Author Archives: andynathan

Album review: TYKETTO – Reach

Posted on November 27, 2016 by andynathan

Frontiers [Release Date 14.10.16] Four years ago, the much-anticipated release from Tyketto’s original line up, ‘Dig In Deep’ fell rather flat – it was not a bad album in its own right, but failed to live up to the impossible … Continue reading →

Gig review: FM – Islington Assembly Hall, London, 19 November 2016

Posted on November 26, 2016 by andynathan

Since reforming a few years ago, Britain’s premier homegrown melodic rockers FM have steered a delicate balance between moving forward and looking backwards. The new line up with Jim Kirkpatrick on guitar has perhaps been the best in their history, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged AOR, Bernie Marsden, FM, gig, Indiscreet, Jem Davis, Jim Kirkpatrick, melodic rock, review, Steve Overland | Leave a comment

Album review: KEE MARCELLO – Scaling Up

Posted on November 22, 2016 by andynathan

Frontiers [Release Date 14.10.16] Guitarist with Europe in their commercial heyday first time round, Kee Marcello’s solo career to date has been an unspectacular one, and even his otherwise enjoyable live shows made me inclined to check out his own … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Darby Todd, Europe, hard rock, Kee Marcello, Ken Sandin, melodic rock, review, Scaling Up | Leave a comment

Gig review: GRAHAM BONNET – Boston Music Rooms, London, 8 November 2016

Posted on November 15, 2016 by andynathan

Graham Bonnet has always been one of rock’s most singular characters. The man with the short hair, Hawaiian shirts and musical background far removed from your traditional metal belter who gave Rainbow their commercial breakthrough. The man whose self-destructive tendencies … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Alcatrazz, Chrome Molly, gig, Graham Bonnet, hard rock, heavy rock, Michael Schenker Group, MSG, Rainbow, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: 3 DOORS DOWN – Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London, 6 November 2016

Posted on November 14, 2016 by andynathan

Enormous in their native USA since the turn of the millennium, 3 Doors Down have a low public profile in the UK, perhaps befitting a band whose everyday anonymity is one of their virtues. Yet a near sell out at … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 3 Doors Down, alt rock, Brad Arnold, Chet Roberts, Chris Henderson, Fallen State, gig, Pop Evil, post grunge, review, Us and the Night | Leave a comment

Gig review: Y & T – Islington Academy, London, 28 October 2016

Posted on November 7, 2016 by andynathan

For the last decade, an extensive Y & T tour has been just as much a feature of autumn as leaves falling and the nights getting shorter. The Californians seem to have a love affair with the UK and judging … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Aaron Leigh, Dave Meniketti, gig, John Nymann, Praying Mantis, review, Y & T, Y and T | Leave a comment

Gig review: UFO – Alban Arena, St Albans, 25 October 2016

Posted on November 7, 2016 by andynathan

For a band whose musical quality is right up there with the best, UFO’s legacy in the classic rock hall of fame is not the most secure. Whether its the effect of the off stage shenanigans and constant personnel changes … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 25 October 2016, Alban Arena, Andy Parker, gig, hard rock, Paul Raymond, Phil Mogg, review, Rob De Luca, St Albans, UFO, Vinnie Moore | Leave a comment

Gig review: ROCKINGHAM FESTIVAL – Nottingham Trent University Students Union, 21-23 October 2016

Posted on November 4, 2016 by andynathan

ROCKINGHAM FESTIVAL, Nottingham, 21-23 October 2016

Last year, a new festival, Rockingham, took on the unenviable mantle of filling the void left by Firefest, which for a decade had delighted melodic rock fans by bringing a series of cult melodic rock acts, many reforming after years … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Alessandro del Vecchio Band, Angels Or Kings, AOR, Art Nation, Blood Red Saints, Crazy Lixx, festival, Fortune, From The Fire, gig, Jean Beauvoir, Kevin Chalfant, Lee Aaron, Lionheart, Martina Edoff, melodic rock, Robby Valentine, Rockingham, Steelheart, Stone Broken, The Defiants, The Poodles, Trixter, Valentine | Leave a comment

