Category Archives: INTERVIEWS

Interview: Rising Stars – THE JURY & THE SAINTS

Posted on February 18, 2015 by jason

Singer Jesse Smith of The Jury & The Saints answers our questions ahead of the release of their self-titled album on 2nd March via Long Branch/SPV Records… What are you currently up to? (recording, gigs, plans etc.) We have been … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged alternative, indie, interview, Jesse Smith, metal, Rising Stars, rock, singer, The Jury & The Saints | Leave a comment

Interview: Rising Stars – TRISTAN MACKAY

Posted on February 17, 2015 by jason

Tristan Mackay releases his second album ‘Wire & Wood’, a follow-up to ‘Out Along The Wire’ and here we hear about the new album, his musical influences and more… Can you take us through your new album ‘Wire & Wood’? … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged blues, interview, Rising Stars, singer songwriter, Tristan Mackay, Wire & Wood | Leave a comment

Interview: JK IMPERA

Posted on February 11, 2015 by jason

Impera have just released their third and possibly best album to date ‘Empire Of Sin’ on Escape Music. Here we catch-up with mainman and drummer JK Impera… What have you got planned for the next few months music wise? e.g. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Empire Of Sin, Escape Music, IMPERA, interview, JK Impera, melodic, metal, rock, Tommy Denander | Leave a comment

Interview: JOHN PARKER and MICHAEL O’MARA of TALON

Posted on February 11, 2015 by jason

Talon release their fourth album, ‘Four Play’ on Escape Music on March 20th. They are back with original vocalist Michael O’Mara who fields the questions along with founder member drummer John Parker… What have you got planned for the next … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Escape Music, Four Play, hard rock, interview, John Parker, melodic, Michael O'Mara, rock, Talon | Leave a comment

Interview: RON PERRY of CHINA SKY

Posted on February 5, 2015 by jason

China Sky’s debut came out back in 1988 and is one of those ‘must have’ classic melodic rock albums of the 1980′s. Sadly though due to various issues band never made that second album until now, some 25 years later! … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged AOR, Bruce Crump, China Sky, China Sky II, Classic Albums, Escape Music, Greg Allman, interview, melodic rock, Molly Hatchet, Ron Perry | Leave a comment

Album review: SWEET AND LYNCH – Only to Rise

Posted on February 2, 2015 by andynathan

Frontiers Records [Release Date 23.01.15] Sweet and Lynch may sound like a firm of corporate lawyers, an image accentuated by the album cover of the pair suited and booted in front of a cityscape of skyscrapers, but it is the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS | Tagged album, AOR, Brian Tichy, Dokken, George Lynch, Lynch Mob, melodic hard rock, Michael Sweet, Only to Rise, review, Stryper, Sweet And Lynch | Leave a comment

10 Questions: JOHN MITCHELL aka LONELY ROBOT (interview)

Posted on January 29, 2015 by jason

We catch-up with John Mitchell (It Bites/Arena/Frost*) whose new album goes out under the Lonely Robot moniker and is entitled ‘Please Come Home’. It is released on Inside Out on 23rd February. It includes guest appearances from Nik Kershaw, Nick … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Arena, cinema, Frost*, Inside Out, interview, It Bites, John Mitchell, Kino, Lonely Robot, Mike Read, Please Come Home, prog, Progressive Rock, rock | Leave a comment

Interview: Rising Stars – THE TOI

Posted on January 28, 2015 by jason

Glaswegian three piece rock band the Toi consist of Pol Healy (vocals/guitar), Andy Carr (bass/guitar/vocals) and Stevie Mclay (drums/vocals). They release their rather good debut album, ‘Water Into Wine’ on March 2nd. Over to Pol for the answers… Brief history … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged 80's metal, hard rock, interview, Rising Stars, rock, the Toi | Comments Off

Book review: STEVE HOGARTH – The Invisible Man – Diaries 1998-2014 (Volume 2)

