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Upcoming Gigs & Albums
Latest Album Reviews
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Album review : JON ANDERSON – Survival And Other Stories / Earth Mother Earth (2 CDs / remasters)
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Album review: MYRATH – Wilderness Of Mirrors
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Album review: MASSIVE WAGONS – Live At The Great Hall
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Album review: JAMIE WILLIAMS AND THE ROOTS COLLECTIVE – In The Moment
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Album review: JOE HICKS – Before It Gets Dark
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Album review: WARRANT – Belly To Belly Vol.1
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Latest Gig Reviews
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Gig review: BRAVE RIVAL – The Stables, Milton Keynes, 14 March 2026
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Gig review: A VERY SPECIAL EVENING OF MOTT THE HOOPLE – Riverside Studios, London, 27 February 2026
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Gig review: EMERALD MOON – Le Marquee, Peyrignac, Dordogne, SW France, 7 March 2026
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Gig review: MILKFEST, Indigo2, London, 1 March 2026
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GRTR! Greats
Featured Album Reviews
Features
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Author Archives: david.wilson
Album review: BLACKWATER CONSPIRACY – Two Tails & The Dirty Truth Of Love & Revolution
Bulletproof 20/20 Records [Release date 14.02.20] This is the second album from County Tyrone southern tinged rockers Blackwater Conspiracy following on from their 2017 debut ‘Shootin’ The Breeze’ and it is a bit of a cracker. The band master … Continue reading
Album review: WKW (WATSON, KERCHEVAL, WATSON) – Men Of Steel
WKW Music [Release date - Out Now] WKW is a collaboration between the two Big Country mainstays, Bruce and Jamie Watson, and Thomas Kercheval. Kercheval is an Emmy winning documentary editor, independent musician and longtime Big Country fan. He ran … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Big Country, Bruce Watson, CD, Jamie Watson, Kerchevel, Men Of Steel, review, Robert Burns, Stuart Adamson, The Skids, Watson, WKW
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Gig review: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, 30 January 2020
This was my first visit to the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena and on arrival at the venue prior to the doors opening I was greeted with massive queues waiting to get into the sold out venue. Thankfully local boy and crack photographer Darren Griffiths was a … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 30th January 2020, Bad Wolves, Cardiff, Dave Ellefson, Dave Mustaine, Dolores O'Riordan, F8, Five Finger Death Punch, gig, Ivan Moody, Jason Hook, Megadeth, metal, Motorpoint Arena, Peace Sells, rock, The Cranberries, Wrong Side Of Heaven, Zoltan Bathory, Zombie
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Gig review: GREAT BRITISH ROCK AND BLUES FESTIVAL – Butlins, Skegness,17th to 20th January 2020
Skegness in early January is a bit of a strange place. Row upon row of empty caravans lie in wait for warmer weather and better times. When once again the sound of laughter and the smell of stale beer, cigarette … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, Special Events
Tagged 17th to 20th January 2020, AC/DC, Atomic Rooster, Bernie Marsden, blues, Burnt Out Wreck, Butlins, Chris Bevington Organisation, Chris Slade Time Line, Clearwater, Crow Black Chicken, David Coverdale, Gary Moore, Geordie, gig, Great British Rock And Blues Festival, Hollowstar, James Oliver Band, Joan ov Arc, Killit, live, Matt Pearce and the Mutiny, Mike Farris, NINE BELOW ZERO, Pete Feenstra, Peter Green, Redfish, Rhinos revenge, rock, Savoy Brown, SKAM!, Skegness, The Animals And Friends, Vambo, Whitesnake, Zoe Scwarz Blue Commotion
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Gig review: SKERRYVORE/MANRAN – Albert Hall, Stirling, 29 December 2019
The Scottish folk rock scene has been topped for the last 40 odd years by Runrig who had a huge following across the country and beyond. There have been a number of other bands however who have been on a rapid … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged Alec Dalglish, Craig Espie, Ewan Henderson, folk music, Gary Innes, gig, Kim Carnie, live, Manran, review, rock, Runrig, Scottish, Skerryvore
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Gig review: DAN REED NETWORK/GUN/FM – Waterfront, Norwich,14 December 2019
Three of the common sights of the 21st century concert scene are bands playing a classic album in its entirety; package tours bringing together acts with a complementary fanbase; and bands that we thought would never get back together again … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 14 December 2019, 1989, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Dan Reed Network, Dante Gizzi, FM, funk, gig, Gun, Headstart Promotions, Jim Kirkpatrick, Jools Gizzi, live, Martin Jarvis, Norwich, rock, Slam, Steve Overland, Taking On The World, Tough It Out, Waterfront
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Album review: RAMMSTEIN – Rammstein
Spinefarm Records [Release date 17.05.19] 10 years is a long time in anyone’s book but in musical terms it can be a whole career, or in the case of some X Factor winners a career can pass in 10 minutes. The fact … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, CD, Deutschland, Industrial, metal, Paul Landers, radio, Rammstein, review, Richard z Kruspe, rock, Till Lindemann, X Factor
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Gig review: HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 3 – Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 9 November 2019
