TESLA ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, ‘FIVE MAN LONDON JAM,’ MARCH 2020.

TESLA ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, ‘FIVE MAN LONDON JAM,’ MARCH 2020.

The legendary American rock band TESLA will release their new live album, Five Man London Jam worldwide on the 27th March 2020 on UMC. The album is a live performance of some of their most iconic songs from their catalogue. Five Man London Jam was recorded and filmed in 4K high-definition as an homage to their critically acclaimed and highly influential Top 20 platinum album Five Man Acoustical Jam. Five Man London Jam will be available in multiple formats including Blu-ray, 2LP vinyl, CD and digitally. The electrifying lead single “What You Give (Live),” is available for immediate download with album pre-order, click HERE to listen. Produced by TESLA, Five Man London Jam is being released in conjunction with the group’s upcoming North American tour dates that will run throughout 2020, starting in Pensacola, FL on the 14th February. For tour dates click HEREand see full routing below.

The recording of this live album took place when TESLA visited the famed iconic recording studio Abbey Road Studios for a one-night musical event capturing the band performing songs from their legendary arsenal including “Love Song” and “What You Give” along with their classic covers of “Signs” and “We Can Work It Out.”  Additionally, the band performed live for the first-time-ever their new song “California Summer Song” from their latest album Shock including “Tied To The Tracks” and “Forever Loving You.”

Preorder Five Man London Jam HERE.
For merchandise and bundle packages, click HERE.

One of the world’s most celebrated and enduring rock bands with a diehard, loyal fanbase, TESLA has enjoyed international chart, radio, and tour success for nearly 35 years, with multi-platinum albums and global album sales topping 15 million.

That they are still roaring and soaring should be no surprise. That’s just how they are built. TESLA may have been born in the mid ‘80s eruption of excess, but this band has never been about those things. Their bluesy, soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic, authentic 1970s rock and roll. The same roots that produced bands like the Allman Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aerosmith.

TESLA’s legacy is alive and well as they continue to record and sellout venues all over the world. As worn in and comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans, TESLA endures because they are a celebration of the greatest spirits of rock and roll.

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TESLA is:
Brian Wheat – Bass / Piano / Backing Vocals
Frank Hannon – Guitars / Backing Vocals
Jeff Keith – Lead Vocals
Troy Luccketta – Drums / Percussion
Dave Rude – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Tour Routing:
Feb. 14                   Pensacola, FL                      Saenger Theatre
Feb. 15                   Atlanta, GA                            Buckhead Theatre
Feb. 17                   Charleston, SC                    Charleston Music Hall
Feb. 19                   Hunstville, AL                      Mars Music Hall
Feb. 21                   Virginia Beach, VA            Sandle Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 22                   Greensboro, NC                                   Piedmont Hall
Feb. 25                   Memphis, TN                        The Soundstage at Graceland
Feb. 26                   Houston, TX                          House of Blues
Feb. 28                   Amarillo, TX                          Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium
Feb. 29                   Albuquerque, NM             Route 66 Casino Hotel
Apr. 10                    Toppenish, WA                   Legends Casino Hotel
Apr. 11                    Wendover, NV                     Peppermill Concert Hall
Apr. 14                    El Cajon, CA                           The Magnolia
Apr. 15                    Phoenix, AZ                           Celebrity Theatre
Apr. 17                    Las Vegas, NV                      House of Blues
Apr. 18                    Tucson, AZ                              Pima County Fair
Apr. 21                    Wichita, KS                            The Cotillion
Apr. 22                    Peoria, IL                                Peoria Civic Center
Apr. 24                    Harris, MI                               Island Resort Casino
Apr. 25                    Harris, MI                               Island Resort Casino
Apr. 28                    Grand Rapids, MI              20 Monroe Live
Apr. 29                    Indianaplois, IN                                   Murat Theatre
May. 01                  Niagara Falls, NY               The Rapids Theatre
May. 02                  Columbia, MD                     Merriweather Post Pavilion
May. 30                  Paso Robles, CA                                   Vina Robles Amphitheatre
May. 31                  Los Angeles, CA                                    Hollywood Bowl
Jun. 03                    Denver, CO                            The Mission Ballroom
Jun. 05                    Thackerville, OK                                   Winstar World Casino
Jun. 06                    Topeka, KS                             Stormont Vail Events Center
Jun. 07                    St Louis, MO                          Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Jun. 09                    Nashville, TN                        Ascend Amphitheatre
Jun. 10                    Huber Heights, OH           Rose Music Center
Jun. 12                    Welch, MN                             Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Jun. 13                    Chicago, IL                             Rosemont Horizon
Jun. 14                    Cuyahoga Falls, OH          Blossom Music Center
Jun. 16                    Boston, MA                            Rockland Trust Bank Pav
Jun. 17                    Wilkes Barre, PA                Mohegan Sun Arena
Jun. 19                    Holmdel, NJ                          PNC Bank Arts Center
Jun. 20                    Gilford, NH                             Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook
Jun. 23                    Long Island, NY                   Jones Beach
Jun. 25                    Philadelphia, PA                Mann Center for Performing Arts
Jun. 26                    Pittsburgh, PA                     S&T Bank Music Park
Jun. 27                    Clarkston, MI                       DTE Energy Music Theatre
Oct. 27                    Playa Mujeres, MX           The Sands Festival at Dreams Golf Resort & Spa

