Brief Update for Monday October 24th, 2011

Hi folks, well, it was a cool family weekend, kicking back with the kids although our boy has gone and picked up a wicked cough / cold thing, that gives him crap every night right now. 

Still, hope you all had good weekends?

Firefest is behind everyone now and I've heard many good things about so many of the acts performances, unfortunately I wasn't there to review it and nor did I have someone to report on it for me. Shame. Ah well ...

Without further ado, here's the updates I have for you.

Hope you have a good week folks, Cheers, Al

BEGGARS & THIEVES keep their comeback promise with their new album “We Are the Brokenhearted”

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the anticipated new BEGGARS & THIEVES album entitled 'We Are the Brokenhearted' on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe.

Beggars & Thieves debuted on Atlantic Records in 1990 with their self-titled album, a record that was critically acclaimed with the first single appearing in the top 40 Billboard Magazine Album Rock Charts and being added to rotation on over 100 Parallel One AOR radio stations. The change of musical climate, and the advent of grunge, halted the band’s rise to the stardom when their new label Epic Records decided not to release Beggars & Thieves second studio album “Look What You Create”, written and produced in collaboration with Jim Vallance (Aerosmith, Bryan Adams, The Scorpions, Heart, etc.).

In the late 90’s Beggars & Thieves finally independently released “Look What You Create” followed by “The Grey Album” in 1999, before going into hibernation until 2004 when the founding members - singer Louie Merlino and guitarist Ronnie Mancuso - started to play again in the Sin City All-Star’s with guitarist, Brent Muscat (Faster Pussycat) and drummer, Lez Warner (The Cult), opening shows for Tesla, Vince Neil, Ratt, Slaughter, and Skid Row.

“That and the amazing internet support from the European Melodic Rock community pretty much set the stage for reforming Beggars” recalls Ronnie.
Indeed one of the highlights during the last five years was Beggars & Thieves participation at Firefest 2010 in Nottingham, UK. “I don’t think we realized that our music meant so much to so many people. The first time we played Firefest and everybody was singing the lyrics, it just blew Louie and me away” continues Mancuso. “Right from the start we had offers to do another album, but it wasn’t until I partnered up with producer/engineer Kevin Churko while he was producing Ozzy, that I knew by combining our studios and his engineering and mixing skills, we could make an album that competed on the level of anything being released at the time”.

The resulting new album 'We Are The Brokenhearted' promises to firmly position the band on the map for all Hard Rock fans worldwide. In Merlino’s words: "We wanted to make a Pink Floyd 'Dark Side of the Moon' or a U2 'Joshua Tree' and that is a huge commitment. I’m not saying we achieved it. But that was the level of passion and effort that was put into making 'We Are The Brokenhearted.'

I think the new songs show our potential to be a truly classic band and we both feel strongly that this is the best work we have ever done. We just hope people get the chance and take the time to really listen and absorb this as an album: This is an album designed to be listened to as a whole entity, not in shuffle mode on an iPod." 

'We Are The Brokenhearted' proves that great music is timeless. It’s as fresh as it is familiar. Merlino continues: “This isn’t just some guys trying to have a little fun reliving the past. We got a good ten years left, we aren’t messing around, we are deadly serious. We want to compete with the big boys” and with the quality of this album they just might get their chance!

 'We Are the Brokenhearted' includes the following tracks: We Come Undone; Oil & Water; Innocence; Never Gonna See You Again; Beautiful Losers; Seven Seconds; Stranded; Wash Away; Midnight Blue; We Are The Brokenhearted

The first single 'We Come Undone' can be exclusively listened in full streaming on the Frontiers Records web radio. Tune in at www.frontiers.it/webradio
Weblinks:

www.beggarsnthieves.com

www.frontiers.it

Frontiers Records presents

Mecca - Undeniable

 Euro Release date: November 4th, 2011
USA Release date: January 10th, 2012

Six years in the making “Undeniable” is the culmination of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Rewind to 2002: the Melodic Rock community is taken by storm by the debut album of a new band named Mecca. Formed by vocalist Joe Vana, he enlisted, among others, the services of former Toto members David Hungate (bass) and Fergie Frederiksen on vocals and close friend and former Survivor founding member Jim Peterik, who contributed masterfully to the songwriting and production of the album.

