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In the world of rock and metal, 2025 might be best remembered for Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, coming less than three weeks after the year’s major gathering in Birmingham for Black Sabbath’s final fling. It certainly loomed large and attracted a more general outpouring of warmth and affection for the “Prince of Darkness”. Whilst Ozzy’s demise is sad it shouldn’t overshadow many other losses this year as rock gets proverbially older. In addition several artists have announced their retirement or pulled out of tours due to ill health.
We spoke to Jethro Tull veteran Martin Barre recently and his autobiography reinforces the reality that his (and others) musical era won’t be repeated. This typically involved begging, stealing or hire-purchasing an instrument, making your own amp (with help from Dad), whilst answering ads in the music press of the time. If you were lucky, and you maintained standards, your band enjoyed longevity promoted in the mainstream media and fuelled by regular and extensive touring.
We would add that the sort of rock star excesses experienced by Ozzy won’t be repeated either, with smaller budgets, greater market fragmentation and many musicians holding down a day job before rocking out.
This year the “threat” of AI has loomed larger and whilst the major labels try and get a piece of the action, the smarter musicians realise that AI can be used to assist their creativity. The premise that AI steals and recycles recorded work is a little precarious when you appreciate that most modern music is recycled and the product of influences. Led Zeppelin were criticised for stealing the blues back in the seventies, whilst many contemporary bands now take their cue from Page, Plant and co., and so on.
There is a lot of AI music flooding the streaming platforms, notably Deezer (although it provides markers), and Spotify has been accused of “planting” such music to increase revenue. YouTube is also increasingly affected.
Venues are still struggling although there are positive moves to rescue some via the Music Venues Trust initiative but invariably these places are filled with tribute bands.
Vinyl sales are still healthy and the recycling continues, characterised by the release of several multi-disc sets frequently focusing on one album. (Whitesnake, Yes, Rush, Bruce Springsteen, Thin Lizzy et al.).
This year we started our popular “GRTR! Greats” series which highlights selected artists who have enjoyed positive reaction from our review team over an extended period and with new interviews and analysis. All are still out there gigging and trying to buck the system.
With algorithms and short attention spans, it could be argued that there is maybe less need for album and gig reviews, the mainstay of GRTR! since 2003. We still feel there is a need for creative writing, to try and sort out the wheat from the chaff and to place artists and albums in context and with some degree of perspective.
Which leads us into our traditional “Best of” selections. As usual we haven’t compiled a list of overall top placings in each category due largely to the wide-ranging tastes of our review team but again we have included the top genre selections of our specialist editors. Having said all that, once again Brave Rival and Katharine Priddy feature prominently in our Breakthrough section. And Ghost’s album ‘Skeleta’ was named prominently by two of our reviewers.
This annual feature signposts significant albums and artists to help you in your own musical choices this year and beyond.
By following links to the reviews you will frequently find interviews and further information/features.
“The Best of 2025 – reviewers choices” will be celebrated in a special show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio (Sunday 21 December, 22:00 GMT)
Albums of the Year 2025
Blues Rock: VOODOO RAMBLE In The Heart Of The City
Melodic Rock: H.E.A.T. Welcome To The Future
Metal: HELLOWEEN Giants & Monsters
Progressive Rock: IQ Dominion
Singer Songwriter: THEA GILMORE These Quiet Friends
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News of 2025 (January-March)
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JASON RITCHIE (News & Reviews Editor)
Top Albums
Ghost do it again with another album full of catchy melodic hard rock including ‘Peacefields’, the single ‘Satanized’ and the album’s pomptastic closer, ‘Excelsis’. Only ‘Missilia Amori’ misses the mark with a cheesy lyric that would make even Steel Panther blush!
Founded by former Cockney Rejects’ guitarist and founder, Micky Geggus, Punchdrunk Saints are an immensely enjoyable mix of hard rock and punk riffs. Think Massive Wagons and the Wildhearts.
Steeleye Span in their ‘rockier’ mode and plenty to enjoy on here including ‘Low Flying’ and ‘Honey Bee’ (Steeleye do ska!).
Steeleye Span are on tour until 19 December
Worthy of a mention/Worthy of your attention
The album you wish Fleetwood Mac would make now.
THE WILDHEARTS Satanic Rites Of The Wildhearts
Ginger & Co. back at their best and the song ‘Kunce’ sums up the present world so eloquently…
Sparks are proof bands can still release some their finest work well into their careers. ‘Do Things My Own Way’, ‘My Devotion’ and ‘Jan Sport Backpack’ are amongst the finest pop songs released this year.
MAY THE MUSE No Please, Yes Thank You
American/German singer/songwriter Désirée Mishoe who records under the name of May the Muse, enlisted Justin Hawkins of the Darkness to produce and play on her debut album, with pleasing results. Melodic funk with a side order of ELO’s 70′s pomp is overall vibe. An album that gets better with each subsequent listen.
Cheap Trick are back and still cranking out those memorable pop rockers including ‘Dancing with the Band’, ‘The Best Thing’ and the glorious harmonies on ‘Twelve Gates’. If ever you want to know what classy pop rock/power pop sounds like listen to these guys.
TESTAMENT Para Bellum
Not a band I would have expected to add to my year end best of, but Testament have released a corker of an album for those who like a bit of thrash metal, old school style. It has it all from headbangers like ‘High Noon’ and ‘For The Love Of Pain’, through to a proper metal ballad, ‘Meant To Be’. Metallica and Megadeth take note, this is how a classic thrash metal band still sounds modern, yet never forgets their roots.
