Mike Tramp – ‘Songs of White Lion’ – Volume 3 (Frontiers)

Mike Tramp – ‘Songs of White Lion’ – Volume 3 (Frontiers)

Well, if you’re reading this, then the name Mike Tramp and especially that of White Lion is obviously no surprise to you and is more than likely somewhere to be found in your record collection. As you can more than likely tell, with this being the third volume of Mike Tramp giving a new updated shine to the musical legacy of his much-loved and missed ‘80s/’90s hard rock band White Lion. While this is Mike’s voice in the right here, right now, the songs have a timeless feel to them.

As you can imagine, the ‘hits’ were re-recorded for the first two volumes. On this third entry, we have the deeper cuts, such as the opening ‘Dirty Woman’ from 1989’s Big Game. This new version is less polished than the original, but that doesn’t mean the impact is any less. As with most new recordings of older songs, sometimes it can highlight the limitations of the original. However, I can gladly say that these new versions add something to the original that can make the experience fresh.

‘Warsong’ from 1991’s swansong album ‘Mane Attraction’, is even more impactful than that of the original and with the state of the world as it is at the moment, has never been more relevant. ‘Fight To Survive’ is the first of four tracks from the band’s debut album of the same name. Now it is these tracks that retain my interest the most, as I got into the band via their major label debut ‘Pride’. So reliving these tracks is glorious. 

Another track from Mane Attraction is ‘She’s Got Everything’, which, along with many of the lyrics of the late ‘80s / early ‘90s has aged too great; that said, the song is a great reminder of what made White Lion great during their heyday

‘If My Mind Is Evil’ and ‘Don’t Say It’s Over’ both come from the ‘Big Game’ album and while being decent – I never loved the originals but these new recordings give me a reason to delve back in the the wondrous back catalogue and see if I was being too harsh to them the first time around.

As mentioned previously it is the ‘Fight to Survive’ tracks that hold the most interest for their ears, and with ‘In The City’, ‘Cherokee’ and ‘All Burn In Hell’, the new versions have breathed new life into these songs originally made some 40 years ago.

Mike has said that these re-recordings are not meant to replaced the originals but to compliment his journey and show where he is now and that this volume 3 is the emotional conclusion of a trilogy of music that connects the past to the present.

These have been recorded by Mike’s trusted band, which features Marcus Nand on guitar, Claus Langeskov on bass and Morten Hellborn on the drums. The majority of these songs were written by the main duo of the original group i.e. Mike Tramp and guitarist Vito Brtatta, with the exception of their cover of the Golden Earring classic – ‘Radar Love’.

As a fan of Mr Tramp – this will sit happily amongst my collection. There I deem this a winner in every sense of the word.

Buy Here

Author: Dave Prince

The Hives – Stylus, Leeds – 31st August 2025

The Hives – Stylus, Leeds – 31st August 2025

“I think the show’s going well so far, what do you think?” asks The Hives mouthpiece Screamin’ Pelle Almqvist, halfway through a 45-minute set from probably the greatest garage rock band around. 

The Hives are playing a series of album release shows at intimate venues across the UK, promoting their most excellent new long player “The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives’. 

This show was arranged in conjunction with local independent record store Crash Records, and is a completely different kettle of fish compared to last night’s amazing Bryan Adams show at the Brudenell up the road.

While both acts hit the stage bang on 8pm and are done before 9pm, The Hives choose to play oldies and newbies rather than concentrate just on the new album.

That said, the first couple of tracks are new, and they absolutely kill it.  Opener ‘Enough Is Enough’ slays from the opening bombardment of jagged riffs and powerhouse drums. Pelle is stage front, motioning at the crowd to go wild before he has even sung a note, and they respond. To his left Nicholaus performs his signature moves while bashing out punchy riffs on his telecaster. You can’t take your eyes off the pair of them.

Like The Ramones before them, the Swedes deliver song after song. 3 chord punk rock, a tried and tested style where the songs may sound the same, yet are still different, energetic and exciting. You instantly know a Hives song when it hits the radio, right?

‘Paint A Picture’ follows, the crowd go wild for the hyper energetic vibe the band create. That chorus is sublime; it’s a killer tune make no mistake. Two songs in and the frontman has the whole room in the palm of his hands; oh he makes it look so easy!

Next up ‘Bogus Operandi’ sounds like an old friend, it’s epic, nearly as epic as the following classic ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’, which is never going to disappoint at any size venue.