“Mecca” created a sonic treasure bringing the energy to drive diamond hard rockers and the finesse to create lush power ballads, all with the texture that, until now, only super-groups such as Journey, Toto or Foreigner could provide. Amazing press responses blessed the album’s release and Joe Vana soon started putting together plans for a follow up album.

Songwriting started in 2005 between Vana and Swedish guitarist Christian Wolff. In 2007 things really took a ground breaking turn with the songwriting masterpieces that Vana wrote with Swedish Producer/Song Writer/Guitarist Tommy Denander. According to Vana “The writing synergy between Tommy and I has been amazing, we think so much alike in terms of melody and space but sounds very different melodically than what we both have done separately, so it truly is a union of ideas...”. The musical direction soon showed that new heights in Melodic Rock music could be reached.

Several problems created bumps in the road, including the death of Vana's longtime friend and co-producer / engineer Bryan Mitchell which made the completion of the recording process extremely slow. Vana continued charging forward, enlisting the talents of session masters such as Pat Mastellotto (King Crimson, Mr Mister), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), along with Denander and Wolff. His core band was also created around Rick Vitek on drums, Brian Moritz on keyboards, Wally Hustin on bass, Eric Ragno on keyboards, Mark Alano on guitar and Joe’s ace in the hole....his son Joey on guitars and backing vocals.

Fast forward to 2011. Mecca II “Undeniable” is finally completed and delivered. The results are breathtaking. An album which perfectly melts the outstanding High-Tech AOR approach of Mr. Mister’s “Welcome to the Real World” to the commercial sheer brilliance of Toto’s “The Seventh One”. Oh and... the good news is that Mecca III is underway!

If Mecca I was born to unveil the treasures of the Melodic Rock genre to the unsuspecting public, then Mecca II “Undeniable” sets in stone the gospel of this music with stunning arrangements and unbelievable melodies. Mecca is now here to stay....get converted to their music!!!

MECCA is:

 Joe Vana: Vocals
Joey Vana: Guitars
Brian Moritz: Keyboards
Paul Pisciotto: Synthesizers
Wally Hustin: Bass
Rick Vitek: Drums
Mark Alano: Guitars

Weblinks:

http://www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

Brief notes:

Alice Cooper - Live show recordings

Alice Cooper is excited to announce that he will be teaming up with concert live to produce instant live recordings of his gigs in Birmingham, London and Lille.

For your chance to pre-order one of these exclusive recordings check out: https://www.concertlive.co.uk/product.php?id=119

Official artist website:

http://alicecooper.com/

Iron Maiden new book details

John McMurtrie's photographic hardback of life on the road with Iron Maiden, 'On Board Flight 666' has just been published by Orion and is now available from all good UK bookshops.

FYI - The publishers are still working on overseas deals, so if you want to get hold of a copy of this gorgeous book now, we recommend you buy it from Amazon (who will ship internationally) or Play (who ship to Europe).

To celebrate the release of 'On Board Flight 666' we're giving away an exclusive Ed Force One print signed by John McMurtrie, a signed copy of the book and an Iron Maiden goody bag. Just go to www.ironmaiden.com/onboardflight666 to enter!

Yes, Scorpions are coming around again in 2012!

This message from The Scorpions over at their website:

Dear Fans,

the incredible success of our farewell tour is the high octane fuel driving the upcoming "Final Sting Tour" 2012, which takes us around the globe (Europe / USA / Canada / Latin America / Asia). Thanks for all the emotional moments.
We’re currently surfing on a wave of euphoria triggered by your enthusiasm at every concert, wherever we play.
Our label, Sony Music, supports this tour with different projects and so there is not only "Scorpions Live in 3D" which appeared these days at Media Markt, but also "Comeblack" a new CD with some of our Classics with the sound of the 21st century and songs from legendary bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones that have inspired us.         

The album will be released on November 4th.

Then we’ll be back on the road looking forward to seeing you

Rock on... Your Scorpions

Also don't forget to lookout for 'Get Your Sting and Blackout Live 2011' on CD and Blu-ray 3D.

Apparently it should be available right now!

Why no DVD ..., beats me!?!