THE DIVINE COMEDY Rainy Sunday Afternoon
Six years since the highly enjoyable ‘Office Politics’ album, this one sees them back at their orchestral pop best on the likes of the album’s title track, ‘Mar-a-Lago by the Sea’ and ‘All The Pretty Lights’. Other pop delights include the topical ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ and the bizarre ‘The Man Who Turned Into A Chair’! If Carlsberg did pop perfection this would be it…
Photo: Duncan Chappell
Live Acts
Gig of the year and watch her musical star rise throughout 2026 and beyond with a new album & headlining tour.
Part of the appeal of Katherine Priddy’s music (pictured) is her vocals, which sound quiet, yet pack a powerful emotive punch…
SPIERS BODEN
Bellowhead’s John Spiers and Jon Boden make for an entertaining duo live, with a mix of their own songs and their unique takes on traditional songs.
Breakthrough
KATHERINE PRIDDY – she has a UK headline tour early in 2026, along with her new album ‘These Frightening Machines’ due March 6. Her musical star will keep on rising as she has the voice, songs and fans, especially after a successful autumn tour supporting Suzanne Vega.
Watch out 2026
The comeback kids – tours from TWISTED SISTER, BON JOVI back on the stages, RUSH with their new drummer, POWER QUEST back in live action, coupled with the return of THE POODLES and the first new album from BROTHER CANE in 28 years, 2026 is lining-up to be the year of the comeback…
DAVID RANDALL (Managing Editor)
Top Albums
A band getting noticed with more gigs announced for 2026. This album completes a “trilogy” and is a great showcase for singer Jess Holland as much as the band’s groovy undertow.
Solstice release a new live album on 18 February with more live dates in 2026
This band seemingly came out of nowhere, although together for nearly a decade, but the album provides a homespun mix of rootsy, Americana and melodic rock.
3. CHANTEL McGREGOR The Healing
Chantel doesn’t rush her studio albums, the previous one was a decade ago, but ‘The Healing’ shows just how far she has come since her debut (in 2011). A heady mixture of rock with proggy overtones and great songs and singing!
The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness (February 2023)
Worthy of mention/your attention
If this is Glenn’s swansong solo album it’s a great way to bow out, with the expected meld of rock and funk and that undiminished voice.
There must be something in the ether because the next two albums touch that rich vein of classic roots rock/Fleetwood Mac vibe only edged by Morganway this year.
FIRST TIME FLYERS Bound To Break
SMITH & LITTLE Songs For The Desert
And, another really consistent offering from the post-grunge/nu-metallers now with two vocalists:
Photo: David Randall/GRTR!
Live Acts
1. SOLSTICE
Caught live in unusual, somewhat makeshift, surroundings (pictured) this was an energising gig highlighted by the unexpected but very welcome groove of ‘Wongle No.9′.
2. CURVED AIR
Pioneers of prog rock, revealing that the original material still stands the test of time and given extra impact by a great band.
3. MORGANWAY
Promoting their latest album, an infectious mixture of roots and rock in the bowels of a former cargo boat.
3.= GLENN HUGHES
An engaging two hour trawl through Hughes’ back catalogue, peppered with his own recollections, and reinforcing his King Midas ability to bring greatness to any project.
Reissues
WISHBONE ASH At The BBC 1970 – 1988
Takes some beating in terms of the packaging; genuinely comprehensive and complementing previous Madfish releases, not least the 30-CD set released in 2018.
GENTLE GIANT Playing The Fool The Complete Live Experience
Re-sequenced and with missing bits restored, a definitive version and the closest to being there in the thick of it especially if you succumb to the 5.1 version.
Photo: David Randall/GRTR!
Breakthrough
Both Morganway (pictured) and Solstice have been around for longer than is decently viable, they need to consolidate on the great albums they released this year and expand their tour dates.
Brave Rival have got stronger and rockier since the loss of a singer and continue to be one of the hardest working bands on the road. They’ve been mentioned in despatches previously and this reflects their “second wind”.
MORGANWAY
SOLSTICE
Blues Rock Album of 2025
VOODOO RAMBLE In The Heart Of The City
PETE FEENSTRA (Features/Blues Rock Editor)
Top Albums
VOODOO RAMBLE In The Heart Of The City
Boris Zamba’s Voodoo Ramble step up into the international arena on rip- roaring set of guitar driven rock-blues into southern rock, forged by an array of special guests who add their own musical flours.
Top session guitarist Marcus Flynn adds a perfect fiery solo to a historic love story ‘400 Years Old’, while Muddy Manninen’s imperious slide gives ‘Midnight Ride’ its heft.
Blues veteran Mick Pini also jousts impressively with Zamba on the aptly titled ‘I’m A Bluesman Baby’.
Drummer Damir Somen is a hugely influential accompanist and producer Dragutin Smokrovic (aka The Fig) adds the polish.
But ultimately it’s Zamba’s impassioned singing and guitar playing that seals the deal on the sing-along title track.
He’s equally good on a Gary Moore style shuffle ‘Cold Hearted Woman’, the acoustic-into-electric ‘Take You Home’ and rip roaring ‘Addicted To The Rush which closes out a breathless rocking album.
The Davidson Trio restates the fundamentals of a proto power trio, on an album that drips with intensity, and is structured around bone crunching riffs and virtuosic interplay.