It’s warming up nicely, hold on, we’re only 5 songs into a Hives show, that’s about 15 minutes in real time! They jam out and extend an incendiary ‘Tick Tick, Boom Boom’ to give the hyper crowd down the front a breather between Pelle’s high kicks and DLR style stage raps. He’s in the crowd for at least the third time tonight, and you can’t take your eyes off him. 

‘Legalise Living’ is another newbie single that goes down a blast, and Strokes soundalike ‘The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives’ closes the main set in style with an audience member dragged up on stage to play the 2 chords needed. 

A one-two encore of ‘Come On!’ And ‘Countdown To Shutdown’ ends a show that went by in the blink of an eye. 

9 tracks in 45 minutes, delivered with enough raw power, humour and energy to fuel a small city. With a frontman who entertains and lights up a crowd with his humour as much as his voice, and a band who are a well-oiled punk rock machine, The Hives were never going to be anything short of amazing tonight. The Hives forever, forever The Hives indeed. 

Author: Ben Hughes

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS -DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM – OCTOBER 24TH VIA CADIZ MUSIC

PUNCHDRUNK SAINTS -DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM – OCTOBER 24TH VIA CADIZ MUSIC

ORDER HERE:

FEATURING COCKNEY REJECTS GUITARIST MICKY GEGGUS

As 2023 drew to a close, The Cockney Rejects’ guitarist and founder, Micky Geggus, after much soul searching, decided to leave the band that he created in 1979.

Along with original Rejects’ bassist, Vinny Riordan, Mick decided to break free from the confines of punk rock and to embark upon a project that encompassed his first love: hard, heavy, and at the same time, melodic, Rock. Mick’s love of rock music will be of no surprise to any fans of the Rejects, as the band confirmed their passion for more traditional rock sounds as far back as their Pete Way (UFO) produced album ‘The Wild Ones’ in ’82. 

Having already written several songs, Mick began a series of trips to producer Kevin Poree’s Canterbury studio where he began to lay down the tracks that would become the basis of the Punchdrunk Saints’ debut album.

Along with bassist, Riordan, and drummer, Reg Downer, the songs began to take on a distinct personality and feel, ranging from hard ‘n’ heavy anthems to searing, soulful ballads. This was exactly the mix that Geggus had envisaged. Now the search for a singer who could do justice to the material began.

Acting on a tip from Mick’s East London guitarist friends, (former Iron Maiden and Lionheart guitarist) Dennis Stratton, and Dave Edwards (who played in Remus Down Boulevard with Dennis Stratton and in Ramrod with Rory Gallagher), Mick discovered inexperienced but brilliant vocalist, Marc Salmon. The pair soon took the trip down to Poree’s studio in Canterbury and the results were phenomenal. “He’d done his homework,” said Geggus. “I was blown away by the control and power he demonstrated in that first session. I thought ‘fuck me, we really got something here. This band is gonna be incredible!’”

Fast forward a year, and the debut Punchdrunk Saints album is here. From the opening stomp of “Holy Mother” to the anthemic first single “I Wanna Know What It’s Like” and the heartfelt, uplifting “Come Home”, the Punchdrunk Saints debut is a 10-track masterclass in anthemic hard rock with every song a crafted gem in its own right. This album is refreshing, vital and new and if there’s any justice in this world it deserves to be heard at maximum volume in stadia across the globe!

Sadly, neither Vinny nor Reg could commit to the band long term, but Mick and Marc were soon blessed with the arrival of powerhouse drummer, Chris Nedzynski, and brilliant bass player for Leader of the Down, Tim Atkinson. Tim is the co-founder of Leader of the Down, who up until his passing in 2011, featured the late, great Würzel from Motörhead, and he has worked in the past with legends such as Lemmy, Whitfield Crane from Ugly Kid Joe and Bruce Foxton from The Jam, to name just a few). Tim and Chris both constitute a mighty rhythm section in what is now a unique outfit.

Punchdrunk Saints recently played their debut show at London’s legendary 100 Club to an ecstatic audience in an incendiary performance that surpassed already lofty expectations and included a guest appearance on guitar from former Iron Maiden six-stringer, Dennis Stratton.  

Make no mistake, the Punchdrunk Saints are here to stay. And then some.

Problem Addict – ‘Back In Jail’ (Dummest Records)

Problem Addict – ‘Back In Jail’ (Dummest Records)

Second EP offering from this Philly trio of noise makers who live in the shadows and walk on the sleezy side of town, where shit happens and the music is rough and ready. Brought up on a steady diet of T Rex rhythms and dreams but with a darker reality of festering punk rock, Problem Addict have got it going on. ‘Back In Jail’ is what the kids would describe as Fire, or the slightly older amongst us would say is banging. Me I’d say it has the beating heart of Bolan played through TSOL’s instruments and the DK’s four-track recorder.

