as a National Instructor and First-Class Diver of the British Sub Aqua Club. His adventures to the Falkland Islands and St. Kilda earned him the honour of being made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, bestowed on famous explorers such as Livingstone, Stanley, Scott, Shackleton, Hunt, and Hillary.
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Suzy tragically lost a childhood friend when she drowned off the coast of Bude in Cornwall.
Simon has led many expeditions as a National Instructor and First-Class Diver of the British Sub Aqua Club. His adventures to the Falkland Islands and St. Kilda earned him the honour of being made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, bestowed on famous explorers such as Livingstone, Stanley, Scott, Shackleton, Hunt, and Hillary.
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Iconic guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, who will perform together as the SatchVai Band for a run of European and UK dates (listed below) in the summer, have now confirmed the full-band line-up.
Joining the instrumental rock guitarists par excellence are drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn.
"It’s no secret that the chemistry between players will always be the thing that makes them a magical live band, and we’ve found that chemistry with Kenny, Marco, and Pete," says Satriani. "The upcoming shows will focus on not only our respective solo works, but also the music from our new album. We are so excited to get this show on the road and celebrate it with all of our fans!"
Tickets are on sale via: https://comm.tix.to/SatchVaiBand and http://satchvaiband.com
Special Guest on all shows is fretless glass guitar maestro, Ned Evett.
Joining the instrumental rock guitarists par excellence are drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn.
"It’s no secret that the chemistry between players will always be the thing that makes them a magical live band, and we’ve found that chemistry with Kenny, Marco, and Pete," says Satriani. "The upcoming shows will focus on not only our respective solo works, but also the music from our new album. We are so excited to get this show on the road and celebrate it with all of our fans!"
Tickets are on sale via: https://comm.tix.to/SatchVaiBand and http://satchvaiband.com
Special Guest on all shows is fretless glass guitar maestro, Ned Evett.
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai made their first musical collaboration debut in March through the six minute, solo exchanging piece 'The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1.'
Their second collaboration is set to be released just before the European tour.
The SATCHVAI Band featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai : Surfing The Hydra Tour 2025
Uk & European Dates. Special Guest Ned Evett.
June 13 - York, UK - Barbican
June 14 - London, UK - Eventim Apollo
June 17 - Glasgow, UK - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
June 18 - Wolverhampton, UK - Civic Hall
June 19 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
June 21 - Clisson, FR - Hellfest
June 22 - Paris, FR - Palais Des Congres
June 23 - Antwerp, BE - Lotto Arena
June 24 - Amsterdam, NL - Amsterdam Afas
June 26 - Copenhagen, DK - Amager Bio
June 29 - Helsinki, FI - House of Culture
June 30 - Tampere, FI - Tampere Hall
July 2 - Uppsala, SE - Parksnackan
July 3 - Oslo, NO - Sentrum Scene
July 5 - Warsaw, PL - Torwar
July 8 - Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
July 10 - Dusseldorf, DE - Mitsubishi Electric Hall
July 11 - Frankfurt, DE - Jahrhunderthalle
July 12 - Zurich, CH - Volkshaus Zürich
July 13 - Milan, IT - Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
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Their second collaboration is set to be released just before the European tour.
The SATCHVAI Band featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai : Surfing The Hydra Tour 2025
Uk & European Dates. Special Guest Ned Evett.
June 13 - York, UK - Barbican
June 14 - London, UK - Eventim Apollo
June 17 - Glasgow, UK - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
June 18 - Wolverhampton, UK - Civic Hall
June 19 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
June 21 - Clisson, FR - Hellfest
June 22 - Paris, FR - Palais Des Congres
June 23 - Antwerp, BE - Lotto Arena
June 24 - Amsterdam, NL - Amsterdam Afas
June 26 - Copenhagen, DK - Amager Bio
June 29 - Helsinki, FI - House of Culture
June 30 - Tampere, FI - Tampere Hall
July 2 - Uppsala, SE - Parksnackan
July 3 - Oslo, NO - Sentrum Scene
July 5 - Warsaw, PL - Torwar
July 8 - Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
July 10 - Dusseldorf, DE - Mitsubishi Electric Hall
July 11 - Frankfurt, DE - Jahrhunderthalle
July 12 - Zurich, CH - Volkshaus Zürich
July 13 - Milan, IT - Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
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American melodic hard rockers Alliance have announced the release of their highly anticipated new studio album Before Our Eyes.
The album, available from March 28th via Frontiers Music, can be pre-ordered here: https://ffm.to/alliancebeforeoureyes
Of the new album, the band, a melodic supergroup trio of lead singer/ bassist Robert Berry (3, GTR, SixBYSix, solo), guitarist Gary Pihl (Sammy Hagar, Boston) and drummer David Lauser (Sammy Hagar), say: "We are excited to have a new album coming out and to be working with the team at Frontiers. With five Alliance albums released over the last thirty years we are feeling even more creative and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead – in fact we are already hard at work on album seven!"
The first taster from the album, new single 'Tell Somebody,' is available now.
"The song’s narrative applies to everyone of us who have things going on in our lives, that other’s might not see," explain the band. "But the hidden meaning alludes to the divisive climate in the world. An open heart, truth, and clarity, are the goals."
The album, available from March 28th via Frontiers Music, can be pre-ordered here: https://ffm.to/alliancebeforeoureyes
Of the new album, the band, a melodic supergroup trio of lead singer/ bassist Robert Berry (3, GTR, SixBYSix, solo), guitarist Gary Pihl (Sammy Hagar, Boston) and drummer David Lauser (Sammy Hagar), say: "We are excited to have a new album coming out and to be working with the team at Frontiers. With five Alliance albums released over the last thirty years we are feeling even more creative and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead – in fact we are already hard at work on album seven!"
The first taster from the album, new single 'Tell Somebody,' is available now.
"The song’s narrative applies to everyone of us who have things going on in our lives, that other’s might not see," explain the band. "But the hidden meaning alludes to the divisive climate in the world. An open heart, truth, and clarity, are the goals."
Alliance is a three decade collaboration between, originally, Robert Berry, David Lauser, Gary Pihl and keys player Alan "Fitz" Fitgerald.
Early in 1993 Berry received a call from Lauser. They reached out to Fitzgerald and gathered at Sammy Hagar's studio in Mill Valley to work through songs from their demos.
According to a witness, "there was an immediate connection; everybody in the room could feel it. The vibe was powerful and inspiring." They immediately recognized the common thread that, along with Gary Phil, would feed their creativity, and signature Alliance style, for nigh on thirty years and albums Bond Of Union (1996), Alliance (1997), Missing Piece (1999), Destination Known (2007), Road To Heaven (2008) and Fire And Grace (2018).
Today, Alliance continues to solidify and bolster their long-distance collaborations.
Though the scheduling remains challenging, their passion and commitment remains energized, always striving to surpass each previous release.
They have thus earned a loyal, very patient, and ever-growing fan base over the years that will enjoy, and embrace Before Our Eyes.
Alliance website: https://alliance.band/
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Early in 1993 Berry received a call from Lauser. They reached out to Fitzgerald and gathered at Sammy Hagar's studio in Mill Valley to work through songs from their demos.
According to a witness, "there was an immediate connection; everybody in the room could feel it. The vibe was powerful and inspiring." They immediately recognized the common thread that, along with Gary Phil, would feed their creativity, and signature Alliance style, for nigh on thirty years and albums Bond Of Union (1996), Alliance (1997), Missing Piece (1999), Destination Known (2007), Road To Heaven (2008) and Fire And Grace (2018).
Today, Alliance continues to solidify and bolster their long-distance collaborations.
Though the scheduling remains challenging, their passion and commitment remains energized, always striving to surpass each previous release.
They have thus earned a loyal, very patient, and ever-growing fan base over the years that will enjoy, and embrace Before Our Eyes.
Alliance website: https://alliance.band/
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The Gypsy Pistoleros have released a new single entitled 'Whatever Happened to the Old Town.'
Stream the single here: https://earache.lnk.to/whateverhappenedtotheoldtown
The song is the third single to be lifted from the Gypsy Pistoleros forthcoming album, Church of the Pistoleros, which will be released on the 2nd May, and available through Earache Records.
(Additionally, Cargo Records will distribute CD & Vinyl versions via HMV & all good Indie Record Stores).
'Whatever Happened to the Old Town,' which musically shifts from reflective ballad to punk romp, lyrically wrestles with the nostalgia of returning to your roots. It’s about reconciling the decaying memories of the past with the person you fought to become, realizing that while the old town may feel like a broken relic of time, it is an inseparable part of who you are.
"For anyone who’s ever looked back to where it all began, this is your anthem."
Stream the single here: https://earache.lnk.to/whateverhappenedtotheoldtown
The song is the third single to be lifted from the Gypsy Pistoleros forthcoming album, Church of the Pistoleros, which will be released on the 2nd May, and available through Earache Records.
(Additionally, Cargo Records will distribute CD & Vinyl versions via HMV & all good Indie Record Stores).
'Whatever Happened to the Old Town,' which musically shifts from reflective ballad to punk romp, lyrically wrestles with the nostalgia of returning to your roots. It’s about reconciling the decaying memories of the past with the person you fought to become, realizing that while the old town may feel like a broken relic of time, it is an inseparable part of who you are.
"For anyone who’s ever looked back to where it all began, this is your anthem."
Gypsy Pistoleros are a band that refuses to conform.
Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. Defying traditional genres, the band stand as one of the most individual and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.
With a sound that spans a vast musical landscape -- from high-energy glam punk and flamenco & Latin infused rock to 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.
Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros UK Tour Dates 2025
(with special guests The Outlaw Orchestra)
Fri 11th April – Decadent Destruction, Sheffield
Fri 18th April – The Old Cold Store, Nottingham
Sat 19th April – The Bunkhouse, Swansea
Thurs 24th April – Trillians, Newcastle
Fri 25th April – Bannermans, Edinburgh
Sat 26th April – The Dreadnought, Bathgate
Thurs 1st May – The Waterloo, Blackpool
Fri 2nd May – The Marrs Bar, Worcester (Hometown Album Release Show)
Sat 3rd May – The Junction, Plymouth
Friday 9th May the Melbourn Rock Club, Cambridge
Sat 10th May – The Black Heart, London
The Gypsy Pistoleros are:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vocals; Kerry Pistolero White – Bass, backing vocals
Shane Pistolero Sparkz – Guitar, backing vocals; Chris Pistolero Hopton – Drums
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Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. Defying traditional genres, the band stand as one of the most individual and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.
With a sound that spans a vast musical landscape -- from high-energy glam punk and flamenco & Latin infused rock to 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.
Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros UK Tour Dates 2025
(with special guests The Outlaw Orchestra)
Fri 11th April – Decadent Destruction, Sheffield
Fri 18th April – The Old Cold Store, Nottingham
Sat 19th April – The Bunkhouse, Swansea
Thurs 24th April – Trillians, Newcastle
Fri 25th April – Bannermans, Edinburgh
Sat 26th April – The Dreadnought, Bathgate
Thurs 1st May – The Waterloo, Blackpool
Fri 2nd May – The Marrs Bar, Worcester (Hometown Album Release Show)
Sat 3rd May – The Junction, Plymouth
Friday 9th May the Melbourn Rock Club, Cambridge
Sat 10th May – The Black Heart, London
The Gypsy Pistoleros are:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vocals; Kerry Pistolero White – Bass, backing vocals
Shane Pistolero Sparkz – Guitar, backing vocals; Chris Pistolero Hopton – Drums
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Blues-rock-Americana styled songstress Joanne Shaw Taylor has announced the upcoming release of her latest album, Black & Gold.
The album, her tenth studio offering, will drop June 6th via Journeyman Records.
Pre-order the album in various formats here:
https://shop.joanneshawtaylor.com/collections/black-gold
In a continuing run of taster singles, the British singer-guitarist-songwriter recently released the track 'Grayer Shade Of Blue,' which is available on all digital platforms, here: https://ffm.to/mx2vn2y
"I decided I wanted to use some of my writing on this album to put to bed something that has been bothering me," says Joanne.
"This song is about a close friendship I had for over a decade that ended suddenly. I’ve never known why.
The person just stopped communicating with me, which made me very sad.
This song was my attempt to give myself some closure on the situation as evidently, none will be given to me otherwise. I’m very happy now to close that chapter in my life but still be able to cherish memories."
The album, her tenth studio offering, will drop June 6th via Journeyman Records.
Pre-order the album in various formats here:
https://shop.joanneshawtaylor.com/collections/black-gold
In a continuing run of taster singles, the British singer-guitarist-songwriter recently released the track 'Grayer Shade Of Blue,' which is available on all digital platforms, here: https://ffm.to/mx2vn2y
"I decided I wanted to use some of my writing on this album to put to bed something that has been bothering me," says Joanne.
"This song is about a close friendship I had for over a decade that ended suddenly. I’ve never known why.
The person just stopped communicating with me, which made me very sad.
This song was my attempt to give myself some closure on the situation as evidently, none will be given to me otherwise. I’m very happy now to close that chapter in my life but still be able to cherish memories."
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Daryl Hall will play five dates in the UK as part of a 12 show spring tour that takes place through March, April and May. Special Guest on all shows is Glen Tilbrook of Squeeze.
Tickets go on General Sale from Friday 24th January at: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/daryl-hall
Tickets go on General Sale from Friday 24th January at: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/daryl-hall
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Danish roots-rock octet Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado will release their new album, House of Sticks, on 31st January via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/Risager
As a final taster, the band have released a fourth single from the album, 'Climbed a Mountain.'
A groove-driven number led by an infectious rock riff and featuring funky horn instrumentation and Thorbjørn Risager's characteristic, smoky vocals, 'Climbed A Mountain' lyrically provides a powerful insight into the challenges we all face as humans.
As a final taster, the band have released a fourth single from the album, 'Climbed a Mountain.'
A groove-driven number led by an infectious rock riff and featuring funky horn instrumentation and Thorbjørn Risager's characteristic, smoky vocals, 'Climbed A Mountain' lyrically provides a powerful insight into the challenges we all face as humans.
Ninth studio album House of Sticks was recorded between April and June 2024 at Medley Studios and MillFactory NuVenue Studios in Copenhagen.
It was produced by Thorbjørn Risager & Søren Bøjgaard, with additional production by Joachim Svensmark.
Over the last two decades Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have spent nine to ten months a year on the road. They've graced stages in the valleys and mountain regions of Switzerland, circumnavigated Germany, France and The Netherlands, performed across, and through, Croatia, Greece, Spain, the UK and performed as far afield as the US, Canada and India.
They've played every type of show from cruise ships and smoky jazz bars to large theatres and the biggest festival stages.
They've opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band and picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself, Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their Hot rhythm and blues.
Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are:
Thorbjørn Risager – lead vocals, guitars
Emil Balsgaard – piano, organ, Wurlitzer, mellotron, clavinet
Joachim Svensmark – guitars, keys, viola, backing vocals, drum programming
Kasper Wagner – alto and baritone saxophones, flute
Hans Nybo – tenor saxophone
Peter W Kehl – trumpet, fluegelhorn, sousaphone, trombone
Søren Bøjgaard – bass, synthesizer, bass synthesizer, guitars, piano
Martin Seidelin – drums, percussion
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It was produced by Thorbjørn Risager & Søren Bøjgaard, with additional production by Joachim Svensmark.
Over the last two decades Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have spent nine to ten months a year on the road. They've graced stages in the valleys and mountain regions of Switzerland, circumnavigated Germany, France and The Netherlands, performed across, and through, Croatia, Greece, Spain, the UK and performed as far afield as the US, Canada and India.
They've played every type of show from cruise ships and smoky jazz bars to large theatres and the biggest festival stages.
They've opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band and picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself, Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their Hot rhythm and blues.
Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are:
Thorbjørn Risager – lead vocals, guitars
Emil Balsgaard – piano, organ, Wurlitzer, mellotron, clavinet
Joachim Svensmark – guitars, keys, viola, backing vocals, drum programming
Kasper Wagner – alto and baritone saxophones, flute
Hans Nybo – tenor saxophone
Peter W Kehl – trumpet, fluegelhorn, sousaphone, trombone
Søren Bøjgaard – bass, synthesizer, bass synthesizer, guitars, piano
Martin Seidelin – drums, percussion
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Dim Gray, the creative Norwegian band known for their cinematic, atmospheric sound that fuses rock, folk, and chamber pop, will release their third studio album Shards on 28th February.