It helps of course that the band is led by Owen Davidson, a fiery bass player with a five octave vocal range, who together with blistering guitarist Ben Bicknell and power-house Ellis Brown nail a hard rocking album.
The songs vary from the heavy swagger of the magnificent ‘Medusa Touch, via the lascivious title track and the riff driven, Joe Walsh influenced ‘Hold On’ (with an incredible vocal), to the buzz saw guitar attack on ‘Bad Moon.’
Much has been made of the band’s Birmingham hard rocking roots, which undoubtedly infuses an album with a sound from the early 70′s , but the way they attack the songs live in the studio is something that not even Trapeze or America’s Mountain ever got close to.
An essential rock album.
THE MEL OUTSIDER REFORMATION Mel Goes Funky
The 8 piece Mel Outsider Reformation is one of the most potent and original big band outfits in the UK.
Their music is riff driven, exhilarative and has a jam like quality.
It’s honed by the tutored ears of producer Mark Jones (Peter Gabriel, Patti Smith, The Ting Tings etc), who brings Mel Outsider’s eclectic autobiographical lyrics to life.
The album recalls a time when music was still fun and inspirational, on 10 tracks that musically illuminate Mel Outsider’s eclectic lyrics full of good humour, biting irony and a sense of wonder.
Listen to the poignant tale of ‘Consider The Waitress’, or the beautifully crafted and exquisitely played ‘Doll With No Shoes (Let Me Down Easy), or the atmospheric ‘Backroads Again’, and you are hearing the perfect synchronicity between a songwriter and his band
You might call them a thinking person’s big band, with one eye on the dance floor.
The album is lyrically beguiling. It grooves, sparkles, amuses, rocks hard and puts the ‘F’ in funk, leaving it to the listener to press play and repeat!
Worthy of mention/your attention
LEIF DE LEEUW BAND A Mighty Fine Live Album
Best Jam band in Europe? Possibly.
Best Allman Brothers interpreters? Almost certainly.
Best live album of 2025, oh so close!
The band’s music spans rock, Southern rock, symphonic rock, blues, soul, funk, prog, fusion and roots music and more.
The new record is heavily inspired by the Allman Brothers Band, Chris Stapleton, the Wood Brothers, Gov’t Mule and Blackberry Smoke.
They work hard to balance good songs with jamming on an album that also translates perfectly to a live concert.
Job done!
WALTER TROUT Sign Of The Times
The consistently good Walter Trout shifts from being a rock-blues juggernaut to being a commentator on contemporary times with some of his most hard hitting material both musically and lyrically.
It’s an album full of rich story telling and unflinching social observations, as he dips into the autobiographical recesses of his past, to strike equilibrium between rough hewn belligerence and deeply felt introspection.
THORBJORN RISAGER & THE BLACK TORNADO House of Sticks
Denmark’s finest indulge themselves in a big screen style musical journey which draws on every facet of the blues and ties it all together with a soulful heft that marks them out as special.
‘House Of Sticks’ is their 9th studio album and 14th in all, and remarkably it still breaks new ground.
Photo: Martin Porter
Live Acts
THE DAVIDSON TRIO
Birmingham’s The Davidson Trio is an essential power trio who have gigged incessantly round Brum’s pubs and clubs.
They have enjoyed a couple of overdue moments in the national spotlight, namely at Colne’s Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival and early this year at the Legends Of Rock Festival in Great Yarmouth
The band is a wonderfully balanced virtuosic sum of its parts, in which vocalist and ‘Mr Charisma’ Owen Davidson doubles on bass to lock into the perfect rhythm section with drummer Ellis Bown.
The duo is offset by the studiously looking guitarist Ben Bicknell who never wastes a note while exploring a galaxy of tonal intensity.
At Great Yarmouth everything comes together perfectly on songs such as the heavy duty rocker ‘Medusa Touch’, the barrelling shuffle ‘The Deep’, and Purple’s pulsating ‘Storm Bringer’ which really ignites the crowd.
This pivotal date was part of Graham Goldman’s ‘Heart Full Of Songs’ tour (pictured), and provides an inspirational evening built round his own remarkable song history and related stories, spanning The Hollies, Wayne Fontana, The Yardbirds, Andrew Gold, Graham’s own solo career and belatedly 10CC , all in acoustic format.
The show is fleshed out by glistening harmonies, salient hooks and a set list which interweaves the substance of his songcraft.
His magical combination of melodies, words and harmonies at times sounds like Crosby Stills & Nash, a testimony to his inherent musical abilities.
Graham plays UK dates with 10cc in March 2026 and resumes his Heart Full of Songs tour in October
LAZARUS HEIGHTS
A mid-summer outdoor celebration provides the perfect backdrop for a stripped down version of the Anglo-French melodic rockers Lazarus Heights
Taking the stage without keyboard player Paul Mouradian, means a welcome change of set list, as vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Dick Grisdale digs into his back catalogue for the melodic ebullience of ‘Another World’.
There’s also the hard pounding’ and lyrically dark ‘Melanie Neal’ and the singles epic ‘Strangers’, driven by drummer Jeff Gautier and bassist Simon Pearson’s relentless drive.
Best of all is the ad-hoc trio’s power chord injected ‘Papillon’, complete with Grisdale’s Gilmour style guitar skills, which he extends on the self titled anthem Lazarus Heights.
