UFO 'Last Orders' 50th Anniversary Tour Dates

 

English rock legends UFO need no introduction and we most certainly don't need to persuade you to ensure that you are in attendance at the band's upcoming 50th Anniversary UK Tour...we like to think that it's more a question of how many dates can you get to?

UFO have already sold out a number of shows and it's no surprise considering that the aptly named 'Last Orders' tour is not only to commemorate 50 phenomenal years in music, but will also be the last dates with the only constant member, front man and gentleman Phil Mogg.

You can (and must!) catch Phil, Paul Raymond, Vinnie Moore, Rob De Luca and co-founding member Andy Parker on the dates below: 

MARCH

Thu 07 - O2 Academy, Bristol

Fri 08 - The Assembly, Leamington Spa

Sat 09 - O2 Academy, Oxford     

Sun 10 - O2 Academy, Bournemouth

Tue 12 - Tramshed, Cardiff  SOLD OUT

Thu 14 - Town Hall, Birmingham  SOLD OUT

Fri 15 - Hard Rock Hell AOR Fest *, Prestatyn

Sat 16 - O2 Ritz, Manchester  SOLD OUT

Sun 17 - O2 Academy, Leeds

Tue 19 - Academy, Dublin

Wed 20 - The Limelight 1, Belfast

Fri 22 - The Junction, Cambridge

Sat 23 - Roadmender, Northampton

Sun 24 - The Waterfront, Norwich

Tue 26 - Rock City, Nottingham

Thu 28 - O2 Academy, Newcastle

Fri 29 - Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh  SOLD OUT

Sat 30 - Ironworks, Inverness                   

Sun 31 - O2 Academy, Glasgow

APRIL

Tue 02 - City Hall, Hull

Wed 03 - The Brook, Southampton  SOLD OUT

Thu 04 - Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London  SOLD OUT

 Fri 05 - Kentish Town Forum, London  EXTRA DATE ADDED

Special guest on the March/April tour is TARA LYNCH
*except the HRH AOR Festival

Writer: Kayleigh MG

Glenn Hughes 'Classic Deep Purple' 2019 UK Tour Dates

Glenn Hughes is a man who just keeps on giving and this year is no different as he continues his 'Classic Deep Purple Live' Tour across the UK starting this May.

The UK 2019 part of the tour promises to be a 2-hour classic homage to Glenn's time with the MK 3 and MK 4 incarnations of Deep Purple!

If you managed to catch any of the 2018 tour dates, you'll know that you're in for a real treat with a set list to fantasize over. Glenn Hughes is one of the biggest voices in rock and although a large handful of rock and heavy metal vocalists have inevitably lost a lot of the power and emotion that they once had in their pipes, Glenn's skill seems to be aging like a fine wine. His vocal and performance are increasingly impressive with each tour. 

Special guest this time around will be British blues rock guitarist Laurence Jones who is tipped as the future of Blues Rock having previously supported the likes of Status Quo, Gary Clark Jr, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, James Bay, Van Morrison, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Joe Bonamassa, Jools Holland, Eric Burdon, and many more.

So don't delay! Glenn Hughes is set to take a short break after this tour so it might be your last chance to catch this Classic Deep Purple set. 

Not familiar with the rest of Glenn's back catalogue? Head over to our Connoisseur's Choice piece on Glenn, where we celebrate some of our favourites in his discography right here! 

Writer: Kayleigh M Griffin

UK Tour Preview: Brian Downey's Alive & Dangerous

Following three packed out shows held at Nell's Jazz & Blues in Kensington to mark the 40^th anniversary of Thin Lizzy's sublime 1978 live album, Brian Downey and the lads are back to give us more Alive and Dangerous.

Back in 2017, Brian Downey jammed at the esteemed annual Vibe For Philo celebration with the event's musical director and esteemed guitarist Brian Grace and The Lowrider members, Phil Edgar and Matt Wilson. Brian Downey's Alive And Dangerous was born. With Downey describing it as “an amazing first show experience”, there was no doubt that he'd want to continue with this new musical force. And that he did, blazing through gigs, whilst paying tribute to one of the greatest live recordings of all time.