Official site:

http://www.the-scorpions.com/english/

Swedish sleaze rockers CrashDiet announce brief US Tour dates

Frontiers records signing, sleaze rockers from Sweden, Crash Diet whose album earlier this year 'Generation Wild' surprised many. - Check it out, I thought it was well worth a listen!

Live dates at this time are:

Nov 10, CrashDiet BBQ Dinner/ West Hollywood
Nov 11, Garden Grove/The Can, CA
Nov 12, Hollywood/Key Club, CA
Nov 13, Fresno/The Starline, CA
Nov 16, Tempe, Club Red, AZNov 17, Las Vegas, Vamp´d, NV

Weblink:

http://www.crashdiet.org/

Late Update for Thursday October 20th, 2011

 *** Firefest Festival 2011 ***

 

Focus on: Firefest 2011

Location: Rock City - Nottingham, England.

When: Fri. 21st - Sun. 23rd October (This weekend)

 

Sorry folks, I'm holding off on the news today - To be honest, there's not that much to share that's really that exciting ... - as I also wanted to share a little something with you all about a special event happening this weekend, that has become an annual pilgrimage if you will, for melodic rock fans the world over.

Yes indeed, this coming weekend is Firefest 2011, a melodic rock event that is annually put together BY rock fans, FOR rock fans and each subsequent year, I see and hear that more and more rock fans want to be a part of it.

So, why is it so special?

Put simply, two rock fans that know a few people in the industry - Obviously! - decided to try and put something unique together that has clearly succeeded, as the event is now in it's eigth year.

The likes of melodic rock, AOR, call it what you will has often been criticized, picked on for either being just too slick or just not hard rocking enough, sometimes, too wimpy even for some.

The special and magical thing about Firefest, is that every year these two guys usually manage to persuade a band or artist, into reforming sometimes for a one off occasion, but often these acts decide to stick it out together and make new music, both Kieran Dargan and Bruce Mee deserve huge praise for what they do, they really do. Take a bow gents!

They also often manage to line up acts that are generally known as 'studio projects' for labels such as Frontiers, Escape Music, AOR Heaven, etc, to play out live sometimes for the very first time, so once again, you can see the draw of the Firefest event.

This year's event sees a reformed - in 2010 - Coney Hatch playing a rare European date in the special guest spot on Sunday.

The Canadian band that features frontman / guitarist / vocalist Carl Dixon who was almost killed in 2008 in a terrible car accident in Australia.

Coney Hatch released three very good albums indeed, especially the excellent second and third albums 'Outa Hand' and 'Friction.' The self titled first one, never really grabbed me like the other two, but there's still good material there nonetheless.

Anyway, I'm sure these Canadian rockers will impress the Firefest audience, I personally think that they always deserved more.
On Sunday night Unruly Child will be the headline act ...

US rockers Warrant were due to headline on Saturday night, but controversially pulled out a mere five weeks before the event, so former Journey - For ten years! - and Tall Stories frontman Steve Augeri and his band have stepped up to the mark, from being special guest they've moved up to headline spot on Saturday night.

Augeri recorded three studio albums or maybe that should be two and a half, when you reconsider the 'Red 13' EP, 'Arrival' and 'Generations' as well as an excellent live DVD.
Steve Augeri has already promised that fans will not be disappointed by the show they will perform on Saturday night. Journey fans, be prepared!

Former Survivor lead vocalist Jimi Jamison, has just released the special album, 'Kimball / Jamison' along with former Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball. Last year at Firefest on the Sunday night, Jimi Jamison apparently turned in an excellent performance in the special guest spot to headliners Nelson, many said he stole the day. Well, that perfomance earned the man a return to Firefest as Friday night headliner. Have fun Jimi!

As well as Jimi Jamison last year, many AOR fans were extremely impressed by the performance of the reunited - Yes, originally just for 2010's Firefest. - UK AOR dream machine, Strangeways.
Well, they also got asked to come back again this year and will play as special guests to Steve Augeri on Saturday.
A new Strangeways album was hoped to be released at Firefest ... Have your wallets / purses ready lads and lasses!

With Warrant pulling out on the Saturday, Firefest need another act to be brought in for the Saturday and Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Talisman, Journey), Robert Sall (Work of Art) and Eric Martenson (Eclipse), who are known jointly as W.E.T. agreed to step in to bail the Firefest team out.
W.E.T. will play just before Strangeways.
Good job guys!