After the high of Saturday there was a more subdued feeling around the smaller arena as the early unplugged sessions got underway with CADENCE NOIR and DEVILFIRE. A little thin on the ground at this early hour, the previous long … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 9th November 2019, Ablaze, Brian Tatler, Candece Noir, Chemia, Chic, Devilfire, Diamond Head, Doro, gig, Great Yarmouth, Hand of Dimes, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, HRH Awards, live, Massive, metal, Michael Monroe, review, rock, Stonedeaf, Wolf Jaw, Zodiac Mindwarp
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Gig review: HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 2 – Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 8 November 2019
First band on the mainstage were Highway To Hell winners, TWISTER. The Durham band had been popular winners and the early start saw many seeking out breakfast and a brew to join the band in the main arena. The set-up … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 8th November 2019, Beth Blade, Brian Downey Live And Dangerous, Buckcherry, Chic, Dante Gizzi, gig, Great Yarmouth, Gun, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, HRH Awards, Johnny Davies, Jools Gizzi, Kikamora, live, metal, Praying Mantis, review, rock, Those Damn Crows, Toby Jepson, Twister, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Wayward Sons, White Raven Down
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Gig review – HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 1, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 7 November 2019
Day one proper of the HRH festivities found a change to the set up in the main arena following the awards ceremony. A VIP section had been placed directly in front of the main stage pushing back the main public barrier. This meant the vibe definitely changed from the previous day from one of frivolity and … Continue reading
Gig review: HRH AWARDS 2019 – Great Yarmouth, 6 November 2019
For 13 years HRH has seen some of the finest bands and singers in the rock world grace its stages. This will be the third time that the HRH Awards have been held prior to the main event with a … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 6th November 2019, Chic, gig, Great Yarmouth, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, HRH Awards, Inglorious, Johnny Davies, Killcode, Liberty Lies, live, Massive Wagons, Mike Monroe, review, Spidervayne, The Quireboys, Toby Jepson, Twister, Wayward Sons
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Album review: EMPYRE – Self Aware
Self Release [release date 05.07.19] This is the debut album from Empyre who hail from Northampton. The band formed in 2016 and have had a run of high profile outings including featuring on ‘BBC Introducing’ and recording a session for the … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, CD, Did Coles, Disturbed, Empyre, Northampton, Pearl Jam, review, rock, Self Aware
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Album review: SABATON – The Great War
Nuclear Blast [Release date 19.07.19] With the recent commemorations taking place to mark 100 years passing since the First World War it is the perfect time for Sabaton to tackle the war to end all wars. They have touched on the subject … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, battle metal, Bismark, Joakim Broden, Lawrence Of Arabia, review, rock, Sabaton, The Great War, Verdun
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Gig review – DRAGONFORCE, Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 2 November 2019
Its 15 years since I first caught Dragonforce live at this very venue and although tonight is sold out we are still in a fairly small hall so what, if anything, does this tell us about the band’s career? For me it tells me … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 2nd November 2019, album, Celine Dion, Dragonforce, Edinburgh, Extreme Power Metal, Fredric Leclercq, Gee Anzalone, gig, Herman Li, Japanese, liquid Room, live, Lovebites, Marc Hudson, McRocklin Hutch, metal, review, rock, Sam Totman, Techno, Thomas McRocklin, Titanic
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Album review: DRAGONFORCE – Extreme Power Metal
earMUSIC [Release date 27.09.19] Dragonforce are back with album number eight and it does what it says on the tin. ‘Extreme Power Metal’ has been the band’s weapon of choice since their inception and they still continue to use twenty notes where … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Celine Dion, Dragonforce, Extreme Power Metal, FM, Fredric Leclercq, Gee Anzalone, Herman Li, Johnny Cash, Marc Hudson, metal, review, Ring of Fire, rock, Sam Totman, Titanic
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Album review: MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST – Revelation
Nuclear Blast [Release date 20.09.19] Mr Schenker and his motley crew are back for their second album following on from the ‘Resurrection’ album released in 2018. The premise is the same with all former MSG vocalists joining the guitar maestro for a romp … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, CD, Doogie White, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Michael Schenker Fest, MSG, Rainbow, Revelation, review, Robin McAuley, rock, Ronnie Romero, Temple Of Rock
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Album review: BLACK STAR RIDERS – Another State Of Grace
Nuclear Blast [release date 06.09.19] Black Star Riders are back with album number 4 and it is the first to feature both drummer Chad Szeliga and newest recruit Christian Martucci on guitar. Martucci took over from the departed Damon Johnson who has been an integral part of the … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Another State Of Grace, Black Star Riders, blues, CD, Damon Johnson, Donald Trump, review, Ricky Warwick, rock, Scott Gorham, Thin Lizzy
