Steelhouse Festival are elated to announce that the Saturday headliners for the 28-30 July 2023 weekend are now in place. Australian hard-rockers Airbourne are confirmed to make their Steelhouse debut, in their only UK festival show of 2023. With more truly exciting announcements still coming down the track, we also already have more incredible bands locked in right now, including Friday headliners Kris Barras, plus The Answer, Blues Pills, Florence Black, The Vintage Caravan, The Damn Truth, Austin Gold, Kira Mac, Empyre, The Cruel Knives and Jordan Red.
Over a decade has passed since the inaugural Steelhouse in 2011, and 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, old and new, near and far – in this announcement alone we have acts from Australia, Canada, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Iceland, England and the Steelhouse homeland of Wales.
Airbourne said, “Wales! What’s crackin!! Are ya ready to rock or what!! We’ve bloody missed you! We’re pumped to finally get our arses back up your way to rock your mighty Steelhouse! Tons of great bands on the bill, it’s gonna be a great summer weekend of boozin’ good times and Rock’n’Roll, can’t wait for it! See ya in July Welsh rockers!! Rock’n’Roll TO THE F*****’ MAX!!!”
Promoters Max Rhead and Mikey Evans said, “Australia – one of the hardest rocking countries on Earth…Its fine lineage of world-class artists is legendary, especially those whose names begin with the letter ‘A’! And with that, we are so proud to bring Warrnambool, Victoria’s finest rock n roll machine, Airbourne to South Wales next summer… Theirs is a show that, in the greatest Antipodean tradition, carries maximum high-voltage, full-tilt, blood, guts and thunder… Everything is left on the stage. Their Steelhouse debut heads up this first round of announcements which is heavy on talent from around the globe. Canada’s The Damn Truth and Icelandic trio The Vintage Caravan also make their first trips up The Mountain whilst SH2023 sees the welcome return of Sweden’s Blues Pills and Northern Ireland’s, The Answer. Add to that the very best new talent from England as well as our very own local lads – the German stadium-strutting Merthyr massive, Florence Black, we’ve got a bill that rocks hard and that gathers the best of international talent in July 2023. There is a lot more to come, including another international, globally renowned artist who’ll be making their first Steelhouse headline appearance…
So, once again let’s get ready to Rocio y Mynydd / Rock the Mountain!”
How about every Monday from here until RSD 2022 we look at a few release we highly recommend you try and pick up. first up is the RSD exclusive from Jo Dog & Paul Black’s Sonic Boom and ‘Everybody Rains On My Parade’ available on Black City Records.
Photocredit Anjeanette Stairs
‘Everybody Rains On My Parade’ will be released on CD, 180gm vinyl and via all digital / streaming sites on May 13, 2022. But A special red vinyl version will also be on sale for Record Store Day on April 22.
With Sonic Boom, the duo have locked into a songwriting groove that effortlessly blends their diverse backgrounds into a cohesive whole.
The 12-track album displays a deep affection for the British rockers who reinterpreted American Blues for stadiums full of young rock ’n’ roll fans. The Rolling Stones and the Faces loom large as spiritual godfathers, with the grit and authenticity of the Delta Blues masters at the foundation. The songs roll by, distilling the essence of various aspects of these influences into a concise love letter to the rock ‘n’ roll world… as if the great double albums of all time have been compressed into a lean, single disc. Pieces of ‘Exile On Main Street’ are grafted onto bits of Dyan’s ‘Blonde On Blonde’, while the ambition Of ‘The White Album’ collides with the perfectly restrained power of The Allman Brothers ‘Live At Fillmore East’. The title track, ‘Everybody Rains On My Parade’ is an instant classic with lyrics that casually dismiss critics and naysayers with an undeniable pop flourish. The rest of the track list sparkles with gems like the uplifting ‘Tree For Shade’, and the infectious ‘Up For The Late Show’. Elsewhere the epic ‘Blue Like the Morning’ creates a vivid mood that is almost cinematic in scope while ‘Jesus Drives A School Bus’ is a classic blues rocker.
