WYLDERNESS UNVEIL SPRAWLING, SEISMIC NEW SINGLE: “CHET CHAT”
LISTEN ON YOUTUBE HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE + NEW ALBUM: ‘BIG PLANS FOR A BLUE WORLD’ OUT 15 JULY 2022, VIA SUCCULENT RECORDINGSPRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE Arriving as a third and final glimpse into their upcoming sophomore album, Wylderness have unleashed a […]
News
Steve Hackett announces ‘Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More’ Out 2nd September 2022
Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett is pleased to announce, ‘Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More’, the visual document of his 2021 UK tour celebrating the classic Genesis live album. Set for release on the 2nd September 2022 (with vinyl following on the 25th November), it […]
News
CAT SFX UNVEIL TENDER NEW SINGLE: “BINMAN”.
STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE || YOUTUBE HERE LEAD SINGLE & TITLE TRACK OF A NEW EP: ‘BINMAN’OUT 15 JULY 2022 – PRE-SAVE HERE CAT SFX tread toward more infectious territory with their latest single “Binman”, out today (1 July) via It’s Creation Baby. The […]
News
The Wildhearts with Support from Those Damn Crows & James and the Cold Gun, KK’s Steelmill, Wolverhampton, 15.09.21
I don’t think there is a better way of spending a Wednesday evening that at a live music venue watching and listening to the one thing the last 16 months deprived us all of so badly. Tonight KK’s is buzzing, so many Wildhearts fans have […]
Gig reviewsI don’t think there is a better way of spending a Wednesday evening that at a live music venue watching and listening to the one thing the last 16 months deprived us all of so badly. Tonight KK’s is buzzing, so many Wildhearts fans have made their way to one of the best venues in the country but it’s not just Wildhearts fans, there are Those Damn Crows t-shirt adorned fans everywhere!
The barrier is rammed as James and the Cold Gun take to the stage to get things underway.
The South Wales band are pure rock and roll. Guitar driven ear smashing high tensile rock. Delivering a brief 30 minute set was enough to show us what this band are about and let’s hope we see them again in the Midlands in the not too distant future.
James & the Cold Gun
Those Damn Crows are a band on fire, their reputation is well deserved as the atmosphere in KK’s really hotted up in anticipation.
I always struggle to put into words just how good this band is. They have everything, the tunes, the riffs, the basslines, the supreme tub thumping but it’s those huge vocals from Shane Greenhall that take this band above so many others.
Those Damn Crows
Opening with ‘Who Did It’, the energy as they strike up is astronomic. There’s no time to chat as they blast straight into ‘Longtime Dead’. The smiles on the bands faces mirror those of the fans, this sounds splendid and everyone in KK’s knows it.
Those Damn Crows
‘Someone Someday’ and ‘Don’t Give a Damn’ quickly follow. The pace of the music, the drive of the guitars and pulse of the drums all brought together with the catchiness of the songs is always something to behold with the Bridgend boys. A fabulous way to pave the way for The Wildhearts. 40 minutes of the Crows was never going to be long enough but it did add massively to the build-up for The Wildhearts.
The lights go down, the familiar intro of ‘Don’t Worry’ has KK’s patrons singing along as The Wildhearts beam their way onto the stage; and I do mean beam, the smiles on CJ’s and Gingers faces summed up the mood of things to come.
If a band could bottle energy, I’d buy some of The Wildhearts. Nuclear powered, punk edged, rock and f*ckin’ roll.
Opening with ’Diagnosis’, flooring the gas straight into ‘Vanilla Radio’ and ‘Sick of Drugs’ it’s life in the fast lane for everyone.
The Wildhearts 
Watching Ginger thoroughly enjoying himself, guitar swaying, vocals on top form and CJ prowling round in circles and delivering his usual leaps and bounds is always a pleasure to see. Pausing only briefly for a quick chat, Ginger is on form, the band are on form, the crowd are on form, tonight is a special one it is so good.
The Wildhearts
‘Remember These Days’ and then, probably my favourite Wildhearts song, ‘Caffeine Bomb’ keeps the momentum going. The crowd are keeping up, dancing and singing along at full voice, some nights are good but tonight was more than that, it was epic!
The 14 song set spans across the bands albums including their new release, ‘21st Century Love Songs’, which is deservedly riding high in the charts, ensure that the older fans and the newer ones are catered for. They finish with ‘Sucker Punch’ and ‘I Wanna Go’. I’ve seen the band play 4 times since we were all released from captivity and every gig has been amazing but this gig at KK’s was spot on. A hot and sweaty night, just like rock and roll should be.
Catch the band on this tour if you can, so much that is good about their live shows, coupled with atom splitting energy will ensure you enjoy every minute, I know I did.
Words & photographs: Lindsay Smith
ROCKIN’ THE BOWL – FORGED IN FIRE – SET IN STEEL – SEPT 10th/11th/12th 2021
Day 2 – September 11th This was an earlier start so it was a case of up early shower, dressed and off to the infamous double gold arches for a spot of breakfast. Knowing it was going to be a long day and that the […]
Gig reviewsDay 2 – September 11th
This was an earlier start so it was a case of up early shower, dressed and off to the infamous double gold arches for a spot of breakfast. Knowing it was going to be a long day and that the on-site vendors like to make money we over ate, hoping to last well into the night.
We again get on site early as we seem to have access to everywhere within reason, handy having my volunteering buddy along as he seems to know everyone.
Today is going to be slightly busier as we have the ‘STEEL CITY STAGE’ running. The idea is that this stage showcasing local bands, will run betwixt bands on the ‘MIKEY LAWLESS’ main stage.
