Black Star Riders/Michael Monroe/Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons – Leeds 02 Academy – 19th February 2023

Black Star Riders/Michael Monroe/Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons – Leeds 02 Academy – 19<sup>th</sup> February 2023

I rarely venture out to academy size gigs these days, not for lack of wanting I hasten to add, it just seems most of the bands I’m interested in play smaller more intimate venues. But after catching The Interrupters last summer, it sure reminded me of a lot of the rock shows I used to attend back in the day at academy size, and who doesn’t like a full-on rock show?

So, with Black Star Riders coming into town promoting their highly acclaimed new album ‘Wrong Side Of Paradise’, and bringing with them not only the Michael Monroe band but also Phil Campbell & The Dirty Bastards, well it would be a shame to miss this.

I wouldn’t say I’m a massive Motörhead fan, but Phil Campbell once came to my flat and I made him a cup of tea, but that’s another story. Anyway, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons are not Motörhead, but in the same way as Black Star Riders they channel the spirit of the band that came before them. What The Bastard Sons are though, is a full-on, old school hard rock band, and a good one at that. The sole non-Campbell onstage, new singer Joel Peters, works the crowd like a pro tonight. A larger-than-life personality with a larger-than-life voice, he splits the crowd for audience participation, mixing up originals like ‘We’re The Bastards’ and ‘Get On Your Knees’ with Motörhead classics like ‘Going To Brazil’ and ‘Born To Raise Hell’, the band are mightily impressive. The rhythm section is tight, the guitar tone fantastic and Phil must be proud having his sons up there keeping the spirit of Motörhead alive for fans and the younger generation.

The biggest cheer of their set goes up as bassist Tyla thumps out ‘that’ bass line. They were always gonna end with ‘Ace Of Spades’, right? The crowd go wild, and so they should.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Michael Monroe support anybody before, and I’ve never seen him do such a short set. This band don’t do bad shows, never give less than 100% onstage. The opening salvo of ‘One Man Gang’ and ‘I Live Too Fast To Die Young’ works a treat. The die-hards down the front know the words and the uninitiated are getting a shock treatment in high energy rock n’ roll. The Finnish Iggy Pop is on fire and the usual onstage chaos surrounds the whirlwind vocalist, who as ever is mesmerizing to watch, as he gets tangled up in microphone cables, does the splits and climbs the rigging. He swings the mic stand precariously close to guitarist Steve Conte’s head, but its all in a day’s work for the Michael Monroe band.

Older singles ‘Last Train To Tokyo’ and ’78’ go down well and get the crowd singing them back to the livewire singer as he bounds about the stage. If this is mainly a Black Star Riders fanbase tonight, I would say the band have won them over by now. And any who are not convinced may be shedding a tear by the time they finish the Hanoi Rocks classic ‘Don’t You Ever Leave Me.

‘Ballad Of The Lower East Side’ is arguably the strongest song in the band’s solo discography and it sounds killer live, yet as Michael climbs the rigging for the second time, the power is cut and the band stop playing mid-song! Seems the 02 don’t like rock stars climbing on their equipment. Funnily enough, the last time I saw this band, at The Brudenell up the road, there was an actual power cut on the equipment on the exact same song. What are the chances of that?

The band shrug it off and launch into ‘Motorvatin’ to get things back on track. ‘Dead, Jail Or Rock N Roll’ and ‘Up Around The Bend’ end a killer set that didn’t exactly go to plan, but rock n roll’s like that sometimes. I like it when a band has to work for it and I pity any band who has to follow The Monroes night after night.

Black Star Riders have that unenviable task, and while Ricky Warwick doesn’t possess the maniacal stage presence of Michael Monroe, he is one of the last of a dying breed of classic rock frontmen who are still out there doing it and doing it well. A 10-year anniversary for any band these days is something to celebrate, and Black Star Riders have morphed into quite the classic rock band now.

