Album review: MOONRIDER (50th Anniversary Edition)

MOONRIDER (50th Anniversary Edition)

Think Like A Key Music [Release date 12.12.25]

Those of a certain age will remember Keith West for his Top Ten hit “Excerpt From A Teenage Opera” and the tale of “Grocer Jack” aided by a posse of children, a staple in the Radio 1 playlists in late summer 1967. West started out in the psychedelic pop rock band Tomorrow who also had future Yes guitarist Steve Howe in their ranks.

Nothing much was heard again  of West until he surfaced with a solo album in 1971, only released in Germany, and then teamed up with one-time Animals (and Family) guitarist John Weider. They formed Moonrider and their only album was released in 1975. On bass was Bruce Thomas later with Elvis Costello.

Signed to Anchor (who also had Paul Carrack’s Ace and Cado Belle in their stable) there was high expectation for the band. Steely Dan producer Gary Katz was lined up but this didn’t materialise although Katz might have teased out more of a Steely Dan feel as evidenced on ‘Too Early In The Morning’. When the band rocked out – as on ‘Golddigger’ and on the very Neil Young-ish  ‘Danger In The Night’ – they were more convincing.

This limited edition complete with an obi strip (!) brings together the original album, a non-album single, and previously unreleased BBC recordings – all from 1975 and all songs taken from the original album.

The music is suitably laid back, West Coast in feel, and influenced by the likes of Crosby Stills Nash & Young as well as the Eagles. All very well played but ultimately not really going anywhere and there were others who did it better, even on this side of the pond. Bands like Help Yourself, Brinsley Schwarz and Eggs Over Easy (American but resident for a time in the UK).

A nice package but for completists only. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

Album review (John Weider, reissue 2025)
Album review (Keith West anthology, 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

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Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: TIGER MOTH TALES – A Visit To Trading Boundaries

White Knight Records  [Release date: 7.11.25]

Multi-instrumentalist Peter Jones’s star has been on a meteoric rise since he became part of progressive rock royalty Camel in 2016 – and just in case you doubt his abilities, check out Camel’s sensational ‘Moonmadness – Live At The Albert Hall’ from 2018.

Tiger Moth Tales is his soubriquet and main interest, but such are his talents, along with Camel, he also plays with Red Bazar, Bardic Depths and Rob Reed’s Cyan.

‘Cocoon’ was Tiger Moth Tales debut album in 2014 and ‘Live At Trading Boundaries’ is a live performance celebrating its ten year anniversary.

This double album features a solo set by Peter with tracks from various TMT albums, plus a full, warts and all, band rendition of ‘Cocoon’.

Trading Boundaries, in Uckfield, East Sussex, is gaining a reputation as a top venue for live music and what sounds like a healthy crowd was there to enjoy, with one caveat, a great evening’s entertainment.

Peter Jones is a good, if self-deprecating, raconteur and front-man and there was good banter with the crowd from the get-go – always a good thing (are you listening Todd Rundgren?).

For the solo set, the piano-led ‘Spring Fever’ kicks the show off with a great song, though, to these ears, the piano is too high in the mix and makes it sound like Jones is thumping the keys a little.

Things improve with ‘The Lock Keeper’ which sounds like a Big Big Train song, and, as things would have it, the follow-up ‘We’ll Remember’ is a touching ballad dedicated to the memory of the (sadly) late BBT stalwart David Longdon.

‘Match Girl’ and ‘Hygge’ are both lovely tunes, but what follows is one of those “what the f*ck was he thinking” moments – and Peter Jones knew it, as he confessed that he had to play it solo as even the band hate playing ‘The Island Of Witches’.

Although technically brilliant, with startling sound effects, the spoken word sections are akin to being read a fairy tale on Jackanory, and the music is a test of anyone’s patience, not least as it drags on for over twelve minutes.

At the end of it he said to all those audience members who had found their way to the bar that it was “now safe to come out” – which says it all.

The run through the rest of ‘Cocoon’ is a real treat though, with first-class renditions of the progressive ‘Overture’, the classic fourteen minutes of ‘Tigers In The Butter’ with its initial Indian vibe and stellar guitar from Andy Wilson, and the mournful ‘The First Lament’ with yet more Floydian guitar from Wilson.

The English whimsy and music-hall bawdiness of ‘The Merry Vicar’ is wonderful, as is the bucolic ‘A Visit To Chigwick’ – reminiscent of thatched cottages, Trumpton and Ladybird books – and a fitting conclusion to the fine album that is ‘Cocoon’.

Encores ‘Return To Chigwick’ (written as a paean to the original) and ‘Still Alive’, from the album of the same name close out the gig nicely and to rapturous applause.

A top, top recording of an excellent gig, made even more amazing when you consider the  fact that Peter Jones has been blind since the age of one.

I’ve no idea how he does it.    ****

Review by Alan Jones


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS – Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS - Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

It is those no-man’s lands days between Christmas and New Year in 2025 and the Punchdrunk Saints have bravely decided to host their second ever gig after their debut in London’s 100 Club.

Tonight’s gig at Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden is in aid of PTSD999, a charity that benefits those in UK emergency service with post-traumatic stress disorder.

SEGREGATES - Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

York based hard rockers Segregates warm up the healthy sized crowd with their Motorheadesque, hard n’ fast headbangers. The lanky frame of their front man ‘Smell’ his mic somehow higher than him, neck cranked back delivers his deep vocals and growls Lemmy style. His compatriots throw many shapes and never stop making use of any bit of stage they have.

If you like Motorhead then you will love Segregates, when their final self-titled song finishes, they have a lot of new friends for sure.

Burston Hall (Fairycroft’s main hall named after Wurzel) fills up even more as it nears time for the headliners. There is a brief three item auction of gin, signed Frank Bruno boxing gloves and a signed Les Paul copy hosted by first Dennis Stratton (Iron Maiden/Praying Mantis/Lionheart) followed by actor Cliff Parisi (Minty in Eastenders/Fred Buckle in Call The Midwife).

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS - Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

With one gig and a highly regarded debut self-titled album that Get Ready to ROCK!’s Jason Ritchie reviewed here, Punchdrunk Saints might need a brief introduction.

Formed by Cockney Rebels Micky Geggus, wanting to scratch the itch of going in a less punk more hard rock direction. Mickey on a tip off from former Rory Gallagher/Manfred Man guitarist Dave Edwards to give unknown Marc Salmon a go as vocalist and discovered an untapped gem.

The album was released to great reviews but took until the first gig to cement the line up, bringing in a powerhouse rhythm section of Leader of Down’s Tim Atkinson on bass and Chris Nedzynski of An History of Bad Men on drums.

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS - Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

The Saints open with a rip-roaring version of the debut single ‘I Wanna Know What It’s Like’ followed by ‘Days Of Our Lives’, the energy is infectious and the band are clearly enjoying themselves.

Tim Atkinson prowls and stalks the stage and Mickey grins from under his newsboy cap. The problem of only having one album’s material is addressed with the first of two Cockney Rejects tracks ‘The Way of The Rocker’.

Marc Salmon as a front man is a huge discovery but just because he is new to this type of band and this level, he isn’t inexperienced; years of grinding out pub gigs and workingman clubs means he has not only paid his dues but knows how to not only handle himself on stage but more importantly control and banter with the crowd.

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS - Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

‘Dirty Dreams’ follows, which is a bit like something Thunder would produce (which is a good thing!). Nedzynski is a solid guy to have behind you, pounding away and as Marc said “a powerhouse” yet he never draws you away from what’s going on out front. His skills are needed on the next two tracks ‘Prayer For Tomorrow’ and the massive ‘Holy Mother’ with it’s almost Pantera’s ‘Walk’ like groove.

Dennis Stratton arrives on stage amongst a bout of banter, out comes another Cockney Rejects track ‘Some Play Dirty’ and the yet to be released song ‘Dreams’. “We also can play ballads, it’s not all rockers!” chirps Marc after some football related banter (most of the band are West Ham Fans, but I’ll let them off that!).

The bloke next to me heckles “No, play the metal!” gladly he is ignored again after his booming Arsenal shout earlier to the footie stuff.

Dennis Stratton and Mickey Geggus’s guitar harmonics are a joy on the intro of the said ballad ‘I Know How To Find You’ a song that deserves radio airplay if there ever was one. ‘Your Time Is Done’ from the midway point of the self-titled album is visited.

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS - Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

Ex-Rory Gallagher/Manfred Mann and Dennis Stratton’s regular foil live climbs onto stage and a highly charged version of The Kinks ‘Till the End of The Day’ is smashed out and band introductions are made and a cover of CCR’s ‘Fortunate Son’ that sits on the album follows.

There is a lot of years’ experience now crammed on the stage with many pretty big bands represented. An encore would have been a bit of a ball ache to get them all off and on again, so we get a false finish and when that crowd bay for more we get one more final cover.

David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ which is the PTSD999 theme song, it is galloping version rockier and punkier than ol’ Dave’s hallowed version and the night ends, the bar has actually been drunk dry and everyone leaves happy.

Review and photos by Martin David Porter

Album review (Punchdrunk Saints, 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


News: Get Ready to ROCK! announce Top 30 albums of 2025 based on weekly chart (December 2025)

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Top 30 Albums of 2025

The Top 30 countdown was broadcast on 28 December on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.  David Randall presents a non-stop mix reflecting reader and listener activity during 2025

Get Ready to ROCK! (www.getreadytorock.com) has announced the Top 30 albums of 2025 based on its weekly Top 10 chart.

Every Sunday as part of his show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio David Randall announces the chart and plays tracks from the Top 5 albums.  The listing is then published on the radio station Facebook page.

