Category Archives: ALL POSTS

Album review: PRETTY MAIDS – Undress Your Madness

Posted on November 18, 2019 by jason

Frontiers [Release date 08.11.19] This new album by the Pretty Maids (number 16 from a band who have been around for nearly 40 years now), has been overshadowed by the sad news that vocalist Ronnie Atkins has been diagnosed with … Continue reading →

Gig review: HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 3 – Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 9 November 2019

Posted on November 17, 2019 by david.wilson

After the high of Saturday there was a more subdued feeling around the smaller arena as the early unplugged sessions got underway with CADENCE NOIR and DEVILFIRE. A little thin on the ground at this early hour, the previous long … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 9th November 2019, Ablaze, Brian Tatler, Candece Noir, Chemia, Chic, Devilfire, Diamond Head, Doro, gig, Great Yarmouth, Hand of Dimes, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, HRH Awards, live, Massive, metal, Michael Monroe, review, rock, Stonedeaf, Wolf Jaw, Zodiac Mindwarp | Leave a comment

Album review: RODNEY MATTHEWS & JEFF SCHEETZ – Trinity

Posted on November 17, 2019 by jason

Rodney Matthews Studios [Release date 13.12.19] Renowned fantasy artist Rodney Matthews, illustrator of over140 album covers, is also a jazz/rock/prog drummer of note, and has previously recorded solo and with guitarist Jeff Scheetz. Here he teams up again with Scheetz … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged album, album covers, artwork, Asia, classic rock, Eloy, instrumental, jazz, Jeff Scheetz, Magnum, melodic, Nazareth, Oliver Wakeman, prog, review, Rick Wakeman, rock, Rodney Matthews, Tony Clarkin, Trinity | Leave a comment

Album review: YES – From A Page/In The Present Live From Lyon (box set)

Posted on November 16, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Yes [Release date 27.10.19] This boxed set is perhaps best considered as a “stop-gap” for fans in the absence of any new product following this summer’s Yes 50 Live release, and ahead of the band’s 2020 UK tour. One-time Yes … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Leave a comment

Album review: JOE BONAMASSA – Live At The Sydney Opera House

Posted on November 16, 2019 by petefeenstra

Provogue [Release date 25.10.19] ‘Live At The Sydney Opera House’ is staggeringly Joe Bonamassa’s 17th live album and while the geography may change and the material recycles recent studio material, the performance is consistently good. If his strategy is to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Bo Diddley, guitar, ive, James House, Joe Bonamassa, Lee Thornburg, Live At The Sydney Opera House, lLed Zeppelin, Paulie Cerra, Reese Wynans, review, The Allman Brothers | Leave a comment

Gig review: HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 2 – Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 8 November 2019

Posted on November 14, 2019 by david.wilson

First band on the mainstage were Highway To Hell winners, TWISTER. The Durham band had been popular winners and the early start saw many seeking out breakfast and a brew to join the band in the main arena. The set-up … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 8th November 2019, Beth Blade, Brian Downey Live And Dangerous, Buckcherry, Chic, Dante Gizzi, gig, Great Yarmouth, Gun, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, HRH Awards, Johnny Davies, Jools Gizzi, Kikamora, live, metal, Praying Mantis, review, rock, Those Damn Crows, Toby Jepson, Twister, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Wayward Sons, White Raven Down | Leave a comment

Gig review: MIDNITE CITY – The Lounge, Archway, London, 8 November 2019

Posted on November 14, 2019 by andynathan

The list of successful UK melodic rock acts is a frustratingly short one, but Midnite City must be going about things the right way. After releasing a pair of excellent albums in short succession they recently enjoyed the prestige of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 8 November 2019, AOR, Archway, gig, London, lounge, melodic rock, Midnite City, Miles Meakin, Pete Newdeck, Rob Wylde, Shawn Charvette | Leave a comment

Album review: RAY ALDER – What the Water Want

Posted on November 13, 2019 by jason

Inside Out [Release date 18.10.19] It takes a lot of guts to step out from the safety an established band but Fates Warning frontman Ray Alder has produced an album of extraordinary depth and passion in this, his debut solo … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Fates Warning, Inside Out, melodic, metal, progressive, Ray Alder, review, rock, Solo, What the Water Want | Leave a comment

Gig review: BRIAN DOWNEY’S ALIVE AND DANGEROUS – Underworld, Camden, London, 7 November 2019