With original members drummer Jimmy Degrasso, bassist Robbie Crane and the Richard Branson of rock n’ roll Scott Gorham back in the fold for this tour, tickets have flown out, and the 02 is buzzing with anticipation as the band break into newbie ‘Pay Dirt’. In a leather jacket, his hair greased back and a Les Paul swinging from his hips, Ricky Warwick looks mean, moody and healthy, and his gritty voice is as powerful as it ever was back in The Almighty days. With the ever-smiling Wayward Sons guitarist Sam Wood by his side (who looks uncannily like a young Scott Gorham) the band sound impressive too.

The first half of the set weighs heavily on the new album. The single ‘Better Than Saturday Night’ is a killer highlight, ‘Riding Out the Storm’ and the title track ‘Wrong Side Of Beautiful’ showcase Warwick’s songwriting ability and suggests this album could go down as their strongest effort. They even breathe new life into their cover of The Osmonds ‘Crazy Horses.

Ricky introduces Scott Gorham to great cheers and the 71-year-old Thin Lizzy guitarist joins Black Star Riders for the rest of the set. The likes of ‘All Hell’s Breaking Loose’, ‘Testify Or Say Goodbye’ and ‘Bound For Glory’ all hit the spot and are welcomed like old friends to a crowd of a certain age. The spirit of Thin Lizzy seems omnipresent and of course a couple of choice songs get aired tonight. Phil Campbell joins them for ‘Don’t Believe A Word’ and a sublime ‘Jailbreak’ comes later in the set and understandably gets the biggest reaction of the night.

While the first half of the set was strong, I felt the latter half suffered and felt ploddy and a bit so-so. Only the addition of the Lizzy covers lifted thing for me. Hey, but I’m just nit-picking, really.

Big academy rock shows are always an event and tonight was no different. 3 bands who are well suited, all channelling the sprits of the bands who came before them, yet all with strong material that sets them apart from the legacy of those classic bands. And whether you’re a fan of Motörhead, Hanoi Rocks or Thin Lizzy, all had great new things to offer, as well as dipping into the past.

But finding out The Academy takes 25% of profits from the band’s merch and the fact that a pint and a G&T cost £17 reminds me why I favour the smaller shows these days.

Author: Ben Hughes

The Almighty – ‘Welcome to Defiance: The Complete Recordings (1994 – 2001)’ (Cherry Red Records)

The Almighty – ‘Welcome to Defiance: The Complete Recordings (1994 – 2001)’ (Cherry Red Records)

While the Almighty’s ‘Soul Destruction’ (the final album released with original guitarist Tantrum) ensured them some regular airtime on MTV, it was the grungier direction of ‘Powertrippin’’, with new guitarist Pete Friesen, which showed that the band had more routes to take. After leaving Polydor records in 1993, the band would release a run of hard and fast, punk-inspired material that would make them one of the most beloved bands of the new golden era of British rock music. It is this part of the Almighty’s output that will be available in ‘Welcome to Defiance: The Complete Recordings (1994 – 2001)’, released in March through Cherry Red Records.

I recently watched an old interview with Lemmy where he was asked about Motorhead’s influence on others. Whilst dismissive of bands that had taken only the fast aspects of it, he specifically mentioned the Almighty for having taken the best parts of it. It reminded me of the story I once heard Ricky Warwick tell at an acoustic gig in Brighton several years ago, about the first time he met Lemmy. A funny story which I won’t re-tell here but surely you can find on YouTube.

At that time, Ricky was playing mostly as a solo acoustic artist and when asked about reforming the Almighty he quickly dismissed the idea. The Almighty, evidently, was part of the past and not the future. Fast forward to now, and not only is he continuing to head an ever more successful solo career (the new album ‘When Life was Hard and Fast’ is released this month), but he is also fronting the hugely popular Black Star Riders, which evolved from the reformed Thin Lizzy.

What does remain of the Almighty, though, is a wild and wonderful back catalogue, much of which is included in this 7-disc collection.