JOHN LEES' BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST - Relativity

The chart is compiled by News and Reviews editor Jason Ritchie  based on website and social media activity, plus radio airplay.

Says Jason: “Every week the chart reflects the wide scope of the review website with folk or singer songwriter albums sometimes rubbing shoulders with metal or heavy rock.

This year, several albums have enjoyed great longevity in the chart if not always making the top position.

The Top 30 listing complements the reviewer Best of published shortly before Christmas.  There’s a fair amount of overlap but the chart also reflects increased social media activity with artists actively sharing review links with their followers.”

Sign of the Wolf

John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest and the album ‘Relativity’ is No.1 position in the Top 30 chart, closely followed by the self-titled debut from Sign Of The Wolf, a project coordinated by melodic rock champion Bruce Mee.  Both albums stayed in the chart for more than 12 weeks respectively.

The Top 30 countdown was broadcast in a special show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio (Sunday 28 December, 22:00 GMT., repeated Monday 29th and Friday 2 January 22:00)

The full listing is as follows:

1. JOHN LEES BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST Relativity
2. SIGN OF THE WOLF Sign Of The Wolf
3. MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP Don’t Sell Your Soul
4. THEA GILMORE These Quiet Friends
5. CHEAP TRICK All Washed Up
6. CHANTEL McGREGOR The Healing
7. DON AIREY Pushed To The Edge
8. IQ Dominion
9. ROBIN TROWER Come And Find Me
10. GLENN HUGHES Chosen
11. STEELEYE SPAN Conflict
12. FRANCIS ROSSI The Way We Were Vol.1
13. HELLOWEEN Giants & Monsters
14. SPARKS MAD!
15. MEN WITHOUT HATS On The Moon
16. LIV KRISTINE Amor Vincit Omnia
17. HAREM SCAREM Chasing Euphoria
18. THE DAVIDSON TRIO Cougar
19. STYX Circling From Above
20. WALTER TROUT Sign Of The Times
21. HEARTS ON FIRE Signs & Wonders
22. ATOMIC ROOSTER Circle The Sun
23. TREAT The Wild Card
24. MORGANWAY Kill The Silence
25. STONE FOUNDATION The Revival Of Survival
26. W.E.T. Apex
27. BONFIRE Higher Ground
28. PATTERN SEEKING ANIMALS Friends Of All Creatures
29. MASTERS OF REALITY The Archer
30. ALICE COOPER The Revenge Of Alice Cooper

The Best of 2025 (reviewer selections)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


News: DEMON, QUEEN, PETRA (January 2026)

Black Label Society - HARD ROCK HELL IX - Hafan Y Mor, Pwlhelli, Wales, 12-14 November 2015

News - Album News

The All-American Rejects release their first album since 2012. ‘Sandbox’ will be released in February via Too Lost.

Alt Blk Era have announced a new EP, ‘Our World’, which will arrive on May 22 via LAB Records.

Tori Amos releases her new album ’In Times Of Dragons’ through Universal/Fontana on May 1.

Artillery release a new EP in the spring through Mighty Music.

Avalanche have announced their  debut album ‘Armed To The Teeth’ will be released on February 13. The band support Airbourne on their UK dates next month.

The Beach Boys release a new 3-CD/3-LP box set, We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years’, on February 13.

Big Red Fire Truck have signed with Frontiers.

The Black Crowes release their tenth studio album ‘A Pound of Feathers’ on March 13 via Silver Arrow Records.

Black Label Society (pictured) release new album ‘Engines Of Demolition’ on March 27.

Despite a farewell tour, Candlebox have announced they are working on a new album and planning to tour again in 2027.

Luke Combs will release his new album ‘The Way I Am’ through Sony Music Nashville on March 20.

The Dandy Warhols release a covers album entitled ‘Pin Ups’ on March 20.

Ellefson-Soto release ‘Unbreakable’ on February 13 via Reaper Entertainment.

Exhumed will release their new album, ‘Red Asphalt’, on February 20 via Relapse Records.

Exodus will release their twelfth studio album, ‘Goliath’, on March 20 via Napalm Records and ’3111′ was released on January 21 as the first single from the album.

Fighter V have announced the release of their new album, ‘Déja Vu’, set for release on April 10 via Frontiers.

Flea will release his first full-length solo album, ’Honora’, on March 27 via Nonesuch Records.

Forbidden have signed with BLKIIBLK and plan to release their new album in the summer.

Peter Gabriel released a new single ‘Been Undone’ on January 3 ahead of a planned new album o\i’. The album will take shape over the course of the year with a new release each full moon and there will be both Dark-Side and Bright-Side mixes. He will also release In The Big Room’ on double 180g black vinyl and as a 2CD on March 13, followed by the release of Live At WOMAD 1982′ on vinyl and CD on May 8.

Hellripper have announced their fourth album, ‘Coronach’, due on March 27 via Century Media.

Bruce Hornsby releases his new album ‘Indigo Par’ on April 3 through Zappo Productions/Thirty Tigers.

Tony Iommi plans to release his long-awaited solo album this year.

Lamb Of God release  their new album, ‘Into Oblivion’, via Epic on March 13.

Lord of the Lost releaseOPVS NOIR Vol. 3on April 10, preceded by the single ‘I Hate People’, which features a guest appearance by Wednesday 13.

Lynyrd Skynyrd have “about 30 songs” written with guitarist Gary Rossington, who died last year, that the band hope to record and release at some point.

Martin Templum Domini will release ‘Mankind’ on February 12 via Lion Music.

Masterplan’s new album, ‘Metalmorphosis’, will be released on May 22 via Frontiers, with the first single, ‘Chase The Light’, released on January 15.

More release ‘Destructor’ on March 6, preceded by the single ‘Spirits of War’. The album marks the final production work of Chris Tsangarides, who died in 2017.

Bill Nelson’s Orchestra Futura, featuring Theo Travis (Soft Machine) and Dave Strut (Gong), will release ‘Live at Nelsonica & Clothworkers Hall’ through Ethersounds Recordings on February 13.

Jared James Nichols releases his fourth studio album, ‘Louder Than Fate’, on June 5 via Frontiers.

Petra release their new album ‘Hope’ via GirderMusic (their first album of all new songs in over twenty years) digitally worldwide on January 5, followed by the CD release on January 12, with a vinyl edition due in March.

Pink Floyd’s 1972 ‘Live At Pompeii’ film will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray through Sony Music Entertainment on February 27.

Poison The Well have announced a new album titled ‘Peace in Place’ on March 20.

Prong will release ‘Live And Uncleansed’ on March 6 via SPV/Steamhammer.

Brian May shared a “work in progress” of an unreleased Queen song, Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’, on a recent special on Planet Rock. It pre-dates Queen, and was co-written by May and vocalist/bassist Tim Staffell for their band Smile. It will be featured on the upcoming ‘Queen II’ reissue due later this year.

Rush’s ‘Grace Under Pressure’ album is given expanded reissue treatment when it’s released through UMC on March 13.

Saracen release a live album ‘Crusader’ on March 20 via Escape Music.

Sevendust release their latest album ‘One’ on May 1 through Napalm Records.

Einar Solberg of Leprous has announced his second solo album, ’Vox Occulta‘, due for release on April 24.

Talking Heads’ earliest years are being covered in a new collection, ‘Tentative Decisions: Demos & Live’, due on March 6 via Rhino.

Tedeschi Trucks Band release their sixth studio album, ‘Future Soul’, on March 20 via Fantasy Records.

Thundermother release Live’N’Alive’ via Napalm Records on April 17.

Tomorrow’s Outlook release their third album, ‘Black Waves’, on March 27 via Battlegod Productions (Australia).

In the studio…

Acrovbvt head back into the studio at the end of January to finish their album…Demon are currently recording new music at their studio in Penkull…Extreme are in the studio working on their seventh album…Firewind are back in the studio with vocalist Henning Basse and will release their new album BLKIIBLK/Frontiers later this year…Billy Gibbons is currently working on his next solo album as well as new music with ZZ TopThe Halo Effect will enter the studio soon to work on their third album…Iconic, whose line-up includes Nathan James, Michael Sweet & Tommy Aldridge, are working on a second album due for release later this year…Living Colour hope to finish their new album by the spring…John and Dino Elefante are working on another Mastedon album to be released later this year…Moonspell are putting the finishing touches to their first album in seven years…Napalm Death are currently demoing songs for their next album…Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice is working on a solo album…Rival Sons will enter the studio soon to start work on their next album…Terminal is a new project featuring former Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch, Tesla bassist Brian Wheat, former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes and original Saliva vocalist Josey ScottTimson AOR are working on their third album with a planned release in the second half of this year…Van Halen drummer Alex van Halen is planning to enter the studio with Toto’s Steve Lukather

Single life…

Barbara’s new single ‘Father Before Me’ is released on January 28, although the band’s Patreon users are able to listen to the single earlier…Black Stone Cherry released their cover of Simple Minds’ classic ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ on January 15…Black Veil Brides release ‘Certainty’ on January 8…Def Leppard released a new single ‘Rejoice’ on January 22…The Georgia Thunderbolts have released ‘Overload’ and at the same time announced that the band is going on hiatus…The Karma Effect release ‘Dangerous Love’, the second single from their upcoming album ‘Cruel Intentions’Neil Morse Band released ‘Hurt People’ on January 20…Sister Sin will release their first new music in 12 years, ‘Suicide Hill’, on February 3. Stryper’s Michael Sweet released ‘The Master Plan’, the title track off his forthcoming album, on January 19…Tax the Heat are back and release ‘Love Is All’ on January 9…Tyketto released ‘We Rise’ on January 20…Charlotte Wessels and her band The Obsession have released a new song ‘After Us, The Flood’…Rob Zombie released ‘(I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller’ on January 26

News - Tours and Gigs

Upcoming (Gigs – UK)

Newly announced UK tours (2026 unless stated):

Black Label Society (May), Flea (KOKO London, Tue 26 May), Hollywood Vampires (Aug), Tom Morello (Brixton Academy, Mon Jun 15), OMD (Aug), Queensryche (Jun), Francis Rossi (Sep-Nov), Sister Sin + Midnite City (Jun), Skindred (Apr), Van Morrison (Apr 28 & 29 Bath Forum),

Birkenhead Punk Festival 2026 (Sat 4 & Sun 5 July) line-up includes The Ruts, Girlschool and GBH.

