Born Again's Favourite Malcolm Young Moments

Rock 'n' Roll has lost another musical genius- the driving force of one of the greatest bands in the world- Malcolm Young of AC/DC.

We pay tribute to the man who not only co-founded AC/DC with brother Angus Young, but the rhythm guitarist who wrote some of the most catchy, well-known riffs in rock. He may have modestly stood at the back, whilst Angus took centre-stage during live shows, but it should be no secret that Malcolm was very much at the forefront when it came to AC/DC. Without Malcolm, AC/DC may never have achieved the success they so greatly deserve. 

So, in no particular order, here are some of our favourite Malcolm moments.

AC/DC- Can I Sit Next To You Girl? - (1974)

AC/DC's debut single and resulting promo video where a baby-faced Malcolm can already be seen showcasing that classic twitch as he bobs along to the rhythm of his Gretsch. He stands in usual position, executing the sound that was set to change Rock 'n' Roll forever (also sporting some very questionable attire, including a Scottish bonnet). 

Marcus Hook Roll Band- Quick Reaction (1973)

We absolutey love this track, taken from the brilliant 'Tales of Old Grand Daddy'- an album drunkenly created by members of the Young family including brothers Angus, George and of course, Malcolm himself. Although much slower in tempo, the sounds of AC/DC are already coming into fruition through not only those catchy, energised riffs, but also the raw energy and boystrous attitude that comes with the Young brothers. 

AC/DC- Riff Raff (1979)

One of the best rock riffs ever written? Most definitely! With an introduction to well and truly kick you up the butt, Riff Raff has of course some killer lead solos played by Angus, but it's that steady, heavy riff that is played consistently throughout that makes the song as incredible as it is. Powerage is an album that has Malcolm's name all over it, what with him beginning to take executive control over much of the writing and recording... what a corker it is!

AC/DC- Jailbreak (1976)

Another gift to Rock 'n' Roll and a song that will most certainly live forever, with an unforgettable riff which stays in your head for days. An early hit for the band, but well worth a mention all the same with it's steady, bluesy rhythm, catchy chorus, accompanied visuals and back story. A song that gives your muscles no choice but to contract. 

AC/DC - Shake A Leg (1980)

It would be a travesty to not include songs from Johnson-era AC/DC, particularly a song from Back In Black which is undoubetdly an album that everyone should have in their collection. Amidst the double entendres and sexual innuendos is 'Shake A Leg'. Johnson's squeals and the upbeat tempo of this song creates a Zeppelin-esque tone which matches the drinking and women theme to this album perfectly. Malcolm's riffing on this track reminds us why AC/DC are the ultimate 'boogie rock' band.  

AC/DC - Fly On the Wall (1985)

Fly on the Wall is a greatly underrated AC/DC album and well, this song deserves a mention for Malcolm's right leg alone. The calf muscle in that leg is getting a serious work-out as he pounds along to the track. In seriousness, this is an absolute ripper of a song. It's got so much power and heaviness which, combined with Johnson's 'rip-you-to-shreds' vocals, never fails to get you going. Another cheeky, hilariously sexist release, but a killer record all the same. 

We miss you, Malcolm!

    Writer: Kayleigh MG

Europe Announce 2018 UK Headline Tour

Europe announce UK tour 'Tour the Earth' in support of their critically acclaimed 11th studio album 'Walk the Earth'.

Europe are pleased to announce they will embark on a headline UK Tour next September 2018 featuring special guests King King. The shows will feature songs from the new album Walk The Earth as well as all the hits. The tour will kick off at Manchester Academy on Friday September 14th 2018 and will continue right across the UK – hitting venues in Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Brighton and also London’s iconic venue, The Royal Albert Hall.

UK DATES - September 2018

Fri 14- Manchester Academy

Sat 15- Glasgow Barrowlands

Mon 17- Newcastle O2 Academy

Tue 18- Nottingham Rock City 

Wed 19- Birmingham O2 Institute

Fri 21- Cardiff St David’s Hall

Sat 22- Portsmouth Pyramids Centre

Sun 23- London Royal Albert Hall

Mon 24- Brighton Dome

Tickets on sale Friday 24th November at 9am. Available right here!

Iron Maiden 'Legacy of the Beast' Tour Dates

Iron Maiden are back on the road once again, and this time they'll be travelling across the UK and Europe with the Legacy of the Beast. 