In 1994, the same year that Therapy? released ‘Troublegum’, and a year after ‘Earth Vs the Wildhearts’ was born, the Almighty released the hard-hitting album ‘Crank’, ripping a hole in the universe and adding to what was a glorious time for British and Irish rock music. Songs such as ‘Jonestown Mind’ and ‘Wrench’ would register among some of the greatest material the band would ever produce. Notably, the artwork on the album was provided by Jamie Reid, most famous for his ‘Never Mind the Bollocks’ cover. ‘Crank’ was followed up in 1996 by the excellent ‘Just Add Life’ and the popular singles ‘All Sussed Out’ and ‘Do You Understand’. The album would ultimately signal the end of the most creative and stable period for the band.

The Almighty went on to release two more strong albums, though. First was the self-titled offering in 2000, Floyd London having left the band before release and Friesen having already been replaced by Nick Parsons on guitar. ‘Psycho-Narco’, the bands final album to date, was released a year later. Both albums certainly have their moments, and it’s interesting listening back to them now alongside their other releases, hearing the way that the Almighty developed from album to album.

Also in this new collection is the live album Crank and Deceit, recorded in 1995 in Japan, a collection of B-sides and remixes, and a series of live B-sides and sessions, all recorded between 1994 and 1996. All this in addition to a booklet with the details for each disc, making for one excellent collection of the Almighty’s later period.

For Ricky Warwick the Almighty may well be the past (and who could blame him with his current activities) but, as this collection shows, it is certainly one hell of a legacy.

Buy Here

Author: Craggy Collyde

Black Star Riders release ‘Candidate For Heartbreak’ video

Black Star Riders release ‘Candidate For Heartbreak’ video

‘Candidate For Heartbreak’ is the new single from BLACK STAR RIDERS – out now via Nuclear Blast. Order Here. 

 Subscribe to Black Star Riders: Here

LISTEN TO OR PURCHASE THE SINGLE iTunes: Here

In this unusual 2020, Black Star Riders are back with a new single ‘Candidate For Heartbreak’,

Photo Credit: Robin Wielink

2020 shaped up to be a very different year to what we all expected. COVID-19 took us by surprise forced us to pause, rethink our way of life and observe an unprecedented scenario unraveling on the world’s stage.  In this new “hibernated” society, the music industry showed its resilience: managing to keep itself alive, it created a sense of togetherness and an even stronger community, through brave songs, never afraid to bring the uncomfortable truths to the table.

Candidate For Heartbreak is Black Star Riders’ contribution to the worldwide reflection on society during these unparalleled times. Mr. Scott Gorham and Christian Martucci created the perfect soundscape, thanks to a sharp and memorable riff, which sets the scene for an intricate rock driven track. Ricky Warwick’s vocals perfectly represent the spirit of the lyrics: energetic anger, tinged with a hint of melancholy, towards a class of politicians who keep lying to the people; and a morbid system that keeps on failing and dividing.

Front-man Ricky Warwick comments: “It’s a rocker! A Scott Gorham and Christian Martucci guitar onslaught. A song about the politics of dancing while the politicians dance around the truth!”

Mr. Scott Gorham further explains: “The song brings back memories of our time in the studio recording Another State of Grace. It was such a great and productive time. We all hope to be back playing to our fans real soon.”Guitarist Christian Martucci adds: “Christian Martucci: “This is a really fun song to jam. I love how the guitars drone around Ricky’s vocals, and the awesome groove from Chad and Robbie!”

Candidate For Heartbreakfirst appeared as a bonus track on the Digipack CD included with the box-set and limited to 1,000 copies, of the band’s latest record Another State Of Grace. The album reached#14 in the national chart and #1 in the rock chart. The record isa stunning collection of anthemic rock songs recorded at Sphere Studios in Burbank, California in February 2019 and produced & mixed by Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax, Uriah Heep).

Unfortunately, Black Star Riders performance at Ramblin’ Man Fair 2020 has been cancelled, as the festival was forced to be postponed to July 2021.

UK Tour Dates 2020
Saturday 18thJuly 2020 – Ramblin’ Man Fair – Postponed
Saturday 29thAugust 2020 – Stone Dead Festival

Useful Links
Website – www.blackstarriders.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/blackstarridersofficial
Twitter – twitter.com/blackstarriders
Instagram – www.instagram.com/blackstarriders

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

First up on this rather fresh UK morning are the Ghost Wolves with their track ‘ Let’s Go To Mars’ this will twist your melon first thing.