The album follows the evocative soundscapes of their second studio album, Firmament, and recently released live EP Live In Europe 2023.
The album has been preceded by, first, the upbeat shimmer of 'Peril' (Prog Magazine’s track of the week) and, now, the bitterwseet, emotive and atmospheric 'Feathers.'
"I wrote Feathers when I was 20," says vocalist / keyboardist Oskar Holldorff. "Back then I thought it was the best song I had written, but it didn’t match with what we were trying to do with Dim Gray.
However, I revisited the song a couple years ago and tried to rework it into a more streamlined track, while preserving its original spirit. The band really brought the song to life; and the size of the choruses and bridge really shows the punch we now pack as a five-piece."
The album follows the evocative soundscapes of their second studio album, Firmament, and recently released live EP Live In Europe 2023.
The album has been preceded by, first, the upbeat shimmer of 'Peril' (Prog Magazine’s track of the week) and, now, the bitterwseet, emotive and atmospheric 'Feathers.'
"I wrote Feathers when I was 20," says vocalist / keyboardist Oskar Holldorff. "Back then I thought it was the best song I had written, but it didn’t match with what we were trying to do with Dim Gray.
However, I revisited the song a couple years ago and tried to rework it into a more streamlined track, while preserving its original spirit. The band really brought the song to life; and the size of the choruses and bridge really shows the punch we now pack as a five-piece."
Dim Gray’s sound merges folk influences with a forward-thinking aesthetic, evoking a unique blend of Radiohead’s experimental edge and Fleet Foxes’ pastoral warmth.
A wide and ever-changing palette of sounds and ideas is rooted in the constants of aching vocals and echoing guitar melodies. The quintet explores themes of nature, isolation, and self-reflection through richly layered instrumentation and vivid storytelling.
Formed by Håkon Høiberg (guitars, vocals), Tom Ian Klungland (drums), Oskar Holldorff (vocals, keys) and former member Robin Kirknes (bass), the band added new members Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) and Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keys) in 2023.
The band have established a strong live presence, captivated audiences while supporting renowned acts such as Marillion and Big Big Train.
As regards the new album and its title, Oskar Holldorff comments: "Seven of the nine songs are about change, upheaval, severance; something shattering to pieces. Although most of the songs are sad or dramatic, some have a tinge of hopefulness, as sometimes the pieces of something shattered can be rearranged in different and better ways. These seven songs are bookended by two songs that deal with the opposite; a constant stasis, an unending struggle of two opposing kinds that are reflections of the band members’ personalities."
Shards will be available as a CD, Black and Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl, Bandcamp download, and streaming.
Pre-order (UK & Europe): https://burningshed.com/store/english-electric-recordings
Pre-order (North America): https://thebandwagonusa.com/en-gb/collections/dim-gray
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A wide and ever-changing palette of sounds and ideas is rooted in the constants of aching vocals and echoing guitar melodies. The quintet explores themes of nature, isolation, and self-reflection through richly layered instrumentation and vivid storytelling.
Formed by Håkon Høiberg (guitars, vocals), Tom Ian Klungland (drums), Oskar Holldorff (vocals, keys) and former member Robin Kirknes (bass), the band added new members Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) and Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keys) in 2023.
The band have established a strong live presence, captivated audiences while supporting renowned acts such as Marillion and Big Big Train.
As regards the new album and its title, Oskar Holldorff comments: "Seven of the nine songs are about change, upheaval, severance; something shattering to pieces. Although most of the songs are sad or dramatic, some have a tinge of hopefulness, as sometimes the pieces of something shattered can be rearranged in different and better ways. These seven songs are bookended by two songs that deal with the opposite; a constant stasis, an unending struggle of two opposing kinds that are reflections of the band members’ personalities."
Shards will be available as a CD, Black and Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl, Bandcamp download, and streaming.
Pre-order (UK & Europe): https://burningshed.com/store/english-electric-recordings
Pre-order (North America): https://thebandwagonusa.com/en-gb/collections/dim-gray
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Anglo-Dutch experimental rock band The Legendary Pink Dots, who formed in 1980 and helmed by co-founder and frontman Edward Ka-Spel, have just released a new album So Lonely In Heaven, which is available on 2LP, CD and Digital.
The Legendary Pink Dots will be promoting So Lonely In Heaven with a European tour commencing 29th January. Dates and ticket information can be found here: https://legendarypinkdots.org/tour-dates/
Of the album/ music, Edward Ka-Spel says "Way, way back, in the early days, I used to say a lot about 'The Terminal Kaleidoscope,' a concept comparing the fragile planet we live on to a drowning human being with life flashing before his or her eyes, the images constantly accelerating.
Now It's 2025, two-and-a-half decades since the turn of this unbearably turbulent century, and the concept appears to have become an unlikely soap opera where we are the cast. Let's hang in there!"
The Legendary Pink Dots will be promoting So Lonely In Heaven with a European tour commencing 29th January. Dates and ticket information can be found here: https://legendarypinkdots.org/tour-dates/
Of the album/ music, Edward Ka-Spel says "Way, way back, in the early days, I used to say a lot about 'The Terminal Kaleidoscope,' a concept comparing the fragile planet we live on to a drowning human being with life flashing before his or her eyes, the images constantly accelerating.
Now It's 2025, two-and-a-half decades since the turn of this unbearably turbulent century, and the concept appears to have become an unlikely soap opera where we are the cast. Let's hang in there!"
The music made by The Legendary Pink Dots has incorporated elements of neo-psychedelia, ambient, electronic, tape & noise music, psychedelic folk, synthpop, post-punk, progressive jazz, pop, goth and alternative rock… occasionally all at the same time.
Often likened to an industrial version of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, it was artists such as early-era David Bowie, The Residents, Can, Faust and musique concrete composers such as Pierre Henry who bigger influences on the Dots (indeed, the lengthy fever dream-like sonic expeditions that litter the band’s catalogue have often received the greatest praise).
The group currently comprises Edward Ka-Spel (vocals, keyboards, songwriter), Erik Drost (guitars), Randall Frazier (keyboards, electronics) and Joep Hendrikx (live electronics).
Operating outside the mainstream, their discography consists of 40+ studio albums and they have amassed a devoted following worldwide, touring frequently to promote their releases.
The majority of the band’s extensive back catalogue, as well as Ka-Spel’s solo work, his collaborations with Steve Stapleton (Nurse With Wound) and Amanda Palmer (who has often cited The Legendary Pink Dots as her favourite band) and as part of electronic duo The Tear Garden, can be purchased via the band’s Bandcamp page:
https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/
What the critics are saying about So Lonely In Heaven
"Surreal, startling and absorbing, they’ve produced an album which stands as a career best."
- The Midlands Rocks
"There are many wonderful moments hiding in the shadows of every track. This album begs repeated plays to fully discover all of them" - Outsideleft
"Mellow, almost poppy, slightly psychedelic space rock. Likeable future-pop maybe?" - The Organ
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Often likened to an industrial version of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, it was artists such as early-era David Bowie, The Residents, Can, Faust and musique concrete composers such as Pierre Henry who bigger influences on the Dots (indeed, the lengthy fever dream-like sonic expeditions that litter the band’s catalogue have often received the greatest praise).
The group currently comprises Edward Ka-Spel (vocals, keyboards, songwriter), Erik Drost (guitars), Randall Frazier (keyboards, electronics) and Joep Hendrikx (live electronics).
Operating outside the mainstream, their discography consists of 40+ studio albums and they have amassed a devoted following worldwide, touring frequently to promote their releases.
The majority of the band’s extensive back catalogue, as well as Ka-Spel’s solo work, his collaborations with Steve Stapleton (Nurse With Wound) and Amanda Palmer (who has often cited The Legendary Pink Dots as her favourite band) and as part of electronic duo The Tear Garden, can be purchased via the band’s Bandcamp page:
https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/
What the critics are saying about So Lonely In Heaven
"Surreal, startling and absorbing, they’ve produced an album which stands as a career best."
- The Midlands Rocks
"There are many wonderful moments hiding in the shadows of every track. This album begs repeated plays to fully discover all of them" - Outsideleft
"Mellow, almost poppy, slightly psychedelic space rock. Likeable future-pop maybe?" - The Organ
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Some of the biggest names on the UK Blues scene are coming together in a special one-day festival to celebrate the history of British Blues and raise money for a great, charitable cause.
The legendary Dr Feelgood, Paul Jones, Mollie Marriott, and many others will be performing as part of MILKFEST '25 at the Indigo at The O2 on Sunday 23rd February, all to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.
The concert is the idea of UK blues band The Milk Men, who will open the festival; Manfred Mann legend Paul Jones will compere the event, as well as performing with his blues buddy Dave Kelly.
Also on the bill will be UK Top 10 albums act When Rivers Meet, the Cinelli Brothers and Jo Harman, who will perform an exclusive tribute to the women in UK blues, soul and more.
Latest 'Special Guest' addition to the event is young blues gun Toby Lee, who appeared on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny on New Year’s Eve; he was such a hit that his latest album House On Fire went straight to the top of the blues charts days later.
Lockdown blues star Todd Sharpville and the multi-talented Thomas Heppell have also been added to the bill in cameo appearances.
Milkfest will run from 3pm to 11pm, with a special readmission policy allowing ticketholders to pass in and out of the venue leaving them free to enjoy the O2's restaurants, bars and shops throughout the day.
Milk Men guitarist and event organiser Adam Norsworthy said "The British Blues scene is very healthy and vibrant at the moment. We want to celebrate the music in all its different forms by bringing together some of the best acts we have seen and played with over the years, for a good cause.
Brain Tumour funding is criminally low for a disease which is tragically taking more lives – many of them under 40. We are keen to raise awareness of this issue at the same time as celebrating this wonderful music."
Claire Howells from the Brain Tumour Charity added: "Some incredible performers are throwing their musical weight behind Milkfest '25 and we’re extremely grateful for their support.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this.
Through the efforts of all those working towards Milkfest we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year."
The legendary Dr Feelgood, Paul Jones, Mollie Marriott, and many others will be performing as part of MILKFEST '25 at the Indigo at The O2 on Sunday 23rd February, all to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.
The concert is the idea of UK blues band The Milk Men, who will open the festival; Manfred Mann legend Paul Jones will compere the event, as well as performing with his blues buddy Dave Kelly.
Also on the bill will be UK Top 10 albums act When Rivers Meet, the Cinelli Brothers and Jo Harman, who will perform an exclusive tribute to the women in UK blues, soul and more.
Latest 'Special Guest' addition to the event is young blues gun Toby Lee, who appeared on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny on New Year’s Eve; he was such a hit that his latest album House On Fire went straight to the top of the blues charts days later.
Lockdown blues star Todd Sharpville and the multi-talented Thomas Heppell have also been added to the bill in cameo appearances.
Milkfest will run from 3pm to 11pm, with a special readmission policy allowing ticketholders to pass in and out of the venue leaving them free to enjoy the O2's restaurants, bars and shops throughout the day.
Milk Men guitarist and event organiser Adam Norsworthy said "The British Blues scene is very healthy and vibrant at the moment. We want to celebrate the music in all its different forms by bringing together some of the best acts we have seen and played with over the years, for a good cause.
Brain Tumour funding is criminally low for a disease which is tragically taking more lives – many of them under 40. We are keen to raise awareness of this issue at the same time as celebrating this wonderful music."
Claire Howells from the Brain Tumour Charity added: "Some incredible performers are throwing their musical weight behind Milkfest '25 and we’re extremely grateful for their support.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this.
Through the efforts of all those working towards Milkfest we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year."
Richard Dunning from the UK Blues Federation says of the event: "Once again the UK blues community comes together to show their commitment to doing good.
The UK Blues Federation are delighted to be involved in this event and for such a worthy cause."
Every two hours someone in the UK is diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Brain tumours continue to kill more children and people under 40 than any other cancer, yet brain tumour research represents just 1.37% of national spend on cancer.
Tickets are on sale from the venue and the following link: https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/milkfest-25-indigo2-18892377/?affiliate=3AA
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The UK Blues Federation are delighted to be involved in this event and for such a worthy cause."
Every two hours someone in the UK is diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Brain tumours continue to kill more children and people under 40 than any other cancer, yet brain tumour research represents just 1.37% of national spend on cancer.
Tickets are on sale from the venue and the following link: https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/milkfest-25-indigo2-18892377/?affiliate=3AA
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British blues harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde has released new single entitled 'Trouble Of That Girl.'
A contemporary twist on the traditional spiritual song 'Trouble Of The World,' Wilde has reimagined it as a blues boogie accompanied by his signature harmonica playing.
"I wanted to take a traditional gospel song and give it a fresh perspective, like Willie Dixon did with 'My Babe' or Ray Charles did with 'I’ve Got A Woman,' changing the lyrics to make it about a girl instead of God" says Will. "Lyrically it’s about making the decision to leave a toxic relationship and move on to better things."
'Trouble Of That Girl' is the third single to be lifted from Will Wilde's upcoming solo album Blues Is Still Alive, set for release on February 28th via Vizz Tone Records.
"I think Blues Is Still Alive is my finest work to date," sontinues Will. "When I set out to write these songs, I wanted to create an album of straight-up blues material but with the same intensity you'd find on a Walter Trout or Gary Moore blues album. I think we've achieved that."
A contemporary twist on the traditional spiritual song 'Trouble Of The World,' Wilde has reimagined it as a blues boogie accompanied by his signature harmonica playing.
"I wanted to take a traditional gospel song and give it a fresh perspective, like Willie Dixon did with 'My Babe' or Ray Charles did with 'I’ve Got A Woman,' changing the lyrics to make it about a girl instead of God" says Will. "Lyrically it’s about making the decision to leave a toxic relationship and move on to better things."
'Trouble Of That Girl' is the third single to be lifted from Will Wilde's upcoming solo album Blues Is Still Alive, set for release on February 28th via Vizz Tone Records.
"I think Blues Is Still Alive is my finest work to date," sontinues Will. "When I set out to write these songs, I wanted to create an album of straight-up blues material but with the same intensity you'd find on a Walter Trout or Gary Moore blues album. I think we've achieved that."
Will Wilde, known for his dynamic stage presence and masterful technique, has garnered international acclaim as one of the world’s top harmonica players.
In a recent interview with FabricationsHQ, Walter Trout said "Will is the best blues harmonica player on the planet, in my opinion… he couples incredible technical ability with deep emotion and passion, and heart and soul. He’s like Paul Butterfield in that regard, but with this incredible technique, which he’s using for self-expression; he’s not out to try and impress you; he gets into your heart and soul, and your gut."
Walter Trout’s guest appearance on Will Wilde's previous single, the album's title track 'Blues Is Still Alive,' is also a case of Walter returning the collaborative complement – Will played harmonica on Trout’s harp blowin’ boogie number 'Bleed,' which features on Trout’s latest album Broken.
Pre-save the new album via: https://lnk.to/WillWBISAalbum CD/Vinyl Pre-order: https://willwilde.shop/
Will Wilde - Confirmed 2025 Dates
26th January - 229, London
1st March - Blues At Barleylands, Billericay
4th March - 100 Club London, ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
5th March - Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth
6th March - Eel Pie Club, Twickenham
7th March - Library Theatre, Leighton Buzzard
13th March - Login Lounge, Camberley
15th March - Coolham Live Music Club, West Sussex
21st March - The Carlisle, Hastings
22nd March - Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
23rd March - Temperance, Leamington Spa
24th March - The Tree House, Frome
25th March - The Bear Club, Luton
9th May - Emsworth Live Music Club, Emsworth
16th May - Crookham Memorial Hall, Crookham
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In a recent interview with FabricationsHQ, Walter Trout said "Will is the best blues harmonica player on the planet, in my opinion… he couples incredible technical ability with deep emotion and passion, and heart and soul. He’s like Paul Butterfield in that regard, but with this incredible technique, which he’s using for self-expression; he’s not out to try and impress you; he gets into your heart and soul, and your gut."
Walter Trout’s guest appearance on Will Wilde's previous single, the album's title track 'Blues Is Still Alive,' is also a case of Walter returning the collaborative complement – Will played harmonica on Trout’s harp blowin’ boogie number 'Bleed,' which features on Trout’s latest album Broken.