Legacy Of The Beast 2018 Tour Dates: 

May

26     Saku Arena, Tallinn, ESTONIA 
28     Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, FINLAND 

June

01    Tele2 Arena, Stockholm, SWEDEN 
03    Dahls Arena, Trondheim Rocks, NORWAY
05    Royal Arena, Copenhagen, DENMARK 
07    Sweden Rock Festival, Solvesborg, SWEDEN
09    Rockavaria, Königsplatz, Munich, GERMANY
10    Expo Plaza, Hannover, GERMANY 
13    Waldbuhne, Berlin, GERMANY 
16    Firenze Rocks, ITALY
17    Novarock Festival, Nickelsdorf, AUSTRIA
20    Letnany Airport, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC 
22    Graspop, Dessel, BELGIUM
24    Hellfest, Clisson, FRANCE
26    Geneva Arena, Geneva, SWITZERLAND 
28    Volt Festival, Sopron, HUNGARY
30    Messegelaende, Freiburg, GERMANY 

July

01    Gelredome, Arnhem, HOLLAND 
05    AccorsHotel Arena, Paris, FRANCE
09    San Siro Ippodromo, Milan, ITALY
10    Hallenstadion, Zurich, SWITZERLAND
13    Altice Arena, Lisbon, PORTUGAL
14    Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, SPAIN
17    Piazza Della Unita, Trieste, ITALY
20    Rockwave Festival, Athens, GREECE
22     Hills Of Rock, Plovdiv, BULGARIA
24    Zagreb arena, Zagreb, CROATIA
27    Tauron Arena, Krakow, POLAND
31    Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, ENGLAND 

August

02    SSE Arena, Belfast, NORTHERN IRELAND 
04    Exhibition & Conference Centre, Aberdeen, SCOTLAND 
06    Manchester Arena, Manchester, ENGLAND 
07    Genting arena, Birmingham, ENGLAND 
10    O2 Arena, London, ENGLAND 


The concept for the Legacy Of The Beast World Tour was inspired by Maiden’s mobile game and comic book of the same name. The stage set design will feature a number of different but interlocking “worlds” with a set list covering a large selection of 80s material with a handful of surprises from later albums to add diversity.

Maiden manager Rod Smallwood explains further: -

“As our fans know, we’ve been following a particular touring cycle ever since Bruce and Adrian re-joined Maiden at the start of the millennium, alternating new album tours with “History/Hits” tours. We enjoy working this way for many reasons, not least because it gives the band a chance to play both new material and the older favourites which we know fans like to hear. It keeps things fresh, not just for the fans but for the band too."

Tickets will go on sale on Friday 24th November, but there will be an exclusive pre-sale for fan club members which will take place on Monday 20th November.

Keep your eyes on the Tour Dates Page for updates and information on ticket sales.

New Saxon Album Out February 2018 & Tour Dates Announced

"This is album 22 and it's called 'Thunderbolt'. It's a Storming, Smashing, Thundering collection of tracks we've been crafting with Producer, Andy Sneap and it's finished ready to be unleashed.  Stand clear and fasten your seat belts!” - Biff Byford

If there was a prize for the most hardworking recording/touring band in heavy metal, Saxon would be one of the nominees.  They've barely taken a breather after completing their last album and tour before starting something new!  

Thunderbolt is due for release through the 'Militia Guard Label' on February 2nd, with pre-orders starting on December 1st.  In support of their latest offering, Saxon will commence the first leg of their 'Thunderbolt Tour' in February which will see them joined by fellow British Heavy Metal bands Diamond Head and Rock Goddess.  Rockers, Magnum, will join the tour for one date only in Hull (see below).

Thunderbolt track listing:

 1. Olympus Rising
 2. Thunderbolt
 3. The Secret of Flight
 4. Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)
 5. They Played Rock and Roll
 6. Predator
 7. Sons of Odin
 8. Sniper
 9. A Wizard’s Tale
10. Speed Merchants
11. Roadie’sSong
12. Nosferatu(RawVersion)*not available on vinyl

Available in the following formats:

• CD Album in Digipack
• 180 gms coloured vinyl in a Gatefold
• A Special Edition Boxset
• Tape Cassette
• Digital Download

Thunderbolt tour dates - Part 1:

Fri February 23 - UK, Cardiff University
Sat February 24 - UK, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Sun February 25 - UK, Hull City Hall
Tue February 27 - Holland, Tilburg 013
Wed February 28 - Germany, Saarbruecken Garage
Thu March 1 - Germany, Hannover Capitol
Fri March 2 - Germany, Frankfurt Batschkapp
Sat March 3 - Germany, Dresden Schlachthof

Visit Saxon747.com for more information.

Writer: M Godding

The Re-Release Of Heavy Load's 'Stronger Than Evil' Available Now For Pre-Order

It's been a good year for Heavy Load news as we previously revealed in our interview with Eddy Malm and Styrbjörn Wahlquist back in August. First off, the news that there 'might' be some shows with the defunct band, and secondly that there will be re-releases of their albums. Fans of this classic Swedish heavy metal band had been waiting year after year and festival announcement after festival announcement for rumours to finally come true.  And this October they did; Heavy Load are to play re-union shows at the esteemed festivals Keep It True and Up The Hammers. 

In our interview with Malm and Wahlquist, they revealed that the re-releases are going to be issued by No Remorse Records (in conjunction with the Wahlquist brother's label Thunderload Records).

Yesterday it was announced that Stronger Than Evil will be available for pre-order this morning from 09:00 British Time (11:00 Greek time) with the official release date set for January 26th.  Every order from No Remorse Records will be shipped with a free Heavy Load scarf, for that added old school touch.  

Wahlquist told us, "Stronger Than Evil will come out with six bonus tracks, a gatefold cover and about fifty pictures that have never been published before. There will be a thick booklet with pictures and stories about the songs, and what we thought about them".

