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BAD NERVES – 59-SECOND SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM WITH NEW SINGLE ‘LONER’

BAD NERVES – 59-SECOND SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM WITH NEW SINGLE ‘LONER’

SINGLE AND OFFICIAL VIDEO OUT 18TH NOVEMBER

“The best band in England right now”

– Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day)

PRE-SAVE HERE

To kick off their UK headline tour, Bad Nerves – the “bastard child of a Ramones/Strokes one-night stand” – announce their new single ‘Loner’, a fierce, 59-second blast of raw energy. The song’s release day also marks the first day of their explosive UK tour. Alongside the single, the band have announced an exclusive 7” vinyl, set to drop in December featuring the new single and never-heard-before live recordings of ‘Loner’ and ‘Antidote’ from their US headline tour in May 2025, alongside an exclusive demo of ‘Braindead’.

Their UK headline tour kicks off today across the UK, culminating in their biggest UK headline show to date at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Watch the live video for ‘Loner’ below. Single and official video out 18th November.

PRE-SAVE ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE – PRE-ORDER EXCLUSIVE 7” VINYL HERE

Equal parts adrenaline and outrage, ‘Loner’ is a snarling 59 second, high-voltage critique of media manipulation and its divisive tactics. It channels paranoia and resistance in equal measure. The track’s instruments were captured live at Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard’s Studio Litho in Seattle, just days before the band kicked off their U.S. headline run. Vocalist Bobby Nerves later tracked his vocal take on the band’s tour bus in Dallas fresh from a visit to the site of JFK’s assassination.

When Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong called Bad Nerves “the best band in England right now”  before wearing their merch on the red carpet at the Grammys, punk’s worst-kept secret went global. Armstrong later invited the Essex five-piece to join Green Day on their explosive South American stadium tour in summer 2025, where they tore through their sets with the blistering speed that has become their signature.

Bad Nerves are an Essex five-piece blending the speed of the Ramones with the hooks of The Strokes. Hailed by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong as “the best band in England right now” (before he was spotted wearing their merch at the Grammys), their self-titled debut (2020) and explosive follow-up Still Nervous (2024) won heavy support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, Kerrang! and Classic Rock, alongside praise from legends like Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard and The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins. This was then complete with BBC Radio 1 hailing Bad Nerves as “your favourite band’s favourite band”.

Now signed to Loosegroove Records (the label owned by Gossard), the band’s sophomore record Still Nervous (May 2024) cemented their status as one of modern rock’s most vital forces, with anthems like ‘USA’, ‘You’ve Got The Nerve’, and ‘Sorry’ dominating airwaves across BBC Radio 1, BBC 6music, Radio X, Kerrang!, and beyond

United Kingdom

2025-11-18 O2 Institute 2, Birmingham

2025-11-19 The Grove, Newcastle

2025-11-20 Art School, Glasgow

2025-11-22 The Wardrobe, Leeds

2025-11-23 O2 Academy 2, Liverpool

2025-11-25 O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London

2026-07-09 2000Trees Festival

Australia

2025-12-02 Crowbar, Sydney*

2025-12-03 Max Watts, Melbourne*

2025-12-05 Good Things Festival, Melbourne

2025-12-06 Good Things Festival, Sydney

2025-12-07 Good Things Festival, Brisbane

2025-12-08 The Triffid, Brisbane*

*(co-headline with Dead Poets Society)

Japan

2025-12-10 Daikanyama UNIT, Tokyo

Bad Nerves’ new single ‘Loner’ is out 18th November. Stream here.

FOLLOW BAD NERVES

SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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Francis Rossi – ‘The Accidental’ Solo Album

Francis Rossi – ‘The Accidental’ Solo Album

Pre Order

‘The Accidental’ by Francis Rossi, released by earMUSIC on 30th January 2026 on CD, LP and Digital formats, comes as something of a surprise… It was a surprise, certainly, to Francis, who had no plans to record an album. “This truly came out of nowhere”, says Rossi. “I spend my life in and out of the studio, rehearsing, tinkering, but something happened earlier this year and, before I knew it, we had created something special.”



While Rossi’s previous solo albums explored his love for acoustic ballads, vocal harmonies, and the blend of British rock with country influences, this album, Francis Rossi’s first in seven years, marks a true return to the energetic, guitar-driven sound that made him a legend with Status Quo.

Listen Here

‘The Accidental’ sees Francis Rossi playing to his strengths, but taking risks, cutting loose, and exploring new territory – this album is all about old bones and fresh blood.