The main stage is named, as a fitting tribute to a young man, a rock bassist in Falling Red who sadly passed away after being struck down with cancer. He played a rousing set at RTB-1 despite being only months away from passing. A glass or two were raised to this inspirational young man.
Mikey You Rocked Dude, Sleep Well My friend.
And so, day 2 kicks off. We start with Lowdrive a heavy riff driven rock band from Sheffield. They appeared at RTB 1 in the Steel City Stage, obviously making the right kind of noises as they now open the main stage on the second day.
Low Drive
And now the chaos ensues because as we have the Mikey Lawless stage being changed, we have the first of 8 bands in the Steel City Stage tent, this is kicked off by Zero Point Zero a 5-piece delivering a Derby based blend of brutal crushing Metal Core. Needless to say, the tent is rammed, as I fight for my life to get out. Metalcore certainly isn’t my go-to genre I’ve now discovered.
Zero Point Zero
Back on the main stage we have the very colourful all girl band JOANovARC with new voice of the band Hazel Jade Rogers, resplendent in white foundation, green hair tips and red tinted glasses, she certainly motivates and commands the stage. Her Irish lilt is soothing but powerful in song as the all-girl band delivers a great set, the songs touching on all manner of things including relationships, community issues and even drugs giving them a great foil to lay their blues driven riffs, underpinned with strong, aggressive bass lines and over-laid with Hazel’s ethereal vocals. Keeping the honesty of the original songs.
JOANovARC
Prog n Roll now fills the Steel City Stage as Firegarden take to the stage. This 3 piece see long haired Jake, Ashley and Chris add a little bit of taste back to Bowl. Citing Deep Purple as a big influence. The distorted guitar and tasteful solos squeezed into a melodic tune show that they understand they’re audience. Their 70’s biker rock sound has great appeal and judging by how full the tent is many would agree that this band have more than one or two fans.
Firegarden
Its only Florence Black on the Mikey stage next! Riding high on their new single Sun and Moon which has garnered great reviews after being added to Planet Rocks playlist, it has helped catapult this welsh band into the limelight for all the right reasons. With a driving sound reminiscent of early Tank and Budgie, of which they do a great cover of Breadfan as a set closer. This 3-piece seem to have found their footing and again cater to the die-hard heavy fans by playing a right meaty riff driven sonically overloaded set of classic rock. Terrific, that blew the cobwebs away.
Florence Black
Back in the tent we have Blame the Sacred a Doncaster based 5-piece; they state that Donny’ is a poor second to Sheffield despite a healthy rock scene. With a classic rock vibe of scorching guitar work and catchy melodies their fused style of rock is both refreshing and familiar.
Blame the Sacred
The cool, dark and brooding Empyre take to the Mikey stage next. This band are unbelievable cool, guitarist, Dids with his hipster beard, and singer/guitarist Henrik Steenhodlt with a cold expressionless exterior that carries across in his voice. A great combination of driving anthems and soul searching subtly to leave you wanting more from this UK based rock band.
Empyre
A Joker Among Thieves hit the Steel City tent with their tuneful heavy riff driven style of rock. This enjoyable 3-piece from South Yorkshire lay out a heavier set influenced by the likes of Black Label Society, Tool, and Clutch the grit certainly comes across.
A Joker Among Thieves
It’s now time for the East Midlands based Hells Addiction to have a go on the Mikey stage. After a lengthy but hilarious intro from compare Pete K Mally, they finally get going, and with a barrage of screaming guitars we are away, the dual guitars combine giving an 80’s hair rock sound but with grit. Dan on stage left at easy with the dive bombs and pinched harmonics, long blond hair giving him an ethereal prog look, were as Liam, looking like a hippied Gerard Butler keeps order with a snarling Les Paul. For this outing we have the mighty Neil ‘Hammer’ Hill from SKAM beating the skins. The dynamic he brings to the band instantly recognisable. Pure SKAM theatrics, Awesome! With a sound reminiscent of Ratt and Skid Row, this melodic band brought this sound up to date and in doing so, certainly raised the bar higher.
Hells Addiction 
Coyote Mad Seeds are next in the Steel City Tent, they follow on were Joker left off. This head down, hard driving rock see’s the tent full again as they play loud, hard and deadly (their words) there is a mix of Sabbath, Metallica in their sound, it’s certainly an energetic set from this Sheffield 4 piece.
Coyote Mad Seeds
Norfolk’s finest now grace the Mikey stage. Bad Touch are gathering momentum as something Bootifull to behold. With a frontman carved in the likes of Tyler and Bach, Stevie Westwood is super cool as he stalks the stage. Here he is in his element, there is no persona change as he delivers a masterclass in being a front man. Backed by the howling twin guitars of Rob Glendinning and ‘Seeks’ who looks for all the world like Paul Kossoff’s younger brother, George Drewry, sat at the back, providing backing vocals as he bashes out a sloid back beat with Michael Bailey on ‘metal’ bass and hair, albeit slightly shorter than I remember. they deliver tune after tune of bluesy rock to a receptive crowd. The set wouldn’t be complete without that fan favourite 99%. a stunning set and not a Turkey in sight.
Bad Touch
Solid Celtic sounding punk rockers, Shanghai Treason, take their turn in the Steel City tent. They’re brand of upbeat rock with a punk twist has the tent bouncing along to tracks like Emerald Causeway, throw a banjo into any mix and you have instant smiles everywhere. Add a catchy backbeat and you’re hooked. A great set by these Yorkshire Banjo Punks.