They rock hard on the equally arresting ‘Les Mot Blues’ (aka ‘The Blue Words’), the Christophe and Jean Michel Jarre classic which closes out an unexpected trio triumph.
Reissues
LITTLE FEAT The Last Record Album
A 50th anniversary 24th Oct re-issue incorporates a newly re-mastered 4CD box set, with 12 demos/outtakes on CD 2 and best of all two discs of live material from the Orpheum Theatre in Boston recorded just two weeks after the release of the original album.
This is the closest you will get to an essential set.
There’s a meticulous booklet, to accompany live versions of favourites such as ‘Two Trains’, ‘Romance Dance’, ‘Long Distance Love’, a jammed out medley and a great finish with ‘Spanish Moon’.
The perfect Lowell George swansong.
WISHBONE ASH At The BBC 1970 – 1988
‘Wishbone Ash At The BBC 1970-88′ box set will please more fans than it will disappoint.
It comprises 11 CD’s of never-before-heard sessions and live concerts restored and re-mastered, plus a DVD spanning the 1971, ’77 and ‘80 line-ups.
There’s also a superbly researched 72-page hardback book with rare photos, session documentation and insightful band member recollection, making for a good chronological spread.
The box set includes the sought after, last recorded 1974 performance for 14 years by Ted Turner and the mark one line-up.
There’s also the heralded May 1972 session and the highly regarded May 1978 ‘In Concert’ show.
HAWKWIND Hall Of The Mountain Grill
This limited edition deluxe box-set comprises of seven CD’s and two Blurays along with a well researched booklet.
The re-mastered original album gives us an extra 7 bonus tracks, and we get 2 discs of ‘Live at the Edmonton Sundown, London – January 1974′, when the band was in its pomp.
There’s also 4 discs of the ‘1999 Party Live’, of which the Chicago and Cleveland shows duplicate each other on 2 successive nights.
The two Cleveland discs are previously unreleased, as is the surround sound and stereo mix of the same 22nd March Cleveland show.
And we go back to the beginning on a Stephen W. Tayler surround sound version of the ‘Mountain Grill’ album.
I’m not sure how much of this is essential given the duplicated set lists, but completists will lap it up.
Breakthrough
CAITLIN KRISKO & THE BROADCAST
A powerhouse southern roots rock outfit based in Asheville North Carolina.
The band is a melting pot of roots rock, funk, blues and soul with the emphasis on relatable story telling songs, incendiary playing and Caitlin’s arresting vocals, backed by some recent EP releases.
BIG THIEF
The band is a floating musical community based in Brooklyn, NY Their current ‘Double Infinity’ album is like stepping into another dimension, full of ethereal qualities which work up their own aesthetic.
THE PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Australia’s finest offer a brand of timeless yet contemporary layered psychedelic rock, which makes their latest and 8th album ‘Pogo Rodeo’ sound fresh.
It serves to capture their essence, which they accurately describe as a mix of psych-pop, prog rock, and heavy garage riffs
Worthy of mention/your attention
The Karma Effect - hard rocking exuberance in need of a killer album.
News of 2025 (April-June)
Photo: Simon DunkerleyThe remaining members of the Alice Cooper Band release a new studio album together for the first time in 50 years. Entitled ‘The Revenge of Alice Cooper’, it will be available via earMusic on July 25. Kris Barras’ Hollow Souls features Kris Barras, Josiah J Manning and Phoebe Jane, and they plan to record with fellow guest musicians. They have premiered their debut single, ‘Borderline,’ which features Jared James Nichols. R.I.P. Roy Thomas Baker who produced Queen’s first four albums, and produced albums for many other artists including Yes, Dokken, The Cars and Motley Crue. Jethro Tull have announced they will release a six CD box set of their 1972 double compilation album ’Living In The Past’, retitled as ’Still Living In The Past’, through Parlophone/Warner Music on July 11. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 will include Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, White Stripes and Soundgarden. Vocalist Kelly Hansen will leave Foreigner at the end of their current summer tour. His replacement is the band’s multi-instrumentalist Luis Maldonado. R.I.P. Frontman of The Alarm, Mike Peters. He was also a long-standing cancer campaigner and fundraiser, including co-founding the charity Love Hope Strength. He was also a member of Coloursound and Dead Men Walking. Deep Purple reissue a remixed and expanded version of their ‘Rapture of the Deep’ album on August 29 as a CD Digipak, digital & 3LP editions. Universal Music have announced a new Super Deluxe Edition of ‘Made In Japan’ due out August 15 — exactly 53 years after the first performance was recorded. Motley Crue release a new compilation, ’From The Beginning’, on September 12 via BMG. The album includes the recently released, new version of their song ‘Home Sweet Home’ with Dolly Parton duetting with Vince Neil. Gentle Giant frontman Derek Shulman recounts a life in rock music, latterly as an industry CEO and executive nurturing bands like Bon Jovi, Dream Theater and Bad Company. “Giant Steps My Improbable Journey from Stage Lights to Executive Heights” is published by Jawbone Press 7 October. R.I.P. Bad Company co-founder member and guitarist Mick Ralphs who had previously been a member of Mott The Hoople. Paul Rodgers said via the Bad Company website: ““Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humour.” Compiled by Jason Ritchie |
Metal Album of 2025
HELLOWEEN Giants And Monsters
BRIAN McGOWAN (Metal Editor)
Top Albums
At times it’s hard to resist the notion that Giants and Monsters is a bit too slick, a bit too polished in places. Wasn’t it the band’s careering juggernaut sound that so thrilled us? Maybe so. But that was then. ****1/2
There’s not a moment here that isn’t just brimming over with celebratory melodic rock, ringing, zinging guitars and clattering, clanging rhythms (and joyous keyboard fills and frills). *****
Founding member Tuomas Heikkenin has written a bunch of well crafted songs here. Stories of twisted relationships and grim realism, which are, as usual, full of vivid colouring, sinuous hooks and razoring axework. ****1/2
Worthy of mention/your attention
Heart Of A Lion is a superb, beautifully crafted melodic rock recording, mixing keys and guitars in varying measures, creating the classy AOR that engages the casual fan as well as the obsessive. ****
All Washed Up is an almost perfect album. Rumbling rock, a bit of pop and a few romantic moments, all combined concisely and excitingly. Hard To Beat. ****1/2
Reissues