The fresh blood in question comes largely from Hiran Ilangantilike, a guitarist who was originally a school friend of one of Francis’ children, and co-producer Andy Brook. What became the sessions for ‘The Accidental’ was initially born of just plugging in and making some serious noise, but something clicked in the studio. Lightening was indeed bottled: there was a swing and a groove, and the songs started pouring out. With John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave later laying down the bass and drums parts, and Amy Smith again bringing an extra dimension on back-up vocals, this became a project with a bite and DNA all of its own; albeit Francis’ playing is a distinctive as ever. Almost all of the songwriting credits reflect this fresh and collaborative ethos, though there are two that bear the classic Quo hallmark: Rossi / Young. Francis Rossi produced ‘The Accidental’; co-producer Andy Brook recorded, mastered, engineered, and played on the record, and co-wrote three tracks.

Kicking off with a flourish ‘Much Better’ segues into the ebullient ‘Go Man Go’, teeing up future classic ‘Push Comes To Shove’ and the plaintive yet strutting blues singalong of ‘Back On Our Home Ground’ [who will be the first Sports team to adopt this one?]. By then, the engine is well and truly running, and the highlights keep coming. The chug and chant and choppy chords of ‘Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)’ give way to the cantering ‘Picture Perfect’, which could only be a Rossi number. The long strides of ‘November Again’ distil a melancholy refrain into a catchy chorus, and the epic ‘Beautiful World’ channels vintage era Quo with enough guitar to get the balcony of the Glasgow Apollo bouncing again. ‘Time To Remember’ is built around a piano line and swaying melody and serves as a poignant and powerful coda to an extraordinarily strong set of new songs.

Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of the first two songs: ‘Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)’ and ‘Go Man Go’ are available for streaming and download with immediate effect.

“For anyone who liked any of my solo albums previously”, says Francis Rossi, “… well, I’ve no idea what you’ll make of this one because it’s a real departure, but I love it. It’s loud, the guitars are right to the fore, and there are some great songs there”.

This new album finds Francis Rossi once more at the top of his game, with a searing yet thoughtful collection of rockers that will please anyone who likes their dose of heavy cut with melody and verve. Mark Twain said that the accident is “the greatest of all inventors”: when there are no rules, expectations or preconceptions, anything can – and will – happen. ‘The Accidental’ proves that amazing things unfold when an artist with an unrivalled track record is inspired to create new music – even after more than 50 years of success – by the sheer love of playing. That unbridled joy is where the elemental magic that animates ‘The Accidental’ is conjured.

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Twisted Sister on a mountain in Wales? Yes please you SMF

Twisted Sister on a mountain in Wales? Yes please you SMF

Steelhouse XV

24-26th July 2026

Festival’s 15 year celebrations marked in style by  TWISTED SISTER as they celebrate half a century of Metal

Buy Tickets Here

Steelhouse – the festival on the top of a Welsh mountain – will welcome American metal legends, TWISTED SISTER, who will headline and close out the festival’s 15th year celebrations on Sunday, the 26th July 2026, as they themselves celebrate a milestone: an incredible half a century as one of most notorious names in rock, having re-formed after a 10 year hiatus. 

Also confirmed as part of a monster first announcement are Friday headliners, The Temperance Movement and Saturday night special guests, Reef. Alien Ant Farm, make their first trip to the Mountain with Tyketto, Von Hertzen Brothers, Darren Wharton’s Renegade, Mason Hill, Dan Byrne, Luke Morley, Anthony Gomes, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, AMH, Parker Barrow, LN, King Kraken and Blue Nation all being added to the bill. 

“We thought 15 years was worth celebrating in the biggest possible way”, say Steelhouse promoters, Max and Mikey. “And what better way to do that with one of the most iconic names in metal – TWISTED F***** SISTER!! To have them come and celebrate their milestone 50 years with us is an absolute and unbelievable honour.” 

“When DEE SNIDER came and laid waste to Steelhouse a decade ago – and more than any other headliner, fundamentally got what we were trying to do as an independent rock festival – we hoped that perhaps he would one day return with the band he made his name with… In our 15th year and their 50th, this is coming to pass…TWISTED SISTER on The Mountain is going to be HUGE!!!! 

We’re also extremely excited that The Temperance Movement headline SHXV’s opening night. Their own return has been a hugely welcome and successful one. Their shows last year were akin to going to church! They have history with us which goes back to both our and their early days. We’re so happy they’re making another trip up that road…Get your singing voices ready!” 