 

The undisputed kings of Americana are back in the game with ‘Thoughts And Prayers’ taken from their soon to be release new album. Enjoy

We hope Ricky is on the mend after his recent stay in hospital so to share the love we bring you the brand new Black Star Riders video for ‘In The Shadow Of A War Machine’

Finally a last-minute addition will warm the cockles of your heart and one for all action rockers to put on before braving the cold outside is the excellent ‘Phoney Highs’ from the excellent Electric Shakes.  It’s a right belter taken from their EP 2019.  Find it and fill yer boots.

See you next week same time same place when we’ll have a few more choice videos might be new might be classic who knows. Tra

Black Star Riders – Cardiff university 24/10/91

Black Star Riders – Cardiff university 24/10/91

What needs to be said about Ricky Warwick, over the years whatever he has turned his songwriting craft to it’s always been of the highest quality.

So with a new Black Star Riders album recently released a tour announced this reviewer could not wait to get his live rock’n’roll fix.

Much to my surprise and delight the band were doing some HMV acoustic in-store shows so when this Cardiff date rolled around I made my way to Cardiff HMV and was treated to a fantastic three-song set  of the highest quality with all band members on great form and it was plain to see that they were clearly enjoying each others company and the interaction with the fans.

So as this crisp October night rolled in I made my journey to Cardiff university for the main event.

At 9:20pm the band arrived on stage and bang we were into the leading track off the new album ‘Another state of grace’ with it’s anthemic chorus and Celtic musical vibes it was a joy to the ears and both band and crowd were right up for it and with the duelling guitars of new boy Christian Martucci and that of six-string legend Scott Gorham going together in harmony like they had been playing together for years it was a joy to behold.

‘The killer instinct’ was up next and with Robbie Crane on bass and another new addition to the band drummer Chad Szeliga locked in pure thunderous rhythm driving force what a joyous occasion this Cardiff night was turning into.

‘All hell breaks loose’ was next up and I can honestly say after seeing Ricky Warwick numerous times over the years his gruff yet melodic vocals just get better and better with each passing year and his range is truly astonishing.

‘Testify or say goodbye’ is another gem and the energy of the band is truly amazing.

‘Tonight the moonlight let me down’ is my personal favourite off the new album and on record it has a lead saxophone break courtesy of a certain Michael Monroe but of course, he is not here tonight so Scott Gorham improvises with a truly stunning guitar solo in its place.

In fairness, Black Star Riders could play any song off their four albums and they would not sound out of place due to the quality of their back catalogue and they duly played some classics in the shape off ‘Ticket to rise’ and ‘Hey Judas’.

‘In the shadow of the war machine’ is another blinder off their most recent album and the energy of the band is stunning as they launch into ‘Soldierstown’.

‘Why do you love your guns’ is a great song about some serious issues in America and as Ricky explains to the crowd the nature behind the songs lyrics the tracks uplifting melody is still a pure joy to the ears.

‘Blindsided’ and ‘bloodshot’ keep this Cardiff crowd entertained which leads us into another new track off the bands latest masterpiece ‘Ain’t the end of the world’ which goes down a storm.

The songs just keep on coming with ‘When the night comes in’ ‘Underneath the afterglow’ ‘dancing with the wrong girl’ and ‘finest hour’ going by with each song being an absolute belter with great musicianship of a band at their best.

‘Kingdom of the lost’ and ‘bound for glory’ bring the night to a close and with that the band say their farewells and take a bow and the last hour and forty minutes have gone by in a blink of an eye and this Cardiff crowd have been entertained to a truly class performance that I can safely say we would all like the night to go on and on.

Black Star riders are one of the best live bands around and are truly at the top of their game so if you like loud rock’n’roll buy yourself a ticket and get along to a show you will not be disappointed and in these trying times we all need the power of music to shine a light.