Posted on November 13, 2019 by andynathan

While Phil Lynott was the public face and voice of Thin Lizzy and the twin lead guitars their identifiable sound, the contribution of drummer Brian Downey throughout the band’s original existence should never be underestimated. He was even tempted back … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 7 November 2019, Alive and Dangerous, Brian Downey, Brian Grace, Camden, gig, hard rock, London, Matt Wilson, Phil Edgar, Rebecca Downes, review, Steve Birkett, Thin Lizzy, Underworld | Leave a comment

Gig review: STEVE HACKETT – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 11 November 2019

Posted on November 12, 2019 by alanjones

The latest incarnation of Steve Hackett’s “Genesis Revisited” tour swept into Liverpool’s iconic, Eric Gill-inspired, Philharmonic Hall on an absolutely filthy November evening – not that it deterred a single one of the Hackett cognoscenti who filled the hall to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 11 November 2019, Craig Blundell, Genesis, Genesis Revisited, gig, guitar, guitarist, Jonas Reingold, Liverpool, Nad Sylvan, Philharmonic Hall, progressive, Progressive Rock, review, Rob Townsend, Roger King, Steve Hackett | Leave a comment

Album review: SPARKS – Past Tense: The Best Of Sparks

Posted on November 12, 2019 by jason

BMG [Release date 08.11.19] For many people of a certain age Sparks are famed for the high vocals and scary looking bloke on the keyboards, yet there is so much more to their music aside from the big hits ‘This … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, best of, classic rock, dance, Franz Ferdinand, pop, quirky, review, rock, Ron Mael, Russell Mael, SPARKS, synth pop | Leave a comment

Gig review – HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 1, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 7 November 2019

Posted on November 11, 2019 by david.wilson

Day one proper of the HRH festivities found a change to the set up in the main arena following the awards ceremony. A VIP section had been placed directly in front of the main stage pushing back the main public barrier. This meant the vibe definitely changed from the previous day from one of frivolity and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 7th November 2019, Andy Taylor, Chic, Cloven Hoof, Day 1, Electric Mary, Gill Montgomery, Great Yarmouth, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, Killcode, Liberty Lies, Reef, Tequila Mockingbyrd, Thursday, Vauxhall Holiday Park | Leave a comment

News: CANCER ON THE ROCKS – charity gig at Bush Hall, London features Romeo’s Daughter, Piston and others (23/24 November 2019)

Posted on November 11, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

Cancer On The Rocks, a two day festival in aid of Macmillan and The Royal Marsden Hospital, takes place for the first time this year in London at Bush Hall, 23/24 November. The brainchild of Skyfire Records’ Rick Palin, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, NEWS | Tagged 23-24 November 2019, Bush Hall, Cancer On The Rocks, charity, classic rock, gig, hard rock, London, Never The Bride, Piston, Romeo's Daughter | Leave a comment

Gig review: MASON HILL/Keylock/Cormac Neeson – The Black Heart, Camden, London, 5 November 2019

Posted on November 10, 2019 by andynathan

While classic rock may no longer sit in the mainstream, the contemporary scene has continuously been improving and is now arguably at its healthiest for many years, helped by sympathetic radio stations and websites (or both in GRTR!’s case!) This … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Aaron Keylock, classic rock, Cormac Neeson, gig, James Bird, Jonnie Hodson, Keylock, Mason Hill, Scott Taylor, THE ANSWER | Leave a comment

Album review: SPARKS – Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins

Posted on November 10, 2019 by jason

BMG [Release date 01.11.19] ‘Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins’ originally came out in 1994 and came after a six year gap by Sparks since 1988’s ‘Interior Design’ album. The band were said to be on hiatus, something Ron Mael takes … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, Christo Haydon, dance, Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins, pop, quirky, review, Ron Mael, Russell Mael, SPARKS, synth pop, Techno | Leave a comment

Album review: INCOGNITO – Tomorrow’s New Dream

Posted on November 10, 2019 by jason

Absolute [Release date 08.11.19] While the name may not immediately trigger recognition, acid jazz group Incognito are a group that have a long association with the London club scene. Formed in 1979 by Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick and Paul “Tubbs” Williams, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged acid jazz, album, Incognito, jazz, Jocelyn Brown, melodic, Paul "Tubbs" Williams, Paul 'Bluey' Maunick, review, soul, Tomorrow’s New Dream | Leave a comment