Fans of AOR guitar hero's will no doubt be well pleased to see Jeff Paris and Mitch Malloy on the bill this year too, Jeff Paris has been away from AOR for far too long, how about a new album eh mate?!
Jeff has recently been touring with Keb' Mo' (Kevin Moore), not to mention being part of Ringo Starr's 'Liverpool 8' touring band. Don't worry rock fans, I'm sure you'll hear some Jeff of old on Saturday night!
'Mitch Malloy 2' is released this month, so expect some newies from Mitch.


Another act that sadly had to step out from Firefest this year were Sunday's planned opening act, US rockers Farcry, who this year released the much praised 'Optimism,' album through Kivel Records.
Guitarist and founder member Pete Fry, was absolutely gutted to not have his band play this year, but when it was announced that Newman would step in for them, Pete and leading 'New'man (LOL!) guy, Steve Newman - Good friends - it was agreed that since Pete had already booked his own plane ticket for England (To just attend Firefest as a fan) - I believe - before he even knew Farcry were going to be asked to play, that Newman with Pete, would include a Farcry number in their set.
Can't be bad, eh?!
Newman seem to go from strength to strength in recent years, having got on the festival circuit a few years back now, in 2009 they went down a storm at Z Rock festival, that John Waite headlined, played at Firefest last year too, that was so well received a live album 'Another Step Closer - Live at Firefest 2010' will be available at the event. Newman earlier this year also released their excellent studio album, 'Under Southern Skies.'


Firefest will also feature, the excellent Terry Brock - Yes, double dipping! - playing a solo set on Friday before hooking up with his bandmates Strangeways on Saturday, not to mention the slick Vega currently working on album number two, playing on Saturday as well as U.S. rockers Silent Rage and Talon to complete Saturdays bill.

Newer acts, the quite recently popular Houston and Serpentine wrap up the Friday night bill, with Kane Roberts, Alien and the much recently praised White Widdow, who hail from Australia being the other acts completing Sundays bill.

Firefest is an event, that I frequently hear from so many people, is such a fun event and it seems to pull in around at least 500 or 600 returning fans each year, so that speaks volumes for the festival.
I one day sincerely hope I can make it to the show, as it certainly seems to be THE melodic rock / AOR event of every year.

If you're going, I'm sure you'll have fun, if you hadn't already planned on going and you love AOR / Melodic rock and you're not that far away from Nottingham, get yourself along there, you're sure to enjoy it!

Rock on Firefest, long may you continue!

Official event website:
 http://www.thefirefest.com

  

  

Work of Art – In Progress album review

Work of Art – 'In Progress' album review

Released on: Frontiers records. Release date: Available now.

Work of Art have released an absolute gem here with 'In Progress,' no question! There I’ve said it and to be honest I could leave it there but since so many people don’t even know who this band are – Shame on you! – I’d better get on with the review!

I almost want to say it’s like the best album Toto never made!

Opening track ‘(Here Comes) The Rain’ is seriously a monster slice of melodic rock bliss capturing almost every best rock hook there’s ever been, heavily influenced with say a perfect Toto meets Journey sound. It’s fantastic, racy stuff and this whole album is one I cannot stop playing. Nice clean crisp vocals from Lars Safsund, loads of melodies all over, courtesy of the genius that is Robert Sall on Keyboards and guitars. Herman Furin on drums completes the lineup.  Great stuff indeed.

The Toto influence, with all the commercialism – Sorry but it’s true and sounds just great! - is all too present again on ‘Nature of the Game,’ which simply oozes class. It’s a tasteful up tempo number.

‘Once Again’ next is a big power ballad with some edge still present, but it’s really not like the softly, softly ballad as the power chords are still present, just restrained but lush multilayered keyboards all over and a synth solo too, nice one guys.

In ‘Never Love Again,’ the band manages to captures a great blend of Journey meets Toto, it’s killer hook laden mid  to up paced AOR gem, from the intro and it really just get gets better and better.

Tasty Neal Schon like guitar solo too!

‘Eye of the Storm’ leads you to believe it’s a much darker number from its intro, but before too long the melodies simply just ooze throughout.