ASTEROID B-612 “Forced into a corner (Bang Records)

ASTEROID B-612 “Forced into a corner (Bang Records)

At last! ASTEROID B-612 ‘Forced into a corner’ is released for its very first time on vinyl!

This is the second album of legendary Australian band ASTEROID B-612, and it is the killer predecessor to their album “Not meant for this world!”.

Australia has plenty of awesome bands we know this It might be a long way from The UK and America but man they were right at the front and often when it comes to Rock and Roll.  Originally recorded and released in Melbourne, Australia way back in 1994, this album was produced by Dave Thomas from BORED!. If you took our advice after reviewing ‘Not Meant For This World’and checked them out then you will have an inkling of what to expect. Bored! and Asteroid B-612 influenced by The Stooges, MC5, Birdman, etc.  C’mon what’s not to like?

Having been previously only available on CD and only in Australia, I guess pre Internet this was a bit of a secret and only the lucky ones knew and we all want to be one of the ones in the know right? Right.

A total must for all fans worldwide of MC5, Stooges, Radio Birdman, Bored!, Hellacopters, etc. You know the drill and where these guys are coming from. As the opener blasts off out of the speakers with that sweet sweet distorted guitar riff ‘Edge A Little Closer’ doesn’t so much as rock out but comes Stomping through the ether it’s measured and barely under control with a cool hook on the chorus but the solo is sounding so sweet.  Asteroid B-612 (still an odd name for a band) know how to rock it up and sound like the distant cousin of a broken Rock and Roll home with Lovesores and these ones were banished to the other side of the earth to keep them apart but the time has come and thanks to the likes of Bang Records we can all get in on the secret.  Damn, records like this shouldn’t be a bloody secret every self-respecting lover of Garage Rock and Roll should investigate here.

‘I’ve Had You’ turns up the energy and leans on fellow tunesmiths like Los Pepes as far as writing catchy uptempo rock and roll goes.  In contrast ‘The 32st To The 2nd’ is a laid back groove more in keeping with The Stooges vibe.  It’s a super consistent record and the quality is excellent throughout.  Sure some tracks stand out like side two’s opener the sleazy ‘Plastic’ with its gang vocals sounding like a boozy night in some dive bar where the jukebox is way too loud but who cares when it sounds this good. It’s not all bluster and beer drinking as the epic slow-burner of ‘I’m Not For Sale’ will testify.  With its sparse bluesy dark and brooding verse leading into the inevitable crescendo before dropping back into the shadows.

The energy is pumped back into the record on ‘Can I Touch It’ from its bass thump intro it’s like a frantic spinning top bumping off each instrument waiting to slow down or crash and burn.  Before we finish we get into some choppy Chuck Berry territory as ‘Dannys Sister’ jives and boogies on down. There’s still time for a bluesy seven-plus minutes before we get the hell out of here. Asteroid B-612 doesn’t do bad records and this is another must-have slab of epic vinyl. If you don’t believe me then check it out for yourself – Buy it!

Buy ‘Forced Into A Corner’ Here

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Author: Dom Daley

 

 

Liz Gun – Welcome to the Show (Independent)

Liz Gun – Welcome to the Show (Independent)

Ukrainian rock-band LIZ GUN hit the ground running with their debut album – ‘Welcome to the Show’. Whilst their debut album is nothing new in terms of groundbreaking music – it is a very competent hard rock record that will win the band many new fans and hopefully a springboard for them in the future. Taking their cues from the late ’80s rock and mixing it with more modern production values leaves them in good stead with their rivals. It also gives them a certain edge. The jewel in their crown is singer Olga Lizgunova, who simply shines from the moment we get to hear her wonderful voice. The rest of the band Sergey Dyachok – guitar, Dmitry Sergeev – bass and Alex Lever – drums also gel well and make this album a one to watch. The band came about via Olga and Alex and their mutual musical tastes. Thankfully they got together and the embryo of Liz Gun was born. Musically the band are very reminiscent of Romeo’s Daughter and T’Pau. Although they are original enough to stand on their own 8 feet. Stand out tracks are the title track ‘Welcome to the Show’, and the groovy ‘Gasoline’ and ‘What Is Your Wish’. Although there truly isn’t a bad track on the album. So all in all this is a bit of a winner for fans of quality groove rock.

Buy ‘Welcome To The Show’ Here

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Author: Dave Tetley Prince

Jeff Dahl – Electric Junk (IWannaBeAHoople Records / Beluga Records / Ghost Highway Records)

Jeff Dahl – Electric Junk (IWannaBeAHoople Records / Beluga Records / Ghost Highway Records)

 

Wondering if we’d ever get another record from Jeff a couple of years ago and then low and behold Made In Hawaii rocks up and in the blink of an eye there was the collaboration with Swedens “Demons” and boy Jeff was back in the saddle.  Last year we got the ‘MR Antlers’ EP which gave us a brief glimpse into his next record and after a brief wait followed by the wonderful people at USPS and Royal Mail taking an eternity to get a copy to my door it’s better late than never.  I was like a kid at Christmas just after Christmas as the virtual needle dropped on this new album from the mighty Jeff Dahl. Dahl plays guitar, bass and vocals with Sam Bradley playing drums and Dave Swaim on piano and that’s it as ‘Until We Bleed’ doesn’t so much fall out of the speakers but lurches out and grabs my head like some horror flick unfolding. The guitars are raucous whilst the bass and drums are measured and driving forward with purpose. Great way to open any album let alone album number Thirty plus.  In itself is some achievement but to sound so vibrant, enthusiastic and relevant is a beautiful thing.

To follow that up with a less rapid but groovetastic ‘Superstar Cafe’ that had Iggy come up with this the music press would be heralding the return of the messiah but sure its got that ‘Funhouse’ vibe happening on the hypnotic riff.  The best track lyrically and groove-wise Dahl has come up with for a long long time.

I am so wasted is rapid like the Dead Boys were but ‘the Violence Squad’ is a real trip with its stomping handclapping journey back to the 70s like a night out looking for a good time with Bolan and Hunter two musicians who I know Dahl holds close to his heart and who would be proud to have penned this one. Everything is like a perfect storm from the foot-stomping rhythm to the floor tom rattle and shake to the sweet guitar solo.  Another excellent song.

To get to the halfway point of the record and have the bottleneck and woohoos! is a thing of beauty and again another artist who I have the utmost respect for manages to knock me over with a new record that sounds so good. Its a real rush hearing stuff like this and Sam on the drums deserves a mention here for smashing the cans up with such passion and managing to drive the song with his monster beats it leaves nothing but a good taste ‘In My Mouth’.

It’s not always thunder and bluster as the laid back ‘Psychedelic Spaceman’ takes you on a trip for almost five minutes.  It’s become apparent that Dahl has managed to cram so many grooves into this record it would have been a crime not to release it. ‘The Woo Girls’ is electrified from ‘Mr. Antlers’  ‘Viva Vibrator’ is a shot in the arm, just some red hot punk rock and roll.

As we enter the home straight ‘NFG’ is anything but no fucking good.  Man, Deniz Tek yeah he of Radio Birdman channels that Thunders meets Rono tone and solo licks for the guitar breaks its a blast boys and girls like if Bowie had gone full punk rock after he was Ziggy – wonderful stuff he also lays down the solo on ‘Violence Squad’. Then the Dahl curveball to close the record ‘Weirdly, Richard’ is a piano lament and a much needed come down as if to prepare you for entering the real world again after taking the ‘Electric Junk’ trip.

Mr. Dahl sir I salute you.  Another day another fantastic record and I have to say head and shoulders one of the best records you’ve ever made.  Sure I’ve only been playing it a couple of weeks but every time I’m hearing something new, getting different influences and vibes on each play and the pecking order of my favourite track is moving up and down the tracklist every time.  I think I can safely say with the new decade so fresh this will be one of the albums of the year and if you’re looking for a fix of Dirty badass punk rock and roll then you need look no further. Jeff Dahl ‘Electric Junk’ all day long will tick every box you need ticking – Buy it!

Buy ‘Electric Junk’ Here

Beluga Records Vinyl Here

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Author: Dom Daley

GENE LOVES JEZEBEL Announce UK Tour & European tours

GENE LOVES JEZEBEL Announce UK Tour & European tours

GENE LOVES JEZEBEL have announced a UK tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary getting underway in Newcastle on May 20, 2020.

Featuring original members Jay Aston (vocals), James Stevenson (guitars) and Pete Rizzo (bass) are joined by long serving drummer Chris Bell and will be digging deep into the bands glittering career.

Before the band heads to the UK they will be Special Guests for The Mission on part of their United European Party Tour 2020. We’ll be joining them for all of their Spanish and Portuguese dates.
Ticket Link to all shows Here

Mon 09 Mar 2020 Valencia, Spain Sala Moon
Tue 10 Mar 2020 Valencia, Spain Sala Moon
Wed 11 Mar 2020 Lisbon, Portugal Lisboa Ao Vivo
Thu 12 Mar 2020 Lisbon, Portugal Lisboa Ao Vivo
Fri 13 Mar 2020 Porto, Portugal Hard Club
Sat 14 Mar 2020 Porto, Portugal Hard Club
Mon 16 Mar 2020 Madrid, Spain, Sala Mon
Tue 17 Mar 2020 Madrid, Spain, Sala Mon
Wed 18 Mar 2020 Barcelona, Spain Razzmatazz 2
Thu 19 Mar 2020 Barcelona, Spain Razzmatazz 2

40th Anniversary Tour Headline UK Tour: May 2020

20th            NEWCASTLE – Trillians
21st            EDINBURGH – Opium
22nd            GLASGOW – Audio
23rd            MANCHESTER – Night People
24th            WOLVERHAMPTON – Slade Rooms
28th            BRISTOL – Louisiana
29th            BEDFORD – Esquires
30th            LONDON – O2 Islington Academy
31st            BRIGHTON – Chalk

Tickets are available here:
http://www.flagpromotions.co.uk/
https://www.ticketweb.uk/search?q=gene+loves+jezebel
http://tickets-scotland.com/events.html?event_searchtext=gene+loves+jezebel&event_method=search

Sick Bags – Only The Young Die Good (NFT Records/Spaghetty Town Records)

Sick Bags – Only The Young Die Good (NFT Records/Spaghetty Town Records)

I’ll take a six-track EP every day of the week if its choc o bloc with banging snotty punk rock and roll with howling harmonica, dirty overdriven filthy guitars and lyrics nonchalantly spat out.  Imagine Joan Jett with the attitude of Texas Terri and a pocket full of Dead boys meets The Dolls raunch then if you’ve got that we’re in business.  If L7 went down the Rock n Roll route of Thunders licks mixed with a generous dose of Ramones then they might chew out a rhythm like these six it’s as simple as that.

Howling out of Richmond Virginia with a Cadillac with the roof down and a lap full of smokes and beer Sick Bags are the biz.

Tony Leet has got it going on here as the songwriter and six-stringer the guy is on fire and has assembled a band around him who just gets it.  Sick Bags are on fire from the opening lick of The title track right through to the runaway train that is ‘Halfway To Hell’ and its gang vocals on the chorus. There’s no magic formula or groundbreaking new sounds going on here just a bunch of top-grade nuclear punk rock n roll and it’s done like they mean it and played like it really matters and that makes a world of difference. Mel Medina-(Vocal), Tony Leet-(Rhythm and Acoustic Guitar), Paul Kirk (Lead Guitar and Harmonica), Tommy Nelson-(Bass), Anthony Manuel-(Drums) make up the band and boy do they deliver.

Its been a year since the last single so maybe this year is the time to deliver a full album because on this evidence these cats have got the chops in spades. Get it whilst it’s still available – top record.

Bandcamp

NFT Records

Author: Dom Daley

Gun – Announce 2020 Tour: ‘R3L0ADED’ – Support Acts Announced

Gun – Announce 2020 Tour: ‘R3L0ADED’ – Support Acts Announced

Off the back of an incredibly successful 2019, Scottish rockers GUN will return to the UK stages with a series of shows in March / April 2020– entitled “R3L0aded: The Best Of GUN – Up Close and Personal Tour”. The band also just announced their supporting acts, which include: Anchor Lane, Gin Annie, The Howling Tides and Tribeless.

The band recently embarked on an epic co-headline UK tour with Dan Reed Network & FM, to celebrate their 30thAnniversary. With these new dates the party will continue in 2020 and will see GUN taking a greatest hits set into some smaller rooms to be “Up Close and Personal” with their audience.

In late 2019, GUN released the critically acclaimed “R3L0ADED” album, a double CD set, featuring choice cuts from their previous studio albums as a “Best Of” package together with some great cover versions and live favourites.  The “Up Close and Personal” Tour will combine tracks from this album together with a few other surprises.  Tickets are priced at just £18.00 including all booking fees.

Gun’s Dante Gizzi “We thought it would be great to take in some small clubs where we can play our songs in a very intimate setting and can keep the ticket price to a minimum – to really give back to our fans for 30 plus years of support. We are really looking forward to this, so hope to see you all there!”

Tour Dates are as follows:
31stMarch – Cambridge, Portland Arms – The Outlaw Orchestra
1stApril – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms – Gin Annie UK (main) & The Howling Tides
2ndApril – Cardiff, The Globe – Tribeless
3rdApril – Manchester, Night People – Revival Black
4thApril – Keighley, Studio 5 Live – AUSTIN GOLD
5thApril – Newcastle, The Cluny – Anchor Lane

Tickets available from www.gigantic.com
GUN have also been announced to play Stonedead Festival, Newark, UK – 29thAugust 2020

GUN are – Dante Gizzi – Lead Vocals; Giuliano Gizzi – Guitar; Paul McManus – Drums,
Andy Carr – Bass, Tommy Gentry – Guitar

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Youtube

Vive Le Rock Magazine celebrate 10 years in print with awesome line up and Award Night

Vive Le Rock Magazine celebrate 10 years in print with awesome line up and Award Night

THE 2020 VIVE LE ROCK AWARDS GOES LARGE ON THE MAGAZINE’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY!

 

THE LEGENDARY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL EVENT CONFIRMED TO TAKE PLACE AT THE 02 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE APRIL 1ST

 

ICONIC 80S ROCKERS LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH TO PLAY ONE-OFF REUNION WITH FINNISH HANOI ROCKS LEGEND MICHAL MONROE FRONTING AND MUCH MORE!

 

Staking its reputation as an essential rock ‘n’ roll date in the annual calendar, with two now fabled awards nights at the 02 Islington Academy in 2018 and 2019 which saw a vast array of iconic artists performing and rubbing shoulders, the 2020 Vive Le Rock Awards is confirmed to take place this coming April 1st.

 

This time, however, the event has gone bigger and bolder, moving to the 2000 capacity 02 Shepherds Bush Empire for the party of the year that also celebrates Vive Le Rock’s tenth anniversary in print, having published its first issue in 2010, it is now the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll and punk magazine, independently published by Big Cheese Publishing Ltd in London.

 

The two previous years have featured live appearances from The Damned, The Stranglers, Shakin’ Stevens, Suzi Quatro, members of AC/DC, Sex Pistols, The Specials, Buzzcocks and even England football legend Stuart Pearce, and 2020 continues to up the ante.

 

This year sees Original Rudeboy – The Specials Neville Staple joining the party along with a very special one-off reformation of 80’s goth rockers The Lords of The New Church, fronted by Finnish Hanoi Rocks legend Michael Monroe on vocals. The Vive Le Rockers all-star band will once again back specially invited singers and compere for the night will see the return of Ed Tudor-Pole of Tenpole Tudor fame (and also 80s T.V show, The Crystal Maze!).  Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders are set to pick up an Icon Award and punk legend, The Damned’s Brian James will accept the Pioneer award. Two extra special guest performers are due to be announced soon along with a wealth of awards.

 

There will be a special section for rockers we have lost in 2019 including Gang Of Four’s Andy Gill, Eddie and The Hot Rods Barrie Masters (who played the 2019 VLR awards) and surf guitar legend Dick Dale.

 

The audience will comprise of invited members of the media, television, fashion and the music world as well as an allocation of tickets for the general public. The VLR Awards are a truly unique, international event celebrating the legends of our music scene. “This isn’t some chicken in a basket awards show, this is a party with the coolest people in rock n’ roll” said Vive Le Rock editor Eugene Butcher.

 

Tickets available HERE:

 

You can watch the action from the last two VLR Awards Here

 

2020 VIVE LE ROCK AWARDS!

2020 VIVE LE ROCK AWARDS! It's gonna be a wild night. Lords of the New Church- FEATURING Michael Monroe, Ed Tudor Pole, The Specials (Official) Legend From The Specials – Neville Staple, BRIAN JAMES- The Damned , 2 extra special acts and our Headline band! Plus All star guests and Presenters! Here's a sneak peak at the last 2 years.Tickets and VIP Packages at https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/the-2020-vive-le-rock-awards-tickets/artist/5330131

Posted by Vive Le Rock on Monday, 27 January 2020

THE DEAD DAISIES ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN SUMMER DATES

THE DEAD DAISIES ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN SUMMER DATES

***THE DEAD DAISIES ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN SUMMER DATES TO KICK OFF GLOBAL 2020 TOUR***

Rock’n’Roll is a trip, not a destination…we all know how the saying goes!!

To that end, 2020 will see The Dead Daisies continue on their journey with new music, performances and adventures.

The band’s 2020 Global Tour will kick off in style with a massive European Summer jaunt — the first string of dates being a combination of arena and amphitheater shows with both Judas Priest & Foreigner, performing at some of the most famous and coveted festivals such as Graspop Belgium and Hellfest France as well as an exciting array of headline performances…kicking it off with a small, sweaty club in Essen, Germany, taking it back to basics for an essential dose of undiluted rock for the first-ever show with this new lineup!

The Daisies have rung in this next chapter welcoming new member Glenn Hughes to the band (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion). Glenn has taken over lead vocals and bass guitar, joining guitarists Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake and Dio), David Lowy (Mink and Red Phoenix) and drummer Deen Castronovo (Journey, Bad English, and Hardline).

With Glenn’s addition, the Daisies have supercharged their front line through his rock solid bass grooves and unmatched vocal intensity. As all fans know, the man is a true original, inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, with a rich history of music that features some of rock’s absolute heavyweights…

“I love performing live, the moment is NOW. I’m really looking forward to going out on tour with the Daisies and playing as many stages across the planet as possible. Writing and recording the new album was euphoric and I can’t wait for you all to hear this Epic. Peace and Love see you soon GH”. – Glenn Hughes

The upcoming, yet-untitled album, recorded by Producer Ben Grosse at La Fabrique Studio in the South of France, is slated for a late-May release to coincide with the Tour.

The Dead Daisies are pushing forward with relentless abandon, giving energy and taking chances to ensure that every person who experiences them has no doubt that Rock is Indeed Alive & Well and here to stay.

So turn it up, come to a show, enjoy the ride & ROCK with us.

DON’T MISS IT!

EUROPEAN SUMMER TOUR DATES

MAY

29 – Turock, Essen Germany

 

JUNE

01 – Song Festival Ground, Tallinn Estonia (with Judas Priest)

03 – Yubileyny Hall, St Petersburg Russia (with Judas Priest)

05 – Megasport Arena, Moscow Russia (with Judas Priest)

09 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague Czech Republic

10 – Hirsch, Nuremberg Germany

12 – Nova Rock Festival, Nickelsdorf Austria

13 – Freilichtbuhne Killesberg, Stuttgart Germany (with Foreigner)

16 – Spodek, Katowice Poland (with Foreigner)

18 – Rock The Ring Festival, Hinwil Switzerland

20 – Hellfest Festival, Clisson France

21 – Graspop Festival, Dessel Belgium

23 – Stadtpark, Hamburg Vienna (with Foreigner)

24 – Arena, Oberhausen Germany (with Judas Priest)

27 – Rock The Night Festival, Madrid Spain

30 – Melkweg, Amsterdam Netherlands

 

JULY

01 – Schlachthof, Wiesbaden Germany

03 – Capitol, Hannover Germany

04 – MMC, Bratislava Slovakia

07 – Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn Austria

08 – Live Club, Milan Italy

10 – Backstage Werk, Munich Germany

11 – Columbia Theater, Berlin Germany

13 – Budapest Arena, Budapest Hungary (with Judas Priest)

14 – Arena Stozice, Ljubljana Slovenia (with Judas Priest)

17 – Faliro Olympic Indoor Hall, Athens Greece (with Judas Priest)

19 – Midalidare Estates, Sofia Bulgaria (with Judas Priest)

21 – Arenele Romaine, Bucharest Romania (with Judas Priest)

 

Mike Peters And The Alarm – The Gathering 2020 – Venue Cymru Llandudno 31st January – 1st February

Mike Peters And The Alarm – The Gathering 2020 – Venue Cymru Llandudno 31st January – 1st February

All roads lead North as this scribe makes the twenty-sixth consecutive January trip for a weekend of all things Alarm and Mike Peters.  This one’s been hashtagged #Thiscouldbethelasttime so something was up but what exactly? As we enter the arena for the Friday nights performance it was no ordinary concert this one was more an experience. This one was with a twist, no not the original drummer but a performance split into three acts, first up – MIKE PETERS AND THE HURRICANE OF CHANGE Performing ‘DOWNSTREAM’.  A bold attempt at mixing the monologue performed by Sean Jones (Blood Brothers, Macbeth) who weaved his way through the audience around the venue whilst the band played reconstructed songs from Peter’s back catalogue. ‘Newtown Jericho’ sparked the Rebecca Riots that moved through the audience that worked well.  Act One closed with the Sharp classic ‘One Step Closer To Home’ which reunited Peters with original songwriter, the song always sends a shiver down my spine no matter how many times I’ve heard it tonight was particularly good.

Every year the Gathering has been split into Friday night – a looser mostly acoustic affair sometimes in the round, a more eclectic evening where Peters has attempted to push himself in different directions sometimes it worked amazingly well other more interesting or full of new unheard material but never the same. 

It’s a bit of a free shot to be fair seeing as the tables have been turned and fans have travelled from near and far to Peters home area for almost three decades and have gone with whatever has been thrown their way with Saturday being a day filled with Alarm related fanboy activities and then Saturday night is the more traditional show often of Springsteen length performances.

So, back to Hurricane Of Change whilst Sean Jones narrated using Alarm lyrics from that specific period it was interesting and it was out there as far as performances go. It was maybe something of a work in progress to be fair. Whilst it can be rehearsed you’ll never know until you get out there in front (or amongst) a live audience.

When finely tuned maybe it will work really well.  Maybe something for S4C or BBC to do on TV where it can be cut and edited where the idea would be amazing. Rather than just knock out an acoustic show (which would have been suffice and safe) Peters doesn’t do safe so I’d take this every night of the week.  A Bold and brave move and certainly interesting viewing.

I’m not particularly a fan of bands who chew up their back catalogue (usually) to keep it interesting for themselves and the audience but I guess the old adage of damned if you do would certainly apply to the Gathering.  Play the same old same old year after year might please many so I get why this has been split into three parts tonight and as ambitious as it is. It’s cool to see it first and maybe next time it’ll be tweaked and be a lot smoother but that’s no criticism. it is a lot to take in and it was great to see Dave Sharp make another cameo appearance as he joined in with tonight’s band -that saw George Williams playing keys and bass for the performance alongside Smiley, James and Jules.

If I had to pick a favourite moment To be fair part three was excellent, people held up cards with a song request on it and Peters played it. Tonight we got some songs that he hasn’t played in a while and it was great to hear old classics like ‘Lie Of The Land’ and especially ‘What Kind Of Hell’.

The elephant in the room had nothing to do with music tonight with it being the 31st of January.  We were reminded that tonight was Brexit and at eleven Big ben would bong. A moment marked on the big screens.  Not particularly something many gave a shit about and it would seem more didn’t even want but on the hour Big Ben bonged and it was a bit of a deflator to be honest even if the ridiculousl=ness was poignantly marked by playing Python.  Going back to what was a highlight from tonight was it seemed right to play ‘Day The Ravens Left The Tower’ and ‘The Deceiver’ back to back and then to follow it up with a rousing ‘Rocking In The Free World’ which only left ‘Walk Forever By My Side’ and the classic ’68 Guns’ to close the Friday night. A pretty decent opener for the weekend to be fair, bring on a good night’s sleep and see what the Saturday night brings. ITs always a pleasure to be in Venue Cymru on Gathering Friday.

For those early birds, you can fill your day totally fanboying out on all things Mike Peters and the Alarm I’d recommend it at least once it can be great fun and a good way to meet and greet friends old and new.

The doors swing open at 10.00 when 21st Century Film – SECRET CINEMA is in operation with a secret screening of a life-saving show that fans will only have ever seen in the theatre. This is followed by the annual Alarm Mastermind with Modnuss Modnusson (hardcore nurds need only apply) this quiz isn’t easy and under the full glare of the light and all the fellow Gatherers watching it can be daunting even for the most hardcore Alarm fanboys and girls.  This is then followed by a Keynote Address from Mike Peters that I’m aware was to announce the details of next year’s plans with no annual Gathering in Llandudno in January or at least not as we’ve come to know it but a string of summer shows to celebrate 40 years of Alarm music.
Then at 6 pm the lucky 300 are let in early where details of record store day release is unveiled as well as questions from the floor and a chance for a young girl to request ‘One Guitar’ which Peters duly plays and Compare Gareth Jones (Gaz Top) invites the young lady up to play the tambourine and make her weekend.  The stuff dreams are made of for all of us music fans never mind a young child. There was also a new track premiered as always so much to take in.  Peters and The Alarm show no signs of winding down or easing up with the next 18 months being mapped out already.
The doors then swing open for the evening’s extravaganza where Dave Sharp plays his solo set before The latest set up of the Alarm take the stage for another extraordinary evening of Rock and Roll from Peters past. Sure it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t get ’68 Guns’ or the blistering ‘Deeside’ and as newer songs rub shoulders with the “old” classics.  ‘Cenotaph’ and ‘Neutral’ sound great alongside ‘Superchannel’ and ‘My Town’.  Sure there have been unbelievable Gatherings like when Coloursound rocked up and almost took the roof off the venue way back in time or the more recent epic four-hour set.  The line ups have changed and I’m sure we’ve all had our favourites but tonight Peters is as passionate as ever leaving nothing behind in the changing room and playing as passionately as the first gathering or the twenty-first the man is indeed an inspiration.  Smiley is like a machine in the engine room hammering away on his kit the most Moon the loon like drummer out there and great to watch.  He looks like he’s having the best time of his life every time he sits behind his kit. The longest member other than Peters is James Stevenson who has left his own unique stamp on some of the classic tunes as well but I can’t help but feel I’d love to hear him just play the guitar – there’s something about the traditional lineup and I can’t help it but I do miss Adams thump on that bass. I know times change and accept that this is where The Alarm is now and accept it – I’m sure it’ll evolve again someday it all makes for a rich tapestry and I’m not one of the fans who crave the original line up.  Sure I’d love to see a set for old times sake but we’ve moved on and that’s also cool.  We almost certainly wouldn’t have had 45 RPM from that lineup nor songs like ‘Two Rivers’ so swings and roundabouts and its what makes attending this weekend such a buzz.
I’ve always looked forward to heading North every year and wondering what might unfold.  The Gatherings in Pontins were different but Venue Cymru is the spiritual home and it feels right.  I will no doubt miss it come next January but the recent announcement of St Davids Hall, Rhyl and Prestatyn something to look forward to as we go back to the real intimate shows which will no doubt be brilliant.  The Gathering has been unique events with some real hard work to mix it up by team MPO some have worked amazingly well other maybe not.  I used to enjoy the impromptu late-night Clash sets in the Hydro with people like MTV Alex Coletti turning up or when Steve Diggle was steaming and giving it to the tories (God Blass Him)  From the Venue Cymru.  My favourite was Coloursound and as far as line ups go When Craig Adams (The Mission), Mark Taylor (Lords Of The New Church), Smiley and James Stevenson they were an unstoppable force who were a match for any live band on any stage.
Hopefully, this wasn’t the last Gathering in this format it can’t be.  I tip my hat to Jules and everyone who puts this together because there isn’t anything quite like it and I simply don’t want it to end, what will I do every January? Love Hope & Strength to you all and keep on keeping yourselves alive. Life-affirming and another immense weekend of performances.
Author: Dom Daley