Shanghai Treason
After a grabbing a quick bite to eat which was an episode in itself, cramp, Chicken Tikka all over me as I ‘dying fly’ trying to get to my feet. Must have looked hilarious. What chicken I ate was delicious.
So, Gin Annie, that 5-piece, melodic hard band from the West Midlands strike up on the Mikey Stage. This band is no stranger as I’ve seen them a few times now. Their guitar driven sound is the perfect foil for singer Dave Fosters melodic vocal. With great interplay they strut around the stage confidently as they belt out a great set. Brian Green on guitar superbly dive bombing on his Jackson, as Byron drives out a solid steady riff, this ‘cat in a hat’ certainly has the chops to entertain. A great set and it certainly warms the crowd up ready for to-nights headline act.
Gin Annie
The Steel City tent now has their final act of the day. The formidable Silverjet a cracking old school melodic rock band now with added sleaze. Smashing their way through a gritty set. Complete with a Phil Campbell look a-like now on guitar, this band has grown over the years into a formidable line up. Vox and guitar frontman control’s the crowd with his antics backed up by superb guitar work, Andy ‘Phil C’ Mewse is there with his guitar dripping in La Guns/Faster Pussycat sleaze; this band are worthy of the main stage next year.
Silverjet
Saturday’s headliner on the Mikey stage is the formidable DORO, a legend in rock circles and someone who I followed in her earlier Warlock days. I had doubted her ability as a headline act as I’ve ever only seen her in a support role. How wrong was I. from the first riff she was in control. This legendary rock Queen had the Bowl all paying attention as she delivered a master class in old school rock. With set opener, the fast Earthshaker Rock to the ballad Für Immer to the anthemic All We Are from the ‘Triumph and Agony’ album, she destroyed all misconceptions of her ability to smash the headline slot. Pacing about in iconic leather, studs and chains, she rocked out belying her 57yrs. Her choice of war paint eye make-up that hasn’t changed from the early days, and with it she looks like she drinks from the same well as Peter Pan, as youthful as ever. Rock ‘n’ Roll keeps you young and she’s living proof.
Doro
To make the set even more memorable DORO brings Paul Quinn on stage for a rousing version of Judas Priest’s Breaking the Law. Looking around, the crowd are all head down rocking out to this Priest anthem. What a treat.
Doro 
DORO has smashed it, a simply stunning set and a worthy headliner. She delivered a set full of classic rockiness including the obligatory drum solo, crowd participation and stunning guitar work. Is DORO for everyone in 2021, it sure as hell looked like it!
Doro
And so, with DORO eventually leaving the stage after she seemingly thanked everyone personally for being there, I head somewhat wearily back to my room to download and sort through todays images. Yet again my body is in tatters. 18 months on the sofa has ruined me as I limp steadily back from the Bowl. I know tonight is going to another sleepless night of pain but with a smile that all is good in Sheffield tonight!
Words & photographs: Manny Manson
More stories
ROCKIN’ THE BOWL – FORGED IN FIRE – SET IN STEEL – SEPT 10th/11th/12th 2021
Day 1 – September 10th Well the time has come to leave for Rock in the Bowl 2021, and to be honest I’m not feeling it. I’m not sure what it is, maybe the fact that it is now a 3-day event instead of the […]
Gig reviewsDay 1 – September 10th
Well the time has come to leave for Rock in the Bowl 2021, and to be honest I’m not feeling it. I’m not sure what it is, maybe the fact that it is now a 3-day event instead of the single Saturday like the first festival may have something to do with it. Never mind I’m sure it’ll all be good. First off, I need to go pic up my gig buddy and then we can set off. His wife giving me the now customary ‘Good Luck’.
The journey itself was uneventful, even Pete must be feeling a little off as he’d only consumed a single can of Guinness enroute instead of the usual bowser full.
Thankfully he’d had the foresight to book us in at the IBIS, literally crawling distance from the gateway, this might prove to be a genius move. Rooms were basic but what more is needed, somewhere to lay your exhausted body and a ‘lectrik for the show room of tech brought along to capture the event.
Getting into the venue was very easy, and suitably armed with out respected wrist bands, mine being a green press one Pete having the more salubrious silver Artist/Crew band as he’s volunteering his services during the course of the weekend.
We get into the arena and its still quiet, we’re early so we acquaint ourselves with the important things, Bar, Food, Toilets check. A quick saunter over to check on some friends then it’s back to suss out the Pit, who’s the pit boss and fellow toggers. Oh bloody hell, Pete K Malley is comparing; it’s going to be carnage!
First up and with the honour of getting things started musically is the awesome Bastette. A female fronted rock band who waste no time in laying down the gauntlet. Clad in a latex catsuit, singer Caroline Eve Kenyon, prowls the stage as the band deliver their style of alternative rock. Her delivery is full of confidence and she includes a visit to the barrier to get more intimate with the small but growing crowd.
Bastette
Next is a new one to me in the form of Daxx and Roxane and interestingly they hail from Switzerland although they are now London based. They have been hailed by Kerrang as being ‘tooth and nail testosterone powered rock’? I’m not sure about that but the killer riffs and the crackingly great vocal certainly make you stand up and take notice. Classic rock is alive and well and it’s from over the channel in this case.
Daxx & Roxane 
Steal the City are next, and a big-hats off to these young guys for stepping up at very short notice. Covid is still upsetting the apple cart as Liberty Lies pulled out due to a positive test, get well soon lads. To be fair, Steal the City, Joe, Jake, Smit and Ellis, were well up for it. A mellow start hid their angst and attitude but that quickly followed. They certainly put on a performance that had their name being heralded over the week end. Joe Chugg on vox certainly grabbed the opportunity by both hands and wrung its neck. Great set lads, very impressed.