Released in June, 1978, Live And Dangerous is a live album that is held in high regard amongst musicians and fans alike, being described as one of the 'best' and a 'classic'. Opening with the hard-hitting 'Jailbreak' the double LP captures the fiery yet soulfully seductive spirit of Thin Lizzy; just under an hour of their choice cuts up to that date, able to transport any listener to a Lizzy gig. We dare you to put the album on and not find yourself grooving to the tracklist, painstakingly chosen from hours of live recordings by the band and producer, Tony Visconti.

And so this leads us on to the present day. With numerous European festival appearances and the first Irish/Northern Irish leg of the tour under their belts, Alive and Dangerous are set to grace the UK with their glittering set full of Thin Lizzy classics. There may even be tracks which did not feature at the three previous London dates as Downey states that they “can play most of the Lizzy catalogue, so requests from the floor will always be considered”.

Catching up with front man and bassist Matt Wilson he tells us: “The tour is going good, big crowds and everybody in fine form and voice. Thanks to everybody that has come out to see us. The band is really cooking and this culminated in a very special gig in Lizzy's spiritual home, Dublin. There was a lot of love in the room, and I look forward to the upcoming British dates!”

There's no stopping Brian Downey's Alive And Dangerous, the well deserved attention has given way to the recording of brand new tracks. The band have been working in 'Sun Studios' (Dublin) on current material, with sessions continuing when the tour ends in October. Now this will be music to the ears of any Brian Downey fan.

Get yourselves down to one of the upcoming UK gigs:

Tuesday 25^th September - Queen Vic, South Shields

Thursday 27^th September - Eleven, Stoke

Friday 28^th September - Camden Underworld, London

Saturday 29^th September - The Robin 2, Wolverhampton

Monday 1^st October – The Cathouse, Glasgow

All ticket info and band news can be found online at www.briandowneysaliveanddangerous.com

Writer: M Godding

Photography: Laurence Harvey

Pre-order The New Rock Goddess Album 'This Time' Now!

Just over thirty years since their last full album, the heavy metal angels are back with a brand new one, 'This Time', hitting the shelves this October.

On June 19^th 2017, eager heavy metal fans were finally able to get a taste of something new when Rock Goddess released a three track E.P entitled It's Only Rock And Roll. It had been a long time coming, considering the ladies reformed back in 2013 and have been keeping active on the gig circuit. The wait was worth it just to hear those signature vocal harmonies of Jody Turner, Julie Turner and Tracey Lamb, which probably sent shivers down the spines of loyal devotees.

The ladies will be entering the studio on May 14^th, working with award-winning sound engineer Wes Maebe (Robert Plant, Praying Mantis & UB40...). Wes has previously worked with Rock Goddess and will be sure to know how to capture their unique sound in the best way possible.

This Time will be released digitally via Cargo Records on Rock Goddess' very own label, 'Bite You To Death Records'.  It is available for pre-order now on cd/vinyl via Pledge Music. However, if you fancy a bit more, you can also purchase various other Rock Goddess goodies, ranging from a signed drum skin and t-shirts, to a one-off backdrop and VIP gig experiences!

Jody states: "It's been a long time coming and thanks for your loyalty, love and patience. We can't put into words how excited we are about making this album. Here we go.."

Show your support and check out the full list of items and experiences up for grabs at Pledge Music.

Writer: M Godding

One off screening of 'Sunshine Of Your Love: A Concert For Jack Bruce'

An exclusive screening of 'Sunshine Of Your Love: A Concert For Jack Bruce' is to take place on 14th May, Jack's seventy-fifth birthday, at the Curzon Mayfair in central London.

Celebrated primarily for his advanced electric bass playing and commanding vocal range, Jack Bruce's talents were varied to say the least. Besides writing, singing and playing on some of the most memorable songs from rock's formative years - 'White Room', 'I Feel Free', 'Sunshine Of Your Love' to name only a few - he was a multi-instrumentalist who fearlessly traversed musical genres. In truth, anyone familiar with his solo albums of the early seventies would be inclined to say that the man belongs in a category of one. There are simply no appropriate parallels for Jack Bruce's work, then or now.

Directed by Kyla Simone Bruce, the film documents the evening of 24th October 2015 when a gathering of acclaimed musicians performed a tribute to the life and work of Jack Bruce at the Roundhouse in London. Luminaries such as Ginger Baker, Ian Anderson, Uli Jon Roth, Vernon Reid, Clem Clempson and Bernie Marsden were among the many paying homage that night.