Bruce’s not like Cream album explores the Proggy/Jazzy side of his musical genius, often just him playing piano, vocalising Brown’s unconventional, often irreverant lyrics *****
Adding weight to previous compilations, From Taboo To Telstar, and I Hear A New World. It features 82 tracks, including 57 previously unreleased recordings, all sourced from Meek’s famed Tea Chest Tapes. ****1/2
Captures the tracks at the core of Tokyo Blade’s debut and follow up albums. Brutally honest heavy metal, with tunes, just crying out to be used as a soundtrack to the international birth pangs of NWOBHM. *****
Worthy of mention/your attention
By the time Jimmy Webb got to Phoenix he had won every conceivable music award, and his songs had charted in almost every country in the western world. He is the only artist ever to receive Grammy awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration.
VISION OF DISORDER Vision Of Disorder / Imprint
But its willingness to go down unlit heavy metal pathways, primarily delivering a series of one word, hard as nails apocalyptic panoramas eventually won them praise from the more open minded fans and a receptive media.
DAVE WILSON (Live Editor)
Top Albums
More top melodic rock classics from Papa and the crew.
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP Don’t Sell Your Soul
A surprise album from Herr Schenker containing some great songs and stunning guitar playing throughout.
This is Robin’s third solo album in the last few years and it continues on with more top melodic rock complete with Robin’s soaring vocals
Photo: Dave Wilson/GRTR!
Live Acts
This was a must see gig for me (pictured) as I have been a fan of Robin’s since seeing him front Grand Prix back in 1983 and following him through his years with Michael Schenker and beyond.
The set list for this show was spot on with a great mix of solo tracks, MSG favourites and a few Grand Prix classics to put the icing on the cake. Hearing ‘Samurai’ live again after a 42 year wait made this my gig of the year!
It had been a while since I last caught Maiden live, but as soon as this tour was announced I was determined to grab a ticket.
The show was as spectacular as ever with a set list packed full of classics. Eddie and the boys never fail to deliver and are still very much at the top of their game.
More old school heavy metal that very much proves that rock ain’t dead! Saxon, like Maiden, never fail to give less than 100% and this show was one of the best I have witness from the guys for many years. Add to this a top support set from Udo Dirkschneider and you had a evening to remember.
The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness (November 2023)
Reissues
All the Glasgow Apollo shows in one mega package, you can almost imagine the balcony bouncing as you listen!
GENESIS The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
A remixed 50th anniversary version of the classic album complete with a full live set as a bonus.
KISS Alive
Another 50th anniversary remix with added live sets from the same tour with a rawer, unpolished edge which ae great to hear
Breakthrough
TAILGUNNER
Old school metal for a new generation, Tailgunner are going from strength to strength. With a new album, Midnight Blitz, due early in 2026 I can only see bigger things on the horizon for the band.
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News of 2025 (July-September) ‘Buckingham Nicks’, the 1973 album released by the pre-Fleetwood Mac duo of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, is finally being reissued on September 19 on vinyl, CD and digital. Saxon have cancelled their July and August gigs as Biff Byford is recovering after an “emergency procedure”. Rick Wakeman has postponed this month’s US summer tour as he undergoes surgery. The David Bowie Centre opens at the V&A East Storehouse on September 13. The David Bowie archive includes over 90,000 items and the Centre will open with two guest curated displays by Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party. UK Royal Mint are producing a coin to commemorate Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary. The coin will feature mascot Eddie and has been designed by artist Albert ‘Akirant’ Quirantes. R.I.P. The “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne, only two weeks after the Black Sabbath ‘Back to the Beginning’ farewell gig. Ozzy was a founder member of the band in 1968 and pursued a solo career from 1980 returning to the band for the 2013 album ’13′ following a reunion gig in May 2012. His latest solo album ‘Patient Number 9′ was released in 2022 and since then he contributed to Billy Morrison’s album ‘God Shaped Hole’. Slash, Halestorm, Blackberry Smoke, Black Stone Cherry, The Struts, Dirty Honey and more all appear on an upcoming Bad Company tribute album. ’Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company’ will be released on October 24. David Gilmour will release a new concert film from his shows last year. ’Live At The Circus Maximus’ is being released via Sony Music Vision and Trafalgar Releasing, and will be shown in cinemas and IMAX worldwide on September 17 for a limited time only. ‘Live At The Circus Maximus’ will also be released on 2 Blu-Ray and 3 DVD sets with bonus unseen footage and the full ‘The Luck And Strange Concerts’ mixed in 5.1 and Atmos (Blu-Ray only) on October 17. Magenta and Mostly Autumn will headline next year’s Prog for Peart, which takes place on Friday 17 & Saturday 18 July, 2026 in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The ’Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero’ exhibition in Birmingham has been extended until 18 January 2026 due to public demand. Experience Hendrix/Legacy Recordings will release a boxset on November 7 containing The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s album ’Axis: Bold As Love’ in stereo, mono and Atmos formats, along with 40 bonus studio and live tracks, 28 of which are previously unreleased. Magnum will release a new studio album next year. Every track on the upcoming album was written and performed by Tony Clarkin, who passed away in 2024, with the material curated from the band’s archives by his daughter, Dionne Clarkin. The US Customs and Border Protection has confirmed that vinyl records, CDs and cassettes will be exempt from tariff adjustments in the US. However, merchandise such as posters or t-shirts will be subject to the new tariffs. R.I.P. Supertramp co-founder, singer and keyboardist Rick Davies. Compiled by Jason Ritchie |
Melodic Rock Album of the Year
H.E.A.T. Welcome To The Future
ANDY NATHAN (Melodic Rock Editor)
Top Albums
1 H.E.A.T. Welcome To The Future
One of their very best releases in an already strong catalogue, continuing the tougher sound since Kenny Leckremo returned but with melodic intros and choruses that grab your attention.