2026 marks the 15th iteration of Steelhouse, a now essential fixture on the summer festival map. Tickets are on sale now. For those wanting to spread the cost, a monthly payment plan is available on weekend arena tickets.  VIP upgrades are also available for those wanting VIP bar access, luxury facilities, acoustic sets and more!
 
The Festival at the top of the mountain boasts not only the best views of any UK rock event but one of the most passionate, friendly and loyal followings. With a reputation for not only bringing in the biggest and best names from the international world of Rock, Steelhouse also understands the role it can play in throwing open its prestigious stage to the best of the new breed of bands. It all adds up to a compelling mix of classic and cutting-edge rock, old and new.

SHXV – Come Out And Play!! 

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Dead Pioneers new Single ‘Freedom Means Something’

Dead Pioneers new Single ‘Freedom Means Something’

DEAD PIONEERS RAIL AGAINST CURRENT AMERICAN POLITICS IN NEW SINGLE ‘FREEDOM MEANS SOMETHING’

STREAM/DL HERE:

UK AND EU DATES CONFIRMED FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE:

Dead Pioneers, the indigenous punk rock band from Denver, have never been afraid to use their art as a vehicle to express their beliefs and anger at the current political landscape in America. Over two albums – their self-titled debut in 2023 and ‘PO$T AMERICAN’ from earlier this year, the band have concocted a unique blend of spoken word, hypnotic post-rock and punk roots that has quickly caught the imagination of music fans searching for something new, something real and a band with something to say.

Dead Pioneers have now returned with a new single that is perhaps their most enraged work to date. ‘Freedom Means Something’ was recorded at the same time as ‘PO$T AMERICAN’, but didn’t make the album at the time, yet despite being written over a year ago, it captures the political and social moment of the United States and the anger, fear and vitriol that comes in policy changes and egregious decisions being made by this current administration.

“It was one of a few pieces we did that didn’t make the album cut at the time,” clarifies frontman Gregg Deal. “It wasn’t an issue of good or not, so much as curating our second record to something that made sense. We are so pleased to be releasing this piece now. Much like our second record, we wrote for the moment and didn’t expect the message of the music to be more relevant to what is currently happening here. We stand by our message, politically, socially and culturally, in hopes for change. These statements are meant to be in the moment of recognising that there are those among us, the most vulnerable, who will be the first to feel the effects of what we can only call oppressive. It is our moral duty and obligation to say the quiet thing out loud in an effort to use the medium of music to provide another way to hear ideas that stand in opposition of policies that align with the principles of white supremacy and fascism and nazi ideology, undermining the basic principles of freedom. We hope you see this in Freedom Means Something.”

“We will tar and feather you with your money and prepare you for your place in the annals of historical genocide. Amidst the nationalistic maniacs that destroy families and land, and legacy and truth and decency. Your end is near,” says Gregg in the song’s closing verse. It’s powerful, intense and righteous.

Dead Pioneers are confirmed to play their first EU and UK tour in February and March, 2026. Support for all UK shows comes from Yakkie, featuring Janey Starling formerly of Dream Nails. Go HERE for tickets.

Dead Pioneers emerged as a dynamic extension of vocalist Gregg Deal’s performance art, seamlessly blending music with critical cultural commentary. Rooted in the same themes of identity and resistance that define his visual work, the band’s sound acts as a powerful platform for addressing the complexities of Indigenous experience. Deal harnesses the raw energy of punk and alternative influences to challenge prevailing narratives, using lyrics that provoke thought and evoke emotion. Just as his performance art confronts the legacies of colonisation and systemic marginalisation, Dead Pioneers – completed by Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan on guitars, bassist Lee Tesche (Algiers) and drummer Shane Zweygardt – engages audiences in a visceral dialogue about survival, resilience, and reclamation of voice. This musical endeavour not only amplifies his artistic vision but also creates a space for collective expression and solidarity, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersections of culture, history, and identity in a contemporary context. Through Dead Pioneers, Deal continues to assert that art, in all its forms, can be a powerful vehicle for activism and change. 

The band are currently playing shows in the US and working on new material and will start recording their third album later this year.