This one-off showing will include a Q & A session hosted by Edith Bowman, allowing audience members the opportunity to quiz the likes of Nitin Sawnhey, Phil Manzanera, Mark King and various Bruce family members about their experiences of the man and his music.

Ian Anderson states: 'From Jack's earliest days with the Graham Bond Organisation, the Cream era and on through the various collaborations and solo work, he has continued to serve as a prime inspiration for me and thousands of other musicians, especially those whose performances graced this Roundhouse evening. I first saw him play at the Nottingham Boat Club in 1966 and had the pleasure to work alongside him on collaborations several times in the final years.'

'Jack was a musical hero of mine, a true force of nature on and off stage, and became a great friend. I was delighted to be part of this powerful and moving tribute concert. I'd like to think that he was looking down on us all, with a wry smile, and thinking Wow what talented kids Margrit and I have, for me, their performances were the concert highlights! ' - Phil Manzanera

'I was thrilled to perform at the memorial concert for dear Jack. It gave me the chance to say thank you for a lifetime's inspiration, and I am so glad that those who couldn't be there can now share the love that we all have for this truly great musician. And those who were lucky enough to be there in person will now be able to experience that wonderful night all over again!' - Mark King

Standard tickets can be purchased online via Curzon here.

Special VIP tickets can be purchased online via Music Glue here.

VIP tickets include: Royal Box seat, access to the Private VIP Reception, glass of bubbly, exclusive Jack Bruce merchandise package including tote bag, personalised event T-shirt, limited edition concert programme, and 2 x AAA passes for the after party raffle draw.

*All profits will go to EACH - East Anglia's Children's Hospices, who were also the beneficiaries of the tribute concert* 

More information at www.jackbruce.com

Writer: George Colwan

Festival Profile: TRVEHEIM Festival, Germany

In the short time that it’s been around, Trveheim Festival has risen to become one of the summer's most unmissable weekends. Seemingly from nowhere, it’s popped onto the radar so we’re here to give you the low-down on this little slice of heavy metal heaven outside Munich.

The history of Trveheim began back in 2015 with a desire from creators Lenny and Konsty to support the NWOTHM (New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal for the uninitiated). In trying to find a way to allow young bands to reach a wider audience, the first Trveheim sampler was born, packed with a hand selected collection of tracks from some of the best new talent on the scene.

The sampler’s success spurred Konsty and Lenny on to create their own small, one day festival in October 2016. As well as a selection of young acts like Skullwinx, Attic and Steelwing, the line-up was filled out by old school heavy weights Demon and Trance. Things went down so well that dreams of a two day summer festival started to appear in the minds of the Trveheim crew and so in August 2017, the first full scale, two day, Trveheim Festival was born.

Needing somewhere which could offer camping, the festival was moved from its original location to Hausler Hof, a beautiful farm/venue complex in the village of Halbergmoos. The idyllic surroundings give the feeling of being deep in the German countryside, surrounded by open fields, dirt roads and lakes. There’s a fair amount of German festivals in this kind of setting which are almost exclusively attended by fans who are able to drive to their secluded locations. Trveheim on the other hand has a secret weapon up its sleeve. Munich Airport is a mere six miles from the festival site giving easy access to anyone who is able to catch a flight.

Sticking true to their roots, the second Trveheim sampler of young and upcoming bands was released at the 2017 edition of the festival which itself was stacked with its fair share of new talent – a 50/50 mix of old and new acts including Ostrogoth, Cloven Hoof, Heathens From The North feat. Eddy Malm, Ambush, Blizzen, RAM and Saboter.

Photo by M Godding

For those at the festival who need a break from the endless stream of fantastic live shows, there’s a lot on offer from Trveheim and its beautiful countryside location. Between the lakeside and the extensive beer benches, there’s an abundance of comfy spots to lounge around and drink a cold Weißbier, Goaß or long drink. The 30 degree sun beating down for the entirety of 2017’s edition had people milling in and out of the hall all day soaking it in, mixing drinks, swimming and splashing in the lake, playing frisbee and enjoying the great food and drink selection in the cosy courtyard. There’s more than enough space for everyone to camp, no portable toilets in sight and a lake right on site for washing off the hangover from the night before. Trveheim feels like a summer holiday with a festival thrown in and that’s before we even get to the night-time after parties with DJs playing only the best of hard rock, heavy metal and everything in between.

