Monday, 31 October 2011
Alice Cooper's Night Of Fear Manchester 30th October 2011
Even people living in caves have heard of Alice Cooper such an icon of Rock and Roll who seems to have been about forever (certainly since I was at school which means much the same thing). The man and the band know how to put on a show that pleases just about everybody, the over the top theatrics and costumes are so much a part of it but with such a massive catalogue of songs they could just stand still and play all night.
Not good enough for the Coopers though for the full on experience you have to have monsters zombies explosions and graveyard levels of mist . Also amazingly a new song (from the new album) subtly introduced by Alice wearing a jacket sign written 'New Song' the title "I'll Bite Your Face Off" and very much as you'd expect in the Alice style it rocks like Vannesa Feltz stood up in a canoe.
The favorite songs were delivered in true Coop Halloween style opening with The Black Widow complete with spider jacket segued into Brutal Planet driven hard, The spectacle of Feed My Frankenstein accompanied by 12 foot high reanimated monster terrorising the stage and chasing away Alice. Later during Billion Dollar Babies the generous Alice distributing Alice Dollars from a sword flourished about across the audience.
An unexpected highlight was a tour de force solo with powerful drummer Glen Sobel right at the top of his craft throwing sticks yards into the air midway through and never missing a beat .
I have also to mention Orianthi drop dead gorgeous lead guitarist as a counterpoint to the evil/naughty Alice she is not there just in a beauty and the beast role, what a player I found myself watching her hands as she shredded solo before 'Only Women Bleed' ( you can see what I mean on You Tube ) . If you couldn't make it then tour footage is well covered online but I understand there are still tickets available as the band head for mainland Europe during November and heading back to the US from the 26th.
Definitely a thoroughly enjoyable night out with assorted ghouls and sundry creatures all dressed up to add to the merriment
Thursday, 27 October 2011
RUSH TO RELEASE “SECTORS” THREE BOX SETS SPANNING ENTIRE MERCURY CAREER ON NOVEMBER 28th 2011
RUSH TO RELEASE “SECTORS” THREE BOX SETS SPANNING ENTIRE
MERCURY RECORDS CAREER ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011
Each Box Set To Include A Specially Mixed Album In 5.1 Surround Sound And Stereo
With more than 40 million records sold worldwide and countless sold-out tours, Rush – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart – are not only one of the most successful and influential bands in rock history but continue to garner new fans and continue in popularity every year.On November 28, 2011, Universal Music Group celebrates the legacy of Canadian rock trio Rush with the release of three separate six-disc box sets which together spans their entire historic Mercury Records recording career. Each “Sector” contains five of their 15 Mercury albums in chronological order, all transferred to high resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio and digitally remastered for optimal quality. In addition, each volume includes an exclusive booklet packed with unpublished photos, original album lyrics and credits, and features one album from each set specially remixed on DVD in high resolution 96kHz/24-bit, 5.1 surround sound and stereo, compatible with both DVD-Audio players and DVD-Video players.
Each album is packaged in a replica vinyl mini-jacket of the original album release with all three box sets forming a Rush CD road case.
SECTOR 1
RUSH – Their hard-rocking, self-titled 1974 debut hit the Billboard 200 and features classics such
as ”Working Man” and “Finding My Way.”
·
FLY BY NIGHT (1975) – Released in 1975, Fly By Night sees the debut of drummer Neil Peart
who would help drive the band towards more complex material. Included are fan favorites such as
the title track, “Anthem” and the eight-minute composition “By-Tor And The Snow Dog,” which
shows the band’s musical growth and progression.
·
CARESS OF STEEL (1975) – Also released in 1975, Caress Of Steel hit the Top 200 and gives a
further glimpse of the band leaning toward prog rock and features Rush classics such as “Lakeside
Park” and “Bastille Day.”
2112 (1976) – One of Rush’s all-time classics, 2112 was the band’s commercial breakthrough
reaching the Top 100 on the album chart and remains one of their most popular albums
successfully merging prog rock with their hard rock roots, a first for its time. 2112 features epic
tracks such as the 20-minute title track “2112,” taking up the entire first side of the original vinyl
album.
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE (1976): Hitting Top 50, this was Rush’s first live album and
features classics such as “Fly By Night/In The Mood” which reached Top 100, “2112,” “Bastille Day”
and “Something For Nothing.”
DVD: FLY BY NIGHT – Their classic 1975 sophomore release is now, for the first time, presented
in high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit 5.1 surround sound and stereo.
SECTOR 2
A FAREWELL TO KINGS (1977) – Their 1977 Top 40 release features their hit “Closer To The
Heart,” “Xanadu” and the title track, “A Farewell To Kings.”
HEMISPHERES (1978) – Reaching Top 50 on the album chart, Hemispheres includes the 20-
minute opus “Cygnus X-1Book II – Hemispheres” and the metaphoric social commentary “The
Trees.”
PERMANENT WAVES (1980) – This 1980 release hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and features
classics such as “Freewill” and “The Spirit Of The Radio.”
