Ahead of the release of their latest album – ‘On The 13th Day’ – in September, it’s “Magnum Month” at Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in August.
To tie in with their 40th anniversary Magnum are GRTR! Ambassadors for 2012 and are celebrated in two specials this weekend. Malcolm Dome’s personal appraisal is at 18:00 whilst Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin talk about the band at 21:00. Followed by tracks from the new album at 22:00
More information: www.getreadytorockradio.com/magnum.htm
Thanks for reading and wishing you all a peaceful & enjoyable Christmas time.
A little Darkness to get you in the festive mood:
Some recent reviews…
More over at the new GRTR! reviews and interviews blog http://reviews.getreadytorock.com/
PATSY MATHESON ‘Stories Of Angels & Guitars’ (2012)
Former Waking the Witch member Patsy Matheson returns with her new album, her first in nearly four years. Mind you not that she hasn’t been busy touring relentlessly including some very well received gigs with folk legend Clive Gregson. Patsy plays most instruments on here (including the xylophone!) with Jon Short on double bass and former Housemartin Hugh Whitaker on drums.
This is an album for concentration and enjoyment – with a wine/beer (or tea in my case) in hand along with the lyrics sheet. The vocals are simply stunning, from ‘Under Your Wing’ with a heavenly high vocal part midway through to ‘So The Same’, where Patsy joins her herself on harmonies, something her former band Waking the Witch excelled at. Lovely mandolin solo on ‘Water Is Over The Weir’ and again another song you can lose yourself in. The moving ‘Sylvia Jean’ closes the album, a tale of two young lovers whose romance is cut short after the young man dies in a flying accident.
What makes this album special? The smoothly melodious voice draws you into a song; add a little acoustic guitar and what more can you want? We all have our musicians and singers we like to rave about and I would urge lovers of singer/songwriter and folk music to buy this album.
****1/2
ROYAL HUNT ‘Show Me How To Live’ Frontiers (2011)
Royal Hunt are back after their last album ‘X’ seemed to disappear without trace but now they are back on Frontiers for their new album. Since the last album gone too are vocalist Mark Boals and guitarist Marcus Jiddell, with vocalist DC Cooper returning (he was the band’s vocalist in the mid-90’s) and new guitarist Jonas Larsen.
Now for the majority of Riyal Hunt fans the return of DC Cooper is like Ozzy back in Black Sabbath or Slash returning to Guns ‘N’ Roses. I however, must be one of the few who really enjoyed the John West fronted albums! This album is a back to basics one after the disappointment of ‘X’. It is not a concept album and Andre Andesen’s keyboards set to ‘stun’ along with DC Cooper on fine vocal form. ‘An Empty Shell’ contains wondrous keyboard runs coupled with just the right amount of guitar. A gentle harpsichord intro (not often you read that in a rock review) gives way to catchy ‘Hard rain’s Coming, a song chosen as the lead song of this album. The band’s use of layered choir backing vocals is used to good effect on this song. ‘Another Man Down’ brings in the band’s skill at creating a story set to music and again those keyboards are swirling all over the place creating a keyboard’s heaven. Again the band shows they haven’t lost the skill of penning catchy melodic metal. Those seeking some OTT guitar solos may feel short changed on the album but then this band has never dues them as a foundation of their sound.
A returning key member doesn’t always mean a return to form, (just ask Megadeth) but in Royal Hunt’s case they are back on form. Now for some live dates and a juicy big concept album next time…
****1/2
THIS IS FREEDOM ‘Welcome Home’ (EP 2012)
Debut EP that has been a work in progress since 2010. Now I am not ‘up’ on the band’s name-checked in the press release like You Me At Six and Francesqa, but This Is Freedom sound like the rockier end of Hard-Fi. Highlights are spiky rocker ‘Bitter’ complete with a nice synth intro and the slower ‘Hurricane’, adding some variety to the EP. Expect to see them in Kerrang! and becoming one of next year’s next big things…
****
Jason Ritchie
SAVATAGE ‘Handful Of Rain’ Ear Music/Edel (2011)
The Savatge re-issue campaign continues apace with the band’s 1994 release, their first after the death of Criss Oliva. Although the band are credited it is Jon Oliva playing all the instruments with Alex Skolnick on guitars (his only Savatage album).
Listening to this album you can see where the TSO came from, especially as Paul O’Neill helps on production. The title track is one of the band’s best for me, along with the epic refrain of ‘Chance’. This song has it all, the massive backing, OTT guitar solos and counterpoint vocals (one of the first Savatage songs to use these) so beloved of bands like Queen. For some straight ahead metal you have ‘Symmetry’ and ‘Taunting Cobras’ (great song title). The album closes with a tribute to Criss Oliva ‘Alone You Brethe’, again the band pulled out all the stops on the music and vocals.
The two bonus songs are acoustic versions of ‘Summer’s Rain’ and ‘Believe’ by Jon Olivia recorded this year. Both are full production numbers with keys/drums/acoustic guitar and in the case of ‘Summer’s Rain’ it sounds like a whole new song as it is played at a slower pace than the original.
One of my personal favourate Savatage albums as the band melded their prog metal leanings with big production values.
****1/2
CRAIG FINN ‘Honolulu Blues’ (CDS 2011)
Craig Finn is of course the singer in the Hold Steady and this is his debut solo single ahead of his album ‘Clear Heart Full Eyes’. Obviously being the vocalist of a band it is hard to escape the sound of your band and in this case it happens partly. Mind you, when your band are the Hold Steady that’s not really a problem. The song has less urgency and guitar than the Hold Steady but the storytelling lyric is still there, along with a vocal that sounds like singing and talking at the same time – if that makes sense! Based on this Craig Finn will have another hit on his hand.
****
INTENSE ‘The Shape Of Rage’ Pure Legend Records (2011)
Intense are back and also on a new label, German based Pure Legend Records. We’ve been waiting four years for this new one but it has been worth the wait. If you wanted to sum up the band’s sound it is intense (excuse the pun), classic metal with a vocalist, Sean Hetherington who can match the powerful music around him. Too often metal vocalists disappear under the metal bombast of their band colleagues.
If a song like ‘The Elemental’ does not get you air guitaring and riffing then you can’t call yourself a metal fan. This is a tune I am sure Judas Priest would love, both lyrically and musically. One of the band’s best songs to date. ‘Skull Of Sidon II (The Final Stand)’ shows off the band’s prog metal leanings building from a steady intro into neither mighty metal tune. An interesting diversion on ‘For The Fallen’, an almost ballad like song with a moving lyric and acoustic guitar. ‘One Man’s Word’ is one of those atmospheric metal songs so beloved of classic Iron Maiden and Iced Earth.
Three albums into their career and Intense, despite obstacles set in their path, continue to deliver powerful and enjoyable metal. It is about time they enjoyed a lift in success they so richly deserve.
****1/2
Estrella ‘One Love’/'Party’ (CDS 2011) http://www.facebook.com/Estrellarocks
The band comprise of brothers Paul Gunn (vocals), Luke Gunn (guitar) and Nathan Gunn (bass), with Leo McPherson (drums). They have been building up a decent following in their native Scotland and recorded their debut album with producer John Sinclair (Ozzy Osbourne/Uriah Heep).
‘One Love’ is a perfect arena rock anthem with a big, catchy chorus and a nifty keyboard riff. The sound is not overly slick either, like Def Leppard meets Shy. Not so keen on ‘Party’ which as the title suggests sees the band going all 80′s hair metal and Sunset Strip. They don’t quite pull it off plus they come from Aberdeen, hardly a sunny spot!
On the strength of ‘One Love’ this band have enough to leave you wanting more. Roll on the debut album release in March…
****
PAUL GILBERT & FREDDIE NELSON ‘United States’ Mascot Records (2009)
This album seemed to have slipped past me on its release but I am glad I read about it on a forum. It features Mr Big’s Paul Gilbert along with relative unknown singer Freddie Nelson. You may gleam a clue about Freddie Nelson’s vocal hero and style from his first name…
This is an album for Paul Gilbert not only to show his undoubted guitar prowess but he gets to play some tasty riffs. There isn’t really a bad song on here and for Queen fans check out ‘Paris Hilton Look-Alike’ or ‘I’m Free’ (marvel at those high notes and the frantic guitar solo) for some simply stunning Queen approved harmony vocals. But it is not all Queen as ‘Pulsar’ has a real Thin Lizzy flavour in the guitar parts and a Billy Sheenan like bass line. ‘The Answer’ features some beautiful acoustic playing from Paul Gilbert, adding variety to musical pot.
If I could travel back in time this album would make 2009 best of with ease. Not sure why this album didn’t make a bigger splash on its original release but you can remedy this now if you like Mr Big/Paul Gilbert, Queen, classic rock get this CD now!
****1/2
JOSH TAERK ‘Never Look Back’ (2011) http://www.joshtaerk.com
Josh Taerk is a twenty year old Canadian singer/songwriter who releases his debut album on the back of a recommendation on his work from E-Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, plus Terry Brown (Rush) produced the album.