Upcoming (USA/ROW)

Newly announced US & European tours (2026 unless stated):

Tori Amos (US), Architects (US), Avatar (US), Behemoth + Deicide (US), Black Crowes (US), The Black Dahlia Murder (US), Blues Traveller + Gin Blossoms (US), Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (AU), Bush + Mammoth (US), Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons (AU), Corrosion of Conformity (US), Crowbar + Eyehategod (US), Dark Tranquillity + Soen (US), Firehouse (US), Five Finger Deathpunch (US), Flea (EU, US), Foghat + Nazareth (US), Fozzy (US), Sammy Hagar + Rick Springfield (US), Justin Hayward (US), Holy Mother (DE), In Flames (US), Tom Keifer + John Corabi (US), L.A. Guns (US), John Mellencamp (US), Men At Work + Toad the Wet Sprocket (US), Aldo Nova (US), Pallbearer (US), Queensryche (EU), Dave Lee Roth (US), Sepultura (farewell tour) + Exodus + Biohazard (US), Sevendust (US), Splitz Enz (AU), Steel Panther (US), James Taylor (US), Trixter (US), Rob Zombie + Marilyn Manson (US),

Tour updates & postponed/cancelled gigs & tours:

Angel will embark on a farewell tour later this year and finishing in 2027.

Empyre have gone on hiatus and have cancelled all their upcoming gigs, including a planned April UK tour.

Glenn Hughes has cancelled his upcoming US tour due to a ‘minor health issue’.

Due to severe illness KMFDM have been forced to postpone their previously announced European tour in February and March.

Muse have cancelled a series of concerts planned for February “due to unforeseen circumstances”. These included shows in South Africa and India.

Poison have dropped plans for a 2026 tour after frontman Bret Michaels allegedly demanded 600% more money than his bandmates.

The Rolling Stones have reportedly cancelled tentative plans to tour the UK and Europe this year.

Uriah Heep guitarist Mick Box ”has been taken ill” and will miss the start of band’s Scandinavian tour. He will be temporarily replaced by Sam Wood (Black Star Riders, Cats In Space).

Other Stuff

The UK’s recorded music market grew for an eleventh consecutive year in 2025, according to figures from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Overall consumption of recorded music – across both sales and streams – rose by 4.9% in 2025, reaching a new high of 210.3m albums or their streaming equivalent. The music streaming market surpassed 200bn streams for the first time in 2025, with a total of 210.3bn across the year. Streaming now accounts for a record 89.3% of music consumption in the UK. Sales of vinyl also increased for the eighteenth consecutive year, with all physical formats up 1.4% overall.

Manchester City Council created a £245,000 discretionary fund for grassroots music venues which will be administered by the Music Venue Trust. Venues across the city will receive targeted financial support early this year.

The feature film, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, drawn from newly discovered performance, rehearsal footage, and spoken audio recordings, will debut on IMAX screens on February 20 and will open worldwide a week later on February 27.

MTV have closed down their remaining dedicated music video channels on December 31, ending with ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ by the Buggles.

The official documentary film The Ballad of Judas Priest will get its world premiere next month at the Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival.

Bandcamp has announced it will ban all AI music.

Record Store Day will take place on Saturday April 18.

The Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero exhibition in Birmingham has been extended to September due to public demand.

Bring Me The Horizon have announced a new concert film, ‘L.I.V.E. in São Paulo (Live Immersive Virtual Experiment)’. Co-directed by CiRCUS HEaD, it will be screened in cinemas worldwide for two dates only on March 25 and March 28 via Trafalgar Releasing, alongside Sony Music Vision and RCA.

Little Angels have been teasing an announcement on social media saying Big, Bad & Back on February 9. Live dates and new music could be announced on that day.

Silje Wergeland has left The Gathering who she joined in 2009.

Tailgunner have announced that guitarist Rhea Thompson won’t be playing live with the band, as she recovers from “some important and necessary care with her physical health”. for the first part of their live dates starting this month. Jara Solís will stand-in for her.

Hand of Dimes, who featured former Skin vocalist Nev Macdonald, have split-up.

Haken have announced they have parted ways with guitarist Charlie Griffiths and bassist Conner Green.

Vocalist Damian Wilson is leaving Arena at the end of this year and he will perform a final set of gigs with the band at the end of the year. Former vocalist, Sweet’s Paul Manzi, returns to the line-up.

Drummer Jay Weinberg has announced his departure from Suicidal Tendencies.

News - RIP

Perry Bamonte, who played guitar and keyboards for The Cure.

Jerry Kasenetz, who along with his production partner Jeffry Katz created some of the biggest-selling bubblegum hits of the 1960′s.

Manager Michael Lippman whose former clients including David Bowie and George Michael.

Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst.

Andrew Bodnar, bassist with Graham Parker and the Rumour.

Renaissance drummer Terry Sullivan.

Grateful Dead co-founder  and guitarist Bob Weir.

Former Scorpions and Michael Schenker bassist Francis Buchholz.


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: BEYOND THE BLACK – Break The Silence

btb

Nuclear Blast [Release date 09.01.26]

Amazingly Beyond The Black have been around since 2014 and this is their sixth album, although to this recent convert it seems like they only started out a few years ago!

Beyond The Black’s line-up has been the same since 2016 with founder member, vocalist Jennifer Haben, joined by Chris Hermsdörfer (lead guitar, backing vocals), Tobi Lodes (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and drummer Kai Tschierschky.

‘Break The Silence’ is a melodic metal concept album with ethno influences, exploring the themes of communication, inner strength, resilience and the urgent need to reconnect in a divided world. A tall order perhaps, but not for a band of Beyond The Black’s calibre as the upbeat opener ‘Rising High’ proves. A classic example of how to create catchy and memorable melodic metal, with a meaningful lyrical theme.

The title track sees the symphonic side of the band come to the fore – like a female fronted Kamelot. Jennifer Haben has a powerful and melodious vocal, perfect for this style of metal.

The album has many stand outs, none more so than ‘The Art Of Being Alone’, which features Lord of the Lost, another artist who are the upward curve of their musical journey. He adds a suitably gothic air to the song.

The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices add their vocals to ‘Let There Be Rain’, which takes Beyond The Black into world music territory.

One of the pre-release songs, ‘Ravens’, is a beautifully crafted ballad with a soaring chorus and just enough guitar heaviness to keep it metal! The vocal on this one is stunning.

To be honest, the whole album is of a high standard, with the cinematic sweep of ‘(La Vie Est Un) Cinéma’ sounding superb on the headphones. Keep them on definitely for ‘Weltschmerz’, which highlights the lighter side of the band and provides an uplifting end to the album, as ‘Rising High’ provided at the start.

Liking the electro effects on ‘The Flood’, which along with ‘Rising High’, you can see becoming firm live favourites as both are up on your feet, punch the air anthems.

Beyond The Black meet their own high expectations and will continue their rise to the top of the melodic/symphonic metal tree with this excellent album. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


News: Albums of the Month (October-December 2025)

A quarterly feature highlighting album releases rated highly by the GRTR! review team and worthy of your investigation. We try and pick out a cross-section of albums that reflect the range of genres reviewed at the website. The star rating will be at least ****

JUDIE TZUKE - Now Or Never

JUDIE TZUKE Now Or Never

It’s fifty years since her first tentative forays with (Mike) Paxman in the folk clubs, and fifty years on ‘Now Or Never’ is a marvellous addition to a musical journey of greatness. *****

Review by David Randall

SPOCK'S BEARD - The Archaeoptimist

SPOCK’S BEARD The Archaeoptimist

Exceptional, tremendous, fun, bonkers, take your pick but what is certain is that it’s Prog Rock for the masses and it will give anything else coming out in the next 12 months a real run for their money. Spock’s Beard are back, hallelujah!  ****½

Review by Neil Pudney

ROSS HARDING - The Blood and the Blues

ROSS HARDING The Blood & The Blues

The thing which sets Ross Harding apart from his contemporaries, is the primal and primitive feel of his songs, his voice and his playing. He really does sound like he is playing and singing to save his soul. *****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

CYTRUS - Duality

CYTRUS Duality

Cytrus are described as a psychedelic funk band, so the listener might immediately think of Parliament or more specifically Funkadelic, purveyors of the genre since 1968.

This eight-piece band from Seattle are actually far more accessible and for those who like a fair helping of rock with their funk “Duality” will tick the box.  *****

Review by David Randall

TREAT The Wild Card

There’s not a moment here that isn’t just brimming over with celebratory melodic rock, ringing, zinging guitars and clattering, clanging rhythms (and joyous keyboard fills and frills).  *****

Review by Brian McGowan

bjhr

JOHN LEES’ BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST – Relativity

This is a magnificent record that manages to remain true to the legacy of Barclay James Harvest yet retains a contemporary feel that sits comfortably among the best of modern-day Progressive Rock and rewards the listener’s perseverance handsomely. There is no doubt that Lees and his band mates … should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved here. ****

Review by Neil Pudney

Albums of the Month (July-September 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: MIDNITE CITY- Bite The Bullet

MIDNITE CITY- Bite the Bullet

Pride and Joy Music [Release Date 21.11.25]

Unapologetically promoting themselves as ‘hair metal’ when other more self-conscious bands might balk at the description, Midnite City are impressively now onto their fifth album since 2017.

