Quick plays: UNISONIC, RON POPE

UNISONIC Live at Wacken

UNISONIC Live at Wacken earMUSIC [Release date 21.07.17]

Unisonic are the band formed by ex-Helloween members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen (of Gamma Ray fame), joined by Denis Ward (Pink Cream 69 and many production credits), Mandy Meyer (Asia/Krokus) and drummer Kosta Zafiriou (ex-Pink Cream 69) – he bowed out after this gig to retire from music and focus on management.

The band have released two studio albums and a couple of EP’s to date, so they have a decent catalogue to draw upon for this gig. They have a sound not unlike Gamma Ray and Helloween as you’d expect, although Unisonic go for a harder rock sound and less metal in parts than those aforementioned bands.

Recorded at last year’s Wacken the band sound in good form, with a couple of Helloween covers in the set, namely ‘A Little Time’ and ‘March Of Time’. Of the band’s own tunes ‘Star Rider’ and the Iron Maiden sounding ‘My Sanctuary’ are the pick of the bunch.

Unisonic seem to be on hiatus for now as both Kiske and Hansen are involved in the upcoming Helloween reunion tour dates. Until we get any new songs from Unisonic this live CD and DVD will do for now. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

RON POPE Work

RON POPE Work www.ronpopemusic.com [Release date 18.08.17]

I reviewed the Ron Pope & the Nighthawks album at the start of 2016 and very impressive it was. Now Ron Pope has a solo album out and he is joined by Jay Collins on sax (Gregg Allman Band), Mike Riddleberger (drums), Andrew Pertes (bass), Kai Welch (keys/accordion), Jeff Malinowski (guitar), Alex Brumel (guitar/pedal steel) and Charles Ray (flugelhorn/trumpet).

Like the Nighthawks album Ron Pope delves into a few musical pots, be a little of the Rolling Stones/Black Crowes on the insanely catchy ‘Let’s Get Stoned’ or the Americana flavoured ‘Can’t Stay Here’.

The title track again shows what a strong lyricist Ron Pope is with the refrain ‘Working to live beats living to work anytime’ – a sentiment many can relate to. The music on the song suits the lyric perfectly – gentle guitar, a little accordion and a gentle swish on the drums.

Do yourself a favour and grab this album when it comes out as Ron Pope captures the everyday in such a succinct way. Strong voice, lyrics and wonderful music, what’s not to like?  ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 March 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 5 March 2024.

How to Listen Live?

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Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
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Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 18 March 2024

GYPSY’S KISS We’ve Come To Play
FM Out Of The Blue (Frontiers)
SHOTGUN MISTRESS Shot Down (indie)
ATTIC THEORY Violent Delight (indie)
FLOYA Yume (FiXT)
SAHAJI Tell Me All Your Feelings (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 18 March 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 LEAVES’ EYES Myths Of Fate (AFM Records)
14:00-16:00 HOLLY LERSKI Sweet Decline (indie)


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