MOVING PICTURES (1981) – Considered one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time, this
quadruple platinum-selling masterpiece features the Grammy® nominated instrumental “YYZ” and
rock radio staples such as “Tom Sawyer,” “Red Barchetta,” “Vital Signs” and “Limelight.”
EXIT…STAGE LEFT (1981) – Released in 1981, this Top 10 live album features performances of
favorites such as “Tom Sawyer,” “Freewill,” “YYZ” and deeper album tracks such as “La Villa
Strangiato” and “Broon’s Bane.”
DVD: A FAREWELL TO KINGS – The album that set their musical course and signature
songwriting style is now presented in high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit 5.1 surround sound and
stereo.
SECTOR 3
SIGNALS (1982) – The synthesizer-driven Signals reached Top 10 and produced their No. 1 hit
“New World Man” and the Top 20 hits “Subdivisions” and “The Analog Kid.”
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE (1984) – This 1984 release hit Top 10 on Billboard’s album chart
and features classics such as “Red Sector A” and “Distant Early Warning.”
POWER WINDOWS (1985) – Released in 1985, Power Windows features Top 10 hits “Marathon”
and “Big Money,” plus the Top 50 hits “Territories” and “Mystic Rhythms.”
HOLD YOUR FIRE (1987) – The Top 20 album includes “Force Ten” and “Time Stand Still” with
both reaching No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, plus the Top 50 hits “Lock And Key” and
“Mission.”
A SHOW OF HANDS (1988) – While 1976’s All The World’s A Stage shows Rush’s hard
rock roots and 1982’s Exit…Stage Left showcases their mix of synth and prog rock, the Top 50
double live album A Show Of Hands concentrates on the band’s later synth-driven era with tracks
such as “Subdivisions,” “Force Ten,” “Red Sector A” and “Marathon.”
· DVD: SIGNALS – The 1982 Top 10 album Signals is also featured in high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit 5.1 surround sound and stereo.
Topped only by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Rush remains at the No. 3 spot for the most consecutive gold/platinum studio albums by a rock band certified by the RIAA, and their current single “Caravan” went to No. 3 on the US radio chart. In addition to their commercial success, Rush has also been recognized with a number of Juno Awards, multiple Grammy® nominations and, with their recent pop culture renaissance, the band made a rare and a memorable cameo in the hit comedy I Love You, Man. With sold-out concerts worldwide, including the recent critically acclaimed “Time Machine Tour,” Rush continue to gain new generations of fans worldwide. A career-chronicling Rolling Stone feature summed up the renowned rock trio’s continuing artistic vitality by observing, “It’s true that Rush doesn’t mean today what it did in ’76 or even ’96. It may mean more.”
For more information about Rush, visit: www.rush.com.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Saxon British Tour Dates for December
Dates as follows: Support is Hammerfall for all shows.
DECEMBER
Tues 13th Oxford 02 Academy 0844 477 2000 – www.o2academyoxford.co.uk
Wed 14th Leicester 02 Academy 0844 477 2000 – www.o2academyleicester.co.uk
Fri 16th Edinburgh Picturehouse 0844 847 1740 – www.meanfiddler.com
Sat 17th Belfast Mandela Hall 0844 277 4455 – www.qubsu-ents.com
Mon 19th Sheffield 02 Academy 0844 477 2000 – www.o2academysheffield.co.uk
Tues 20th London Koko 0844 477 1000 – www.koko.uk.com/
Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman Live Album Available NOW!
Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman The Living Tree In Concert Part 1
Those progressive Rock Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman release their first live album together in Novembe. However fans can buy the album ahead of the release to shops and online dealers by buying the album directrly from the Gonzo Multi Media website. The duo are curtrently in the middle of a successful American and Canadian tour.
The album was recorded during the duo's British tour in 2010 and comes housed in a sleeve designed by Mark Wilkinson who was also responsible for the design of the artwork for The Living Tree. The track listing is below and features songs from the duo's debut album The Living Tree alongside some Yes classics.
01. And You & I
02. Living Tree Part 1
03. Morning Star
04. Long Distance
05. The Garden
06. Living Tree Part 2
07. Time and a Word
08. Just One Man
09. 232411
10. Southside
11. House Of Freedom
12. The Meeting
The album can be purchased by following the link below to the Gonzo Multimedia website
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15405/Anderson_-_Wakeman-Live.html
Those progressive Rock Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman release their first live album together in Novembe. However fans can buy the album ahead of the release to shops and online dealers by buying the album directrly from the Gonzo Multi Media website. The duo are curtrently in the middle of a successful American and Canadian tour.
The album was recorded during the duo's British tour in 2010 and comes housed in a sleeve designed by Mark Wilkinson who was also responsible for the design of the artwork for The Living Tree. The track listing is below and features songs from the duo's debut album The Living Tree alongside some Yes classics.
01. And You & I
02. Living Tree Part 1
03. Morning Star
04. Long Distance
05. The Garden
06. Living Tree Part 2
07. Time and a Word
08. Just One Man
09. 232411
10. Southside
11. House Of Freedom
12. The Meeting
The album can be purchased by following the link below to the Gonzo Multimedia website
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15405/Anderson_-_Wakeman-Live.html
Friday, 21 October 2011
Jeff Green : Jessica Feature Tonight on Classic Rock Radio
Tonight on Classic Rock radio Jon Kirkman talks to Jeff Green about his debut solo album Jessica.