‘Start Again’ is the album’s big rock anthem and naturally was released as single. Think Keith Urban with a bit more clout. ‘Smell The Roses’ is another strong song and features Styx’s Lawrence Gowan on piano. Much of the rest of the album is made up of reflective pieces that bring to mind Hootie & the Blowfish. Easy on the ear and stand up to repeated plays.
I do feel his success will lie in the US and Canada where this style of music does so well, sadly not here in the UK. Josh Taerk has produced an impressive debut album, so get in early and enjoy this album as he will get bigger and more well known as his career progresses.
****
TOMMY EMMANUEL ‘All I Want For Christmas’ Favored Nations Acoustic (2011)
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian acoustic guitarist famous for his picking style of playing, based on one of his main influences Chet Atkins. This is his seasonal offering featuring fellow guitarist John Knowles, who along with the other players recorded this album by Skype and downloads.
This is a wonderful instrumental Christmas treat, up there with the Californian Guitar Trio’s classic Christmas album from 2002. The musical styles incorporate a little jazz, some blues, plenty of classical guitar playing and a lot of good music. Hard to pick highlights but ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’ (lovely playing on this one), ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ (nice, gentle jazzy feel to the music) and the only new song on here, ‘One Christmas Night’, stand out.
Christmas music is often naff and thankfully only played for a short time each year but don’t let this little gem slip you by. Buy it for your loved one/parents/grandparents and then sit back and enjoy over the Christmas period.
****1/2
JON AMOR BLUES GROUP (2012) http://www.jonamorbluesgroup.com
The highly talented Jon Amor is back with a new album with a line-up featuring two fellow members of the Hoax (the Doherty brothers), the band he rose to prominence with and drummer Simon Small. Recorded in a fortnight it means the album has a proper live feel to it and the band would have no trouble reproducing the music on here in the live arena.
This is good old fashioned blues rock album with some modern twists. There is much to enjoy on here from the blues rock stomp of ‘Juggernaut’ through to the Muddy Waters influence on ‘The Underdogs’. ‘Repeat offender’ may have a simple refrain but it is one that sticks in your head and won’t let go.
Mention must be made of the drums and percussion, some wonderful fills and crystal clear percussion on the album which really help to give the songs an earthy feel. The guitar solos are kept concise, never extending their welcome into one of those endless blues rock solos that leave all but the hardened blues fan bored.
If like you me you only dip into the blues now and then, make sure you get this album as it will keep you in blues heaven.
****1/2
Hello Everybody
Hope you’re all well.
My turn to do the newsletter, so here goes…
Our BIG news is that Bex and me both have new albums coming out at the beginning of next year and will be out on the road throughout the country for 30 live dates between Feb 3rd and Easter. The list of dates and email addresses for tickets is below.
My album, ‘Stories of Angels & Guitars’ (Tomorrow Records) is released on January 16th and will be available on CD and download.
You can preorder it and listen to some sound samples at Amazon by following this link:
It features ten new songs with me playing guitar, mandolin, glockenspiel, xylophone and percussion with Hugh Whitaker (ex Housemartins) on drums and Jon Short on double bass.
Reviews are only just starting to come in, but here’s a quick sample from our boasting file of what people are saying so far:
‘a gorgeously intimate late night album, full of lush harmonies and a wonderful stillness built of the sparse instrumentation and Patsy’s trademark husky fragility’ – Stephen Lambe, Classic Rock Soc Magazine
‘The vocals are simply stunning… The smoothly melodious voice draws you into a song; add a little acoustic guitar and what more can you want? I would urge lovers of singer/songwriter and folk music to buy this album’ – Jason Ritchie, Get Ready To Rock!
‘Patsy Matheson, returns from the world of recording with a fabulous album… “Stories Of Angels & Guitars” is not an album to be rushed, give yourself time to listen to it properly so you can get the reward due you.’ – Neil King, Fatea Magazine
Becky’s album ‘Dandelion’ will be available at our live dates and released officially slightly later in the year. It’s been produced by Dave Creffield, (Embrace, the Kaiser Chiefs producer) who did such a wonderful job on Waking the Witch’s ‘Boys from the Abattoir’ album, and features a wide range of very talented musicians. I’ve had a sneak preview and it is completely marvellous!
At our live shows, we are going to be playing some Waking the Witch songs, as well as songs from both of our new albums. Bex and I are also just in the process of making a couple of videos to promote the tour, so we will let you know when these are ready and posted up on You Tube.
You can keep up regularly with our news on Facebook (you’ll track down Bex under Rebecca Tamsin Ballantyne Mills and me under Patsy Matheson!!) or I’ve just set up a Twitter account, so feel free to follow us on that, although I’ve not quite got the hang of it yet…(if anyone can explain to me how it works, that would be very helpful indeed!) - or we both have websites – www.beckymills.co.uk or www.patsymatheson.co.uk
Right then. I think that’s all our news for now.
Have a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year and we look forward to catching you along the way in the Spring. Woop!
Best wishes
Patsy
for Jools, Rachel and Becky (Waking the Witch)
SPRING TOUR: Patsy Matheson & Becky Mills
…0ne half of award winning female acoustic quartet, Waking the Witch
‘Expert musicianship and compelling interchanging lead vocals’ – Maverick Magazine
Official blurb: Since the well publicised break up of Waking the Witch, Patsy Matheson and Becky Mills have continued to delight audiences throughout the UK – Patsy as half of a duo with the legendary Clive Gregson (Gregson & Collister, Richard Thompson Band), and Becky singing alongside Ken Nicol (Steeleye Span) and Ashley Hutchings (Fairport Convention).
Now, to support the release of their two new albums ( Patsy’s ‘Stories of Angels & Guitars’ available 16th Jan 2012) and Becky’s ‘Dandelion’ , these two highly respected songwriters, singers and guitar players have joined forces resulting in a unique and personal sound, drawing on roots in traditional and contemporary folk, acoustic blues, R & B, jazz and rock, with an emphasis on intricate vocal harmonies. Combine this with the pair’s engaging charm and sense of humour, and this promises to be a very special evening of top quality entertainment.
Spring 2012:
FEBRUARY
Frid 3rd Feb – Carlisle, Carlisle Folk & Blues Club www.carlislefolkandbluesclub.com
Wed 8th Feb – Lowdham, nr Nottingham, The Old Ship Inn www.warthogpromotions.com
Thurs 9th Feb – Leicester, The Musician www.themusicianpub.co.uk
Fri 10th Feb – Barton upon Humber, Ropery Hall www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/roperyhall/music.htm
Sat 11th Feb – Sheffield, Greystones www.mygreystones.co.uk
Fri 17th Feb – Chagford, The Ring O Bells www.ringobellschagford.co.uk
Sat 18th Feb – Torquay, Blue Walnut Cafe www.bluewalnutcafe.com
Mon 20th Feb – Farnham, The Maltings www.farnhammaltings.com
Tues 21st Feb – Battle, Hastings, Mrs Yarringtons @ Crowhurst Park www.mrsyarringtons.me.uk
Thurs 23rd Feb – York, Black Swan www.blackswanfolkclub.org.uk
Fri 24th Feb – Otley, Korks www.korks.co.uk
Sat 25th Feb – Burton, The Brewhouse Arts Centre www.brewhouse.co.uk
Sun 26th Feb – Birmingham, The Kitchen Garden Cafe www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk
Tues 28th Feb – Montrose, Links Hotel Folk Club www.linkshotelmusic.com/folk-music.php
Wed 29th Feb – Lanark, Horse & Jockey
MARCH
Thurs 1st March – St Andrews, Lathones, The Inn at Lathones www.innatlathones.com
Fri 2nd March – Ulverston, Social Club http://www.slmp.btinternet.co. uk
Sat 3rd March – Dumfries & Galloway, Sanquhar Arts Centre www.all-the-airts.com
Tues 6th March – Nr Beverley, Processed Pea, The Light Dragoon, Etton www.theprocessedpea.co.uk
Thurs 8th March – E. Devon, Otterton, Otterton Mill www.ottertonmill.com
Fri 9th March – Bridgwater, Arts Centre www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
Sat 10th March – Wellington Arts Centre www.w-a-a.co.uk
Sun 11th March – Nr Gloucester Wotton under Edge, Arts Centre www.utea.org.uk
Fri 16th March – Grassington, Appletreewick, Craven Arms www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk
Sat 17th March – Preston, New Continental www.newcontinental.net
Fri 23rd March – Milton Keynes, The Stables www.stables.org
Sun 25th March – Hebden Bridge, Trades Club www.thetradesclub.com
April
Sunday 8th April – Barnsley Acoustic Roots Festival www.barnsleyacoustic.co.uk
Friday 13th April – Hinckley, Hinckley ACT www.hinckleyact.co.uk
Saturday 14th April – Pickering, Newton upon Rawcliffe, Village Hall Dennis.Wilcock@btopenworld.com
Sunday, 18 December, we launch our 2012 promotion, with a two-hour MAGNUM special. In the first hour a selection of tracks from their earliest years to the present lovingly put together and presented by Classic Rock’s Malcolm Dome, and in the second (sacred) hour a recent interview feature with Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin talking about the band’s progress since 1972…with more great music!
