Gig review: TODD RUNDGREN – The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

TODD RUNDGREN, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

With an image of Todd towering over the stage for the duration this gig was all about Todd and not his audience. Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice image, but do we need it so omnipresent? Surely back projection can be more creative especially in the hands of a technological innovator?

As if to perpetuate the Cult of Todd he remained enigmatic throughout: there was absolutely no inter-song banter. As soon as he stepped up to the microphone you expected at the very least “Hello Stroud!” but he went straight into another song.

Me/Me rather than Me/We?

I wonder if any of this is noticed by the faithful but to the less partial it might seem somewhat bizarre. The energy levels sustained by this near octogenerian in a two hour set were, though, mightily impressive.

The more cynical might say that without that audience interaction punters would be better served watching a good quality video.

TODD RUNDGREN, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

Rundgren gigs are a rarity here in the UK with his last visit (London only) in 2023. This almost secret gig in a small Gloucestershire market town was something of a coup for promoter Hugh Phillimore who runs the venue as a charitable trust. We were told it was not a warm up for the more widely advertised dates in Birmingham and London although at times it did feel like an extended soundcheck in front of an invited audience.

Here at GRTR! we’ve followed and supported Rundgren’s renaissance in the UK since at least 2004 when he played his first dates since 1994.

The setlist tonight featured four songs from Liars, an album we described back in 2004 as matching the best of his seventies and eighties work.  This included the exquisite ‘Afterlife’.

TODD RUNDGREN, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

As previously, the gig is as much a showcase for Todd’s voice as his guitar playing which to me is under-utilised. But this time the gig was also a showcase for a fantastic band, with four of the five members supplying backing vocals. This was particularly evident on a superb ‘Buffalo Grass’ with faithful lieutenant Kasim Sulton particularly impressive as he was throughout.

For this less partial fan Rundgren’s more soulful grooves impress most. Songs like “Secret Society’, “Sweet’ and ‘Worldwide Epiphany’. In a two hour set there are inevitably a few less engrossing diversions – the ska flavoured ‘Down With The Ship’, a three way acapella ‘Honest Work’ and the vocal centric ‘Hawking’.

TODD RUNDGREN, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

It’s just a shame that Rundgren didn’t use the opportunity to provide context and a few stories about the tunes and the times.  A medley of covers reflecting those artists he has produced would also be welcome, showing off a stellar career.

Still, any Todd appearance – no matter how unusual and especially in what might be considered a semi-rural backwater – is to be welcomed. The faithful no doubt fully satiated especially as he encored with a greatest hits medley.

For the rest of us this no-chat-no merch, no grace, affair bemused and bedazzled in equal measure.

Review and photos by David Randall

With thanks to Hugh Phillimore, Stroud Sub-Rooms

I Think You Know/ Secret Society/ Weakness/ Stood Up/ Lost Horizon/ Buffalo Grass/ Beloved Infidel/ Hit Me Like A Train/ Wouldn’t You Like To Know/ Sweet/ Kindness/ Woman’s World/ Afterlife/ Down With The Ship/ Honest Work/ Rock Love/ God Said/ Fascist Christ/ Hawking/ Worldwide Epiphany/ Encore:I Saw The Light / Can We Still Be Friends / Hello It’s Me/ The Last Ride/ A Dream Goes On Forever

Album review (Space Force, 2022)


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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : RONNIE ROMERO – Backbone

Frontiers Music [Release date 24.10.25]

Over the last ten years, stints with pre-eminent rock artists like Schenker and Vandenberg, plus spells with Rainbow and Sunstorm have tended to overshadow Ronnie Romero’s solo stuff.

When he released Raised on Radio (2022) and Raised on Heavy Radio (2023), covers albums both, he was clearly feeling his way into a solo career. Recording proven material was understandable, though some suspected he was taking the easy way out.

But, by keeping one foot in the present, he gave many of the songs a more modern dimension—sometimes artistic, sometimes commercial – that we didn’t find in the originals.

His first “solo” studio album of original material – Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters – came in 2023.

His latest recording, Backbone, holds few surprises.

Again paired with talented guitarist/ producer Jose Rubio, who adds the finesse that even the most raucous heavy metal needs to make its mark.

You can hear the music striving for something bigger, something better with ‘Backbone’, the majestic title track. It’s big on drama and noise – hear the clattering drums punctuate Jose Rubio’s powerful axework. There’s clearly a musical chemistry between Rubio, Romero and drummer Chris Allan.

The swaggeringly tough ‘Lonely World’, and the relatively less caustic ‘Bring The Rock’ are two sides of an unspoken tribute to Ronnie James Dio. On both, Romero embraces all the colours of Rainbow’s lofty hard rock – including the notion that the spirit of Don Airey must have crept in the studio’s backdoor and ghosted on these tracks.

The inevitable ballads, ‘Lost In Time’ and the moodier, darker ‘Keep On Falling’ provide soaring choruses, drama and stirring guitarwork.

The one surprise package is ‘Hideaway’, a funky stomp written by Russ Ballard, equally darker and slightly chaotic, a welcome contrast to the carefully calculated metal elsewhere. ***

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: KYLE CAREY – The Last Bough

KYLE CAREY – The Last Bough

Bandcamp [Release date 01.09.25]

Gaelic Americana – that’s what this artist plays. Never heard of it? No neither had I, and although it could be a bit of a gimmick, it’s actually not. It’s a vocation for this artist, who spent her first seven years in the Alaskan Bush, living with her mother and father in Yup’ik native communities, until they relocated to New Hampshire.

Somewhere in early adolescence Kyle got a calling from her ancestory to study Gaelic language and music, and on a Fulbright Fellowship grant (an American cultural exchange program), she went to Nova Scotia to study Scottish Gaelic song and traditional music. In 2009-10 she then travelled to Sabhai Mor Ostaig on the Isle Of Skye to learn Scottish Gaelic language and music and became a fluent Gaelic speaker. Now that is a vocation not just a desire, and that lust for traditional Gaelic is all over her music, but of course being a New Hampshire lass it is fused with American roots.

In 2011 she released her first album Monegah, 2014 her second, North Star, and 2018 her third The Art Of Forgetting. And now in 2015 after receiving crowd funding she has managed to produce her fourth album The Last Bough.

The Bough contains ten tracks, and is quite a musical and personal journey, taking in Gaelic (obviously) with Latha Bha An Ridire Ag Ol, Nach Muladach, Muladach Duine Leis Fhein and Ba I u o h o. The latter being a song she sang to her much cherished hard fought for son, before he took his afternoon nap. Although a traditional song Kyle added some of her own lyrics to it so it was more a personal song for her son, and then she got producer Kai Welch to weave some of her sons ultrasound heartbeat into the song – it don’t get more natural than that.

On first listening I was reminded of Emmylou Harris, particularly The Wrecking Ball, never more evident than in the last song Amour’s Mystique., a song inspired by an old fashioned mechanical fortune telling machine which was prominent in her childhood. The previous song, For Your Journey is a favourite of mine, with some early Tom Waits style ivory tinkling. I cant find who the piano player is, so I assuming it is Kyle, but I could be wrong. Whoever it is, it is a wonderful piece of playing. Like wise on Edens grief there is some great weaving of accordion and fiddle and I don’t know who played the accordion, which is also evident on Via Del Campo, and adds well to the international flavour of the whole album.

With Via Del Campo, she enters Jaques Brel territory, or, to be more precise Fabrizio De Andre territory. with a delightful Italian song about an old street in Genoa on which ladies of the night plied their trade. From Italy to Ireland with the next song The Sere Wind, which Kyle wrote about an Irishwoman with post partum depression who drowned her newborn because she thought the fairies had swapped her child with a changeling.

Kyle has delicate shimmering voice with precise enunciation, making very easy listening and draws out an empathy with the listener to her tales. She is complimented on this album by the following musicians – Ruth Moody – backing vocals, Anthony Da Costa – guitar, Christian Sedelmeyer – fiddle, Jamie Dick – Percussion, Sam Howard – upright bass, Mike McGoldrick – whistle and flute, and Scotland’s own James Graham on Gaelic backing vocals. All the musicians are so in tune with Kyle’s music, an example would be on the title track where she sings – “the north wind blown cold on the dice”, and the flautist blows a tiny flurry, so fast but like a little chill up your spine. The whole album is peppered with instances like this.

The album was written over a three year period, during the pandemic, her pregnancy, and building and living in a tiny house on wheels. You can feel the love, isolation, and the panoramic journey her life has taken her on throughout this deeply personal and vibrant album. Gaelic Americana? Absolutely, but way beyond. ****

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: THE DAMNED, SAMMY HAGAR, MAID OF STONE (November 2025)

Whitesnake - DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL, Donington Park, Leicestershire, 14-15 June 2019

News - Album News

Black Swan release their new album ‘Paralyzed’ on February 13 on Frontiers.

Blackwater Drowning will release their new album ‘Obscure Sorrows’ on February 27.

Brother Cane will release its first new album in 27 years, ‘Magnolia Medicine’, on April 17 on Double Dragon Records.

Jay Buchanan, frontman of Rival Sons, has announced his debut solo album, ‘Weapons Of Beauty’, will be released on February 6 via Sacred Tongue Records/Thirty Tigers.

Dan Byrne has signed with Frontiers who release his new album This Is Where the Show Begins’ on May 22.

Sam Carter releases an EP of traditional songs, ‘The Oakham Poacher’, on December 5.

Original KISS drummer Peter Criss will release a new self-titled solo album on December 19.

The Damned release a special covers album, ‘Not Like Everybody Else’, on January 23 on earMUSIC. It is a tribute to band’s former guitarist Brian James, who died in March this year. Recorded in just five days it marks the first time in 40 years that drummer Rat Scabies has returned to the studio with the band.

Former ELO bassist Michael de Albuquerque has his second solo album, ‘Stalking The Sleeper’, reissued through Think Like A Key Music on January 23.

The Dead Daisies release ‘Live at Stonedead’ digitally on November 14.

Gong release a new album, ‘Bright Spirit’, on March 13 and have released ‘Stars In Heaven’ as the first single.

Gotthard have released their latest single ‘Liverpool’ and it features Marc Storace of Krokus.

Guns ‘N’ Roses release two new songs, ‘Nothin’ and ‘Atlas’, on December 2 via Geffen.

Former H.E.A.T and Skid Row vocalist Erik Grönwall releases his third covers album Eriksplanations Vol. 3′ on December 5.

Joe Jackson releases his latest album ‘Hope and Fury’ on April 16.

Jimmy Eat World release a six-track EP ‘Something(s) Loud’ through the band’s own Exotic Location Recordings on November 14.

Sananda Maitreya releases ‘JUVENILIA: The Columbia Years’, a 4LP boxset bringing together his first four albums, originally released between 1987 and 1995. It is out on February 6.

Freddie Mercury’s solo album ‘Mr. Bad Guy’ gets a limited edition vinyl 40th anniversary re-issue on December 5.

