Asia, featuring original member Geoff Downes, along with guitarist John Mitchell, drummer Virgil Donati and vocalist/bassist Harry Whitley, release their new album ‘Indigo’ on November 6 through Frontiers. The album cover features Roger Dean’s artwork, two songs penned by John Wetton, who died in 2017, and guest appearances from Asia co-founder Steve Howe and Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy.
Black Oak Arkansas have a 5CD set ‘When Electricity Came to Arkansas, Vol 1 1971-1973′ released on August 28 via Cherry Red Records.
CoreLeoni, featuring Gotthard founding member Leo Leoni, release their new studio album, ‘Generection’, via Reigning Phoenix Music on September 11.
Dinosaur Jr. release their latest album ‘There Near’ on August 28 via Jagjaguwar and released ‘Several Got Away’ as the lead single.
Downes Braide Association (DBA) will release their sixth studio album ‘Trauma’ on September 25 through Cherry Red Records.
Easy Action, who feature former Europe guitarist Kee Marcello, have signed with Frontiers with a new song, ‘Dazed’, released on June 29 and a new album due later in the year.
Ghost Hounds have announced their new album ‘Justified’ will be released on August 21 via Maple House Records.
The Goo Goo Dolls will release a 20th anniversary edition of ‘Let Love In’ on July 24.
Van der Graf Generator’s Peter Hammill will release his new album, ‘Tears In Time’, through Esoteric Antenna Records on September 25.
Warren Haynes releases ‘Dreams & Songs: A Symphonic Journey’ on September 18 via Evil Teen Records in the US. and via Provogue/Artone Label Group in Europe.
Hollywood Vampires release ‘At Montreux Jazz Festival’ digitally on August 7 and on CD and vinyl on October 16 via earMusic.
Paul Laine releases his new album ‘The Long Road Back’ on September 25 via Frontiers. ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ was released as the first single and the album features Bruno Ravel, his bandmate from Danger Danger and The Defiants.
Lion’s Share reissue their 2009 album ‘Dark Hours’ on August 28 via Metalville.
Heather Anne Lomax released ‘Step Aside’ as the new single from her forthcoming album ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, due on August 28 via The Blackbird Record Label.
Mad Max release their new album, ‘Stories Of Destiny’, on September 4 via ROAR.
The Mars Volta release a live album, ‘Lucro Sucio; Unfinished Business’, digitally on September 4, with physical editions following on October 16.
Mastodon will release their new album ‘Marrow Deep’ on August 28 via Loma Vista Recordings.
My Dying Bride release a box set, ‘Anthology of Sombre Reflections’, on August 21 via Peaceville,
Frontiers re-issue a remastered version Over The Edge’s 2004 album on August 21. Starship’s Mickey Thomas was the featured vocalist and guests included Neal Schon, Steve Lukather and Richie Kotzen.
The Proclaimers release their new album ‘You May Offend’ on September 11.
Prong release their new, self-titled, album on November 6 via Napalm Records.
Slaughter and the Dogs release their new album ‘White Heat’ on September 4 via Cadiz Music. The Cult’s Billy Duffy and Morgan Fisher (Mott the Hopple, Queen) both guest on the album.
Stryper release their latest album ‘Throne of Thorns’ on September 25 via Frontiers.
The Temperance Movement will release their first studio album in eight years, ‘New Promise Land Incorporated’, on October 9 via Earache Records.
Ann Wilson (pictured) and Tripsitter have announced their new album, ‘Consecrated Ground’, will be released on August 14.