Sunday, 22:00 GMT+1
www.getreadytorockradio.com/magnum.htm
Another good year for music and again a delight to discover new bands/artists as well as discovering some established names. Not in any order…
Night Ranger ‘Somewhere in California’ Frontiers – they have certainly rediscovered their mojo and then some!
Foo Fighters ‘Wasting Light’ - a fine return to form with the emphasis on the heavier side of the band’s sound.
White Widdow ‘Serenade’ AOR Heaven - more pomp for your pennies! Plenty of glorious harmonies and keyboards as the band surpass their debut and then some.
Shy ‘Shy’ Escape Music – a fitting tribute to Steve Harris who sadly passed away shortly after this album was released. Quite possibly their best album.
Mr. Big ‘What if…’ Frontiers - hopefully we’ll get another album out of them but if not this is a great way to sign out.
Newman ‘Under Southern Skies’ AOR Heaven – for top notch AOR/melodic rock look no further. Steve Newman never fails to deliver the goods.
The Answer ‘Revival’ Spinefarm – they have upped their game and produced an album to match their mighty debut.
House Of Lords ‘Big Money’ Frontiers – another fine effort and contains a couple of cracking hard rock tunes.
Eden’s Curse ‘Trinity’ AFM Records - builds on their earlier albums and with Michael Eden now out of the band be interesting to see where they go from here…
Glyder ‘Backroads To Byzantium’ SPV – new line-up including a new vocalist sees the band stretch their musical wings to good results.
Credo ‘Against Reason’ F2 Music – quite possibly their best album to date. Lovers of bands like IQ, Fish, Pallas et all would do well to get this CD pronto.
Within Temptation ‘The Unforgiving’ Roadrunner - melodic rock meets symphonic metal as the band really find their commercial angle. Some fans might not like it but given airplay the band can become bigger than Evanesence!
Uriah Heep ‘Into The Wild’ Frontiers - a real classic Heep album that melds their 70′s sound with a modern commercial edge.
Neal Morse ‘Testimony 2’ Inside Out - never a duff album from this highly talented musician. Highly accessible prog rock.
Airrace ‘Back To The Light’ Frontiers - it may have been twenty five or so years since their debut but this album rocks! One of the finest melodic rock albums released this year.
Robin George’s LovePower & Peace Angel Air - its been a long time coming but well worth the wait as Robin George and his musical pals produce a varied and enjoyable album. All this and it is for various children’s charities as well.
Neonfly ‘Outshine The Sun’ Rising Records - debut of 2011 without a doubt. Not since hearing the mighty Power Quest first time around has a melodic/power metal band grabbed my attention.
Power Quest ‘Blood Alliance’ – the Quest goes on and sadly with vocalist Chitty Sompala who left shortly after this album was released. If anything slightly heavier than their recent couple of albums.
Arena ‘Seventh Degree Of Seperation’ Veglas Music - new vocalist Paul Mani and John Jowitt back on bass, Arena have produced one of their most accessible albums to date.
Sacred Heart ‘Propaganda’ Indie – they keep improving with each album. Lots to enjoy on here.
Doogie White ‘As Yet Untitled’ Metal Mind Productions – fans of his Rainbow album will love this and check out the classic Rainbow intro by Tony Carey.
Grand Illusion ‘Prince Of Paupers’ AOR Heaven - the Kings of Harmonies are back. Not quite as instant as previous releases but stick with it.
Evergrey ‘Glorious Collusion’ SPV - how this band are not bigger is a mystery. More commercial edge on this release.
Royal Hunt ‘Show Me How To Live’ Frontiers - DC Cooper is back on vocals and the keyboards are set to stun! One of their strongest releases for some time. Now how about a concept album next…
Cold ‘Superfiction’ Eleven Seven – impressive modern rock and novel use of electronics/programming to beef up the sound.
Magnum ‘The Visitation’ SPV - Magnum continue their fine form of late with another ‘must have’ album for their fans.
Intense ‘Shape Of Rage’ Pure Legend Records - classic metal riffery and some of the finest metal songs you will hear this year.
Journey ‘Eclipse’ Frontiers – only just got a copy! Certainly their heaviest album for a long time but misses a real stand out ballad.
Mentioned in dispatches…
Queensryche ‘ Loud & Proud/Roadrunner – this band never stop exploring musical avenues and much better than most reviews would have you believe.
Voyager ‘The Meaning Of I’ Sensory Records – back to form and includes a fitting tribute song to Pete Steele.
Pendragon ‘Believe’ – Nick Barrett & co. never fail to deliver, although I don’t like this as much as the past two releases.
Fullforce ‘One’ - classic power metal, nothing more, nothing less and very enjoyable.
Jimi Jamison & Bobby Kimball Frontiers - a great pairing and they are given some great songs to perform.
Styx ‘Regeneration Volumes 1 & 2’ Ear Music/Edsel – re-recordings with one new song.
Disappointments…
Dream Theater could have been so much better, it is good but not good enough by their own high standards.
Megadeth a lot was expected of the return of Dave Ellefson to the band but the album whilst a solid one, lacks a classic tune or two.
Re-issues:
Queen re-issues Island/Universal
John Waite ‘Rover’s Return’ BGO Records
Paul Sabu ‘Call Of The Wild’ Z Records
Damian Wilson ‘I Thought The World Was Listening 1997-2011′ – a stunning two CD round-up of his solo career to date.
Gigs:
Night Ranger Islington Academy – been waiting many a year to see Night Ranger and they were superb. Now can we have Survivor and Boston over next?
Big Country Shepherd’s Bush Empire – Mike Peters is a perfect fit for Big Country and the whole band seem to have a balst on stage.
Power Quest + Neon Fly The Purple Turtle – sadly the only time I saw Chitty Sompala fronting the mighty PQ but at least I discovered the delights of Neonfly.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Hammersmith Apollo – simply stunning, from the music through to the stage show. Really hope they come back soon and be nice to see the Christmas show on UK soil.
Yes Hammersmith Apollo – Benoit David looks comfortable on stage and fingers crossed this line-up can record another new album & tour again very soon.
Black Stone Cherry Wembley Arena – you must see this band live – they exude so much energy and good time music.
THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENTARY ON THE WORLD’S GREATEST ROCK BAND IS COMING TO DVD AND BLU-RAY
Released 28th November – Universal Music
“This fantastic and moving two-parter tells the story of the finest live band in the history of rock. There’s archive footage of past performances, interviews with the members and, best of all, plenty of insider anecdotes; the choicest being Elton John’s reaction to Bohemian Rhapsody: “Are you off your head? You’ll never get that played.” The Guardian.
In 1971, four college students got together to form a rock band.
Since then, that certain band called Queen have released 26 albums and sold over 300 million records worldwide. The popularity of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon is stronger than ever 40 years on. This past month in front of an estimated TV audience of 1.2 billion they were honoured with the Global Icon Award at the 2011 MTV EMA.
But for Queen the journey was no bed of roses. No pleasure cruise. Queen had their share of kicks in the face, but they came through – and this is how they did it.
Set against a backdrop of brilliant music and stunning live performances from every corner of the globe, Queen: ‘Days of Our Lives’ – available in both Blu-Ray and standard DVD formats, released 28th November through Universal Music, brings Queen’s 40th Anniversary year to a close in suitably regal style.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ began as a two-part documentary produced by long-term Queen collaborators and life long fans Rhys Thomas (the comedian who famously broke the Mastermind all time record points score with a specialist subject of Queen) and Simon Lupton, and directed by the renowned director Matt Casey. After 10 years of making Queen DVDs, Lupton and Thomas were asked by the band to produce the definitive 40th Anniversary documentary and after almost a year of painstaking research and editing, this was the result.
Split over two episodes, Part One covering 1970-80, Part Two 1980 – present day, the documentary is a genuine rollercoaster of rock and roll history.
In this film, for the first time, it is the band that tells their story. Featuring brand new interviews with Brian May and Roger Taylor and unseen archive footage – including their recently unearthed first ever TV performance – it is a compelling story told with intelligence, wit, plenty of humour and painful honesty.
Rhys Thomas comments, “We set out to make the definitive Queen documentary. It’s a funny, honest, inspiring and ultimately tragic account of ‘a certain band called Queen’, as told by the band themselves. We tell the story of four students who met in West London, slogged hard and conquered the world, ultimately changing rock music forever.”
When originally broadcast in the UK on BBC 2 across two nights in May of this year, ‘Queen: Days of Our Lives’ was the highest rated TV show on in its slot, beating every other channel and peaking with 3 million viewers. It has been widely regarded as one of the finest rock documentaries made and the critical reaction was outstanding. “Funny that,” says Thomas, “considering Queen were always denounced by the press!”
Say Queen’s Brian May: “The Boys did a fantastic Job on this documentary … with little interference from us! I think this one will set the bench mark for years to come.”