Steal the City
City Kids followed and although they’re type of pyschopunk rock isn’t my cup of tea I found them entertaining and engaging. Looking around the gathering masses it would seem that they have a good following here to see them. With a unique delivery and music mastery that is understated but hard hitting, they grind and grunge their way through a well-received set and have certainly gathered a few more fans along the way, myself included. Well done lads a super set.
City Kids
The Outlaw Orchestra what can I say that hasn’t already been said. This band are just ridiculously good fun. As only a three piece they engage with banjo, pedal steel as well as cigar box and sic string guitar. In fact, a Cigar Box guitar mead by Dave Roux was given away. This Americana fuelled band certainly put the smile on the crowd’s face with they’re twanging and heehawing style of Country Cajun Dixie fuelled rock. With songs like Chicken Fried Snake and See you In Hell you expect them to be from the deep South dripping in blue grass and crawfish and not the UK’s south coast.
The Outlaw Orchestra
The opening night was brought to a shattering climax with a great headliner. Cats in Space are having a sensational time post lockdown, having already performed at the ‘Rock n Blues Custom Show’, ‘Stonedead’s’ Friday party night and now this, along with their own sell out headline tour squeezed in covering much of the country. This is the new line ups first tour since singer Damien Edwards joined them. A stunning voice, and frontman and dressed an equally great blue wind-cheater. From the start the Cats proceed to smash the Bowl with their brand of heavily 70’s influenced pop rock., catching many a die-hard metal head off guard with how musically they are. I spoke with a group of heavily badged guys who said they’re not allowed to like this type of music but went on to say they’re flaming awesome, as they danced and shouted encouraging words at the stage. New fans? check!
Cats in Space 
Who can deny that Mr Heartache, Spaceship Superstar, and Thunder in the Night aren’t great songs? Add to the fact that when we started diving into the album, Atlantis, the sound just got grittier as Gregg and the boys dug in just that little bit more, giving the Bowl a harder, rockier version of what were already great tracks. Goodbye ELO, hello Nickelback.
More Cats in Space 
A great opening night, the weather Gods shined on us, things ran smoothly and the crowd were generally well behaved. It’s been a well organised event. Let’s have Day 2!
Words & photographs: Manny Manson
More stories
UTILITA CREATION DAY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR 2022
FEATURING… IDLES HAPPY MONDAYSECHO & THE BUNNYMEN || FRIENDLY FIRESSLEEPER || CAST || BLACK GRAPE || ASH || ECHOBELLYTHE WEDDING PRESENT || GLASVEGAS || MARQUIS DRIVE& MANY MORE A BRAND NEW TWO DAY FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVELY CURATED BY ALAN McGEE@ WEST PARK, WOLVERHAMPTON – 28-29th MAY […]
NewsFEATURING…
IDLES
HAPPY MONDAYS
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN || FRIENDLY FIRES
SLEEPER || CAST || BLACK GRAPE || ASH || ECHOBELLY
THE WEDDING PRESENT || GLASVEGAS || MARQUIS DRIVE
& MANY MORE
A BRAND NEW TWO DAY FESTIVAL
EXCLUSIVELY CURATED BY ALAN McGEE
@ WEST PARK, WOLVERHAMPTON
– 28-29th MAY 2022
– TICKETS ON SALE: NOW
The UTILITA CREATION DAY FESTIVAL is thrilled to announce its line-up for 2022.
An essential new fixture in the festival calendar, Utilita Creation Day Festival will be bringing two-days of exhilarating live music to Wolverhampton’s West Park on the 28th and 29th May 2022.
With a fresh line-up for the new year ahead, the festival can today confirm a stellar billing of talent who will be coming to the city…
A mouthwatering Saturday night headline set will come from the mighty: IDLES, who find themselves in unstoppable current form in the wake of their smash UK No.1 album: ‘ULTRA MONO’.
Credit: Tom Ham
A tough act to follow perhaps, but… Perennial 24-hour party people HAPPY MONDAYS will take the top billing for a Sunday night headline set, packed with choice cuts from over three decades of indie-dance insanity. Step on!
PLUS, an undercard boasting some of the most definitive names in indie/rock from all ages will also be taking centre-stage across the weekend, with winning sets from: ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN, FRIENDLY FIRES, ASH, CAST, THE WEDDING PRESENT, GLASVEGAS, SLEEPER, ECHOBELLY, THE ILLICITS, THE CLOCKWORKS, SHAMBOLICS and many more.
And in something of a Utilita Creation Day Festival exclusive, SHAUN RYDER is confirmed to be performing two sets over the weekend. In what will be a festival first for the Happy Mondays’ main-man, Shaun will also be warming up for the Sunday headliners with a set from his indie-dance groovesters: BLACK GRAPE, earlier in the day.
Credit: Paul Husband
Exclusively curated by the legendary Alan McGee, and presented in a joint collaboration between The City of Wolverhampton Council and Toura Toura Festivals, the first Utilita Creation Day Festival is intended as a celebration of the legendary Creation Records label and its legacy. Formed in 1983, the label rapidly became one of the most iconic of the 80s and 90s indie scene, with Alan introducing major acts to the world including Primal Scream, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Oasis. With acts handpicked by McGee himself; from the classic bands who have soundtracked his career, to the freshest new sounds inspiring him in the here-and-now, Creation Day promises to be an unmissable new venture from the music mogul.
