Tag Archives: Islington Academy

Gig review: WISHBONE ASH – Islington Academy, London, 5 October 2023

Posted on October 12, 2023 by andynathan

Wishbone Ash’s autumn tour with its London date at the Islington Academy has been a fixture on the gig calendar for many years, and more often than not these days seems to mark a significant milestone. I was one of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 5 October 2023, Andy Powell, Bob Skeat, gig, Islington Academy, Live Dates, London, Mark Abrahams, Mike Truscott, Wishbone Ash | Leave a comment

Gig review: WISHBONE ASH – Islington Academy, London, 21 October 2022

Posted on October 31, 2022 by andynathan

Classic rock’s golden age is now giving us half century celebrations of bands and landmark albums. One such – indeed my all time favourite album – is Wishbone Ash’s ‘Argus’, which was voted album of the year by Melody Maker … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 21 October 2022, Andy Powell, Argus, Bob Skeat, classic rock, gig, Islington Academy, London, Mark Abrahams, Mike Truscott, twin guitars, Wishbone Ash | Leave a comment

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

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Davoski

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 →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 2 December 2021, Bad Touch, classic rock, gig, Islington Academy, live, Piston, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: ROSE TATTOO & GIRLSCHOOL – 02 Islington Academy, London, 13 September 2018

Posted on September 16, 2018 by jason

Girlschool - HARD ROCK HELL, Pwllheli, 15 November 2014

Rose Tattoo’s first appearance in London in far-too-many years and it was hotly anticipated. And for those not familiar with the Aussie rock band, led by the short in stature but no way in attitude Angry Anderson, they formed in … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Angry Anderson, gig, GIRLSCHOOL, Islington Academy, Kim McAuliffe, live, London, metal, NWOBHM, punk, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, Rose Tattoo | Leave a comment

Gig review: JIMMY BARNES – Islington Academy, London, 13 December 2017

Posted on December 29, 2017 by andynathan

The unofficial title of the World’s Greatest Living Australian is up for grabs at the moment. Don Bradman departed a few years back to the great pavilion in the sky, where more recently Richie Benaud has delivered a laconic ‘morning … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 13 December, Aussie, Australian rock, blues rock, classic rock, Cold Chisel, Danny Spencer, gig, Islington Academy, Jimmy Barnes, London, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: H.E.A.T. – Islington Academy, London, 21 November 2017

Posted on November 28, 2017 by andynathan

H.E.A.T.’s return to the stage, hot on the heels of their long delayed, controversial but in my view excellent ‘Into The Great Unknown’ album, was eagerly anticipated. However November is a notoriously crowded month in the gig calendar, which this … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 21 November 2017, Black Diamonds, Crash, Dave Dalone, Degreed, Erik Gronwall, gig, H.E.A.T., Islington Academy, Jona Tee, London, melodic rock, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: LYNCH MOB – Islington Academy, London, 12 November 2017

Posted on November 19, 2017 by andynathan

A very rare appearance from former Dokken guitar maestro George Lynch – and the first with his band Lynch Mob in the capital since 1990 – should have been the hottest ticket in London town. It was therefore something of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 12 November 2017, Dokken, George Lynch, gig, Islington Academy, Jody Turner, Lynch Mob, Oni Logan, review, Rock Goddess, The Wild Lies | Leave a comment

Gig review: INGLORIOUS – Islington Academy, London, 19 May 2017

Posted on May 21, 2017 by david.wilson

Inglorious’ star is rising nicely – little over a year after their debut album had them voted best newcomers in many end of year polls, and after a series of high profile touring opportunities, they have swiftly followed up with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 19 May 2017, Andreas Eriksson, Deep Purple, Dio, Drew Lowe, gig, Gypsy Heart, hard rock, Heather Leoni, Inglorious, Islington Academy, live, London, Mason Hill, melodic, Nathan James, Rainbow, review, Scott Taylor, Whitesnake | Leave a comment

