Legendary All-Female British Hard Rock Icons GIRLSCHOOL Release Two Vintage Concert Performances!

Los Angeles, CA - From the vault of one of the most respected and groundbreaking British hard rock outfits to emerge from the NWOBHM scene, the legendary Girlschool, comes two never before released concert recordings now ready to be shared with the world courtesy of Deadline Music. Both shows present powerhouse performances by the original, classic Girlschool line-up featuring guitarist/vocalist Kim McAuliffe, bassist Enid Williams, drummer Denise Dufort, and the inimitable lead vocalist/guitarist, the late Kelly Johnson. First up, London 1980, released on CD, demonstrates the awesome power of this band in a live setting before their hometown audience, as they perform cuts from their recently released and soon to be classic debut studio album Demolition including “Emergency” and “Nothing To Lose,” plus their explosive cover of The Gun’s “Race With The Devil!” Then, Glasgow 1982 picks up where the London show left off, featuring high octane performances of tracks from both 1981’s Hit and Run and 1982’sScreaming Blue Murder including “The Hunter,” “Live With Me” and more! These performances eventually lead to the ladies’ first U.S. tour later in 1982 opening for Iron Maiden and Scorpions, and establishing a devout fanbase in the States. This historic performance is available on both CD and in a special limited edition purple vinyl pressing.


Girlschool are still going strong performing and recording with lead guitarist Jackie Chambers (who replaces Kelly Johnson). The band is currently touring North America through mid-June, after which they will embark on a massive European tour with Motörhead and Saxon in November! See www.girlschool.co.uk for details.


Purchase London 1980 on CD: 

http://www.amazon.com/London-1980-Girlschool/dp/B00OMBJZAE
on Digital: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/london-1980/id940714761
Purchase Glasgow 1982 on CD: 

http://www.amazon.com/Glasgow-1982-Girlschool/dp/B00TRP2RKK
on Vinyl: 

http://www.amazon.com/Glasgow-1982-Purple-Translucent-Vinyl/dp/B00TRP2RXW
on Digital: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/glasgow-1982-live/id968604439

Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow Set To Release A Series Of Vintage Concert Recordings From 1979!

Los Angeles, CA – In an era teaming with bands led by virtuoso guitarists and fronted by a singer with killer pipes, British rockers Rainbow stood head and shoulders above the crowd. Ritchie Blackmore’s hugely influential guitar playing mixed baroque bombast with blues rock brilliance, and laid the perfect sonic foundation for the versatile vocals of the late, great Ronnie James Dio. When Dio left the band in 1978, Blackmore along with drummer Cozy Powell recruited another vocal powerhouse, singer Graham Bonnet, and together with other new recruits including Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover and Coliseum II keyboardist Don Airey, recorded what would be one of Rainbow’s greatest achievements, their breakthrough album Down To Earth. Not only did that masterpiece spawn the band’s first charting single “All Night Long,” it also contained the all-time classic, rock radio staple “Since You Been Gone.” The subsequent Down To Earth Tour became the stuff of legend with a groundbreaking light show and a set list packed to the gills with fan favorites like “Man On A Silver Mountain” and “Long Live Rock And Roll” but still plenty of room for Blackmore’s own six-string pyrotechnics.


Now these incredible performances are being released for the first time with the pomp and pageantry worthy of these historic recordings, courtesy of L.A.-based Purple Pyramid Records. Available now is Denver 1979, an extraordinary concert album pressed on vinyl in 3 different colors - red, green, or blue - and packaged in an eye-catching holographic foil gatefold jacket. And coming August 21 is a super deluxe 3CD box set featuring full-length concert recordings from Denver, Long Island, and Chicago each packaged in its own individual sleeve next to a whole boatload of classic rock goodies including a 1” color button, embroidered fabric patch, a Ritchie Blackmore signature guitar pick, and a combo bottle opener/keychain - all beautifully contained in a gorgeous red-velvet lined box. For fans of this extraordinary band, there can be no bigger pot of gold!


To purchase Denver 1979 on Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/Denver-1979-Colored-Vinyl-Rainbow/dp/B00UY80B3O
To purchase Denver 1979 on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/denver-1979-live/id990317751

Gonzo Multimedia To Release 

“The Boomtown Rats - Live in Germany '78” 

(DVD/CD) – June 8, 2015

London, UK - Gonzo Multimedia will be releasing an unreleased live DVD/CD by rock legends The Boomtown Rats featuring Bob Geldof titled “Live In Germany '78” on June 8, 2015!