Rob Wylde’s men are not about to shift style and opener ‘Live Like Ya Mean It’ is a worthy addition to their catalogue of feel good up tempo anthems, filled with hooks, notably on the gang backing vocals on the chorus and a very melodic guitar solo from Miles Meakin.

‘Worth Fighting For’ reminds me of their big influence Danger Danger’s mellower AOR moments though the production seems a little muddy to me, and ‘Its Going To Be All Right’ goes even further down that road, a semi ballad reminding me of some of Firehouse’s hit ballads but saccharine rather than particularly exciting.

I found the production rather uneven from song to song with different instruments relegated in the mix and even on ‘Heaven In This Hell’, Rob’s vocals do not seem  far forward enough, though the keyboards of Shawn Charvette at the song’s close are spectacular.

‘Running Back To Your Heart’ reminds me of their predecessor of UK AOR hopefuls of the late eighties, with more nice keys and flashes of guitar and closing ‘who-oahs’, even though it also contains the fire/higher/desire lyric that I thought had gone to the retirement home for cliched rhymes.

‘Lethal Dose of Love’ is more guitar heavy, reminiscent of Firehouse and Heaven’s Edge, with a fine riff and fast fingered solo; the mid-tempo ‘Seeing Is Believing’, with an intro like FM’s ‘That Girl’, less so, other than a fine but brief solo.

However without doubt the band save the best for an outstanding closing trio. ‘No One Wins’  and ‘Hang On Til Tomorrow’ are in familiar MC territory with brilliant chorus hooks and a balance of guitars and keyboards. Finally ‘When the Summer Ends’ begins with a great keyboard intro calling to mind Van Halen’s ‘Dreams’, has the vibes and ‘who-oh-ohs’ of the classic Blue Tears debut, and even a synth solo provides a closing flourish.

As a confirmed fan who thought their last album ‘In At the Deep End’ was their best yet, on the first couple of listens I had some initial reservations (hence the delayed review) but a particularly strong second half makes it a worthy addition to their catalogue. Can’t wait for the rescheduled live shows as this will only add to their repertoire of instant classics. ****
Review by Andy Nathan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: CHARLOTTE SMITH & DAVID CLIFTON – The Tree In The Wood

CHARLOTTE SMITH & DAVID CLIFTON - The Tree in the Wood

Little Room Recordings [Release date 17.10.25]

An album of traditional folk tunes reinterpreted by Charlotte Smith, a London based singer songwriter and David Clifton, an Oxford based guitarist and singer, formerly a member of the indie band Sensible Jerseys and has played guitar for Tanita Tikaram, Mary Coughlan and Julia Fordham amongst many others.

The album was recorded in London, Knoxville and Nashville, and as well as Charlotte and David, features fellow musicians Bethany Hankins on violin and Thad Brown on drums.

Quite why Charlotte Smith isn’t more well known is a mystery as she has the perfect, melodious vocal for the traditional folk songs on here. The album’s uplifting opener ‘Blow the Wind Southerly’, ‘Searching for Lambs’ and the duo’s beautiful rendition of ‘Early One Morning’ (complete with soaring violin courtesy of Bethany Hawkins), are perfect examples of this.

For many years it has been a toss-up between Queensryche and Simon & Garfunkel over the best version of ‘Scarborough Fair’. Now we have a new contender, as the vocals and guitar playing on this one are rather special. Never easy to stay true to classic melody, yet still make it your own, which Charlotte & David achieve on here.

If you like your folk female led, the right side of traditional (i.e. no tankards or Arran knitwear in sight) and above all, enjoyable and have you listening to it again and again, this album does that and then some. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: JUDIE TZUKE – Now Or Never

JUDIE TZUKE - Now Or Never

Big Moon Records/www.tzuke.com [Release date 01.12.25]

According to her liner note: “This album’s a bit noisier in places…Best played loud” When the opening track of Judie Tzuke’s latest album blasts out – surprisingly – I was reminded of that fairly short period in the early 1980s when she went pretty much full on rock. To be honest it’s a style that didn’t always sit easy with her vocal range but it did produce some memorable pieces.

Since that time, as readers of our recent GRTR! Greats feature will know, she has produced a continuous stream of excellent albums unencumbered by record label expectation and that vocal and overall approach has softened, matured, and any listener resistance is now futile.

On this latest offering as ever she is joined by the usual empathic bunch of musicians, including regulars Ben Mark and David P. Goodes plus of course the ever-present support of her daughter Bailey on backing vocals and more prominently on the excellent duet ‘Shameless’.

This is one of Tzuke’s great strengths – the ability to work with a wide range of musicians and to foster mutual inspiration, whilst keeping a close ear on musical trends.  But always remaining distinctly Jude.

The over-riding vibe of this album is quality, it’s a relatively short – and some would say frustratingly short – update for fans (and with one track revisited and one appearing on the earlier “Songclub Too” in 2014 although in more demo form). As ever, it’s the quality of the songs that shine through as much as Jude’s vocal from that rousing opener ‘All That Matters’ to the more typical fragility exposed on ‘Fading’ and the splendid ‘Strange Days’ .

The “secret weapons” appear to be the continuity of hubby Paul Muggleton who has again co-produced plus original collaborator Mike Paxman on ‘Keep The Faith’. And, wait a minute, early band member Rhino Edwards (later with Status Quo) appears on four tracks. It’s like transposing the glam and hope of the early days to a more knowing, realistic but contemporary vibe now weathered by life and living.

This is genuinely an album to return to, demanding repeat play on a regular basis. We know that Jude’s gone through some trials and tribulations in recent years but ‘Now Or Never’ shows an artist still at the top of her game. It’s fifty years since her first tentative forays with Paxman in the folk clubs, and fifty years on ‘Now Or Never’ is a marvellous addition to a musical journey of greatness. *****

Review by David Randall

GRTR! Greats (October 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: SPOCK’S BEARD – The Archaeoptimist

SPOCK'S BEARD - The Archaeoptimist

Madfish [Release date 21.11.25]

Album reviewers, including this one, are often guilty of mining the cliché vaults and using five words where one would suffice. But then, every so often, something so good comes along that it defies words.

‘The Archaeoptimist’ is one of those records, an utterly brilliant slice of modern Progressive Rock, that might, just might, be the best Prog release of the year. That’s all that needs saying, really, but for those that need a further nudge, read on!

‘The Archaeoptimist’ may be the fourteenth studio release from respected Prog Rockers, Spock’s Beard in a busy, 30 year, career but, it’s arrival caught many in the business by surprise. Seven years having passed since 2018s ‘Noise Floor’ a fair few folk, myself included, feared that as a collective they had chosen to quietly slip away into Prog history but, how wrong we were!

There have been a couple of significant changes since that last release. Firstly the ever busy Nick D’Virgilio vacates the drum stool once again and is replaced by the relatively unknown, to me at least, Nick Potters. Secondly, the Beard have moved house so this is their first release on the Madfish label.

It’s clear from the get go that keyboard maestro, Ryo Okumoto is the dominant player here both musically and thematically. Interestingly the six tracks are credited to Okumoto and Michael Whiteman (main man in I Am The Manic Whale, a British Prog project well worth checking out). Lyric writing is shared between Whiteman, Alan Morse and Ted Leonard. The expansive production, courtesy of Okumoto and Rich Mouser’s perfect mix are the icing on a delicious cake of progressive excellence.

Album opener, ‘Invisible’ begins with a glorious acapella harmony vocal around Alan Morse’s lyrics, ‘Hello out there can you see me?’ The answer to that is an emphatic yes and we are left in no doubt that Spock’s Beard are well and truly back, the trade mark interplay between keyboards and guitar well to the fore.

‘Electric Monk’ a lyrical collaboration between Morse and Whiteman showcases Ted Leonards soaring vocals over a typically busy, but perfectly balanced, arrangement.

‘Afourthoughts’ is credited in the sleeve notes as part 4 of the ‘Thoughts’ series of songs that began back in the Neal Morse days of the 1990s. It’s suitably bonkers intro (Prog at its proggiest?) acoustic interludes and more wonderful vocal harmonies, some of which give a nod to 70s stalwarts Yes and Gentle Giant and distinctly jazzy organ/piano parts make this a contender for my favourite track.

‘St. Jerome in the Wilderness’ features another slightly mad intro in a decidedly proggy time signature. Musically it gives reverent nods to both classic Genesis and the modern sound of the likes of Big Big Train yet, it is distinctly the Beard with the guitars perhaps more pronounced in the mix this time and new boy Potters proving, as he does throughout, what an excellent drummer he is. One can imagine D’Virgilio nodding his head in agreement at the decision to draft in Potters to replace him.

The 20 minute epic and title track, ‘The Archaeoptimist’ is a seven part post apocalyptic tale following a group of survivors, in particular a father and daughter, the latter born after the cataclysm who is desperate to learn of the old world. Ted Leonard’s careful constructed narrative, the at times symphonic music and some of Alan Morse’s best guitar work on the album come together to gift us a true masterpiece.

The album closes with another mini epic, ‘Next Step’, its Baroque piano introduction morphing into something altogether different and a rock prog duet between Morse and Okumoto. More signature harmonies and acoustic interludes follow before the song and the album closes out with a massive crescendo, leaving us with no choice but…to listen to the whole album again.