The pure magical blend of guitars and keyboards really blows me away, how do they do it, especially with such perfect vocal lines? Excellent and just simply smooth and there’s another of those classy synth lead breaks again.

Oh boy … Hold on a minute, is this Journey .., oh no there’s the smooth, non-Steve Perry voice of Lars Safsund again!

‘Until You Believe’ is just once more, pure magical AOR and now it’s guitar solo bliss. Nice one!

‘The Great Fall’ starts with some huge, eerie like keyboards, dark guitars and then here comes the familiar synth and harmonic guitar wail, before another smoothly written melodic gem, that contains a very slick guitar solo once again. This album really just repeats and echoes class

Seriously, these guys can do no wrong and the pop rocker like ‘Call On Me’ just continues the river of melody.

The intro groove to ‘Emelie’ really throws me, as it comes in a little offbeat and then ‘bingo!’ Yes, pure AOR magic!

The guitar work at times throughout often nods at Toto’s Steve Lukather and ‘Emelie’ really does just that, nice!

‘Fall Down’ is led by piano from the start which switches things around some, but once more the echoes of Toto inspiration are very clear here.

If you think of all the very best melodic hooks and killers vocals that Toto have provided over the years, post Bobby Kimball - I do still love Bobby Kimballs work though, so don't take that the wrong way! - then you’ll be somewhere close.

I love all of Toto’s work and this album from Work of Art really captures everything that Toto do best. How I wish I could see these guys live, it would be killer I’m certain!

Changing things up again is ‘Castaway’ which is an acoustic driven track, backed with a little Hammond organ faintly in the background and then, wham! Into the big old AOR groove and then there’s a little dirty edge about a third of the way in, that dare I say has an almost Van Halen feel about it and then it back to the pre-chorus and chorus that is pure AOR. Then the song gets into a heavier riff and bridge, before getting back to the melody.

Album closer – No! Don’t let this end, it’s sooo good! – is ‘One Step Away,’ which has an almost jazzy vibe initially to it. Something that …, yes, Toto would most certainly love to throw in. Oh boy, here comes the big old chorus that takes the AOR hook line direction. It’s just smooth, what else can I tell you?!

AOR at its absolute best, that’s what this album is all about without doubt. If you love the big hook lines that both Toto and Journey constantly provide, as well as the completely perfect blend of keyboards and guitars and an incredibly smooth vocal performance, then look no further. This album has it all!

Don’t be expecting a hard rocking album here although the guitar solos have some great moments, this is quite simply AOR, melodic rock bliss!

 Rating: 5 out of 5

 Official band site:

http://www.myspace.com/musicofworkofart

Saxon live at Blondies, Detroit – Gig review

Saxon live at Blondies, Detroit – Gig review

'Call to Arms Tour' – Show date: Oct. 9^th, 2011

Blondies Nightclub, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Alun Williams 

So here we go as we venture into deepest Detroit, to find a venue I’ve never been to before that a few people have said to me, ‘I wouldn’t go there if I were you!’

Well, I do go there with an old mate who’s a fellow Brit who also remembers seeing Saxon back in those glorious 1980’s years, for some really great shows and then it seems like me, after the band started going through some serious internal bust ups, they were not the same and seemed to - if you will – take a heavier even darker at times, direction. Shame …

To be honest, I feel really guity tonight as I cannot remember the last time I had even played a Saxon album, but I had missed seeing them live, for so many years that I just had to go ..., then I heard the new album 'Call To Arms' and I was pumped!

The new album, I've got to say is really special and I'm so glad I've given them another chance.

Album review on the way, but for now ..., Saxon is in town, we have a rock show! 

I always thought when Saxon were being touted alongside both Def Leppard and Iron Maiden as leaders in the then, ‘New Wave Of British Heavy Metal’ (N.W.O.B.H.M.), that they certainly deserved to be given the right backing that others were and they were doing the roadwork - a hell of a lot more than many others - but then something happened that prevented them going to the next level ... 