Produced by Gabe Lowry at Fox Force Studios, in Hollywood, California, the album boasts an irresistible muscular swagger balanced with the laid back hip-swing of the coolest records in your collection. Gabe shares additional recording credit on the album with Muddy Stardust. In addition to his work on the production side of the album, Muddy (Burning Tree, Chris Robinson Band) also joins Jo and Paul on bass, keyboards & vocals with Dennis Morehouse (Gilby Clarke) on drums, Tony Snow (Dramarama) on percussion and backing vocals, Chris Joyner (Soul Asylum, Wallflowers) on keyboards, and bassist Tony Babylon (Izzy Stradlin Band, Sylvain Sylvain) rounding out the band.
As well as Sonic Boom, Jo is also working on the debut album from Jo Dog & The Desperados – a trio featuring Jo and his former Dogs D’Amour hounds Steve James and Bam.
Secondly, we recommend you hunt down a copy of Joan Jett – ‘Acoustics’. Available exclusively in stores on Saturday 23rd April 2022. Acoustics is the first-ever acoustic vinyl release from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. It’s an eight-song collection that includes five newly recorded acoustic tracks from upcoming double-LP ‘Changeup’ plus 3 previously unreleased acoustics exclusive to this Record Store Day piece only, including hits ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ and ‘Bad Reputation’ (Live In Los Angeles). ‘Changeup’ features twenty-five tracks.
Steelhouse Festival is excited to reveal the full SIX bandFriday line-up which offers a potent dose of the very best of the NWOCR. Previously serving as a curtain raiser for the main weekend event, Friday is now a full blooded first day in its own right. Kicking things off in fine style will be Inglorious, Myke Gray, The Dust Coda, Scarlet Rebels, The Hot Damn! and Valhalla Awaits. What a way to start; and further evidence of the commitment to support new acts alongside the established stars.
This year the event will run 29th-31st of July and, once Friday night has blown everyone’s minds, also performing at the top of the mountain will be original KISS guitar legend Ace Frehley, Orange Goblin, Diamond Head, H.E.A.T, Green Lung, Black Spiders, Anchor Lane and Ashen Reach.
Promoters Mikey and Max say, “The opening night at Steelhouse has really come into its own over the last few years. It’s now a legitimate full blown opening day. This year’s Friday line-up really shines a light on the best of the New Wave of Classic Rock. Headliners, Inglorious, are one of the genre’s main torch bearers. Scarlet Rebels and Valhalla Awaits are the latest bands from our homeland to really make an impact, whilst the Dust Coda have already broken into the UK top thirty. The Hot Damn! bring an unbridled joyful energy to the proceedings. Add to this ex-Skin/Jagged Edge mainman Myke Gray playing all those classic tracks from his back catalogue – many of which would have influenced the rest of the bill – you’ve got a Friday line-up that hopefully appeals to the NWOCR army!”
This line up offers the best of all possible worlds for lovers of classic rock and of Steelhouse. Friday will kick harder than ever before – and of course Ace Frehley is an undisputed icon of Rock, Diamond Head unrivalled as old school legends. Orange Goblin and Green Lung bring, in every sense, a burst of colour and verve – each pioneering their own way.
Steelhouse Festival were honoured to be voted ‘Best Festival’ by the followers and members of the NWOCRsocial community at the end of 2021.
2021, in the face of overwhelming odds, was a resounding success – marking as it did the 10thSteelhouse Festival. 2022 has a lot to live up to, but is well on the way to this being the best ever. Weekend and all day tickets are now on sale; demand has been such that Glamping is now sold out.
Steelhouse Festival is excited to reveal the first elements of the line up to feature in 2022. And what a selection it is! With all bar one of these performers making their Steelhouse debut, there is a blend of freshness but also serious pedigree. This year the event will run 29th-31st of July and limited earlybird tickets are now available until midnight December 5th, after which they will go to full advance price for the weekend.