In 1975 friends Garry Roberts, Simon Crowe, Johnnie Moylett, Patrick Cusack and Gerry Cott formed a band in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. Bob Geldof was originally invited to be the band's manager, but he soon found himself nominated to take on the role of lead vocals by guitarist Garry Roberts, who originally had that job and didn't want it.


The band's early influences were Dr. Feelgood, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors and Bob Marley, among many others. Gerry and Pete arranged the band's first gig for Halloween 1975 under the name of The Nightlife Thugs, at the Bolton Street Technical College, where they - and Johnnie, were studying Architectural Technology. Just before the band went on stage, they changed their name to The Boomtown Rats, who were a gang mentioned in Woody Guthrie’s autobiography, “Bound For Glory”.


The Rats were soon causing a buzz throughout the whole of Ireland. In 1976 The Boomtown Rats relocated to England in search of a record deal. They turned down a million pound deal from Richard Branson's Virgin Records, and decided instead to sign for a new label that had been set up by former Phonogram man Nigel Grange and DJ Chris Hill. The new label was called Ensign.


The Boomtown Rats played their first ever UK gig on May 6th. 1977 at the Lodestar Club, Ribchester, Blackburn, Lancashire. The supporting acts were Demolition, and Disco-Punk Chris Graham. Having undertaken a hectic schedule of touring including gigs with Tom Petty, and The Ramones, The Boomtown Rats debut single “Looking After Number One” entered the UK charts in it’s first week of release at No. 78. The NME made it their single of the week. The Rats did their first TV show, a turn on The Marc Bolan Show. Marc tragically died 2 weeks later in a motor accident. “Looking After Number One” peaked at No.11 in the UK charts and The Rats were invited to do their first TOTP appearance. The band had now arrived. The Rats released their debut album, the imaginatively entitled “Boomtown Rats”. The album reached 18 in the UK charts.


In 1978 the single “She's So Modern” reached No.12 in the UK charts, more gigs, more tours, more exposure. Geldof was now becoming as well known for his motor-mouth as he is for his music, picking up the nickname “Bob The Gob” by the music press for his outspoken views. The Rats second album “A Tonic For The Troops” produced by Robert Mutt Lange reaches No.8 in the album charts and hangs around for 44 weeks. There was more TV, a promotional trip to America and November saw The Rats reach the top, when the single “Rat Trap” knocked John Travolta & Olivia Newton John off the No.1 spot.


The Boomtown Rats made history as the first Irish band to have a UK No.1 hit. “Rat Trap” is also recognized as the first New Wave song that made No.1 in the charts. In January 1979 Geldof hears the story on the news of the Californian schoolgirl, Brenda Spencer who shot and killed her principal of the school and injured many of her school mates. When interviewed and asked why she did it, she replied “I Don’t Like Mondays”. This quote proved to be inspirational to Bob Geldof & Johnnie Fingers. The ensuing single became a smash hit world-wide, reaching the No.1 spot in 32 countries and quite rightly became an all-time classic. The Boomtown Rats undertook a world tour, taking in America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The American leg of the tour ended at The Palladium in New York. The Boomtown Rats third album “The Fine Art Of Surfacing” reached No.7 in the UK album charts.


In 1980, a Dublin court canceled a Boomtown Rats concert. Bob Geldof rejected the court's decision and The Boomtown Rats battled on for 2 weeks to be allowed to play in Ireland. The Boomtown Rats held the gig at Leixlip Castle to fourteen thousand fans... with Bob Geldof claiming a Boomtown Rats victory.


In 1981 The Rats recorded their new album “Mondo Bongo” in Ibiza with producer Tony Visconti who had previously produced albums with T Rex, Bowie, Thin Lizzy, The Stranglers, Iggy Pop, to name but a few. The album “Mondo Bongo” went gold again. Now a recurring event for each new Rats album. The album featured the classic hit “Banana Republic” which has been called Ireland's alternative national anthem! Lead guitarist Gerry Cott now left the band, who continued as a 5-piece. Geldof stars in director Alan Parkers classic film of Pink Floyd's The Wall. The Rats tour Thailand, India, Japan,Malaya, Hong Kong and Singapore.


In 1982 a new generation of bands breaks through and The Rats new album “V Deep”, again produced by Visconti becomes The Rats first record setback. The single House On Fire does well in the UK charts. The Rats tour of the UK to promote the album however is a complete sell-out. In 1984 The Rats brilliant single “Drag Me Down” limps into the Top 50.. The Geldof masterpiece “Dave” sinks without trace, although Pete Townsend of The Who said Dave was “the best single of 1984”.


