Johnny Thunder’s & Wayne Kramer’s -‘Gang War’ – (Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunder’s & Wayne Kramer’s -‘Gang War’ – (Jungle Records)

RSD 2025 Black Friday release of this live performance from Toronto and Boston, and now Max’s Kansas City is the sound of a freakin juggernaught of a band. After Thunders released ‘So Alone’ he hooked up with the newly released from Jail Kramer who served two years for Coke offenses they toured the USA and Canada with the view to making a record but it never happened but live they were at thei rbest and Previously only available on ropey bootleg, it’s now had a bit of spit and polish lovingly done by team Jungle records, and with a cool innersleeve bio courtesy of Nina Antonio, some of Kramer’s interpretations are so good on tunes like ‘ Endless Party’, leaving Thunders to concentrate on the vocals (ok ok loosely concentrate). ‘I’ll Go Crazy’ is out of Thunder’s wheelhouse, but he pulls it off just in range whilst Kramer sets his fretboard on fire.

Songs like the thunderous ‘Hey Thanks’ are role reversals with Thunder’s lighting up the speakers with his BVs and sloppy solos. Barely held together, this band had the potential to be devastating but for no particular reason, they were never made to gel in a studio and work out their differences, with Johnny claiming it was the age gap (yeah right) Hell, on ‘Just Because I’m White’ the familiar Thunders howling screachign feedback is present and made me smile remembering the feeling when it bellowed through the speakers.

Johnny’s introduction for ‘Ten Commandments Of Love’ and his inter-song banter would see him cancelled in a nanosecond in 2025, the band, however, are on fire and I’m sure if Bob Dylan ever heard their version of ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ he’d approve. The funky version almost calypso ‘Endless Party’ sounds like a lot of fun. Johnny sounds relaxed on ‘Do You Love Me’.

I often wonder what lies on the cutting room floor and attics of various labels and producers out there, never to be unearthed, so I’m always pleased to see stuff come to light, regardless of how many years later it is, and these rough live recordings from NYC are exactly that, cooked up after being in some loft for decades. On his patch, Thunders seems to have sped up the band and sounds right up for it on opener ‘London Boys’. They’ve cleaned the recording up as well as possible, but it’s more about the overall picture than audio clarity. Gang War on paper was an awesome idea that was never brought to reality like it should have. Who knows who could have made this work and its mores the pity it only ever brushed success and is the footnote of two stunning resumes and giants of Rock n Roll in their own rights. I’m glad to have these wax documents to put on from time to time and daydream of what might have been, and be glad we had them for a short while.

Black Friday, for what it’s worth, this is your essential pick up, no doubt about it.

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

When Jungle said they were releasing a brand new 40th Anniversary edition of the classic ‘Que Sera Sera’ album, I was curious. Having such a small repertoire, or rather official output, Thunder’s always delivered exceptional records. This latest reimagined version of this fine record is well worth investigating, not just because of its shocking pink records, but there are hidden gems within.

Completely remixed and reimagined with the big claim that this is how it should have sounded (to be fair, they’re not wrong on this claim). Gone are the muddy mixes and replaced with crisp, vast widescreen takes. The second album is six previously unheard outtakes and live tracks. Remixed by the now departed Pat Collier, having revisited them because Johnny missed the original mix back in the day, so his guitars have been put in their rightful place – Front and centre and LOUD!

This fine package comes with a splendid overview from Nina Antonia with quotes from the people who were there, like Michael Monroe, who also added some exquisite sax on ‘Blame It On Mom’ and the majestic ‘Cool Operator’. The side I went to first had to be the brand new takes on side three, where you get a raw and vibrant version of ‘Blame It On Mom’ with an absolutely fire solo. Quite how ‘Take You Up Avenue D’ never made the original, I don’t know, with its slap funk Bass and wailing sax, it’s sleazy as hell and the embodiment of the place when this was recorded. ‘Short Lives’ is more of a guide jam with the vocal deep in the mix and Thunder’s unmistakable guitar right front and centre. And Johnny fucking up on ‘I Only Wrote This Song For You’ is classic. Bringing the studio takes to a close is the awesome ‘Cool Operator’ first take. They definitely nailed the final version that made the album way more funky than this pretty straight take. Lacking the swing and arrogance that elevates the original release. But to hear Johnny rip it up on guitar is a joy all by itself.