Call it what you will, wrong label, lack of belief, commitment by those outside the band themselves or whatever. For me though, they did deserve better and that’s possibly what led to more stress internally for the band. Again, huge shame …

I will say though, that it seems that after numerous line-up changes – Almost like UFO! – frontman and always present main man, Biff Byford and Paul Quinn (Guitars), the other original player have pulled back in long time favorite drummer, Nigel Glockler, to join longtime bassist (Bass pedals / keyboardist) Nibs Carter and lead player since 1996, Doug Scarratt. The band in more recent times are getting stronger and stronger across Europe and look now towards trying to crack the US market, once more.

So here we are at Blondies, Detroit … It’s not a big venue, it’s a far cry from the thousands the band has played to at Donington Monsters of Rock, Download, Sweden Rock Festival and many other big European gigs they’re used to and it probably holds like 300 – 400 people tops. Tonight it’s around half full, but the fans that are here tonight are clearly well versed in their Saxon history and for Dave and myself it’s good to see the response for our fellow Brit’s performing here tonight!

The band kick off – After what seems like a five minute intro track - with ‘Hammer of the Gods,’ the killer opener from their latest excellent new album ‘Call To Arms,’ which is clearly a winner with this lot here tonight!

‘Heavy Metal Thunder’ next raises a big smile on both my face and Dave’s, great memories come flooding back!

It’s ‘Never Surrender’ next and they are not stopping for any breather at all, as one song rolls into the next pretty much and this is so good to hear live again after so many years. Top drawer lads!

Initially it seemed the vocal mix hadn’t been quite there, but now it is and the band is on top form too.

This looks like it’s going to be an excellent gig tonight … With the exception of no AC in the building … Phew! Sweat box city indeed, reminds me of the old Marquee club on Wardour Street, back in the day!

 Doug Scarratt and Biff Byford (Saxon). Photo: Alun Williams

Another new one in ‘Chasing the Bullet’ next which sounds a little like ‘Wheels of Steel’s’ younger brother. Good stuff indeed, as the crowd here clearly agrees by their response and the feeling is likewise for classic Saxon in the shape of ‘Motorcycle Man,’ next.

What a great evening this has turned out to be, these guys are most certainly on their game!

Biff Byford, Doug Scarratt and Paul Quinn. Photo: Alun Williams

 Side stage view, focus on Nibs Carter. Photo: Alun Williams

A new song is introduced next, in ‘Back in ‘79’ and Biff has the crowd all clapping along with this one and the audience is eating out of his hands. It’s certainly more like the ‘Biff Byford show’ if I were honest, even with the strong guitar work and poses by other band members, Biff is in total control tonight.

The band have also got the set list well organized, one old one then a new one and so on, with the title track of new album ‘Call To Arms’ performed next which once again is another chance for the audience to clap along from the start and the balance of old and new material is working well. I’ve got to say, the new album’s material is certainly their strongest – IMO – in years.

Saxon's crowd at Blondies, Detroit ... Passionate or what?! Photo: Alun Williams

Biff tells us next that, “I wanna go back to 1986 and sing a song about some girls we knew. It’s called ‘Rock and Roll Gypsy!’”

Yes, you guessed it, it goes down a storm too as they all have been doing for the whole evening so far.

Back to the new album again for ‘Mists of Avalon’ and this one – That I heard for the first time driving to the show – is an instant new favorite, certainly in my books. It’s a very classy, slick number and once the crowd roars with approval!.

The old songbook is revisited with ‘This Town Rocks’ and I have to say, for his years in the game, Biff voice has held up very well and is still sounding good tonight and the new songs fit in so well with the older tracks, as it seems the band must feel with the amount they are including tonight. ‘When Doomsday Comes’ is a more than perfect fit in the set list, no question.

Saxon just seem to be racing through the set to get as many songs to us as is possible and more classic Saxon is next with ‘Denim and Leather.’ I can’t believe that I first heard this song thirty years ago! A great trip down memory lane tonight!

 Saxon live on stage at Blondies, Detroit. Photo: Alun Williams

‘Survival Against The Odds’ precedes classic and a personal favorite ‘Princess of the Night,’ which closes the set in killer fashion.

The band leave the stage very briefly before coming back with ‘Crusader,' then ‘747 (Strangers in the Night)’ and ‘Power and the Glory,’ and depart again.

The crowd could not be happier right now and seriously as I mentioned before, the band is well on their game.