Versions of Stronger Than Evil available for pre order:

LP/ CD Box Set- limited to 200 numbered copies

• 180g Blue vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with 12 page booklet and CD with six bonus tracks included.
• Digipack CD with 32 page booklet and 6 bonus tracks
• Exclusive t-shirt with new artwork
• Patch

LP- Black vinyl (& a limited edition of 200 red vinyl)

• 180g vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with 12 page booklet
• CD with six bonus tracks included

CD- Regular and deluxe digipack versions available

• Includes 6 bonus tracks and a 32 page booklet

Pre-order now from No Remorse Records!

Writer: M Godding

Last Daze Of 2017: November & December Gig Guide

What's coming up in November and December?

Photo courtesy of 'Heavy Metal Soundhouse'

It's the last couple of months of 2017, but we not ready to slow down yet, if ever! If you thought you'd be able to give your liver rest or your ears a breather, you thought wrong. There's a delicious number of gigs coming up to keep even the fastidious music fan on their toes. We hi-light the shows you definitely cannot miss!

November

02/11/17: Michael Schenker Fest @ Shepherd's Bush Empire

November kicks off with the return of German musical maestro, Michael Schenker. The M.S.G returns to the UK with a four date tour under the title of 'Michael Schenker Fest'. Fans of the guitar aficionado are especially pleased that the gigs will feature original vocalists Gary Garden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley. See you at the front!

10/11/17: Mick Underwood's Glory Road @ Hammersmith Club

11/11/17: Night Demon & Vuil @ The Devonshire Arms

12/11/17: Rock Goddess @ O2 Academy, Islington

After the success of their EP launch show back in June, South London's favourite queens of metal are back, ready to make us boogie to some heavy metal and rock 'n' roll. Supporting Lynch Mob, the girls will very much own the room as they have built up a 'mob' of their own; a loyal army of Rock Goddess fans.

14/11/17: Helloween@ O2 Academy, Brixton

16/11/17: Alice Cooper @ The SSE Arena, Wembley

23/11/17: Deep Purple 'TheLong Goodbye' @ The O2, Peninsula Square

Starting in Bucharest, Romania, the Deep Purple steam train has been rolling it's way across countries and continents, enchanting fans with their wide catalogue of music.  It's going to be a sad affair as we say goodbye to some of our favourite musicians, but at least they will go out in style.

24-25/11/17: Winterstorm Rock Weekender @ Riverside Business Park, Troon, Scotland

25/11/17: Praying Mantis @ The Rock Den, Hatfield

25/11/17: Brian Downey's 'Alive and Dangerous' @ Nell's Jazz & Blues

Original drummer of Ireland's finest, Thin Lizzy, Brian Downey has been making a few waves across the Irish Sea with his new project Brian Downey's Alive and Dangerous. Forty years since the recording of one of the greatest live albums to ever grace the world of rock n' roll, London will be treated to a special Live and Dangerous anniversary show. 

29/11/17: Graham Bonnet Band @ The Underworld, Camden

29/11/17: Robin Trower @ Islington Assembly Hall

December

01/12/17: Limehouse Lizzy @ The Half Moon, Putney

02/12/17: Lionheart & Airrace @ The Underworld, Camden

02-03/12/17: Hard Rock Hell NWOBHM Xmas Rocka 2 @ The O2 Academy, Sheffield

Last year's Xmas Rocka was such a huge success that the folks at Hard Rock Hell HQ decided to treat us maniacs with a second year of old school British heavy metal.  Get kitted up in your denim and leather and bang your head bands like Raven, Diamond Head, Lionheart and Traitors Gate, amongst other. 

06/12/17: Diamond Head @O2 Academy, Islington

08/12/17: Robert Plant @The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington

08-09/12/17: Mearfest South @ The Carlisle, Hastings

Sadly, this will be the last Mearfest, but it will most certainly go out with a bang.  With the initial aim to raise money for various cancer charities, and later, 'The Willow Support Group in Berkshire' (stillbirth charity), they've always pulled together a line up of top NWOBHM.  Fans have come far and wide in the past and there is no doubt that they will do so for this edition of Mearfest.  Catch classic NWOBHM bands such as Scarab, Satan's Empire and Handsome Beasts as well as newer acts such as Kaine and Toledo Steel.

12/12/17: Uli Jon Roth @ O2 Academy, Islington

16/12/17: Sweet @ Nell's Jazz and Blues

22/12/17: Born Again & Neal Kay's Heavy Metal Soundhouse @ The Lounge, Archway

Ourselves at Born Again have been resurrecting the 'Heavy Metal Soundhouse' since 2015, putting on club nights and after parties as well as Djing after parties/ support slots for bands and festivals. Imagine how delighted we were when we found out that the legendary DJ, Neal Kay, had already heard of us when we contacted him. So, we coaxed Neal out of vinyl spinning retirement, and together we're putting on the party of all parties, a one off 'Heavy Metal Soundhouse' to end 2017 on a high. This will also double as the official after party to Orange Goblin's Christmas gig in The Electric Ballroom, Camden.

Writer: M Godding