Pre-save the new album via: https://lnk.to/WillWBISAalbum CD/Vinyl Pre-order: https://willwilde.shop/
Will Wilde - Confirmed 2025 Dates
26th January - 229, London
1st March - Blues At Barleylands, Billericay
4th March - 100 Club London, ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
5th March - Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth
6th March - Eel Pie Club, Twickenham
7th March - Library Theatre, Leighton Buzzard
13th March - Login Lounge, Camberley
15th March - Coolham Live Music Club, West Sussex
21st March - The Carlisle, Hastings
22nd March - Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
23rd March - Temperance, Leamington Spa
24th March - The Tree House, Frome
25th March - The Bear Club, Luton
9th May - Emsworth Live Music Club, Emsworth
16th May - Crookham Memorial Hall, Crookham
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Luminary rock keyboardist Don Airey will release his latest studio album Pushed to the Edge on March 28th on CD (Digipak), 2LP Vinyl and Digital formats.
As a taster, high energy rawk and roll track 'Tell Me' has been made available as a streaming track on all major platforms: https://donairey.lnk.to/tellme
The song is also an instant gratification track with all download pre-orders of the album.
As a taster, high energy rawk and roll track 'Tell Me' has been made available as a streaming track on all major platforms: https://donairey.lnk.to/tellme
The song is also an instant gratification track with all download pre-orders of the album.
Don Airey is one of the most recorded keyboardists of all time, with over 300 albums featuring his unmistakable sound.
He has played, collaborated, or recorded with nearly every big name or band in rock and roll, from Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore and Brian May to Rainbow, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath and, of course, Deep Purple, with whom Airey has served as keyboardist for over twenty years.
Joining Don Airey on the new album are Carl Sentance (Nazareth) and Mitchell Emms (The Voice UK) on vocals, Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride, drummer Jon Finnigan and bassist Dave Marks.
Produced in the finest Hard Rock tradition, Pushed to the Edge avoids tricks, frills and shortcuts, offering raw rock and roll and high energy.
Pre-order/ pre-save the album here: https://donairey.lnk.to/PTTEID
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He has played, collaborated, or recorded with nearly every big name or band in rock and roll, from Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore and Brian May to Rainbow, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath and, of course, Deep Purple, with whom Airey has served as keyboardist for over twenty years.
Joining Don Airey on the new album are Carl Sentance (Nazareth) and Mitchell Emms (The Voice UK) on vocals, Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride, drummer Jon Finnigan and bassist Dave Marks.
Produced in the finest Hard Rock tradition, Pushed to the Edge avoids tricks, frills and shortcuts, offering raw rock and roll and high energy.
Pre-order/ pre-save the album here: https://donairey.lnk.to/PTTEID
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Following their Acoustic Duo support for Beth Hart in November of last year (and upcoming dates in February), diversified roots rock band Wille And The Bandits will be back out on the road in full band form for a headline UK Tour in March, plus one date in May.
Tickets for all dates (see tour poster below) are on sale now at https://www.willeandthebandits.com/
Special guests for the UK Tour (depending on tour date) will be Shropshire singer-songwriter Dan Owen ("A phenomenal talent" - Mick Fleetwood) and Cornwall-based musician and singer James Dixon ("A soul brother… got his fingers in the mud." - Seasick Steve).
Wille and the Bandits have been praised by critics and rock legends alike for their electrifying performances and innovative sound. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, the band seamlessly move between riff-laden rock and acoustic-driven to emotive soundscapes and roots blues.
Their dynamic use of string arrangements, oscillating delays and lap steel guitar solos give their music a cinematic depth, while their rhythmic grooves and impassioned vocal phrasing evoke the spirit of the John Butler Trio.
Tickets for all dates (see tour poster below) are on sale now at https://www.willeandthebandits.com/
Special guests for the UK Tour (depending on tour date) will be Shropshire singer-songwriter Dan Owen ("A phenomenal talent" - Mick Fleetwood) and Cornwall-based musician and singer James Dixon ("A soul brother… got his fingers in the mud." - Seasick Steve).
Wille and the Bandits have been praised by critics and rock legends alike for their electrifying performances and innovative sound. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, the band seamlessly move between riff-laden rock and acoustic-driven to emotive soundscapes and roots blues.
Their dynamic use of string arrangements, oscillating delays and lap steel guitar solos give their music a cinematic depth, while their rhythmic grooves and impassioned vocal phrasing evoke the spirit of the John Butler Trio.
Wille and the Bandits have shared stages with iconic acts such as Deep Purple, Status Quo, Joe Bonamassa, The John Butler Trio and Warren Haynes.
Notable Festival appearances include the Isle of Wight Festival, BosPop in the Netherlands, Germany’s Fusion Festival and the USA’s Playing with Fire, to name but four. They also headlined a critically acclaimed show at the Iridium on Broadway in NYC in 2019.
Touring extensively across Europe, the USA, and Australia, Wille and the Bandits continue to capture the imagination of audiences with a genre-defying sound that puts them at the forefront of modern blues rock.
"Wille is a superb slide player, I love what these guys are doing" - Joe Bonamassa
"One of the best live acts in the country" - Daily Telegraph
"This phenomenal band produce intoxicating music that pulls you in, until you become drunk in the sound"
- Blues In Britain
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Notable Festival appearances include the Isle of Wight Festival, BosPop in the Netherlands, Germany’s Fusion Festival and the USA’s Playing with Fire, to name but four. They also headlined a critically acclaimed show at the Iridium on Broadway in NYC in 2019.
Touring extensively across Europe, the USA, and Australia, Wille and the Bandits continue to capture the imagination of audiences with a genre-defying sound that puts them at the forefront of modern blues rock.
"Wille is a superb slide player, I love what these guys are doing" - Joe Bonamassa
"One of the best live acts in the country" - Daily Telegraph
"This phenomenal band produce intoxicating music that pulls you in, until you become drunk in the sound"
- Blues In Britain
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Southern California roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck recently released a new single entitled 'Ashes In The Snow.' Stream here: https://ffm.to/gom9q0q
The song, produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and co-written with renowned Nashville songwriter and performer H. Jack Williams, is "about keeping a relationship together and not letting it crumble or turn to ash, knowing that love is the most important thing," explains frontman Robert Jon Burrison.
"We wrote this in the fall of 2023 during a session with H. Jack Williams," continues guitarist James Henry.
It was also one of the first songs we put together for our sessions with Dave Cobb. When we started recording, Dave, who plays rhythm guitar on the song, suggested adjustments to the arrangement, lending a feeling of spontaneity to the track. The result is something fresh and exciting that we’re incredibly proud of."
The song, produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and co-written with renowned Nashville songwriter and performer H. Jack Williams, is "about keeping a relationship together and not letting it crumble or turn to ash, knowing that love is the most important thing," explains frontman Robert Jon Burrison.
"We wrote this in the fall of 2023 during a session with H. Jack Williams," continues guitarist James Henry.
It was also one of the first songs we put together for our sessions with Dave Cobb. When we started recording, Dave, who plays rhythm guitar on the song, suggested adjustments to the arrangement, lending a feeling of spontaneity to the track. The result is something fresh and exciting that we’re incredibly proud of."
Robert Jon & The Wreck will be back in Europe & the UK in April and May (see the ten UK dates below).
Tickets for all shows available from: https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
Tickets for all shows available from: https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
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Blues-rock guitarist-singer-songwriter Laurence Jones has just embarked on one of his largest ever run of headline UK dates, which will take him throguh to May.
The tour, which sees AGMP working with the Music Venues Trust (MVT), will see Jones and his band play twenty-nine shows at some of the finest grass-roots, independent music venues in the UK, including two shows in Wales and four in Scotland.
There will also be two Non-MTV dates, at Faversham and Beverley (see tour poster below)
Tickets are onsale at: https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/
Support acts across the tour dates have also recently been announced.
Irish Grunge trio Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra will play at Bury St Edmunds, Leeds, Manchester, Birkenhead;
UK blues/Americana singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Killner will perform solo acoustic sets at Cannock, St Leonards, Norwich, Darwen, and all Scottish dates;
Guitarist & music educator Danny Giles will perform at Shoreham-By-Sea, Truro, Frome, Chislehurst, Faversham, Surrey, Selby, Beverley, Lincoln, Swansea, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Dover;
Devon-based rock-trio Firekind will play a support set at Exeter.
The tour, which sees AGMP working with the Music Venues Trust (MVT), will see Jones and his band play twenty-nine shows at some of the finest grass-roots, independent music venues in the UK, including two shows in Wales and four in Scotland.
There will also be two Non-MTV dates, at Faversham and Beverley (see tour poster below)
Tickets are onsale at: https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/
Support acts across the tour dates have also recently been announced.
Irish Grunge trio Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra will play at Bury St Edmunds, Leeds, Manchester, Birkenhead;
UK blues/Americana singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Killner will perform solo acoustic sets at Cannock, St Leonards, Norwich, Darwen, and all Scottish dates;
Guitarist & music educator Danny Giles will perform at Shoreham-By-Sea, Truro, Frome, Chislehurst, Faversham, Surrey, Selby, Beverley, Lincoln, Swansea, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Dover;
Devon-based rock-trio Firekind will play a support set at Exeter.
MVT Cohorts, organised by Music Venue Trust, is a new initiative aiming to combat the shrinking tour circuit.
Increased costs of touring, including fuel, accommodation and transport, and uncertainty about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ticket sales, are forcing artists, agents and managers to reduce the financial risks associated with playing extensive nationwide tours.
As a result, tours are focusing on major cities and missing out grassroot music venues in hundreds of towns, rural areas and smaller cities across the country; this means a huge number of fans are no longer able to see their favourite artists, or discover new ones, without travelling to the major cities.
The MVT Cohorts project will underwrite the costs of the shows, ensuring that both the artists and venues receive a guaranteed fee; this allows the artists to diversify their tours and play outside the major cities and the venues to programme diverse and varied gigs.
Created in 2014, Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK’s Grassroots music venues. MVT also speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK.
Website: www.musicvenuetrust.com
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Increased costs of touring, including fuel, accommodation and transport, and uncertainty about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ticket sales, are forcing artists, agents and managers to reduce the financial risks associated with playing extensive nationwide tours.
As a result, tours are focusing on major cities and missing out grassroot music venues in hundreds of towns, rural areas and smaller cities across the country; this means a huge number of fans are no longer able to see their favourite artists, or discover new ones, without travelling to the major cities.
The MVT Cohorts project will underwrite the costs of the shows, ensuring that both the artists and venues receive a guaranteed fee; this allows the artists to diversify their tours and play outside the major cities and the venues to programme diverse and varied gigs.
Created in 2014, Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK’s Grassroots music venues. MVT also speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK.
Website: www.musicvenuetrust.com
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Croatian blues rock band Voodoo Ramble, led by award winning guitarist Boris Zamba, have released a new single entitled '4000 Years Old.'
It’s the third single to be released from the band’s forthcoming fifth album, In The Heart of The City.
Co-written by Zamba & lyricist/ broadcaster/ author Pete Feenstra, and featuring Marcus Flynn, '4000 Years Old' is a celebratory, riff-driven, groove- stomp blues that draws its lyrical inspiration from the natural world (the olive tree) and enduring love.
It’s the third single to be released from the band’s forthcoming fifth album, In The Heart of The City.
Co-written by Zamba & lyricist/ broadcaster/ author Pete Feenstra, and featuring Marcus Flynn, '4000 Years Old' is a celebratory, riff-driven, groove- stomp blues that draws its lyrical inspiration from the natural world (the olive tree) and enduring love.
"This song was built on the feeling of joy, and the roots of love," explains Boris Zamba. "In expressing that feeling, the arrangement built a tension, which I thought needed a defining guitar solo to resolve the song.
I tried various permutations until Pete suggested Marcus Flynn. I managed to hook up with Marcus on my UK debut show, and immediately knew he was the guy for the job!
His powerful slide break gave us both the perfect solo and that extra layer of energy."
As regards the lyric, Pete Feenstra explains the inspiration: "The trigger was an olive tree we planted a few years ago, which has grown though the rain and snow and has started to flourish. I then looked up the history of the olive tree and thought of an enduring love, which transcends time, in this case 4000 years."
Boris Zamba, who is building an impressive profile in Europe, the U.S. and Australia (where he has enjoyed chart success) successfully represented Croatia at the 30th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and at the European Blues Challenge Final in Tuscany.
He has since released five albums and a number of singles featuring the likes of Mick Pini and Muddy Manninen (Wishbone Ash/ Black Pearl).
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I tried various permutations until Pete suggested Marcus Flynn. I managed to hook up with Marcus on my UK debut show, and immediately knew he was the guy for the job!
His powerful slide break gave us both the perfect solo and that extra layer of energy."
As regards the lyric, Pete Feenstra explains the inspiration: "The trigger was an olive tree we planted a few years ago, which has grown though the rain and snow and has started to flourish. I then looked up the history of the olive tree and thought of an enduring love, which transcends time, in this case 4000 years."
Boris Zamba, who is building an impressive profile in Europe, the U.S. and Australia (where he has enjoyed chart success) successfully represented Croatia at the 30th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and at the European Blues Challenge Final in Tuscany.
He has since released five albums and a number of singles featuring the likes of Mick Pini and Muddy Manninen (Wishbone Ash/ Black Pearl).
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German progressive rock band Everon have announced their return after sixteen years with new album Shells, which will be released 28th February via Music Theories Recordings/ Mascot Label Group.
Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/EveronShells
As a taster, the band have released new song 'No Embrace,' with accompanying video.
Of the sixteen years between last, and seventh, album, North, and the new song, Oliver Philipps says:
"The band never quit or retired; it was a more like a hiatus or something. And I always wrote all the music and lyrics, so that meant if I didn't do anything, we wouldn't do anything. After North, it just didn't happen.
I think No Embrace makes a good opening track because it is straight forward and accessible; it has a more positive energy than some of the other songs, that are darker in tone, or mood.
Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/EveronShells
As a taster, the band have released new song 'No Embrace,' with accompanying video.
Of the sixteen years between last, and seventh, album, North, and the new song, Oliver Philipps says:
"The band never quit or retired; it was a more like a hiatus or something. And I always wrote all the music and lyrics, so that meant if I didn't do anything, we wouldn't do anything. After North, it just didn't happen.
I think No Embrace makes a good opening track because it is straight forward and accessible; it has a more positive energy than some of the other songs, that are darker in tone, or mood.
Shells is an album bristling with energy, verve and darker shades.
With songs such as ebullient opener 'No Embrace,' the complex patterns of 'Broken Angels,' the quirk of 'Pinocchio’s Nose,' the heartfelt tones of 'Monster' and fourteen minute grandeur of closing track 'Flesh,' Everon have rarely sounded so good.
Additionally, Oliver Philipps’ wife and singer Helena Iren Michaelsen (Trail of Tears, Imperia, Angel) features on five songs, while Canadian singer/songwriter LEAH, whom Philipps has worked with for a decade, adds her voice to 'Pinocchio's Nose.'
With songs such as ebullient opener 'No Embrace,' the complex patterns of 'Broken Angels,' the quirk of 'Pinocchio’s Nose,' the heartfelt tones of 'Monster' and fourteen minute grandeur of closing track 'Flesh,' Everon have rarely sounded so good.
Additionally, Oliver Philipps’ wife and singer Helena Iren Michaelsen (Trail of Tears, Imperia, Angel) features on five songs, while Canadian singer/songwriter LEAH, whom Philipps has worked with for a decade, adds her voice to 'Pinocchio's Nose.'
Everon formed in 1989 when former Jester's Palace singer Philipps hooked up with drummer Christian "Moschus" Moos, bass player Schymy and guitarist Ralf Janssen.
The band released their debut album Paradoxes in 1993, followed by Flood two years later.
Following third album Venus, Janssen was replaced by Ulli Hoever; keys player Oliver Thiele also joined the band.
Thiel would depart following the band’s 2002 couplet of Bridge and Flesh, leaving a core quartet of Philipps, Moschus, Schymy and Hoever.
Although a new Everon album is something to be celebrated, the road to Shells has sadly been tainted by tragedy; during the recording, Moschus died suddenly.