In late October 1984 Geldof watches he Ethiopian famine on the BBC News and decides to “do something”. The other Rats wholeheartedly support him.


In 1985 The Boomtown Rats sing on the Geldof/Midge Ure penned Band Aid record “Do They Know It's Christmas”. In its first week of release the single became the UK's fastest seller of all time, entering the chart at number one and going on to sell over three million copies, making it the biggest-selling single in UK history up to that point. On July 13th 1985, The Boomtown Rats were just one of the greatest artists in rock 'n roll history to play the Live Aid Concert in front of billions of people.


In 1986 , and so The Boomtown Rats play their last gig in Ireland for Self-Aid.


Unlike 10 years previously when The Rats understood precisely what they stood for, who they were and what their intention were, by '86 this had now become unclear. Where could they go musically after all that had been achieved as a group both musically and socially. There were few battles left to fight that they hadn't already won. And so they went their separate ways.


In 2013 The Boomtown Rats re-group and once again overwhelm the tens of thousands at the Isle of Wight Festival. The songs had not only lasted but had over the years attained a newer relevance and power. Hearing them afresh the critics were amazed at how contemporary the Rats, their music, their songs and their attitude - unchanged after all those years still were. And are!!


And now, comes an unreleased live concert from Germany 1978 on DVD/CD!


Here is the undiluted towering energy, speed, anger and sheer joy of playing in one of the great British/Irish bands of our time at their peak and in their prime.


Tracks:
(It Feels) So Strange
(She's Gonna) Do You In
Banana Republic (Bonus Track)
Close As You'll Ever Be
Do The Rat
Don't Believe What You Read
House on Fire (Bonus Track)
It's All The Rage
Joey's On The Street Again
Kicks
Lookin' After No. 1
Mary of the 4th Form
Neon Heart
Never Bite The Hand That Feeds
Rat Trap
She's So Modern



For more information: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15843

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Presents WAKEmanFest 

3-Day Event October 30-November 1, 2015!

London, UK - WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.


The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950's. The venue's golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.


Says Rick, “I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this 3 day event, The Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history. I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with YES. We are also hoping to organising various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5pm so everybody can head off home”.

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this...


Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm - Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.


Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm - The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm - Wakeman Cubed.


Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.
4.30pm – 5:00pm - Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm - Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.


Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm - Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm - Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm - English Rock Ensemble


Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm - lunch and table magic
During lunch - Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.


Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm - The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm - Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm - Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm - Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble - Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

For more information:
www.wakemanfest.com
http://www.rwcc.com/notice_wakemanfest.asp

New 3CD Box Offers A Heavy Dose Of Rare & Unreleased Iggy Pop Recordings!

Los Angeles, CA - When Michigan based proto-punk band The Stooges called it a day in 1974, the music world mourned the loss of one of the most groundbreaking rock bands ever. Fortunately, the mourning didn’t last long as head Stooge Iggy Pop quickly launched a stunning solo career that arguably eclipsed his auspicious early years.Psychophonic Medicine is an incredible 3CD collection of rare and unreleased gems that focuses on Pop’s crucial late’70s, early ‘80s post-Stooges output. The collection, available everywhere June 23 courtesy of Cleopatra Records, features studio outtakes from the landmark albums The Idiot and Party including never before released alternate mixes and 2 tracks not previously released in any form! Each of these recordings provides important insight into how Pop evolved from punk pioneer to one of the most diverse and adventurous artists in music.


But the party doesn’t stop there - the set also contains some of Iggy’s most electrifying live performances. Disc 2 is the first ever CD release of the legendary show at Paris Palace 1979. This incredible full-length recording showcases Iggy at his most explosive and audacious, ripping through such favorites as “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” “Cock In My Pocket,” “Kill City” and more! A newly discovered audio source from Pop’s San Francisco performance in 1981 wraps up the collection in fine form with scalding versions of “I Need More,” “Lust For Life,” “TV Eye,” “1969,” “The Winter Of My Discontent” and others. Each of the three discs is packaged in its own wallet and comes with a gorgeous 36-page full color booklet featuring rare photos from the archives of longtime Stooges photographer and co-author of the only authorized Stooges biography, Robert Matheu, who also wrote the liner notes. And if that isn’t enough, the box includes a special bonus track of Iggy’s duet with Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino that was featured on HBO’s True Blood! Both collectors and the curious will find Psychophonic Medicine an irresistible aural trip.


