Tag Archives: classic rock

Album review: JAMIE’S GUNS – Sex, Drugs & Weapons of War

JAMIE'S GUNS – Sex, Drugs & Weapons of War

Facebook [Release date 04.01.22] This band was one of my lucky finds in 2021, when I spotted the debut self-titled album in the NWOCR Facebook group, and I have been sharing their music far and wide ever since, whilst eagerly … Continue reading

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Album review: BETH HART – A Tribute To Led Zeppelin

BETH HART – A Tribute To Led Zeppelin

Provogue/Mascot Label Group [Release date 25.02.22] A brave move by Beth Hart to take on the musical catalogue of such an iconic band, some would argue the various covers of Led Zeppelin’s music has been done to excess already. However, … Continue reading

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Album review: URIAH HEEP – vinyl picture discs

URIAH HEEP - …Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble

…Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble, Salisbury, Demons And Wizards, The Magician’s Birthday BMG [Release date 28.01.22] Led by the ever present and ever grinning guitarist Mick Box (the sole remaining founding member), Uriah Heep are iconic legends in British progressive rock. … Continue reading

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Album review: SAXON – Carpe Diem

SAXON - Carpe Diem

Silver Lining [Release date 04.02.22] Saxon, one of the world’s most consistent and reliable classic metal bands, a name synonymous with the New Wave Of British Heavy (NWoBHM); there were there at the start in the late 70s. Hits such … Continue reading

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Album review: SARAH PERROTTA – Blue To Gold

SARAH PERROTTA - Blue To Gold

7D Media/Third Star Records [Release date  15.10.21] Sarah Perrotta released her debut album – ‘Drink The Sky’ (2000) – with the band Outland Dreamer when 19 and it received rave reviews.  Since that time she has worked with Garth Hudson … Continue reading

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Gig review: THE DARKNESS – 02 Academy, Bristol, Tuesday 7 December 2021

Darkness1

Never have I seen a queue so big so early at the 02 Academy in Bristol, particularly on a school night – and this had nothing to do with the time taken to show covid status and get in, which … Continue reading

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Album review: ORLEANS – New Star Shining

ORLEANS - New Star Shining

Sunset Blvd Records [Release date 22.10.21] The 2021 Christmas offering from Orleans is something of a welcome surprise.  The band have existed in some shape or form since their glory days in the late 1970s on the Asylum label, although … Continue reading

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News: Albums of the Month (October 2021 – December 2021)

Albums of the Month (October-December 2021)

DEEP PURPLE Turning To Crime (earMUSIC) While the production is big, solid and bright, there’s also a live-in-the-studio feel, like it was recorded quickly and spontaneously. Listen with open ears and the album shows the band on great form, and … Continue reading

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Gig review: BAD TOUCH – O2 Islington Academy, London, 2 December 2021

Gig review: BAD TOUCH – O2 Islington Academy, London, 2 December 2021

The gig was in the upstairs portion of Academy, which is more intimate than the main ground floor venue and provided for a vibrant, enthusiastic atmosphere. Something Piston appeared to thrive on. Their short, powerful set was packed with crowd … Continue reading

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Book review: On Track…ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA by Barry Delve

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA by Barry Delve

Sonicbond Publishing [Publication date 03.12.21] After a highly readable book on Queen a couple of years ago Sonicbond now publish a book based on my other all-time favourite band the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Wisely Barry Delve focusses solely on … Continue reading

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News: The Best of 2021 – Get Ready to ROCK! reviewers choose their Top Albums of the Year

The Best of 2021

2021 has been another horrendous year for live music,  largely silenced by the coronavirus pandemic. In August, live events in the UK started cautiously with several festivals and, with restrictions lifting for smaller venues, some semblance of live music returned … Continue reading

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Album review: DEEP PURPLE – Turning To Crime

DEEP PURPLE - Turning To Crime

earMusic [Release date 26.11.21] The rock legends’ 22nd studio album and it comes only a year after the critically acclaimed Whoosh (one of the band’s best albums in their 50+ years). Clearly at a loose end or two during the … Continue reading

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Gig review: WISHBONE ASH – Islington Academy, London, 18 November 2021

WISHBONE ASH- Islington Academy, London, 18 November 2021

Sitting out live action during the pandemic must have been particularly galling for Wishbone Ash who always keep up a punishing live schedule. So there was a relief for both band and audience seeing them back in their familiar habitat … Continue reading