Speaking about the inaugural Utilita Creation Day Festival, Alan McGee says:
“I’m very pleased to be asked again by the City of Wolverhampton Council & Toura Toura Festivals to curate the Utilita Creation Day Festival 2022. It’s great to see that most of the bands that missed out on playing due to covid restrictions this year, have all agreed to come back and play in 2022 with the fantastic addition of IDLES”
A festival that testifies to a trailblazing history and a vibrant future, Utilita Creation Day Festival promises to be the ultimate celebration of all things Creation, as orchestrated by the man, the myth and the legend behind it all…
Tickets for Utilita Creation Day Festival 2022 will go on sale 10AM on 10th September 2021.
To keep up to date with news on the Utilita Creation Day Festival visit www.creationdayfestival.com or follow Creation Day Festival on social media.
TICKETS & DETAILS
Utilita Creation Day Festival is a two day festival taking place at West Park in Wolverhampton on the 28th & 29th May 2022.
Tickets for the Utilita Creation Day Festival will go on sale on Friday 10th September at 10AM.
Weekend Tickets are priced at: £110 (+bf) or £160 VIP (+bf)
Day Tickets are priced at: £55 (+bf) or £80 VIP (+bf)
Creationdayfestival.com/tickets
Other attractions at the two-day event will include a fairground and a wide variety of food and drink stalls.
Support for festival goers with access requirements will be available.
Opening Times: 12.30pm – 10.45pm
FULL LINE UP
City of Wolverhampton Council and Toura Toura Festivals present…
UTILITA CREATION DAY FESTIVAL 2022 Featuring….
Sat 28th May:
IDLES
Echo & The Bunnymen
CAST
Glasvegas
Echobelly
Shambolics
The Clockworks
The iLLicits
Sun 29th May:
Happy Mondays
Friendly Fires
ASH
Black Grape
Sleeper
The Wedding Present
Grandmas House
Cat SFX
Marquis Drive
+ more TBA
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
John Grant, Grand Central Hall, Liverpool – September 11th 2021
John Grant made a visit to Liverpool and the beautiful surroundings of Liverpool’s Grand Central Hall was his stage for the night. This tour came not long after the release of his 5th album “The Boy From Michigan” received some great reviews. This is a […]
Gig reviewsJohn Grant made a visit to Liverpool and the beautiful surroundings of Liverpool’s Grand Central Hall was his stage for the night. This tour came not long after the release of his 5th album “The Boy From Michigan” received some great reviews.
This is a man who pours all his soul and past troubles into his songs as well as digs as John Grant says about this album himself it’s “Childhood viewed through the prism of adulthood”
Parking up in Liverpool on a warm Saturday evening it was nice to see this great city of music eventually coming back to life after what was a difficult 18 or so months for the live music scene in “The City Of Music” even this gig had been subject to delays and rescheduling but at last the day had come.
Walking up to Grand Central Hall I could see a queue had already formed outside which I thought was a good sign.
First on stage in support was folk singer song writer “Teddy Thompson” who performed a nice set of folk songs with a real country feel to them. This was a pure solo acoustic set, just one guy and his guitar which was received very well by the Liverpool crowd.
Then the man himself came onto stage much to the delight of his fans there on the night. This wasn’t a sell out by the looks of it with a few empty seats up on the balcony and a bit of standing space on the floor. This did surprise me at first considering the queue I had seen outside before the show. Hard to explain why this was the case but the fans who were there made Mr Grant more than welcome with the reception.
His first three songs “Just So You Know”, “Boy From Michigan” (Title Track) and “Cruise Room”, all from his new album , were played with Grant mostly at his keyboard. Grants voice is an absolute joy to listen to and these three first slower songs set us up for a change in pace.
The tempo soon became a lot quicker and more electronic with songs like “Black Belt” a real ear pleaser and beautiful synth arrangements and “Rhetorical Figure” were Grant hit some pretty high notes with his distinctive voice.
Grant then went into some of his back catalogue with songs like “Gray Tickles”, “Marz” and “Mike and Julie” all performed faultlessly with each song getting a growing response from the crowd.
The time passed so quickly, always a sign for me that the performance was good and before I knew it was all over. I have seen John Grant live now four times and each time I have come away thinking “That was a great gig” Tonight was different, I came away thinking “That was a FANTASTIC gig”
Words & photographs: Warren Millar
DREADZONE on the road
GLOUCESTER DATE FOR INFLUENTIAL ELECTRONIC OUTFIT – 18 SEPTEMBER 2021 Influential British electronic outfit DREADZONE will bring their 2021 tour to Gloucester Guildhall this Autumn (18 September). One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene, Dreadzone have steadily […]
NewsGLOUCESTER DATE FOR INFLUENTIAL ELECTRONIC OUTFIT – 18 SEPTEMBER 2021
Influential British electronic outfit DREADZONE will bring their 2021 tour to Gloucester Guildhall this Autumn (18 September).
One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene, Dreadzone have steadily been releasing albums and progressively bettering, refining and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub since their inception in 1993. Still going strong after nearly 30 years in the game they have also long been and still are, one of the best live bands around.
In 2019, Dreadzone moved forward as a 5 piece, after parting ways with their guitarist after 10 years, and are focusing more on the electronic and dub elements of their stage show – a sound they developed in earlier years of Dreadzone. Their old skool dread sound comes bubbling to the surface on new album ‘Dread Times’ which digs deep into their dub and reggae roots whilst still keeping the beats fresh and the textures electronic. Their last album Dread Times was the band’s 8th studio album and the 3rd release on their own Dubwiser label. The album stormed into the Top 40 UK Official Album Charts on release in 2017 – the first time the band have charted in over 20 years. The album also made the Top 10 in the Indie and Dance Charts.