What it lacks in finesse and big studio edits and sheen, it has a beating heart full of napalm and it ain’t afraid to let it all hang out. ‘Damaged In Transit’ is the sound of cheap alcohol fueled punk rock giving the listener the middle finger right up in their grill.

It’s short and oh so sweet, and we love that here at RPM Online, it’s got heart and soul in spades and a pocket full of great ideas and tunes, and boy is it gonna let ’em out. Hell, to finish they even open Pandora’s box of pop shit just to fuck with you some more. Bad drugs Bowie and Bolan mixed with some more noisy fuckers but with a style and swagger Problem Addict might get to make a diamond long player with great tunes or they really might end up in jail or as Michael Monroe once said ‘Dead Jail or Rock n Roll’ one of the three only they can decide but lets hop for the latter. top tunes.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Robert Kane- ‘Blues Is Blues’ (Conquest Music)

Robert Kane- ‘Blues Is Blues’ (Conquest Music)

Life is full of surprises. It seems like just the other day I was reviewing ‘Damn Right’, the first Dr Feelgood album to contain all original songs, and damn fine it is too. That was an unexpected treat. And in March, I finally got to see the band live, in France, with Robert Kane in his element. Now, after an illustrious career, I’m listening to his debut solo album, ‘Blues Is Blues’.

 The blues can be a tricky one. Simple, yes. Easy, no. I freely admit that, as a young man, I really overdid my blues obsession, and, rhythm and blues aside, don’t listen to that much now. I am, inevitably, a bit of a snob, musically speaking. I like my blues rough, economical and from the heart. Thankfully, this was pretty much Robert’s instruction to the musicians involved in the recording.

So, we have 11 songs, mainly originals that he hadn’t previously recorded, but felt that they deserved to be heard. Every track was nailed on the first or second take, predominantly live, and this is partly why they really stand out. Lead single, ‘Halfway To Memphis’, hits out with some slide guitar and his wailing harmonica, which are also both present on ‘Heart Attack Baby’. A fine way to start. ‘Staying Home’ really pares things back, just a lone vocal and a picked guitar melody. Suitably mellow for the subject matter; “Life ain’t easy, but life is good. Gonna stay home and live the way I should”. I hear you.

‘How Many Times’ uses a refrain you will indeed have heard many times before, but we are dealing with a medium that generally uses three chords, so it shouldn’t be a surprise. What counts is that, when done properly, as here, that’s all you need. ‘Man Who’s Got The Blues’ broadens the blues palette, with some classy keyboard playing, yet never overplayed. Perfect for a smoky club.

‘Baby, Please Come Home’ is essentially a rewrite of ‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’, and Robert’s version of ‘The Ballad Of Staggerlee’ has added some new verses to the blues classic. But, rawest of all is the album closer ‘Jawbone’. A lone vocal describes the mythical character, which could easily be a lost blues traditional. I’ve always said that Mr Brilleaux was the greatest white rhythm and blues singer ever. After 26 years and counting with Dr Feelgood, it’s clear that Mr Kane is a blues voice to be reckoned with. He is steeped in the music, assured in his place, and it’s a pleasure to hear.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

Bastardes – ‘No Glory’ (Sunny Bastards)

Bastardes – ‘No Glory’ (Sunny Bastards)

No Glory is the brainchild of Stefan from City Saints and Arild from Troublemakers, and if you’re after a rock-solid bastard child of Rancid and Cock Sparrer, then look no further. With a bouncing and well-defined production, this record is up for a good time right out of the traps. ‘Wild Young And Free’ sets the tone, and everything follows as you’d hope it to. Big hooks, good times and full of melodies and riffs.

With their colours nailed to the mast and wanting to pay tribute to the mighty Sparrer, they drafted in Chips Kiesbye (SATOR, Millencolin, Michael Monroe, The Hellacopters, The Boys), and it all fell into place, The album leans on really strong melodies and good time lyrics it follows, ‘Drunk on Dreams’ and there isn’t much to split over the strongest songs but I love ‘Pay The Price’ for the riff and the melody works really well.

Tracks like ‘Born A Loser’ will see a soaked dance floor with all that spilt beer, and the Oi rock n roll of ‘Run Away’ with its boundless energy will no doubt be a favourite. The pace increases for ‘Raise Your Voice’, but I do like the details of adding harmonica on ‘Like A Drug’, sounding like something Michael Monroe would record.