Gig review: SNAKECHARMER – Islington Academy, London,14 May 2017

Posted on May 18, 2017 by david.wilson

Progressively Snakecharmer are leaving behind their origins, celebrating old-school Whitesnake, in the same way Black Star Riders are laying aside the ghost of Thin Lizzy. Four years after the release of their excellent self-titled and self-penned album, this was my … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 14 May 2017, Adam Wakeman, blues rock, Chris Ousey, classic rock, gig, Harry James, Islington Academy, Knock Out Kaine, London, Neil Murray, Rebecca Downes, Simon McBride, Snakecharmer, Thunder, Whitesnake | Leave a comment

Gig review: L.A. GUNS – The Islington Academy, London, 25 March 2017

Posted on March 28, 2017 by jason

Having recently reunited after a ten year break, L.A. Guns vocalist Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns have just finished a UK tour which found the still popular band rolling back the years and sounding as good, and fresh, as they … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged gig, glam, Islington Academy, L.A. Guns, Phil Lewis, review, rock, sleaze, Tracii Gunns | Leave a comment

Gig review: VEGA – Islington Academy, London, 30 May 2016

Posted on June 2, 2016 by david.wilson

Midway through a successful tour supporting Magnum, UK melodic rock hopefuls Vega slipped in a headline show of their own at the smaller of Islington Academy’s two halls. Judging from easily the biggest crowd for a headline London show yet, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 30 May 2016, AOR, gig, Islington Academy, London, melodic rock, review, Vega | Leave a comment

Gig review: GAMMA RAY – Islington Academy, London, 8 December 2015

Posted on December 9, 2015 by jason

Neonfly - The Tivoli, Buckley, 20 April 2014

I missed the opening couple of numbers by Neonfly, however I did catch ‘The Revenant’ the third song in their set. They were very lively as ever on stage with vocalist Willy Norton a livewire singing, jumping around and getting … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 8 December 2015, Gamma Ray, gig, Islington Academy, London, Neonfly, power metal, review, Serious Black | Leave a comment

Gig review: SNAKECHARMER – Islington Academy, 13 November 2015

Posted on November 23, 2015 by andynathan

None of us knew it at the time, but Snakecharmer’s winter tour, including this London date, proved to be Micky Moody’s farewell to the band, leaving them in a state of flux. On the night however it was a night … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Bad Touch, blues rock, Chris Ousey, gig, hard rock, Harry James, Islington Academy, Laurie Wisefield, Micky Moody, Neil Murray, review, Snakecharmer, Thunder, Whitesnake | Leave a comment

Gig review: KING KING – Islington Academy, London, 11 November 2015

Posted on November 13, 2015 by david.wilson

It takes time to be an overnight sensation but King King, and singer guitarist Alan Nimmo in particular, have enjoyed a spectacular rise to fame recently. Having paid his dues for a long time with the Nimmo Brothers and now … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 11 November 2015, Alan Nimmo, Ben Poole, blues, blues rock, gig, Islington Academy, King King, London, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: POWERWOLF – Islington Academy, London, 9 September 2015

Posted on September 10, 2015 by jason

A triple metal bill in midweek, what a nice treat. Did feel sorry for openers Xandria as they were on stage at seven not long after the doors had opened. They are not really my cup of tea with the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged 9th September 2015, gig review, Islington Academy, metal, Orden Ogan, power metal, powerwolf, rock, Xandria | Leave a comment

Gig review: BLUES PILLS – Islington Academy, London, 22 April 2015

Posted on May 15, 2015 by GRTR! HQ

The latest in the seemingly endless line of classic rock revivalists, a big buzz has emerged around Blues Pills. In their short career they have topped many end of year polls, including being GRTR!’s own tip for 2015. Then on … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 22 April 2015, Blues Pills, blues rock, gig, Islington Academy, London, Psychedelic Rock, review, rock | Leave a comment

Gig review: KAMELOT – O2 Islington Academy, London, 14 March 2015

Posted on March 28, 2015 by Yiannis

KAMELOT – O2 Academy Islington, London, 14 March 2015

Support Acts: Gus G, Skarlett Riot. Four years ago, Progressive/Symphonic Power Metallers Kamelot witnessed the departure from their ranks of Roy Khan – their charismatic and imposing frontman who, during his fourteen year tenure with the band, helped bring to … Continue reading →