With your usual ensemble of legends who play on Thunder’s albums, this might have been his most creative with Tregenna, JC Carroll, Monroe, Suicide, Matlock and Wilco Johnson alongside his incredible band from the time this is how ‘Que Sera Sera’ was meant to be heard. From the iconic cover to the shocking pink vinyl, this might just be the definitive version. The real gold here is the unearthed Outtakes on side three of this record, worth it for these alone, as well as the excerpts from a live show in Northern France taking up side four. Johnny Thunders is still the greatest there ever was and will ever be. Cherish his archive and get on board with this lovingly preserved collection from people who give a fuck about his music and the search for perfection of how he should have and deserved to sound.

Having unearthed the live recordings, this is Thunders at his finest. Taken way too soon, he never realised his true potential, but the studio albums he did leave behind are lovingly preserved by the likes of Jungle, and apart from the punk police wagging their fingers, I’m all for hearing these unedited takes and alternative versions. Just buy it the guy was a genius.

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Author: Dom Daley

*There is also a 12″ and 7″ test pressing available of ‘Short Lives’ and a mix of ‘Cool Operator’

Hound Gawd! set to unleash the new Zeke single

Hound Gawd! set to unleash the new Zeke single

ZEKE ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE – ‘PETERBILT’ ON NOVEMBER 28 VIA HOUND GAWD!

Short. Fast. Loud. No compromise.

With their new 7″ single “Peterbilt”, ZEKE unleash an adrenaline rush only they can deliver. Since forming in Seattle in 1992, ZEKE have defined speed rock: an unrelenting mix of hardcore punk, rock ’n’ roll swagger, and breakneck fury.

The two tracks, “Peterbilt” and “From The Ashes”, are nothing short of a frontal assault—razor-sharp riffs, relentless drumming, rumbling bass, and the feral snarl of frontman Blind Marky Felchtone. Every second hits like a strike, every note is pure velocity. This is rock ’n’ roll in the red.

Led by founding members Blind Marky Felchtone (vocals, guitar) and Donny Paycheck (drums), alongside Jason Freeman (bass) and Jeff Hiatt (guitar), ZEKE channel their explosive live energy straight into vinyl. In less than three minutes, they deliver the kind of sonic intensity most bands can’t capture across a whole album. “Peterbilt” is uncompromising, high-octane punk rock—raw, direct, and unapologetically loud. Essential listening for anyone who craves speed, aggression, and attitude.

ZEKE are back—faster, louder, and more ferocious than ever.

The tracks are not available on streaming platforms.

Tour Dates

18.03.2026 – NL – Eindhoven – Effenaar

19.03.2026 – DE – Saarbrücken – Studio 30

20.03.2026 – BE – Aalst – St-Annazaal

21.03.2026 – GR – Athens – An Club

23.03.2026 – DE – Köln – Volta Club

24.03.2026 – tba

26.03.2026 – tba

27.03.2026 – ES – Vitoria-Gasteiz – Jimmy Jazz

28.03.2026 – ES – Madird – Gruta 77

29.03.2026 – PT – Lisbon – Republica da Musica

30.03.2026 – ES – Jerez de la Frontera – La Guarida

02.04.2026 – ES – Valencia – 16 Toneladas

03.04.2026 – ES – Barcelona – Upload

04.04.2026 – FR – Montpellier – Secret Place

05.04.2026 – FR – Marseille – Molotov

07.04.2026 – DE – Freiburg – Atlantik

08.04.2026 – DE – Wiesbaden – Schlachthof

09.04.2026 – DE – Düsseldorf – Pitcher

10.04.2026 – NL – Rotterdam – Baroeg

11.04.2026 – NL – Zwolle – Skroetfest

Cheap Trick – ‘All Washed Up’ (BMG)

Cheap Trick – ‘All Washed Up’ (BMG)

Celebrating their fiftieth year of playing this Rock n Roll game, the mighty Cheap Trick ain’t done yet, and with this, their latest offering, ‘All Washed Up’, is a tongue-in-cheek title because on the evidence herein, they are on fire and sounding as hungry as the day they first broke out of Rockford. From the opening few bars of the title track, you kinda know exactly what you’re in for. The band sounds vibrant and kicking it with the energy coming from the engine room, which is now driven by Rick’s son Daxx, who is proving to be a real power house and driving the music on, adding a ton of x factor to proceedings.