Thomas explains the transfer of the original BBC documentary to DVD release: “When originally making the series it wasn’t easy condensing 40 years of Queen down to just two hours. In fact, there was so much more to be said and so much more to be seen. Thanks to Blu-Ray and DVD, so much more of that story can now be told.
“As the two documentaries worked so well, we resisted the idea of making an epic 3-hour ‘Extended Cut’. They are always boring, and as Freddie said to his manager Jim Beach in his last days: “Do anything you want with my music dear, but never make me boring!
“So rather than simply dump a load of ‘deleted scenes’ onto the DVD and Blu-Ray, Simon and I decided to edit them all with as much love, time and care as we put into the main documentary. What we have as a result is a great companion to the main story and some real gems, most notably covering the formation of the band and the making of the last three albums which was only touched upon in the televised version. For instance, we learn from Brian how John Deacon made a cut in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for the record company and Freddie’s reaction; the revelation that Freddie was not sober during the making of ‘Spread Your Wings’/’We Will Rock You’ in Roger’s back garden, and a hilarious sequence about Queen and their love of Scrabble.
“As well as the new sequences, there are 7 new videos. Excerpts were featured in the main documentary, but we have completed them, and here on DVD and Blu- Ray they appear in full.”
The Blu-Ray format allows for additional bonus material and therefore differs in content to the Standard DVD release. Please check credits for each release.
‘Queen: Days of our Lives’ Blu-Ray & Standard DVD content descriptions:
Documentary Part 1 – 59 mins
Documentary Part 2 – 59 mins
ADDITIONAL VIDEOS – Blu-Ray and Standard DVD (24 mins):
Seven Seas Of Rhye 2011:
A compilation of all four Top Of The Pops and Rainbow Live performances from 1974 – all unseen
Killer Queen 2011
A compilation of two Top of The Pops performances, one the familiar 1974 Christmas Special, the other – discovered in the late British comedian Dick Emery’s private collection, hasn’t been seen since 1974, the original master tape wiped from the BBC archives.
Somebody To Love 2011
This is a new edit of the video using the four takes shot on the day, most of which has never before been seen. `
We Are The Champions 2011
In 1977, cameras filmed Queen recording a new version of the song for the promo video. This video shows the band performing and mixing this unreleased version in two live takes. An instrumental version of this closed Part One of ‘Days of our Lives’. Here for the first time the video can be seen in its entirety.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love 2011
A new edit of the video compiled from the rushes including outtakes and unseen angles.
Under Pressure 2011
A new video intercutting Queen’s first live performance of the song in Montreal 81 and Queen + David Bowie at the Freddie Mercury Tribute.
Radio Ga Ga 2011
This new video includes unseen colour footage from the 1984 Radio Ga Ga video shoot plus rushes and outtakes.
BONUS SEQUENCES – Blu-Ray (59 mins) / Standard DVD (21 mins only):
Queen: The Beginning
A detailed look at how Queen formed in 1971. Covering Smile, finding John Deacon, and the early struggles of the band.
Queen On Tour 1974-5
Featuring Queen at the Rainbow and unseen footage of the band touring Japan for the first time. Includes excerpts of ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘Killer Queen’ and ‘In The Lap Of The Gods’ live.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Brian reveals how John Deacon made a cut in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for the record company, only to be dismissed by Freddie: “Either it’s released in it’s entirety or not at all!.”
Working Together
The Band discuss their working relationship, including unheard archive of Queen having a ‘creative discussion!’
Leaving John Reid
An in-depth account of how the band left manager John Reid and set up Queen Productions – plus the revelation that Freddie was not sober during the making of ‘Spread Your Wings’/’We Will Rock You’ in Roger’s back garden.
Don’t Stop Me Now
Brian and Roger discuss ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and the ‘Guitar Version’ discarded by Freddie.
Flash Gordon
A short sequence on the making of Queen’s first film soundtrack, ‘Flash Gordon’, plus an alternate promo video.
Making Videos
The band discuss the video making process, featuring lots of unseen outtakes.
Scrabble Wars
A hilarious sequence about Queen and their love of Scrabble. You will just have to watch!
From Magic to The Miracle
In the three years between ‘A Kind Of Magic’ and ‘The Miracle’, the members of Queen went through some life changing experiences in their working and personal lives. This chapter sheds light on what went on behind closed doors.
Going Slightly Mad: The Making of Innuendo
In 1991 Queen hit the charts with a No.1 album and single, ‘Innuendo.’ Creatively the band were reinvigorated, their material better than ever, but beneath the surface, they all had to face the fact that Freddie was seriously ill and time was running out.
Made In Heaven
Roger and Brian talk about the making of the last Queen album, ‘Made In Heaven’, working with Freddie in his final weeks, as well and working with the material he had recorded after he had passed away and the emotional distress it caused.
Return To Imperial
Brian returns to Imperial College and shows us around the college where he and Roger first met, formed Smile and ultimately Queen.
BONUS INTERVIEWS - Blu-Ray (19 mins). Not included on Standard DVD:
The Bonus Interview section contains various interesting, funny and insightful footage that didn’t fit into any particular sequence but was too great to leave on the cutting room floor.
Queen: ‘Days Of Our Lives’
Formats: Blu-Ray / Standard DVD (Versions differ)
Available from 28th November 2011
Format Contents:
Blu-Ray DVD
Documentary Part 1 – 59 mins Documentary Part 1 – 59 mins
Documentary Part 2 – 59 mins Documentary Part 2 – 59 mins
Additional Videos – 24 mins Additional Videos – 24 mins
Seven Seas Of Rhye 2011 Seven Seas Of Rhye 2011
Killer Queen 2011 Killer Queen 2011
Somebody To Love 2011 Somebody To Love 2011
We Are The Champions 2011 We Are The Champions 2011
Crazy Little Thing Called Love 2011 Crazy Little Thing Called Love 2011
Under Pressure 2011 Under Pressure 2011
Radio Ga Ga 2011 Radio Ga Ga 2011
Bonus Sequences – 59 mins Bonus Sequences – 21 mins
Queen: The Beginning From Magic to The Miracle
Queen On Tour 1974-5 Made In Heaven
Bohemian Rhapsody Going Slightly Mad: The
Working Together Making of Innuendo
Leaving John Reid
Don’t Stop Me Now
Flash Gordon
Making Videos
Scrabble Wars
From Magic to The Miracle
Going Slightly Mad: The Making of Innuendo
Made In Heaven
Return To Imperial
Bonus Interviews – 19 mins. Not included on standard DVD
Karl Demata has a rather good blues rock album out now called ‘Cross The Mountain and is working on a new Crippled Black Phoenix album…
1. What are you currently up to?
I am currently working on the new Crippled Black Phoenix CD. We should finish recording in early september and release before the end of the year. Also, on September 12th I will release my solo cd called ‘Cross The Moutian’. in between other commitments I am also performing shows and festivals with an Oxford based band called The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm band. It’s great stuff. If you can imagine 1940′s jazz played with a punk and drunken attitude you would not be far off.
2. Could you take us through your new album ‘Cross The Mountain’?
”Cross The Moutian’ was conceived in a very natural and spontaneous way. I have been playing this sort of blues-rock for many years mainly performing in local venues and festivals (in Oxfordshire) for years. I thoroughly enjoy playing and touring with Crippled Black Phoenix but In the last couple of years I started writing original material and I found myself with a good number of tunes clearly showing that rock blues influence, late sixties / early seventies bands like Cream, The Allman Brothers, early Fleetwood Mac etc, – which was the kind of music that made me start playing guitar in the first place. So it felt like a natural development to book a studio and records these tunes.
Taken as a whole the CD shows a good number of different hints and influences but which is the result of the total freedom to explore whatever felt natural to play.
As far as songwriting goes i constantly collect and pile ideas and little parts of songs. Every few months i’ll just got through all of them, bin some ideas and work on developing the chosen few. Once the core ideas are more developed i turn my attention to try to listen with a more detached and objective mind. There’s a point where you have to ask yourself ‘where does this song wants to go’ rather than ‘where do i want it to go’. That is also a good time to work more in-depth on vocal lines and to think about what the lyrics should be about. I was very lucky to work with a friend called Chris Hood who used to be a screenplay and novels writer (and a blues-rock fan too). So we got together few times listening to demos, drinking tea and talking about themes and subjects for the lyrics, and vocal lines. The rest came by just playing together with the band and arranging the final bits in the recording studio with Chris (heilmann, bass player) and Merijn (Royaards, on drums).
3. How different was it writing and recording a solo album as opposed to being in a band environment?
Playing in a band as the ‘guitar player’ carries less responsability and in a way you work is much easier. I have room to bring my ideas and suggestion to all the bands i am in. In Crippled Black Phoenix I arrange all my parts. It’s a great position to be in as it comes natural to me to listen to songs and ideas and bring my own styles and influences along the way. Working on your own material might be a little more tricky as it require to go through a stage of detachment from your own ideas, and of course there’s more pressure. But then the rewards are all there.