It seems things couldn’t have gone any better last summer and so Trveheim has shot onwards and upwards with a whole host of amazing new bands booked for 2018. It’s arguably the biggest and best line up so far with huge names Satan, Q5, Pokolgèp, Portrait, Praying Mantis, White Wizzard and Witchfynde joining the likes of Iron Thor, Skullwinx, Horacle, Electric Shock and Axe Crazy to complete the 18 band bill.

There are plenty of good reasons you’ve probably started to notice more and more mentions of Trveheim in recent months, all of which make it an unmissable addition to your summer plans. Come join us at one of the best heavy metal festivals on offer, you won’t regret it!

Writer: Louise Dornan

New AIRRACE Single and Upcoming UK Tour

One of the UK's pioneering AOR acts, AIRRACE were originally formed in 1982. Having recently re-signed to the Fronteirs label, the band have released their new single 'Summer Rain' as well as announcing a forthcoming album and UK tour

Band leader Laurie Mansworth describes the song as "a song for the summer." and goes onto say "I wanted to write something upbeat with a positive feel as there is far too much doom and gloom around at the moment."

The single is taken from the forthcoming abum entitled Untold Stories which is set for release on 10th August 2018. The band describe it as not 'typical Airrace' and go on to say that there is a lot more of a '70s vibe with influences ranging with everything from ELO to Led Zeppelin as well as further influences from over the years.

You can catch AIRRACE at many dates across the UK in September this year and can also check out their new single right here.

21.09.18  CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach

22.09.18  LONDON Underworld

23.09.18  NORWICH Waterfront

24.09.18  CAMBRIDGE Portland

27.09.18  WOLVERHAMPTON Slade Rooms 

28.09.18  SHEFFIELD Corporation

29.09.18  NEWCASTLE Cluny

30.09.18  GLASGOW Stereo

Pre-order yourself a copy of Untold Stories.

Writer: Kayleigh MG

Festival Preview: Rock Fest Barcelona, 5-6-7 July 2018

Trapped in this cold and grey springtime in London, we can’t be blamed for our minds being firmly planted on thoughts of July in Barcelona: sunshine, cocktails, sand, sea and heavy metal.

For the fifth time, masses will descend into the heat of summertime Spain to be treated to some of the greatest hard rock and heavy metal acts on offer. In the short time it’s been running, the festival has climbed to a level which rivals the most well established events on the summer circuit.

There’s no shortage of big names with Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions and Kiss taking the headline slots on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s enough showmanship in those three bands alone to make this a weekend to remember but it doesn’t stop there. On the back of the release of the widely acclaimed Firepower, Judas Priest will be stopping off in Barcelona after a series of dates across the US, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere in Europe. Another big treat is coming to the festival in the form of Helloween and their ‘Pumpkins United’ tour. Original members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen have joined forces with the current band line-up to deliver a set list and show which is absolutely unmissable for super-fans and casual listeners alike. Megadeth will also be visiting Barcelona as part of their run of summer festival dates, with both original members Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson now making up half of the foursome.

There’s plenty on offer for those of us who are firmly stuck in a pre-90s state of mind with appearances from Uriah Heep, Stryper, Vixen, Axel Rudi Pell, Tankard and Accept all on the cards and Tygers Of Pan Tang bringing some much needed NWOBHM to the mix. With Twisted Sister having come out to play for the final time in 2016, fans mourning the loss of one of the greatest shows in heavy metal history will be excited to witness the return of the sheer force that is Dee Snider with his solo band.

Another highlight slightly lower down on the bill is sure to be Ross the Boss of Manowar fame. Those lucky enough to grab tickets and make it to the 2016 edition of Keep It True festival can attest to the absolutely electric atmosphere that filled the hall throughout their set. We’re hoping for a repeat this July!