Metal Church have signed with Rat Pak Records, who will release the band’s new album in 2026. Joining original member guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof are guitarist Rick Van Zandt, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, drummer Ken Mary (House Of Lords, Flotsam and Jetsam) and vocalist Brian Allen.

BMG re-issue four Gary Moore albums on CD on February 27, with the double vinyl editions out on April 24. The four albums are ‘Old New Ballads Blues’, ‘Close As You Get’, ‘Bad For You Baby’ and ‘Live At Bush Hall’.

Myrath release their latest album ‘Wilderness Of Mirrors’ on March 27 on earMusic.

Orville Peck releases a new seven-track EP entitled ‘Appaloosa’ via Warner Records on November 14.

Poppy releases her seventh studio album ‘Empty Hands’ through Sumerian Records on January 23.

A 40th anniversary, 4CD set of The Power Station’s self-titled debut is released on January 23.

Francis Rossi releases his new solo album ‘The Accidental’ on January 30 via earMUSIC. Status Quo’s rhythm section of bassist John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and drummer Leon Cave feature on the album.

Running Wild will reissue their ‘Death Or Glory’ and ‘Blazon Stone’ albums as limited vinyl picture discs through Hammerheart Records on February 13.

Scouting For Girls release their new album ‘These Are the Good Days’ on March 27.

Skindred release their new album ‘You Got This’ on April 17 via Earache Records. Co-founding member, bassist Daniel Pugsley, has announced he is leaving the band.

Squeeze release their new album ‘Trixies’ via BMG on March 6.

Soft Machine release their new album ‘Thirteen’ through Dyad Records on March 13.

Tailgunner release their second album ‘Midnight Blitz’ through Napalm Records on February 6. The album was produced by former Judas Priest guitarists KK Downing.

Tyketto  have signed with Silver Lining Music who will release the band’s new album, ‘Closer To The Sun’, on March 20.

Victorius release their latest albumWorld War Dinosaur’ through Preception/Reigning Phoenix Music on April 17.

Wille & The Bandits release their new album ‘Salt Roots’ on February 27.

Lucinda Williams will releases her new album, World’s Gone Wrong’, on Highway 20 Records on January 23.

Yonaka release their second album ’Until You’re Satisfied’ on March 13.

In the studio…

Audrey Horne aim to record and release their next album by autumn next year…Butcher Babies are putting the finishing touches to their new album…Hard-Fi have finished recording their fourth album due for release next year…Moonspell enter the studio in December to start work on their next album…Overkill aim to enter the studio before the end of the year to start recording a new album…Running Wild will release their new album in the summer…Sevendust have completed work on their new album which is due in early 2026 on Napalm Records…Soundgarden have said they are “pretty close” to finishing off their new album, featuring vocals from the late Chris CornellTesla are working on another covers album

News - Tours and Gigs

Newly announced UK tours (2026 unless stated):

Asia (The Corn Exchange, Ross-on-Wye Jan 30), Bowling Four Soup + Frank Turner (Jun, Jul), Laura Cox (May), The Damned (Albert Hall, Manchester Jan 28), The Darkness + Brothers Osbourne (Dec), Deacon Blue (Jun, Jul), Deep Purple + Mammoth (Nov), Europe + Gun + The Damn Truth (Sep), Foo Fighters (Jul), Garbage + Skunk Anansie (Jun), The Godfathers (Feb), Graham Gouldman (Oct), Sammy Hagar & The Best Of All Worlds Band (Jul), Amy Macdonald (Jun), Machine Head (May), Madness (Jun, Jul), Marillion (Sep, Oct), The Molotovs (Jan, Feb), A Perfect Circle (Jun), Poppy (Mar), The Proclaimers (Oct-Dec), Sex Pistols (Jul, Aug), Squeeze + Billy Bragg (Nov, Dec), James Taylor (Jul), Joanne Shaw Taylor (Jan), Tyketto + Warrior Soul + Collateral (Apr), Walter Trout (Oct), The Waterboys featuring Steve Earle (Aug, Sep), Paul Weller (Jun, Jul), Wille & The Bandits (Mar, Apr), Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts (Jun, Jul),

Upcoming (Gigs – UK)

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

Amon Amarth (EU), Jon Anderson and the Band of Geeks (US), Anthrax (AU), Babymetal + Bloodywood (AU), Bad Omens + Beartooth + PRESIDENT (US), Biffy Clyro (AU), Black Label Society (US), Belinda Carlise (AU 2027 – farewell tour), Cheap Trick (US), Chicago (US), Deep Purple (DE), Deftones (US), The Devil Wears Prada (US), Emperor (US), Europe + The Damn Truth (EU), Foo Fighters (EU), Freedom Call (AU), Billy Gibbons (US), The Guess Who (US), Warren Hayes (US), Hawthorne Heights (US), John Hiatt (US), Helloween (US), The Horrors (AU), In Flames (US), Joe Jackson (US), Journey (US – farewell tour), Katatonia (US, AU, NZ), Lamb of God (US), Lynyrd Skynyrd + Foreigner (US), Machine Head (EU), Manowar (EU 2027), Marillion (Pompeii, IT Jul 25), Motley Crue + Tesla + Extreme (US), Graham Nash (US), Gary Numan (US), Of Mice & Men (AU), A Perfect Circle (EU), Poppy (AU, EU), Pulp (AU), Bonnie Raitt (US), Santana (US), Savatage (EU), Split Enz (AU), Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band (US), James Taylor (NL), Tedeshi Trucks Band (US), Three Days Grace (US), Toto (US), Train + Bare Naked Ladies (US), ZZ Top (US),

Upcoming (USA/ROW)

Tour updates & postponed/cancelled gigs & tours

Blackmore’s Night have postponed all their upcoming concerts due to “medical reasons”.

Epica have postponed their Asian tour due to Simone Simons health issues.

Hardline have had to cancel this month’s UK tour due to visa issues.

The Stray Cats have cancelled their US tour due to Brian Setzer’s “serious illness.”

Yungblud has cancelled his remaining tour dates for this year due to health issues.

Other Stuff

Spotify have announced their annual Spotify Singles: Holiday Collection, which this year includes Fall Out Boy covering ‘It Feels Like Christmas’, originally performed by The Muppets and Poppy covers Wham!’s ’Last Christmas’.

‘Tony Banks: Man Of Spells – The Magician Of Genesis’ written by Genesis biographer Mario Giammetti is published by Kingmaker Publishing on February 19.

Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil memoir ‘A Screaming Life’ is published in May by HarperCollins.

Southampton grassroots music venue, The Joiners, and The Croft in Bristol have been saved by the Music Venue Properties, part of the Music Venues Trust.

The Cure: The Show Of A Lost World, a new concert film, will be screened in cinemas on December 11.

Brian May has hinted in a recent interview that Queen would be interested in creating a hologram show similar to ABBA’s Voyage.

Slipknot have officially sold a majority stake in their discography to HarbourView Equity Partners.

David Coverdale (Whitesnake/Deep Purple) (pictured) has announced his retirement from music – “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the Snake, a special announcement for you. After 50 years-plus of an incredible journey with you, with Deep Purple, with Whitesnake, Jimmy Page, the last few years has been very evident to me that it’s time really for me to hang up my rock n’ roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans.”

U.D.O. and Dirkschneider have recruited guitarist Alen Brentini.

Butch Walker has joined Train replacing Taylor Locke.

Firewind have parted ways with vocalist Herbie Langhans and his replacement is returning vocalist Henning Basse. The band have also signed with BLKIIBLK/Frontiers for their next album.

Arch Enemy have parted ways with vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.

Angra have announced the departure of vocalist Fabio Lione.

News - RIP

Drummer Jack deJohnette who worked with Miles Davies and Herbie Hancock amongst others.

Scott Sorry, former bassist with The Wildhearts and Brides of Destruction.

Temple Balls lead guitarist Niko Vuorela.

Former Living In A Box singer Richard Darbyshire.

Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, a member of the Grateful Dead throughout the 1970s.

Former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis.

Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield with The Stone Roses and ex-Primal Scream.

Reggae musician and actor Jimmy Cliff.

A&R and record company executive Andrew Lauder who signed bands like Man, Hawkwind and Brinsley Schwarz in the early seventies, later Stranglers and Elvis Costello, and subsequently established independent labels.


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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : DEFECTO – Echoes Of Isolation

Frontiers Music [Release date 31.10.25]

Strongly encouraged by famed producer, Flemming (Rainbow/ Metallica/ Pretty Maids/ Blind Guardian) Rasmussen, Danish singer/ guitarist/ songwriter, Nicklas Sonne put Defecto together in 2011.

Echoes of Isolation is their fourth studio album, and the band Sonne put together is still together: Frederik Møller (g), Mikkel Christensen (d) and Thomas Bartholin (b).

Considering Rasmussen’s CV, the real surprise is that Defecto’s music pushes hard against the boundaries of Prog Metal.

We reviewed Sonne’s Aries Descendent album, a tangential move into Symphonic Rock territory, last year.

So he’s obviously a restless soul, dipping his toe into classic and progressive as he sees fit.

He’s gone knee deep into Echoes…

Sonne : “Each song inhabits a different psychological struggle – insomnia, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, paranoia, dissociation, trauma – giving voice to the war within. This isn’t just a metal album. It’s a mirror held to the mind”.

Yet all these weighty subjects are approached with conviction, honesty and lyrical dexterity.

Dark but not depressing.

In fact ‘Eclipsed By The Void’, ‘Hearts On Fire’ and ‘Quantum Abyss’ are brooding slices of epic progressive rock, binding the subject matter’s mindbending roots to the band’s proven melodic sensibilities with a strong positive effect.

Putting aside the fraught subject matter, by focusing on detail and immaculate delivery, the music is confirmation enough that this band – led by Sonne – is totally signed up to the same objectives. ***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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : SHIRAZ LANE – In Vertigo

Frontiers Music [Release date 24.10.25]

Finnish rock band Shiraz Lane have been a going concern for ten years now. In Vertigo is their 6th album, with a smattering of EPs released in between.

It’s described by the label as “an ambitious, modern, and emotionally charged rock album”.

Yeah, all of the above… except maybe there’s as much pop as rock at times. No bad thing.

It’s produced and co-written by Per Aldeheim, frequent writing partner of Max Martin, and sounds like it.

The band, Jani Laine and Miki Kalske on guitar, Hannes Kett on vocals, with rhythm section Joel Alex and Ana Vilkkumaa on bass and drums respectively, combine rock and pop concisely and excitingly, captured in real time by Aldeheim’s propulsive production, always carrying an urge to move on, to move up, to just keep moving.

That momentum carries them through ‘Ray Of Light’, ‘Live A Little More’ and ‘Bullshit’, and oh, those choruses … the hooks just keep on coming.

Each song is as lean as it needs to be. Every harmony is tightly knit.

There are echoes here and there of their contemporaries, Santa Cruz, Reckless Love and H.E.A.T.