See Dead Pioneers at the following dates in the UK and EU in 2026:

February

26th UK Bristol, The Croft

27th UK Manchester, Rebellion

28th UK Leeds, Key Club

March

1st UK London, The Underworld

3rd NL Arnhem, Willemeen

5th DE Wiesbaden, Schlachthof

6th DE Stuttgart, Juha West

7th DE Cologne, Helios37

9th CH Zurich, Bogen F

11th AT Vienna, Arena

12th DE Munich, Backstage

13th DE Berlin, Cassiopeia

14th DE Hamburg, Hafenklang

Find Dead Pioneers online HERE:

WitchDoktors – ‘Izzatso?’ (Bomber Music)

WitchDoktors – ‘Izzatso?’ (Bomber Music)

London rock n’ roll band WitchDoktors are back with a new album, ‘Izzatso?’, and what a bright slice of sunshine Rock n roll it is too. From the punchy opener ‘Lightning Strike’, you can lace up your creepers and get boppin. Featuring 11 tracks, WitchDoktors they refuse to stand still and incorporate styles outside of their comfort zone of rootsy punk rock n rolland on the opener, the breakdown is infectious and holds up the wonderful slide courtesy of Ruts DC Leigh Heggarty. Equal servings of Trashy glam rock n roll played loudly through amps with real instruments with big throaty gang vocals, it’s the perfect opener.

Hot on the heels is the punchy ‘Before The War’ with a fantastic chorus bursting with energy, it’s simply majestic, and the clincher is a hearty, warm, engaging production that’s elevating the songs into the next league.

Conceived during COVID and then delayed by the sad passing of their longtime collaborator and legendary recording engineer Pat Collier,  ‘Izzatso?’ is named thus for the listener to not take things on face value and to question everything. It’s no coincidence that the band are big fans of Mr Strummer, who’s woven into their DNA. See through the veils of bullshit or spins on stories or propaganda, and to think for yourself.” Wise words.

‘High Dry And Burn’ has a feel of Michael Monroe going on, and what a track it is from the backbeat, its exceptional songwriting and already the album is barely awake, and it’s pulling the listener in several directions and all of the highest order. Impressive stuff.

Heading into Strummer territory for ‘Freedom Fighter’, this could stand tall alongside tracks like ‘Tony Adams’ with its lively Bass run and inner city skank. Man, the horns on ‘Planet Of Pain’ with its energy are something else. The song is honkingly good and will deffo fuck you up!

WitchDoktors have hit a career high on this one, and the punch and zip of ‘Spanner In The Works’ is another side step into some ska skank with funky horns and twitching keys that a mid-70s Rolling Stones would have killed for. Whereas ‘God Knows’ has a pulse of Kinks in the song, at least that’s what I’m hearing mixed with some Small Faces for good measure, and the super strong vocal helps.

It’s an album full to bursting with potential singles left, right and centre, with a mixture of styles that work really well, making the best WitchDoktors album thus far. 2025 has been an awesome year for new albums and this is next level for these Londoners, showing that they can go toe to toe with anyone in this risky business. Kicking ass and doing it with a beaming smile, no doubt. Hell, they even don the sombreros and chew on cigars for a little mexicana on the album’s closer, ‘Kicking The Can’, complete with its squeezebox and trumpet, it’s making Paul-Ronney Angel blush, it’s so good. Andy and Tony, who write the songs, have really delivered without hesitation. I suggest you go and get a copy of this one right off the bat and demand they come to your part of town and bring the big guns, ‘Izzatso?’ is all killer and no filler, and you can tell I said so! Buy It! 

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Southern River Band ‘Easier Said Than Done’ (The Southern River Band/ Civilians)

The Southern River Band ‘Easier Said Than Done’ (The Southern River Band/ Civilians)

As the debates for album of the year begin and new releases start to slow down at the end of the year, the Southern River Band (SRB from here out in this review) have walked up to the table and threw a razor-sharp switchblade in the middle of it to command everyone’s attention. SRB has delivered some excellent songs in the past, and their last album (‘D.I.Y.’) was really good, even though it felt much more like a collection of songs than a proper album. The early songs from this album mostly grabbed me right away, but I had no idea that this would immediately be put on repeat. Do you ever listen to a new album and wish there was a way to listen to every song at once, because this is what this album does?

SRB kicks things off with one of the early singles, ‘Don’t Take It to Heart’, whose video showcases some of the humour the band incorporates. As a song, it is a hard rocker where the hook is huge with Cal Kramer’s vocals having a special quality of being infused with heart, soul, spirit, and a charisma all its own that allows him to deliver killer lyrics across this whole album. Being from Australia, there is an AC/DC influence in the musical mix, but I really think there must just be something in the water that makes that happen. The guitar solo blasts its way through the speakers. Great work by the rhythm section establishes ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ as the song is part blues rocker and part anthemic hard rocker. The guitar riff commands air guitar participation. There are some twists and wrinkles through the song that really elevate it to a whole other level. ‘Bad Luck Baby, Bye Bye’ slightly slows things down to really work a riff that is pure rock n roll from the same well as the Rolling Stones and Faces. The lyrics jump out here with the chorus being an immediate sing-along opportunity. 

Slowing things down with the semi-ballad ‘It’s What It’s,’ the band crafts an introspective journey about growing older and looking at life. I’m sure this will be a song in future live shows, where the crowd is ultimately who sings the song. The subtle musical touches provide the perfect counterpoint to the more rocking ‘One Last Dance.’ There is a strong ’70s influence in the verses, with a chorus that is somehow subtle and also hits the listener over the head. The band ends the first half of the album with the excellent ‘Suits Me, Just Fine.’ The lyrical reference to Van Halen seems appropriate for SRB as well. There are some David Lee Roth years touches across the album through both the vocals and lead guitars. These songs are timeless in their approach. At one point, I thought this could have been what Stillwater from the movie ‘Almost Famous’ would have done a few albums down their imaginary career.

Midway through the album, there has not been a moment or a song where I have not connected to the music. SRB provides a new wrinkle with acoustic guitar driving the opener of bluesy ‘All Over Town.’ It is a brilliant addition to the album and sets up the explosiveness of the rest of the song. The guitar work across the album is awesome, and there is some added slide in the mix here. There was one early single where I was not initially grabbed. I listened to it once or twice, but did not keep going back to it like I did with the other ones. My first time listening to the album thoug,h the song clicked in a big way. ‘No Such Time’ has a cool 70’s bluesy rocking groove, and I don’t know why it didn’t immediately click. I also cannot explain how it went from not clicking to a favourite among favourites. The dual vocals provide another atmosphere to the album, and this one also fits that earlier motif of Stillwater years later. The bass and drums are locked in an awesome groove. The band continue to throw in new elements with ‘Lay It On Me’ reminding me of the Rolling Stones when they incorporated some of those disco-type beats, or what Kiss could have done if they had made “I Was Made for Loving You’ a hard rock song first and then added the other elements. I could see a music video where the band is playing on American Bandstand back in the late 70s or early 80s.

The final quarter post of the album kicks off with the rocking ‘Fuck You, Pay Me’, where we once again see the humour the band incorporates into their lyrics when appropriate. It is another huge hook and sing-along song that fuses itself with the listener. This is where I suggest y’all buy something from the band so Cal doesn’t have to try and sell his gear or a kidney. ‘We’ve Got Plans Tonight’ cranks up the rock n roll and feels like the Quireboys (without the piano). At just over two minutes, the song demolishes the room in record time, with a harmonica solo being the cherry on top of this sonic jubilation. The band could have made this the album closer and had it swap slots with ‘One of These Nights (I’ll Be Gone),’ but this order works brilliantly too. They end with an epic ballad (and the current single) with a catchy ‘I’ll be gone’ refrain. It is not hard to see the live crowd swaying their arms with their cellphones, lighting up what should be an arena.

SRB deliver 12 outstanding songs without missing a moment across the album. Each element here really is lightning in a bottle as the album delivers killer songs, great mix and production, and a cohesiveness that brings everything together. The follow-up album will be a tall task filled with huge expectations now. That is for the future, though. Let’s take time to enjoy a very strong album of the year contender, but more importantly than that, an album to play continuously in the many years to come.

‘Easier Said Than Done’ is available now.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

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Michael Monroe – Gets On His ‘Rockin’ Horse’

Michael Monroe – Gets On His ‘Rockin’ Horse’

New Studio Album ‘OUTERSTELLAR‘

Set For Release February 20

New Single “Rockin’ Horse”

Surprises are rare and wonderful. When music decides to just show up and strut and rock and roll and stomp with swagger, swing and raw energy all over you, that’s the rarest surprise and Michael Monroe does not disappoint with his brand new studio album, Outerstellar, set for release via

Silver Lining Music on February 20th 2026.

“Rockin’ Horse is a cool, rockin’ song that we made a great fun video for with the fantastic director Leigh Brooks,” comments Michael Monroe. “We got into different characters on the so-called ‘Waking Up With Michael Monroe’ TV morning show, with me as the host.

And it’s the first time you have ever seen me without make-up (!). Great fun and good times. Hope you enjoy it!”

‘What ‘genre’ is Michael Monroe?’ Oh, go and throw yourself back into the shoebox you restrict yourself to if you need a genre… How about ‘sweet smelling leathery sweat wrapped in one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll voices?’ How about ‘harmonies and vibes swimming in silk scarves and lounging on a beaten sofa in leather pants, with the AM hours alive and the melodies so, so intoxicating?’ And how about ‘attitude! Which screams carefree, not carelessness, confidence, not arrogance, a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing the religious experience of real rock ‘n’ roll.’

From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.

It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, and Michael Monroe is handing you permission to get lost in the love of it. In fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and the band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets, visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.

2025:

24 Nov Rock Beyond Rock Vol. 2, Osaka (JP)

25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)

2026:

24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK)

25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)

27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK)

28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK)

1 Mar SWG3, Glasgow (UK)

3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK)

4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK)

6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK)

7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK)

8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK)

3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)

Outerstellar will be available on Limited Edition 12” White Viny, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order now at Here

https://michaelmonroe.com/web

The Covids – ‘Pay No Mind’ (Wap Shop Records)

The Covids – ‘Pay No Mind’ (Wap Shop Records)

Insert no end of infectious jokes here, like after infecting the European underground with their relentless live shows and a ferocious debut LP in 2023, Amsterdam punk outfit THE COVIDS are back for a second jab. Or an Infectious, catchy punk rock album number two from the Netherlands punk rockers. You can fill ’em in yourself from here on in.

‘Releasing on Wap Shoo Wap Records on September 25, their sophomore full-length “PAY NO MIND” ‘Pay No Mind’ is a 10-track barrage of melodic punk power pop influenced by a lifetime of listening and absorbing Buzzcocks, The Undertones and The Wipers, for example. There is a never-ending well of supplies for this happy-go-lucky punk, it’s not taking itself too seriously and can take on any subject for song matter, taking the time-honoured ‘Banned From The USA’ or ‘No Kids’ or punk classic ‘Waste Of Space’

‘No Kids’ is a sharp anthem in a similar vein as the daddies of the scene, The Briefs or Cyanide Pills. It’s catchy and powerful in a Briefs way and power. To be fair, that’s pretty much the MO for the album. Bouncy, catchy, rapid songs with big hooks and earworm choruses.

The Covids aren’t here to re-invent punk, its all about having a good time and making a noise that they can dance to and escape the real world and on that front its job done and a great big thumbs up from me because the main point is they have to be good and they score highly on that front which at the end of the day is all that counts doesn’t it?

The songs are short as well as sharp. I particularly liked ‘No Good Nothing’ and its punchy Bass line, then to collide into the brutal power pop of ‘Roots’ which, to be fair, is a dance floor banger guaranteed to get the pit pogoing and covered in beer and sweat.

It’s not a waste of space at all, and the Fergal Sharkey and co inspired song (Waste OF Space) is old school and another contender. Leaving the ‘Banned For The USA’ to finish this album off.

Top marks from me, I love this power poppin punk rock and the more bands doing it, the better, hopefully, the Covids will spread the word and leave their mark wherever they may roam. Thankfully, this catchy Covid is far better than getting contaminated by the other Covid. I suggest you ignore the name and go catch a show and listen to this most excellent record its got so much going fo rit I think it might pull through.

Buy Here

Massive tour –

European Tour Dates: (More dates TBA)


BELGIUM

Oct 28: Antwerpen – Antwerpen Music City

SPAIN

Oct 30: Barcelona  – Sala Continental

Oct 31: Madrid – Fun House

Nov 1 : Puerto de Santa Maria – Milwaukee

Nov 2: Sevilla – Even

Nov 4: Algeciras – Sala Zero

Nov 5: Córdoba – Hangar

Nov 6: Ponferada – Cocodrilo Negro

Nov 7: Burgos – T.B.A.

Nov 8: Vitoria – Helldorado

FRANCE

Nov 10: Hossegor – 416 Crew

GERMANY

Nov 13: Dortmund – T.B.A.

Nov 14: Hamburg – Komet

Nov 15: Berlín – Kastanienkeller

Nov 17: Göttingen – Juzi Maren

Nov 18: Beiruth – Schokofabrik

Nov 20: Tübingen – Hausbar

Nov 21: Mannhein – JUZ

Nov 22: Kreuzlingen – Horst

SWITZERLAND 

Nov 23: Bern – Reitschule

FRANCE

Nov 30: Sorgues – T.B.A.

Dec 2: Montpellier – KJIBI

Dec 3: Toulouse – T.B.A.

Dec 5: Saint-Gille-Croix-De-Vie – Rock Sea

UNITED KINGDOM:

Dec 12: London – Hope and Anchor

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Sugar return in 2026

Sugar return in 2026

SUGAR RETURN WITH FIRST NEW MUSIC AND LIVE DATES IN OVER THREE DECADES

ICONIC ALTERNATIVE ROCK TRIO LED BY BOB MOULD SHARE BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘HOUSE OF DEAD MEMORIES’

LISTEN HERE

FIRST LIVE PERFORMANCES TOGETHER SINCE 1995 SET FOR NEW YORK CITY’S WEBSTER HALL ON MAY 2-3, 2026 AND LONDON’S O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN ON MAY 23-24, 2026

COPPER BLUE – THE SINGLES COLLECTION TO BE RELEASED BY BMG ON RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FIRDAY, NOV 28

LIMITED EDITION 4LP VINYL BOX SET COLLECTS CLASSIC SINGLES, B-SIDES, AND MORE WITH ORIGINAL ARTWORK AND TRACKLISTINGS LOVINGLY RESTORED

SUGAR – the iconic alternative rock trio led by Bob Mould alongside bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis – return today with their first new music together in over three decades, ‘House of Dead Memories‘. Recorded at Tiny Telephone Oakland in June 2025, the song is available everywhere now via Granary Music/BMG

Listen to ‘House of Dead Memories’



In addition, SUGAR will celebrate ‘House of Dead Memories’ with their first live performances together since January 1995, set for New York City’s Webster Hall on Saturday, May 2nd (tickets here) and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 (tickets here) and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on Saturday, May 23nd and Sunday, May 24th, 2026 (tickets here).

Next month will also see SUGAR’s essential 1992 debut album, Copper Blue, commemorated with Copper Blue – The Singles Collection, a limited edition 4LP box set to be released by BMG on Record Store Day Black Friday, November 28th. The new box set collects such anthemic favourites as ‘Changes‘, ‘A Good Idea‘, and ‘If I Can’t Change Your Mind‘, all originally released on 12″ vinyl in the UK via Creation Records backed with beloved B-sides like ‘Needle Hits E‘ and ‘Clownmaster’, as well as live recordings from SUGAR’s 1992 performance at Chicago’s Cabaret Metro. Copper Blue – The Singles Collection now sees those classic releases returning to vinyl with original artwork and tracklistings lovingly restored. In addition, ‘Helpless‘ – previously released only on CD – is presented here on 12″ vinyl for the first time alongside updated B-sides, finally joining its companions in its full glory.

“SUGAR was a meteorite,” says Bob Mould. “I spent all of 1991 writing and performing new material at solo shows. David and Malcolm had never met but I was certain we three would work well together.

“SUGAR was a workhorse. After weeks of rehearsal in early 1992, we spent three months recording Copper Blue and Beaster. By summer 1992, the musical climate was perfect for what we created.

“SUGAR was a phenomena. No one could have predicted the results. We held onto the wheel and did our best to enjoy the wild ride. Sugar was part of a pivotal era in popular music, and a special time in my life.” 

Having already placed his indelible mark on the future direction of rock with Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould teamed with bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis to found SUGAR in late 1991, making their live debut early the next year at Athens, GA’s famed 40 Watt Club. Named by NME as its 1992 Album of the Year, SUGAR’s now-classic debut album, Copper Blue, immediately proved a sensation, earning worldwide acclaim and landmark status for the melodic strength and intensely cathartic popcraft of songs like ‘A Good Idea’, ‘Helpless’, and the alternative rock radio hit and MTV favourite, ‘If I Can’t Change Your Mind’. The trio quickly found themselves performing on increasingly larger stages, including a legendary show-stealing set at London’s Great X-pectations Festival in Finsbury Park.

David Barbe recalls, “Since we last played in 1995, I have worked on hundreds of records and engaged with music people all over the world. When the subject of SUGAR comes up, it is like a misty legend that they either remember from a long time ago or have only heard about. I am excited for fans to experience it in the real.”

“The return of SUGAR is a moment that I’ve been dreaming about for a very long time,” says Malcolm Travis. “What we managed to accomplish in the short span of time we were in existence still boggles my mind. There was so much packed into that period….the travel, the shows, the recordings and getting to meet so many people who loved and supported us. To get back to working together again with Bob and David is such a gift and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for us.”