4. How did you get Hugh Flint (John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers) to guest on the album?
I have been knowing Hugh for a long time. I used to see him often in local folk jams. He is pretty much retired from professional playing and now plays mainly percussions in local folk sessions. We talked few times about jazz, country and blues. His knowledge of music is extremely vast and I always though it would be such an amazing honour to play with him as he was as his drumming was pretty much outstanding. He played on some of my favorite albums ever, from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton to The Blues Band to The Blues Band. So when we were going through the production process i aksed him to listen to some of the tunes and he really enjoyed few of them, mainly the song Crpss The Mountain. so we thought why don’t try to include his contribution. again it came all in a natural way,
5. In this age of downloads and declining CD sales has the internet helped you get your music out there or has it in some ways hindered it by websites offering free downloads?
well, no matter what musicians think about it, we have to live with it. Overall I think the technology developed around the internet is a very good thing for musicians. We all have the opportunity to reach our listeners and even communicate on a more direct way. To some extent the great divide between the artists/bands and the audience is drastically reduced. And to me this is a good thing. On the other side the audience too has to make an effort and understand the work ethics of single artists/bands. If people recognise the sincere and true musicians and artists from the manufactured ones they will be more keen on supporting them, coming to the shows, buy the cds and even meet and shake hand. Plus, at the end of the day, nothing will eliminate the experience of a live show. And that will always be there and untouched by technology.
6. What made you want to start playing guitar and who have been your musical influences?
I think I started playing when I was about 11 years old. Early influences as mentioned already was the blues revival of the late sixties/early seventies, plus my father and brother record collection. Just the usual classic, early Floyd, Stones, some early prog. etc.
Since then i went through loads of different kinds of music and to this day i am finding and discoverying new things. I believe there’s bad and good music in every section of your record store so i enjoy classic rock, blues, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, you mame it
Influences? just too many to mention. From Duane Allman to Johnny Winter, from contemporary jazz players like Bill Frisell to contemporary bluegrass players like Tony Rice. On the more contemporary scene I really like bands like Gov’t Mule, Borth Mississippi Allstars, Derek Trucks, Drive By Truckers. As I said, too many.
7. If you could create a fantasy band line-up who would be in it and why?
I love great skilled players, especially drummers and bassists, who can combine high technical skill with a very vast knowledge of different kinds of music. I believe good musicians should be able to corss boundaries and styles in a totally natural way. So if I think about this I would say my dream line up would involve musicians like Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Victor Wooten, Steve Smith. Again, too many to mention.
8. What have been the live highlights so far and why?
Well this actually is a hard question. I had the pleasure of playing some great festival including in far countries like China – Crippled Black Phoenix played there last June – which was brilliant, or in very cool festivals in Europe. But the difference between a good show and a memorable one has more to do with your state of mind on and off stage, There’s an elusive element of the live performance which has to do with the rational side of your brain totally shutting down. In those moments the performance comes directly from a far deeper level, which is the more creative one. This can happen literally everywhere, on a small stage or on a large festivals in front of thousands of people. And those are the most memorable moments.
9. Is the rock and metal scene still in good shape or do you think there maybe to many bands out there now competing for an audience that isn’t growing that much?
I am not I can properly answer this question. As a musician I never think in this way. And of course music should not be seen as any sort of competition for a sections of market. That’s business talk that should be left to bankers and business execs. I only want to play the music I love with the people i like and respect and hopfully create something interesting and meaningful along the way .
10. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?
My wife! I also like to read books, a lot about music of course, but also about politics and society in general. I also enjoy good movies or tv series. When I can I also follow Italian football. Napoli is the team i support. Go guys!
Jospeh Williams and Peter Friedstedt have just released a great AOR album on AOR Heaven. Here Peter gives us the lowdown on the album and future plans…
What are you currently up to then Pete?
“Hi Jason! We are just about to release the Williams/ Friestedt record in Japan now, with 3 bonus tracks; and we are super excited, as it’s been doing great here in Europe up ‘til now!!!”
Could you take us through the songs on the new album please? The ideas behind the songs, song writing process, etc.?
“Sure…. “Swear Your Love” – It’s the ‘uptempo’ starter off the record with great backup vocals by Lars Säfsund. It was a lot of fun playing those guitar solos!”
“Say Goodbye” – That’s the first “new” song we recorded for the album; it was wonderful to have JR playing that great groove on this one!”
“Sometimes You Win” – Great composition written by Jay Graydon and Randy Goodrum! Bill Cantos did a wonderful work with BG vocals here!”
“Where To Touch You” – This song was originally from “LA Project II”, and it’s a particular favourite of Joseph’s, I know….”
Joseph –“Yes; we worked at Bill’s and had many laughs throughout. Bill recorded my entire lead vocal with the instrumental track going to ‘Tape’? So we had to re-do the whole thing. It is a common mistake, and it’s happened to me more than once. We laughed it off and did it again. Not a big deal (but funny)! I love working with Bill and always will. The same goes for Peter. He is so talented and I always feel blessed to work on his albums.”
Peter – “Going Home” – The instrumental track off the album. The most spiritual song on the record!”
“Stay With Me” – We did all the vocals for this one in Stockholm, right before a concert; Joseph and Lars arranged the background vocals, right on spot, there and then, in the studio!”
“One More Night” – One of my favourite songs that I’ve ever written! I wrote the chorus for this track when I was 20 years old and found it on an old cassette tape! It was an inspiration back then and is still!”
“Letter To God” – Andreas Carlsson, who actually wrote this song, is probably one of this century’s most successful songwriters. You may have heard his songs recorded by Celine Dion, Bon Jovi and Britney Spears, right? The track features an extraordinary vocal performance by Joseph; really heart rending!”
Are there any plans for the both of you to tour together or is this purely a studio-based project? Ideally which musicians/bands would you like to tour with and why?
“Well, that will definitely be something to look into if the record does well? We have already done a few small tours in Scandinavia, with sold out venues and live broadcasts! If a good promoter wanted to do it, I think it will happen?”
Peter – how did you first get involved in the West Coast AOR scene? Who ideally would you like to work with in the future and why?
“Oh, that’s impossible to say, because you can’t see too far forward. I used to live in LA in the late 90′s and got to know many great musicians during that time, who also later got involved in the LA Project albums, but, we’ll see what happens? If this does really well, I’d fancy doing this again actually!
“I’m sorry with this. I actually did this interview whilst Joseph is out on tour with Toto, so it’s really hard to answer his questions. I’ll do my best on the songs because I know the emotions behind the work, but on the Toto stuff and the film stuff, I can’t speak for him.”
No problem Peter – what’s next for the LA Project?
“As I said, I’m really not sure right now…. I’m open to ideas though, all the time!”
Is melodic rock/AOR music in a healthier state now than ten years ago? How important has it been to have specialist magazines – ‘Classic Rock Presents AOR’, ‘Classic Rock’, ‘Fireworks’ – in the High Street stores raising the profile of the music?
“Yeah, things are really changing, and I definitely feel a revival regarding AOR and Westcoast music in particular! The “Williams / Friestedt” record has been doing great so far, with shop signings and stuff like that where Joseph is, and hopefully, the climate will stay like this for a long time to come?”
In the age of downloads and declining CD sales has the internet helped you get your music out there or has it in some ways hindered it by websites offering free downloads etc?
“I really hope that everyone will go out and buy the record instead of downloading it; I really hope for a return to the time when people really were appreciative of a high quality production and wanted to own that!”
“Sites like Facebook, Myspace and Twitter are great networking forums and a good way to reach new fans, but the record business needs to find a new way to make each artist earn more on their products!”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?
“Same as most people really!! Traveling and hanging out with friends and family!”
Anything else to add and a message for your fans…
“Thanks for this opportunity Jason! Just hope people check out the record and really enjoy it because Joseph and I certainly enjoyed putting it together!”
This Is Freedom’s debut EP ‘Welcome Home’ has been a work in progress since early 2010 and as it gets its release we catch-up with the band…
What are you currently up to?
We are planning lots of new gigs and our first tour in early 2012, we are also writing our new single which will be up with a new music video in early 2012!
Brief history of This Is Freedom and how you all met…
We met at school in Bucks and all still live here, we have been playing music together for around 4 years, and have been in TIF for 2 years.
Have you seen an upswing in interest in rock music over the past few years? How easy/hard has it been to get the music of This Is Freedom out there?
We have had some great opportunities that have really helped us in terms of getting our music out there, but even with those it proves very difficult! We have watched Pop Rock bands that have been around for years and years finally gain some recognition in the past few years which is a great thing to see.
How did you manage to get your music onto ‘Chalet Girl’ and Channel 4’s ‘Fresh Meat’?
We got in touch with the music supervisor for both of these and turns out he wanted to use our music which was great!
What have been the live highlights so far for the band and who ideally would you like to tour with & why?
Playing with ‘Futures’ at the o2 Academy in Oxford was definitely a highlight for us! Ideally we would love to tour with the upcoming UK rock bands like ‘Deaf Havana’ ‘Futures’ but really right now we would tour with anyone, we want to get our music out as much as possible so anyone who would have us we would be grateful for!
Who have been influences on the band musically?