Album review: CRY OF DAWN featuring Goran Edman- Cry of Dawn

Posted on October 17, 2016 by andynathan

(Release Date 23.09.16) In melodic rock circles, the name of Goran Edman is spoken of in hushed terms as one of the genre’s top vocalists, in a long career ranging from singing with John Norum and Yngwie Malmsteen to gracing … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Cry of Dawn, Daniel Flores, Goran Edman, melodic rock, Michael Palace | Leave a comment

Gig review: CATS IN SPACE, SPACE ELEVATOR – Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, 29 September 2016

Posted on October 3, 2016 by andynathan

Quite apart from the similarity in names, the pairing of Cats In Space and Space Elevator was a perfect match. Both are new acts, albeit with seasoned musicians who have been on the scene a while, trying to do something … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Andy Stewart, Cats In Space, David Young, Dean Howard, gig, Greg Hart, Jeff Brown, Paul Manzi, pop rock, review, seventies, soft rock, SPACE ELEVATOR, the Duchess, We Will Rock You | Leave a comment

Gig review: KEE MARCELLO – The Cavern, Raynes Park, London, 21 September 2016

Posted on September 28, 2016 by andynathan

30 years ago, just as Europe’s The Final Countdown went stratospheric, John Norum left the band and it was Kee Marcello who went on to be the guitarist during their commercial heyday. However, while his erstwhile bandmates milk that milestone … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Europe, gig, guitar, guitarist, Kee Marcello, melodic rock, review, Scaling Up | Leave a comment

Gig review: MITCH MALLOY – Camden Underworld, 18 September 2016

Posted on September 26, 2016 by andynathan

Ever since the release of his classic self-titled debut in 1992, chock full of memorable anthems and heartfelt ballads, Mitch Malloy has been one of AOR and melodic rock’s cult figures. However despite several appearances at Firefest it has been … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 18 September 2016, AOR, Camden Underworld, Departed, gig, Kaato, melodic rock, Mitch Malloy, Red Dawn, Tristan Avakian | Leave a comment

DVD review: TOTO- Live At Montreux 1991

Posted on September 21, 2016 by andynathan

Eagle Vision [Release Date 16.09.16] Few bands can have had such a revolving cast of musicians, many joining and rejoining, as Toto, which makes the history of the AOR giants such a fascinating one. One interesting period of their career … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, DVD REVIEWS | Tagged AOR, David Paich, DVD, Jeff Porcaro, melodic rock, Mike Porcaro, Montreux Jazz Festival, Steve Lukather | Leave a comment

Gig review: KIP WINGER – The Borderline, London, 17 September 2016

Posted on September 21, 2016 by andynathan

Kip Winger’s acoustic shows at the Borderline, now billed as the 5th Annual Evening with Kip Winger, have become legendary events, not just from an ever growing number of diehard fans, but from the artist himself, who bounded on stage … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 17 September 2016, AOR, Borderline, Fiona, gig, Kip Winger, melodic rock, review, Winger | Leave a comment

Gig review: STATUS QUO – Union Chapel, Islington, London, 9 September 2016

Posted on September 14, 2016 by andynathan

When Status Quo reworked their back catalogue in acoustic format, then put it out on the road, the results were stunning and breathed new life into their classics in a manner even their diehard fans would not have believed possible. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged acoustic, Andy Bown, Aquostic, Francis Rossi, Freddie Edwards, gig, review, Rhino Edwards, Status Quo | Leave a comment

Album review: IAN HUNTER AND THE RANT BAND – Fingers Crossed

Posted on September 8, 2016 by andynathan

[Release Date 16.09.16] The loss of so many of rock’s greats in 2016 reminds us that we should cherish those still left from the golden generation, particularly those who still have something to say. Ian Hunter falls into this category, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, David Bowie, Fingers Crossed, Ian Hunter, Ian Hunter And The Rant Band, Mott the Hoople, Rant Band, rock, singer, songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: PALACE- Master of the Universe

Posted on September 7, 2016 by andynathan

Frontiers [Release Date 26.08.16] No relation (sadly) to the footballing pride of South London, Palace is the eponymous project of poodle-haired Swedish singer Michael. I remember his band Big Time showing promise when they supported Houston in London in 2014, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Master Of The Universe, melodic rock, Michael Palace, Palace, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: WEYFEST- Rural Life Centre, Tilford, Surrey, 19-21 August 2016