‘Babylon’, ‘Stone Cold Lover’ and ‘Plastic Heart’ hit a bit harder. Punchy, catchy, they get their hooks into you very quickly, rejuvenating your lingering pop sensibilities with poise and panache.

In the stuttering punch of ‘Dangerous’… you can hear Per Aldeheim’s role in co-writing ‘Bimbo’ for Lambretta (with Max Martin and Alexander Kronlund). And in the lurching ‘Sayonara Love’ there’s a huge Japanese/European crossover hit in the making.

Yes, there are a lot of shiny surfaces on Invertigo, it’s maybe a little too slick and sweet for some palates.

But this kind of stuff is commercial enough and bold enough to reach across genres. ****

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: LARKIN POE – Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

LARKIN POE - Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

Larkin Poe’s reputation in the UK has been growing, below my radar to the extent that they are able to attract a near sell out to the legendary Hammersmith Odeon (as it should always be known). My interest had been piqued by seeing them on the eclectic support bill to Guns‘n’Roses at Hyde Park last year, after which an appearance at Maid of Stone confirmed they were chasing a mainstream rock audience, so I was curious to see how they would measure up as a headline act.

Support was provided by Son Little, a blues guitarist and songwriter accompanied by a keyboard player and drummer, who has a long back catalogue. I found the music, with its soul and even reggae influences, rather too laid back to hold my interest especially as songs such as ‘Lay Down’ from his debut album seemed of great length. Nevertheless he bravely started an audience singalong not once but twice during ‘Never Give Up’ before finishing up with a Sly Stone cover, ‘Let Me Have It All’.

Son Little -  Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

In line with the theme of latest album ‘Bloom’, Larkin Poe came on to an intro medley of related tunes- from Lynn Anderson’s ‘Rose Garden’ to Tom Petty’s ‘Wildflowers’- and the stage set featured lights disguised as flowers. A trio of able musicians were placed at the back and in rather dimmer light to leave the focus very much on the two sisters, lead singer/guitarist (and as of just 10 weeks ago new ‘Mom’) Rebecca, and slide guitarist Megan.

LARKIN POE - Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

The opener ‘Nowhere Fast’ was outstanding with a ZZ Top-like groove, catchy ‘cool whippin’ chorus, and superb closing slide solo from Megan in her unusual fashion playing the guitar like a lap steel but while standing, at right angles to her body. Indeed the opening trio, all from ‘Bloom’, were about as good as you can get. ‘Mockingbird’ showed off their mellower side with sisterly vocal harmonies, while ‘Easy Love’ straddled the worlds of country and southern rock, like Brothers Osborne or A Thousand Horses’.

‘Summertime Sunset’ was a longer jam including an impressive organ solo from young keyboard player Lucas Pettee while ‘Bluephoria’ saw Rebecca momentarily forget the lyrics and start again, not that any forgiveness was needed from a supportive crowd. ‘If God Is a Woman’ and ‘Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues’  moved closer to the traditional style country blues that was the band’s early trademark.

LARKIN POE - Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

That segued very neatly into an acoustic segment, with all five band members huddled together in close formation and playing traditional instruments including Lucas on mandolin during a beautiful ‘Southern Comfort’, before they went right back to their bluegrass roots, Rebecca strumming the banjo for ‘Little Bit’.

Yet, after Megan mentioned how personal the song was for family members and others with mental illnesses, ‘Mad As A Hatter’ had an almost English folk vibe, almost like Fairport Convention who my partner was seeing the same night just down the road in Twickenham. The segment ended with ‘Devil Music’, a gospel-like song where they encouraged a clapalong to satirical lyrics (you’ll never get to heaven, if your amp is on 11’) about the evils of rock and roll.

LARKIN POE - Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

The song also included a lyrical reference to Ozzy Osbourne, so appropriately a seamlessly executed segment of ‘War Pigs’ heralded that the rest of the set would be full on rock. ‘Bad Spell’ featured the two sisters on harmony guitar leads, but my only complaint during ‘Pearls’, ‘Wanted Woman-ACDC’ and ‘Bolt Cutters and the Family Name’ was that the songs themselves rather segued into one another and got lost among the extended jamming and verbal gymnastics from Rebecca.

There was a solitary encore of the near title track from the latest album, ‘Bloom Again’. Showing those contrasting sides it was a mellow number with some lovely harmonies, ending in a closing rock out. It was a perfect encapsulation of how they mix up the tough and the tender, ending a very impressive show.  Consider me a new fan.

LARKIN POE - Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

Review and Photos by Andy Nathan

Album review (Bloom, 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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 (July – September 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 **** 

FIRST TIME FLYERS - Bound To Break

FIRST TIME FLYERS Bound To Break

I have had this album on heavy rotation since it was dropped on me a couple of days ago, and I’m so hooked on it that I need to listen to it at least every two hours. I was even singing the single Primadonna whilst washing up last night, their hook lines are that infectious.  *****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

GLENN HUGHES - Chosen

GLENN HUGHES Chosen

By all accounts ‘Chosen’ may be his final fling as a solo artist (in another nine years he’ll be 83) and if that is so he has done himself proud and we should all be thankful.  ****

Review by David Randall

FM-Brotherhood

FM – Brotherhood

As one of the leaders of a movement often decried for being formulaic, FM have achieved the rare feat of keeping the listener on their toes with some unpredictable turns while staying true to their core melodic rock values.  **** 1/4

Review by Andy Nathan

THE SWITCH - No Way Out

THE SWITCH No Way Out

It’s in some way inspiring to hear a band embracing the past wholeheartedly. Pretty well everywhere you scratch the paint on No Way Out, you’ll find the 1980s underneath.  ****

Review by Brian McGowan

THREE DAYS GRACE - Alienation

THREE DAYS GRACE Alienation

Long-term fans will relish this new offering and not least (Adam) Gontier’s return. Newcomers will find much to enjoy. Alienation is relentlessly great. *****

Review by David Randall

 WALTER TROUT Sign Of The Times

‘Sign of the Times’ responds to those social changes in the best way possible with biting social commentary, insightful humour and scintillating guitar playing, leaving us to count the notes. ****

Review by Pete Feenstra


Albums of the Month (April – June 2025)
Albums of the Month (January – March 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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : LEAH MARTIN-BROWN – Love & Other Crimes

Frontiers Music [Release date 24.10.25]

Australian born, but now resident in Europe via the USA, amazingly gifted singer Leah Martin-Brown releases her debut album on Frontiers Music this month.

She’s got a lot going for her before we hear a note… she’s managed by Jens (Tony Harnell/ James LaBrie/ Malmsteen) Lundberg, and produced by Mutt Lange, Tony Denander and Tony Nilsson.

The only question is “Can it sustain itself under the weight of expectation?”

Openers ‘X’ and ‘R U Chicken’ take no prisoners and ask for no mercy. The first expands from a slinky slice of Eurythmics’ soulful synth pop to a widescreen female rap, before settling into a hooky pop groove.

A bold beginning.

The second is a blast from beginning to end.

By taking one part Def Leppard/ Mutt’s ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’; then adding one part ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll’ … the music of Joan Jett, another tough, confident rock star, LMB’s earthy delivery turns the song into something Shania Twain might have propelled into the US charts.

Each song is a lightning strike that lights up the album.

‘Levitate’ is special. Its 3 dimensional electronic pop peaks with a pulse quickening hook, sensually intoned by LMB’s breathy vocals. It’s more Max Martin than Mutt Lange and we’re constantly on edge, waiting for it to explode into something louder, faster, but it doesn’t. Neat trick.

The debut single was ‘Boys’, understandably. It’s impossible to ignore the track’s pop metal craftsmanship. Lange’s signature is all over it… the Def Leppard like layers and textures stop short at over production, but give the song enough oomph to send it into orbit.

The debut single ‘Hysterical Love’ is maybe just a bit too derivative. The source influences can only carry you so far.

But then there’s the the pop immediacy of ‘Shush’, and there’s the pop country crossbreed ‘Clooney’, both created in the style of the Shania Twain blueprint (again).

The answer of course is “yes”. ****

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: MARTIN BARRE – A Trick Of Memory

David Randall chatted to Martin Barre at the start of his UK tour dates in November 2025.  This hour special includes tracks from several albums including Tull and Alan Simon’s ‘Excalibur’ project

MARTIN BARRE - A Trick Of Memory

McNidder & Grace [Publication date 06.11.25]

“The music Tull produced was very real, never reaching perfection, but always incredibly human and honest.” I wonder what the hardcore fan would make of this, or even Ian Anderson?

Perhaps the biggest event in Martin Barre’s life in recent times was his removal from the band he had served loyally since 1968. This gets just a page in this interesting if sometimes economical memoir. Tull fans hoping for some dirt-dishing will be disappointed. But probably not as much as Barre was at the time, with apparently no specific reason given by his bandleader.

Barre has evidently survived the twists and turns of a career in music (65 years!) because he is genuinely a nice bloke who has kept his guitar playing sharp and his mind clear of the usual substances that befuddle rock stars. He also has a supportive family and friends which has also given him a better chance than most.  Martin lists his other passions -  running, steam trains, cars and photography – to provide a healthy balance.

Growing up, Barre was exposed to his father’s love of jazz music and this almost certainly influenced his attraction to sax and flute playing which developed in parallel but secondary to his love of guitar.

Barre takes the reader from his early days growing up in the Birmingham music scene, to his audition for Tull. This account differs from the legendary story that Ian Anderson had to crouch on a hotel floor to hear what the guitarist was playing as he’d forgotten his amp.

Tull fans will appreciate that each album is discussed (with the exception of J-Tull.Com) and the trials and tribulations, not least accommodating the many musicians who passed through the ranks.

Following his departure from Tull Barre was able to build on a solo career that he’d already started in the early-1990s with his “Summer Band”. Most recently he has been touring the States with his current band, finding a ready-made and enthusiastic audience, although still very much majoring on the Tull back catalogue.

When I interviewed him not long after the Tull termination I was surprised that he hadn’t earned any publishing royalties from that band. Yes, Ian Anderson was the sole writer but Barre was very much a key – almost inseparable – part of the band’s sound. Just think of that solo in ‘Aqualung’. A more egalitarian and progressive arrangement would have shared the spoils.

In his “overview on Tull” Barre sums it up thus:

Every riff, chord, instrumental passage and arrangement throughout those years has my input, but more importantly it has my love of the music embedded within it or embossed on it – in other words, not always up front, but always present.

Barre is evidently accepting of this situation and derived his main income from constant touring and album sales. Fans will appreciate his recollections of various experiences through the years – delivered throughout the book as a “box out”.

It seems the beginning of the end for Martin in Tull had begun in the mid-1990s, a combination of Ian Anderson’s solo work and less inventive set lists.  There were also longer gaps in album releases.

Roots to Branches seemed to signal the beginning of a period of time not easy to define on paper. Ian didn’t like us staying at an expensive hotel and found bed and breakfast accommodation nearby. The places were not nice, and I eventually returned to the hotel and paid for myself. Mentally, we were drifting apart, and I think it showed in the music. The spark just wasn’t there and maybe Ian, like me, was getting more satisfaction from solo projects.