Posted on December 16, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

The Songwriters – Steve Hogarth (Marillion) – Interview and Feature (8 July 2014) by Get Ready To Rock! Radio on Mixcloud Miwk Publishing [Publication Date 09.11.14] www.miwk.com Part two of Steve Hogarth’s diaries takes up the story in 1998 and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged book, Diaries 1998-2014, interview, Marillion, progressive, review, rock, Steve Hogarth, The Invisible Man | Leave a comment

DVD review: Looking for Johnny – The Legend of Johnny Thunders

Posted on November 18, 2014 by jason

Jungle [Released 3.11.14] Rock n Roll hero, Rock n Roll casualty, Rock n Roll junkie- take your pick, any of these three could describe Johnny Thunders- the New York Doll, punk icon and inspiration to many a band for years … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, DVD REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged classic, Danny Garcia, DVD, glam, interview, Johnny Thunders, Legend of Johnny Thunders, New York Dolls, rock, The Heartbreakers | Leave a comment

Interview: NAZARETH – Metropolis Studios, London, 14 November 2014

Posted on November 17, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Pete and Lee Agnew with artist Rodney Matthews Andy Nathan took time out to chat to founder member Pete Agnew, vocalist Linton Osborn and guitarist Jimmy Murrison prior to the band’s DVD recording at Metropolis Studios in front of an … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged 14 November 2014, hard rock, interview, Jimmy Murrison, Linton Osborne, London, Metropolis Studios, Nazareth, Pete Agnew, rock | Leave a comment

10 Questions: VEGA interview, November 2014

Posted on November 14, 2014 by jason

Here we catch up with Vega members Tom Martin and Nick Workman, as they discuss their new album ‘Stereo Messiah’ (out now on Frontiers) and touring as they get ready to support Down ‘N’ Outz… Tom Martin… What have you got … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged hard rock, interview, Joe Elliot, melodic, modern rock, Nick Workman, rock, Tom Martin, Vega | Leave a comment

Album review: NEONFLY – Strangers In Paradise plus interview with Frederick Thunder

Posted on October 29, 2014 by jason

Inner Wound Recordings [Release date 01.12.14] Neonfly I discovered thanks to a tip-off from Charlie Farrell, a man who knows his way around the metal scene and recommended I got along early to see them supporting the mighty Power Quest. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged album, AOR, Dennis Ward, Dragonforce, Frederick Thunder, Inner Wound Recordings, Magnum, melodic metal, melodic rock, Neonfly, power metal, review, Strangers In Paradise, Willy Norton | Comments Off

Interview with MICHALIS MOATSOS (Endless Recovery) – 15 October 2014

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Yiannis

It may be true that Thrash Metal has been enjoying a revival of sorts these last few years, however, the passion and energy that characterised this great genre in the mid-80s has long been sacrificed in return for polished production … Continue reading →

Posted in INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | 1 Comment

Interview with MARCEL “SCHMIER” SCHIRMER (Destruction) – 8 October 2014

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Yiannis

Fronting a band as legendary as the Thrash Metal trio Destruction for the better part of 31 years is probably not easy but Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer has managed to do so with passion and professionalism. Following a four year hiatus, … Continue reading →

Posted in INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Leave a comment

Video interview: STEVE CROPPER – Stax legend, guitarist and producer – 18 October 2014

Posted on October 23, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

The term legend or legendary is used perhaps too flippantly in the context of music, but the term can be firmly applied to Steve Cropper. Steve was a member of the Stax Records house band from the early-1960s and lent … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Video Interviews | Tagged 18 October 2014, Booker T & The MGs, interview, Otis Redding, R&B, soul, Stax Records, Steve Cropper, The Blues Brothers, video | 2 Comments