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Quick plays: BREMER McCOY, L.SHANKAR, PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE, FREEDOM TO ROAM

BREMER McCOY Natten

BREMER McCOY Natten Luaka Bop [Release date 29.10.21] We all need some chill-out music, perhaps the more so as we enter the festive season.  A perfect antidote (and respite from socks, Scotch and smellies) could be found in the hands … Continue reading

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Gig review: HARD ROCK HELL XIV, Great Yarmouth, 4-6 November 2021

Bastette - HARD ROCK HELL XIV, Great Yarmouth

37 bands – 2 stages Friday 5 November This festival is a new experience for me and what an utterly joyous experience it was too from the get go, arrival was smooth, the venue is really easy to navigate round, … Continue reading

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Upcoming: UK Rock and Music FESTIVALS in 2022

Bearded Theory Festival

Compiled by Jason Ritchie Events may be subject to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions or cancellations. Please check artist and venue websites for latest information. Your festival not listed? Contact us! 2022 Tour Dates (UK and Ireland) 2022 Tour Dates (Europe, USA, … Continue reading

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Album review: SANTANA – Blessings and Miracles

SANTANA – Blessings and Miracles

BMG [Release date 15.10.21] To gain insight into how Santana is well respected in the music industry, one need only take a quick glance at the varied list of collaborators he’s assembled on his new album. From his early 70s … Continue reading

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Book review: BEAST – JOHN BONHAM & THE RISE OF LED ZEPPELIN by CM Kuskins

BEAST – JOHN BONHAM & THE RISE OF LED ZEPPELIN by CM Kuskins

  Hachette [Publication date 30.09.21] John Bonham had drumming in his blood it seems, having first learned to play the drums at the age of five. Despite never taking formal lessons, he began drumming for local bands immediately after leaving … Continue reading

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Album review: MOUNTAIN – Live In The 70s

MOUNTAIN - Live In The 70s

Voiceprint [Release date 12.11.21] Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Leslie West, Mountain formed in New York in 1969, taking their name from the former Vagrants West’s first solo album, and their classic line-up saw West joined by bassist Felix Pappalardi, … Continue reading

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Album review: EMERSON LAKE & PALMER – Out Of This World: Live (1970-1997)

EMERSON & LAKE PALMER - Out Of This World Live 1970-1997

BMG [Release date 29.10.21] Prog legends Emerson Lake & Palmer (ELP) were one of the early super groups (formed from the roots of The Nice, King Crimson and Atomic Rooster in 1970) and cemented their legacy in the first half … Continue reading

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Gig review: PRAYING MANTIS – Arlington Arts Centre, Snelsmore, 7 October 2021

pm4

A mere 581 days since I last attended an indoor concert – Jon Boden in Didcot back in March 2020. Since then live music as we know has been decimated with the fall out from the pandemic, however, you can’t … Continue reading

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Album review: THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS – Can We Get A Witness

THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS – Can We Get A Witness

Mascot Records [Release date 15.10.21] The Georgia Thunderbolts hail from Rome, Georgia, and comprise vocalist TJ Lyle, Riley Couzzourt (guitar), Logan Tolbert (guitar), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals, keys), and Bristol Perry (drums). They have already put out a well-received … Continue reading

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EP review: BILLY IDOL – The Roadside EP

BILLY IDOL - The Roadside EP

Dark Horse Records [Release date 17.09.21] Billy Idol has recently released “The Roadside EP”, his first new material since 2014’s “Kings & Queens of The Underground”, and what a welcome return it is. The EP was produced by Butch Walker … Continue reading

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EP review: NAKED SUNDAY – Skeleton Keys

NAKED SUNDAY - Skeleton Keys

Facebook  [Release date 03.09.21] Naked Sunday are a hard rock, 4 piece band from Stafford, they are the epitome of what we define as the new wave of classic rock genre in my humble opinion. The vocals, lyrics and heavy … Continue reading

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News: Albums of the Month (July 2021 – September 2021)

Albums of the Month (July-September 2021)

EDGE OF PARADISE The Universe (Frontiers) It’s passionate, articulate symphonic metal, occasionally conducting lightning raids onto hard rock terrain… ****1/2 Review by Brian McGowan AMANDA LEHMANN Innocence And Illusion (indie) Lehmann is not afraid to explore different moods on this … Continue reading

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