2 PERFECT PLAN Heart Of A Lion
A step back towards a more AOR friendly style from the Swedes on their fourth album with Kent Hilli’s vocals channelling the sprit of the late great Jimi Jamison (he also songs on the new ‘Giant’ album which also had its moments)
A more adventurous sophomore effort from the young Swedes with a strong early eighties vibe of Toto, Franke and the Knockouts and Chicago’s AOR years- with some spectacular keyboards.
Worthy of mention/your attention
BRYAN ADAMS Roll With the Punches (his best in years)
FM Brotherhood
BLACK EYED SONS Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits
HAREM SCAREM Chasing Euphoria
ROULETTE Go!
THOSE DAMN CROWS God Shaped Hole
Photo: Andy Nathan/GRTR!
Live Acts
1 SWEET
An emotional occasion with Sweet (pictured) playing their biggest London headline in years and Andy Scott back in the fold after some health issues. A perfect sound and even more impressive band, and a wide-ranging setlist including choice album cuts like ‘Lost Angels’ and ‘Windy City’.
You can’t go wrong with the German maestro playing better than ever and a set entirely of UFO songs, including two or three that are rarely played. Erik Gronwall made a good fist of an impossible vocal job too.
3 = BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE EAST STREET BAND
A rare indoor show in which the Boss’ broadside against the American administration during the first half of the show certainly stole the headlines. But the second half proved that for musical escapism, no one does it more joyously than the E Street Band.
In the ‘boomer event of the year’ that also included fellow veteran Van Morrison, both a folky and thoughtful Cat Stevens and a splendidly cantankerous Neil Young had plenty to say and did it with vigour.
Worthy of mention/your attention
It was another vintage year of gigs in the capital – so many stand out but in particular:
H.E.A.T Islington Assembly Hall
URIAH HEEP with April Wine and Tyketto London Palladium
THE DARKNESS Guildford G Live
BRYAN ADAMS O2 Arena
MELISSA ETHERIDGE Union Chapel
IRON MAIDEN London Stadium
LARKIN POE Hammersmith (Eventim) Apollo
THOSE DAMN CROWS Shepherd’s Bush Empire
SAXON Hammersmith (Eventim) Apollo
HALESTORM O2 Arena
Best Festivals – V23 Rockfest (Wakefield), Maid of Stone and Malmo Melodic
Reissues
VAN STEPHENSON Righteous Anger and Suspicious Heart
It was worth splashing on these reissues from a cult AOR hero – Andrew McNeice’s Melodic Rock Records doing a superb job sharpening the sound.
Photo: Andy Nathan/GRTR!
Breakthrough
Two young women taking on the melodic rock world in 2026 in CHEZ KANE and CASSIDY PARIS the latter with Powell-Payne who I have heard great things about.
BRAVE RIVAL (pictured) continue to be the hardest touring band in the country and the last EP 5 to 4 completed their transition from blues rock to a modern yet still melodic straight ahead rock style.
Watch out 2026
New albums and tour from two of the most reliably excellent names in melodic rock in EUROPE and TYKETTO
Singer Songwriter Album of the Year
THEA GILMORE These Quiet Friends
ALAN JONES (Progressive Rock Editor)
1. THEA GILMORE – These Quiet Friends
An album of covers as Album Of The Year I hear you say? But this is no ordinary album of covers – this is an album of acoustic re-interpretations of songs that have helped Thea Gilmore through some of the most traumatic events in her life.
And what a job she’s done – with her exquisite voice and sympathetic acoustic guitar and piano, she’s breathed new life into (mostly) well known songs. ‘Everybody Hurts’ and ‘Sweet Child ‘o’ Mine’ sound magnificent and who knew Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’ could sound like this?
2. IQ Dominion
I put in my review that I have no idea how IQ do it.
The progressive rock mavens have put together an album of stunning complexity and exceptional musicality here that, on occasion has you shaking your head with disbelief.
Great songwriting, thought-provoking lyrics and exceptional musicianship are a given with IQ – but ‘Dominion’ takes them all to another level.