We all have different personal influences, but as a band we have mainly been influenced by the likes of ‘Jimmy Eat World’ ‘Kings Of Leon’ ‘Foo Fighters’ and the more poppy 90’s bands we grew up listening to.
Read the full interview here
Big Country, who formed in November 1981, will kick-off their 30th anniversary celebrations by performing their classic 1983 debut album The Crossing live in its entirety during a thirteen-date tour of the U.K. in February 2012.
With The Crossing an international best seller, it sold over 2 million copies in the UK, spawning 2 Top Ten hits and spending 84 consecutive weeks on the Music Week album chart, Big Country’s tour will coincide with Universal Music’s deluxe re-issue of the album on January 30th 2012, which is expected to include a wealth of previously unreleased recordings and footage of the band.
In announcing the ‘Crossing The Country Tour’, bassist Tony Butler says, “It’s typical to write an album and only play a few songs from it, so to get the opportunity to play an entire album is very cool. This tour will give us the chance to play songs never performed before alongside the well-known ones, songs that were written but didn’t make it on to the album, and the associated ‘b side’ material. We can’t wait.”
Big Country, who on November 19th will receive the inaugural ‘Pride of Scotland Award’ at the annual Nordoff Robbins Tartan Clef event held in Glasgow, reformed with The Alarm’s Mike Peters on lead vocal duties in place of the late Stuart Adamson, who passed away in 2001, for two sold-out UK tours and main stage festival appearances including The Isle of Wight Festival, T in The Park, Oxegen and V Festival during 2011. In addition, Big Country re-united with The Crossing’s producer Steve Lillywhite to release their first single in 12 years, ‘Another Country’.
The Crossing tour will also precede the release of a new studio album, scheduled for release in autumn 2012.
Big Country’s ‘Crossing The Country Tour’ dates are as follows:
Feb. 3: Academy, Manchester, U.K.
Feb. 4: O2 Academy, Liverpool, U.K.
Feb. 6: Barrowland, Glasgow, U.K.
Feb. 7: Alhambra, Dunfermline, U.K.
Feb. 8: O2 Academy, Newcastle, U.K.
Feb. 9: O2 Academy, Leeds, U.K.
Feb. 11: O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London, U.K.
Feb. 12: Hexagon, Reading, U.K.
Feb. 13: UEA, Norwich, U.K.
Feb. 15: O2 Academy, Bristol, U.K.
Feb. 16: Rock City, Nottingham, U.K.
Feb. 17: O2 Academy, Birmingham, U.K.
Feb. 18: O2 Academy, Sheffield, U.K.
What have you got planned for the next few months?
This year has been intense! I popped up on a lot of new CD’s this year, including the all-star Pushking CD, Far Cry, Fergie Frederiksen, Talon & Mecca! I’m beat man…I’m looking forward to taking it easy through the holidays. Terry Ilous (Great White, XYZ) invited me to perform at the Red Cross benefit he is putting together in December, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a great cause – it helps humanitarian efforts the world over. You can find more information by visiting http://www.unitedrockers4u.org/”>http://www.unitedrockers4u.org/.
Right now I’am helping Jeremy Hunsicker (ex-Journey singer) finish his first solo CD, which should be out in January. I’m also writing songs for the new Mecca disc – really trying to get back to writing music that moves me, and Joe Vana really brings it out of me. Other new releases in development include discs from Dante Fox, Bonrud, Faithsedge and Trixter.
How was Firefest? Which bands/artists were the highlights for you?
Firefest is always an amazing event, and this year was no different! I performed with Talon on Saturday, and we Talon also served as Kane Roberts’ backing band on Sunday. We had rehearsals during that weekend so I missed some of the good stuff! But I loved watching Terry Brock -he’s such a great guy, and his voice really moves me. My son got hurt back in LA and Terry was there for me, asking how my boy was doing and giving all kinds of support throughout the weekend. Jimi Jamison was amazing, and Tommy Denander always blows me away. Jimi & Talon rehearsed next door from one another the night before, and we shared a lot of laughs! JSS & WET was much anticipated and delivered in spades! Silent Rage are buddies of mine and killed it also. I was bummed to miss Steve Augeri, but I got to see one of my favorite new bands – Vega! I love their energy and how they implement synths into their songs. I got to speak to the Martin brothers a few times over the weekend, and we got on really well. The FF crew do an amazing job this year, and I hope they have me back again soon!
How did you hook-up with the Talon guys? Also what was it like recording with Fergie Frederiksen?
John Parker (Talon’s drummer & CEO) & I met at the first Melodic Rock Fest. We stayed in touch, and they planned on having me over for their first Firefest appearance in 2008 but things didn’t pan out. They were kind enough to invite me to play at the second Melodic Rock Fest last year, which was really amazing! We recorded a live DVD which is in production, and I worked on their new album which is out on Escape Music. I was thrilled that they invited me to join them at Firefest this year – we all know each other really well now. When you travel the world with a bunch of guys it really brings everyone together.
Working on the Fergie record was a real privilege. It started fairly routine, and then one day all work stopped. I had no idea what was going on – I was afraid maybe I’d done something wrong, or maybe the guys didn’t like my ideas! Then the announcement came that Fergie was fighting this awful disease. We were all pretty devastated – Fergie is a legend and a kind man, and as a fan it was a scary notion that this mighty voice might be abruptly silenced. I prayed for him a lot. Three months later, I got the call that we were going to push forward to make this record happen. Fergie began some new treatments, and I guess working on the CD was a therapeutic diversion for him. I listen to the album a lot now, and you can really hear it in his voice. This wasn’t a session-performance – the man is singing from the bottom of his heart, and you can hear the weight in every word. Listen to Follow Your Heart – it’s seriously moving. Thank god Fergie it’s doing much better now, so it’s a real victory all around.
In both cases do you record with the artist or record at your own place and send you music over to them?
I do almost all of my recording in my home studio. I’ve got all kinds of keyboards plugged into a monster computer here, so it’s a lot easier when you have everything at your fingertips. I always ask for input when working with artists, but people pretty much know what I do now, and trust that I’m going to do my thing and raise the songs up a few notches. I break down each song and record a lot of different ideas, and encourage the producer to choose what parts they feel is best for the song. Sometimes bands are surprised at how many ideas I send them! I don’t believe in doing the bare minimum. I’ve learned that producers would rather have too many options than to be mixing at 2 AM and find they need more parts to a song. So most of the time 95% of my ideas get used. I take a lot of pride in that.
How do you see the music business panning out over the next few years? Is the CD on its way out and will the music scene become much more of a cottage industry with small specialist labels and bands releasing their own material with the major labels no longer around?
Oh man…I think we talk about this question each year, and I just don’t know anymore. Eventually all releases will go through iTunes, and it makes me sad. But that’s what people do today. I gave a journalist a copy of the Far Cry CD, and she asked me today to send her the iTunes link so she could buy some of the songs for her iPhone. It’s just easier that way I know, but I miss the packaging and the artwork, etc. It must have been the same for the 70′s acts who had to watch the turntable disappear. Although that’s a getting a resurgence now, isn’t it? It’s been a tough year for the industry, although there have been a LOT of great new releases this year so who knows? We might just win this thing yet.
Anything else to add…
Thanks to everyone who has stuck by me – I know it’s been a crazy time for our brand of rock & roll, and it means a lot when folks mention my work and recommend me to other artists. I really do this for the love of the music – I want to help make these releases as good as they can be. Be sure to swing by http://www.keyboardplayer.net/”>http://www.keyboardplayer.net/, or to follow live as it happens you can follow me at https://www.facebook.com/rockkeyboards. Be well & rock on!!!
Phil Vincent is a busy man and he finds time to give us an update on his upcoming musical projects plus his best of 2011 selections…
What have you got planned for the next few months?
A: I have completed the 3rd D’Ercole CD with the guys. It’s in the
mastering stage and should be out either later this year or in January
2012. It’s got Vince O’Regan’s shredding all over it!!! What a talent
that guy is. I’m soooooo fortunate to be working with him!!!1
I also just finished the vocals for the 3rd Legion CD “NEMESIS” and
Vince is in the mastering stage also so it should be ready by December
or January. It SMOKES!!!!!
The second Legion album is a stormer! How was Z Rocks for you, which I believe was your live debut? What is next for Legion?
A: Thanks Jason. Much appreciated! 
Yes, Z Rock was my FIRST live
performance and I was very concerned about my vocals so the nerves were
high!!! Luckily everything went without a hitch and I totally enjoyed
myself. I can’t wait for the next one. This time I will be more
comfortable and more like myself……a lunatic!!!! Like I said
earlier, the 3rd Legion is all done and you should be hearing it by
years’ end or early 2012. Vince really came up with some cranking riffs
for this one and the production is MASSIVE!!!!
You’ve done a few covers to date – any plans for a possible full album
of covers?
A: You know what Jason, EVERYBODY’s doing covers albums now!!! I don’t
want to jump on the bandwagon so I’ll just release a few tunes here and
there on Itunes. Any suggestions as to what you think might be suitable
for me to cover?