In the studio…
Alliance (Robert Berry, Gary Pihl & David Lauser) are finishing work on a new album for release through Frontiers…Candlebox are currently writing new songs for their next album…Intense have finished recording their new album and move to the mixing stage…Loudness plan to record a new album later this year…Quireboys are recording new music and have announced a UK tour for October which will feature Thunder’s Harry James and Luke Morley in the line-up…
Single life…
Bryan Adams released ’51st State’ on Canada Day, July 1…Barenaked Ladies released ‘Almost Ready’, their first new music in three years…The Calling released ‘Dust’ on July 11 ahead of their new album called ‘Before the World Turns to Dust’ which is due later in the year…Kamelot released ‘Ashen Heart’ on July 2…King Kraken release their new single ‘I Am The Apocalypse‘ on July 17…Massive Wagons released ‘Everywhere We Go’ on July 11…Billy Morrison released ‘Never Gonna Change’ on July 2 with The Offspring’s Dexter Holland guesting…Shout released ‘Kingdom Come’ on July 13 and it features original members Ken Tamplin and Chuck King…Steelheart release their version of the Badfinger classic ‘Without You’ on July 10…U2 released ‘Street of Dreams’ on July 7 and plan to release their new album later in the year…Velvet Rush have signed with Frontiers and released ‘Nature of the Beast’ on July 1
Upcoming (Gigs – UK)
Newly announced UK tours (2026 unless stated):
Avatar (Mar 30 2027, Royal Albert Hall), The Commoners (Nov), The Coral (Oct, Dec), The Fell (Nov, Dec), The Gigspanner Big Band (Jul), Violet Grohl (Oct), Gun (Sat Dec 10, Barrowland, Glasgow), Floor Jansen (Jan 16 2027, Electric Brixton, London), Quireboys (Oct), Saga (Fri Sep 10 2027, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London), Skindred (Sat May 08 2027, Utilita Arena Cardiff), TesseracT (Oct, Nov), Rick Wakeman (Dec), Warrior Soul + The Gypsy Pistoleros (Sep, Oct),
Upcoming (USA/ROW)
Newly announced US & European tours (2026 unless stated):
Bryan Adams + Natalie Imbruglia (AU, NZ 2027), Agnostic Front (US), The Black Dahlia Murder (EU 2027), Cake (AU 2027), Cheap Trick + ZZ Top (US), Alice Cooper (US), Joe Jackson (AU 2027), Jackyl (US), James (AU, NZ), Level 42 (AU), Mudhoney (AU), The Rasmus (US), Todd Rundgren (US), Santana (US), Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band (US), The Stray Cats (US), TesseracT (EU),
Tour updates & postponed/cancelled gigs & tours:
This summer’s HeritageLive festivals at the Englefield Estate, the Audley End Estate and the Sandringham Estate, which included headliners Eric Clapton and Lionel Richie, have been cancelled – “As one of the few remaining British independent promoters, it’s become almost impossible to compete in what has become an increasingly saturated festival market. The might of huge multi-nationals has had the adverse effect of driving up supplier, artist and staffing costs and whilst it’s still just about manageable during a normal year, the cost- of-living crisis combined with general financial uncertainty, has resulted in several shows having far lower than average ticket sales, making it impossible to survive in such a competitive industry, with so many rising costs.”
Alkaline Trio have cancelled this month’s UK tour.
Black Star Riders have pulled out of their upcoming European tour with Tyketto and CoreLeoni replace them.
Hardline have cancelled their upcoming autumn tour dates as vocalist Johnny Gioeli requires medical treatment.
Jack J Hutchinson will support Robin Trower on the latter’s UK dates in August and September.
To celebrate, AC/DC Lane, located in the heart of Melbourne, a Bon Scott mural was unveiled at the end of last month. It was created by Melbourne-based artist Era.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, the Tom Petty estate released ‘American Girl’ and ‘Breakdown’, as extended mixes.
Legacy of a Madman: A Tribute to the Prince of Darkness will take place on July 25 in the Industrial Gallery at the Birmingham Museum. It is a free memorial and legacy event celebrating the lives, music and cultural impact of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
Metallica have donated £20,000 to a Cardiff foodbank ahead of their gig in the city at the end of last month. The band also teamed-up with the NHS Blood Donation to encourage fans to donate blood.
Brian May has loaned a selection of items from his personal archive of Queen memorabilia to the exhibition ‘Branding Britain: Built on Tradition, Shaped by Culture’. It is hosted by the Museum of Brands, Notting Hill and runs until October 31.
Rock Candy magazine will cease print publication with the latest issue due to increased costs and it not being financially viable to continue. The record reissues label will continue.
Slade’s Jim Lea publishes his memoir ‘How Does It Feel’ on October 22 via Omnibus Press.