DISC 1: RARITIES
The Idiot Outtakes (1977)

1. Dum Dum Boys (Alternate Mix)
2. Baby (Alternate Mix)
3. China Girl (Alternate Mix)
4. Tiny Girls (Outtake)
Party Outtakes (1981)
5. It's My Life (Unreleased)
6. Bang Bang (Alternate Mix)
7. Sea of Love (Alternate Mix)
8. Time Won't Let Me (Alternate Mix)
Ric Ocasek Sessions (1983)
9. Fire Engine
10. Warrior Tribe
11. Old Mule Skinner
Steve Jones Demos (1985)
12. Beside You
13. Cry For Love
14. Purple Haze
15. Warm Feeling (Unreleased)
BONUS TRACK
16. Let’s Boot And Rally with Bethany Cosentino


DISC 2: PARIS PALACE 1979

1. Cock In My Pocket
2. Kill City
3. Fortune Teller
4. New Values
5. Billy Is A Runaway
6. I Wanna Be Your Dog
7. Five Foot One
8. Dirt
9. Batman
10. Louie Louie
11. Shake Appeal
12. I’m Bored


DISC 3: SAN FRANCISCO 1981

1. I Need More
2. Some Weird Sin
3. Houston Is Hot Tonight
4. TV Eye
5. 1969
6. Rock and Roll Party
7. Bang, Bang
8. Dum Dum Boys
9. Eggs On Plate
10. I'm a Conservative
11. I Need More (Again)
12. Lust for Life
13. The Winter of My Discontent


Pre-order the CD version: 

http://www.amazon.com/Psychophonic-Medicine-Iggy-Pop/dp/B00CP4S4FC

Music Review_Tim Russ_Lifeline

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
13 June 2015
ClassicRockRadio.co.uk NEW Music Reviews

Spotlight: Tim Russ - Lifeline (2015)

Tim Russ - Lifeline (2015)

I had several reasons for buying Tim's newest CD titled Lifeline off CD Baby Dot Com. This is my second Tim Russ CD, as I purchased his self titled release for GNP Crescendo Records at a Xena / Star Trek Convention back in the year 2000. 

Jump ahead fifteen years and I find out Mr. Russ is not only appearing at the next Space City Comic Con, held in Houston Texas next month, but he's doing a musical set there as well. Being a journalist for a classic rock station, I decide I would like to cover this special event. Traded emails with a super helpful guy named George. Results, I'll see you there.

On a side note, if just into Star Trek, the spin-off Tim was associated with most, Star Trek Voyager, is having a twentieth anniversary reunion at the Space City Comic Con this coming July (24th - 26th) with many of the cast members being there. I don't play favorites. Star Trek Voyager contained so many good stories, and in my opinion, was an excellent science fiction television series. Attending the reunion, and joining first hand in the festivities should be fun!

Back to Mr. Russ and his music career. One man who I wish could attend Tim's performance along with me would be a fellow writer at ClassicRockRadio.co.uk, named Derek. Cool dude, and seriously into Mr. Russ' music. Told me he digs Tim's guitar playing style. Says a lot, because Derek listens to the best.

Before the acting, Tim was a professional musician. He's been at this for over four decades now. Being either in front of the camera, or directing, work of this type takes up a lot of Tim's time. Even so, he still manages to get out and play music, whenever he can, such as at the UP & COMING Space City Comic Convention. My friend Mr. Watts, lives in England. If Derek could attend and help me cover it for the station, I know he would in a heartbeat. A lot of miles between the U.K. and Houston Texas USA. So I decided to jump in so Derek (and our readers) could experience it vicariously through me. Believe me, no one's breaking my arm. My pleasure! Lots of things going on at the Space City Comic Convention this time around. Plenty for a correspondent like me to write about.

Part of being a credible writer is doing research. I read Tim had a new CD out called Lifeline and figured he might perform a song or more off it at Space City Comic Con (July 24_July 26). Found it and ordered the actual factory pressed product via CD Baby Dot Com, so I'd be familiar with the material. Within a few days, it was in my mailbox. Been playing the disc in the car and house every day since, appreciating it more and more with every listen. Of course, there are reasons for that. So without further ado, my thoughts on Tim Russ - Lifeline (2015)

If getting into Tim's music for the first time, be aware that song wise he's into the lyrics as much as the man is into the actual music. The title track, and the one that starts off the CD called Lifeline, illustrate that through and through. One of two songs written by Tim Russ on this new studio offering. Lyrics are strong, and the music that accompanies it, fits like a glove. Displays excellent song writing skills. The tune itself stays in your head, long after you're done playing it aloud. Problem with starting off an album with such a tight number, is that it's possible to let down the listener if the rest of the material on the album isn't equally as good and exciting. Am happy to report that's NOT the case here.