"It was completely out of the blue," Philipps sighs. "He wasn't sick or anything. He was just found dead. It was a cardiac arrest, or one of these things.
The reason I chose to finish the album at all was that he'd already recorded drums for eight of the songs.
If it had happened half a year earlier, I wouldn't have chosen to make an album. I'd been pondering over should I, shouldn’t I for quite some time."
Heart-on-sleeve song 'Until We Meet Again' carries a lyric that refers to the passing of Moschus.
"That was the last song I wrote for the album," continues Philipps. "While I was working on it, I got the news that our lifelong friend had died."
US drummer Jason Gianni guests on the album, working on the drum tracks that Moschus did not complete.
Moschus’ passing underlines the hurt and regret that runs in the lyrical veins of Shells.
"It is a bit in the nature of the kind of music we're doing that the darker type of emotions will find a place on an Everon album," considers Philipps.
"Shells is an example of that darker, sad song. It would feel inappropriate to explain the background story, but it doesn't need the background story to be able to relate to it."
Dark or light, happy or sad, Shells is a sixteen year wait of twelve tracks of melodic, progressively inclined, high quality rock.
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The band released their debut album Paradoxes in 1993, followed by Flood two years later.
Following third album Venus, Janssen was replaced by Ulli Hoever; keys player Oliver Thiele also joined the band.
Thiel would depart following the band’s 2002 couplet of Bridge and Flesh, leaving a core quartet of Philipps, Moschus, Schymy and Hoever.
Although a new Everon album is something to be celebrated, the road to Shells has sadly been tainted by tragedy; during the recording, Moschus died suddenly.
"It was completely out of the blue," Philipps sighs. "He wasn't sick or anything. He was just found dead. It was a cardiac arrest, or one of these things.
The reason I chose to finish the album at all was that he'd already recorded drums for eight of the songs.
If it had happened half a year earlier, I wouldn't have chosen to make an album. I'd been pondering over should I, shouldn’t I for quite some time."
Heart-on-sleeve song 'Until We Meet Again' carries a lyric that refers to the passing of Moschus.
"That was the last song I wrote for the album," continues Philipps. "While I was working on it, I got the news that our lifelong friend had died."
US drummer Jason Gianni guests on the album, working on the drum tracks that Moschus did not complete.
Moschus’ passing underlines the hurt and regret that runs in the lyrical veins of Shells.
"It is a bit in the nature of the kind of music we're doing that the darker type of emotions will find a place on an Everon album," considers Philipps.
"Shells is an example of that darker, sad song. It would feel inappropriate to explain the background story, but it doesn't need the background story to be able to relate to it."
Dark or light, happy or sad, Shells is a sixteen year wait of twelve tracks of melodic, progressively inclined, high quality rock.
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Black Eyed Sons (formally Quireboys) have released a new single entitled 'Don't Throw Me In The Corner,' featuring special guest Chip Z’Nuff (of Enuff Z'Nuff) on bass.
The song, like debut single 'Foolin' Yourself' (which featured Steve Conte & Kyf Brewer of seminal New York band, Company of Wolves), acts as a taster for the band’s forthcoming debut album Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits, set for release January 31st, 2025, via Off Yer Rocka Recordings.
Reflecting on the single, guitarist and song writer Paul Guerin explains: "This song covers a range of situations, from growing up in the avenues of Blyth to breakups – and may just reference certain people in a cryptic fashion! When it came to the music, I’ve always wanted to write something where I modulate the chords a semitone both up and down without anyone noticing, ha ha! I think I pulled it off.
At the end of the day, it’s a rock 'n' roll song."
The song, like debut single 'Foolin' Yourself' (which featured Steve Conte & Kyf Brewer of seminal New York band, Company of Wolves), acts as a taster for the band’s forthcoming debut album Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits, set for release January 31st, 2025, via Off Yer Rocka Recordings.
Reflecting on the single, guitarist and song writer Paul Guerin explains: "This song covers a range of situations, from growing up in the avenues of Blyth to breakups – and may just reference certain people in a cryptic fashion! When it came to the music, I’ve always wanted to write something where I modulate the chords a semitone both up and down without anyone noticing, ha ha! I think I pulled it off.
At the end of the day, it’s a rock 'n' roll song."
While Black Eyed Sons is a new name, its members – Guy Griffin (lead vocals/ guitar), Paul Guerin (guitar), Keith Weir (keys), Nick Mailing (bass), Pip Mailing (drums) – are anything but newcomers to the scene.
Known to fans from their two-decade tenure with The Quireboys and the Down n' Outz, they are now back with a fresh project, one that is a spirited celebration of rock 'n' roll.
Forthcoming debut album Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits also features contributions from a veritable who's who of rock legends and notables, including: Joe Elliott (Def Leppard/ Down n' Outz ), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff), Josh Todd & Stevie D (BuckCherry), Chris Johnstone (Quireboys/ Thirsty), Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network), Scotti Hill (Skid Row), Steve Conte & Kyf Brewer (Company of Wolves), Alan Clayton (The Dirty Strangers), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper) and Mike Tramp (White Lion).
Signed copies the debut album (CD or Vinyl) can be pre-ordered here:
https://offyerrocka.com/product-category/artists/the-quireboys/
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Known to fans from their two-decade tenure with The Quireboys and the Down n' Outz, they are now back with a fresh project, one that is a spirited celebration of rock 'n' roll.
Forthcoming debut album Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits also features contributions from a veritable who's who of rock legends and notables, including: Joe Elliott (Def Leppard/ Down n' Outz ), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Chip Z’Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff), Josh Todd & Stevie D (BuckCherry), Chris Johnstone (Quireboys/ Thirsty), Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network), Scotti Hill (Skid Row), Steve Conte & Kyf Brewer (Company of Wolves), Alan Clayton (The Dirty Strangers), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper) and Mike Tramp (White Lion).
Signed copies the debut album (CD or Vinyl) can be pre-ordered here:
https://offyerrocka.com/product-category/artists/the-quireboys/
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Birmingham based, multi-award winning independent artist Rebecca Downes has released her interpretation of multi chart topping Gnarls Barkley song, 'Crazy.'
Released through her own Mad Hat Records label, the single is available now on all streaming platforms.
Rebecca Downes and long-time song writing partner/ band member, guitarist Steve Birkett, have been performing 'Crazy' as one of the few cover songs included in their stripped back trio sets.
They chose to record and release the song because not only have many gig attendees and fans been asking for a recorded version, it's also a song that Rebecca identifies strongly with, as the singer explains:
"I love performing Crazy live," says Rebecca. "I believe the original basis for the lyrics was the view that people don’t take an artist seriously unless they are insane; I can relate to that at least in the sense that you have to be a bit crazy to do what we do! At a broader level, 2024 was a crazy year for me in so many ways and, with so much going on in the world at the moment, you could argue it is a song of the times."
Released through her own Mad Hat Records label, the single is available now on all streaming platforms.
Rebecca Downes and long-time song writing partner/ band member, guitarist Steve Birkett, have been performing 'Crazy' as one of the few cover songs included in their stripped back trio sets.
They chose to record and release the song because not only have many gig attendees and fans been asking for a recorded version, it's also a song that Rebecca identifies strongly with, as the singer explains:
"I love performing Crazy live," says Rebecca. "I believe the original basis for the lyrics was the view that people don’t take an artist seriously unless they are insane; I can relate to that at least in the sense that you have to be a bit crazy to do what we do! At a broader level, 2024 was a crazy year for me in so many ways and, with so much going on in the world at the moment, you could argue it is a song of the times."
Rebecca Downes & Steve Birkett’s atmospheric, sensitive and jazz-vibed Interpretation of the Gnarls Barkley original can also be heard as the dovetailing partner to the pair's dark, downtempo and moody version of the Slade classic 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now,' released in 2020.
Both covers are evidence of Rebecca Downes’ progression from blues-rock orientated beginnings to becoming a multi-genre, boundary pushing artist; it’s a musically broadening development that can be heard through her last two all-new studio albums, the outstanding More Sinner Than Saint (2019) and equally impressive The Space Between Us (2022).
Following the death of her mother lasy year, Rebecca took a hiatus from live performance during the summer; she and Steve Birkett used some of that down time to concentrate on writing new material, which won’t be ready until the New Year.
The pair therefore decided to respond to the interest in their version of 'Crazy' by releasing it now.
Original single releases are lined up for the first half of 2025.
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Both covers are evidence of Rebecca Downes’ progression from blues-rock orientated beginnings to becoming a multi-genre, boundary pushing artist; it’s a musically broadening development that can be heard through her last two all-new studio albums, the outstanding More Sinner Than Saint (2019) and equally impressive The Space Between Us (2022).
Following the death of her mother lasy year, Rebecca took a hiatus from live performance during the summer; she and Steve Birkett used some of that down time to concentrate on writing new material, which won’t be ready until the New Year.
The pair therefore decided to respond to the interest in their version of 'Crazy' by releasing it now.
Original single releases are lined up for the first half of 2025.
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Australian Hammond and Whammy Clav maestro Lachy Doley has just made available his recent performance broadcast on Red Ronnie's RED TV at the Nuovo Roxy Bar.
"We had been touring through Italy a week ago and Red asked us if we could come in and play a few songs on his TV show," explains Lachy, "“Luckily, we were travelling nearby and managed to pop and smashed out a quick five song set. But ignore the first thirty seconds of my singing; for some reason the microphone wasn't on!"
"We had been touring through Italy a week ago and Red asked us if we could come in and play a few songs on his TV show," explains Lachy, "“Luckily, we were travelling nearby and managed to pop and smashed out a quick five song set. But ignore the first thirty seconds of my singing; for some reason the microphone wasn't on!"
The Lachy Doley Band’s forthcoming album Live in Paris, released February 28th 2025, can be pre-ordered at:
https://lachydoley.bandcamp.com/
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https://lachydoley.bandcamp.com/
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California-based roots rock band Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, formed around the creative duo of singer Greta Valenti & guitarist Robin Davey, have released 'I Told My Baby' as a single.
The song comes from their latest album 'Hot Nostalgia Radio,' released to critical acclaim last year.
The video features a specific individual who is also a neighbour to Greta Valenti & Robin Davey, who reside in Downtown Riverside in California; as Greta explains:
"When we moved to the area we discovered our neighbourhood, and specifically our street, was filled with so many amazing individuals. One of those people is Kitten DeVille, one of the originators of the modern burlesque movement.
The foundation of this song I wrote over ten years ago, but I always imagined it from this angle of a dude singing it to the most beautiful woman in the world. Once I met Kitten, I knew I had to ask her to be in this video. I had such a crush working with her on set. She is just a lovely human, so talented and glamorous- she was perfect!
Two minutes of pure eye and ear candy for your rock & roll souls! We hope you love it!"
The song comes from their latest album 'Hot Nostalgia Radio,' released to critical acclaim last year.
The video features a specific individual who is also a neighbour to Greta Valenti & Robin Davey, who reside in Downtown Riverside in California; as Greta explains:
"When we moved to the area we discovered our neighbourhood, and specifically our street, was filled with so many amazing individuals. One of those people is Kitten DeVille, one of the originators of the modern burlesque movement.
The foundation of this song I wrote over ten years ago, but I always imagined it from this angle of a dude singing it to the most beautiful woman in the world. Once I met Kitten, I knew I had to ask her to be in this video. I had such a crush working with her on set. She is just a lovely human, so talented and glamorous- she was perfect!
Two minutes of pure eye and ear candy for your rock & roll souls! We hope you love it!"
Beaux Gris Gris will be back in the UK on their Wild Woman Tour in January, ending with a slot at Planet Rock’s Winter’s End Festival on February 2nd.
Tour Dates
Jan 22 - Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
JAN 23 – Adelphi, Hull
JAN 24 - West End Centre, Aldershot
JAN 25 - Forest Arts Centre, New Milton
JAN 26 - Waterloo Bar, Blackpool
JAN 27 - Barnoldswick Music & Art Centre (SOLD OUT)
JAN 28 - Barnoldswick Music & Art Centre (SOLD OUT)
JAN 29 - KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
JAN 30 - John Peel Centre, Stowmarket
JAN 31 - The Arc, Winchester
Feb 1 - Yellow Arch, Sheffield
Feb 2 - Planet Rock Winter’s End Festival, South Wales
Tickets available now via https://www.beauxgrisgris.com/
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Tour Dates
Jan 22 - Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
JAN 23 – Adelphi, Hull
JAN 24 - West End Centre, Aldershot
JAN 25 - Forest Arts Centre, New Milton
JAN 26 - Waterloo Bar, Blackpool
JAN 27 - Barnoldswick Music & Art Centre (SOLD OUT)
JAN 28 - Barnoldswick Music & Art Centre (SOLD OUT)
JAN 29 - KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
JAN 30 - John Peel Centre, Stowmarket
JAN 31 - The Arc, Winchester
Feb 1 - Yellow Arch, Sheffield
Feb 2 - Planet Rock Winter’s End Festival, South Wales
Tickets available now via https://www.beauxgrisgris.com/
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Following the acclaim for True, their debut album of all original material, Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks have announced a March 14th release for a CD/DVD package entitled Live - Perpetual Change.
The performance, a full set of YES classics, was recorded & filmed at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois, during their August 2023 summer tour of the U.S.
As a taster, the band have released the video of their performance of 'And You And I.'
The performance, a full set of YES classics, was recorded & filmed at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois, during their August 2023 summer tour of the U.S.
As a taster, the band have released the video of their performance of 'And You And I.'
Live - Perpetual Change will be available as a 2CD/DVD package and a triple vinyl package.
Both are available for preorder here: https://ffm.to/jonandersonperpetualchange
Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks Live - Perpetual Change : Track listing:
Yours Is No Disgrace; Perpetual Change; Close To The Edge; Heart Of The Sunrise; Starship Trooper; Awaken; And You And I; Your Move/ I’ve Seen All Good People; Gates Of Delirium;
Roundabout.
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Both are available for preorder here: https://ffm.to/jonandersonperpetualchange
Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks Live - Perpetual Change : Track listing:
Yours Is No Disgrace; Perpetual Change; Close To The Edge; Heart Of The Sunrise; Starship Trooper; Awaken; And You And I; Your Move/ I’ve Seen All Good People; Gates Of Delirium;
Roundabout.
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British blues-rock guitarist and songwriter Mick McConnell will embark on an eleven-date UK Tour in January and February with his band Blue Thunder.
The tour, which kicks off on 3rd January at the Blues Bar in Harrogate, wraps up with a headline set at the famous 100 Club in London on 11th February.
Tickets are on sale now, available direct from the venues.
Lead guitarist of popular rock/pop band Smokie since 1996, Mick McConnell has also been writing, recording and releasing solo material for several years.
In 2017 he released his second solo album, Under My Skin to critical acclaim. Working with double-Grammy winning producer Blue Miller (Bob Seger, India Arie, Grand Funk Railroad, Blackfoot) Under My Skin reached #13 on the European Blues Chart.
His first album, 2012's My Kinda Heaven, was re-released on all digital platforms in June.
In 2023 McConnell took Blue Thunder on the road to public acclaim; the results were repeat bookings from venues and promoters across the UK club circuit.
The tour, which kicks off on 3rd January at the Blues Bar in Harrogate, wraps up with a headline set at the famous 100 Club in London on 11th February.
Tickets are on sale now, available direct from the venues.
Lead guitarist of popular rock/pop band Smokie since 1996, Mick McConnell has also been writing, recording and releasing solo material for several years.
In 2017 he released his second solo album, Under My Skin to critical acclaim. Working with double-Grammy winning producer Blue Miller (Bob Seger, India Arie, Grand Funk Railroad, Blackfoot) Under My Skin reached #13 on the European Blues Chart.
His first album, 2012's My Kinda Heaven, was re-released on all digital platforms in June.
In 2023 McConnell took Blue Thunder on the road to public acclaim; the results were repeat bookings from venues and promoters across the UK club circuit.
At a recent gig at Venue23 in Wakefield, the band filmed the entire show in 4K; songs from this event will soon be ready to share with promoters and bookers.
Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder are:
Mick McConnell - lead vocals & guitar; Tsutomu “Atom” Abe – keys; Lincoln Roth – bass, vocals; Bob Pears – drums; Donna Thompson – backing vocals
Acclaim for Under My Skin
"A truly exceptional and masterfully melodic offering." - Elmore Magazine USA
"Technically top drawer, and they are his own riffs, he’s not a borrower." - Music Republic Magazine
For more information on Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder visit: https://www.mickmcconnell.com/
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Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder are:
Mick McConnell - lead vocals & guitar; Tsutomu “Atom” Abe – keys; Lincoln Roth – bass, vocals; Bob Pears – drums; Donna Thompson – backing vocals
Acclaim for Under My Skin
"A truly exceptional and masterfully melodic offering." - Elmore Magazine USA
"Technically top drawer, and they are his own riffs, he’s not a borrower." - Music Republic Magazine
For more information on Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder visit: https://www.mickmcconnell.com/
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Torquay based trio the Pylon Poets, whose music carries a unique blend of noughties alt-pop with 80s synth-pop, have released a new single entitled 'Human Touch.'
The song, the inspiration for which comes from the need and craving for physical connection in an ever-increasing digital world, was the final track written for the band’s latest studio session, a week-long stint that produced four tracks for an album release later this year.
The song, the inspiration for which comes from the need and craving for physical connection in an ever-increasing digital world, was the final track written for the band’s latest studio session, a week-long stint that produced four tracks for an album release later this year.
The Pylon Poets, whose stock has been rising of late, carry echoes of 80s synth-pop luminaries Depeche Mode and The Human League (albeit the latter comparison may be a little on-the-nose following their cover of 'Don’t You Want Me') as well as the likes of Placebo, The Killers and stadium giants Muse.
"A band to keep an eye out for next year and beyond" - Get Ready to Rock
"Lyrics that make you think, impressive melodies and an impressive sound" - Making a Scene Magazine
"A big sound from a big band" - Daniel Pascoe, BBC Introducing in the South West
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"A band to keep an eye out for next year and beyond" - Get Ready to Rock
"Lyrics that make you think, impressive melodies and an impressive sound" - Making a Scene Magazine
"A big sound from a big band" - Daniel Pascoe, BBC Introducing in the South West
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Multi-instrumentalist Pete Briley, a member of southern-tinged "heavygrass" rockers The Outlaw Orchestra (who released their latest and best-to-date album La Familia earlier this year) and part of the Top Floor Music team, has followed up 2023’s acclaimed solo debut Album #1 with another new single entitled 'Cracking the Flacks.'
The new song, which follows on from previous single, uptempo summer song 'Colour (California)' is a fun, autobiographical tale of a younger Briley that brings countrified warmth to the darker winter days.
The new song, which follows on from previous single, uptempo summer song 'Colour (California)' is a fun, autobiographical tale of a younger Briley that brings countrified warmth to the darker winter days.
'Cracking the Flacks' is a unique title (a mis-heard interpretation of the northern saying by the idiosyncratic Pete Briley while a student ("armed with a Telecaster") in Yorkshire), but it's the lyric & story behind it that capture the charm of both Briley and the song:
"It was the first time a woman had ever brought me a drink; she asked how old I was and I immediately bolted!" recalls then 19 year old Briley. "I don’t know what the weather was doing in Bradford on my 19th birthday, but it’s a metaphor for the exuberance of youth, chasing your dreams."
A sentiment summed up by the final lyrics… "Life didn’t turn out quite the way I’d planned it; but I guess that ain’t so bad, given where I landed."
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"It was the first time a woman had ever brought me a drink; she asked how old I was and I immediately bolted!" recalls then 19 year old Briley. "I don’t know what the weather was doing in Bradford on my 19th birthday, but it’s a metaphor for the exuberance of youth, chasing your dreams."
A sentiment summed up by the final lyrics… "Life didn’t turn out quite the way I’d planned it; but I guess that ain’t so bad, given where I landed."
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International hard melodic rockers W.E.T., who formed fifteen years ago around the core of Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), Erik Mårtensson (guitars, keys, vocals) and Robert Säll (guitars, keys), have returned with a brand new single entitled 'Believer.'
Listen/ stream here: https://ffm.to/wetbeliever
Of the new song, Mårtensson says: "Believer was written by Jeff, Robert and myself. Being able to throw ideas and thoughts around between the three of us really took this song from good to great.
And having Jamie Borger join us on drums has brought a new flavour to the rhythm section, setting a new standard for W.E.T. We may have to do more of this!"
Listen/ stream here: https://ffm.to/wetbeliever
Of the new song, Mårtensson says: "Believer was written by Jeff, Robert and myself. Being able to throw ideas and thoughts around between the three of us really took this song from good to great.
And having Jamie Borger join us on drums has brought a new flavour to the rhythm section, setting a new standard for W.E.T. We may have to do more of this!"
The acronym W.E.T. comes from the members’ association with other bands, Robert Säll & Andreas Passmark (bass) from Work of Art, Erik Mårtensson & Magnus Henriksson (guitars) from Eclipse and Jeff Scott Soto from Talisman. The T is now further emphasized with Talisman drummer Jamie Borger joining the band’s original members.
Although a side project to the members' original bands, W.E.T. have reconvened regularly over the last fifteen years to produce four studio albums and a live record.
After delivering their highly acclaimed, self-titled debut in 2009, Robert Säll, Erik Mårtensson and Jeff Scott Soto followed up four years later with the equally impacting Rise Up.
Earthrage (2028) and Retransmission (2021) cemented the band’s reputation as one of the best modern melodic rock bands currently performing, with Live In Stockholm (released in 2014) showcasing their on stage credentials.
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Although a side project to the members' original bands, W.E.T. have reconvened regularly over the last fifteen years to produce four studio albums and a live record.
After delivering their highly acclaimed, self-titled debut in 2009, Robert Säll, Erik Mårtensson and Jeff Scott Soto followed up four years later with the equally impacting Rise Up.
Earthrage (2028) and Retransmission (2021) cemented the band’s reputation as one of the best modern melodic rock bands currently performing, with Live In Stockholm (released in 2014) showcasing their on stage credentials.
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Following her successful 2024 UK tour, Internationally acclaimed Finnish guitarist singer songwriter Erja Lyytinen Erja Lyytinen will return to British shores in April for an eleven date tour (see tour poster below).
Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
"In April we will play eleven dates in the UK with no off days! Our touring schedule is crazy, but the band never run out of energy!" proudly exclaims Erja, who continues: "I´m especially excited about the fact we will be renewing our set list with songs from our forthcoming new studio album! We will perform old gems and new tunes for a rocking 100 minutes on stage, so expect a lot of slide guitar playing!"
The shows will also showcase tracks featured on 2CD+2DVD live album 20 Years of Blues Rock! which was released in December.
"20 Years of Blues Rock! Is taken from my Anniversary show that was held at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, during the Fall of 2023" continues Erja.
"Several of my bands and collaborators from the past twenty years were featured that night, so it's a nice celebration of my career as a recording artist."
Erja's new studio album will be released on March 28th, 2025.
Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
"In April we will play eleven dates in the UK with no off days! Our touring schedule is crazy, but the band never run out of energy!" proudly exclaims Erja, who continues: "I´m especially excited about the fact we will be renewing our set list with songs from our forthcoming new studio album! We will perform old gems and new tunes for a rocking 100 minutes on stage, so expect a lot of slide guitar playing!"
The shows will also showcase tracks featured on 2CD+2DVD live album 20 Years of Blues Rock! which was released in December.
"20 Years of Blues Rock! Is taken from my Anniversary show that was held at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, during the Fall of 2023" continues Erja.
"Several of my bands and collaborators from the past twenty years were featured that night, so it's a nice celebration of my career as a recording artist."
Erja's new studio album will be released on March 28th, 2025.
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South-east London based James O'Hurley, a modern-day troubadour who mixes a contemporary sound with blues, folk, nu-country and dark Americana influences, has released a new single entitled 'Bloom.'
The song, like previous singles – the darkly impacting 'Evil,' the melodic, modern Americana of 'Red' and contemporary, atmospheric sheen of 'Maria' – will feature on James O'Hurley's forthcoming debut album A Certain Stranger, set for release on 14th February 2025.
O'Hurley will also debut his full live band at The Bigg Theatre in London on December 7th.
'Bloom,' one of James O'Hurley's personal self-penned favourites, encompasses all that is the singer-songwriter-musician in a four-minute sweep of moody, but hauntingly melodic, dark Americana with folk undertones. You can add the song to your Spotify playlist here.
The song, like previous singles – the darkly impacting 'Evil,' the melodic, modern Americana of 'Red' and contemporary, atmospheric sheen of 'Maria' – will feature on James O'Hurley's forthcoming debut album A Certain Stranger, set for release on 14th February 2025.
O'Hurley will also debut his full live band at The Bigg Theatre in London on December 7th.
'Bloom,' one of James O'Hurley's personal self-penned favourites, encompasses all that is the singer-songwriter-musician in a four-minute sweep of moody, but hauntingly melodic, dark Americana with folk undertones. You can add the song to your Spotify playlist here.
While all four singles point to a singer-songwriter crafted debut album that will be well worth the attention, the surprising fact is, at one point, it looked like never happening, given around 18 months ago James O’Hurley was ready to hang up his guitar and walk away from music forever...
After a decade of touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James O’Hurley was at a crossroads, musically and personally.
However, in one final act of love for the instrument that had been his companion for most of his life, he "just started playing and let what was in me come out."
In a single session he penned two songs, including his first single, 'Evil.' The following day he sat down with the guitar again and more songs flowed out of him.
Now, with the backing of Top Floor Music, formed by Pete Briley (of 'Heavygrass' trio The Outlaw Orchestra) and Mike Hughes, with a Mission Statement to ensure independent artists can remain sustainable as just that – fully independent – James O’Hurley should finally realise his artistic potential.
Praise for James O'Hurley:
"Atmospheric rather than flashy... the kind of songs you can imagine soundtracking something disconcerting on film or TV." - Rockfiend
"No such thing as dark acousticana, nor even such as word as acousticana? Well, there is now."
- FabricationsHQ
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After a decade of touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James O’Hurley was at a crossroads, musically and personally.
However, in one final act of love for the instrument that had been his companion for most of his life, he "just started playing and let what was in me come out."
In a single session he penned two songs, including his first single, 'Evil.' The following day he sat down with the guitar again and more songs flowed out of him.
Now, with the backing of Top Floor Music, formed by Pete Briley (of 'Heavygrass' trio The Outlaw Orchestra) and Mike Hughes, with a Mission Statement to ensure independent artists can remain sustainable as just that – fully independent – James O’Hurley should finally realise his artistic potential.
Praise for James O'Hurley:
"Atmospheric rather than flashy... the kind of songs you can imagine soundtracking something disconcerting on film or TV." - Rockfiend
"No such thing as dark acousticana, nor even such as word as acousticana? Well, there is now."
- FabricationsHQ
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Following a successful October 2024 UK tour supporting Samantha Fish, The Zac Schulze Gang have confirmed their own Headline UK tour through April (see tour dates poster further below).
Tickets for the tour are available from: www.zacschulzegang.rocks, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.alttickets.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets
The Kent based rock trio featuring Zac Schulze (vocals, guitar), Anthony Greenwell (bass) and Schulze (drums), are known for their old-school blend of 70s classic blues rock and modern alternative influences, all of which make themselves heard on recent single 'Woman.'
Tickets for the tour are available from: www.zacschulzegang.rocks, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.alttickets.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets
The Kent based rock trio featuring Zac Schulze (vocals, guitar), Anthony Greenwell (bass) and Schulze (drums), are known for their old-school blend of 70s classic blues rock and modern alternative influences, all of which make themselves heard on recent single 'Woman.'
The Zac Schulze Gang have come a long way in a short time.
From playing small pub gigs in 2022, the band went on to play at the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon later that same year.
They have since headlined in theatres and made main stage impacts at several festivals including Eric Clapton's Crossroads 2023 in LA, Planet Rock's Winter End 2023, and Fairport's Cropredy Festival 2024.
The Zac Schulze Gang won Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2024.
From playing small pub gigs in 2022, the band went on to play at the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon later that same year.
They have since headlined in theatres and made main stage impacts at several festivals including Eric Clapton's Crossroads 2023 in LA, Planet Rock's Winter End 2023, and Fairport's Cropredy Festival 2024.
The Zac Schulze Gang won Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2024.
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In celebration of 40 years together, revered Scottish band Deacon Blue will release a brand new studio album along with two sets of dates in the UK and Ireland.
The album, The Great Western Road, will be released on 21st March on Cooking Vinyl; its release dovetails with five theatre dates in support of the album.
The band will then celebrate their 40th Anniversary with fifteen arena shows in the Autumn (see tour dates poster below).
Of the two differing sets of dates, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross says "These are two different shows; we’re curating a show that changes and evolves, pulling out little surprises every now and again.
The theatres are more intimate and give us a chance to bring out one or two things that we wouldn’t do in the arenas. They give us a chance to play songs from the new album and songs from other albums that we have never played before.
And we have some amazing nights at the big shows in the arenas; we suit the show to the place we’re playing and our mantra is 'we want people to have the best night of their lives!'"
Pre-order the new album here: https://deaconblue.tmstor.es/
The album, The Great Western Road, will be released on 21st March on Cooking Vinyl; its release dovetails with five theatre dates in support of the album.
The band will then celebrate their 40th Anniversary with fifteen arena shows in the Autumn (see tour dates poster below).
Of the two differing sets of dates, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross says "These are two different shows; we’re curating a show that changes and evolves, pulling out little surprises every now and again.
The theatres are more intimate and give us a chance to bring out one or two things that we wouldn’t do in the arenas. They give us a chance to play songs from the new album and songs from other albums that we have never played before.
And we have some amazing nights at the big shows in the arenas; we suit the show to the place we’re playing and our mantra is 'we want people to have the best night of their lives!'"
Pre-order the new album here: https://deaconblue.tmstor.es/
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John Lodge, bass player and co-vocalist/ songwriter of the legendary & Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inducted Moody Blues, is "bringing it home" in 2025 when he presents his critically acclaimed "Days of Future Passed" show that has toured the USA for the last two years.
2025 will mark fifty-eight years since the release of the Moody Blues iconic and groundbreaking Days of Future Passed; the record, which was the birth of a now long-standing cross-over between rock and classical music, changed John Lodge’s life and set up his celebrated career.
The six date tour begins on April 6th at the Birmingham Town Hall and culminates April 15th at G Live, Guildford in Surrey (Lodge was born in Birmingham but has lived in Surrey since 1968, so starting in Birmingham and ending in Surrey truly is "bringing it home").
John Lodge Performs Days of Future Passed - Bringing It Home, April 2025
Sun 6th April - Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham
Tues 8th April - Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Wed 9th April - Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Fri 11th April - Union Chapel, London
Mon 14th April - St George’s, Bristol
Tues 15th April - G Live, Guildford
Special VIP Ticket packages are available including a special personalized hello video from John, Limited Edition merchandise and a seat ing options.
Info at www.johnlodge.com/tour
The nostalgic but musically timeless show encompasses a first set of Moodies classics (featuring fan favourites such as 'Isn’t Life Strange,' 'Legend of a Mind,' 'I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)' and 'Ride my See-Saw') followed by a second set that sees John Lodge and his excellent band perform Days of Future Passed in its entirety, delivering such classics as 'Nights in White Satin' and 'Tuesday Afternoon.'
The latter pair of classics are sung by John’s son in law Jon Davison, who has been the front man of YES since 2012 (Davison sings many other Justin Hayward penned Moodies classics within the set).
The show also includes immersive, video backdrops (including the late Graeme Edge reciting his poetry for 'Morning Glory' and 'Late Lament'), alongside John’s stories and anecdotes.
Joining John Lodge on stage is his 10,000 Light Years Band, comprised of long-term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director, keys) and Billy Ashbaugh (drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (guitars), Jason Charboneau (cello) and the aforementioned Jon Davison.
2025 will mark fifty-eight years since the release of the Moody Blues iconic and groundbreaking Days of Future Passed; the record, which was the birth of a now long-standing cross-over between rock and classical music, changed John Lodge’s life and set up his celebrated career.
The six date tour begins on April 6th at the Birmingham Town Hall and culminates April 15th at G Live, Guildford in Surrey (Lodge was born in Birmingham but has lived in Surrey since 1968, so starting in Birmingham and ending in Surrey truly is "bringing it home").