The main theme is a tip of the hat to those who trailblazed a scene, but there is more to this than just a tribute. It stands tall next to their peers on merit, and with a pint of beer in their hand, they’ll hold their own. Of course, the album has plenty of sing-along moments, none more so than the encore of ‘One More Day’. It signs off as strong as it kicked off. Excellent album, polished and delivered with love and quality. Go and get it Oi Oi!

Buy Here or Sonic rendezvous

Monty Oxymoron – ‘The Piano Plays ‘Til Midnight’ (The Songs Of The Damned) (Damaged Goods)

Monty Oxymoron – ‘The Piano Plays ‘Til Midnight’ (The Songs Of The Damned) (Damaged Goods)

Monty has been a valued member of The Mighty Damned since 1996 and has contributed to the songwriting process, and has also written and played with the Captain, but did you know he is a trained Psychiatric nurse and Psychotherapist

Now its fair to say The Damned have been the pioneers of Punk since its inception and have easily weaved their magic through many of its subgenres as the pioneers never afraid to take a chance and always had diversity in th e records introducing keyboards and having songs with synths so it might only have been a matter of time before someone in the camp inspired Monty to get in a studio and lay down his parts or interpritations for many of the bands best loved songs adding another flavour to many classics and some not so classic. Join Monty on this magical mystery ride.

Now I’m not sure if his tongue is firmly in his cheek or this is a deadly serious project, either way I was intrigued to investigate all nineteen tracks. Sure, we would all agree there are some quite beautiful songs that either already have significant piano parts or involve keys in some fashion, so beginning with ‘Beauty Of The Beast’ is safe territory, but having no vocals and just piano and no synths is very interesting. ‘Blackout’ had me upright and not sure whether to laugh out loud or to appreciate the majesty of the melody or scratch my head at the blasphemy of hearing it like this. Sure, the breakdown sounds wonderful, but whatever gets you through, I guess.

Monty often has me scratching my head as he dances on the side of the stage or leaps up and down, but when the band do the huge songs like ‘Absinth’ I see his worth and like what I hear. There are some safe tunes like ‘History Of The World’ where it works, and others like ‘Smash It Up’ that sound like it belongs on Blackpool sea front, amusing old punks in their kiss me quick hats.

‘Life Goes On’ sounds fantastic, and is it rude of me to prefer Captain’s performance of ‘Just Can’t Be Happy’? ‘Shadow Of Love’ works as does ‘Limit Club’, a song the band should get back in the set and leave it there in place of ‘Eloise’ if anyone’s asking. ‘The Dog’, ‘Disco Man’, ‘Generals’, ‘Natures Dark Passion’ and the beautiful ‘Under The Floor’ make this all worthwhile.

Saying that the tribute pieces to end this album, dedicated to Cap, Dave, Paul, Stu, and Pinch, are lovely, but not something I will be returning to, (Jazz just goes over my head or on this case right through it) even if the one for Paul sounds like the same amount of notes Paul hits every song hes ever played on. For Damned completists, no doubt a lovely piece of curio from a maverick figure in the most glorious and wonderful punk rock band that ever made a note of music. Long live The Damned and everything they do, even the bat shit crazy piano lounge albums with no words just piano. Respect to Monty and whoever commissioned this crazy album. I await the tour dates as Monty heads out on a solo tour with this bad boy.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

MSG release new video ahead of new album

MSG release new video ahead of new album

MICHAEL SCHENKER 

SURPRISE AT WACKEN OPEN AIR

NEW MSG ALBUM DON’T SELL YOUR SOUL ANNOUNCED!

Exclusive world premiere of the title track – Album out October 3rd

What was already a standout moment of this year’s Wacken Open Air, the world’s largest metal festival, turned into something even bigger when Michael Schenker pulled a surprise no one saw coming. After delivering a fierce My Years With UFO set to tens of thousands of attendees on Thursday night, the architect of hard rock used the world’s loudest stage to announce a brand-new Michael Schenker Group studio album: Don’t Sell Your Soul will be released on October 3rd via earMUSIC.

To mark the occasion, Schenker and his band closed the show with a world-exclusive live premiere of the new album’s title track – a powerful encore that took the Wacken crowd by surprise and was met with instant enthusiasm on the muddy festival fields.

PRE-SAVE THE SINGLE HERE!

Earlier in the set, the Wacken faithful had already been treated to a once-in-a-lifetime moment: Slash walked on stage as a surprise guest, joining Schenker on the UFO classic “Mother Mary”. Two of rock’s most iconic guitarists side by side – a scene few will forget.