Martin understandably doesn’t comment on Anderson’s journey since 2011 but the truth is Tull have now gone through several guitar players who don’t really add the Barre magic. Florian Ophale even looked a bit like early Barre. I suppose we never really thought Martin would ultimately be caught in the perpetual revolving door and some fans will still not accept his departure.

Where this autobiography hits the mark, and where for example Steve Hackett’s book missed out, it provides a rounded story complete with annotated discography including session work and information on Barre’s guitars and equipment (although nothing about his technique). Well illustrated, this account is an important part of Barre’s post-Tull ascendancy, essential for fans, even if a popular study rather than anything more profound.  ****

Review by David Randall

Martin Barre is a Featured Artist at Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.

Gig review (Shrewsbury, November 2025)

Search Martin Barre at GRTR!

Martin Barre - Book Tour 2025

An Acoustic Evening with Martin Barre and Friends (2025)

06 November, Alnwick, The Alnwick Playhouse
07 November, Lytham St Annes, Lowther Pavilion
08 November, Edinburgh,The Voodoo Rooms
10 November, Barnoldswick, Arts Centre
11 November, Barnoldswick, Arts Centre
12 November, Barnoldswick, Arts Centre
18 November, Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn
20 November, Exeter, Exeter Phoenix
21 November, London, Bush Hall
27 November, Stourbridge, Stourbridge Town Hall
28 November, Shoreham by the Sea, Ropetackle Arts Centre
29 November, Southampton, The 1865
30 November, Stroud, The Sub Rooms


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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: LAURA COX – Trouble Coming

Laura Cox - Trouble Coming

earMusic [Release date 31.10.25]

Album number four from Anglo-French guitarist and singer Laura Cox, who first came to wider attention via her YouTube channel in 2008. The album was mixed and engineered by Jean-Marc Pelatan, with tracks mastered by Ted Jensen (Styx, Cheap Trick, Eagles, Green Day and many, many more).

The first single ‘No Need To Try Harder’ opens the album and is a good reflection of the album, namely guitar driven rock with a dose of blues and soul, topped off by Laura’s melodic vocals. ‘Do I Have Your Attention?’ is another solid rocker, complete with a tasty guitar solo and no surprise it was also released ahead of the album.

More hard rocking fun can be had on ‘A Way Home’ (a searing solo awaits the listener on this track), although it is not all hard rocking, as Laura’s banjo playing is highlighted on ‘Out Of The Blue’. A from-the-heart ballad, making for a oasis of musical calm in the album.

The rumbling bass heralds ‘Dancing Around The Truth’, a modern pop rocker, which like many songs on the album, are perfect for radio airplay and those all important streaming services playlists. This one, along with the aforementioned ‘Out Of The Blue’ and kick ass rocker ‘The Broken’ are this reviewer’s album stand outs.

Album number four which shows Laura Cox is not running out of musical ideas any time soon. She is pushing herself, both in playing and writing, and taking grateful fans along for the ride. An unexpected treat to see us through the colder, darker nights, providing plenty of musical warmth and comfort. ****

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

Of those rock stars who have fallen out of consciousness in their native UK, you can file Chris Norman under the ‘Big in Europe’ category. The gravel-voiced former Smokie singer commands a devoted following abroad, particularly in Germany, but gigs in his home country are as rare as rocking horse sh*t.

Smokie have long been a guilty pleasure of mine, though I was never tempted in seeing the later versions of the band with a different singer playing the ‘chicken in a basket’ oldies circuit. However, I was so keen to finally see him, I even missed the London show the same night by my beloved Wishbone Ash for the first time in living memory.

CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

My evening did not get off to a good start- on collecting tickets I’m sure I was told he’d be on at 8:30pm, so my partner and I went for food and rocked up at 8:15pm, only to find the concert in progress and we’d missed the first 15 minutes including a couple of Smokie hits in their cover of ‘Needles And Pins’ and ‘Lay Back In The Arms of Someone’. Luckily we took our seats just in time for a surprisingly early ‘Stumblin’ In’ with one of his band, acoustic guitarist Rachel Parga, duetting seamlessly in the Suzi Quatro role.

About to celebrate his 75th birthday, he must keep an ageing portrait in the attic and that feather cut had barely changed in the half century since Smokie hit the big time. Unfortunately he mentioned that he had been gamely ploughing through despite suffering from the ‘lurgy’ and was dosed up on antibiotics.

As the set wore on I was listening out and his voice did seem more faint than I expected, and he was clearly treating it gently and easing off on the trademark grittiness, though he could still carry the tunes, well supported by the band who were nearly all capable backing vocalists.

 CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

Among his originals, there was a medley of couple of Smokie hits in the reggae-fied It’s Your Life’ and unfairly neglected ‘For A Few Dollars More’ before the darker and  more progressive ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ (famously then covered by Pat Benatar as the title track for her debut album). ‘Crazy’ was a good song from most recent album ‘Junction 55’, showing he still has plenty to offer.

He then took a stool for a more acoustically driven segment beginning with ‘If You Think You Know How To Love Me’ (also covered by Benatar) which kicked off Smokie’s career a mere 50 years ago, followed by ‘Mexican Girl’. To this point the audience had remained respectably seated (other than one lady who got up for ‘Stumblin’ In’ to the annoyance of those behind her).
CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

But during the flamenco-style ‘Gypsy Queen’, keyboardist Martina Walbeck augmenting the sound with some accordion playing, an increasing number of women got to their feet and filled the aisles and spaces in between, and never sat down again. One of them even sported what looked to be an Angela Merkel-inspired hair and jacket, suitably enough as I wouldn’t mind betting the former German chancellor was a fan.

It was followed by ‘Living Next Door To Alice’, another massive hit casually tossed into the middle of the set, but to my relief,  this discerning audience knew to respect the original and not to shout out the Roy Chubby Brown obscenities. ‘Lost In Flight’ was an excellent song that he mentioned he had written for Cynthia Lennon and if a cover of ‘Whisky In The Jar’ was rather unnecessary, ‘Low Life’ was somewhat rockier and very impressive.

CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

I found myself venturing onto the fringe of that dancing section during that classic tale of a Parisian tryst, ‘I’ll Meet You At Midnight’, before the main set concluded with ‘Don’t Play Your Rock’n’Roll To Me’, Chris going to the edge of the crowd to tease with his guitar and spark a singalong.

The encores began with a further pair of Smokie favourites: ‘Wild Wild Angels’ was unfortunately one where his vocals suffered but the Mungo Jerry-like jug band shuffle of ‘Oh Carol’ was great fun. Finally he concluded with a rock and roller in ‘Whisky And Water’, rocking out and pulling enjoyable poses with cowboy-hatted lead guitarist Geoff Carline.
CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

His first London show in ages was an unexpected triumph with a very healthy crowd at the Indigo. I hope it stirs a desire to return as I’d love to see him again, preferably catching the whole show this time and with him back in peak health.

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: STEVE MORSE BAND – Triangulation

Steve Morse Band - Triangulation

Music Theories Recordings [Release date 14.10.25]

Steve Morse Band’s ‘Triangulation’ is a complex, intense and yet accessible virtuosic album which successfully evokes the conceptual ‘Triangulation’ album title.

The ‘triangulation’ concept refers to geographically pinpointing your exact location at a specific moment in time. And musically speaking, this locked-in trio do precisely that as they burst at the seams with a relentless riff driven, multi genre approach, which on the title track approaches the frenetic.

While rock and fusion provide the main arteries here, there’s also some significant prog influences, as well as blues, funk, chunky grooves and a tonal array scattered over rapid time changes, unison guitar playing and ever present breathless trio interplay.

The constant search for space is a function of the dynamics of an interesting album, on which Morse and his bass player Dave LaRue  – who played with him in the Dixie Dregs and Flying Colors  - constantly engage in different levels of musical conversation.

And when they nearly pause for breath, they derive further energy from powerhouse drummer Van Romaine.

‘Triangulation’ is a riff driven, bass propelled album with a fleeting funky undertow.  The trio is self evidently the sum of its parts as Morse and bass player LaRue solo seamlessly and weave in and out of evolving instrumental pieces.

The opening ‘Breakthrough’ for example, is a solid groove full of intricate interplay and Morse’s spiralling riffs with added bass riffs.

Some additional slap bass at the 1.54 mark, gives the bottom-end a chunky feel and provides the perfect foil for some spacey licks.

‘Breakthrough’ is both the perfect title and musical gateway to an album which achieves its goal of keeping the listener interested in 9 instrumental rock tracks.

There’s real invention here and an adventurous feel on tracks like the bass-led, ‘March Of The Nomads’, which features second guitarist Scott Sim.

The dense sounding track is quickly ripped asunder by a sharp fusion solo over muscular rhythmic accompaniment.

It’s also the perfect example of how the trio builds a tension which Morse then resolves with a clarity of tone, unison guitar parts and a Celtic sounding outro over a military drum beat.

Put simply, this is an album full of musical arcs that engage the listener, but then quickly move on to unexpected directions with contrasting tones, short sharp solos, and pregnant arrangements.

At times the sheer weight of several busy tracks gives the album a claustrophobic feel, but  this serves to draw the listener into the Jeff Beck influenced bluesy groove of  ‘Off The Cuff’ and the more restrained ‘The Unexpected’.

The latter features a Robert Fripp style crafted tone and King Crimson ‘Red’ era density, before settling on a plateau that is ready made for a brief gently fingered bass solo.

The band rises again with a layered emotive sound and an intricate lattice of articulation and rhythmic feel, topped by a tremulous tone which evokes the song title.

In between the two; Eric Johnson guests on ‘TexUS’, a song notable for the way Morse returns to his seamless style of playing that featured on his late 80’s ‘High Tension Wires’ album.

The respective solos are an energetic statement of boundless virtuosity and a celebration of interwoven sonic splendour

There’s also another King Crimson feel to the boisterous ‘Icebreaker’ which features a strangulated piercing guitar tone and staccato Tull sound.

There’s a repeat of a slapped bass line on a heavy riffed theme, leading to a caustic sounding tone which slices its way through a heavy rock track, much like, eh-hem, an ‘Icebreaker.’

The album moves from disciplined arrangements to jam like moments which accommodate all 3 players without stretching the song beyond the original theme.

However, the phonetically titled ‘Tumeni Partz’ is the opposite, being a ‘kitchen sink and all’ track worthy of a review on its own.

This is the moment, where the band sounds as if they locked the studio door, told everyone else to go home, leaving the trio to push their prog, fusion and jazz imperatives to the limit.

The 11 minute track is a blur of lighting fast riffs, dazzling shreds and contrasting fluid guitar on a tightly wrapped piece with Zappa style time changes.

There’s a further mélange of spacey guitar influences, fretless bass and pounding drums leading to a moment at the 5.50 mark, when they appear to pause and look for somewhere else to go.