John Lodge Performs Days of Future Passed - Bringing It Home, April 2025
Sun 6th April - Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham
Tues 8th April - Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Wed 9th April - Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Fri 11th April - Union Chapel, London
Mon 14th April - St George’s, Bristol
Tues 15th April - G Live, Guildford
Special VIP Ticket packages are available including a special personalized hello video from John, Limited Edition merchandise and a seat ing options.
Info at www.johnlodge.com/tour
The nostalgic but musically timeless show encompasses a first set of Moodies classics (featuring fan favourites such as 'Isn’t Life Strange,' 'Legend of a Mind,' 'I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)' and 'Ride my See-Saw') followed by a second set that sees John Lodge and his excellent band perform Days of Future Passed in its entirety, delivering such classics as 'Nights in White Satin' and 'Tuesday Afternoon.'
The latter pair of classics are sung by John’s son in law Jon Davison, who has been the front man of YES since 2012 (Davison sings many other Justin Hayward penned Moodies classics within the set).
The show also includes immersive, video backdrops (including the late Graeme Edge reciting his poetry for 'Morning Glory' and 'Late Lament'), alongside John’s stories and anecdotes.
Joining John Lodge on stage is his 10,000 Light Years Band, comprised of long-term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director, keys) and Billy Ashbaugh (drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (guitars), Jason Charboneau (cello) and the aforementioned Jon Davison.
The shows also dovetail with, and support, John Lodge’s EP Love Conquers All, which will be released on February 14th on CD, Limited Edition Blue Vinyl (with hand-signed insert - UK only) and all streaming services.
The EP is a collection of deeply moving songs written during difficult times, yet reflecting the positive way in which John Lodge sees the world.
The title track has just been released as a single, which you can purchase/ stream here:
https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
Signed CDs, Vinyl and other John Lodge merch at https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store
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The EP is a collection of deeply moving songs written during difficult times, yet reflecting the positive way in which John Lodge sees the world.
The title track has just been released as a single, which you can purchase/ stream here:
https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
Signed CDs, Vinyl and other John Lodge merch at https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store
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Noted Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows have confirmed their fourth album, God Shaped Hole, will be released on 11th April, via Earache Records.
God Shaped Hole reaffirms the band's place at modern/ contemporary rock's top table.
A career high, the album marries widescreen ambition with power, melody and an emotional/ lyrical honesty – music that comes from the heart and the head.
"I don't know how to write any way other than being completely honest," says frontman Shane Greenhall.
"Maybe I'm a little too honest and reveal a bit too much of myself. But I think that's what people connect with."
Such emotional openness can be heard in the new single 'Glass Heart.'
The shimmering pop-rock overtones and up-tempo hookiness of the song hide a deeper meaning underneath, one where the singer admits to his own insecurities and embracing them.
"The whole premise of that song is I'm going to tell it like it is, flaws and all," continues Shane.
"I can be anxious, I can be unstable when sometimes It looks like I got my shit together, and have all the answers. I've been hurt and broken – who hasn't got a glass heart? But we're still here, we're still fighting."
God Shaped Hole reaffirms the band's place at modern/ contemporary rock's top table.
A career high, the album marries widescreen ambition with power, melody and an emotional/ lyrical honesty – music that comes from the heart and the head.
"I don't know how to write any way other than being completely honest," says frontman Shane Greenhall.
"Maybe I'm a little too honest and reveal a bit too much of myself. But I think that's what people connect with."
Such emotional openness can be heard in the new single 'Glass Heart.'
The shimmering pop-rock overtones and up-tempo hookiness of the song hide a deeper meaning underneath, one where the singer admits to his own insecurities and embracing them.
"The whole premise of that song is I'm going to tell it like it is, flaws and all," continues Shane.
"I can be anxious, I can be unstable when sometimes It looks like I got my shit together, and have all the answers. I've been hurt and broken – who hasn't got a glass heart? But we're still here, we're still fighting."
In the decade-plus since they formed in the working class town of Bridgend, South Wales, Those Damn Crows have gone from wide-eyed hopefuls playing to 20 people at the Camden Barfly to a modern rock powerhouse, notching up a Top 3 album with 2023's Inhale/Exhale and sharing massive stages with everyone from Queens Of The Stone Age and ZZ Top to the Alice Cooper/Johnny Depp supergroup The Hollywood Vampires.
Pre-order for the album, which comes in multiple formats (4 vinyl editions; 2 CDs including a limited signed edition with an alternate cover; cassette; related merchandise) is now live.
All pre-orders, whatever the format/ package, will get two songs as downloads immediately - the brand new single 'Glass Heart' and hard-edged summer single 'Let's Go Psycho.'
Pre-order here: https://earache.com/collections/those-damn-crows
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Pre-order for the album, which comes in multiple formats (4 vinyl editions; 2 CDs including a limited signed edition with an alternate cover; cassette; related merchandise) is now live.
All pre-orders, whatever the format/ package, will get two songs as downloads immediately - the brand new single 'Glass Heart' and hard-edged summer single 'Let's Go Psycho.'
Pre-order here: https://earache.com/collections/those-damn-crows
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Little Lore (aka Indie-Americana singer-songwriter-storyteller Tricia Duffy) has released a brand new single entitled 'This Building is Condemned.'
Of the new song Little Lore says: "It was inspired at a cross section between a play by Tennessee Williams called This Property is Condemned – when I was a teenager I did a lot of acting; I often used a monologue from the play for auditions and exams – and the idea of a condemned building as a metaphor for how it feels to be a post-menopausal woman. Yes really!
I was finding the word 'property' wasn’t very singable, so I evolved to 'building;' that inspired me to lean into my own story using the building figuratively. The song features Francesca Dardani (violin), Sasha Ono (cello), Morgan Karabel (drums); all other instruments were played by long-time Little Lore collaborator and producer Oli Deakin. I couldn’t be prouder of this song, both lyrically and harmonically."
Of the new song Little Lore says: "It was inspired at a cross section between a play by Tennessee Williams called This Property is Condemned – when I was a teenager I did a lot of acting; I often used a monologue from the play for auditions and exams – and the idea of a condemned building as a metaphor for how it feels to be a post-menopausal woman. Yes really!
I was finding the word 'property' wasn’t very singable, so I evolved to 'building;' that inspired me to lean into my own story using the building figuratively. The song features Francesca Dardani (violin), Sasha Ono (cello), Morgan Karabel (drums); all other instruments were played by long-time Little Lore collaborator and producer Oli Deakin. I couldn’t be prouder of this song, both lyrically and harmonically."
Originally hailing from Portsmouth and based in West London, Tricia Duffy started her singing career as a teenager; she began writing and performing her own material with Americana duo Duffy & Bird, releasing the well-received album 5 Lines in 2017 and follow-up EP Spirit Level in 2019.
Tricia’s solo project Little Lore was created in 2020 during the pandemic. Her self-titled debut EP was released in 2021 to glowing reviews.
Two follow-up EPs, Seven Stories Part One and Seven Stories Part Two, were released in late 2023 and early 2024 respectively; both received review acclaim.
On the back of the EPs, Little Lore has become a force to be reckoned with on the UK Americana scene, picking up a slew of enthusiastic reviews and extensive radio airplay, including BBC Radio Scotland, Nashville Worldwide Country Radio and the International Americana Music Show.
An enthusiastic advocate for songwriters, Tricia Duffy is the London Chapter Coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). She is also passionate about creating opportunities for female, transgender and non-binary songwriters.
Praise for the Seven Stories EPs
"Catchy lines come thick and fast, alongside wistful observational writing." – Maverick Magazine
"The Seven Stories EPs showcase a genuine talent. One with very much her own style." - FabricationsHQ
Purchase 'This Building Is Condemned' and previous Little Lore releases at https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
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Tricia’s solo project Little Lore was created in 2020 during the pandemic. Her self-titled debut EP was released in 2021 to glowing reviews.
Two follow-up EPs, Seven Stories Part One and Seven Stories Part Two, were released in late 2023 and early 2024 respectively; both received review acclaim.
On the back of the EPs, Little Lore has become a force to be reckoned with on the UK Americana scene, picking up a slew of enthusiastic reviews and extensive radio airplay, including BBC Radio Scotland, Nashville Worldwide Country Radio and the International Americana Music Show.
An enthusiastic advocate for songwriters, Tricia Duffy is the London Chapter Coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). She is also passionate about creating opportunities for female, transgender and non-binary songwriters.
Praise for the Seven Stories EPs
"Catchy lines come thick and fast, alongside wistful observational writing." – Maverick Magazine
"The Seven Stories EPs showcase a genuine talent. One with very much her own style." - FabricationsHQ
Purchase 'This Building Is Condemned' and previous Little Lore releases at https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
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Blues-rock heavyweight Jack J Hutchinson and soul-blues funksters Matt Pearce & The Mutiny are teaming up for a nine co-headlining dates across England in the spring (see tour date poster below).
Tickets are on sale now.
The tour follows the success of the pair's latest, respective 2024 albums, both of which were celebrated across the blues-rock scene.
Jack J Hutchinson’s album Battles entered the UK Official Charts and was named among Planet Rock’s 50 Albums to Look Forward to in 2024. Jack also recently picked up a HRH Lord of the Blues award.
Matt Pearce’s album The Soul Food Store reached #1 on the Amazon Blues Chart. It was also named Powerplay Magazine’s Album of the Year with a 10/10 rating.
Planet Rock praised The Mutiny’s live show as "a vivacious showcase of mind-blowing blues-rock... Pearce demonstrating why he’s such a renowned guitarist."
"I can’t wait to hit the road with Matt for these double-header shows. I’ve been a massive fan of his playing for a long time, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Bring it on!" - Jack J Hutchinson
"I’m super excited to be bringing the Mutiny back out with rocking blues master Jack J Hutchinson.
I’m hoping we get to jam together at the gigs too! This will be a total blast... lets go!" - Matt Pearce
Tickets are on sale now.
The tour follows the success of the pair's latest, respective 2024 albums, both of which were celebrated across the blues-rock scene.
Jack J Hutchinson’s album Battles entered the UK Official Charts and was named among Planet Rock’s 50 Albums to Look Forward to in 2024. Jack also recently picked up a HRH Lord of the Blues award.
Matt Pearce’s album The Soul Food Store reached #1 on the Amazon Blues Chart. It was also named Powerplay Magazine’s Album of the Year with a 10/10 rating.
Planet Rock praised The Mutiny’s live show as "a vivacious showcase of mind-blowing blues-rock... Pearce demonstrating why he’s such a renowned guitarist."
"I can’t wait to hit the road with Matt for these double-header shows. I’ve been a massive fan of his playing for a long time, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Bring it on!" - Jack J Hutchinson
"I’m super excited to be bringing the Mutiny back out with rocking blues master Jack J Hutchinson.
I’m hoping we get to jam together at the gigs too! This will be a total blast... lets go!" - Matt Pearce
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Legendary guitarist Robin Trower will be back on the UK road in May (see dates further below).
After a brief setback with his health, the Godfather of Tone and powerhouse of British blues-rock is feeling better than ever and ready to take on his latest set of UK dates, which will begin on 14th May at the Opera House in Buxton. Tickets on sale via: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robin-Trower.htm
Trower has also released a brand new video for 'The Razor's Edge,' which originally featured on his acclaimed 2022 studio album, No More Worlds To Conquer.
The video is taken from Trower's 2024 In Concert performance, which you can purchase here.
Talking about the song at the time it was originally released, Trower says it features "some of my favorite guitar work I’ve played on a recording in a long time. The Razor’s Edge and others like Cloud Across The Sun are about my dissatisfaction with the politicians of the day - pointing the finger at the ones that don’t keep their promises."
After a brief setback with his health, the Godfather of Tone and powerhouse of British blues-rock is feeling better than ever and ready to take on his latest set of UK dates, which will begin on 14th May at the Opera House in Buxton. Tickets on sale via: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robin-Trower.htm
Trower has also released a brand new video for 'The Razor's Edge,' which originally featured on his acclaimed 2022 studio album, No More Worlds To Conquer.
The video is taken from Trower's 2024 In Concert performance, which you can purchase here.
Talking about the song at the time it was originally released, Trower says it features "some of my favorite guitar work I’ve played on a recording in a long time. The Razor’s Edge and others like Cloud Across The Sun are about my dissatisfaction with the politicians of the day - pointing the finger at the ones that don’t keep their promises."
Earlier this year Robin Trower released Bridge of Sighs - 50th Anniversary Edition on 2LP Deluxe Edition and 4-Disc Media Book.
Newly mixed from the original tapes, the 50th Anniversary release also includes an unedited stereo mix cut at half-speed for best audio clarity.
For six decades, Robin Trower’s career has been an act of quiet rebellion.
Rewind the reels of the British guitarist’s backstory and you’ll find an artist who has always rolled the dice rather than take the path of least resistance. In the early 70s Trower announced his fearless streak by leaving the security of Procol Harum for a gold-selling solo career that saw him fill the stadiums of North America.
Since then, he’s flowed from his own projects to collaborations with everyone from Jack Bruce and United State Of Mind supergroup (featuring Trower, Maxi Priest and Livingstone Brown) to last year's #1 Billboard Blues Album Joyful Sky with vocal powerhouse Sari Schorr.
Newly mixed from the original tapes, the 50th Anniversary release also includes an unedited stereo mix cut at half-speed for best audio clarity.
For six decades, Robin Trower’s career has been an act of quiet rebellion.
Rewind the reels of the British guitarist’s backstory and you’ll find an artist who has always rolled the dice rather than take the path of least resistance. In the early 70s Trower announced his fearless streak by leaving the security of Procol Harum for a gold-selling solo career that saw him fill the stadiums of North America.
Since then, he’s flowed from his own projects to collaborations with everyone from Jack Bruce and United State Of Mind supergroup (featuring Trower, Maxi Priest and Livingstone Brown) to last year's #1 Billboard Blues Album Joyful Sky with vocal powerhouse Sari Schorr.
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Sicilian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso has announced a special London show on 3rd March at The Garage.
Tickets are available via https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Matteo-Mancuso.htm
Since releasing his debut album The Journey in 2023, Mancuso, who first came to prominence as a YouTube sensation, has adorned the front cover of Guitar Techniques ("The hottest guitarist on the planet") and Total Guitar ("World's hottest virtuoso").
He has also picked up plaudits from some of the world's most iconic guitar players, including Steve Vai, Al Di Meola, Tosin Abasi, Dweezil Zappa and Joe Bonamassa. All declared him a force to be reckoned with.
At the start of this year Matteo Mancuso undertook a sold-out tour of the US before touring Europe again in the summer; he also revealed his latest song, 'Paul Position,' featuring Stefano India (bass) and Giuseppe Bruno (drums).
Talking about the song, Mancuso says, "I wrote it some days after receiving the wonderful Baritone guitar I play on the song from Bacci. If you are wondering why it's called Paul Position, that’s because I was inspired by one of my favourite players, Mr. Paul Gilbert. You may recognize some of his signature licks in the solo section!"
Matteo Mancuso’s exceptional debut album The Journey includes the singles 'Samba Party,' which channels the excitement of Rio de Janeiro during carnival, 'Silkroad,' dedicated to his hometown Palermo and his Arab-Norman roots' and progressive fusion number 'Drop D.'
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Tickets are available via https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Matteo-Mancuso.htm
Since releasing his debut album The Journey in 2023, Mancuso, who first came to prominence as a YouTube sensation, has adorned the front cover of Guitar Techniques ("The hottest guitarist on the planet") and Total Guitar ("World's hottest virtuoso").
He has also picked up plaudits from some of the world's most iconic guitar players, including Steve Vai, Al Di Meola, Tosin Abasi, Dweezil Zappa and Joe Bonamassa. All declared him a force to be reckoned with.
At the start of this year Matteo Mancuso undertook a sold-out tour of the US before touring Europe again in the summer; he also revealed his latest song, 'Paul Position,' featuring Stefano India (bass) and Giuseppe Bruno (drums).
Talking about the song, Mancuso says, "I wrote it some days after receiving the wonderful Baritone guitar I play on the song from Bacci. If you are wondering why it's called Paul Position, that’s because I was inspired by one of my favourite players, Mr. Paul Gilbert. You may recognize some of his signature licks in the solo section!"