3= LUNATIC SOUL – The World Under Unsun
Other-worldly progressive rock from Riverside front-man Mariusz Duda’s side project Lunatic Soul – where he melds cinematic progressive keyboards with a middle-Eastern vibe and all stations in between.
Top that off with his wonderfully expressive vocals and a very ‘now’ libretto and you end up with this masterpiece.
3= ROBERT PLANT – Saving Grace
Percy’s ability to re-invent himself never fails to impress, but he’s really taken it a step further with ‘Saving Grace’.
Surrounding himself with exceptional musicians and partnering up with little-known (but massively talented) chanteuse Suzi Dian, ‘Saving Grace’ must be his finest solo album in donkey’s years – if there’s any doubt, check out ‘Everybody’s Song’ on YouTube.
Progressive Rock Album of the Year
IQ Dominion
Live Acts
Despite having been around since the mid-80′s, Suzanne Vega is still at the top of her game – both with her new album ‘Flying With Angels’ and here, in the live setting, where a sell-out crowd was treated to a wonderful evening of great songs, interesting tales and very funny between-song banter (who knew?).
Reissues
OASIS – Complete Studio Album Collection
Yeah, sorry about this one, but this 8CD box set really is very good.
Yes, I know GRTR! aficionados aren’t “mad for it” and yes, I know what people think of the brothers Gallagher, but, as a snapshot in time of the mid-nineties/early 2000′s it’s hard to deny them their place in pop history and this box is probably all the confirmation you’ll need.
Breakthrough
KATHERINE PRIDDY – A marvellous singer/songwriter from Birmingham whose voice could melt butter and whose two albums to date ‘The Eternal Rocks Beneath’ and ‘The Pendulum Swing’ are essential listening.
I saw her supporting Suzanne Vega (see above) and she was just captivating.
Photo: Andy Nathan/GRTR!
JOE GEESIN (Reissues Editor)
Live Acts
FOGHAT
SAXON
The performance was excellent (pictured). However surrounding a 1980 album, no matter how classic, with so much more early material immediately disposes of some of the band’s best material. ’85, ’95 and 2005 were all Purple patches for the Boys From Barnsley.
That aside, Saxon always put on a good show and never disappoint.
Reissues
DEEP PURPLE Rapture Of The Deep (2-CD)
This album received many good reviews at the time, and rightfully so, but there’s always the feeling this album gets overlooked. Now’s your chance to check it out, and with its new mix, it’s better than ever.
GILLAN 78-82 (7-CD)
This is a remarkable period of music, a collection of albums and extras. And the package itself is excellent, some artwork that takes me back…essential listening and an essential buy. A fine archive and package for those already a fan, and a (nearly) all in one as an intro. *****
FOGHAT Fool For The City (2CD)
HAWKWIND Hall Of The Mountain Grill (CD box)
THIN LIZZY ’74-’75 (CD box)
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News of 2025 (October-December)
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ANDY SHARROCKS
Top Albums
VARIOUS ARTISTS A Tribute To Clifton Chenier
Featuring such luminaries as Mick, Keith and Ronnie, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Molly Tuttle. Taj Mahal, John Hiatt and many more, this is a tribute to Clifton Chenier, who coined the term zydeco, coming from a creole expression Les haricots (said quickly) ne sans pas sales, the beans arent salty, or times is hard. If you wanted an introduction to the world of Zydeco and Creole look no further.
This being his 29th studio album since 1983 – stripped back, a voice, a guitar, a harmonica, some great lyrics. If you like early Dylan, then hip yourself to this cat, he is the real deal.
Well this antipodean dude is 70, and this is his 30th album, and if like me you’ve never heard of him, get hearing him! Lucinda Williams is singing his praises after supporting him on an arena tour of Australia. Again simple but engaging songs with thought provoking lyrics, he is a national treasure in his homeland.
Photo: David Randall/GRTR!
Live Acts
STEVE ‘N SEAGULLS
Five guys from Finland playing acoustic heavy metal songs. If you haven’t caught them yet, whatever your taste in music, go check out their riotous multi instrumental interpretations of metal and AOR.
WILLE AND THE BANDITS
Hailing from Cornwall, led by surfer Wille Edwards. This four piece cover many genres with ease, funk, rock, calypso, prog. From raucous funk guitar workouts to tender ballads, you will feel satisfied by this band.
HAWKWIND
What can I say? Dave Brock (pictured) and four trusty space travellers, still rocking out in spectacular style. Dave is 82, so if you want to see this legendary band you won’t have much time left to do it, so don’t delay.
Breakthrough
ROSS HARDING
Hailing from South Africa where the blues originated, Ross delivers Beezebub associated dark slide blues with panache and style. New album Blood And Blues dropped in November.
CAITLIN KRISKO
Some stirling country rock soul blues from this US band, led by a girl not unlike Elkie Brooks in her Vinegar Joe incarnation. Their new album Keepsake drops in January.
Formed by drummer Dylan Turner and Megan Kane, a woman with a familiar but also unique rock voice. I sadly recently missed them on tour with The Damn Truth, but my mate Charlie from Sheffield said they were the dogs bollox. EP Hold The Mash out now, new album hopefully following next year.
Singer/Songwriter of the year – Goes to Robin Adams, who has just released his album The Beggar. The offspring of two of String Driven Thing, it seems like Robin is uncannily channeling Nick Drake.