The next ten tracks are songs written by a variety of others, that Tim interpreted his own way. More upbeat than not. Some rhythm n' blues, mixed in with other styles that keep the listener engaged. Musical compositions that one could know already. Songs by Joe Bonamassa, Bruce Hornsby, Bo Bice, or Jamie N Common.

A very special track is saved for last called Doom Doom Diggity. Mean ass guitar work with spoken words that certainly catch your attention, as well as make one laugh out loud. Based on a real human being? I'll have to ask Mr. Russ that myself the next time opportunity arises. The wife and I have been playing this track lately on the ride up to the gym. Really helps get our heads zoned in on what we're about to try and accomplish. Written by Mr. Russ, and as infectious as the title track, Lifeline, that he also penned. Red Alert … BOTH tracks qualify as songs that stick in your mind, long after that last note plays out. At the station we call it ear-worm material.

Rating

Using the five star rating system, whereas one star means it's horrible, to five stars meaning it's terrific, Uncle G rates Tim Russ - Lifeline … 5 stars! Fact is the whole album is done really well.

For those wondering, Tim's singing voice is strong, and what I find to be a tad earthy, which really magnifies lyrics and help define their meaning. Has a great delivery, in which voice and instrumentation combine for one unique listening experience.

I really like the choice of songs that Tim covers. I had fun researching and finding out where each song originated. Surprised me with the Jamie N Commons tune, 'Lead Me Home'. Fans of the television series The Walking Dead should know this one. Speaking of those into television, if into American Idol then you might dig Tim's version of Bo Bice's, 'Witness'. The first song (track six) on the CD that I gave a repeated play on the first listen.

The musicians who accompany Mr. Russ SMOKE! Ladies and Gentleman, the Tim Russ Crew: Jack Conely who plays a mean-ass harmonica, and drummer / percussionist, Jim Martin, whose drum work demands paying attention to. The keyboard work of Bill Burchell is outstanding! As is the saxophone playing of Daniel Mancuso. And I can't forget the ladies, Diana Perkins (percussion / vocals) and on background vocals, Maria Madero, Adelina Madero, and Diana Perkins. Everyone does a brilliant job, and that's behind the scenes as well. The physical CD sounds just awesome in my home and car stereo.

And there you have it. A recommended buy that would be a welcome addition to any general music lover's collection.

Link to Purchase; CD Baby - Tim Russ Page

https://www.cdbaby.com/artist/timruss

Space City Comic Convention (July 24-July 26) in Houston Texas USA

http://spacecitycomiccon.com/

Gary Brown
American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816

Former Angel Frontman Frank Dimino Releases Solo Album "Old Habits Die Hard on July 3rd

Best known for being the front-man of legendary US Hard Rock band ANGEL, Frank Dimino is now leading his own solo project and debuts with a fine Melodic Hard Rock album aptly titled “Old Habits Die Hard”.

ANGEL is a band that was discovered (similarly to VAN HALEN) by KISS bass player Gene Simmons, who got them signed to Casablanca Records. With that label ANGEL released 5 critically acclaimed studio and one live album in the second half of the 70’s. After the band’s demise, Dimino went on to work with UFO’s Paul Raymond and worked as singer for Soundtracks, scoring a Platinum album for the inclusion of his Cycle V song “Seduce Me Tonight” on the “Flashdance” soundtrack.

While Frank is undoubtedly the brainchild of DIMINO, the new album sees him collaborate with some heavyweights of the Vegas music scene, which is where he currently resides. Under the production of Paul Crook (MEAT LOAF), DIMINO sees the participation – among others - of Oz Fox (STRYPER), Eddie Ojeda (TWISTED SISTER), Rickey Medlocke (BLACKFOOT, LYNYRD SKYNYRD), Jeff Labansky, and former ANGEL bandmates  Punky Meadows (on guitar) and Barry Brandt (co-writing with Frank the song” Even Now”).

“Old Habits Die Hard” is going to take many by surprise as this is not a nostalgia fest, but a really compelling and inspired Hard Rock release. Frank Dimino is back and here to stay. Look out for DIMINO live shows soon in a city near you!

-

Frank DiMino: Lead Vocals

Justin Avery: Organ, Background Vocals

John Miceli: Drums

Oz Fox / Paul Crook / Jeff Labansky / Punky Meadows / Jeff Duncan / Eddie Ojeda / Dylan DiMino / Rickey Medlocke: Guitars

Danny Miranda / Paul Crook: Bass