More recently, the band launched their own label Dubwiser records and released ‘Dreadzone presents: Dubwiser Volume One’, on which The Dread collective bring their own individual talents and skills to the label, with a record that steps back to explore Dreadzone’s very own DNA while stepping forward to expand the label. The Dreadzone family tree has grown new branches, with artists bearing new fruit that demand further exploration. Dreadzone Presents Dubwiser Volume One featuring Dreadzone, Submantra, Louchie Lou & Michie One, Earl 16, Bazil & Professor Skank is out now on CD, Double Black Vinyl, Coloured Vinyl and Digital.
DREADZONE – WILL PLAY GLOUCESTER GUILDHALL – 18 SEPTEMBER 2021
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now and priced at £18.00+BF, available from:
https://www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk/live-events/dreadzonesep21?rq=dreadzone
Ages: 16+
Doors: 19.30 – 23.00
Dreadzone tour dates for 2021
Track Dreadzone and never miss them live.
FRI 17 SEPTEMBER Brighton, Concorde 2, Brighton, UK Tickets
SAT 18 SEPTEMBER Gloucester Guildhall, Gloucester, UK Tickets
FRI 24 SEPTEMBER Merleyn, Nijmegen, Netherlands Tickets
SAT 25 SEPTEMBER Paradiso Kleine Zaal, Amsterdam, Netherlands Tickets
SUN 3 OCTOBER Great British Alternative Festival 2021, Skegness, UK Tickets
SAT 9 OCTOBER The Forum, Tunbridge Wells, UK Tickets
FRI 15 OCTOBER The Rec Rooms, Horsham, UK Tickets
SAT 16 OCTOBER The Fleece, Bristol, UK Tickets
SAT 23 OCTOBER The Booking Hall, Dover, UK Tickets
SUN 24 OCTOBER Old Fire Station Bournemouth, Bournemouth, UK Tickets
FRI 29 OCTOBER – SUN 31 OCTOBER Halloween Town Festival 2021, Bedford, UK Tickets
SAT 30 OCTOBER The Assembly, Leamington Spa, UK Tickets
SUN 31 OCTOBER Halloween Town Festival 2021, Bedford, UK Tickets
FRI 5 NOVEMBER The Globe, Cardiff, UK Tickets
SAT 6 NOVEMBER Exeter Phoenix, Exeter, UK Tickets
FRI 12 NOVEMBER District, Liverpool, UK Tickets
SAT 13 NOVEMBER Cheese & Grain, Frome, UK Tickets
FRI 19 NOVEMBER Islington Assembly Hall, London, UK Tickets
SAT 20 NOVEMBER The Platform, Engine Shed, Lincoln, UK Tickets
FRI 26 NOVEMBER Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK Tickets
SAT 27 NOVEMBER The Sugarmill, Stoke On Trent, UK Tickets
FRI 3 DECEMBER Epic Studios, Norwich, UK Tickets
SAT 4 DECEMBER Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, UK Tickets
THU 9 DECEMBER O2 Academy2 Leicester, Leicester, UK Tickets
FRI 10 DECEMBER Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK Tickets
SAT 11 DECEMBER Craufurd Arms, Wolverton, UK Tickets
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Inglorious with support from Mercutio, Rock City, Nottingham, Friday 10th September 2021
Tonight is the opening night of the Inglorious tour and where better to start than at such an iconic venue as Rock City. It did feel good to walk up the steps for the first time in over 19 months due to the ‘C’ word, […]
Gig reviewsTonight is the opening night of the Inglorious tour and where better to start than at such an iconic venue as Rock City. It did feel good to walk up the steps for the first time in over 19 months due to the ‘C’ word, my first indoor gig and speaking to people waiting to go in, for many this was also their first back.
Inglorious had been busy during lockdown with two new releases hitting our ears, the second ’Heroine’ due to land in inboxes this very day.
UK based alternative rock band Mercutio got things underway, the band had supported Inglorious during their last tour and had gone down very well.
Skilled musicians and a truly enigmatic frontman in Ross William Wild did not disappoint, performing rather than just playing. Wild has a strong stage presence and a vocal to match.
Opening their set with ‘Where the Pain Lives’ and ‘Playtime’ they delivered a consistent passionate performance throughout the 8 song set with Wild dropping to the floor at one stage completely at one with the music.
The Inglorious fans did really engage with the band and although a completely different style of rock to Inglorious, ensured an appreciative response as they closed out their set with ‘The Ghost’.
Rock City had really started to fill up during Mercutio’s set and now eager faces were rammed up to the barrier waiting to welcome a band that always pulls out all the stops to give a brilliant live show.
A roar went up as Phil Beaver took his place behind his kit, Dan Stevens and Vinnie Colla took their positions and Danny Dela Cruz plugged in his guitar as the familiar intro of Grandstand played across the PA’s but the biggest cheer went up for Nathan James who genuinely seemed delighted and emotional as walked out onto the stage.
I don’t want to give the full set list away so early on in the tour but I can’t think anyone would be disappointed by the mix of songs from across the albums and of course from the two newest in the collection, ‘We will Ride’ and ‘Heroine’. However, opening the set with ‘She Won’t Let You Go’ was a huge reminder of the power of this band and of course the vocals of Mr James.