Amongst a vast array of more modern bands – Dimmu Borgir, Amaranthe, Dark Funeral, Korplikaani, Lacuna Coil, Dark Tranquility – are a couple of newer acts solidly paying tribute to those gone before. In the very recent past, we could have expected Motörhead to be blasting away in the Spanish heat, headlining as they had done for so many years. Sadly, we don’t have that privilege anymore. In the absence of three of the loudest, filthiest, fastest and best we’ve ever known, Bömbers and Motörhits will be flying the Motörhead flag high above Barcelona and are not to be missed!

The countdown begins now, we’ll see you there. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Info and tickets at www.rockfestbarcelona.com/en

Writer: Louise Dornan

SAXON Announce Pt. 2 of Thunderbolt Tour

SAXON aren’t wasting any time in 2018! Following the critically acclaimed release of Battering Ram in 2015, the heavy metal giants have released their 22^nd studio album ‘Thunderbolt’ via the Militia Guard label (Silver Lining Music) which reached the Top 30 in the official UK charts this February. Now they have announced Part 2 of the Thunderbolt Tour, with Part 1 selling out, SAXON will bring their iconic live show to more cities across the UK. This time, SAXON will be joined by special guests Y&T and Wayward Sons.

 Biff Byford  “We’re gonna be bringing the tour back into the UK and Europe in the Autumn, playing some classic venues with some classic bands….it’s going to be special – BRING IT ON!”

*NEW* Thunderbolt Tour Dates for 2018
Thursday 18th October- UK, Glasgow Barrowlands
Friday 19th October- UK, London Roundhouse
Saturday 20th October- UK, Portsmouth Guildhall
Sunday 21st October- UK, Manchester Academy

Don't miss out this time! Get your tickets here. 

Fast Eddie Clarke; A Legend Remembered

"I ain't no beauty, but I'm a secret fox"

Fast Eddie Clarke meant a lot to many people. Not just Motörhead fans of a certain age, but also to anyone who was moved by the fat, biting electric guitar tone that he purveyed. His meat and potatoes phrasing was a delight to behold, providing the kind of sustenance that few speed merchants could hope to offer. Simply put, the man had depth and feel in his playing.

A native Londoner, Clarke first came to public attention with Curtis Knight's outfit Zeus. Brief stints with the likes of Blue Goose and Continuous Performance followed, but before long he was reduced scuffling for work outside of music. While renovating a house boat in Battersea, he was invited to try out for a new band called Motörhead. Clarke later admitted that he initially didn't give the group's musical direction a second thought, impressed as he was with Lemmy Kilmister's already considerable reputation. Once the unhappy Larry Wallis had removed himself from the equation, a trio of like-minded souls were left to focus their energies on the future. 

In Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, Clarke had a willing accomplice in all manner of debauchery, not to mention an occasional sparring partner. There are countless anecdotes of the pair angrily trading blows, only to swiftly settle their differences and continue drinking together unperturbed. Musically, the three characters developed a unique chemistry that remains unmatched to this day. Raw power, unbridled energy and shameless swagger, with Clarke's blues-drenched soloing at the fore. 

By 1982, relations in the band had soured and, depending on whom one believes, Fast Eddie Clarke either left or was edged out. Motörhead fans were appalled by the situation, but it seemed there was no going back. Clarke wasted no time in assembling Fastway, pursuing a noticeably different approach. Cynics anticipating a feeble Motörhead re-tread were quickly silenced as the man revealed a versatility few had imagined him capable of. With the powerful vocals of teenager Dave King and Humble Pie's Jerry Shirley handling drum duties, stylistically the group presented a fresh take on the classic hard rock music of the 1970s. They went on to be very successful in North America.

Gradually the rigours of the road and a tireless drinking schedule intervened, and Fastway endured a series of break-ups and line-up changes throughout the late eighties and early nineties. A solo album, It Ain't Over Till It's Over, appeared in 1994 but for the most part Mr Clarke withdrew from public life until the reformation of Fastway in 2007, this time with Little Angels frontman Toby Jepson. A second solo release, the self-explanatory Make My Day: Back To Blues, emerged in 2014 followed by an appearance on Evo's Warfare album three years later.

Edward Allan Clarke died of pneumonia at the age of sixty-seven on January 10th, 2018.

'Fast' Eddie Clarke: 5th October 1950 ~ 10th January 2018

Writer: George Colwan

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