With the wind at their back, SUGAR unleashed Beaster in 1993, making a momentous debut at #3 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart as well as at #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart in the US. Though recorded during the same sessions that yielded Copper Blue, the six-song mini-album evinced a more visceral energy and dark melancholy than its predecessor, highlighted by such pulverising expressions of sacrilegious fury as ‘Judas Cradle‘ and ‘JC Auto‘. 1994’s second full-length LP, File Under: Easy Listening once again made an explosive arrival among the top 10 on the UK Official Albums Chart, this time landing in the upper reaches of the overall Billboard 200. The album saw SUGAR pushing boundaries yet again on songs like the country-flavoured ‘Believe What You’re Saying‘ and the incendiary ‘Gee Angel‘, tackling a wider range of musical approaches without sacrificing their signature intensity and unrestrained power. Despite their successes, SUGAR called it a day following a Japanese tour in early 1995. A series of live recordings, reissues, and anthologies served to magnify the band’s legacy over the three decades since, confirming SUGAR as incontrovertible masters of high-volume guitar-fueled rock for the ages. The original members of SUGAR reconvened in June 2025 to record ‘House of Dead Memories’, the first new SUGAR song in over three decades.

“The long pause is over. I’m excited to hit the PLAY button. See you in 2026!” – Bob Mould

“Can’t wait to bring it to the people in 2026….fasten your seatbelts folks.” – Malcolm Travis

“I am really looking forward to these shows. It will all get real when I feel Bob’s amp shaking my pants legs again.” – David Barbe

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Supersuckers – ‘Liquor, Women, Drugs & Killing’ (Hard Charger Records)

Supersuckers – ‘Liquor, Women, Drugs & Killing’ (Hard Charger Records)

When the title dropped, it was game over. Of course, this was going to be a killer album packed with cowpunk goodness, wicked solos, awesome licks and tricks and lyrics that would make me smile, smirk and howl. Twelfth studio album deep in almost four decades, I swear, as soon as the needle drops and ‘Maybe I’m just messing with you’ kicks me square in the temple, I’m hooked. Great tempo, familiar lick and gritty spaghetti vocals that hit the bullseye right from the get-go.

What next for these supersuckers? Well, how about a melodic mid-tempo rocker? Again, it’s a great hook for number two, and this one hits you between the eyes. Is it legal for a band to be this far into their rocky rockin’ career and still make records that sound this fuckin’ monsterously good? Already I’m punching the air and firing off my guns all at once, can I get a hell yeah! And a yee haw! Those supersuckers are killing it. If you ain’t digging this, then listen to Eddie when he says Go fuck yourself. Me I’m all in and loving life and loving the new long player from Supersuckers so all that’s gone to shit in the world, there are pockets of sunlight filtering through the cracks, and music can be one. Always with a great turn of phrase and married it to some memorable earworm guitar playing, it’s a comfort and the lifeblood to hear records this badass.

Let’s ease back a little and not get overexcited; it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so let’s get a shuffle on as ‘Unsolved Problems’ eases into my head and I can’t shift it. Gentle earworms are dangerous, like audio crack, be careful kids. On another point, whilst I remember, Eddie sounds magnificent on this record after his health issues, he sounds stronger than ever and sings like a seasoned pro, bloody marvellous.

Don’t become complacent or feel lulled into a false sense of security because Eddy and the boys turn it up and remind us it’s time to put it down.

The record ebbs and flows as we relax a little and Eddie whispers sweet nothings in our ear, and he explains how he tried to write a song. And boy did he write a song, in fact, he’s written a whole bunch of em right here right now. The playing on a Supersuckers record has never been this focused has it? At times it’s blistering, and I love the tone of those acoustic guitars on ‘Meaningful Song’, proving that these boys can turn their hand to whatever they like and pull it off.

If you’re umming and ahring, then stop right now. Buy this record because the Supersuckers are on fire and on this evidence are as good, if not better than ever. They don’t need to write another ‘Born With A Tail’ or ‘Pretty Fucked Up’, been there done that.  What you get for your hard-earned is eleven tunes of varying degrees of awesome, be it cowpunk shuffle, acoustic porch torches, or rock out with your cock out. Supersuckers do it better than most and leave a bloody awesome-looking trail of destruction behind them, and we can revisit this particular crime scene anytime we want. Now put that there song ‘Volunteer’ back on, grab a beer (and one for yourself) and turn it up. Hell, there’s even a stonkin take on Lee Harvey Oswald’s ‘Rocket 69’ (that reminds me to play that most excellent ‘Blastranaut’ album just because I can, and it fits right in amongst all this awesomeness.

Edward Carlyle Daly III, “Metal” Marty Chandler (guitar), and Christopher “Chango” von Streicher (drums) take a bow, you motherfuckers are trippin good, and I urge anyone who loves rock n roll to buy this motherfuckin’ record.

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