‘Tumeni Partz’ is a musical journey that goes hither and thither, before working its way to a jammed out finish with some breathtaking interplay.

John Petrucci joins Steve Morse on a title track, full of rumbling bass, crashing drums, power riffs, and chiming chords, which all come together on a brilliantly nuanced outro.

Steve is further joined by his son Kevin, who plays guitar on ‘Taken By An Angel’ a moving acoustic-into-electric guitar and keyboard-led ode to his late wife.

Where the rest of the album finds its spark in spontaneous spirited interplay, this track is understandably a slower evolving piece with a reflective feel, on which Morse’s final guitar figure imbues a keenly crafted album with a sonorous emotive finish. ****

Review by Pete Feenstra


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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: PAUL KELLY – Seventy

Paul Kelly Seventy

Website [Release date 07.11.25]

Question – how many Australian artists do you know? Not many I am thinking. There are the usual suspects, AC/DC, INXS, Midnight Oil possibly, Johnny Deisel perhaps, and Nick Cave who is really an honorary Brit. But not many others spring to mind, and don’t say Dame Edna. Is this because Australia is so isolated? Well please allow me to introduce Paul Kelly, if you haven’t heard of him already.

He is seventy this year, and is releasing his 30th album Seventy. Yes you read that right, his 30th album! He has been in the business 50 years, and has managed to amass 17 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Award) awards for recording, and 5 APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Award) awards for songwriting. Which, having released 500 songs is not entirely surprising. The latter is given to artists who have achieved artistic excellence.

So, to the album – thirteen tracks including ‘Tell Us A Story’ part one and two. And that is Kelly’s specialty, storytelling. For a reference point, think of the storytelling of Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Springsteen, and then transfer those stories to Australia.

Kelly has been soundtracking Australian life and culture throughout his amazing 50 year career, influencing many younger artists including Amyl And The Sniffers and The Beths, and has had his songs covered by the aforementioned Nick Cave.

He also has a big fan in Lucinda Williams who is supporting him on some Australian dates. Apparently he has just done some shows in the UK including two sold out shows in London and Manchester, so at least some people have heard of him over here. Unfortunately I was not one of those punters at the sold out shows.

This album is a reflective album of an older person, bringing in conversations between old friends sticking together in their twilight years in ‘Take It Handy’.

Songs like ‘The Body Always Keeps The Score’ and ‘I’m Not Afraid Of The Dark’ are written from a person coming to terms with his immortality. Likewise ‘Happy Birthday Ada Mae’, a song written for his two year grand daughter, celebrating her innocence and the joy that brings, whilst acknowledging he probably wont be around for her twentieth birthday. And if this sounds maudlin, in true great songwriter tradition, Kelly puts a spring in the step of the words and music.

In ‘Sailing To Byzantium’ he sets the poem of W B Yeats to a full band arrangement. This is not new for Mr Kelly, apparently he has set Shakespeare sonnets to music in ‘Seven Sonnets and A Song’.

And just to digress for a minute, on the above point, Kelly’s diversity is astounding, He has made an experimental dub album with Professor Ratbaggy, a bluegrass album with Smoke, collaborated with jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky with Please Leave Your Lights On, and even made a double Christmas album with songs in Hebrew, Te Reo Māori and Latin.

Since the 80’s Kelly has been has worked with many indigenous artists including Archie Roach and Yothu Yindi, standing by their side in their fight for justice, following on from a collaboration with Kev Carmody – From Little Things Big Things Grow about the 1966 Wave Hill strike, which will mean nothing to most non-Australians but it was about land rights of the indigenous people and a cause obviously close to his heart.

Billy Bragg has discovered the joys of Paul Kelly saying –“Paul Kelly is one the greatest observers of the human condition working in rock music, his songs articulate the pleasures and pains of his people in a manner that affirms their sense of belonging.”

And after that digression, back to the songs which include ‘Rita Wrote A Letter’, the first single from the album. This is a follow up to a song Kelly wrote 30 years ago called ‘How To Make Gravy’, about a guy in prison who is not going to spend Christmas with his family and friends, and his loved one Rita, who, we learn in ‘Rita Wrote A Letter’, found her self a new man, started a family and moved up the coast.

In ‘The Magpies’ Kelly tells a story of Tom And Elizabeth buying a farm in the outback and working hard to make it pay, all the while giving their profits to the mortgage company, while the magpies sing in the trees, throughout the years until they both pass and the farm is left unsaleable due to its location. A story of corporate greed often told from Dylan to Steve Earle, but without magpies.

A very mid 70’s Dylanesque ‘I Keep Coming Back For More’ is a love song about being treated badly but still coming back for more. And a delightful duet, featuring Rebecca Barnard, ‘Made For Me’, celebrates love in a relationship, in a clappy happy way. Paul Heaton should consider covering this.

“Telling stories is deeply human and has been since we started to become humans”, says Kelly, and what a storyteller this man is. Over his fifty years he has written stories about characters, places, and events in Australian life and culture. He really should be better known than he is, – he is performing in arenas in Australia and The Forum in London. However when his time is up I imagine he will be fully satisfied with his life’s creative output including this outstanding album Seventy.

The album features longtime musical cohorts – Peter Luscombe, Bill MacDonald, Dan Kelly, Cameron Bruce and Ash Taylor

He’s even managed to write an unflinching autobiography entitled How To Make Gravy, if you want to know more about the man. I know I do.

On a personal note to Paul Kelly, I am sorry I have never come across you man before you turned seventy, but I am going to try and make up for it by accessing your back catalogue and immersing myself in it.

If you don’t read any reviews from me in while, you know what I am doing. On the strength of this album I would recommend you do the same thing too. *****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : WEST, BRUCE & LAING – Out In The Fields – The albums 1972-74

Esoteric [Release date : 31.10.25]

Three searing samples of the red hot rock’n’roll that emanated from supergroup, West, Bruce & Laing.

No surprise really. Their genesis lies in the live improvisations of Jack Bruce’s previous band, Cream, and the hard rock boogie perfected by Leslie West’s and Corky Laing’s Mountain.

Three remasters here :

Why Dontcha (1972)
Whatever Turns You on (1973)
Live ‘n’ Kickin (1974)

It’s a cleverly constructed boxset. On Why Dontcha, it’s like all three artists wanted to embrace a broader musical palette without sacrificing any of their uniqueness, and so it didn’t quite get there. Heat without enough light.

The studio performances are great… just listen to ‘While You Sleep’, ’The Doctor’ and the title track’s sleek and forceful power, but the songwriting hasn’t quite gelled yet.   ***

Whatever Turns You On was a popular seventies catchphrase. The band used it to illustrate their individual obsessions on the album cover.

The songs were a major step up from the debut. The Bruce/Pete Brown co-writes – the starkly romantic ballad ‘November Song’ and the flyaway piano rock of ‘Scotch Krotch’ – lit up the album.

Not far behind, West really cooks on ‘Rock’n’Roll Machine’.  ***1/2

But the trio never entered the studio together again, and so the Live ‘N’ Kickin set, recorded at the Aquarium Theatre in Boston, becomes a real celebration of the trio’s abilities. Three highly talented musicians who could set aside conflicting emotions, sparking off each other, picking up the story telling torch that illuminates great songs like ‘Play With Fire’, ‘Politician’ and ‘Powerhouse Sod’.  It’s a worth buying the boxset for this CD.  ****1/2

All three albums have been recently remastered from the original master tapes, and the package also includes an illustrated booklet.

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

There is no harder working touring band than Brave Rival, but of their many shows this was a special one, a well attended Central London showcase for their new (and excellent) ‘5 to 4’ EP which marks a new chapter for the band. Unfortunately the EP was not for sale as that would render them ineligible for the charts.

The band are relatively youthful and yet have always tended to attract a devoted and older crowd, a fact their shift from blues to rock seems to have done nothing to change, judging from the crowd of men many in their sixties or above that had apparently started forming on Oxford Street over two hours before the gig. Indeed, in front of me at the gig was a gentleman in a dapper tweed sports jacket who looked like he had come straight from a Rotary Club executive lunch. Pleased to report he was loving it as much as the rest of us.

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

Support came from Demi Marriner, familiar in Brave Rival’s touring history as a member of Elles Bailey’s band alongside a solo career. It was the latter which was showcased tonight: previously I’d only seen her acoustic but this time, her petite figure almost dwarfed by her acoustic guitar, she was fronting a full four-piece band. I really enjoyed opener ‘Sound the Alarm’ and other highlights in her Americana-flavoured set included ‘Distorted Desires’, ‘Repeat Refrain’ and ‘Think Of Me’.

‘Stop, Pause Rewind’ featured some mournful slide playing from excellent guitarist Joe Coombes, a dead ringer for Glenn Frey circa 1973. ‘Sins’ had a bluesier feel not unlike Brave Rival’s old direction and after ‘Need to Know’ the set ended with a rockier number in ‘Good Guy Act’ with feisty lyrics and fine slide work from Joe. It was a very enjoyable support slot from a very personable artist who also writes good songs.

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

Brave Rival came on stage to an intro tape and started as they meant to continue with some sharp riffing from Ed ‘the Shred’ Clarke heralding ‘Let Me Rock and Roll’ as he pulled poses at the front of the stage with bassist Billy ‘Danger’ Dedman. Singer Lindsey Bonnick, dressed in a Steampunk looking outfit and with a crown of roses around her head, screamed some splendid vitriol (‘you’re no prince charming/don’t call me sugar’.

She got a clapalong going during the more familiar ‘Bad Choices’ and a sing along to the ‘who-oahs’, then another killer riff that owed more to modern rock than traditional blues led into ‘Poison’ with more audience participation on the mid-song ‘hey heys’. Even the stuff from ‘Flight or Flight’ has had a makeover only a year from the album’s release: ‘Seventeen’ had a strong Zeppelin feel with its riffing and an almost Schenker-esque melodic solo from Ed, and ‘On the Next Round’ also rocked hard with some powerful drumming from Donna Peters leading into another explosive guitar solo.

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

A lengthy ‘Stars Upon My Scars’ represented a rare reversion to the earlier bluesier sound, followed by ‘What’s Your Name Again’ with Ed’s dirty slide playing that used to be an outlier in the set but now settles snugly alongside more recent material.

The remaining songs from the EP were all played in sequence, starting with the bouncing ‘Wild Child’ and ‘Control’, staying on the very edge of melodic, then some acoustic guitar from Donna introduced the lengthy epic ‘Try Again’. It was a privileged position to be in, looking around to see those who had yet to hear the full EP blown away by the song the same way I was when I received a review copy.

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

While the music may have changed somewhat, there was the usual playful inter-band banter that helps make every Brave Rival show enjoyable, including Ed cheekily saying Lindsey had been mistaken from his mum! ‘Stand Up’ was another almost unrecognisable from its studio counterpart and in another example of how old favourites have been subtly rearranged to meet the new line-up and direction, a new acapella intro from Lindsey heralded a full on rock out with hooks of ‘Run and Hide’ somehow managing to sound even bigger.