To be fair they are on fire here and turning everything up to 11 they’re rockin hard. by the time you get to the third track, Nielsen has decided that he wants to show everyone hes lost none of his fire and love for loud guitars as he rinses ever last drop out of how ever many necks he feels like swinging around these days. Hell, they are right on it for ‘Bet It All’ with the musicianship being put to the test and throwing down the gauntlet to anyone within earshot. I remember when Aerosmith returned decades ago after ‘Done With Mirrors’ and every man and his dog wanted to champion the band for their hunger and quality, well, this reminds me a lot of the spirit captured in these here tracks. Even the first slower ballad-like track, ‘The Best Thing’ (of course it’s called that and with slushy tempo and dreamy solo it’s built for American Radio if that’s still a thing.

Another point apart from the rhythm section and lead breaks sounding fantastic, a special mention to the amazing vocals courtesy of Robin Zander, who is pealing back the years. I’m not even sure a guy of his years should be allowed to possess a voice that bloody good; it might be illegal these days.

Throughout the eleven songs that unmistakable Cheap Trick power pop is there for all to hear, of course, it is its part of them like a gas or the lifeblood that courses through their veins, it’s always there. ‘Twelve Gates’ is a great example of the old dog and new tricks, it’s power pop gold. Hang on, ‘Bad Blood’ is even more Cheap Trick with a fantastic melody and a thick edge on the Bass, whilst Nielsen is having the time of his life all over this record. Even the parts where they might be cruising, Rick has something fire up his sleeve just so you don’t get complacent.

Finally, I’d just like to say that when they turn it up, they really do capture some magic, and whilst the production is slick and thick, it’s when they up the RPM that they hit the dizzy heights on ‘All Washed Up’, and those are the songs that take this to the next level.

To produce a product this good, this deep into a career, is nothing short of remarkable. I’ll even forgive them the skiffle and jazzy outro of ‘Wham Boom Bang’, they’ve earned it because Cheap Trick are still the cats whiskers and this is the mutts nuts now wham boom bang that one and buy this album!

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Author: Dom Daley

GRADE 2 ‘Cut Throat’ Single & 2026 Tour

GRADE 2 ‘Cut Throat’ Single & 2026 Tour

British punk band Grade 2 share their blistering new single “Cut Throat”, a hard-edged anthem about perseverance in a world that never lets up. Fueled by fierce guitars and a pounding rhythm section, the track captures the sound of a band fighting to stay one step ahead while the world tries to drag them down.

“Cut Throat is about a world that takes more than it gives,” the band explains. “It’s a commentary on striving for more in situations where most people are out for themselves. It’s personal perseverance in a time that feels so empty and cold.”

The accompanying video, directed by Jason Link, with live footage by Flo Ehlich, strips everything back to black-and-white stills taken from the band’s live shows: sweat, motion, and flash-frozen defiance. It’s raw, unvarnished, and perfectly mirrors the spirit of the track—no gloss, no polish, just truth in the moment.

Grade 2 have announced a string of UK headline shows for March and April 2026, alongside their upcoming summer festival appearances. The first dates are listed below, with more to follow soon.

Tickets for the UK tour go on sale this Friday at 10am via Tickets.

UK Headline Dates:

March 28 – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham

March 29 – The Key Club, Leeds

March 30 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester

March 31 – The Garage Attic, Glasgow

April 1 – Exchange, Bristol

April 3 – O2 Academy Islington, London

April 4 – Strings, Isle of Wight

Festival Appearances:

June 18 – Graspop Metal Meeting Festival, Dessel (BE)

June 20 – Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich (CH) supporting Die Toten Hosen

For more information:

Website | Instagram | YouTube

N.E. Vains – ‘Running Down Pylons’ (Big Neck Records)

N.E. Vains – ‘Running Down Pylons’ (Big Neck Records)

Originally formed in the autumn of 2022 during the doldrums of the lockdown, the project N.E. Vains was originally called “The Vains” but expanded their name to avoid confusion with other groups. For the band’s four Americans, the N.E. stands for New England, and for the sole Canadian in the band, it means North Eastern. (Simple as that).