It’s a small venue, it’s not a packed house but it’s like Saxon are on a mission to prove to all comers, big crowds or smaller ones, that they are not phased, never deterred and always playing for the fans and themselves.

The evening is not done though and Saxon return once again to finally wrap things up with possibly their two best known songs – Certainly to my knowledge of UK performances. – in ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ and ‘Wheels of Steel.’

I for one have been totally impressed, Dave too and by the reaction of tonight's audience, I'd say around 150 other folks in Blondies tonight! It’s been over twenty five years since I’ve seen Saxon and I must say, they are sounding better than ever!

Buy the new album and most certainly, check the band out live you’ll enjoy it!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Official band website:

http://www.saxon747.com/

 

Brief News Update for Tuesday October 18th, 2011

Chuck Ruff RIP

1951 - 2011

Sad news has hit the rock world again, as it's been revealed that another classic rocker, drummer Chuck Ruff having passed away at the age of 60, after being in a coma, following a long illness.

Chuck Ruff had played alongside legendary players such as Ronnie Montrose and Bill Church in the early band Sawbuck. Montrose and Church went on to form the Montrose band along with Sammy Hagar and drummer Denny Carmassi.

Ruff had also played in the Edgar Winter Band along with Dan Hartman (RIP) and Ronnie Montrose was there too in 1972, it was that line up that produced the much loved Edgar Winter track 'Frankenstein.'

Ruff hooked up with Sammy Hagar's band in 1977 and played on 'Street Machine' and the live album 'All Night Long' re-issued in the UK as 'Live, Loud and Clear' and 'Danger Zone.'

I saw the band in 1980 at Portsmouth Guildhall (England) and had the pleasure of meeting the then band that featured Chuck Ruff, alongside ex-Montrose band men, Bill Church (Bass) and Hagar, as well as Gary Pihl (Guitars). Ruff was actually kind enough to pass over a pair of drumsticks at the end of the bands soundcheck. I chatted with the band at the time briefly and also missed the opportunity of going to play some American Football with the guys at a local field. They invited a handful of us to go with them and we were all clueless ... I was only seventeen ..., fool! What a missed moment now?!

He was an extremely talented drummer indeed and seemed a really good guy too.

Sammy Hagar issued this statement through his site last Friday, "I lost one of my old bandmates, Chuck Ruff today. Chuck was my drummer on Danger Zone and Street Machine and many many live tours together. I have only memories of great times and great music with Chuck.

My condolences to his family, friends and loved ones."

Chuck Ruff (Far left), Sammy Hagar, Bill Church and Gary Pihl - Sammy Hagar band circa 1979.

Photo credit: Alan M. Poulin

After the Sammy Hagar years, Chuck seemed play in more low key acts, a couple of those being the Michael Furlong album 'Use it or Lose It' as well as Adam Bomb's 'Fatal Attraction' album, alongside AC/DC's bassist Cliff Williams too.

Sad news again for the world of rock. My prayers and sympathies go out to Chuck's family and friends.

RIP

Chuck Ruff - May 25th, 1951 - October 14th, 2011

Indiscreet 25Live goes out on the road...

This posted over at UK rocker's FM's MySpace page:

Speculation has been rife... "Why does it say '25Live' everywhere?" we've heard you ask over the last few weeks. Well...
Hold on to your hats!!! We are excited to announce that we will be taking INDISCREET out on the road in 2012 as part of our year-long celebrations for the 25^thAnniversary of its release.
Confirmed dates are:-

March 08 2012 - Glasgow Cathouse
March 09 2012 - Manchester Academy 3
March 10 2012 - London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Tickets are on general sale from Friday October 21st 2011. Please see our Live page for the booking info for these dates.
Yes, for the first time ever we will be performing our début album Indiscreet live on stage in its entirety as part of a full concert.

We really do intend for these shows to be very special indeed. Come and be transported back to a time when shoulder pads and mobile phones were enormous and hair was even bigger! ....

 

Details here:

http://www.myspace.com/fmukrock/

 

ANOTHER STEP CLOSER - LIVE 2010

In association with Kieran Dargan and Firefest Newman will release their first live album on 21st October (the Firefest weekend)

Recorded at Firefest 2010, Another Step Closer captures Steve Newman and his band of merry men on 'one of those nights' when the planets align, there is a full moon, a full house and a band kicking 1000 plus asses amassed in Rock City. The South coast's favourite son, delivers big style on his step up to the big stage.