I was blown away! What an incredible band, and they are very much a band. The guitars of Dan and Danny effortlessly splintering out the soaring riffs and the earth-shaking basslines from Vinnie are so tight and accomplished, I almost forgot about the vocal for a few minutes. In his usual flourish of hair wafting and cymbal smashing, superb tub thumper Phil provided the pace. As always on the road, the keyboard skills of Rob Lindop really do fill out the music to allow the sound to be as full as the recordings.
I have never heard Inglorious play this well, they were impressive on the last tour but now there is a familiarity with each other more, a mutual appreciation of each of their talents with Stevens taking the leading riffs on many tracks but the soaring noodling talents of Danny do come into their own at times, he is a phenomenal talent and one that this band seems to be allowing to develop and flourish. A home gig for Danny and the appreciation levels took the roof off Rock City on several occasions during the set. The solo that finishes ‘Uninvited’ catapults his ability into the stratosphere.
A lovely acoustic break with Phil picking up the now familiar 12 string and Danny accompanying Nathan as he really allows us to hear the clarity, range and emotion in his voice with ‘Wake’ ‘Glory Days’ and “Time After Time’ all being given a brief airing. Lovely songs from across their albums and Nathan James probably has the best live vocal out here.
I loved every minute, I don’t think I have ever written that before about any gig but I did, and what made it for me was Inglorious the band. I did wonder when the “Heroine’ album came out if it was almost a Nathan James solo album, we know he has done a couple previously of some of his favourite songs, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Yes, there are very few singers who could pull these songs off, they are so huge and iconic, Heart, Mylie Cyrus, Cindy Lauper, Lzzy Hale for God sake, but hearing them play and sing some of these tracks tonight showed that the whole band had engaged with them, made them their own by adding so much energy and power to them. The more familiar Inglorious songs exploded with energy and passion, hiding in the smoke and glume at times, not coming forward as often as he should, Vinnie Cola is the lynchpin, the undercurrent that brings it all together, supporting the intricacy of the riffs, the solos, the vocals from Nathan, it’s all so joined up now.
The guys should be delighted that they have had such a fabulous start to the tour, a splendid set list and a fabulous opening night back to live indoor gigs for many.
If you haven’t bought tickets yet then do, go and see for yourself.
Words & photographs: Lindsay Smith (Exasperated tog!)
More stories
Finnish band Fearout set to release their debut album in November.
First single and music video out now! Finnish Helsinki based metal band Fearout is set to release their debut album Bleedthrough on November 5th 2021 via Inverse Records. The band released their first single The End of the Beginning along with music video. Watch music video […]
NewsFirst single and music video out now!
| Finnish Helsinki based metal band Fearout is set to release their debut album Bleedthrough on November 5th 2021 via Inverse Records. The band released their first single The End of the Beginning along with music video. Watch music video here: https://youtu.be/7M2LepMb_QQ “The main riff was composed some 20 years ago, and we tried it with another band but we never got it working. Ten years later it was offered to another band and it didn’t work either. Finally, when I offered this to Justus we got things rolling. So, aging this song some 20 years in oak cask wasn’t that bad idea after all.” Says the guitarist Arg kinnunen “The End of the Beginning was one of the first Fearout songs that we ever played together. Arg set the standard high right from the get-go. It contains a bit twisted main riff, some stoner grind and pretty melodies. Just what the doctor ordered; Singer Justus Latvala continues.” The song has stolen its title from Churchill and its theme is basically about the rise and fall and how to cope with it. Or not. Many people wish to be famous or some sort of stars and are absolutely willing to do anything to achieve their goal. After that 15 minutes of fame is gone the only way is down and you still should be able to live with the things you did when you tried to get to the top. Listen to the single on: Youtube: https://youtu.be/7M2LepMb_QQ Bandcamp: https://fearout.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gU2w9w Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/252309002 Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/194584654 Apple Music: https://apple.co/3t5NvWW Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WPap9h Biography: Fearout are a four-piece Finnish Hard Rock/Metal/Punk/Stoner band from Helsinki. The band was founded in 2014 by Arg Kinnunen (Guitar) & Justus Latvala (Vocals). Current line-up was stabilized when Topi Lajunen (Drums) joined band in 2016 and Minttu Minkkinen (Bass) in 2018. Fearout fuses filthy stoner guitars and noisy punk rock aggression with seductive melodies and provide energetic, volatile and sometimes literally bone crushing live performances. Fearout recorded their debut album Bleedthrough 2020-2021 and the album will be released in autumn 2021 by Inverse Records. Pre-save Bleedthrough album to your Spotify playlist: https://bit.ly/3gOxlfv |
| Fearout – Bleedthrough 01: That Was the Day I Decided to Start Using Hard Drugs 02: The End of the Beginning 03: Point Blank Range 04: Obsession 05: Nevermore 06: Which One of You 07: Smokescreen 08: Fist. Dreams. Insanity. 09: Half-Empty Man 10: What’s in the Box 11: Betrayal 12: Bring Me Down |
Fearout are:
Justus Latvala – Vocals
Arg Kinnunen – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Topi Lajunen – Drums, Backing Vocals
Minttu Minkkinen – Bass, Backing Vocals
Links:
https://fearout.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/fearou7
https://www.instagram.com/fearoutband
https://twitter.com/Fearou7
YES launch video for ‘Dare To Know’
. . . the second track taken from the forthcoming new album ‘The Quest’. YES, who are Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, recently announced they will release their new studio album The Quest on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on 1st October […]
News. . . the second track taken from the forthcoming new album ‘The Quest’.