How do you see the music business panning out over the next few years? Is the CD on its way out and will the music scene become much more of a cottage industry with small specialist labels and bands releasing their own material with the major labels no longer around?
A: the music business is gone, unfortunately. The CD will disappear in 5
years time. All music will be in file format. Very cold, sterile and
absolutely void of any human influence. Even the audio nowadays is all
processed and no one’s playing an instrument. It’s a very sad thing
Jason. The kids today don’t even listen to complete songs!! They just
hear a few minutes and then it’s on to the next song. And stealing music
can be blamed for killing the music business!!! Most casual music fans
don’t think it’s a big deal stealing a few tunes but cumulatively it
DESTROYS the whole thing!!! How can anyone sustain a lucrative music
career selling songs for .99 cents?
We do it for the love of the music so there’s A LOT of passion in our songs. The small labels like Z are so very important in maintaining what small fan base we have left!!! If it wasn’t for them, you wouldn’t be talking to me right now!!! LOL!!! Also, web sites like yours keep the music current and really help people
decide if certain cds would appeal to them so keep up the great work.
Anything else to add…
A: I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to bore your
readers!!!!…:-)…I mean…..thank you for letting me share my
thoughts!!! It’s always great to hear from you and please, stay in touch
and tell the fans to watch out for brand new LEGION and D’Ercole Cds
coming this winter on Z Records. Take Care my friend, Phil
Finally I am compiling a ‘Best Of 2011′ for my blog and Get Ready To
Rock! Again feel free to add as much/little as you like…
Music: Styx “Regeneration 2″ , “Rat City in Blue” The Good Rats, “Ready
4 U” Weapon
Books: Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar
Films: Immortals, Bad Teacher, Horrible Bosses
TV/DVD’s: “Everybody Loves Raymond”
Gigs: Gwar
Sporting events: The Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins hockey games
CREDO Newsletter Winter 2011 – Tour News
Well hello guys,
Well another year draws to an end, and all that’s left for us to say is a huge thank you to the promoters, the hotels, the crew and, most of all you guys who came in large and enthusiastic numbers to shows and who bought the album in amazing numbers, we are truly humbled – Thank You!
Lots of new friends were made, lots of familiar faces appeared and said hi, and we had the pleasure of sharing stages with some of the most amazing bands you could imagine in what has proved to be the most successful year for CREDO yet, and with 2012 shaping up to be even bigger still …………………………..
Against Reason Additional pre Christmas tour dates
Summers End was a blast, thank you to all of those regulars who came and made the CREDO set so memorable, the boys were really on form and played out of their skins. Very special thanks to Huw and Lambsie for putting us on the bill, welcome to the first newsletter those of you that we met for the first time in Lydney, and new or old CREDO PEOPLE, we hope to see as many of you as can make it to the following:
CREDO & DAVID CROSS BAND (KING CRIMSON)
11 November 2011
The Peel, Kingston-upon-Thames, London
Supporting the legendary David Cross (ex-King Crimson) at the wonderful and ever-popular House of Progression
Doors 7.30pm. On stage 8.0opm
House of Progression
IT’S CHHHHRRRRIIIIISSSSTTTTMMMMAAAAAAASSSSSSSS
25 November 2011
CREDO DO CHRISTMAS
Riffs Bar, Swindon
A return to Riffs after what seems like way too long!
Support God Sticks
Riffs Bar
Against Reason CD & iTunes
The album continues to sell, and gain great reviews across the world, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts – the new album is already taking shape….
CREDO – Against Reason
available from http://www.credo.gb.com & ITunes – Amazon & all good music retailers
http://www.credo.gb.com
The Clive Nolan Newsletter 31/10/11
Arena tour starts soon!
Not long now before the shows begin. Come along if you can!
Don’t forget to check out the dates at http://arenaband.com/
The Seventh Degree of Separation
At last the new Arena album is finished and will be released on the 28th November 2011. Our seventh album is a concept album, which explores the last hour of life and the first hour beyond. It’s truly dark in the way that only Arena can do! It’s available now for pre-order exclusively at Verglas.
The Seventh Degree Of Separation special edition package is a 56 minute long, 13 track CD in a 3 leafed digibook with a 28 page pullout booklet packed with original artwork + a bonus 50 minute DVD “The making of The Seventh Degree Of Separation”, where each member of the band gives you some insight into the process they go through to make the music. The track list is as follows:
This special edition package is now available to buy only at www.verglas.com
You will receive your special edition package before the official release date, OR you can come and buy it at one of the tour dates.
Please note that you will not be able to buy this in any shop or any online outlet (except www.verglas.com) before 28th November, or get it at one of the gigs.
More ‘She’ Fundraisers:
A total of four ‘She’ fundraisers have now been performed over the last few months. We can consider them a success, and essential money has been raised towards the production of the February 2012 shows.
Clive: ‘Many thanks to all the people who have come and supported these events. It has been a lot of fun, and has proved that this is a viable method to raise support for these musicals.’
South America:
There are whispers that the ‘eight-man She show’ may be headed out to Uruguay next year.
Clive: ‘I can’t say for sure that this is definite yet… but plans are being made, and April next year is being left open for a while. I really hope it does happen, because I’d love to get back to South America soon!’
‘She’ Podcasts:
Just a reminder for people to watch all those ‘She Production Podcasts’ that have been coming out for months now. These provide a great insight into the workings and the preparations of the February show, as well as introducing the cast and the crew who are making this all possible.
Simply visit http://www.youtube.com/user/caamoracompany
Websites:
Clive Nolan:
Arena:
Shadowland:
‘She’
The Caamora Theatre Company:
Just to let you know what’s happening with us…
You’ll need to be quick off the mark with this one, to catch Jools Parker’s new band,
“The Blue Sands” as they perform an exclusive show in Nottinghamshire on November 2nd 2011.
Jools brings the band to Lowdham to preview their stunning new album, ‘A Place of Whispers.’ (Parade 102)
Tickets and information are available via this link.
http://www.warthogpromotions.com/story.asp?nid=5631
Patsy was recently invited to record a song for a compilation album of Bob
Dylan songs, ‘Younger than that Now’, produced to raise funds for Oxfam.
Featuring songs from many great folk artists, including Christine Collister,
Martin Simpson, Julie Matthews, Clive Gregson, Dave Burland, Steve Tilston
etc, Patsy’s version of ‘One More Cup of Coffee’ has received excellent
reviews, Simon Jones for Froots writes: ‘A unique, almost spaced but addictive
rendering – she gets right inside the song and turns it into a blues for
sensitive souls with a vocal that’s half spoken and half seduction.’
The track can be downloaded from Amazon for just 69p by following the link
below and there’s a short sample from it to listen to there too:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-More-Cup-Of-Coffee/dp/B0052E4RZ8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_
1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318157627&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Patsy and Becky are looking forward to their tour in the spring when both of
them will be releasing their new albums.
Patsy’s ‘Stories of Angels & Guitars’ (Tomorrow Records) will be available
from 16th January, featuring ten new songs with guest appearances from Hugh
Whitaker (the Housemartins) on drums and Jon Short on double bass.
Becky’s album “Dandelion,” to be released early 2012, is “a collection of songs written over the last three years and recorded with the help of her very talented friends.”
Pats and Bex will be appearing at the following venues throughout the UK singing some Waking the Witch songs, as well as material from the new albums.
Tickets are already available for most of the venues below, and we recommend
that you book early:
FEBRUARY
Fri 3rd Feb – Carlisle, Carlisle Folk & Blues Club
www.carlislefolkandbluesclub.com
Wed 8th Feb – Lowdham, nr Nottingham, The Old Ship Inn
www.warthogpromotions.com
Thurs 9th Feb – Leicester, The Musician www.themusicianpub.co.uk
Fri 10th Feb – Barton upon Humber, Ropery Hall
www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/roperyhall/music.htm
Sat 11th Feb – Sheffield, Greystones www.mygreystones.co.uk
Fri 17th Feb – Chagford, The Ring O Bells www.ringobellschagford.co.uk
Sat 18th Feb – Torquay, Blue Walnut Cafe www.bluewalnutcafe.com
Monday 20th Feb – Farnham, The Maltings www.farnhammaltings.com
Tuesday 21st Feb – Battle, Hastings, Mrs Yarringtons @ Crowhurst Park
www.mrsyarringtons.me.uk
Thurs 23rd Feb – York, Black Swan www.blackswanfolkclub.org.uk
Fri 24th Feb – Otley, Korks www.korks.co.uk
Sat 25th Feb – Burton, The Brewhouse Arts Centre www.brewhouse.co.uk
Sun 26th Feb – Birmingham, The Kitchen Garden Cafe www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk
Tues 28th Feb – Montrose, Links Hotel Folk Club
www.linkshotelmusic.com/folk-music.php
MARCH
Fri 2nd March – Ulverston, Social Club www.slmp.btinternet.co.uk
Sat 3rd March – Dumfries & Galloway, Sanquhar Arts Centre
www.all-the-airts.com
Thurs 8th March – E. Devon, Otterton, Otterton Mill www.ottertonmill.com
Fri 9th March – Bridgwater, Arts Centre www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
Sat 10th March – Wellington Arts Centre www.w-a-a.co.uk
Sun 11th March – Nr Gloucester Wotton under Edge, Arts Centre
www.utea.org.uk
Fri 16th March – Grassington, Appletreewick, Craven Arms
www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk
Fri 23rd March – Milton Keynes, The Stables www.stables.org
Sun 25th March – Hebden Bridge, Trades Club www.thetradesclub.com
We’d love to catch you all along the way.