More than ably assisted by Dave Bartlett (Bass), Nic Lipscombe (Drums), Paul Boyle (Keyboards) and new guitarist Shaun Bessant who rips out solo after solo and pose after pose, Newman have finally come of age as a bona fide live outfit rather than the studio project that some were beginning to label them.

Just listen to the crowd reaction to long time Newman faves 'One Step Closer' 'Heaven Knows' , it's no wonder Paul Jerome Smith from Fireworks magazine  said "this was the gig that Newman the band and Newman the musician came of age" Check it out for yourself.

NEWMAN: Another Step Closer -Live at Firefest is LIMITED TO 500 COPIES WORLDWIDE.
Pre Orders accepted from Thursday October 6th at

www.thefirefest.com and www.newmansound.com

The album will also be available at Firefest, and Steve and the guys will be more than happy to sign a copy or two for you , assuming there is still stock available and does not sell out on pre order, which given Newman's popularity and the amazing performance last year is a distinct possibility!!

Tracklist: Hero To Zero, Endless, Every Moment, Primitive Soul, Stay With Me, Tumble Down, If It's Love, Coming Home Tonight, Heaven Knows, One Step Closer, plus the ARfm acoustic sessions Endless, Acoustic Medley, and On Any Other Sunday.

You can pre-order the album here:

http://www.newmansound.com/Shop.htm
 

SGT. PEPPER GETS A MAKEOVER
ANDY TIMMONS BAND PLAYS SGT. PEPPER TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 24

New York, NY (October 17, 2011)—One of the most beloved cultural milestones of the ‘60s generation and every generation since, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles gets creatively interpreted and re-imagined in this all-instrumental rendition by a guitarist whose lifelong love of this material has resulted in an album that transcends all musical boundaries and genres.

Two years in the making, guitar fans, Beatle fans and everyone in-between will come together when Favored Nations Entertainment releases Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper on October 24.

“I must hip you to new music I just heard that floored me! It is, without a doubt, one of the coolest things I have ever heard…originality, as well as virtuosity, will make this the best guitar instrumental record in decades, if not ever.” — Guitarist Steve Lukather

Every song on Sgt. Pepper, including “Strawberry Fields Forever,” a tune that was originally intended to be on that album, comes stunningly and vibrantly alive. One Guitar. Bass. Drums. That’s it. Lead guitarist Andy Timmons arranged it all from memory, never once referencing the original album.

This allowed him to take artistic license to travel down some of the complex paths set forth by these masterworks’ original creators. It all culminates in an extraordinary lovefest of psychedelic proportions filled with improvisation and surprise. (The new coda at the end of “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite” is absolutely jaw-dropping.) Hint: It’s so heavy.

“Wow, what a beautiful record! Andy is such a great player! It’s done very respectfully. I think his fans and many Beatles fans will love it.” — Guitarist Steve Vai

“This is an extension of what I started on my Resolution album in 2006,” explains Timmons. “I had been playing some of these songs live and they were always received very well. The concept of trying to do it with only my guitar plus bass/drums was scary but with the help of two world-class musicians in bassist Mike Daane and drummer Mitch Marine, I was able to reconstruct this music. I’m so proud of it and can’t wait for people to hear it. I feel like I’ve come full-circle. It was natural to put this out – it was fun and it feels right.”

“I love it! Brother Andy, you’ve really raised the Barre, man! It’s so great in every detail. The tones are awesome, the arrangements true, the playing is stellar… truly unique. I think it will knock people’s heads off.” — Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel

Andy Timmons has recorded nine solo CD's of intricate guitar work; has served as Olivia Newton-John’s Musical Director for several U.S. tours and has been an in-demand studio six-stringer for the likes of Paula Abdul and Paul Stanley of KISS. He’s shared stages with Joe Satriani, Steve Morse, Ace Frehley, Ted Nugent, The Beach Boys, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, and Leslie Gore.

In the early ‘90s, he sold over a million records as lead guitarist with Danger Danger.

Truly, Andy Timmons is a renaissance man whose guitar work can fit any genre.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

http://www.andytimmons.com/