The main set closed with ‘Heavy’, now surely their signature song, given the big ballad treatment by Lindsey, but now stretching to 11 minutes, the last half an epic showcase for Ed’s varied guitar talents, from slow blues to full on shredding. For the encore the band laid down deep and solid grooves on the older ‘Fairytale’.

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

I’d already had an apéritif for this gig in their support slot to FM last month and hearing an advance copy of the EP. And yet I was blown away by the sheer no holds barred power of the new-look band on a night which left a massive smile on my face.

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: ELLIOT PORTER – I Choose the Moon

Elliot Porter - I Choose The Moon EP

Website [Release date 30.10.25]

Elliot Porter is a Cambridge based singer songwriter who has been building up a following, through gigging and a series of releases, including a cover of Frank Turner’s ‘Be More Kind’, which raised over £2,000 for the NHS.

‘Happier’ provides a strong start to the EP, with shades of David Gray, whilst the title track ends this six song EP with a big production number, full of brass, piano and the melodious singing of Elliot. Quite AOR in sound and a song made for a late night listening session.

‘Constellations’, which had lyrics written by Rosie Porter (no relation), is quite literally a song that takes you into the stars and back. What grabs the listener about this song is the lyrics, vocals and the big production backing – loving those strings!

The female vocals on ‘Dying Sun’ lend an extra bit of magic, as does the piano of Elliot. A song that builds slowly to a big musical finish.

The gentle refrains on ‘Right to the Heart’ would sit well on a film soundtrack, as it has that memorable and haunting feel that stays with the listener after just one listen.

Elliot Porter is an artist worthy of greater recognition, as he has a wonderfully soothing, melodic vocal and songs that make the listener think, as well as enjoying the music. ****

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : WRATHCHILD AMERICA – Climbing the Walls / 3-D (2 CD remasters w/bonus tracks)

Cherry Red [Release date : 24.10.25]

Back in 1984, founding member, vocalist and bass man, Brad Divens gave up a career in the straight world to “make it” with his Thrash Metal band, Wrathchild America.
It was a high risk strategy, but it’s a not unfamiliar story.

Regrets? I’m sure he has a few, but according to Daren Sadler’s liner notes, based on interviews with Divens and the band’s drummer, Shannon Larkin, they loved every minute.

Including 5 solid years of touring, mainly doing covers, getting musically tight, becoming a dynamic, cohesive unit.

This led to a 2 album deal with Atlantic Records, one of the industry giants, Climbing The Walls in 1989 and 3-D, two years later.

As with most things, it’s always about timing. A 12 month delay in releasing Climbing The Walls’ saw it blow past the Thrash Metal sell by date. The Seattle Sound had elbowed them out.

Hardcore fans still attended gigs headed up by the likes of Pantera, Exodus and Slayer, but interest was waning, and that didn’t sell albums for third and fourth billing bands.

Still, it struck the Billboard Top 200 a glancing blow.

Good songs like ‘Hell’s Gate’ and ‘Day Of Thunder’ were fuelled by Shannon Larkin’s powerful rhythms … his hard kick knocked out a relentless beat, but the music seemed to be stuck in the moment, lacking the muscle and blood we associate with the genre.

The follow up, 3-D came two years later, reissued here with 2 bonus tracks.

By now, the world of metal had tilted on its axis. And so the band chose to deliver a patchwork quilt of musical pieces… mixing metal, prog and jazzy moments.

This was quite unexpected, designed perhaps to represent the psychological changes gone through by a band at the edge.

Sought after Producer, Alex Perialis did a superb job in shaping the band’s sound into something identifiable.

‘Spy’, ‘Gentleman Death’ and ‘Surrounded By Idiots’ stand out.

Atlantic dropped the band once it became clear that 3-D wasn’t selling.

Subsequently, Brad Divens built a highly successful career as a live sound engineer, working with Motley Crue, Garbage, Linkin Park and many more. Larkin moved on to Ugly Kid Joe, and later a lengthy stint with Grammy nominated Godsmack.

Climbing The Walls (1989) ***
3-D (1991) ***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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: FRANCIS ROSSI – Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, 15 October 2025

The title of ‘rock legend’ is a hard earned badge of honour bestowed on the few that have dedicated their lives to the cause and have left their indelible mark on rock music.

Francis Rossi is most deserving of this accolade as he and the rest of the Status Quo crew developed the soundtrack to several generations of new rock fans discovering the joy of the electric guitar through their accessible rocking blues.

Francis, by his own admission, embraced the rock lifestyle to the full and these stripped back, intimate shows have given him the chance to regale the audience with his hazy memories from the glory years and play some cracking songs from the vast Quo back catalogue.

Taking to the stage, Francis was met with a huge cheer and quickly fell into an easy rapport with the crowd. Part storyteller, part stand-up comedian, his easy going delivery had the crowd laughing from the start, especially on his failure to comprehend some aspects of modern life including ‘bulky pee pants’!

However, the tales were just the conduit between the music, and what a set it proved to be. With just Francis and fellow guitarist Andy Brook on stage this was as stripped back as a performance could get. However, this format affords the opportunity to really appreciate what a great guitarist Francis is, something that is often overlooked by those that see Quo’s music as three chords, heads down and see you at the end.

‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’ opened proceedings taking us back to the psychedelic 60’s before we then headed into the heavy blues of ‘In My Chair’ and ‘Spinning Wheel Blues’. Francis was suffering slightly with throat issues all evening and was using throat sprays between songs to help him through. However, there was no stopping him and vocally he was spot on all evening.

The set list was loosely in chronological order with ‘Gerdundula’ and ‘Claudie’ taking us back to the early 1970’s when the bands profile was on the rise. ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ followed which then led into one of my Quo favourites, ‘Rock ‘N Roll’, which was perfect for this setting and had the crowd singing along.

We then went into the interval with a song which always gets a mixed reaction from Quo fans, personally I love it! Burning Bridges (On And Off And On Again)’ maybe a marmite number, but the crowd tonight were fully on board and sang along with gusto in the chorus.

After a quick 20 minute break, Francis did joke about prostrate issues and the need for frequent visits when you reach a certain age, it was back to the music. He had also joked at the start about his ability to meander during his chats and muck up the set timings, so in the second half he and Andy cracked on with the tunes with the chat kept to a minimum.

The familiar strains of ‘What Your Proposing’ kick the second half into life with more great guitar work from the pair. That was followed by ‘And It’s Better Now’ which always sounds great given a more acoustic slant.

Francis then played a few personal favourites that are less well know to those outside the Quo army. ‘Someone Show Me Home’ from the ‘If You Can’t Stand The Heat’ album was a case in point. To be honest I had forgotten all about this track and it was good to hear it live.

Up next we had another of my Quo favourite, ‘Twenty Wild Horses’. On the introduction Francis pointed out that the song was a difficult one to play and it involved different time signatures and that he my muck it up. However, both he and Andy played a blinder and this song demonstrated that the old ‘three chord’ adage did the band a real disservice.

The last of the more obscure trio was taken from the ‘Lost Chord’ album and was introduced as a song that ranks in Francis’s top ten Quo tracks, quite an accolade! Again, ‘Tongue Tied’ wasn’t really a track that was on my Quo playlist, but it is one I will be revisiting as it sounded great here.

We were nearing the tail end of the set now and Francis went for the big finish. He stated that on the first tour there were a few songs that he had avoided as they were heavier numbers, and he wasn’t sure they would work in the more acoustic setting. However, he had nothing to fear as ‘Roll Over Lay Down’ was a masterpiece. The interplay between the two guitars was spot on and Francis’s soloing was fantastic to watch, and the track was a triumph.

‘Rockin’ All Over The World’ had some of the crowd on their feet dancing along as all belted out the chorus. Mr Rossi’s guitar skills were again brought to the fore on the intro to ‘Down Down’ which went down a storm before ‘Caroline’ brought the setting to a fitting climax.

This proved to be a great nights entertainment with music and laughter throughout provided by the perfect host. The hash tag on this tour is GOMOR which stands for ‘The Grand Old Man Of Rock’, I couldn’t have put it better myself…

Review and photos 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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Feature: Albums that time forgot – PETER BARDENS – Heart To Heart (1979)

PETER BARDENS - Heart To Heart

Arista (1979) Esoteric (Reissue, 2012)

Peter Bardens has an interesting history.  Although his career was cut short – succumbing to lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 56  – he spent time in the 1960s with Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green and then with Van Morrison’s band (Them) to whom he returned, briefly,  in 1978.  He is best known for his time in prog rockers Camel (1972-1978).  The latter developed from Philip Goodhand-Tait’s backing band.

If you read online reviews you’d end up thinking his 1979 solo album was lack-lustre and a disappointment.  Many citing his vocals and the fusion style to be a weakness.  Even the venerable Malcolm Dome in his sleeve notes to the 2012 remaster described the album as a move away from prog.  None of this is strictly true.

If you like late-seventies, sub ‘Moonmadness’ Camel and bands like post-Akkerman Focus you will love ‘Heart To Heart’.

Bardens gathered around him some seasoned musicians including one-time Camel collaborator Mel Collins (sax and flute), Gus Isidore (guitar) and Peter van Hooke (drums).

The album suffered from minimal promotion and the music world was in its punk/new wave phase, so it is unsurprising the album sounded somewhat incongruous at the time.

The adventurous will find much to like in the sheer tunefulness and even pop pretentiousness of largely instrumental music.  Keyboard player Bardens in particular holding sway on the catchy and romantic title track and ‘Slipstream’.  The 2012 remaster is a straight reissue with no bonus tracks.

He followed this with a series of uneven but creditable solo albums including ‘Seen One Earth’ (1987) and ‘Speed Of Light’ (1988) both of which were only released in the U.S. where Bardens latterly resided.  These and subsequent albums went a bit new-agey.

The more adventurous may like to investigate the 2005 compilation which brings together various selections between 1963 and 2002 and is an excellent springboard for further deep dives.  Separately a 2022 compilation brings together earlier recordings including The Village, Bardens’ solo debut ’The Answer’ featuring Peter Green (under the name of Andy Gee), and the second solo album ‘Write My Name In The Dust’ in 1971 (also known as ‘Peter Bardens’).

Feature by David Randall

Collectible Collections (Camel)


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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: KATHERINE PRIDDY – Harwell Village Hall, 17 October 2025

A sold out show – and the third Katherine Priddy gig hosted at Harwell to sell out – is always a great thing to see, especially at the grassroots level where you can still see and support acts as talented as the four musicians at tonight’s gig, for a reasonable price with a decent view and excellent sound/acoustics. One of the main reasons this music lover has “retired” from overpriced and overhyped arena sized gigs.

rr

First up, Roswell Road, a duo consisting of Jasmine Watkiss and Zoë Wren, who conjure up the sound of 70′s West Coast/Laurel Canyon and a more modern Americana touch. In fact, a female Simon & Garfunkel came to mind, especially when listening to their wonderful harmonies on ‘Arabella’ and ‘End of the Line’.