Exceptional, tremendous, fun, bonkers, take your pick but what is certain is that it’s Prog Rock for the masses and it will give anything else coming out in the next 12 months a real run for their money. Spock’s Beard are back, hallelujah!  ****½

Review by Neil Pudney


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Single review: THE MOTHERZ – Sweat

THE MOTHERZ – Sweat

Facebook

With a name like The Motherz you’re not going to expect Abba are you. And how right you would be. To me they sound like the illegitimate offspring of Metallica and The Stooges. They claim to draw their influences from Black Sabbath, Wolfmother and Queens Of The Stone Age.

This, their debut single, Sweat, gets down to business from the opening rifferama chords, and is relentless throughout the length of the song. If you are a person of nervous disposition you may want to look away, because these boys are taking no prisoners.

They lay their table out perfectly to invite fans of the above mentioned bands and more. With a combination of metal guitar, powerhouse drumming and snarling vocals so full of attitude they make Iggy Pop sound like the sugarplum fairy, I would say they are on to a winner.

The London based trio comprising Cedric Pfiser, Miguel Montalban and Jake Cook, have written and produced an uncompromising debut single, with the message, – setbacks can shape you and effort fuels your evolution. Theres certainly no lack of effort in this song.

Having toured in 25 as support to The Vintage Caravan, I wouldn’t be surprised to this band playing at festivals all through the summer, when hopefully they will make the crowd Sweat!! ****

Review by Andy Sharrocks


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: ROSS HARDING – The Blood and the Blues

ROSS HARDING - The Blood and the Blues

Website [Release date 14.11.125]

I have reviewed Ross’s two singles from this album, Revelator Blues and Lucifer and Me. And I must admit on first listening of Revelator Blues, I fell in love with him, in a bro sort of way you understand, I didn’t want his babies. I suspect they might emerge with little horns on their heads anyway, as this man has certainly been down to the crossroads and done a little deal, a little side hustle with Old Nick.

It’s a short album, 9 tracks, but you know the old adage – leave em wanting more. And besides isn’t it better to have nine killer tracks than 12 not quite so killer tracks.

It starts with A Thousand Snakes (Deluxe Version), which sets the tone well for the rest of the album. His voice reaching out of the darkness, telling us he’s been to hell and back, with a tone, richness and roughness you want from a tormented buesman. An acoustic start with some rich electric notes raising up from the abyss, intoxicating and magical.

Black Rose is up next, and this branches out from regular blues and brings some Jimmy Page inspired acoustic guitar picking into the picture. Following this is Dark City Blues which pulls out some pain dripping notes from his electric guitar. It reminds me in tone and feel of Eric Clapton’s Edge Of Darkness TV theme. It certainly paints a picture of empty city streets in the middle of the night.

Me And Lucifer hits next, this being one of the two singles. A rockabilly slide fest with more admissions of nefarious practices, talking of which, No Rest For The Wicked follows hot on it’s heels, with an electric riff which wouldn’t have sounded out of place on ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres, or even Jethro Tull’s Aqualung, and contains some dexterous guitar work, which just sends tingles up my spine.

Then we have Revelator Blues, the song which seduced me some months ago, and it’s not lost any of it’s allure. I love acoustic blues, I love slide blues, with a kick drum to keep the beat. This song delivers all with such attitude, you’ve got no choice but to stomp your foot and nod your head.

The title tracks follows next , an electric work out of gargantuan proportions. Quite unrelenting in it’s aural assault. It picks you up, drops you down and picks you up again, leaving your brain crying out for more as it finishes.

And more there is with the last track, a non deluxe version of A Thousand Snakes, more electric and less acoustic but no less enthralling.

The thing which sets Ross Harding apart from his contemporaries, is the primal and primitive feel of his songs, his voice and his playing. He really does sound like he is playing and singing to save his soul. *****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

 

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: PETE KOSANOVICH – Beauty Within You

PETE KOSANOVICH – Beauty Within  You

Bandcamp [Release date 21.12.25]

Prolific song writer and multi instrumentalist Pete Kosanovich releases his eleventh album, including three with his band The Pale Blue Eyes, and two live ones.

This one is called Beauty Within You, and the cover features Pete sat outside the Troubadour in Chelsea, looking like the psychedelic dandy he always does. No doubt thinking of all the artists who have appeared there in past, who have helped shape his own career. Its interesting to trace Pete’s musical history from The Pale Blue Eyes, who as you can imagine were a punky grungy psychedelicy garage band, through the start of his solo career when he started incorporating earthy blues and roots and americana music through to where is now, which is almost full on traditional English folk music.

There are also touches of Americana too, in fact the opening song could fool you into thinking you had put on a Townes Van Zandt album, with the finger picking guitar and bass opening. Pete plays both these instruments, indeed he plays all the instruments on the album, and well as producing and writing the songs, which is a great achievement, but is it a hat too many.

It is a very personal album, with songs about his mother, Fade Away, and his son, In My Life, both of whom he obviously loves dearly, so much that his last albums cover features a drawing by his. son, a wonderful childlike vision of a guitar. There are also western vistas of outlaws guns and penitentiaries with Three O’Clock In The Morning and When I See An Outlaw, which also touches on his anti war stance, having escaped the Yugoslav War in the 90’s, as a Serbian child. Mirror Mirror tackles men struggling in today’s modern world, and is a favourite of mine along with When I See An Outlaw.

Pete likes to inhabit the baroque world of The Stones Play With Fire or Lady Jane, or Leonard Cohens Bird On A Wire and he does this successfully on this album of fifteen tracks.

A great songwriter he is no doubt, a great instrumentalist he is no doubt, but I think a little collaboration with other musicians would not go amiss, and would add an extra splash of colour to his palette. Although his legion of fans might well disagree with me.

Having said that, this is a deserving body of work, from an ever evolving artist. ***

Review by Andy Sharrocks


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : ROB MORATTI – Sovereign

Frontiers [Release date: 12.12.25]

Rob Moratti’s all star cast is arguably more famous than he is :
Joel Hoekstra, Tony Franklin, Felix Borg, Fredrik Bergh and Pete Alpenborg.

Alpenborg’s written stuff for Harry Hess, Robin McAuley, Kee Marcello, Tommy Heart and Tony Harnell.

He co-wrote the songs on Moratti’s well received 2024 album, Epical, and along with Fredrick Bergh has co-written much of Sovereign.

Echoing Epical, it is an elegant AOR album. In the manner of artists like Kent Hilli and Bro Firetribe, Moratti reclaims the musical space that was ultimately vacated by Alias, Starship, and perhaps even Journey.

It catches the mood of that era, where sentimentality and romantic musical moments, coated with a commercial sheen, were the currency of Melodic Rock.

Moratti takes an unapologetic stance on this. And that means there aren’t many surprises.

The good news is he’s still the same consummate pop-rock craftsman who has been making it all sound so smooth for years.

The evidence? Almost any track picked at random.

The teaser trailer single, ‘Can’t Let You Go’ is so last century, but in a good way; very Journey, very Survivor, an homage to the eighties, with a cool, lip smacking key change toward the finish.

All through Sovereign, Hoekstra shines, not by taking centre stage but by investing his axework with low profile emotion and passion, threading discreet solos through each track, lifting the melodic rock onto another plane.

The balladic ‘Every Word’s stuttering keyboards, shimmering production and measured BGVs, along with Hoekstra’s starstruck solo, underline the adage that for AOR, underdone is always better than overdone.

The only very slightly more aggressive ‘Waiting’ and ‘Locked Down’, and the even more Survivor-ish ‘Two Hearts’ are absolute peaches … tantalising AOR songs with luscious melodies. Nothing if not derivative. But unashamedly so. Tributes to past AOR glories. Skilfully done. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Book review: AC/DC SONG BY SONG – Bill Voccia

Published by Fonthill

This book is a real labour of love written by long time fan Bill Voccia. Bill has been collecting AC/DC memorabilia for many years and has contributed to several other publications before compiling his own tome. He has also previously been responsible for managing content and providing historical information to the bands website, so there is no doubt that Bill knows his stuff.

The book documents all of AC/DC’s studio albums in chronological order and gives a full song by song rundown. The introduction to each album gives a breakdown of release date, band personnel on the album, where it was recorded, who the producer was and worldwide chart positions. Bill also gives some ‘notable info’ for each release from his vast historic band knowledge.

The main content though is a breakdown of each song, with Bill giving his thoughts on the content, lyrics and composition. The thing with AC/DC is that the majority of their songs tend to be about three things: bad girls, bad boys and rock n roll, so a song by song guide very quickly becomes very repetitive.

Bill does his best to come up with imaginative ways to say a song is about ‘getting it on’ or hard living, but over the course of 18 albums (plus a B side and oddity rundown) and 188 pages, it does get a little tiresome. There is also some passages which have been edited quite badly which led to having to re-read some sections to fully understand what was being said.

You can, however, see that this is a work of passion for Bill and that he really knows his subject. There is also a few pages given over to pictures of single and album covers from Bill’s collection to illustrate some of his comments in the ‘notable info’ sections.

This book is really one for the die hard AC/DC completists rather than the casual listener. It could also be a good introduction to the AC/DC back catalogue if you want an in-depth guide and some ‘must hear’ track recommendations from a leading authority on all things ‘DC.

Review by Dave Wilson



Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

In all my years gig going, I don’t think I’ve ever been to one this close, just ten minutes walk from my house. That it should be by two members of FM, a band I’ve devotedly followed for 40 years now, made it even more of an eye opener.  Singer Steve Overland and guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick only play occasional shows in this format, so we were doubly privileged, as they chose The Weir pub in Brentford, which has a historic link with JMW Turner, to show off their own masterpieces as a fundraiser in support of Hammersmith Hospital’s kidney trust, a cause very close to them.