Bad Wolves have announced Sara “Killboy” Skinner as the band’s new vocalist and released ‘Paint It Red’, the first music to feature Skinner.
Former Guns N Roses manager Doug Goldstein.
Guitarist Shaun Glass who played with a number of bands including Soil and Repentance.
Bassist Kevin Chown who performed with Artension, Tarja, Tony MacAlpine and many more.
Former Morbid Angel drummer and vocalist Mike Browning.
Calvin Hayes, founder member of eighties band Johnny Hates Jazz.
Singer Bonnie Tyler who had hits with Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, plus worked with Mike Oldfield, Cher and Frankie Miller.
More News
GRTR! Greats – latest additions
Beth Hart
Colin Blunstone
Recent additions
Comprehensive gig and tour listings
Compiled by Jason Ritchie.
Check out forthcoming album/DVD releases!
VELVET RUSH Nature Of The Beast
Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of Germany’s rising rock force Velvet Rush. To celebrate the announcement, the band has released their new single and accompanying video, “Nature Of The Beast”, available now. A second studio album is coming soon.
Singer Sandra Lian commented: “Nature Of The Beast” is about the constant search for a secret formula. People watch, analyze and question every move, trying to figure out what makes someone succeed. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to judge, comment and criticize from behind a screen, but not everyone is willing to put in the work”.
“The song reflects my belief that there is no magic recipe. It’s about self-belief, resilience, determination and having the confidence to trust your own path, even when others doubt it. The things that truly make a difference can’t be copied; they have to come from deep within. That’s the “nature of the beast”, she continued.
Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, Velvet Rush’s sound is rooted in blues-infused hard rock, ’70s attitude, and contemporary energy. Fronted by the charismatic Sandra Lian, whose powerful and untamed vocals sit at the heart of the band’s identity alongside guitarist James Moncur, bassist Tim Black, and drummer Daniel Rothe.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Supporting Rose Tattoo
July 21 NL Tilburg – O13
July 22 NL Leiden – Nobel
July 24 DE Leipzig – Parkbühne
July 26 DE Osnabrück – Hyde Park
August 1 NO Oslo – Rockefeller
August 4 DE Bochum – Zeche
August 5 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp
August 6 CH Pratteln – Z7 Summer Nights
August 7 DE Köln – Live Music Hall
August 11 DE Kaiserslautern – Kammgarn
August 12 DE München – Backstage Werk
August 14 AT Graz – PPC
August 15 HU Budapest – Barba Negra
August 16 PL Kraków – Kwadrat
August 18 DE Berlin – Astra
August 19 DE Braunschweig – Westand
August 20 DE Hamburg – Markthalle
Festivals
June 26 DE Butjadingen – Rock on Isens
June 27 DE Burglengenfeld – Steinbrucharena Open Air
July 3 DE Wieslet – Datscha OA
July 5 DE Oldenburg – Burning Pants Festival
July 11 DE Nideggen – Tollrock
July 18 DE Jüterbog – Motorcycle Jamboree
July 19 UK Maidstone – Maid of Stone
July 29 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air
August 13 DE Eisfeld – Woodstock Forever
August DE Mönchberg – Rock im Bad
August 22 DE Obrigheim/Pfalz – Rock im Hinterland
August 23 CH Aarburg – Riverside Festival
September 5 DE Brüggen Alst – Bongert OA
September 11 DE Marienmünster – Rock n Revel
December 18 DE Hamburg – Lordfest
‘New to GRTR!’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio showcases independent music each week and latest playlist additions. (Sunday live, 21:00, Tuesday 16:00, Thursday 21:00 repeats, all times GMT)
Listen in to Get Ready to ROCK! Radio… Click the programme information image at the top of the page (top right, if using desktop).
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Listen again to Get Ready to ROCK! Radio You can listen to selected shows and special features at our Mixcloud page.
In the archive series “GRTR!@20″ we are adding selected interviews that were originally posted to Mixcloud but exceeded the three-track-by-same-artist licensing restriction. Now re-edited the features allow insight to specific albums and artists since 2016.
Latest addition:
