The Sideshows / Marc Valentine – The Water Rats, London 10/04/26

The Sideshows / Marc Valentine – The Water Rats, London 10/04/26

Sold-out shows are pretty cool, right? Album launch shows are always pretty cool, but when you have two for the price of one at the same show, it kinda raises the bar. I find myself in London for the weekend after booking to see the Damned almost a year ago so imagine my joy of finding out The Sideshows were launching their debut album the night before and had Marc Valentine as support, what a result that is.

First up tonight was Marc Valentine with his third long player in the bag, ‘Uncommon Side Effects’, and I think it’s fair to say his best as well. Having been lucky enough to have had the album for a few weeks and familiarised myself with the new tunes Marc and his band ripped through the new songs like they were old friends and were well worn into the set that was nothing short of a masterclass in loud power pop with some awesome accompaniments from his band with Richard Davies laying down some fantastic licks on his trusty Les Paul Jr and birthday boy Neil tinkling the ivories.

Marc has perfected the ragged rock n roll love letter to the underground that has a far wider appeal, be it the fantastic ‘You Are The Jet’ or ‘NY UAP’ the support set didn’t do him or his band proper justice they could have headlined and given us twice as long and I’ve no doubt the audience would have stayed with them lapping up every second. The feel-good Friday night was up and running to a wonderful starter choc-full of catchy melodies played with passion and a true belief in what they do. Marc Valnetine laid down the marker for The Sideshows to follow, and the bar was set pretty bloody high.

You can catch the band live all over the place in the coming weeks, and I would highly recommend you do so and get hold of that album, it’s a belter.

With the opening slot lighting the way, The Sideshows have been in rehearsals in Spain for the last week or so and are rightly taking this seriously, with the show being sold out months ago. The self-titled debut album was also released on this day, and if you’re asking, yeah, I think it’s the best work Rags has delivered since the first Role Models album. The thing stinks of great melodies, well-worn stories, and having Sami Yaffa on board shows the level of pedigree you can expect from this record.

The set begins with ‘Brand New’, and for the next hour we are taken on a rock n roll journey through some pretty wicked tunes, and having Gaff joining for added guitar licks and general oomph. The sound is fantastic. We were promised the album in full as well as other gems from the band’s catalogues, so it didn’t take long before Yaffa stepped to the centre of the stage to deliver a thumping ‘Selling Me Shit’ from his solo material, which wasn’t something I was expecting, but a most welcome addition it was too.

Role Models ‘Saturday Night Sailor’ sounded awesome, and it’s hard to believe this is their first live show the sound was exciting and as tight as you’d want for for a first outing the packed room was clearly enjoying it as much as I was and the fact most people in here hadn’t ever heard most of the songs being played but had already bought into it 100%.

After the excellent tribute song to Scott Sorry ‘Not Sorry’ it was a treat to hear Hanoi Rocks ‘Lost In The City’ being bashed out complete with some pretty mean harmonica honking for added coolness. All in all the fifteen song set flew by and with it all being pretty upbeat I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be on a Friday night in ole London Town and to cap it all off with a brief encore they return to lap up the well deserved rapturous applause and a run through the Johnny Tunders classic ‘I Wanna Be Loved’ well, seeing as you’re asking the answer is, The Water Rats Loved ya, lets do this again and if there is any chance of a follow up album down the line I’d be all in to hear what these talented guys can do next but for now lets bask in the glory of a mighty fine record and a memorable rock n roll show just like we used to get.

What a wonderful evening of Rock n Roll from two bands who deserve so much in return. If you can pick up their records and spread the word the world would be a better place and have the perfect Friday night soundtrack. If they hit your town don’t sit on it get out there and let em know the world needs bands like these.

Marc Valentine

The Sideshows

Author: Dom Daley

The March Violets – ‘Natural History’ (Jungle Records)

The March Violets – ‘Natural History’ (Jungle Records)

Natural History is a compilation album by The March Violets, originally released in October 1984, collecting their early singles and BBC Peel Session tracks. Well, thanks to Jungle, it’s once again available on lovely Violet wax (Obvs) for RSD 2026. It also comes with an insert of a one zillion-dollar note.

The band has reformed and is playing dates in 2026, so why not get this out there to help people reacquaint themselves with their post-punk drum machine adjit noise. Sounding like the forerunner to New Order’s Blue Monday on the album’s opener ‘Religious As Hell’, the thick bass lines are certainly of their time as is the punchy drum machine, but that caustic, abrasive guitar tone is majestic, layering the vocals that sound like they were recorded in a big fuckin cave (prob were).

It’s no surprise they were label mates with fellow Leeds noise niks The Sisters Of Mercy and Jungle put out their early singles last year as a very much sought-after set, and there’s no reason to think this won’t have as wide an appeal. Whilst it does sound of its time, the production sounds great sparce yet huge, and that bass thump is excellent ‘Groovin In Green’ is particularly jarring and an epic trip. Imagine the sisters and Bauhaus never happened, March Violets would have been huge. Eleven tracks for your buck so if you want to take a chance then might I suggest getting this in your greasy mitts come RSD.

As a side note if jungle wants to continue this rich vein of form for RSD, can I request some Creaming Jesus for next year please.

Author: Dom Daley

Venom get Kicked Outta Hell

Venom get Kicked Outta Hell

PLUS GLOBAL ALBUM LISTENING EVENTS – WATCH/STREAM THE SINGLE

PLUS, PREORDERS HERE – https://venomslegions.lnk.to/intooblivionPR

BRAND-NEW ALBUM, ‘INTO OBLIVION’

RELEASED ON NOISE/BMG ON 1st MAY 2026

The second single from Venom’s forthcoming new album, Into Oblivion, is the bludgeoning Kicked Outta Hell, which is a ferocious thrasher of a track and while it has hints of classic Venom it also has a modern twist of brutality. Destined to be another crowd pleaser in the live arena, it’s without doubt one of the heaviest tracks Venom have ever penned. Cronos smirks, ‘This one is me just having fun. I’m putting myself above the Devil in the lyric, which I think is an interesting twist. The Devil’s pissed off with us!’. Dante gestures, ‘You’re not staying in hell, get out!’. Rage affirms, ‘It’s one of the heaviest songs on the album, it’s grinding & straight ahead.’

‘Into Oblivion’ is Venom’s sixteenth studio album and features the long-standing line up of Cronos (bass/vocals and founding member), Rage (guitar) and Dante (drums) and marks their first new recordings since 2018’s, ‘Storm The Gates’. Into Oblivion consists of thirteen songs that are signature Venom: heavy, evil and catchy. There’s a combination of their classic 80’s sound adjacent to a more modern, progressive approach but without losing any of their fire and brimstone of old.

To celebrate the release of Into Oblivion, Venom will be hosting several album listening parties around the world on the day before release, Thursday 30th April. There will be freebies and a chance to win a signed set of test presses at every event. Come along and enjoy an evening of Metal Bloody Metal at these venues!

  • HELGI’S BAR, LONDON UK
    • 177 Mare Street, London, E8 3RH
  • HEADBANGERS PUB, MILAN, IT
    • Via Tito Livio 33/A, 20137 Milano
  • DR FEELGOOD: ROCK BEER TEMPLE, PARIS, FR
    • 34 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris
  • DUFF’S, BROOKLYN NEW YORK, USA
    • 168 Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
  • THE METAL BAR, SAO PAULO, BR
    • R.Artur De Azevedo, 637 – Cerquiera Cesar, Sao Paulo – SP 05404-011
  • BALLROOM KAPERFAHRT, HAMBURG DE
    • Landungsbrücken – Brücke 6, 20359 Hamburg

‘Into Oblivion’ will be released on 1st May 2026 via Noise/BMG and is available for preorder now and is available in these formats.

  • Double, gatefold smoke vinyl
  • Double, gatefold clear, black & red splatter vinyl (Limited Edition)
  • CD digisleeve with 16-page booklet
  • Digital

Radio Days – ‘I Won’t Give Up/Bang, Bang!’ (Wild Honey Records)

Radio Days – ‘I Won’t Give Up/Bang, Bang!’ (Wild Honey Records)

With spring finally sprung, Radio Days are back with two slices of power pop goodness. Taken from their forthcoming album, due in September. Guitarist/singer Dario is often busy with The Peawees, but this is a welcome return. While both groups have similarities, ‘I Won’t Give Up’ is pure power pop, handclaps and hooks galore, much like the fabulous Speedways. 

‘Bang, Bang!’ is more upfront, almost a glam stomper, but equally addictive. Forget your bikini/ budgie smugglers, this is what you need to be summer-ready. Check both tracks out online now. The single is available on Wild Honey Records now, while the album ‘Off The Record’ will be available for preorder soon. 

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Author: Martin Chamarette

PETER HOOK INDUCTED INTO ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

PETER HOOK INDUCTED INTO ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

PETER HOOK INDUCTED INTO ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME AS JOY DIVISION & NEW ORDER FOUNDER MEMBER AND BASSIST

UK FESTIVAL DATES

AUSTRALIA & NORTH AMERICA TOURS

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation have announced Joy Division and New Order as one of the acts to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 2026. Peter Hook was a founding member and bass player for both bands, playing a critical role in what defined their respective unique sound.

On the announcement of the news, Peter Hook shared: “I am so happy to be accepted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, you would not believe it! It’s such a compliment to all the fans of Joy Division and New Order and it’s now been confirmed. My thanks to Ian Curtis, Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson – your hard work and inspiration has meant everything to me. I will be delighted to be inducted and I’m looking forward to the night so much! See you there. Peter Hook.”

Meanwhile, Peter Hook & The Light will this year play major tours of Australia and New Zealand in July and the USA and Canada in September and October, interspersed with select UK dates and festivals throughout the year. Full UK dates as follows:

MAY

Sat 09 BRISTOL Gigantic All-Dayer

Fri 22 DERBYSHIRE Bearded Theory

JUNE

Thu 04 MANCHESTER Academy (with Buzzcocks)

Wed 10 GLASGOW Kelvingrove Bandstand

Thu 11 LINCOLN Summer Sessions (with OMD)

Fri 19 SOUTHAMPTON Summer Sessions (with OMD)

JULY

Fri 03 ALTRINCHAM Britfest

Sun 26 SUFFOLK Latitude

AUGUST

Fri 07 ROCHDALE Town Hall (with OMD)

Sat 15 SCARBOROUGH Interzone

TICKETS: https://peterhookandthelight.live

The 2026 dates follow a mammoth run of live shows last year, taking in tours of Europe and North America and a full UK tour at the end of the year – which saw the band play the Get Ready album by New Order in full – and a full EU tour earlier this year that took them to the Netherlands, Germany,

Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and Belgium.

Peter Hook first revisited the seminal Joy Division album Unknown Pleasures back in May 2010 for a commemorative charity concert and has followed it each year by performing subsequent albums from the repertoire of his bands, Joy Division and New Order. His dedication to his back catalogue has now seen him move through Unknown Pleasures, Closer, Still, Movement, Power Corruption & Lies, Low Life, Brotherhood, Technique, Republic and Substance to arrive at the Get Ready album. Having toured the albums extensively, the band have now amassed approaching 1000 concerts.

Among the many highlights since he reintroduced his early repertoire to a legion of audiences across the world, both old and new, have been appearances at Benicassim, Primavera Sound, Kendal Calling, Bestival, Victorious and Rebellion, alongside extensive touring in Europe, North and South America, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand to great acclaim from both fans and critics alike.

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Cult Figures – Reports Of People'(Precious Recordings Of London’)

Cult Figures – Reports Of People'(Precious Recordings Of London’)

Cult Figures’ fourth album, ‘Reports of People’, is a collection of eleven tracks that span a variety of post-punk genres, but the one thing that is front and centre is the album’s authenticity and what a wonderful-sounding record it is.  I wasn’t sure what to expect at all but once the air was full of the well rounded production it was full on and before I know it this album had grabbed my attention as it pivotted from all out thuggish post punk to lush wonderful melodies, urgent, visceral, and abrasive, with a mix of punk, post-punk, and other influences it sounds familiar yet fresh. One thing it does is show that since the band’s inception in the late 70s, they have picked up like magpies a thing or two that has helped them grow in their confident sound and produce a most excellent listen flowing from gentler tempos like ‘Scum’ that closes out the record as something of a recovery tune to its predesessor ‘Lunatic Friend’ that is full of fire and menace just like the title might suggest. The band’s creativity around a scene is excellent, and every play delivers a new favourite song and something that grabs you that previously had washed over you.

With clever working-class lyrics and tales of everyday people we can all associate with, it helps draw you in
‘Death Of A Thousand Cuts’ and the previously mentioned ‘Scum’ are two great examples you’ll smile and ponder when listening, but the overwhelming thought will be this sounds fuckin excellent, no question about it.

Having said all that, my favourite track from the first play to the last has to be the ‘Lunatic Friend’ with its boundless energy and cheeky lyrics we’ve all drank in those pubs and have that one mate, what a killer thrasher it is, like a flying headbutt audio style. Buy this record!

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LENNY KAYE’S NUGGETS LIVE AT THE BBC – RECORD STORE DAY 10” RELEASE WITH EXCLUSIVE LONDON LISTENING PARTY

LENNY KAYE’S NUGGETS LIVE AT THE BBC – RECORD STORE DAY 10” RELEASE WITH EXCLUSIVE LONDON LISTENING PARTY

To coincide with two sold-out shows at London’s iconic 100 Club, Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group, original Nuggets compiler), alongside Joe De Lorenzo (former The Damned tour manager), who co-promoted the London shows, assembled an all-star Nuggets Band and headed to BBC Maida Vale Studios to record a session for Marc Riley & Gideon Coe on BBC 6 Music. That electrifying session is now set for release as Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Live At The BBC, arriving exclusively for Record Store Day as a limited edition 10” vinyl.

Released via Johnny Depp’s In.2 records label, this four-track EP captures the spirit and legacy of the original Nuggets era, brought to life by a powerhouse line-up: Nick Detroit (Rat Scabies/The Damned), Dave Treganna (Sham 69, Lords of the New Church), Marty Love (Johnny Moped, Wingmen), Doctor Clive Jackson (Dr & The Medics), Greg Rice (Whiskey Town) and Jim Jones (Jim Jones All Stars, Thee Hypnotics).

Recorded live on 4th April 2024 and broadcast shortly after on BBC 6 Music, the EP features: I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night / My Little Red Book / Little Bit O’ Soul / Gloria.

The release comes full circle with I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night, famously the opening track on the groundbreaking 1972 compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, curated by Kaye. That seminal collection, featuring artists such as the 13th Floor Elevators, The Electric Prunes, and The Seeds, is widely regarded as one of the most influential compilations of all time and helped define the term “punk rock” in its earliest usage.

Pressed as a strictly limited run of 1,000 copies (500 black vinyl, 500 blue vinyl), Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Live At The BBC is a must-have artefact for collectors and fans alike, celebrating the enduring impact of garage rock, psychedelia, and the spirit of Nuggets. 

To mark the release, an exclusive listening party will take place at The Spice of Life in Soho from 2pm on Record Store Day (18 April), with limited access for fans and Industry. The event will include – 

  • a preview of Riot on Oxford Street: Nuggets Live at the 100 Club
  • a screening of Alan Blizzard’s short film The Nuggets Movie
  • an on-stage Q&A
  • an exclusive playback of Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Live at the BBC EP

Tongue Action – ‘Rock n Roll Zero’ (Self Release)

Tongue Action – ‘Rock n Roll Zero’ (Self Release)

Strap yourselves in and get ready for some Tongue Action. Tongue Action delivers high-energy rock ’n’ roll from ’70s punk thru, ’80s sleaze rock like a hard rock sponge, they’ve absorbed the lot and tried to mould it into something that makes sense in 2026.

Of course, they’re gonna say they like it loud and live is where it’s at, but on this four-track EP, do they walk the walk as well as they talk the talk? Well, trying to be original or even relevant in this day and age is a feat in itself because some smart arse in the press is going to tell you they’ve seen it all before yada yada yada. But let’s give some dues to any band coming out in 2026 and giving it big guns and totally believing in what it is they’re singing about.

The songs on offer here are certainly loud, fast, and, to be fair, pretty decent. OK, so the opening track is ‘Wild Women’, apart from the obvious cliches, it’s got a good tempo, and the chorus is easy to throw your arms aloft and join in on. The guitars are gritty, and the vocal delivery is in the post-NWOBHM style, which is not to be sniffed at. It’s infectious (just like the wild women), and then it’s gone, it went as quickly as it started. Retro but in a good way. Snotty Hard Rock would be my description of this EP. I like how raw it is, and it adds to the attitude and the second track ‘RMFR’ is definitely on an upwards trajectory, channelling the attitude of the Dead Boys and mixing it with some Scandi Rock (how aware they are of what has come out of Scandinavia in the last two decades, I have no clue), but this is decent.

‘Seduce And Destroy’ injects its DNA from the classic Undertones big hitter, but that’s where the resemblance ends. I like it, there are earworms at work here on a Razorbats from Norway level, and the song is really good. The EP closes out with ‘Emily Baby!’. I hope she’s pleased with the song penned about her, and so she should be with plenty of attitude. This is a grower for sure. I love hearing new music from far-flung places and hearing there are people dedicated enough to release music and make it loud and snotty, so on that basis alone, I ask you to get on your feet, turn it up and give a big round of applause to Tongue Action from the USA. They rock! And to see they have an LP in the mix on the most excellent Heavy Medication Records only cements the future because it’s not only me that recognises top tunes soon there will be wax and that’s always a good thing.

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Author: Dom Daley

The London Cowboys – ‘Animal Pleasure’ / ‘Tall In The Saddle’ (Jungle Records)

The London Cowboys – ‘Animal Pleasure’ / ‘Tall In The Saddle’ (Jungle Records)

Anytime is the right time for a good rock n roll record so RSD is a good enough reason for a reissue of a fantastic platter of tunes and this 1982 album, plus the 1984 mini-LP with three previously unreleased tracks is reason enough to venture out on RSD 2026. 

The first time this album has been available on vinyl since the 80’s, It’s on a limited-edition coloured vinyl double-LP with notes from the main protagonists Steve Dior and Barry Jones.  Born from the embryonic London punk scene and played alongside both four of the Sex Pistols and four of the New York Dolls!  Guitarist Barry Jones was a co-promoter at the famous Roxy Club; whilst Dior was a young punk scenester. 

Reaching back in time, Firstly, the Idols formed in New York in 1978 with Steve Dior, Barry Jones and Jerry Nolan after he left the Heartbreakers, releasing a single on the US label Ork Records (there is a fine ORK box set out there if you can track it down maybe RSD 27).  The Idols (with Arthur Kane) then became Sid Vicious’s backing band for his final Max’s Kansas City shows.  When Jerry had UK work permit issues, The Idols morphed into the London Cowboys with Barry staying in the USA, joining the legendary Max’s Kansas City club.  The London Cowboys attracted many names from the punk scene, including Glen Matlock, Tony James, Terry Chimes and others a veritable whos who of the punk scene; Barry later returned to the UK to join the Cowboys.  They gigged around the UK and Europe and after recording sessions for major labels in 1982 signed with the French Underdog label, issuing ‘Animal Pleasure’ in ’82 and Tall in the Saddle in ’84.  Barry later joined Johnny Thunders band alongside Glen Matlock & Jerry Nolan (& the Dolls’ Arthur Kane in the USA).  Steve Dior formed Filthy Lucre with Phil Lewis.  In 2025, Dior & Jones announced that a new London Cowboys album was being recorded in London.

Jungle always was th ehome to cool artists and have always been at the forefront of championing the mighty Johnny Thunders over they years so it seems about right that they would release this most excellent double album from the horn honking sleazy rock n rollin of ‘Hook Line And Sinker’, ‘Going Thru The Motions’ and ‘Wow Wow Oui Oui’ it wasn’t all sleazy punk n roll they also dish up the late night ‘Reggae Cop’ which is right in the more rowdy Lords Of The New Church pocket. ‘Rockin’ On A Bad Beat’ is like Eddie Cockran riffin on a Stray Cat and with the favours called in they had some hefty guests lending a hand to create a wonderful record that has stood the test of time and looking back maybe I can appreciate it more now making this a must have RSD purchase. If you are an avid collector of fine audio records or a lover of the hype train that is RSD this is a must own record. IT’s great that the archives were raided and the three bonus track have been added to the release pulling in the EP ‘Tall In The Saddle’ is great and with Monroes horn honkin on ‘Blue Murder’ I’ve said it many many times the saxophone is a much underused instrument especially in sleazy rock n roll it adds flavour and can shape a tune in a totally different direction and its put to great effect here.

‘Centrefold’ is a sneering Dior and who doesn’t love the choppy breakdown with the backing girls. They go a little Stonesy on the mellow ‘Courtesan’ before the time capsule drum intro of ‘It Takes Time’ harks back to simpler times and if a song carried a scent this one would be late nights in Soho or the Lower East Side when they were darker more mysterious places. Side four or the second side of ‘Tall In The Saddle’ will be the one with the intrigue after the choppy ‘False Emotion’ we get the funky ‘Little Misfire’ is like a polaroid of Studio 54 before ‘Candy’ is a stright down rock n rolla before the final offering of ‘Die For Your Love’ is maybe more of the filthy lucre direction and a fitting way to sign off this most excellent record drawing in a wonderful forgotten band of the late 70s early 80s who should have been a staple in alternative post punk kids collections. All these years later is the perfect chance to pick up a gem on RSD and get some London Cowboys in your collection – no brainer just buy it!

Author: Dom Daley