They are currently recording an album with the help of The Dunwells, and a co-write with the aforementioned, ‘Holy Mountain’, was another strong song full of harmony and bodes well for their album. The audience loved them and rightly so, as Roswell Road are musically in tune with each other, a delight to listen to live and make sure you get along to see them live if they play nearby.

Katherine Priddy was joined on guitar and vocals by George Boomsma, playing two forty five minute sets and as she mentioned partway through the set, the first live show she had done in awhile.

Part of the appeal of Katherine Priddy’s music is her vocals, which sound quiet, yet pack a powerful emotive punch, ‘First House on the Left’ being a prime example. It sounds as good live as it does on the album. Other highlights (and let’s be honest, the whole set was!) included ‘A Boat on the River’, ‘Northern Sunrise’ and a song written about her dad, ‘Father of Two’.

Enjoyed hearing ‘Close Season’ performed live, one of two songs where Katherine provided the music to the words from the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. Also enjoyed ‘Icarus’ more in a live setting, whilst her first recorded song ‘Wolf’ is one many of the audience recognised and enjoyed.

The set finished with ‘Ready to Go’, a beautiful song, both in lyric and performance, and it may well have been something in this reviewer’s eyes by the end of this song. Talk about the power of music, it is right there in this song and tonight’s performance by Katherine and George. Speaking of George, he has a melodious vocal and a mesmerising style of guitar playing. Definitely an artist this new fan will be checking out more by.

The encore was a surprise, ‘Whispering Grass’, a favourite of George’s mum and for those of a certain age, a novelty hit single (and number one!) by Don Estelle (Lofty) and Windsor Davies (Sergeant Major) back in 1975, from the TV show ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’. For those after more serious folk credentials, Sandy Denny also recorded a version of this song! Needless to say with George on the lead vocal, ably aided by Katherine this was a superb finale to a truly exceptional night of music.

Katherine Priddy and George Boomsma are off on tour supporting Suzanne Vega on her October and November UK tour, culminating at the Royal Albert Hall. Katherine also releases her third album, ‘These Frightening Machines’, on March 6, with a UK tour to follow in April.

Review by Jason Ritchie
Photos by Duncan Chappell

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: ROBIN ADAMS – The Beggar

ROBIN ADAMS – THE BEGGAR REVIEW

Website [Release date 09.11.25]

Ok, lets tackle the elephant in the room – this could be Nick Drake’s fourth album. And I say that with the utmost respect and admiration.

From the phrasing to the melodies the guitar tone and style to the backing arrangements it’s just uncanny. But Robin does come from folk royalty with his mum and dad being the driving force behind String Driven Thing, so I would imagine he was reared on a diet of Nick Drake, John Martyn, Fairport Convention etc; But that doesn’t mean you are going to sound like any of them as you mature to adult hood.

This isn’t his first album, and I haven’t heard any of his others – allegedly one of them is in Americana style, so maybe he captures a different style with each album, I don’t know but I do know this one just drew me in from the offset. He has a fan in Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue and DJ on BBC Radio Scotland. He says of Adams – “ he draws you into his music, and once you’re in you’ll never want to leave”, and I wholeheartedly agree.

The songs on the album were written some time ago, when Robin was in a dark place after a chronic illness debilitated him for four years, leaving him housebound. Just as he was recovering his father passed. And if that doesn’t make you write in an intense and melancholy way then I don’t know what would.

Adams demo’d these songs on Bandcamp as a limited edition in 2018 with just his voice and an acoustic guitar, then started evolving them as he played them live, then playing them with a group of trusted musician friends who all did this as a labour of love.

The musicians are – Julliette Lemoine -Cello, David Bowden Bass, Stephen Henderson and Alex Palmer drums, Emma Pantel Bowden – violin, Rachel Clemente – harp, Dan Brown piano and clarinet, Campbell Drummond Sax, Ross Taylor Harmonium, and Iona Zajac on backing vocals. And what a bunch of musicians they are, very sympathetic and intuitive to these songs.

There are nine tracks on this album, and even though I mentioned Nick Drake, it is also a collection of very original songs, and not written for commercial gain I would say. He wrote these songs because he had no choice is my guess, growing from the from the gut, and gushing into reality as heartfelt emotive songs.

I had a hard time with track 6, In The Darkness, I found it hard to listen to at first, but because of that it made me take notice of the whole thing. I like music which is not immediate.

I find it makes you put more effort into exploring what the artist is trying to get across, without instant gratification. I played it many times knowing I would come to love it, and I do, and it’s now my favourite track on the album. The rest I couldn’t put into any order of preference, I just know I am taken by surprise every time it finishes as I could easily listen to a few more.

This album is released November 9the on Hamework Records, meanwhile I’m going to check his back catalogue. ****

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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: GLENN HUGHES – Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

GLENN HUGHES - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

“Fuck politics. Music is the healer”.

And there speaketh the Voice of Rock.

But first, Sophie Lloyd who lent her support on this UK leg of the European tour. From what I can gather she doesn’t mind flaunting her body in the cause of rock and roll.

SOPHIE LLOYD - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

Aside from the visual I found her guitar histrionics a bit underwhelming: she sounds much better on album. From where I was standing it looked like her backdrop read Sophie Void.

SOPHIE LLOYD - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

Things lifted with the arrival of her onetime bandleader Marisa Rodriguez who lent vocal pizazz to, amongst others, “Won’t You Come’ reprising her contribution to the album ‘Imposter Syndrome’. That debut album had a bevy of A-list singers which suggests some strategic planning and investment going on.  And as if to confirm her trajectory, last January Sophie played a gig at Hollywood’s Whisky-A-Go-Go.

I couldn’t help thinking that Marisa and the Moths have the better tunes but Sophie’s now forged ahead in her own right, for better or for worse.

SOPHIE LLOYD - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

Female guitar-slingers may still be a relative novelty but I fear Sophie has some way to go before she steals Orianthi’s thunder.

It did make me think also how difficult it us for younger artists playing hard rock to attract an audience nearer their own age.

GLENN HUGHES - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

Glenn Hughes comes across as a genuinely humbled and gracious performer, one of the great survivors and never forgetting his working class roots and writing songs in his grandma’s kitchen.

These tales formed backdrop banter to a musical survey of Hughes career and a pleasant divergence from his previous Deep Purple-themed excursion.

GLENN HUGHES - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

The voice is still in fine fettle with the whoops hollers and screams all present and correct and although now stripped down to a Power Trio this was an engaging and powerful evening of nostalgia.  He even included a song from his 2001 album ‘Building The Machine’ and 1999′s ‘The Way It Is’.  But there could have been many more.

Frankly, Glenn could have played the whole of the new album as it has a real consistency but here he chose to showcase ‘Voice In My Head’, ‘Into The Fade’ and the title track.

Amongst the other highlights he recalled his first major band Trapeze, a nod to Black Country Communion, and Hughes Thrall’s epic 1982 album was given rightful prominence. Although I would have preferred ‘Hold Out Your Life’ to ‘First Step Of Love’. Hughes revisited ‘Coast to Coast’ with acoustic guitar for the first encore.

GLENN HUGHES - Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

One of his finest collaborations of the millennium is the album Fused with Tony Iommi and ‘Grace’ and a snatch of ‘Dopamine’ were particularly welcome. Even if the latter didn’t quite capture Iommi’s original humongous riff.

Hughes has constantly striven to reinvent himself over the years and ‘The Chosen Years’ was a welcome dive into an illustrious back catalogue. And with only ‘Burn’ remaining from the Purple period tucked in as a final encore.  Just as it should be.

Review and photos by David Randall

Soul Mover/ Muscle And Blood/ Voice In My Head/ One Last Soul/ Can’t Stop The Flood/ First Step Of Love/ You Kill Me/ Into The Fade/ Way Back To The Bone/ Medusa/ Grace/ Chosen/ You Are The Music/ Stay Free/ Encore: Coast to Coast (Acoustic)/ Black Country/ Burn

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GLENN HUGHES – Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

GRTR! Greats (September 2025)
Album review (Chosen, 2025)
Albums that time forgot (Hughes Thrall, 1982)
Albums that time forgot (Fused, 2005)


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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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 : ATOMIC ROOSTER – Circle The Sun

Cherry Red/Esoteric [Release date 10.10.25]

40 years between albums is pushing it a bit.

But for Atomic Rooster, that’s where we are.

The band’s last album, Headline News, was their seventh, released in 1983. Two generations ago, give or take.

Original members Nick Graham quit the band soon after the 1970 debut, and Carl Palmer left to play a leading role with ELP. Talented guitarist, Steve Bolton was subsequently recruited to fly the flag, carry the sword etc etc.

The in through the out door and vice versa shenanigans of the band’s membership fills a Wiki page. Band founder, Vincent Crane seemed to be in perpetual recruitment mode, with Bernie Torme and David Gilmour contributing guitars to that “final” album.

Suffice to say that Bolton provided the anchor for the reformed band in 2016, with Adrian Gautrey (k/v), Shug Millidge (b) and Paul Everett (d) providing all the heavy lifting he needed.

With Circle The Sun, the foursome accurately recreate the original band’s raw, unvarnished and occasionally psychedelic progressive rock.

Openers, ‘Fly Or Die’ and ‘Circle The Sun’ nod their heads to the band’s storied past. The crowded harmonies, the live in the studio soundscape and the powerful, old school Hammond organ all pull us in, cleverly contriving to reach back in time.

There are no art-rock pretensions with yesterday’s or today’s Atomic Rooster, and for that we breathe a huge sigh of relief.

This is bricks and mortar progrock, with not too many moving parts.

Those parts that do are slickly oiled and programmed to create the psychedelic progrock mayhem of ‘Follow Me’, and the droning, thudding, lost in the clouds vocals of the slo-mo ‘Never 2 Lose’.

All 10 tracks are written, separately, by Bolton and Gautrey, and are presented alternately. It’s a smart way of contrasting the down to earth, sometimes confessional lyrics of Bolton with Gautrey’s philosophical musings.

‘Rebel Devil’s pounding, stop chord punctuation is lifted straight out the band’s seventies playbook, and ‘No More’ raises hairs as if 1983 was just yesterday.

Fans of the band will enjoy this musical resurrection. ***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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: MARTYN JOSEPH – Troubled Horses

MARTYN JOSEPH – Troubled Horses

Website  [Release date 07.11.25]

Well I’m ashamed to say, Martyn Joseph has released a staggering 28 studio albums, 15 live albums, and 4 EP’s. He’s been in the music business since 1983, and I am only just listening to him with this release on November 7th of what will be his 29th studio album Troubled Horses. Better late than never I guess.

And the thing is, from his opening chords of Let Me Hear Your Voice, I knew I was going to love the album. Its just his voice, his acoustic guitar and a harmonica. Not many people can get away with that kind of starkness these days, people want loopers and beats and distractions from the basic song, and I’m so glad he has resisted all this chicanery.