There were a couple of catches that might have threatened to spoil proceedings: one was that this was that rarity, an outdoor show in winter, but luckily the weather was unseasonably mild other than a lively breeze whipping across the brook at the foot of the pub garden. The other was to learn with dismay a couple of days earlier than Steve was fighting a chest infection, but luckily he was dosed up enough to fight his way through it.

 STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

After a four song warm up from a talented youngster, Lara Brewer, who has been collaborating with Steve, the two took position on stools in front of a decent crowd, with the front row occupied by me and a number of familiar fellow FM diehards.

They opened with ‘Tattoo Needle’, just as the full band had on their acoustic tour in the spring, and its jaunty melodies were well suited to the format, before a couple of other old favourites in ‘Don’t Stop’ with some quite nifty acoustic guitar picking and ‘Blood and Gasoline’.

 STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

However just as much as the music this was an evening for open questions and sharing stories with the audience. Both have the ready sense of humour you need for that format and though questions about FM’s commercial heyday were naturally handled by Steve, his younger band mate was the perfect foil, taking him down a peg or two with a witty aside.

One of the stories was how well they were looked after by Bon Jovi when they supported them in 1986 as the Jersey boys were making it big at that very moment, leading into a cover of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’. The raucousness of the singalong, compared to that for ‘Blood and Gasoline’ confirmed my suspicion that we FM fans were in a minority of an audience of curious locals or those wishing to support the charity. The feat was repeated on ‘Summer Of 69’, though Steve seemed less sure of the words than the rest of the crowd.

 STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

To give that voice a rest he handed over to Jim, a very fine singer in his own right as followers of his parallel solo career will attest, for ‘Crave’, from early in FM’s reunion period which apparently got playlisted on Radio 2. Steve’s absolute professionalism showed as despite expectorating into a tissue mid song, his traditional vocal tour de force ‘Story Of My Life’ was as strong as ever.

After a break the second set began with the pair accompanying another young woman, Skye (I think), who has been working with Steve and vocal coach Sonia Jones, on her version of Springsteen’s ‘I’m On Fire’. Back in more familiar territory, FM oldies ‘Every Time I Think Of You’ and ‘Burning My Heart Down’, complete with some very intricate acoustic guitar work, were accompanied by more questions and stories. As someone who was there the tales of how Kieran Dargan persuaded Steve to first reform FM for Firefest in 2007 was particularly interesting and the tales, complete with mimicry, of Eric Martin, Desmond Child and Mick Ralphs were very entertaining.

 STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

Talking of the latter, a cover of ‘Feel Like Making Love’ proved that Steve is a fitting heir to Paul Rodgers as Britain’s definitive blues rock voice, but sadly at that point the band were told to wrap up, just as it seemed we were getting started, to observe a curfew and avoid upsetting local residents.

It would have been nice in hindsight for a little more music rather than banter to have been crammed in, but they ended in fine style with one of FM’s most-loved songs from the classic debut ‘Indiscreet’ in ‘The Other Side Of Midnight’. It was a memorable evening in my neighbourhood with two talented individuals I have long admired, so the perfect end to a year’s concert going. A Happy Gigmas to me indeed!

STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

Review and Photos by Andy Nathan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


EP review: AXMINSTER – Mad Hatters

AXMINSTER – Mad Hatters

Website [Release date 25.07.25]

Axminster first started out in 1983 – then known as Axminster Molly – and they were indeed named after the carpet/rug manufacturer based in the UK town of the same name! Only vocalist/guitarist Steve Sera remains from the original line-up and he is joined by drummer Xanon Xicay, bassist Danny Callan and guitarist Benny Fiorentino.

Although Axminster picked-up some rave reviews and supported the likes of a fledgling Metallica back in the day, they were one of many bands from the 1980’s that never seemed to get that next big break and broke-up in 1986. Fast forward a few years(!) and Axminster have released a couple of EPs since returning in 2020, bringing us to this EP, ‘Mad Hatters’.

The very topical ‘World Gone Crazy’ starts the EP off in a flurry of guitars before the vocals of Steve Sara kick in. After a few spins his gritty vocals are reminiscent of say Sammy Hagar or Y&T’s Dave Meniketti. ‘Rat Race’ is another satisfying rocker. The guitars throughout the EP have a great 80’s hard rock feel.

‘Down to the Wire’ is a tad more bluesy in an Aerosmith meets Tesla vein. ‘Ya Monkey’ is the one song where that Sammy Hagar vibe really comes to mind.

Axminster may never have made the big time back in the 80’s, however, they are certainly enjoying music more now and this EP is a fine addition to the collection of any fan of the likes of Y&T, Sammy Hagar in his 1980’s prime and straight ahead hard rock. Nice. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : BRAZEN ABBOT – Live And Learn and Guilty As Sin (CD reissues)

Frontiers [Release date : 12.12.25]

Classically trained Bulgarian multi-instrumentalist, Nikolo Kotzev founded Brazen Abbot in 1995.

He could play every stringed instrument known to rock’n’roll mankind, but needed a singer.

Over these two reissues, released simultaneously, the cream of European rock vocalists give some of their previously unacknowledged best performances.
In a non-mainstream sense, a supergroup.

Men of many bands, Thomas Vikstrom, Goran Edman, Joe Lynn Turner, Jorn Lande and Glenn Hughes take turns at the mic. Europe’s engine room, John Levén, Ian Haugland and Mic Michaeli, bass, drums and keys, are the unshakeable, bolted to the floor rhythm section.

Live And Learn (1995) was the debut album. Guilty As Sin came 8 years later, in 2003. Between these two, the band released Eye Of The Storm (1996) and Bad Religion (1997). We reviewed the two Frontiers’ reissue versions of these in December last year.

Protracted contractual negotiations limited the availability of each vocalist, resulting in Vikstrom, Edman and Hughes rotating through Live and Learn’s 11 tracks.

His father’s calling as an opera singer is clearly an important part of Vikstrom’s DNA. And as with all Kotzev’s rock songs, ‘When November Reigns’ is built around a vocal hook. Here, its overlaid with Vikstrom’s dramatic, full throated delivery.

Hughes’s lived in vocals, sultry, powerful, provocative, spin out the title track into an eminently soulful ballad, a bit out of place in the order of things, but worth the admission price, as the cliché goes.

Edman wins the roll of the dice. He fronts opener, ‘Extraordinary Child’, an entertaining mix of hard rocking funk and tuneful Beatlish harmonies, and what sounds like ‘Jesus Freak’ on the radio, in the background. This is how all albums should begin.

Guilty As Sin, 8 years later, captures a dark moment in Kotzev’s life. He’s not afraid to admit that guilt coloured the songs he wrote for the album, using his art to cast off imagined demons.
This time round the three hired guns are Joe Lynn Turner, Jorn Lande and again, Goran Edman.

Edman adds a further artistic dimension to the music as he gives voice to the writer’s softly spoken confessional, ‘I’ll Be Free’.

It’s unquestionably the album’s highlight (if that’s the right word), followed closely by ‘Slip Away’, a fine melodic rock song, sympathetically voiced by Joe Lynn Turner, as Kotzev continues to reflect upon his life … “how can I live, with no one to blame”.

Lande sings unashamed love song, ‘Bring The Colours Home’, wearing his form fitting Coverdale persona.
It’s the set’s most accessible track, a commercial slice of melodic rock, cranking the machine back to the time when AOR became a cultural phenomenon.

There’s more of course across these two albums. Picking highlights became a coin toss.

Good to see them both being reissued. ****1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: JOHN OTWAY – Face Bar, Reading, Thursday 11 December 2025

otway

I last saw John Otway performing with fellow musical maverick Wild Willy Barrett in the wilds of Aldershot in 2023, so it was good to see him back with his Big Band. However, it was a smaller Big Band as lead guitarist Richard Holgarth had a better gig offer!

First up was Damien A Passmore, a talented country rock singer songwriter with a witty lyrical twist, including instant favourites ‘Road Kill Chef’ and ‘Mail Order Bride’. Both myself and my friend commented on how there is so much musical talent out there, yet much of it hardly ever gets noticed or recognition beyond those lucky enough to hear/see them. If Damien plays live nearby go and see him as he has two new fans after tonight’s gig.

The good thing about a John Otway set is that you know what songs you will get, just not necessarily as you heard them performed last time around!

A small, but perfectly formed crowd with a fair few rock and metal T-shirts spotted including Y&T and the mighty PowerWolf!

Starting off with his 1977 hit single ‘Really Free’, followed swiftly by the single’s B-side ‘Beware of the Flowers (‘Cos I’m Sure They’re Going to Get You Yeah)’, you could argue the set had peaked early? Not so, as you get the anthem that is ‘We Rock’.

Otway make other people’s songs his own, as ‘Delilah’ proved with Murray ably filling in on guitar parts usually played by Richard. Throughout the gig Otway himself seemed to playing more guitar, which improved immeasurably when he remembered to plug his guitar in! This song was used to advertise Weetabix and tickled the lower reaches of the UK’s top 200 singles chart.

Other favourites followed thick and fast including ‘Louisa On A Horse’, complete with Otway let loose to roam stage hands free with the mic attached to Blue Peter inspired coat hanger mic set-up. Just don’t try this at home folks…

The Big Band are a talented bunch of musicians with Murray often providing a comedic foil to Otway and the deadpan humour of bassist Seymour was superb.

His other hit ‘Bunsen Burner’ is rocking disco affair complete with a mini-mirrorball. The cover of the Osmond’s hit ‘Crazy Horses’ is a firm personal favourite and the Theremin was deployed – hurrah!

Audience participation is a key part of ‘The House of the Rising Sun’, which coupled with the aforementioned band banter, often gives the feel of panto or musical theatre.