Album review: AUDREY HORNE – Pure Heavy

Posted on September 27, 2014 by jason

Napalm Records [Release date 26.09.14] Audrey Horne return with their new album just over a year since the highly enjoyable ‘Youngblood’. Most of the band members are also in death/black metal bands, yet Audrey Horne is more a homage to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged 80's metal, album review, AUDREY HORNE, classic rock, hard rock, Napalm Records, Pure Heavy, Thin Lizzy, Van Halen | Leave a comment

Interview with TOM S ENGLUND & JOHAN NIEMANN (Evergrey) – 22 August 2014

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Yiannis

Less than a year ago, following another unwanted line-up change, Evergrey were on the brink of calling it a day. A few months later, Evergrey welcomed back in its ranks two of its most important old members and with their … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged August 2014, Evergrey, interview, Johan Niemann, metal, progressive metal, rock, Tom S Englund | Leave a comment

Video interview: ROGER MAYER, Guitar Effects Guru – 28 June 2014

Posted on August 31, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Roger Mayer made his first effects unit back in 1964 and his designs influenced a whole generation of guitar players. In his 50th anniversary year, Roger tells Pete Feenstra about a career that took him from a research job in … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Video Interviews | Tagged 50th anniversary, Bob Marley, effects, fuzz, guitar, guitar effects, interview, Isley Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, June 2014, Octavia, Rocket, Roger Mayer, Stevie Wonder, video, Voodoo | Leave a comment

Interview with NIGE ROCKETT (Onslaught) – 4 August 2014

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Yiannis

British Thrash Metal combo Onslaught are a band I have been supporting since day one, so reviewing their London show and interviewing their long term guitarist Nige Rockett was something I was looking forward to. While the former was achieved … Continue reading →

Posted in INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged August 2014, interview, Nige Rockett, onslaught, thrash metal | Leave a comment

Interview: CHRIS PICTON (August 2014)

Posted on August 18, 2014 by jason

Multi-instrumentalist Chris Picton first came to the attention of GRTR! as a member of prog rock band Quecia. Now Chris has a new digital album out called ‘Journey of Broken Dreams‘ and we caught up with him for an update plus … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars Revisited | Tagged August 2014, Chris Picton, instrumental, interview, multi-instrumentalist, prog rock, progressive, Quecia.Journey of Broken Dreams | Leave a comment

Interview: Rising Stars – THE YOUNG FOLK

Posted on August 14, 2014 by jason

The Young Folk consists of Anthony Furey (vocals/guitar), Tony McCaughlin (bass/mandolin/vocals), Paul Butler (keyboards/vocals) and Karl Hand (drums/vocals). With the current popularity of folk music, particularly that in the more alternative/popular end of things like Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged acoustic, folk, interview, Rising Stars, Young Folk | Comments Off

Interview with MICHAEL BASTHOL DAHL (Artillery) – 20 July 2014

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Yiannis

Of the Thrash Metal bands that made their appearance in the early 80s, the one perhaps less deserving of the total lack of support provided by the music industry were the Danish quintet Artillery. Following a few well-documented break-ups and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews | Tagged Artillery, interview, July 2014, Michael Basthol Dahl, thrash metal | Leave a comment

Interview: 10Q’s with NEOPERA (Nina Jiers)

Posted on July 31, 2014 by jason

Neopera have just released their rather fine debut album ‘Destined Ways’ on earMusic. The band were founded in 2010 by DARK AGE lead guitarist Jörn Schubert, who was joined by GAMMA RAY bass player Dirk Schlächter, Mikis Trimborn (SYNDEMIC) on … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Dark Age, interview, Jorn Schubert, July 2014, metal, Neopera, Nina Jiers, operatic metal, symphonic metal | Leave a comment

Interview: 10Q’s with Wille Dowling of THE DOWLING POOLE

Posted on July 25, 2014 by jason

The Dowling Poole feature Willie Dowling (ex-Jackdaw4/Honeycrack) and Jon Poole (ex-Cardiacs). They have released their debut album, ‘Bleak Strategies’ and they have recently played a series of Pledger gigs as part of their recent Pledge Music campaign to fund the … Continue reading →