Without further delay, joining us at the top of the mountain will be: Original KISS guitar legend Ace Frehley, Orange Goblin, Diamond Head, H.E.A.T, Green Lung, Black Spiders, Anchor Lane and Ashen Reach. And of course there are more great names to be announced.
This line up offers the best of all possible worlds for lovers of classic rock and of Steelhouse. Ace Frehley is an undisputed icon of Rock, Diamond Head unrivalled as old school legends. Orange Goblin and Green Lung bring, in every sense, a burst of colour and verve – each pioneering their own way. Anchor Lane and Ashen Reach show once again that Steelhouse is always looking to provide meaningful support to the best new, exciting talent, whilst Black Spiders and H.E.A.T are making good on their commitment to return and play after not being able to do so this year.
Promoters Mikey and Max say, “It is with barely contained excitement that we can announce the one and only Spaceman, Ace Frehley will be flying in from Jendell to join us on the Mountain for Steelhouse 2022. Being co-founder and original lead guitarist of KISS as well as a Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, he is one of the most recognisable and influential players of all time…A true icon. Smoking guitars at the ready, we’re back!..Back in the Steelhouse Groove!”
2021, in the face of overwhelming odds, was a resounding success – marking as it did the 10th Steelhouse Festival. 2022 has a lot to live up to, but with this first announcement, we are well on the way to this being the best ever.
THE SCHIZOPHONICS – ‘Black To Comm’ (Pig Baby Records) Over the last few years, THE SCHIZOPHONICS have built up a formidable reputation around the world as an explosive live act and have just announced a 14 date US tour which kicks off in September 2021 with an appearance at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. The group has also just finished the final mixes on their forthcoming album entitled ‘Hoof It’ which is slated for release in early 2022 on Pig Baby Records. Leaning on their Garage Rock roots and the MC5 heaving smokin guitar antics of the lead track this is on Fire Baby! Love it large and the more fuzzed up and freaky this gets the better it sounds. Amen you crazy mofos.
Los Santos – ‘On The Strip (Vegas Baby)’ (Los Santos Inc. Records / Cadiz Entertainment) it’s a three-minute love song to 1970’s Las Vegas invoking the Rat Pack, gangster run casinos, cars as big as bars cruising the neon of sin city.
Wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves… Iggy and The Stooges, MC5, Ramones, Pixies, Husker Du, Jane’s Addiction… Nothing too new! Los Santos bring loud guitars, angelic voices, melodic bass and drums played like a deranged Keith Moon.
Stacy Crowne ‘Radar Love / Dead of Night’ (Action Rock Jukebox 45 single)’ (Screaming Crow Records) Screaming Crow Records have gathered up some of the best Rock N Roll bands from all over the world to bring you an awesome new 45 series call Action Rock Jukebox.
Each band has submitted a rockin’ version of a song that would have been found on your local jukebox in the 70s & 80s backed with an original track from the band. These large holed 45s are perfect for that old jukebox in your basement. Each single comes with a jukebox title card and a custom 45 adapter in case you don’t have one of those cool old jukeboxes. Each release will feature 100 color vinyl and 200 black vinyl versions. The first 50 copies sold will be autographed by the band. Right now the singles will only be available on Screaming Crow’s and the bands’ websites.
There are 8 band scheduled right now. Once all the singles are out, Screaming Crow will compile them into one killer double LP and CD and release them through our normal retail channels. Stacy Crowne do a top take on the Golden Earring track whilst it might have been done to death its still one of the better versions but the original track is all Action rock and fuckin’ roll and worthy of your attention.
Bambies – ‘Dirty Taint’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Wear it like a sheriff’s badge of honour. If you’re on Spaghetty Town Records then you’re worth a fuck. With that seal of approval, we dive in with the volume turned up, it’s like a snotty bit of punk n roll along the lines of Star Spangles with added Briefs for good measure, and that kids is a pretty awesome place to start. There’s an album coming this August on Wanda and Spaghetty Town so stick that in your diary as a must-have slice of Rock and Roll. Record of the week? It might just be. Buy Here
Drug Church – Tawny (Pure Noise Records) The only disappointment is this is only a four-track 12″ record and not a full album of angry, full-on riff-a-rama punk rock n roll. PRessed on a lovely pink spalt it’s no-nonsense straight to your brain ear worm.