‘Seagulls on Speed’, with a finale of Otway wearing a seagull’s head mask, provides a bit of rock bombast to the proceedings, with ‘Cheryl’s Going Home’ rounds of the main set.

For an encore we had ‘I Shouldn’t Be Doing This’ (but we are glad he still is!) and ‘Geneve’, a gentler song and one of his best.

My own predictions made back in my 2022 gig review – “John Otway is one of the best night’s entertainment and live music you’ll witness this side of a Spinal Tap or Krankies reunion” – has in part come to pass with Spinal Tap back in cinemas this year.  Fingers crossed then for a Krankies reunion by this time time next year then!

Until then, enjoy an Otway show if he performs near you as he is a unique talent and very entertaining. An Otway Big Band show is like a musical panto or ‘Rocky Horror Show’ but without the dames or fishnets…

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : GRAHAM BONNET – Lost In Hollywood Again (Live)

Frontiers Music [Release date 12.12.25]

Old Rock Stars never die, and judging by Lost In Hollywood Again, they never fade away either.
A 77 year old Graham Bonnet is testament to that.

Recorded in the legendary Whisky A Go Go, on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, in August last year, Bonnet and band give it their all.

Raw and raucous, you can taste the sweat as it drips from the venue’s ceiling.
You can hear every voice in the crowd whooping and hollering as they give it up for each song. Bonnet is clearly welcome here.

In reality it’s unvarnished proof of Graham Bonnet’s phenomenal voice. Ok, it’s lost a little of its lustre over the years. But he still climbs the upper slopes and delivers with vigour and indeed, soul.
More than that, every note is weighted with a flinty edge of “Look, I’m still here” defiance.

Live, the songs are robust and thunderous, there’s not a lot of room for nuance. And it’s maybe uncharitable to claim that Bonnet rose to a career peak with Rainbow, but if anything, this set bears that out.

It’s bookended by ‘Eyes Of The World’ and ‘Lost In Hollywood’ with ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ coming early. Bonnet’s mainlining on great rock songs coupled with the sweaty clamour and clang of live performance.

Between times, a tight, tight band, Conrad Pessinato, Beth-Ami Heavenstone (Bonnet’s missus), Alessandro Bertoni and Francis Cassol run through a bunch of entertaining rock songs – most notably ‘Imposter’ and ‘Desert Song’ – plucked from his his solo albums and his stint with Schenker.

No question, his voice still has it, he keeps a tight rein on the vocal melodies and he delivers with emotion and conviction.

And in doing so, succeeds in merging past with present. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


JIM PETERIK AND WORLD STAGE – River of Song – The Power Of Duets, Volume 1

Frontiers Music [Release date : 12.12.25]

Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Jim Peterik led his own band, The Ides Of March, prior to forming Survivor in 1978.

His subsequent history is well documented on Wiki.

River of Song is his third album under the World Stage banner, and again he has surrounded himself with family and friends, not least of whom, Tony Franklin, Mike Aquino, Phil X, Kevin Cronin, Denny Fongheiser and Jason Scheff are seasoned musicians, been there, done that.

Peterik is not the world’s greatest lyricist – he often aims for sweet but lands on syrupy sentimental – but he knows how to cook up a memorable melody. Neither is he any more than an adequate vocalist, but the songs and the guests pull him through.

Jason Scheff’s richly melodic voice carries ‘The Cadence Of Things’, providing the dramatic heft it needs. Similar story with ‘Soul Of My Being’. Toby Hitchcock and Bree Gordon’s upbeat vocal duet is as soulful as the song’s title, turning it into an almost exhilarating experience.

Peterik has Kevin Cronin on board for ‘Between Two Fires’. The song has a country rock flavoured narrative, about emotion and choice. “Caught between the angel I know and the devil below”.
Album standout.

The song brings home the point that rock songs, in any form, need to consist of some kind of emotional/ relationship turmoil for the content to cut through.

Elsewhere, the ballads.
‘Double Rainbow’s intro could easily have come from When Seconds Count, then it falls into that same syrupy songstyle trap that we encountered earlier.

The song ‘In Good Faith’ in fact comes from When Seconds Count. There’s a certain elegance to this song, balanced up with bite, resurrected from the days of AOR / Mainstream crossover.

Toby Hitchcock is at his usual commanding best and Kaity Heart is an undiscovered gem, with a voice rooted in seventies classic rock.

Survivor fans will lap it up. ***

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: HENGE – Journey to Voltus B

HENGE – Journey to Voltus B

Website [Release date 31.01.2025]

Thanks to occasional GRTR! live reviewer Matt Curtis my interest was tweaked by the band that is Henge, an intergalactic electronic, electro and space rock musical juggernaut. Henge consists of Zpor (vocals, guitar), Goo (bass, synth bass), Sol (synths) and Nom (drums).

Henge are on a mission to Voltus B; a distant planet inhabited by an intelligent species on the brink of discovering the power within atoms. Henge give the listener a chance to choose between two different endings… will the planet meet its annihilation and enter the dystopian bleakness of “Nuclear Winter”, or will its inhabitants discover the limitless potential of “Nuclear Fusion” and creation of clean energy?

Taking both scenarios together the album clocks in at fifty-five minutes, each side follows the same seven songs with various changes depending on whether you listen/follow the fusion or winter version. Musically ‘Ascending’ is a banger of an EDM/drum and bass tune, with the alien voiceover courtesy of Zpor. Think Pendulum jamming with Jean Michel-Jarre!

The vocals on ‘Slingshot’ nicely namecheck, you the listener, as the crew. This is why the album works so well as they create a story it is easy and quick to immerse yourself in.

‘Descending’ sounds like a theme tune to a mad scientist’s fever dream (loving the bass groove on this one), whilst ‘Welcome to Voltus’ – both fusion and winter versions – feature plenty of synth wizardry.

Synths and guitars meld to good effect on ‘The Power of the Atom’, where again the electro vocals tell the story and consequences depending on which version you listen to.

A late contender for an Album of the Year! Loving the music and whole alien worlds concept Henge have created on the album.

****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : JIMI JAMISON – 1998 Live Hits

Frontiers Music [Release date 12.12.25]

A live Nashville gig in 1998 from the late Jimi Jamison, who died in 2014, aged 63.

Survivor’s fifth album, Vital Signs (1984), the first with Jamison on board as the band’s vocalist, was a massive success, scoring 4 Billboard Top Ten singles and sales in excess of a million.  They all appear in Jamison’s live set.

Sixth album, When Seconds Count (1986), didn’t scale those heights. Jamison’s picked two standouts, ‘Oceans’ and ‘Rebel Son’.

Seventh album, Too Hot To Sleep (1988) put the Adult in AOR, in no small way due to Jamison’s muscular, been-round-the-block-a- few-times vocal textures.

His set captures the best of the first two albums mentioned. We would like to have heard more from Too Hot Too Sleep – no ‘Desperate Dreams’, ‘Didn’t Know It Was Love’ or ‘Across The Miles’ unfortunately. Shame, boo-hoo.

Jamison’s voice seems a bit tight on the gig’s openers, with the band fighting a less than dynamic sound system.

But by the time crowd pleaser, ‘High On You’ is reached, all is well, levels and mix are as they should be, and the crowd is loving it.

This seems to give an already confident Jamison a bit more swagger. And we’re saying – this is live rock’n’roll noise as it should be, a rediscovery of the raw energy that powered the big hitters, ‘Burning Heart’ and ‘Eye Of The Tiger’, written for the Rocky movies.

And even the noisiest moments are leavened by melody, ‘I See You In Everyone’, a brooding cover of the Doors’ ‘Riders On The Storm’ and ‘I’m Always There’, the Baywatch theme, shimmer and sparkle… sounding fresh and new as they make their way through Nashville’s midnight air.

No collection ever pleases everybody. But, Too Hot To Sleep aside, you’d be hard pressed to find a better set of songs with Jimi Jamison at the mic. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DEWOLFF – Fuego!

DEWOLFF - Fuego!

Website [Release date 05.12.25]

What do Redbone, Leon Russell, Lowell George, Bad Company, Link Wray, Henri Garella, Cray Fox and Dr. John have in common ?

They all crafted masterpieces which have inspired the ridiculously fertile imaginations of Dutch blues/soul/psychedelic rockers, DeWolff, to re-think, re-imagine and lovingly-refurbish these swampy nuggets on their latest release, “Fuego!”

Fresh from the Tennessee River-infused success of their adventurous “Muscle Shoals” album, DeWolff prove once again that the sky is just too damn low to be any kind of limit at all. Paying faithful tribute to their heroes, both obvious and obscure, our fearless, flying Dutchmen have dug deep into the archives of their influences and blown the cobwebs off half a dozen absolute beauties.

Opening with Native Indian rockers, Redbone’s “Judgement Day”, this song could easily have been an original on the band’s Wolffpack album. It has that signature tight interplay of Piso’s keys and van de Poel’s riffage and an uncanny amount of DeWolff DNA on this cut from 1973.

And therein lies the magic of this band. DeWolff are eerily reincarnated from that golden period of ‘60s/’70s sounds and songwriting. Had Leon Russell fathered bastard sons, they would have grown up “Dutch and in touch” with the very roots of soulful southern rock. Russell’s “Roll Away The Stone” is restored to its former glory. Scary good.

At that baptism, Lowell George would surely have been a godparent and his epic “The Fan” from 1974 (you see the pattern here) is recreated here in collaboration with the Professor himself, Joe Bonamassa. Guitar eroticism at its very best as Piso takes over on the ivories, making your ears cry tears of auditory joy. A real six-string fling, bouncing off all 88 keys on the board and driven hard by tub-thumper and beat brother, Luka van de Poel.