Album review: MOLLY HATCHET – Battleground

Posted on November 10, 2019 by jason

SPV/Steamhammer [Release date 29.11.19] Formed in the early 70s by guitarists Steve Holland and Dave Hlubek, Molly Hatchet released their eponymous debut on Epic in 1978, and were at the forefront of the second wave of Southern Rock. Inspired by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Battleground, Bobby Ingram, classic rock, Danny Joe Brown, Dave Hlubek, live, Molly Hatchet, review, rock, southern rock | Leave a comment

Gig review: SARI SCHORR – Water Rats, London, 4 November 2019

Posted on November 9, 2019 by andynathan

2019 has been something of a breakthrough year for powerful blues rocker Sari Schorr. The New Yorker began the year with a prestigious Blues Week slot at the 100 Club then as a very well matched support for King King. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Ash Wilson, blues rock, gig, Jon Amor, Sari Schorr, Stevie Watts | Leave a comment

Album review: BUCK AND EVANS – Write A Better Day

Posted on November 9, 2019 by petefeenstra

Departure Records [Release date 15.11.19] Buck And Evans have called themselves a rock and soul band, but they also embrace a palpable West coast feel, especially so on Sally Ann Evans more introspective moments which recall Christine McVie. Then there’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, Bob Richards, Buck And Evans, Chris Buck, Christine McVie, Dominic Hill, Fleetwood Mac, funk, guitar, Lindsey Buckingham, psychedelia, review, rock, Sally Ann Evans, Stevie Nicks, vocal, West Coast, Write A Better Day | Leave a comment

Gig review: HRH AWARDS 2019 – Great Yarmouth, 6 November 2019

Posted on November 8, 2019 by david.wilson

For 13 years HRH has seen some of the finest bands and singers in the rock world grace its stages. This will be the third time that the HRH Awards have been held prior to the main event with a … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 6th November 2019, Chic, gig, Great Yarmouth, Hard Rock Hell, HRH, HRH Awards, Inglorious, Johnny Davies, Killcode, Liberty Lies, live, Massive Wagons, Mike Monroe, review, Spidervayne, The Quireboys, Toby Jepson, Twister, Wayward Sons | Leave a comment

Quick plays: WILDWOOD KIN, PAMELA SUE MANN, CATTLE & CANE, CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND

Posted on November 8, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

WILDWOOD KIN Wildwood Kin Silvertone/Sony [Release date 04.10.19] Alt-folkies Wildwood Kin – sisters Beth and Emillie Key, and cousin Meghann Loney follow up their 2017 debut (Turning Tides) with an altogether more ‘grown up’ sounding sophomore self-titled release. Majoring on … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, alternative, Americana, Break, Cattle & Cane, Christopher Holland, electronica, folk, Golden Hour, Navigator, Pamela Sue Mann, pop, review, Rundown, Scratches, singer, songwritrer, Wildwood Kin | Leave a comment

Album review: KRIS BARRAS – Light It Up

Posted on November 7, 2019 by petefeenstra

Provogue Records [Release date 13.09.19] Kris Barras is a contemporary rock-blues hero for the new generation. He’s got the chops, the back story, a booming voice, an eye for a good melody and a catchy chorus, topped by some coruscating … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, guitar, Josiah J. Manning, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kris Barras, Light It Up, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: KING OF HEARTS

Posted on November 6, 2019 by jason

MelodicRock Records [Release date 22.11.19] King Of Hearts are another band making a comeback many years after their first shot at musical stardom back in the late 80s. However, their label at the time didn’t release their debut album which … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Bruce Gaitsch, Chicago, CJ Vanston, Eagles, King Of Hearts, melodic rock, review, Timothy B. Schmit, Tommy Funderburk, Toto, West Coast | Leave a comment

Album review: RINGO STARR – What’s My Name

Posted on November 6, 2019 by jason

Universal Music Group [Release date 25.10.19] The world’s most famous drummer doesn’t need to keep bringing out new albums and could rest on his laurels and enjoy the fruits of his past labour but no, here is a man who … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, classic rock, Colin Hay, drummer, Edgar Winter, Joe Walsh, John Lennon, Paul McArtney, review, Ringo Starr, rock, Steve Lukather, The Beatles, The Eagles, Toto, What's My Name | Leave a comment

Album review: EMPYRE – Self Aware

Posted on November 5, 2019 by david.wilson

Self Release [release date 05.07.19] This is the debut album from Empyre who hail from Northampton. The band formed in 2016 and have had a run of high profile outings including featuring on ‘BBC Introducing’ and recording a session for the … Continue reading →