NIKK GUNNS
Top Albums
BLACKLIST UNION Slay The Dragon
Great band and a superb album. Hope to see them in the UK at some point.
Outstanding album from start to finish. Keeping the sounds we’ve loved for years sounding fresh.
JIZZY PEARLS’s LOVE & HATE ‘Punk Rock Fiesta!
Pearl never fails to deliver and with this album he takes you right back to 1990.
Live Acts
Great show from another artist that never fails to deliver.
Hands down the best gig of 2025 (if not this decade), absolutely brilliant from a band celebrating 50 years (pictured).
LYNYRD SKYNYRD/BLACKBERRY SMOKE
Two of my favourite bands, both played an absolute blinder.
Reissues
KISS Alive 50th Anniversary edition
Great job of remastering, some great bonus material and a fitting tribute to the legend that is Ace Frehley.
GUNS N ROSES Live Era
Again, great remastering and includes the addition of the live version of ‘Coma’ which was only on the original Japanese release. Also the first time on vinyl in Europe (although a tad expensive).
VAN HALEN Balance – Expanded Edition
The addition of the 1995 live gig from Wembley Stadium was a deciding factor here.
PAUL MONKHOUSE
Top Albums
Losing a key member of the quintet was a huge blow but Brave Rival picked up the pieces and turned up the volume. With her onstage sister Chloe Josephine leaving the band last Christmas, the weight of expectation was on Lindsey Bonnick’s shoulders but she and the rest of the band came out fighting.
‘Five To Four’ is more of an album length EP but the new tracks included show that this new chapter has the band heavier than ever and coming out swinging. There’s still blues and soul but this time matched with a grittier approach that’s seen them tear up stages wherever they’ve played.
SOHO DUKES Nighthawks, Acrobats And Everything Under The Moon
This, ladies and gentlemen, is proper rock ‘n’ roll, played by real musicians. Channelling a bit of Ian Dury & The Blockheads, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones, this is old school fun that should soundtrack good times with friends. Throw in some clever lyrics and you’ve got something that appeals to both heart and mind.
WE THREE KINGS By Royal Appointment
The best and most important punk album since ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’. Truly incendiary and it shows that a duo can make more noise than most bands much bigger. Thrilling.
Live Acts
THE SWELL SEASON
Best known for their appearance together in the film ‘Once’ and their Oscar winning song ‘Falling Slowly’, it was great to see Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová reuniting Swell Season after years apart. Warm, friendly, laid back and yet intense, the two make music beautiful enough to bring angels to tears.
WARD XVI
It’s not easy to put an arena sized performance on in a pub, all bit it a large one, especially when your drummer had been rushed to hospital the previous night, but Ward XVI have the drive and ability to knock things out of the park.
Visceral, inventive and with some truly outstanding performances, this was theatrical shock rock metal of the highest calibre and another stunning achievement by the band.
EIVOR
A late night treat that, for this writer, was the highlight of a patchy Download this year, Eivør was absolutely stunning, her ability to blend pastoral Faroe whimsy with heavy passages a jaw dropping experience. Even more impressive when headlining her own show, a packed and devoted Brixton Electric audience showed her the love she truly deserved. Astounding.
Reissues
An exhaustive (and for some exhausting) look back at Quo at their rawest 70′s peak. Heads-down, no nonsense rocking boogie. Play it loud.
QUEEN Queen
Opinions have been split over the use of Dolby Atmos when remastering this classic debut from one of the greatest bands in the world, some saying it takes away the excitement of the original and substitutes that for technical wizardry.
Irrespective, what we have hear is the nascent rise to the top of the food chain of a band who became one of the most loved in this country alone. Full of storming tracks like ‘Keep Yourself Alive and ‘Liar’, it still sounds as something otherworldly and needs to be heard in this immersive format as the band whisper and roar from all around you.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition
The Boss at his most stripped back and honest, shorn of all the big studio production and his E Street Band. One of the best lo-fi albums ever produced and now accompanied by some truly fascinating and worthwhile extra discs. Arguably his greatest work.
Breakthrough
PULVERISE
The Northern quartet made a lot of friends on their recent tour around the country with Ward XVI, their brand of Nu Metal meets Hip Hop catching the zeitgeist of this latest revival.
Slow motion walls of death, onstage banter about tea bags and some razor-sharp lyrics backed by explosive riffs and huge grooves have proven an irresistible combination and with some other support slots for the likes of Bloodywood under their belts they’re making tsunami sized ripples across the scene.
Rock music that’s got humour, grit, heart and no little amount of soul, Pulverise should become massive in 2026.
LUNA MARBLE
Still young but with seemingly hearts and minds imbued with the best of the 60′s and 70′s, quartet Luna Marble’s self-titled debut was one the very best things to come out this year and points towards great things to come. Phenomenal live shows, an ever-expanding catalogue of great material and some massive talent, Luna Marble should be headlining arenas within the next few years.
CHASING PENGUINS
In thrall to Punk Pop, Swedish quintet Chasing Penguins turned things up several notches with the recruitment of singer Sanna Hill, her bright vocals and bubbly personality perfectly suiting the madcap outfit.
Social media has seen them gaining attention outside of their homeland and single ‘Curtain Call’ was one of THE songs of Summer so it’s hoped that they’ll carry on growing and bringing their good time rock all across Europe and beyond in 2026.
The Best of (2003-2024 archive)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 16 November 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This 600th show was first broadcast on 18 November 2025
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Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025
We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.
Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025
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)
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