YES, who are Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, recently announced they will release their new studio album The Quest on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on 1st October 2021. The album was produced by Steve Howe. “Much of the music was written in late 2019 with the rest in 2020. We commissioned several orchestrations to augment and enhance the overall sound of these fresh new recordings, hoping that our emphasis on melody, coupled with some expansive instrumental solo breaks, keeps up the momentum for our listeners,” said Steve.
Today the band are pleased to reveal a video for the albums second single ‘Dare To Know’.
Watch it now here: https://youtu.be/hhzKdB6ftsc
Steve Howe comments: “Dare To Know presents a guitar theme played within many different arrangements, with different chord structures and altered textures. The ‘idea’ mentioned in the first verse gets described later as an awakening to the subtle goings on within our bodies and mind, all geared to nature’s scheme of things, all fluctuating and rearranging according to the principles of life, as we know it. The centrepiece leaves the orchestra alone to elaborate and develop the way the theme is heard, then augments the closing minutes of the song as it rests, with an acoustic guitar cadenza.”
They also recently launched a video for the albums opening track – The Ice Bridge – watch the video here: https://youtu.be/PbGEa7ju8bg
The Quest was recorded across the globe, The sessions took place in the UK with Steve Howe, Geoff Downes & Jon Davison, while Alan White & Billy Sherwood got together in the studio in the US. “Billy Sherwood and myself did all the rhythm sections, bass and drum, in America,” says Alan White, “down in Los Angeles at Uncle Studios, where he works a lot. It helps when you’ve got a good place to work,” Alan laughs, “and Billy’s really good on the recording desk, so we got things down relatively quickly. I spent quite a while studying the music before I went down to LA so I was prepared.”
The Quest is also now available for pre-order in various formats, including a Limited Deluxe Box-Set that features a Gatefold 180g 2LP on exclusive coloured vinyl, 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak (featuring 5.1 mix & backing tracks), 36-page perfect bound booklet, enamel pin badge, 60x90cm poster, slipmat & hand-numbered certificate of authenticity, all housed in a rigid lift-off box.
Containing 11 songs, 8 on the main CD with 3 extra tracks on a bonus CD, The Quest will also be available as Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, 2CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP+2CD & as Digital Album.
Pre-order now here: https://yes-band.lnk.to/TheQuest
The Quest – 2CD Digipak tracklisting:
CD1:
01. The Ice Bridge 7.01
02. Dare To Know 6.00
03. Minus The Man 5.35
04. Leave Well Alone 8.06
05. The Western Edge 4.26
06. Future Memories 5.08
07. Music To My Ears 4.41
08. A Living Island 6.52
CD2:
01. Sister Sleeping Soul 4.51
02. Mystery Tour 3.33
03. Damaged World 5.20
Cover artwork designed and created by the band’s long term collaborator Roger Dean.
YES – The Story
For half a century YES have been the definitive band of the progressive music genre, the band by which all others are judged. Their ground-breaking albums of the 70s set the standard for the genre and influenced countless others who followed in their wake.
The current line-up of YES was completed in 2015 when Billy Sherwood replaced founder member Chris Squire, at Squire’s insistence, as he bravely fought a losing battle with leukaemia. Since then, YES have concentrated on touring with their Album Series tours, each featuring a classic YES album in its entirety. During this period YES have released three live albums Topographic Drama – Live Across America (2017), Yes Live 50 (2019) and The Royal Affair Tour: Live in Las Vegas (2020).
The music of YES has endured over the years and has been handed down through generations of music lovers.
YES – THE QUEST Out on 1st October
Pre-order here https://yes-band.lnk.to/TheQuest
YES Online:
https://www.facebook.com/yestheband/
Marillion – The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Tour – November 2021
Marillion will bring their The Light At The End Of The Tunnel tour to the stages of Britain with a 10-date tour in November culminating in 2 nights at the London Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith. Steve Hogarth says: “No, it isn’t a train coming the other […]
News
Marillion will bring their The Light At The End Of The Tunnel tour to the stages of Britain with a 10-date tour in November culminating in 2 nights at the London Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith.
Steve Hogarth says: “No, it isn’t a train coming the other way, it is in fact, The Light at the End of the Tunnel. We spent our time IN the tunnel writing our twentieth studio album.
We will tour in the UK in November and debut one or two new tracks, along with what we feel is the best of our (let’s face it) huge catalogue.
Our fans are legendary creatures of faith and enthusiasm – some say obsession – so we can’t wait for that feeling of reunification as we return from the wilderness, to the stage. The light is gonna feel good.”
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel tour dates for November 2021
Sunday 14th Nov Hull City Hall
Monday 15th Nov Edinburgh Usher Hall
Wednesday 17th Nov Cardiff St David’s Hall
Thursday 18th Nov Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Saturday 20th Nov Cambridge Corn Exchange
Sunday 21st Nov Birmingham Symphony Hall
Tuesday 23rd Nov Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Wednesday 24th Nov Bath Forum
Friday 26th Nov London** Eventim Apollo Hammersmith (seated)
Saturday 27th Nov London** Eventim Apollo Hammersmith (standing)
**Please note the Apollo Hammersmith shows will be – one night seated and one night standing.
Tickets are available from: www.myticket.co.uk/artists/marillion
MARILLION are: Steve Hogarth – lead vocals, lyrics, keyboards, percussion, Steve Rothery – electric guitars, acoustic guitars, Pete Trewavas – Bass, Guitar, Backing Vocals, , Mark Kelly – keyboards, and Ian Mosley – drums, percussion.