“Fire and Water” needs no real introduction as to its origins and sits deservedly amongst this collection. Then just when you think you have the cut of DeWolff’s jib, you’re hit with “Faster and Faster” – two minutes of manic, French progressive keyboards mayhem with Robin Piso fingering his Hammond to a gut-busting orgasm on this rare and esoteric cut from 1969.

Finally, the ten-minute opus, “Fire and Brimstone/Hawg Frog/I Walk On Gilded Splinters” closes out the album with typical swagger and panache, summing up all we’ve come to love about this band. Threatening, voodoo-tinged, sludgy and hypnotic, only DeWolff could put these three songs together and have them make sense. Somewhere up in heaven, Link Wray, Buzz Clifford and the Nighttripper himself are raising a glass of moonshine and toasting Fuego!

In January, DeWolff will perform two consecutive, sold out shows at Amsterdam’s famous Paradiso venue – the first night featuring their output from 2008-2016 and on the second night, their music from 2017-2025. Who the fuck does that in their early 30s ?

F**king DeWolff, that’s who. *****

Review by Mark “Mad Dog” Shaw


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 26 April 2026.


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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 11 May 2026

BREITLER Sentinel (El Puerto Records)
FIRE IN HER EYES Too Late To Change (indie)
KING FALCON Wait (indie)
BEAUTIFUL SKELETONS Come What May (indie)
KARIN PARK Shadow (Size Records)
HARSH Don’t Mess With Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 11 May 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: CHRISTOPHER CROSS – Bristol Beacon, 20 May 2026

MOONRIDER (50th Anniversary Edition)

For some Christopher Cross represents a moment in time, basically 1980, when his debut solo album was a major success.  He went on to win five Grammys a year later and his career was established. Of course, since that time, … Continue reading

Album review: MOONRIDER (50th Anniversary Edition)

MOONRIDER (50th Anniversary Edition)

Think Like A Key Music [Release date 12.12.25] Those of a certain age will remember Keith West for his Top Ten hit “Excerpt From A Teenage Opera” and the tale of “Grocer Jack” aided by a posse of children, a … Continue reading

Album review: TIGER MOTH TALES – A Visit To Trading Boundaries

Tiger Moth Tales - Cocoon

White Knight Records  [Release date: 7.11.25] Multi-instrumentalist Peter Jones’s star has been on a meteoric rise since he became part of progressive rock royalty Camel in 2016 – and just in case you doubt his abilities, check out Camel’s sensational … Continue reading

Gig review: PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS – Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden, December 27 2025

pd7

It is those no-man’s lands days between Christmas and New Year in 2025 and the Punchdrunk Saints have bravely decided to host their second ever gig after their debut in London’s 100 Club. Tonight’s gig at Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden … Continue reading

News: Get Ready to ROCK! announce Top 30 albums of 2025 based on weekly chart (December 2025)

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Top 30 Albums of 2025

The Top 30 countdown was broadcast on 28 December on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.  David Randall presents a non-stop mix reflecting reader and listener activity during 2025 Get Ready to ROCK! (www.getreadytorock.com) has announced the Top 30 albums of … Continue reading

News: DEMON, QUEEN, PETRA (January 2026)

Black Label Society - HARD ROCK HELL IX - Hafan Y Mor, Pwlhelli, Wales, 12-14 November 2015

The All-American Rejects release their first album since 2012. ‘Sandbox’ will be released in February via Too Lost. Alt Blk Era have announced a new EP, ‘Our World’, which will arrive on May 22 via LAB Records. Tori Amos releases … Continue reading

Album review: BEYOND THE BLACK – Break The Silence

btb

Nuclear Blast [Release date 09.01.26] Amazingly Beyond The Black have been around since 2014 and this is their sixth album, although to this recent convert it seems like they only started out a few years ago! Beyond The Black’s line-up … Continue reading

News: Albums of the Month (October-December 2025)

251001_aom1

A quarterly feature highlighting album releases rated highly by the GRTR! review team and worthy of your investigation. We try and pick out a cross-section of albums that reflect the range of genres reviewed at the website. The star rating … Continue reading

Album review: MIDNITE CITY- Bite The Bullet

MIDNITE CITY- Bite the Bullet

Pride and Joy Music [Release Date 21.11.25] Unapologetically promoting themselves as ‘hair metal’ when other more self-conscious bands might balk at the description, Midnite City are impressively now onto their fifth album since 2017. Rob Wylde’s men are not about … Continue reading

Album review: CHARLOTTE SMITH & DAVID CLIFTON – The Tree In The Wood

CHARLOTTE SMITH & DAVID CLIFTON - The Tree in the Wood

Little Room Recordings [Release date 17.10.25] An album of traditional folk tunes reinterpreted by Charlotte Smith, a London based singer songwriter and David Clifton, an Oxford based guitarist and singer, formerly a member of the indie band Sensible Jerseys and … Continue reading

Album review: JUDIE TZUKE – Now Or Never

JUDIE TZUKE - Now Or Never

Big Moon Records/www.tzuke.com [Release date 01.12.25] According to her liner note: “This album’s a bit noisier in places…Best played loud” When the opening track of Judie Tzuke’s latest album blasts out – surprisingly – I was reminded of that fairly … Continue reading

Album review: SPOCK’S BEARD – The Archaeoptimist

SPOCK'S BEARD - The Archaeoptimist

Madfish [Release date 21.11.25] Album reviewers, including this one, are often guilty of mining the cliché vaults and using five words where one would suffice. But then, every so often, something so good comes along that it defies words. ‘The … Continue reading

Single review: THE MOTHERZ – Sweat

THE MOTHERZ – Sweat

Facebook With a name like The Motherz you’re not going to expect Abba are you. And how right you would be. To me they sound like the illegitimate offspring of Metallica and The Stooges. They claim to draw their influences … Continue reading

Album review: ROSS HARDING – The Blood and the Blues

ROSS HARDING - The Blood and the Blues

Website [Release date 14.11.125] I have reviewed Ross’s two singles from this album, Revelator Blues and Lucifer and Me. And I must admit on first listening of Revelator Blues, I fell in love with him, in a bro sort of way … Continue reading

Album review: PETE KOSANOVICH – Beauty Within You

PETE KOSANOVICH – Beauty Within You

Bandcamp [Release date 21.12.25] Prolific song writer and multi instrumentalist Pete Kosanovich releases his eleventh album, including three with his band The Pale Blue Eyes, and two live ones. This one is called Beauty Within You, and the cover features Pete … Continue reading

Album review : ROB MORATTI – Sovereign

ROB 150 MORATTI Sovereign image

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Book review: AC/DC SONG BY SONG – Bill Voccia

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Gig review: STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

In all my years gig going, I don’t think I’ve ever been to one this close, just ten minutes walk from my house. That it should be by two members of FM, a band I’ve devotedly followed for 40 years … Continue reading

EP review: AXMINSTER – Mad Hatters

AXMINSTER – Mad Hatters

Website [Release date 25.07.25] Axminster first started out in 1983 – then known as Axminster Molly – and they were indeed named after the carpet/rug manufacturer based in the UK town of the same name! Only vocalist/guitarist Steve Sera remains … Continue reading

Album review : BRAZEN ABBOT – Live And Learn and Guilty As Sin (CD reissues)

BRAZEN 150 ABBOT Guilty cover

Frontiers [Release date : 12.12.25] Classically trained Bulgarian multi-instrumentalist, Nikolo Kotzev founded Brazen Abbot in 1995. He could play every stringed instrument known to rock’n’roll mankind, but needed a singer. Over these two reissues, released simultaneously, the cream of European … Continue reading

Gig review: JOHN OTWAY – Face Bar, Reading, Thursday 11 December 2025

otway

I last saw John Otway performing with fellow musical maverick Wild Willy Barrett in the wilds of Aldershot in 2023, so it was good to see him back with his Big Band. However, it was a smaller Big Band as … Continue reading

Album review : GRAHAM BONNET – Lost In Hollywood Again (Live)

GRAHAM 150 BONNET Lost Again image

Frontiers Music [Release date 12.12.25] Old Rock Stars never die, and judging by Lost In Hollywood Again, they never fade away either. A 77 year old Graham Bonnet is testament to that. Recorded in the legendary Whisky A Go Go, … Continue reading

JIM PETERIK AND WORLD STAGE – River of Song – The Power Of Duets, Volume 1

JIM 150 PETERIK River image

Frontiers Music [Release date : 12.12.25] Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Jim Peterik led his own band, The Ides Of March, prior to forming Survivor in 1978. His subsequent history is well documented on Wiki. River of Song is his third … Continue reading

Album review: HENGE – Journey to Voltus B

HENGE – Journey to Voltus B

Website [Release date 31.01.2025] Thanks to occasional GRTR! live reviewer Matt Curtis my interest was tweaked by the band that is Henge, an intergalactic electronic, electro and space rock musical juggernaut. Henge consists of Zpor (vocals, guitar), Goo (bass, synth … Continue reading

Album review : JIMI JAMISON – 1998 Live Hits

JIMI 150 JAMISON Live image

Frontiers Music [Release date 12.12.25] A live Nashville gig in 1998 from the late Jimi Jamison, who died in 2014, aged 63. Survivor’s fifth album, Vital Signs (1984), the first with Jamison on board as the band’s vocalist, was a … Continue reading

Album review: DEWOLFF – Fuego!

DEWOLFF - Fuego!

Website [Release date 05.12.25] What do Redbone, Leon Russell, Lowell George, Bad Company, Link Wray, Henri Garella, Cray Fox and Dr. John have in common ? They all crafted masterpieces which have inspired the ridiculously fertile imaginations of Dutch blues/soul/psychedelic … Continue reading