Matteo Mancuso’s exceptional debut album The Journey includes the singles 'Samba Party,' which channels the excitement of Rio de Janeiro during carnival, 'Silkroad,' dedicated to his hometown Palermo and his Arab-Norman roots' and progressive fusion number 'Drop D.'
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Metallic sheened French alt-rockers Storm Orchestra, who have been making a name for themselves in the underground Paris music scene over the last few years, have released a new single 'Crush The Mirrors.'
The song, which follows on from previous singles, the muscular beat and thick riffed 'Drummer' and the shimmering, metallic alt-rock of 'Bright Soul,' features Bertrand Poncet of French hardcore pop-punk band Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! on additional vocals (Poncet has produced the band since their earliest days).
Stream the single here: https://lnk.to/stormorchestra
Of the new single, which is a heavier and sonically darker departure for the band, singer-guitarist Maxime Goudard says: "This song really departs from what we've been doing the last few years. Guitars are tricky, the main drumbeat is a bit odd and there are lots of different emotions, especially on the bridge.
We are so happy this song features Bert as producer, co-writer and performer. What he has achieved with C!NCC! has been massively inspirational for many bands in the French alternative scene."
The song, which follows on from previous singles, the muscular beat and thick riffed 'Drummer' and the shimmering, metallic alt-rock of 'Bright Soul,' features Bertrand Poncet of French hardcore pop-punk band Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! on additional vocals (Poncet has produced the band since their earliest days).
Stream the single here: https://lnk.to/stormorchestra
Of the new single, which is a heavier and sonically darker departure for the band, singer-guitarist Maxime Goudard says: "This song really departs from what we've been doing the last few years. Guitars are tricky, the main drumbeat is a bit odd and there are lots of different emotions, especially on the bridge.
We are so happy this song features Bert as producer, co-writer and performer. What he has achieved with C!NCC! has been massively inspirational for many bands in the French alternative scene."
Having known each other since childhood, Maxime Goudard (vocals, guitar), Adrien Richard (bass) and Loïc Fouquet (drums) are bound together by the struggles and triumphs that have led to this moment.
"First and foremost, we stand for packing people in a room and making them have the best time, altogether, with loud music. But we also have social concerns, and stand for equality, the environment and the voices of the people" says the band.
Such themes were explored on their debut album What A Time To Be Alive.
Released in 2023 when still an unsigned band, Storm Orchestra went on to pick up an impressive combined 4M streams; they ended the year in a triumphant fashion as the Artist to Watch in 2024 by Spotify France (and showing in the Top of the Rock: Best of 2023), Deezer's 2023 Rock playlists and, now, signing to the Mascot Label.
Selling out clubs across France, making an impact on the festival circuit and winning more fans while on a tour of Germany in September with Lonely Spring, Storm Orchestra more recently announced themselves on the big stage when they opened for Black Stone Cherry at L'Olympia, Paris.
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"First and foremost, we stand for packing people in a room and making them have the best time, altogether, with loud music. But we also have social concerns, and stand for equality, the environment and the voices of the people" says the band.
Such themes were explored on their debut album What A Time To Be Alive.
Released in 2023 when still an unsigned band, Storm Orchestra went on to pick up an impressive combined 4M streams; they ended the year in a triumphant fashion as the Artist to Watch in 2024 by Spotify France (and showing in the Top of the Rock: Best of 2023), Deezer's 2023 Rock playlists and, now, signing to the Mascot Label.
Selling out clubs across France, making an impact on the festival circuit and winning more fans while on a tour of Germany in September with Lonely Spring, Storm Orchestra more recently announced themselves on the big stage when they opened for Black Stone Cherry at L'Olympia, Paris.
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British blues rock singer-guitarist Troy Redfern will undertake his biggest headline tour of the UK to date this spring. See tour poster below.
Tickets for all shows are available from www.solidentertainments.com
The tour, featuring Troy Redfern (guitar, vocals), Keira Kenworthy (bass, backing vocals) and Nicky Waters (drums, percussion), will promote songs from Redfern’s latest album Invocation, plus fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue.
Troy’s albums, and latest merchandise, are available from www.troyredfern.com/shop
Special guests on twelve of the eighteen dates are three-piece rock band Red Giant; the band was formed by guitarist Dave Simpson, whose YouTube channel has over 138,000 subscribers.
Red Giant recently released their eponymous debut album.
Following his November 2023 UK tour supporting American guitar virtuoso Philip Sayce, Troy Redfern was invited back to tour the UK with Sayce in November and December 2024.
Redfern’s current album Invocation follows his critically acclaimed 2022 studio album The Wings of Salvation; both received rave reviews.
"As an artist, I feel it’s important to keep pushing and striving to refine your art, while staying true to your vision," says Redfern. "It is important to know who you are as an artist. With songs such as The Strange, Van Helsing and Getaway, I think I’ve perfected my own unique sound."
Tickets for all shows are available from www.solidentertainments.com
The tour, featuring Troy Redfern (guitar, vocals), Keira Kenworthy (bass, backing vocals) and Nicky Waters (drums, percussion), will promote songs from Redfern’s latest album Invocation, plus fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue.
Troy’s albums, and latest merchandise, are available from www.troyredfern.com/shop
Special guests on twelve of the eighteen dates are three-piece rock band Red Giant; the band was formed by guitarist Dave Simpson, whose YouTube channel has over 138,000 subscribers.
Red Giant recently released their eponymous debut album.
Following his November 2023 UK tour supporting American guitar virtuoso Philip Sayce, Troy Redfern was invited back to tour the UK with Sayce in November and December 2024.
Redfern’s current album Invocation follows his critically acclaimed 2022 studio album The Wings of Salvation; both received rave reviews.
"As an artist, I feel it’s important to keep pushing and striving to refine your art, while staying true to your vision," says Redfern. "It is important to know who you are as an artist. With songs such as The Strange, Van Helsing and Getaway, I think I’ve perfected my own unique sound."
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Photo by Alex Solca
American Desert Rock band Masters of Reality have announced four shows in the UK for April 2025.
The band will play Southampton (1865) 6th April, Manchester (Rebellion) 7th April, Glasgow (Classic Grand) 8th April and London (229) 9th April.
"Masters of Reality are happy to be coming back to play in April," says singer-guitarist and band driving force Chris Goss.
"Even just four shows will allow us to get some proper UK food and bad reviews! New album in 2025. Buy the damn thing, which you’ll be reminded to do numerous times in the next few months.
And come to the shows. We love you and we’ll see you in April!"
In May this year the band released 'Sugar,' their first new music in fifteen years, via Mascot Records.
They also headlined Desertfest London and Berlin, as well as a number of dates across Europe.
The new song, which builds from a hypnotic melody into a swell of orchestrated, psychedelically tinged emotion, with Chris Goss’s voice floating over the top, dates back to 2006.
It then had many an iteration before Goss added a chorus that had been rattling around the back of his brain since 1995.
"As it developed, Sugar revealed an inner will to become less esoteric and more directly personal" says Goss.
'Sugar,' co-produced by Goss & Alain Johannes, and featuring drummer John Leamy and bassist Paul Powell, heralds the welcome return of Masters Of Reality.
The band will play Southampton (1865) 6th April, Manchester (Rebellion) 7th April, Glasgow (Classic Grand) 8th April and London (229) 9th April.
"Masters of Reality are happy to be coming back to play in April," says singer-guitarist and band driving force Chris Goss.
"Even just four shows will allow us to get some proper UK food and bad reviews! New album in 2025. Buy the damn thing, which you’ll be reminded to do numerous times in the next few months.
And come to the shows. We love you and we’ll see you in April!"
In May this year the band released 'Sugar,' their first new music in fifteen years, via Mascot Records.
They also headlined Desertfest London and Berlin, as well as a number of dates across Europe.
The new song, which builds from a hypnotic melody into a swell of orchestrated, psychedelically tinged emotion, with Chris Goss’s voice floating over the top, dates back to 2006.
It then had many an iteration before Goss added a chorus that had been rattling around the back of his brain since 1995.
"As it developed, Sugar revealed an inner will to become less esoteric and more directly personal" says Goss.
'Sugar,' co-produced by Goss & Alain Johannes, and featuring drummer John Leamy and bassist Paul Powell, heralds the welcome return of Masters Of Reality.
Chris Goss has spent more than forty years charting his own musical journey; travelling from mystical blues to desert rock to psychedelia-edged beauty via all points in between.
Where others follow the pack, this desert-dwelling California native has forged a career like no other.
In the early 1990s his three albums with a bunch of kids from Palm Desert called Kyuss, helped plant the seeds for the so-called desert rock movement. He struck up a lifelong friendship with the band’s guitarist Josh Homme, who enlisted Goss’ help when it came to getting his post-Kyuss outfit, Queens Of The Stone Age, off the ground (co-producing their first two albums and working with Homme on his Desert Sessions project).
Other bands and acts Goss has worked with include Mark Lanegan, Foo Fighters, The Cult, UNKLE, Stone Temple Pilots, singer Scott Weiland, former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Hollywood star Russell Crowe.
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Where others follow the pack, this desert-dwelling California native has forged a career like no other.
In the early 1990s his three albums with a bunch of kids from Palm Desert called Kyuss, helped plant the seeds for the so-called desert rock movement. He struck up a lifelong friendship with the band’s guitarist Josh Homme, who enlisted Goss’ help when it came to getting his post-Kyuss outfit, Queens Of The Stone Age, off the ground (co-producing their first two albums and working with Homme on his Desert Sessions project).
Other bands and acts Goss has worked with include Mark Lanegan, Foo Fighters, The Cult, UNKLE, Stone Temple Pilots, singer Scott Weiland, former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Hollywood star Russell Crowe.
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Bonnie Raitt and her band will return to England, Scotland & Ireland in June for ten dates.
The shows will follow on from Raitt’s Lifetime of Artistic Achievements celebration at the 47th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC this December.
Raitt also made an unexpected splash in music industry headlines last month when Essex-native Charli XCX, via her collaborator Justin Vernon, sampled and interpolated 'Nick of Time' (the title track from Raitt's 1989 release that earned a GRAMMY for Album of the Year) as part of the track 'I Think About it All the Time' featuring Bon Iver.
"Luckily, there are people like Charli and Justin who are drawn to my music," Raitt says. "When I started, I was idolizing my heroes like Sippie Wallace, Muddy Waters, and Judy Collins, and now I get to be appreciated like they were. I’ll take it, and wear it with pride."
Raitt has been touring extensively in the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Scotland and Ireland since the release of her critically acclaimed studio album, Just Like That… in 2022.
Tickets for all dates are on sale now via: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/bonnie-raitt/
The shows will follow on from Raitt’s Lifetime of Artistic Achievements celebration at the 47th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC this December.
Raitt also made an unexpected splash in music industry headlines last month when Essex-native Charli XCX, via her collaborator Justin Vernon, sampled and interpolated 'Nick of Time' (the title track from Raitt's 1989 release that earned a GRAMMY for Album of the Year) as part of the track 'I Think About it All the Time' featuring Bon Iver.
"Luckily, there are people like Charli and Justin who are drawn to my music," Raitt says. "When I started, I was idolizing my heroes like Sippie Wallace, Muddy Waters, and Judy Collins, and now I get to be appreciated like they were. I’ll take it, and wear it with pride."
Raitt has been touring extensively in the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Scotland and Ireland since the release of her critically acclaimed studio album, Just Like That… in 2022.
Tickets for all dates are on sale now via: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/bonnie-raitt/
Bonnie Raitt, whose unique style blends blues, R&B, rock and pop, broke through to major success in the late 80s and early 90s with her GRAMMY-award-winning albums Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw, which featured the hits 'Something To Talk About' and 'I Can’t Make You Love Me.'
Raitt, a thirteen-time GRAMMY winner, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2022 Raitt undertook a 75-date headline U.S. tour in support of her critically acclaimed, twenty-first album Just Like That…
That same year Raitt received the Icon Award at the Billboard Women In Music Awards and saw her breakthrough album Nick of Time (#1 on six Billboard charts and #1 on the Americana Radio Album Chart) added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Bonnie Raitt has also long been involved with the environmental movement, performing concerts around oil, nuclear power, mining, water, and forest protection since the mid-70s.
She was a founding member of both MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) and The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which works for royalty reform and recognition of generations of pioneer R&B artists.
She continues to work on safe energy issues in addition to environmental protection, social justice, Native American and human rights, as well as artist's rights and music education.
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Raitt, a thirteen-time GRAMMY winner, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2022 Raitt undertook a 75-date headline U.S. tour in support of her critically acclaimed, twenty-first album Just Like That…
That same year Raitt received the Icon Award at the Billboard Women In Music Awards and saw her breakthrough album Nick of Time (#1 on six Billboard charts and #1 on the Americana Radio Album Chart) added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Bonnie Raitt has also long been involved with the environmental movement, performing concerts around oil, nuclear power, mining, water, and forest protection since the mid-70s.
She was a founding member of both MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) and The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which works for royalty reform and recognition of generations of pioneer R&B artists.
She continues to work on safe energy issues in addition to environmental protection, social justice, Native American and human rights, as well as artist's rights and music education.
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Due to incredibly high demand Missouri rockers Shaman’s Harvest, who have amassed 400+ million streams, have added more dates to their first ever UK and Ireland tour in March.
Such is the interest for the band’s first appearance on UK and Ireland shores for their About Time 2025 Tour alongside "Texas Grunge" band Blacktop Mojo, that six more dates have been added: Sheffield, Swansea, Buckley, Derby, Norwich and Brighton. Full list of dates further below on tour poster.
Tickets: https://www.shamansharvest.net/tour-1
The bands' last three albums via Mascot Records have seen them hit a creative streak with, first, Smokin' Hearts & Broken Guns (2014), Billboard Top 20 Rock album Red Hands, Black Deeds (2017) and Billboard #11 Hard Rock Album Rebelator (2022).
The latter includes the singles 'Dangerous' and 'In Chains,' which has clocked up 8.3 million views and spent over four months in the iTunes Top 10 Metal Songs Chart.
Such is the interest for the band’s first appearance on UK and Ireland shores for their About Time 2025 Tour alongside "Texas Grunge" band Blacktop Mojo, that six more dates have been added: Sheffield, Swansea, Buckley, Derby, Norwich and Brighton. Full list of dates further below on tour poster.
Tickets: https://www.shamansharvest.net/tour-1
The bands' last three albums via Mascot Records have seen them hit a creative streak with, first, Smokin' Hearts & Broken Guns (2014), Billboard Top 20 Rock album Red Hands, Black Deeds (2017) and Billboard #11 Hard Rock Album Rebelator (2022).
The latter includes the singles 'Dangerous' and 'In Chains,' which has clocked up 8.3 million views and spent over four months in the iTunes Top 10 Metal Songs Chart.
Shaman’s Harvest, who have released seven albums and played everywhere from Speedways and Casinos to Arenas and festival stages, have been delivering their brand of alternative metal and dark hard rock for the past two decades.
They have toured with the likes of Nickelback, Cheap Trick, Black Stone Cherry and Theory of a Deadman; they’ve also shared the biggest stages with AC/DC, Alice In Chains, Killswitch Engage, Shinedown, Rob Zombie, Ghost and many more.
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our UK and Ireland show announcement, says the band’s singer Nathan Hunt. We wanted to add more dates so we could see as many faces as possible and bring the Shaman’s Harvest experience to even more cities. The excitement is off the charts, and we’re ready to bring it all—we’re coming in hot!”
They have toured with the likes of Nickelback, Cheap Trick, Black Stone Cherry and Theory of a Deadman; they’ve also shared the biggest stages with AC/DC, Alice In Chains, Killswitch Engage, Shinedown, Rob Zombie, Ghost and many more.
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our UK and Ireland show announcement, says the band’s singer Nathan Hunt. We wanted to add more dates so we could see as many faces as possible and bring the Shaman’s Harvest experience to even more cities. The excitement is off the charts, and we’re ready to bring it all—we’re coming in hot!”
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Having recently completed their winter 2024 run of dates, the UK's own southern rockers, Sons Of Liberty, have announced they will be back out on the road through the early parts of 2025 on The Tour of Liberty, with special guests Thieves of Liberty.