Love
Pats, Rach, Bex and Jools xxxx
Sacred Heart’s new album ‘Propaganda’ is out now and here is the latest video:
To order the CD pop over to www.sacredheartband.com
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Hi Everyone,
Things are heating up now for the release of the fourth Glyder album “Backroads to Byzantium” We have been busy and there is lots of news to report,
ON NATIONAL TV…
See Glyder on Televison, a short documentary on the band on Nationwide RTE1 on October 10th after the 6 O’ Clock news. If you are outside Ireland you can see it here on the 11th October http://www.rte.ie/player/
NEW VIDEO….
We Shot a video for the track “Fade to Dust” from the new album, it has become something of a minor youtube hit with 2,000 views in 48hrs. Please share it, email it and help us spread the word, it all helps!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7OCAZ7spKs
ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB….
The main Glyder website has been updated www.glydermusic.com and come along and interact with us on social networks,
Visit us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/glydermusic
Follow on Twitter : www.twitter.com/glydermusic
Join the mailing list on www.reverbnation.com/glyder and get a free download of “Something she knows”
UPCOMING GIGS…..
19th Nov ALBUM LAUNCH The Diamond Rock club, Ballymena, Northern Ireland
www.wegottickets.com/thediamondrockclub – Purchase Tickets
7th Oct Opening for Y&T, Spring and Airbrake, Belfast
8th Oct Opening for Y&T, The Village, Dublin
RELEASE DATES…..
The album comes out on 7th October in Germany, 11th October in UK and Ireland and mainland Europe, 25th October in the USA. Please purchase a copy in your local CD store or online www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.es or from itunes or what ever digital store you use.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN……
The reviews have been grea so far and we promise you wont be disappointed so please buy a copy and support the band, the more we sell the sooner we get the band back out on the road… keep rockin and feel free to send us any feedback good or bad!!
Cheers
Glyder
CREDO Newsletter Autumn 2011 – Tour News
Well hello guys,
Well the dust has settled on the first leg of the Against Reason Tour, and all that’s left for us to say is a huge thank you to the promoters, the hotels, the crew and, most of all you guys who came in large and enthusiastic numbers to watch our jaunt around Rotherham, Zoetermeer, Kingston, Blackpool, Glasgow, Bilston (twice lol), London, as well as a memorable day in Cambridge!!!
Lots of new friends were made, lots of familiar faces appeared and said hi, and we had the pleasure of sharing stages with some of the most amazing bands you could imagine – only space stops me naming them all here!
Against Reason CD & iTunes
The album continues to sell, and gain great reviews across the world, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts – the new album is already taking shape….
Against Reason Additional pre Christmas tour dates
Having said, no more dates till 2012 (keep your eyes peeled for the February tour with Comedy Of Errors – soon to announced by the way), it was strangely inevitable that more dates we couldn’t refuse would land on our desk, so without further ado we hope to see as many of you as can make it to the following:
SUMMERS END FESTIVAL
9 October 2011
Summer’s End Festival, Lydney Town Hall, Gloucestershire
CREDO & DAVID CROSS BAND (KING CRIMSON)
11 November 2011
The Peel, Kingston-upon-Thames, London
Supporting the legendary David Cross (ex-King Crimson) at the wonderful and ever-popular House of Progression
Doors 7.30pm. On stage 8.0opm
IT’S CHHHHRRRRIIIIISSSSTTTTMMMMAAAAAAASSSSSSSS
25 November 2011
CREDO DO CHRISTMAS
Riffs Bar, Swindon
A return to Riffs after what seems like way too long!
Support TBC
ONE FINAL MENTION
CASUAL AFFAIR – the semi legendary 80’s and 90’s Neo Prog band that featured our very own Mark Colton on vocals, as well as Mr Ploppy (Neil Matthars) on Bass, Carl Sampson on drums (currently the highly rated rhythm section from Space Rock Maestro’s Paradise 9 – who delighted punters at Glastonbury this year & have recently had ex Hawkwind members Ron Tree and Nik Turner guesting with them), the enigmatic and delightful keyboard embellishment’s of Barry Nuthall and the amazingly talented and highly regarded guitar hero, Mike Mishra are coming out of semi-retirement to tread the boards at:
Casual Affair
Classic genuine 80’s Neo Prog for one night only
Sunday October 16th
Riffs Bar, Swindon
It promises to be a night to remember!
Back in the day the band were highly regarded as potential contenders – with BLINDSIGHT fanzine claiming “their song writting transcends comparison in the prog arena” and METAL HAMMER championing the cause of the band.
And as well as the “classic” line up detailed above, the band also featured future members of “Walking On Ice” & “Jadis”
http://www.myspace.com/distinctlyacasualaffair
CREDO – Against Reason
available from http://www.credo.gb.com & ITunes – Amazon & all good music retailers
www.credo.gb.com
http://www.myspace.com/credogb
‘She’ is performed in Holland:
September the 3rd saw the ‘She’ show at the Boerderij, Holland. This was an opportunity to test out the ‘eight-man’ version, and take the music beyond the UK again. It was certainly a success. Special mention should go to David Clifford, who took over the role of Leo, and Kylan Amos who took up the reigns on Bass… excellent performances from both of them.
Clive: “I must say it worked really well. The show ran smoothly (despite all the technical challenges), and I thought it really reached the heart of what ‘She’ was about. I thought the singers brought the songs to life, and the musicians added a new energy to the backing. What was the most exciting thing was to watch how well the audience engaged in the show, and the reaction was fantastic!”
There are now discussions going on as to where perhaps this ‘She-lite’ version could go next.
Any suggestions?
More ‘She’ Fundraisers:
On the 14th October (Friday), there will be a fundraiser in Wokingham, UK. The concert will feature Clive Nolan, Agnieszka Swita, Mark Westwood, Christina Booth, David Clifford and Soheila Clifford. For tickets and more info contact: robdhend@aol.com. There will be music from ‘She’ as well as other material from Clive’s repertoire. He will also be presenting the concepts behind his new musical, ‘Alchemy’.
On the 16th October (Sunday), there will be a fundraiser in Lakei, Helmond, Holland. Clive, Agnieszka and Mark will be travelling over, and there will be a couple of Dutch guest appearances: Tom Luchies, from the Dutch band Sky Architect and Tasmara van Loon, formerly of the Dutch gothic metal band Sylver Myst. For more information contact Marcel at liveprog@liveprog.com, or tickets can simply be bought at http://www.lakeihelmond.nl/agenda/16-10-2011/Clive%20Nolan/
Buying these tickets helps us provide the lifeblood to get the theatrical shows off the ground. Helping us by attending the fundraisers (http://shethemusical.com/index.php/fundraisin), or donating money through the She site, or even just buying a ‘She’ T-shirt (http://tickets.webeden.co.uk/#/she-merchandise/4555311508) all helps towards the future of Clive’s musicals.
New Arena Album:
The mixes have just been completed for the new Arena album, ‘The Seventh Degree of Separation’. Mastering takes place this week, and the artwork is mostly complete. The album will be available to coincide with the tour in November.
Clive: “I must say the album is sounding great; very powerful and atmospheric. The music to me is another part of the Arena evolution, although there is still that intrinsic ‘arena-sound’ pervading the album.”
This is a concept album, which explores the last hour of life and the first hour beyond. It’s truly dark in the way that only Arena can do!
Arena Tour:
Don’t forget to check out the tour dates in November. Just go to arenaband.com, and you can see the front cover too.
Pendragon DVD:
Clive has just been in the studio checking the keyboards in the soundtrack of Pendragon’s latest DVD, filmed during their recent ‘Passion Tour’. Mixing will begin in the near future, with the intention of a release before Christmas.
‘She’ Podcasts:
Just a reminder for people to watch all those ‘She Production Podcasts’ that have been coming out for months now. These provide a great insight into the workings and the preparations of the February show, as well as introducing the cast and the crew who are making this all possible.
Simply visit http://www.youtube.com/user/caamoracompany
Websites:
Clive Nolan: http://clivenolan.net/
Arena: http://www.arenaband.com/
Shadowland: http://shadowlanduk.com/
‘She’: http://shethemusical.com/
The Caamora Theatre Company: http://ctc.clivenolan.net/
Another song of his EP, Luke White has a lovely, melodious voice and he’s not half bad at all on the piano! Keep an eye out for him as he has the songs and voice to go far…
Nice
For all things rock & metal please visit www.getreadytorock.com
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Check out the interview pages that feature some older 10Q's interviews that have only posted on a Yahoo Group plus a couple of interviews with two crime writers.
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