Author: Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper

Posted by Black Star Riders on Wednesday, 16 October 2019

 

September Playlist

September Playlist

With summer fading fast its time to cwtch u to your stereo or however you currently listen to your music and check out the RPM Spotify Playlist to hear who are the movers and shakers at RPM Towers.  From the albums, we’ve reviewed and are reviewing and the shows we’re attending to the interviews we have coming up.  Here is a playlist to accompany your reading.

 

This month we feature the following bands who have new albums or are playing live shows.

Hollywood Brats, Andy McCoy, The Bar Stool Preachers, Cock Sparrer, Jim Jones and the Righteous Minds, Duff McKagan, Jesse Malin, Queen Zee, Subhumans, Black Star Riders, Strung Out, Dead Shed Jokers, Pardon Us, Paradise Alley, Dead Furies, The Chuck Norris Experiment, TSAR, New Model Army, Ginger Wildheart

STONE BROKEN RE-ISSUE THEIR DEBUT ALBUM – ‘ALL IN TIME’ – AVAILABLE OCTOBER 11TH

STONE BROKEN RE-ISSUE THEIR DEBUT ALBUM – ‘ALL IN TIME’ – AVAILABLE OCTOBER 11TH

FEATURING 6 UNRELEASED BONUS TRACKS, INCLUDING 2019 VERSION OF ‘WAIT FOR YOU’

REMASTERED AUDIO

REVISED & EXPANDED ARTWORK as the band head out on tour to support Black Star Riders.

Stone Broken officially re-issue ‘All In Time’, the debut album that started it all back in 2016.

Previously only available as a low-key digital release and limited CD merch item, ‘All In Time’ will now finally be available with revised artwork and lovingly remastered audio, along with expanded liner notes and premium physical packaging, including song lyrics and band reflections.

Additionally, fans will receive 6 never-before-released bonus tracks, including a stunning 2019 recording of fan anthem ‘Wait For You’, featuring strings by The Bristol Ensemble. SB chose to re-visit ‘Wait For You’ to spotlight its significance to their ever-growing fan-base, The Broken Army, who have effectively taken ownership of both the sentiment and the song, using it to celebrate key moments of happiness and as a source of hope in more reflective times.

All In Time 2019 will be released by Spinefarm on CD / DL / LP, with the vinyl version carrying a download card so all of the bonus content can be included.

 

Stone Broken frontman, Rich Moss, says: – 

“‘All In Time’ wasn’t just a stepping stone for us, it wasn’t just our debut record… it literally changed our lives! When we were writing the album, I don’t think any of us realised just how important it was going to be. We released it independently, and within the first couple of hours, the CD stocks had all sold out! We managed to tour right across the UK and Europe and gain some incredible fans and friends along the way! We feel now is the right moment to put ‘All In Time’ back into production and to let people have a piece of our history”

Pre-order your copy Here:

Having just completed a highly successful run of European shows with Black Stone Cherry, Stone Broken – completed by Chris Davis (lead guitars), Kieron Conroy (bass) & Robyn Haycock (drums) – will play a 14-date tour of the UK & Ireland this October as Special Guests to Black Star Riders. Wayward Sons are also on the bill.

Tour dates w/ Black Star Riders

Thu 10th    Oct       O2 Academy, Bristol

Fri 11th      Oct       Corn Exchange, Cambridge

Sat 12th     Oct       O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

Sun 13th    Oct       William Aston Hall, Wrexham

Wed 16th  Oct       Academy, Dublin *

Thu 17th    Oct       Limelight, Belfast *

Sat  19th    Oct       O2 Academy, Newcastle

Sun 20th    Oct       Rock City, Nottingham

Tues 22nd  Oct           De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill

Wed 23rd  Oct       O2 Academy,  Bournemouth

Thu 24th    Oct       University Great Hall, Cardiff

Fri 25th      Oct       KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton

Sat 26th     Oct       O2 Academy, Leeds

Sun 27th    Oct       O2 Ritz, Manchester

Black Star Riders – Another state Of Grace (Nuclear Blast Records)

Black Star Riders – Another state Of Grace (Nuclear Blast Records)

I’ve been a huge fan of Ricky Warwick for a long time and have enjoyed whatever music he has put out whether it’s the loud punk-metal of The Almighty or his storytelling solo albums and what we now come to know the great rock’n’roll of the Black Star Riders.