I kind of feel at a loss at what to say at this point. I was going to say when I first listened, it reminded me of early Dylan, particularly his first album, and it really reminds me of Springsteen’s Nebraska, but having learnt a thing or two about him, and how long he has been around, his followers will say, yeah?, tell us something we didn’t know.

He is an activist and has always written politically tinged songs, and I would say this album is no exception. Troubled Horses I would say is a pro immigrant song, with some good analogies, and references to us all being immigrants or of immigrant stock, which is just about right. But it doesn’t hit you full on as a political song, it’s very discreet, but powerful.

I love it when an artist name checks other artists, To me it gives a measure of the person, who they have listened to, what kind of movies they like, what kind of books they read. In Last Night I Heard America he namechecks a whole load of great artists and songs, including Galveston and Wichita Linesman, Route 66, Shenandoah, Is This The Way To San Jose, with artists Paul Simon, Tom Waits, Springsteen, and Gram Parsons and it was all these which pricked my ears up and I played it again, and again, and I realized it was, I think, a disguised lament about Trump’s America. Really well done.

Having been around since the early 80’s he is obviously no spring chicken, which he faces full on in Getting Older, a song which unfortunately I can fully relate to.

He does some great love songs too, as in Mary’s Tears, which has one of the best endings ever – in a whisper he says “Mary I said don’t go it’ll only end in tears”, a poignant end to an emotional song.

In A World That Breaks Your Heart, he is man struggling to keep upbeat against the pressures of modern life, when you have a child which you need to keep happy for.

The last track finishes on a love note, with another namecheck in Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, two fine actors and two of the original Ratpack with Sinatra and Dean Martin, but more to the point and this is what the line means, they were head over heels in love with each in the fickle world of Hollywood, and stayed together through thick and thin. A stunning line in a wonderful finishing song.

He says he wanted to create a songs that are sitting right next to you, on the edge of too close for comfort – I think he achieved this and more. Mojo magazine called him a Welsh national treasure, after just this one album, I concur.

So to all his fans – you wont be disappointed, get this album with confidence that you’ll love it. To all the people who aren’t on board yet, if you like acoustic Dylan, acoustic Springsteen, Townes Van Zandt or Guy Clark, I would highly recommend this album, it’s been a revelation to me. ****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 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

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 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 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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: SCOTT ARCHIBALD the id project – Sol Caravan

TODD RUNDGREN, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

Bandcamp [Release date 05.12.25] ‘Sol Caravan’ is a ground breaking debut album by Scott Archibald’s the id project which strikes the perfect balance between jam band interplay, rock related intensity, subliminal percussive rhythms and timeless musical traditions. It’s a conceptually … Continue reading

Gig review: TODD RUNDGREN – The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

TODD RUNDGREN, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, 26 October 2025

With an image of Todd towering over the stage for the duration this gig was all about Todd and not his audience. Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice image, but do we need it so omnipresent? Surely back … Continue reading

Album review : RONNIE ROMERO – Backbone

RONNIE ROMERO - Backbone

Frontiers Music [Release date 24.10.25] Over the last ten years, stints with pre-eminent rock artists like Schenker and Vandenberg, plus spells with Rainbow and Sunstorm have tended to overshadow Ronnie Romero’s solo stuff. When he released Raised on Radio (2022) … Continue reading

Album review: KYLE CAREY – The Last Bough

KYLE CAREY – The Last Bough

Bandcamp [Release date 01.09.25] Gaelic Americana – that’s what this artist plays. Never heard of it? No neither had I, and although it could be a bit of a gimmick, it’s actually not. It’s a vocation for this artist, who spent … Continue reading

News: THE DAMNED, SAMMY HAGAR, MAID OF STONE (November 2025)

Whitesnake - DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL, Donington Park, Leicestershire, 14-15 June 2019

Black Swan release their new album ‘Paralyzed’ on February 13 on Frontiers. Blackwater Drowning will release their new album ‘Obscure Sorrows’ on February 27. Brother Cane will release its first new album in 27 years, ‘Magnolia Medicine’, on April 17 on … Continue reading

Album review : DEFECTO – Echoes Of Isolation

DEFECTO - Echoes

Frontiers Music [Release date 31.10.25] Strongly encouraged by famed producer, Flemming (Rainbow/ Metallica/ Pretty Maids/ Blind Guardian) Rasmussen, Danish singer/ guitarist/ songwriter, Nicklas Sonne put Defecto together in 2011. Echoes of Isolation is their fourth studio album, and the band … Continue reading

Album review : SHIRAZ LANE – In Vertigo

SHIRAZ LANE - In Vertigo

Frontiers Music [Release date 24.10.25] Finnish rock band Shiraz Lane have been a going concern for ten years now. In Vertigo is their 6th album, with a smattering of EPs released in between. It’s described by the label as “an … Continue reading

Gig review: LARKIN POE – Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

LARKIN POE- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 21 October 2025

Larkin Poe’s reputation in the UK has been growing, below my radar to the extent that they are able to attract a near sell out to the legendary Hammersmith Odeon (as it should always be known). My interest had been … Continue reading

News: Albums of the Month (July – September 2025)

Albums of the Month (July-September 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 … Continue reading

Album review : LEAH MARTIN-BROWN – Love & Other Crimes

LEAH MARTIN-BROWN - Love & Other Crimes

Frontiers Music [Release date 24.10.25] Australian born, but now resident in Europe via the USA, amazingly gifted singer Leah Martin-Brown releases her debut album on Frontiers Music this month. She’s got a lot going for her before we hear a … Continue reading

Book review: MARTIN BARRE – A Trick Of Memory

MARTIN BARRE - A Trick Of Memory

David Randall chatted to Martin Barre at the start of his UK tour dates in November 2025.  This hour special includes tracks from several albums including Tull and Alan Simon’s ‘Excalibur’ project McNidder & Grace [Publication date 06.11.25] “The music … Continue reading

Album review: LAURA COX – Trouble Coming

LAURA COX - Trouble Coming

earMusic [Release date 31.10.25] Album number four from Anglo-French guitarist and singer Laura Cox, who first came to wider attention via her YouTube channel in 2008. The album was mixed and engineered by Jean-Marc Pelatan, with tracks mastered by Ted Jensen … Continue reading

Gig review: CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

CHRIS NORMAN- Indigo2, London, 16 October 2025

Of those rock stars who have fallen out of consciousness in their native UK, you can file Chris Norman under the ‘Big in Europe’ category. The gravel-voiced former Smokie singer commands a devoted following abroad, particularly in Germany, but gigs … Continue reading

Album review: STEVE MORSE BAND – Triangulation

Steve Morse Band - Triangulation

Music Theories Recordings [Release date 14.10.25] Steve Morse Band’s ‘Triangulation’ is a complex, intense and yet accessible virtuosic album which successfully evokes the conceptual ‘Triangulation’ album title. The ‘triangulation’ concept refers to geographically pinpointing your exact location at a specific … Continue reading

Album review: PAUL KELLY – Seventy

Paul Kelly - Seventy

Website [Release date 07.11.25] Question – how many Australian artists do you know? Not many I am thinking. There are the usual suspects, AC/DC, INXS, Midnight Oil possibly, Johnny Deisel perhaps, and Nick Cave who is really an honorary Brit. … Continue reading

Album review : WEST, BRUCE & LAING – Out In The Fields – The albums 1972-74

WEST 150 BRUCE LAING Fields cover

Esoteric [Release date : 31.10.25] Three searing samples of the red hot rock’n’roll that emanated from supergroup, West, Bruce & Laing. No surprise really. Their genesis lies in the live improvisations of Jack Bruce’s previous band, Cream, and the hard … Continue reading

Gig review: BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

BRAVE RIVAL- 100 Club, London, 15 October 2025

There is no harder working touring band than Brave Rival, but of their many shows this was a special one, a well attended Central London showcase for their new (and excellent) ‘5 to 4’ EP which marks a new chapter … Continue reading

EP review: ELLIOT PORTER – I Choose the Moon

Elliot Porter - I Choose The Moon EP

Website [Release date 30.10.25] Elliot Porter is a Cambridge based singer songwriter who has been building up a following, through gigging and a series of releases, including a cover of Frank Turner’s ‘Be More Kind’, which raised over £2,000 for … Continue reading

Album review : WRATHCHILD AMERICA – Climbing the Walls / 3-D (2 CD remasters w/bonus tracks)

WRATHCHILD AMERICA – Climbing The Walls

Cherry Red [Release date : 24.10.25] Back in 1984, founding member, vocalist and bass man, Brad Divens gave up a career in the straight world to “make it” with his Thrash Metal band, Wrathchild America. It was a high risk … Continue reading

Gig review: FRANCIS ROSSI – Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, 15 October 2025

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The title of ‘rock legend’ is a hard earned badge of honour bestowed on the few that have dedicated their lives to the cause and have left their indelible mark on rock music. Francis Rossi is most deserving of this … Continue reading

Feature: Albums that time forgot – PETER BARDENS – Heart To Heart (1979)

PETER BARDENS - Heart To Heart

Arista (1979) Esoteric (Reissue, 2012) Peter Bardens has an interesting history.  Although his career was cut short – succumbing to lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 56  – he spent time in the 1960s with Mick Fleetwood and … Continue reading

Gig review: KATHERINE PRIDDY – Harwell Village Hall, 17 October 2025

KATHERINE PRIDDY - Harwell Village Hall, 17 October 2025

A sold out show – and the third Katherine Priddy gig hosted at Harwell to sell out – is always a great thing to see, especially at the grassroots level where you can still see and support acts as talented … Continue reading

Album review: ROBIN ADAMS – The Beggar

ROBIN ADAMS – THE BEGGAR REVIEW

Website [Release date 09.11.25] Ok, lets tackle the elephant in the room – this could be Nick Drake’s fourth album. And I say that with the utmost respect and admiration. From the phrasing to the melodies the guitar tone and style … Continue reading

Gig review: GLENN HUGHES – Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

GLENN HUGHES – Bristol O2 Academy, 14 October 2025

“Fuck politics. Music is the healer”. And there speaketh the Voice of Rock. But first, Sophie Lloyd who lent her support on this UK leg of the European tour. From what I can gather she doesn’t mind flaunting her body … Continue reading

Album review : ATOMIC ROOSTER – Circle The Sun

ATOMIC 150 ROOSTER Circle image

Cherry Red/Esoteric [Release date 10.10.25] 40 years between albums is pushing it a bit. But for Atomic Rooster, that’s where we are. The band’s last album, Headline News, was their seventh, released in 1983. Two generations ago, give or take. … Continue reading

Album review: MARTYN JOSEPH – Troubled Horses

MARTYN JOSEPH – Troubled Horses

Website  [Release date 07.11.25] Well I’m ashamed to say, Martyn Joseph has released a staggering 28 studio albums, 15 live albums, and 4 EP’s. He’s been in the music business since 1983, and I am only just listening to him … Continue reading