(See tour dates poster below).
Prior to the tour there’s a return to Planet Rock Winter’s End in Trecco Bay in January; the tour itself will include an Acoustic in-store performance at HMV Glasgow, a long-awaited London appearance at Cart And Horses (the legendary birthplace of Iron Maiden) and a hometown Bristol show at Exchange.
Tickets are on sale now.
2024 saw the Sons tipped for success by many including Classic Rock Magazine, due in no small part to third and best to date album The Detail Is In The Devil, which received exemplary reviews across the board.
The band followed up the album with a limited edition EP, featuring two previously unreleased tracks.
Hailing from Bristol Sons Of Liberty have established themselves as one of the most popular live acts on the current original hard rock scene.
They have toured with the likes of FM, Grand Slam and Molly Hatchet and shared stages with Airbourne and The Darkness; they have also graced the stages of high profile UK & European festivals such as Call Of The Wild, Maid of Stone and Bully-On-The-Rocks, to name but three.
(See tour dates poster below).
Prior to the tour there’s a return to Planet Rock Winter’s End in Trecco Bay in January; the tour itself will include an Acoustic in-store performance at HMV Glasgow, a long-awaited London appearance at Cart And Horses (the legendary birthplace of Iron Maiden) and a hometown Bristol show at Exchange.
Tickets are on sale now.
2024 saw the Sons tipped for success by many including Classic Rock Magazine, due in no small part to third and best to date album The Detail Is In The Devil, which received exemplary reviews across the board.
The band followed up the album with a limited edition EP, featuring two previously unreleased tracks.
Hailing from Bristol Sons Of Liberty have established themselves as one of the most popular live acts on the current original hard rock scene.
They have toured with the likes of FM, Grand Slam and Molly Hatchet and shared stages with Airbourne and The Darkness; they have also graced the stages of high profile UK & European festivals such as Call Of The Wild, Maid of Stone and Bully-On-The-Rocks, to name but three.
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Graham Gouldman has announced a 16-date UK tour for his acclaimed semi-acoustic show Heart Full of Songs.
Performing songs from his back catalogue, including chart hits for 10cc, The Hollies, Herman’s Hermits, The Yardbirds, Wax and selected tracks from his solo albums, including widely acclaimed latest release, I Have Notes, Gouldman will be backed by his 10cc live bandmates Keith Hayman and Iain Hornal, with Dave Cobby on percussion.
Tickets/ info via: www.grahamgouldman.info
Looking ahead to the tour, Gouldman says "It’s always great to perform these songs acoustically and explain how they originated, playing with some great musician friends in relatively intimate settings, especially as this time I can include some tracks from my new solo album.
It’s quite a contrast from 10cc concerts but just as pleasurable."
Gouldman’s prestigious career took off in 1965, following what turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Columbia Records rejected his first single composition for his band The Mockingbirds, which featured fellow 10cc founder Kevin Godley on drums.
That song was 'For Your Love,' which became a huge hit for The Yardbirds.
Gouldman went on to write a string of hits including 'Pamela, Pamela' (Wayne Fontana), 'For Your Love,' 'Evil Hearted You' and 'Heart Full of Soul' (The Yardbirds), 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window' (The Hollies), 'No Milk Today' and 'Listen People' (Herman's Hermits), and 'Tallyman' (Jeff Beck).
In 1972, along with Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, Gouldman formed 10cc.
The rest is intelligent and creative pop and rock history.
Gouldman’s status as one of the world’s leading songwriters was acknowledged in 2014 with his induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (an arm of America’s National Academy of Music).
More recent career highlights include being part of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for arena tours of Europe & USA in 2018.
In 2022 his song 'Floating in Heaven,' in collaboration with Brian May, became the single that accompanied the unveiling of the first images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
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Performing songs from his back catalogue, including chart hits for 10cc, The Hollies, Herman’s Hermits, The Yardbirds, Wax and selected tracks from his solo albums, including widely acclaimed latest release, I Have Notes, Gouldman will be backed by his 10cc live bandmates Keith Hayman and Iain Hornal, with Dave Cobby on percussion.
Tickets/ info via: www.grahamgouldman.info
Looking ahead to the tour, Gouldman says "It’s always great to perform these songs acoustically and explain how they originated, playing with some great musician friends in relatively intimate settings, especially as this time I can include some tracks from my new solo album.
It’s quite a contrast from 10cc concerts but just as pleasurable."
Gouldman’s prestigious career took off in 1965, following what turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Columbia Records rejected his first single composition for his band The Mockingbirds, which featured fellow 10cc founder Kevin Godley on drums.
That song was 'For Your Love,' which became a huge hit for The Yardbirds.
Gouldman went on to write a string of hits including 'Pamela, Pamela' (Wayne Fontana), 'For Your Love,' 'Evil Hearted You' and 'Heart Full of Soul' (The Yardbirds), 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window' (The Hollies), 'No Milk Today' and 'Listen People' (Herman's Hermits), and 'Tallyman' (Jeff Beck).
In 1972, along with Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, Gouldman formed 10cc.
The rest is intelligent and creative pop and rock history.
Gouldman’s status as one of the world’s leading songwriters was acknowledged in 2014 with his induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (an arm of America’s National Academy of Music).
More recent career highlights include being part of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for arena tours of Europe & USA in 2018.
In 2022 his song 'Floating in Heaven,' in collaboration with Brian May, became the single that accompanied the unveiling of the first images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
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Level 42 have announced their World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour, which will visit 28 UK venues.
The tour, which features Special Guests Roachford, will open in Aberdeen, and close at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London.
The band are also the first act to confirm a performance at the soon-to-be revived Watford Colosseum (the venue is currently undergoing renovation ahead of its grand reopening next year).
Tickets: aegpresents.co.uk/event/level42
World Machine was the album that changed everything for Level 42, and set them on the path to super-stardom.
Released in 1985, it was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and since certified double Platinum.
The band’s sixth album, World Machine refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots, to make Level 42 one of the biggest groups in the world.
The album, which features the singles 'Something About You' (an American Top 10 hit) and 'Leaving Me Now,' showcased a true progression in style, which itself led to their massive Running In The Family album the following year.
Of the tour, bassist extraordinaire Mark King says "As our amazing fans will know, World Machine marked a turning point in the band’s career, not least in the international success the album gave us. I am so looking forward to seeing you all out there next Autumn when we can romp through all those songs again, together. Love to all!"
Four decades on from the release of World Machine Level 42 are still in demand the world over.
The forthcoming tour celebrates a great album, but it’s also an opportunity to witness one of the most popular and enduring British bands doing what they do best.
The tour, which features Special Guests Roachford, will open in Aberdeen, and close at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London.
The band are also the first act to confirm a performance at the soon-to-be revived Watford Colosseum (the venue is currently undergoing renovation ahead of its grand reopening next year).
Tickets: aegpresents.co.uk/event/level42
World Machine was the album that changed everything for Level 42, and set them on the path to super-stardom.
Released in 1985, it was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and since certified double Platinum.
The band’s sixth album, World Machine refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots, to make Level 42 one of the biggest groups in the world.
The album, which features the singles 'Something About You' (an American Top 10 hit) and 'Leaving Me Now,' showcased a true progression in style, which itself led to their massive Running In The Family album the following year.
Of the tour, bassist extraordinaire Mark King says "As our amazing fans will know, World Machine marked a turning point in the band’s career, not least in the international success the album gave us. I am so looking forward to seeing you all out there next Autumn when we can romp through all those songs again, together. Love to all!"
Four decades on from the release of World Machine Level 42 are still in demand the world over.
The forthcoming tour celebrates a great album, but it’s also an opportunity to witness one of the most popular and enduring British bands doing what they do best.
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The Blackheart Orchestra, featuring the talents of multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington and (who between them utilise over 13 instruments, from electric & acoustic guitars, bass and keyboards and to Omnichord, glockenspiel, melodica and a collection of "ancient synths") recently released a brand new single entitled 'Bloodlines.'
The song, which moves from the ethereal and atmospheric to up-tempo and uplifting, takes its lyrical inspiration from the things passed down through our emotional lineage, from intergenerational trauma and mental illness to strength and resilience; asking the question: is society’s current epidemic of depression generic or genetic?
'Bloodlines' is also the first song to be heard from the band’s next album, to be released later this year.
The song, which moves from the ethereal and atmospheric to up-tempo and uplifting, takes its lyrical inspiration from the things passed down through our emotional lineage, from intergenerational trauma and mental illness to strength and resilience; asking the question: is society’s current epidemic of depression generic or genetic?
'Bloodlines' is also the first song to be heard from the band’s next album, to be released later this year.
The Blackheart Orchestra’s music combines influences from the likes of British greats Kate Bush, Mike Oldfield and Portishead to American composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass.
The results are a multi-layered combination of ambient, classical, rock, pop and prog, with questioning and thoughtful lyricism that deals with human emotion.
"Epic" - Uncut; "Ethereal" - Sunday Express; "Mercurial" - Guitarist Magazine
"A life-enhancing listening experience" - Louder Than War
"Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed" - Metal Planet
"Full of multi-textured soundscapes" - FabricationsHQ
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The results are a multi-layered combination of ambient, classical, rock, pop and prog, with questioning and thoughtful lyricism that deals with human emotion.
"Epic" - Uncut; "Ethereal" - Sunday Express; "Mercurial" - Guitarist Magazine
"A life-enhancing listening experience" - Louder Than War
"Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed" - Metal Planet
"Full of multi-textured soundscapes" - FabricationsHQ
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Modern, Indie-vibed band The Offshore have released a new single entitled 'Fire In Your Eyes.'
Of the new song, which follows 2023 debut single 'Molecules,' band front man Joe says: "This song is all about an internal conversation with yourself about being able to let go and accept it’s ok to do what you want to do, you know. Basically, don’t let yourself be held back by anything, light that fire up and go for it!"
Of the new song, which follows 2023 debut single 'Molecules,' band front man Joe says: "This song is all about an internal conversation with yourself about being able to let go and accept it’s ok to do what you want to do, you know. Basically, don’t let yourself be held back by anything, light that fire up and go for it!"
"We’re so proud of not just this single, but also the bands new sound, which, by being able to work alongside producer Dave Draper (Ginger Wildheart, The Wildhearts, Terrorvision, Ryan Hamilton, The Professionals) has taken on a great, modern vibe" says band drummer Chris, who continues: "This song, as Joe says, is about having freedom and not being scared to do what you want to do, getting that fire in your eyes and going for it. That’s exactly what we’ve now done as a band; we’re really excited about the direction moving forward."
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UK based singer-songwriter Kay Iris, accompanied by accomplished instrumentalist and songwriter Matt Patmore, has released a new single entitled 'Last To Be Sung.'
Purchase/ stream the single here: https://snd.click/tknt
The song, which follows previous singles 'A Tale of Fate' and 'Dead Man Walking,' is a delicate, rhythmic and tender call to action; one that asks the listener to consider the topics of conservation, sustainability and their own global impact.
A folk ballad at heart, 'Last To Be Sung' addresses the defeatist apathy that can often go hand-in-hand with the above subjects, as well as the power of positive change, no matter how little the contribution.
"Last To Be Sung is a song of praise and hope; one that looks to inspire more and more people to reduce their impact on planet earth. More than ever, these topics need consideration and action.
This is our love letter to Mother Earth, and others that wish to help her." - Kay Iris
Purchase/ stream the single here: https://snd.click/tknt
The song, which follows previous singles 'A Tale of Fate' and 'Dead Man Walking,' is a delicate, rhythmic and tender call to action; one that asks the listener to consider the topics of conservation, sustainability and their own global impact.
A folk ballad at heart, 'Last To Be Sung' addresses the defeatist apathy that can often go hand-in-hand with the above subjects, as well as the power of positive change, no matter how little the contribution.
"Last To Be Sung is a song of praise and hope; one that looks to inspire more and more people to reduce their impact on planet earth. More than ever, these topics need consideration and action.
This is our love letter to Mother Earth, and others that wish to help her." - Kay Iris
Taking inspiration from Joni Mitchell, The Doobie Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Fleetwood Mac, singer-songwriter, guitarist and activist Kay Iris, along with instrumentalist Matt Patmore, aim to inspire and empower through their music.
Their signature sound incorporates folk, country, Americana and rock, accompanied by ethereal vocals, memorable riffs and thought-provoking lyrics.
Creating sounds for sustainability, the pair intend to use their musical 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 ecofriendly festivals such as The Vegan Campout, Into The Wild and Black Deer Festival, and support conservational charities and venues.
"Kay captivates with her incomparable voice and stellar writing" - Pete Smith, Producer (Sting, Randy Crawford, Joe Cocker)
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Their signature sound incorporates folk, country, Americana and rock, accompanied by ethereal vocals, memorable riffs and thought-provoking lyrics.
Creating sounds for sustainability, the pair intend to use their musical 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 ecofriendly festivals such as The Vegan Campout, Into The Wild and Black Deer Festival, and support conservational charities and venues.
"Kay captivates with her incomparable voice and stellar writing" - Pete Smith, Producer (Sting, Randy Crawford, Joe Cocker)
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TOTO, aka The Dogz of Oz, will undertake a European tour, taking in ten countries, in the spring.
The band will also play four shows in the UK in February – Glasgow OVO Hydro (1st); Birmingham BP Pulse LIVE (2nd); Manchester AO Arena (4th); London OVO Arena Wembley (5th).
Tickets for the UK dates are available via: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/toto/
Special Guest across all European and UK dates will be Christopher Cross.
Joining Steve Lukather (guitar/ vocals) and Joseph Williams (vocals) are Greg Phillinganes (keys/ vocals), Shannon Forrest (drums), John Pierce (bass), Warren Ham (horns/ percussion/ vocals) and Dennis Atlas (keys/ vocals).
Dovetailing with the tour announcement is news that TOTO have achieved a milestone accomplishment with their iconic song 'Africa,' which has been certified Diamond (sales of more than 10M in the US) by the RIAA.
Additionally, the band’s first hit 'Hold The Line' has been certified triple platinum, while 'Rosanna' has been certified double platinum.
Cumulative album sales now exceed 50M.
(Individually and collectively, the band’s family tree can be heard on an astonishing five thousand albums; together they amass a sales history of a half a billion albums).
TOTO/ The Dogz of Oz also have plans to return to South America this coming November to play in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico and a special appearance in Mexico City as one of the headliners of Corona Capital.
Special Guest on the tour, Christopher Cross, burst onto the music scene in 1980 with his self-titled debut album, which won five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, for 'Sailing.'
In a career spanning more than four decades, Cross has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums.
As well as his five Grammys, he has had five Top 10 singles, won an Oscar and a Golden Globe, and been nominated for an Emmy.
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The band will also play four shows in the UK in February – Glasgow OVO Hydro (1st); Birmingham BP Pulse LIVE (2nd); Manchester AO Arena (4th); London OVO Arena Wembley (5th).
Tickets for the UK dates are available via: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/toto/
Special Guest across all European and UK dates will be Christopher Cross.
Joining Steve Lukather (guitar/ vocals) and Joseph Williams (vocals) are Greg Phillinganes (keys/ vocals), Shannon Forrest (drums), John Pierce (bass), Warren Ham (horns/ percussion/ vocals) and Dennis Atlas (keys/ vocals).
Dovetailing with the tour announcement is news that TOTO have achieved a milestone accomplishment with their iconic song 'Africa,' which has been certified Diamond (sales of more than 10M in the US) by the RIAA.
Additionally, the band’s first hit 'Hold The Line' has been certified triple platinum, while 'Rosanna' has been certified double platinum.
Cumulative album sales now exceed 50M.
(Individually and collectively, the band’s family tree can be heard on an astonishing five thousand albums; together they amass a sales history of a half a billion albums).
TOTO/ The Dogz of Oz also have plans to return to South America this coming November to play in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico and a special appearance in Mexico City as one of the headliners of Corona Capital.
Special Guest on the tour, Christopher Cross, burst onto the music scene in 1980 with his self-titled debut album, which won five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, for 'Sailing.'
In a career spanning more than four decades, Cross has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums.
As well as his five Grammys, he has had five Top 10 singles, won an Oscar and a Golden Globe, and been nominated for an Emmy.
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say." - Victor Wooten