With the additional efforts of Shandy Lawnson (lead guitar), Bill Bates (bass) and Elvis Belushi (drums), Jeffrey Thunders (rhythm guitar), the collaboration put together a collection of 14 songs, three of which ended up on a split 7″ with Chinese Junk in 2023 on Big Neck Records (Buffalo N.Y.) and Brassneck Records (U.K). Tragically, Bates passed in 2023 and the split was dedicated to his incredible memory. With New Haven area rock musician and engineer, Scott Fitch, taking over on bass, the band have compiled their latest 11-track LP ‘Running Down Pylons’, Think wonderfully trashy rock n roll with the DNA mixture of The Dolls, The Misfits melodies equal parts punk n roll and wonderful sloppy junkshop hand me down rock n roll.

How can you not love ‘Through With It’ with its rapid rampage through some serious sloppy rock n roll with howling feedback and sloppy timing, it’s a glorious noise wrapped in a melody Sylvain would have loved, then turn up the amps when the engineer isn’t looking and hash out ‘Time For You’ and its danceable rhythm and ear-splitting guitar tones.

Hell, ‘My Ammunition’ is a riot on wax and the snotty ‘Pinched Nerve’ is exactly where The mighty Dead Boys would be today if Stiv and the boys crawled out of the gutter in 2025, fuckin glorious noise. I love Rock n Roll that makes me feel alive and on edge, and NE Vains do just that. The cacophony of guitars rampaging over the thuggish Bass and Drums is dangerous and exciting, and the heady mix of punk and cheap drugs can only make a good time cocktail to think this was created at a distance under isolation during the global pandemic is probably for the best because buildings would have been devastated had they had the freedom of seedy clubs and ropey PA systems.

The swan song is ‘Wrong Step’ with its dark, seedy back alley swagger, it’s a great sing-a-long to take this bad boy home. A wonderful tribute to their fallen brother and a record I can’t recommend highly enough. Put on your creepers and leather jacket and get out there, pick up a guitar and turn it up. NE Vains play Rock n Roll, they play it loud and they play i toh so good. Get in on it! NOW!

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Cosmic Psychos – ‘I Really Like Beer’ (Subway Records)

Cosmic Psychos – ‘I Really Like Beer’ (Subway Records)

State the fuckin obvious. Them Cosmic Psychos always did things their own way with a cheeky nod and a grin and a tune penned for beer money to supplement the farming game, but d’you know what they quickly found out they were bloody good at it. They might well have peaked when they penned ‘Nice Day To Go To The Pub’ not like they had writers block or anything they just wrote about what they saw ever fuckin day be it nice day to go to the pub or a tale about Fuckwit City they always wrapped the lyrics in huge fuckin riffs with plenty of cowshit and snot to compensate for the manly smell of beer n bellies so why not finally put pen to paper and title this one what they really wanted to call their records.

Leading the way for decades treading paths so the scamps in The Chats or Amyl and her sniffers could follow. Giving those C.O.F.F.I.N. boys the confidence to do it like they wanna or making things ok for the civics and stiff Richards of the world to follow, thereafter the Cosmic Psychos have been there, done it and worn out the beer n piss stained t shirt.

‘I Really Like Beer’ is the culmination of a sober five minutes to complete what amounts to a stonking riff-heavy barnstormer all about one of their favourite life hacks – Beer. Of course, they could only come from the land down under, much like the other bands I mentioned, and lump in Grindhouse to that and drunk mums, hell, its only The Saints and Birdman who escape the idiot circus at this rate and The Cosmics are the daddies!

There’s a bluntness about this lot, they don’t do fancy, there’s no tunes about trendy fruit flavoured Beer, nor pouring it over Ice, it’s straight down the line, meat n tatoes Pub Punk from the wailing opener and title track, the tempo is set. Mad Macca is playing a blinder with his SG resting on his keg like gut the guys on fire.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and their brand of thuggish punk rock is timeless and classic, and why would you want them to change anyways? It’s a sure-fire winner. There’s something quite poetic about twelve beer-soaked rockers, “You are the new age, I’m from the stone age”, so there’s a rousing middle finger right there, deal with it. ‘This Could Be The Greatest Beer Of My Life’ is a magic title, and the riff is up there with the best of em.