Jeff Green is an American guitarist and song writer living in Ireland and also works across the world as a member of the premier Eagles tribute band The Illegal Eagles
Jeff also is a huge fan of Progressive Rock Music and as a solo artist works in the progressive Rock genre
His first solo album Jessica is an album named after and inspired by the death of his daughter Jessica. The album is an uplifting and touching piece of work that will appeal to lovers of finely crafted songs and indtrumentals.
In this feature Jon Kirkman talks to Jeff about the album and plays tracks from the album and talks about the plans for jeff's follow up album.
Listen live tonight at 8pm or the repeat tomorrow night at 8pm. All times are UK time
http://www.classicrockradio.eu/
Jeff Green is an American guitarist and song writer living in Ireland and also works across the world as a member of the premier Eagles tribute band The Illegal Eagles
Jeff also is a huge fan of Progressive Rock Music and as a solo artist works in the progressive Rock genre
His first solo album Jessica is an album named after and inspired by the death of his daughter Jessica. The album is an uplifting and touching piece of work that will appeal to lovers of finely crafted songs and indtrumentals.
In this feature Jon Kirkman talks to Jeff about the album and plays tracks from the album and talks about the plans for jeff's follow up album.
Listen live tonight at 8pm or the repeat tomorrow night at 8pm. All times are UK time
http://www.classicrockradio.eu/

Black Country Communion:
Live Over Europe DVD/Blu ray
Mascot Records
Released UK/Europe 24th October 2011
Hands up all those who thought that Black Country Communion were a one shot deal and that once the first album was out then the band would just fall by the wayside and the members would just continue with what they were doing before. Well I have to admit that I too had that feeling having seen this kind of thing before but I am happy to say that not only have the band managed to get over the difficult second album which most bands like this really struggle to release, they have also toured and the future looks good for all concerned not least those of us who absolutely adore what this band does
Filmed during the band’s debut European tour Black Country Communion Live over Europe finds this band ready to kill straight out of the box. If I am honest I am absolutely floored by the power the dynamics and sheer presence of this band. It isn’t a bunch of individuals out to make a quick buck this is a living and breathing band and live they excite me like very few bands have managed to do over the last few bands.
The great thing about this DVD is of course the music and the band feature music from both the albums currently available and of course we also have a knockout version of Burn which despite of course being a cover is really a major highlight of the bands set. Other musical highlights are frequent throughout this DVD and I have to say the material in a live setting really does shine tracks like One Last Soul, Save Me and Black Country just blow you away but the entire set is just full of great rock songs.
The other thing that I have noticed here is that the band can cut it both on a small intimate stage and also the big stage. Very few bands can make the switch so easily One of the few that I know of is The Rolling Stones so Black Country Communion are in elite and hallowed company . Wherever you see the band and if you caught the band on their UK tour or in Europe this DVD will be a great reminder of just how good this group of musicians are. Is there a star in Black Country Communion? Are you kidding of course every member of this band is a star but the amazing thing is they are a “BAND” there are no egos here just pure confidence in what they do. Glenn Hughes says in the DVD that they are “Just a Rock n Roll band playing Rock n Roll Music” Yes Glenn you are but BCC ARE SPECIAL!
The DVD package comes as a two disc set and the first disc will be on permanently play in my house until the band tour again.
Disc two is where you find the extras which include a featurette of the band on tour making this concert film and also includes photo galleries both on tour and backstage. In short if you have the two Black Country Communion CDs then you will want and indeed NEED this DVD [package it really is indispensable. I haven’t been as excited about a band for an absolute age but Black Country Communion excite me no end. They are the real deal!!
You can check out the bands facebook page for a look at the trailer for this film and also a chance to download a track Song of Yesterday free of charge.
https://www.facebook.com/bccommunion?sk=app_103520946352747
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Joe Bonamassa's UK Tour Continues This Week!!

Photo Credit © Christie Goodwin
Joe Bonamassa's UK Tour Continues This Week!!
On Saturday October 15th, Joe Bonamassa came down with the flu and was forced to re-schedule his Blackpool Opera House concert Saturday October 15th to the new date of Thursday April 5th 2012. Joe’s Nottingham Capital FM Arena concert on Sunday October 16th has now been re-scheduled to Monday April 2nd 2012.
The good news is that Joe has now fully recovered from the flu, and will perform the remaining dates on the current leg of his UK tour as follows:
Cardiff International Arena Tuesday October 18th
*Plymouth Pavilions Wednesday October 19th *Few tickets remaining
*London Hammersmith Apollo Friday October 21st *Few tickets remaining
*London Hammersmith Apollo Saturday October 22nd *Few tickets remaining
You can request Joe Bonamassa tracks on Classic Rock Radio here:
http://www.classicrockradio.eu/playlist/playing.html?buster=0.9504105352387064
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