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Gig review: FISH – Craigiehill Fest, Perth, 31 August 2019
Craigie Hill Fest is held annually in the carpark of Craigiehill Golf Course on the outskirts of Perth. I must say it hadn’t featured on my gig radar prior to this year and they have an eclectic mix of musical styles on throughout … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 31st August 2019, Craigiehill, Doris Brendal, festival, Fish, Foss Paterson, gig, Golf Club, Internal Exile, Marillion, prog, review, Robin Boult, rock, ska, Steve Vasantis, The Rude Boys
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Gig review: STONEDEAF FESTIVAL – Newark Showground, 24 August 2019
Bank holiday weekends have their good and bad points. On the good side you get a long weekend to do whatever takes your fancy, hopefully in fantastic weather and with great musical accompaniment. On the bad side however, you get … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 24th August 2019, Airbourne. Motorhead, Brian Tatler, Chris Sumby, Deep Purple, Diamond Head, Donington, festival, GEOFF TATE, gig, Glenn Hughes, Inglorious, Krusher, Lemmy, Massive. The Amorettes, metal, Monsters Of Rock, Motley Brew, Newark Showground, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, review, rock, Samarkind, Stonedeaf, Tequila Mockingbird, Toby Jepson, Wayward Sons
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Gig review: BEAUTIFUL DAYS FESTIVAL – Escot Park, Devon, 16-18 August 2019
Beautiful Days festival, in it’s 17th year, is held in the grounds of Escot Park in Devon and is a festival I’ve attended every year since 2011, with good reason. Founded by punk folk rockers, Levellers, they always offer a high calibre line-up. A smorgasbord … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 16th to 18th August 2019, Beautiful Days, Black Water County, Celtic Socisl Club, Devon, Escot Park, Ferocious Dog Ash, festival, folk, Gaz Brookfield and The Company Of Thieves, Less Than Jake, Levellers, live, Membranes, NOFX, punk, rock, Seth Lakeman, Skunk Anansie, Sleaford Mods, The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Doonican, The Leylines, The Rails, The Stranglers, Ziggy Marley
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Album review: STATUS QUO – Backbone
earMusic [Release date 06.09.19] On the release day of this album I will be avoiding social media at all costs. The luddites and trolls will be out in force to decry this album as a travesty and a slur on the Quo legacy, produced, … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Backbone, blues, CD, EarMusic, Francis Rossi, Frantic Four, Leon Cave, review, Rhino Edwards, Rick Parfitt, Ritchie Malone, rock, Status Quo
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Gig review: RUNRIG – The Last Dance DVD World Premiere – Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow – 17 August 2019
Exactly one year ago to the day I and around 25,000 other Runrig fans descended on the City Park in my home town of Stirling to witness the band’s final show. After 45 years the guys had decided that retirement beckoned but not without one last … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, DVD REVIEWS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 17th August 2018, 17th August 2019, Alba, Brian Hurren, Bruce Guthro, Callum McDonald, castle, City park, Donny Munro, DVD, folk, Glasgow, Ian Bain, live, Malcolm Jones, premiere, rock, Roddy Hart, Rory Mcdonald, Royal Concert Hall, Runrig, Scotland, Stirling, The Last Dance
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Gig review: CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL – Cherry Hinton Hall – 1-4 August 2019
Beginning in 1965, once a year Cambridge Folk Festival transforms the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall into something a bit special. Cambridge Folk Festival is more than just the folk music. The festival pride themselves on hosting a diverse range of … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 1st August 2019, Amadou, Amy Montgomery, Bilnd Bos Of Alabama, Calexico, Cambridge Folk Festival, Cherry Hinton Hall, Daori Farrell, Dylan Menzies, Fairport Convention, folk, Foufalah, Graham Nash, Gruff Rhys, Jack Broadbent, Lucinda Williams, Marian, Nick Mulvey, Richard Thomson, Roo Panes, roots, Sarah Darling, The Unthanks
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Gig review: RAMBLIN’ MAN FAIR – Day 3 – Mote Park, Maidstone – 21 July 2019
Andy Nathan writes: Sunday was another day when there was a chance to check out a band in the tent before the main stage opened. This time it was used as the ‘Grooverider’ stage- I have no idea whether this … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 21st July 2019, AIRBOURNE, Austen Gold, beth Hart, blues, Chantal McGregor, Chris Robinson, festival, Foreigner, Gin Annie, Inglorious, Jaime Kyle, Joel O'Keeffe, Lemmy, Living Colour, Maidstone, Matt Mitchell and The Cold Hearts, metal, Mick Jones, Mote Park, Ramblin' Man, Ramblin' Man Fair, Ritchie Kotzen, rock, The Black Crows
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Gig review: RAMBLIN’ MAN FAIR – Day 2 – Mote Park, Maidstone – 20 July 2019
Andy Nathan writes: Saturday at the Fair saw the full range of stages. When Ramblin’ Man started they had a dedicated prog stage attracting such heavy hitters as Marillion and Family, but that genre has been steadily marginalised. Saturday was … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 20th July 2019, Allman Betts Band, Black Stone Cherry, blues, Cheap Trick, Collateral, festival, Grand Slam, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Barnes, Kent, Lawrence Archer, Maidstone, Mote Park, Outlaw Orchestra, Phil Lynott, Ramblin' Man, Ramblin' Man Fair, Raven Eye, Robert Jon And The Wreck, rock, Ryders Creed, Scardust, The Temperence Movement, Thin Lizzy, Toby Jepson, UGLY KID JOE, Wayward Sons
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