Posted in GIG REVIEWS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Gig reviews | Tagged 14 March 2015, gig, Gus G, Islington Academy, Kamelot, London, metal, O2, power metal, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: NIGHT RANGER – Islington Academy, 12 March 2015

Posted on March 14, 2015 by jason

Once something of a holy grail for UK rock fans, Night Ranger visits are now regular on these shores – well London anyway. This was their third trip since 2011 but the band’s stock is high at the moment, last … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 12 March 2015, Brad Gillis, gig, hard rock, Islington Academy, Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy, Kerri Kelli, London, melodic, Night Ranger, review | Comments Off

Gig review: WINGER – Islington Academy, London, 21 June 2014

Posted on June 30, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

It’s been four years since Winger last toured the UK, playing this very same venue, but in the intervening years Kip Winger’s solo shows have intensified the loyalty of their following here, and the Academy was pretty full for the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 21 June 2014, Black Wolf, gig, hard rock, Islington Academy, Jettblack, Kip Winger, London, melodic, Reb Beach, review, Winger | Leave a comment

Gig Review- TESLA – Islington Academy, London, 12 June 2014

Posted on June 28, 2014 by andynathan

Tesla’s UK tour in support of their excellent new album Simplicity was a blink and you miss it affair, this first London date preceding an appearance at Download the following day. But, blending old and new, it was a timely … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 12 June 2014, gig, hard rock, Islington Academy, London, melodic, review, Tesla | Comments Off

Gig review – RICHIE SAMBORA – Islington Academy, London, 13 June 2014

Posted on June 17, 2014 by david.wilson

‘He walked in to the party like he was walking on to a yacht’, so the song goes. Richie Sambora strutted on to the stage dressed in a smart white jacket and ripped jeans to be greeted by enthusiastic screams … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 13 June 2014, Bon Jovi, gig, Islington Academy, live, London, metal, Orianthi, review, Richie Sambora, rock | 1 Comment

Gig review: JAKE E LEE’S RED DRAGON CARTEL – Islington Academy, 6 June 2014

Posted on June 10, 2014 by jason

Red Dragon Cartel performed a stunning set in London on Friday night to mark a remarkable return to form for guitar hero Jake E. Lee. The legendary riff-master, best known for providing Ozzy Osbourne with some of his finest 80’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 6 June 2014, Badlands, Islington Academy, Jake E Lee, Jake E Lee's Red Dragon Cartel, Ozzy Osbourne, Ray Gillen | Leave a comment

Gig Review: VANDENBERG’S MOONKINGS – Islington Academy, London 24 April 2014

Posted on April 28, 2014 by andynathan

For a man with such a pedigree, both with his own band and spending longer as David Coverdale’s right hand man in Whitesnake than anyone else, Adrian Vandenberg’s profile has been surprisingly low for a number of years. However the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 24 April 2014, Adrian Vandenberg, gig, hard rock, Islington Academy, London, melodic, review, Vandenberg's Moonkings, Whitesnake | Comments Off

Gig Review: QUEENSRYCHE – Islington Academy, 12 October 2013

Posted on October 14, 2013 by jason

Queensryche are the benchmark against which any progressive metal band must measure themselves. But they’ve had troubled times. Recent albums have sold poorly and last year, front man Geoff Tate was unceremoniously dumped after a back stage bust up. Tate … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Crimson Glory, gig, hard rock, Islington Academy, metal, prog metal, progressive, Queensryche, review, Todd La Torre | Leave a comment

Gig review: LAST IN LINE – Islington Academy, 1 August 2013

Posted on August 12, 2013 by jason

LAST IN LINE + SWEET SAVAGE + DENDERA A two thirds full Islington Academy to see the surviving members of the classic Dio line-up from the early/mid-80’s, no mean feat as August is never a great month for gigs outside … Continue reading →