I can’t pick a favourite track because they’re all quality from the jangling hypnotic riff on ‘Head Off’ through the kick to the temple of the title track.
‘Bliss Out’ is heavy as a bouncing bomb mixing up the likes of Helmet with Husker Du some Therapy? and a whole lot besides before checking out with the mic drop of ‘Remember To Forget’ which is something different from the other three which are all different anyway. Drug Church delivers yet another quality glimpse into the workings of a top band with a cheeky glance to the past yet plowing on into the future. Check em out and get on board.
The Jailbirds – ‘The Jungle’ (Golden Robot Records) Ontario rockers The Jailbirds come on full force with ‘The Jungle’ with a riff from the Ozzy rulebook its big and rockin check em out Here
Zoids – ‘Running Man b/w Crash Mind’ (Goodbye Boozy Records) Lo-fi noisy punks rip through two bleak relentless romps with a buzzsaw guitar riff thrashing away over a Rolf Harris stylophone if that’s still even legal? Then ‘Crash Mind’ is more of the same as the static far away sci-fi lo-fi goes gonzo as the Zoids check-in back home by the sounds of it. Robotic punk is fired into space. Put these cats in a time capsule and bury them on the moon. with some guitars and a laptop obviously. Sounds like they’ve just discovered dial-up and aren’t afraid to use it as an instrument instead of a bass guitar – Nutters!
The Cheats – ‘Rock N’ Roll Love Letter / Cussin, Crying N’ Carrying On’ (Action Rock Jukebox 45 single)’ (Screaming Crow Records) A mighty fine slab of 70s inspired power pop n roll from The Cheats. They nail the sappy harmonies and the melody is B-A-Y C-I-T-Y inspired and they nail the tone. We all love to write Rock N Roll love letters and The Cheats are no different. If you want something a little more bruising then hold onto your tartan scarves because the B side is a belter. firing out of the traps like a hot rod in a hurry ‘Cussin, Crying N’ Carrying On’ is action rock with a heap of punk rock n roll attitude as it snarls and spits to the finish line. Top single this one. Crack on guys you rock!
Jizzy Pearl – ‘Soul Mama’ (Golden Robot Records)
THE CHECKERED HEARTS – ‘Joystick’ (Chicanery Chick Records) Power Pop cover version of ‘My Best Friends Girl’ is a decent stab at a huge hit. Los Angeles-based duo Hillary Burton and Lisa Mychols, who have many credits to their names, pride themselves on having a sound that is a mixture of explosive power pop and reminiscent of long-lost favourites of the 80’s and 90’s. ‘JOYSTICK’ is a collection of classic covers by The Cars, Housemartins, Phil Seymour, Kirsty MacColl, and The Knack. In addition, the release includes a bonus track – a special version of an original Lisa & Hillary song. Stream/ Buy ‘Joystick’ Here
Real Sickies – ‘Love Is For Lovers’ (Stomp Records) Edmonton’s preeminent power-pop, party-anthem punkers Real Sickies have just dropped their latest offering of tunage for your summertime listening pleasure. “Love is for Lovers” is the second single and title track of their forthcoming album on Stomp Records. Claiming to straddle influences from The Ramones to the Strokes this tune is a banger plain and simple from the pounding rhythm to that razor-sharp riff its wedged in a heap of tuneage for your buck. the swirling keys layering the sound like an anchor to its roots it’s well worth checking out. Order New Color Vinyl LP “Love is for Lovers” Here
Pre-Save “Love is for Lovers” on all Streaming Services Here
Andrew Cantwell – Lockdown Love (Self Release) Accomplished solo artist Andrew has released a couple of tracks and ‘Lockdown Love’ is a summers breeze and a laid back offering leaning on some of his influences with a really nice guitar break and arrangement check out his video and hit him up on social media.