Posted on August 30, 2016 by andynathan

Weyfest celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Rural Life Centre, a rustic setting that suits its ambience as one of the more laid back of festivals. Situated on the Surrey/Hampshire borders in what was once known as the stockbroker belt, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Bad Manners, Big Country, Boomtown Rats, Broken Witt Rebels, festival, From The Jam, gig, Jackie Lynton, Jo Harman, John Otway, Rebecca Downes, Slim Chance, The Beat, The Darkness, The Wurzels, Weyfest, Wildflowers, Wishbone Ash | Leave a comment

Gig review: MOONDANCE JAM – Walker, Minnesota, USA, 21-23 July 2016

Posted on August 5, 2016 by andynathan

Considering the previous generation thought rock n roll was a passing fad, and given the pace of change in the industry, it is a substantial feat for any rock festival to reach a 25 year milestone. It is even more … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, Special Events | Tagged 21-23 July 2016, Blues Traveler, Boston, Bush, Chevelle, Chicago, festival, Firehouse, Foghat, gig, Godsmack, Kix, LITTLE RIVER BAND, Loverboy, Minnesota, Moondance Jam, Queensryche, review, Sixx:AM, Thundherstruck, USA, Walker | Leave a comment

Gig review: NAZARETH – Under The Bridge, London, 17 July 2016

Posted on July 18, 2016 by andynathan

Gigs by Nazareth in the UK –certainly in London – used to be as rare as rocking horse dung with the veteran Scots finding the European and world markets more receptive to their enduring charms. However this nightclub, tucked away … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Carl Sentance, gig, hard rock, Jimmy Murrison, Lee Agnew, melodic rock, Nazareth, Paul Stead, Pete Agnew, review, the Darker My Horizon | Leave a comment

Album review: Q5 – New World Order

Posted on July 17, 2016 by andynathan

Frontiers [Release Date 08.07.16] Q5’s ‘Steel The Light’ was one of the cult classic metal albums of the eighties, blending an uncompromising approach with class vocals and massive hooks in distinctive fashion, lifting it above the myriad of average releases … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, hard rock, Jonathan Scott K, NWOBHM, Q5, review, Rick Pierce | Leave a comment

Gig review: 10cc – Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, 9 July 2016

Posted on July 14, 2016 by andynathan

Some of the great historic and cultural attractions in London are now opening their doors to a more contemporary entertainment form with a summer concert series. Following the likes of Hampton Court, Somerset House and Kew Gardens is now the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 10CC, 9 July 2016, Cockney Rebel, gig, Graham Gouldman, Greenwich Music Time, Mick Wilson, Old Royal Naval College, Paul Burgess, pop, progressive, review, Rick Fenn, rock, Steve Harley, Steve Hayman | Leave a comment

Album review: FIRST SIGNAL- One Step Over The Line

Posted on July 6, 2016 by andynathan

Frontiers Records [Release Date 03.06.16] Even by the standards of the production line mentality that bedevils the melodic rock genre, First Signal’s second album may appear to risk a lack of cohesion. The one survivor from the team that created … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Daniel Flores, First Signal, Harem Scarem, Harry Hess, melodic rock, One Step Over The Line, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: RITCHIE BLACKMORE’S RAINBOW – Genting Arena, Birmingham, 25 June 2016

Posted on June 28, 2016 by andynathan

For us rock fans of a certain age – perhaps from early forties to sixty-ish – Ritchie Blackmore sits in the pantheon of rock royalty. As guitarist and songwriter in both Deep Purple and his own band Rainbow, he pushed … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Candice Night, classic rock, Deep Purple, gig, heavy rock, Jens Johansson, Rainbow, review, Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie Romero | Leave a comment

Album review: PARIS- The World Outside

Posted on June 27, 2016 by andynathan

(Release Date 01.07.16) France is not best known as a hotbed of melodic rock, but singer/keyboardist Frederic Dechevanne and guitarist Sebastien Montet and their band named after the French capital represent one of the the best attempts yet from a … Continue reading →