Don’t Sell Your Soul is the latest studio album by the Michael Schenker Group and the second part of an album trilogy that began with 2024’s My Years With UFO.

The album was produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, and recorded with Schenker’s longtime allies: Bodo Schopf (drums), Barend Courbois (bass), and Steve Mann (guitar, keys). On vocals: the impeccable Erik Grönwall – undoubtedly one of the finest rock voices of his generation. Guest appearances on vocals by Robin McAuley, Dimitri “Lia” Liapakis, and Michael Voss round out the cast.

Don’t Sell Your Soul will be available on CD, LP, and limited transparent red vinyl.
Pre-orders start Friday, August 1st.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

DEF LEPPARD – UK & EU TOUR DATES – JUNE / JULY 2026

DEF LEPPARD – UK & EU TOUR DATES – JUNE / JULY 2026

The 2026 dates will be the first UK and EU headline solo shows since the band’s mammoth sold out tour run in 2023 alongside Mötley Crüe. The 2023 tour saw the band headline venues across Europe including selling out the iconic Wembley Stadium. That tour was part of a two year run that saw Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe selling over 2.1 million tickets across the globe while performing in 27 countries and on five continents!

Joe Elliott says, “We’re looking forward to playing Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford this week…our only UK date of 2025. But we’re also very buzzed to announce our UK and Euro dates in 2026! Playing to our home crowd and our fans in Europe is very important to us, and we’ll be bringing a brand new show that will feature some surprises as well as the classics! See you soon!!”

With more than 110 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards in the U.S., Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® inductees Def Leppard has produced a series of classic ground-breaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group’s spectacular live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name. Def Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and multi-platinum albums, including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria capturing the group’s legendary tracks such as “Rock of Ages”, Pour Some Sugar on Me”, “Animal” and “Foolin.” Testament to Def Leppard’s enduring and ever growing appeal is their 20 million followers across social media platforms.

This week see’s Def Leppard headline the final night of the Radio 2 In the Park Festival on Sunday 7thSeptember 2025 before returning to the USA in early 2026 for a month long Las Vegas residency.

Phil Collen says, “It’s a dream to be coming back to the UK and Europe in June and July next year. And to be coming back with our good friends, Extreme, is a bonus. It’s going to be an incredible night for all the fans!”

2023 also saw the band release their innovative last studio album, “Drastic Symphonies” alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The critically acclaimed album charted at No 4 in the UK – the band highest UK chart position in 32 years. Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios it led to the band performing a stunning set on BBC Radio 2’s Piano Rooms – their version of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” featuring Emm Gryner and the BBC Concert Orchestra is available to see HERE.

DEF LEPPARD CONFIRMED 2025 AND 2026 TOUR DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

2025

Sunday 7th September 2025 – Radio 2 In The Park, Chelmsford UK

Sat 11th October 2025 – Hard Rock Casino, Northern Indiana USA

2026

Tuesday 3rd February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Thursday 5th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Saturday 7th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Tuesday 10th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Thursday 12th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Saturday 14th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Tuesday 17th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Thursday 19th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Saturday 21st February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Tuesday 24th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Thursday 26th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Saturday 28th February 2026 – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas USA

Just Announced UK & EU Tour 2026. Dates announced so far:

Saturday 13th June 2026 – Dalhalla, Rättvik SWEDEN *

Tuesday 16th June 2026 – Veikkaus Arena, Helsinki FINLAND 

Thursday 19th June 2026 – Hallenstadion, Zurich SWITZERLAND

Tuesday 23rd June 2026 – Westfalenhalle, Dortmund GERMANY

Friday 26th June 2026 – Belsonic, Belfast UK

Sunday 28th June 2026 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow UK

Tuesday 30th June 2026 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield UK

Thursday 2nd July 2026 – The O2, London UK

Saturday 4th July 2026 – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham UK

Monday 6th July 2026 – Co-op Live, Manchester UK

Thursday 30th July 2026 – Wacken Open Air, Wacken GERMANY ▲

All Dates With Special Guest EXTREME unless indicated

* An Evening With

▲ Festival

Sunday 2nd August 2026 – Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai UAE

UK and EU tour dates general onsale 10am local time Friday 5th September 2025For tickets and further information www.defleppard.com Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Finland. Mastercard Presale starts on Wednesday, September 3 at 10am local. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets in Finland and the UK are available from Friday, September 5 at 10am local. Check out priceless.com/music for details.