On the first trio of the Black Star riders albums, the songs have been largely co-written by Ricky and guitarists Damon Johnson and the legend that is guitar slinger Scott Gorham.

So it was a surprise when it was let known that Damon Johnson was moving on to pastures new and that the vacant guitar player slot was being filled by Christian Matrucci who is guitarist of Stone Sour and also to my delight I have discovered he has had various bands of his own over the years which I have found too have released top draw music but the question is  would he gell with Black Star Riders.

Fear, not Christian has not only fitted in but the music is all the better for it.

Starting off this new album titled “Another State Of Grace” we have the track “Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down” and immediately the ears are treated to a great guitar riff and Ricky’s trademark gruff vocal. Scott and Christian’s guitar mesh together beautifully to create a great rock’n’roll sound and we even have some saxophone added into the mix which fits in perfectly.

On track two we get the song “Another State Of Grace” which was the first song to be released as a single and this song has a big Celtic sound to it with a backing chant of “hey” being shouted which really makes the track stand out.

Up next we have “Ain’t The End Of The World” which is the second single to be released and this track has what I would call the classic Thin Lizzy sound with Scott Gorham’s trademark guitar all over it yet has a freshness that while takes you back to the glory days of Thin Lizzy it also shows how the Black star riders are very much their own band with their own identity.

“Underneath The Afterglow” starts off with a great classic rock guitar riff with a great vocal by Ricky and what strikes me is how Christian’s backing vocals go together so well with Ricky’s that you would think they have been in a band together for years.

“Soldier In The Ghetto” is up next and this track adds a funky intro before relaxing back into a great Black Star riders chorus and shows a band that’s not afraid to mix things up a bit but when they do they do it well.

“Why Do You Love Your Guns” slows the pace down a bit with a beautifully crafted acoustic guitar intro before a crunchy electric guitar riff is introduced to build the song up and a great passionate vocal by Ricky makes this track another winner.

Next up we have “Standing In The Line Of Fire” and this track picks the pace back up with some pounding drums and driving bass and a shredding guitar solo that makes this a great rock song.

“What Will It Take?” is another track which features acoustic guitar mixed with electric to add to a song with great harmonies. Also, we have some great female backing vocals which yet again add another dimension to the Black star riders sound.

“In The Shadow Of The War Machine” is a awesome rocker of a track with some real biting guitar and lyrics that describe the troubled times we are living in yet even though this is a serious song it still has the great harmonies and an uplifting chorus that I hope to hear live on the upcoming tour.

Finishing off the album is the track “Poisoned Heart” and this is how an album should be finished off and that is with style with Ricky’s soaring vocals backed with great backing vocals from Christian and great all-round work from the rest of the band making sure this album goes out with a bang.

Overall words are hard to describe how great this album is because every song on here is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser with no weak tracks or filler to be heard anywhere.

This is a great album that on repeated listens is an album that will keep on giving and in this reviewer’s opinion is Black Star Riders finest work to date.

Buy ‘Another State Of Grace’ Here

Author: Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper

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Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Love em or loathe em you can’t ignore them.  We happen to love em so here you go you mongrels it’s Amyl & The Sniffers with ‘Some Mutts’

 

Next up we have the brand new video from Henrys Funeral Shoes ‘High Shoulders Everywhere’.  ‘Smart Phone Rabbit Hole’ is the album that it’s taken from which is Released everywhere on 20th September 2019

Finally, this haunting offering from The Prophets Of Addiction closes off this rainy days collection of new video releases

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

First up is a new video from Guitar player Samantha Fish and a track ‘Bulletproof’ taken from her ‘Kill Or Be Killed’ album due in September

 

Next up we’ve got the brand new video from Black Star Riders ‘Ain’t The End Of The World’ taken from their forthcoming new long player ‘Another State Of Grace’.

We end up with this fantastic collaboration from Jesse Malin and Lucinda Williams from his soon to be released album ‘Sunset Kids’ due for release at the end of August.