It’s not all crash bang wallop ‘Do It Again’ starts off with a cool run as bass and guitars lock in, and ‘Hey Mick Your Sick’ would give old Steve Jones a run for his money if he were to write for an album again, these boys could be his writing partners. ‘Have One More’ is so immature; ‘Spaghetti Weston’ is a classic play on words and the melody is supersnotty to the max, then we go out as we came in with ‘I Really Really Really Like Beer’ so lets fuck this off and go to the pub for a few sneaky looseners and hope they’ve go t ajukebox so we can crank out some Cosmic Psychos – Thirst work this writing lark is so all thats lef tis fo rme to tell you to buy this album you’ll reall reall reall like it!

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Author: Dom Daley

Gully Boys – ‘Gully Boys’ (Smartpunk Records and Many Hats Distribution)

Gully Boys – ‘Gully Boys’ (Smartpunk Records and Many Hats Distribution)

When I think of music from Minnesota, I immediately think of Prince, the Replacements, Husker Du, and the Clams. The Gully Boys are new to me, thanks to touring with the amazing Durry, but they have made an immediate impression. Their live show felt a bit like a journey where the music became more intense as their set continued. This debut full-length album features a lot of what I heard live, but they have also released some EPs and singles in the past, which I have now also begun to explore. This enjoyable debut has allowed them latitude for whatever they want to do in the future, and it’s even more remarkable that they just started learning to play their instruments back in 2016 when they decided they wanted to start a band.

‘Break’ serves as an excellent opening song as it mixes melodic moments with heavier elements to set the stage for what follows. The opening guitar reminds me a bit of an alt-rock approach from the 90’s, and I love the twists from the rhythm section that lead to the chorus. The hook is subtle, and the breakdown over the last minute or so of the song is very engaging. ‘Me and You’ amps up the intensity a bit with a hookier chorus than the opener. The guitar solo portion stands out in the approach and works well by doing the unexpected. The opening of ‘TTML’ reminds me of what may have been on the radio 30 years ago, but the chorus jumps out of the speaker like it was spliced from ‘Pissjoy’ by the Wildhearts or Delilah Bon at her most intense.

Building more intensity, ‘Mother’ feels grungier and dirtier than the first few songs. There are elements here that also remind me of the much-missed Die Cheerleader, as some of the vocals are cleverly placed deep in the mix and others lash out of the speakers. One of the elements that stood out when seeing the band live is that the members each handle vocals in different songs and in different ways. Utilising all of their voices is definitely a strength. Closing out the first half of the album, ‘Love Me 2’ started as my favourite from the album on first listen as the chorus is instantly memorable, but some of the others have started to pass it now. It clicked when I was writing this that it fits in the same musical pool Artio does with their ‘Babyface’ album.   

Flipping the album over to side 2, we start with my current favourite from the album. ‘Murderapolis’ is a raging two-minute burst of energy and anger. If I had one request here, it would be for the guitars to be as front and centre as they were when I heard it live. The chorus here is excellent, with the different voices each providing their own hooks. The band keeps the intensity going with ‘Spit,’ where the band morphs a bit more into a metal band with some hints of nu-metal. If you are a fan of Wargasm UK, this might be a good first song to hear from the album. This was definitely a standout song live as well. Changing gears quite a bit, ‘Big Boobs’ has an electronic feel with some cool hip hop vocals leading into a catchy chorus. The song could have easily missed the mark, but it really fits into the album flow quite well. The band is trying to get a dance for it to go viral on social media, so help make that happen.

As we near the end of the record, ‘Bad Day’ was an excellent song in their set and provides a catchy hook here that leaves the listener singing along well after the album is done. I love the dynamics between the verses and the chorus. The breakdown in the song builds up to a nice chorus chorus-filled ending. Closer ‘Gimme a Second’ slowly rumbles out of the speakers with a grunge/ alternative flavour. The harmony in the vocals is my favourite part of the song, but the unique guitar work after each chorus is a close second. Compared to the rest of the album, this feels more like a ballad but still rocks in its own way.

This band would have likely escaped my attention if I had not been paying attention to who was opening for Durry. I checked out the album once or twice before the show and then got to hear a lot of this material live. I don’t think they captured some of the live intensity and guitars in the mix that they did in the live setting, but the vocals from each member have more room in the mix on the album, which serves it well. I keep increasing this album’s plays in my rotation and recommend giving it a listen or going to see them live if you have the opportunity. They started as a new band for me, but are now on my ones to watch list.

‘Gully Boys’ is available now.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

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

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Francis Rossi – ‘The Accidental’ Solo Album

Francis Rossi – ‘The Accidental’ Solo Album

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‘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.

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‘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.