When Randy Rhoads joined the Ozzy Osbourne band at the end of 1979 he not only helped to transform the career of the ex-Black Sabbath front man, he also helped to redefine the metal scene of the 1980’s and has been a prominent influence for hundreds of guitarists ever since and well after his tragic death at the age of just 25 in 1982.
Randy Rhoads by Ross Halfin celebrates his time with Randy and Ozzy Osbourne both on stage and off with hundreds of beautiful, largely unseen images from those early years. Measuring 240mm by 340mm this 280 page coffee table book contains hundred of beautiful images and features an exclusive introduction by Ozzy Osbourne and an epilogue by Rhoads fan, guitarist Tom Morello.
Randy Rhoads by Ross Halfin
The book will be available in three editions:
The standard book:
240mm by 340mm, 280 page hard back book with printed cover and cloth slipcase £99.00
The Deluxe Signed Leather Edition
240mm by 340mm, 280 page hard back book with blue leather cover, lenticular and white leather slipcase. Numbered 1 to 500
Personally signed by Ozzy Osbourne and Ross Halfin £299.00
The Super Deluxe Edition
297mm by 420mm this 280 page hard back book with blue leather cover, lenticular comes in a special blue slipcase and outer presentation box with three numbered giclee prints. Numbered 1 to 150
Personally signed by Ozzy Osbourne and Ross Halfin £666.00 each. This edition is physically larger than the previous two editions.
PRE-ORDER DETAILS
The pre-sale starts on Wednesday May 12th at 3pm and the book will ship at the end of August 2021.
“The fans always want that little bit extra. They want to go behind the curtain, to see what really goes on, to be in the inner sanctum.”
Francis Rossi, 2021
Produced to the highest specifications, this lavish, large-format art book gives fans precisely that access. Individually signed by Francis Rossi and each with its own unique number, AAA takes fans into Francis’ home studio, on the road, into his soundcheck, backstage at gigs, and into his dressing room. Featuring new interviews, a series of new photoshoots, and more, it provides a unique perspective on showtime and beyond, presenting Francis as he really is.
This coffee table collectible is stunning. Limited to 2,000 copies that are individually numbered and personally signed, AAA comes as a boxed collectors’ edition with both a bookplate individually signed by Francis and a certificate of authenticity.
Featuring candid photographs and new interviews, AAA is a Quo fan’s dream.
Ross Halfin and Rufus Publications are pleased to announce the publication of ‘Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin’ a 356-page celebration of rock’s iconic guitar player, a man who changed the way rock music would be played forever. This extensive photo book features many classic and unseen shots chosen by Ross from his personal archive together with an exclusive introduction from Edward’s friend and fellow player Tony Iommi. Respected journalist Mark Blake provides a career essay on Van Halen’s hugely successful career.
“I am very pleased to announce my latest book ‘Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin’ which is available for pre-order now from Rufus Publications. I started shooting Van Halen in 1978 when they were just a support band for Black Sabbath . This book delves deep into my archive covering the early tours with Roth in the late 70’s onto the commercial explosion of the early to mid 80’s on through the vastly successful “Van Hagar” era covering every album and tour and even the Gary Cherone fronted VH III era . I always enjoyed shooting Van Halen, from a photographer’s perspective they always gave you something and the many studio shoots always generated a lot of laughter and good memories . The book also contains a really great foreword from Tony Iommi.”
The Standard Edition:
A 356 page coffee table book, casebound with a printed cover and a material, embossed slipcase. £89 plus delivery.
The Metal Guitar Edition:
A 356 page coffee table book, casebound with an embossed cover and exclusive 3D lenticular. Personally signed by Ross Halfin and complete with limited edition contact prints. The book is supplied in a unique aluminium, shaped and printed, slipcase. 300 numbered copies worldwide. £275 plus delivery.
PRE-ORDER DETAILS
‘Edward Van Halen’ by Ross Halfin can be exclusively pre-ordered at www.rufuspublications.com The pre-order is open now on a first come first served basis
Pre-orders can claim a 10% discount with the code EVH21 at the checkout. Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin is shipping June 2021
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