PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – 50 YEARS IN MUSIC

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – 50 YEARS IN MUSIC

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN MUSIC WITH A CAREER-SPANNING RETROSPECTIVE SET

MANCHESTER ACADEMY, 4TH JUNE 2026

+     VERY SPECIAL GUESTS BUZZCOCKS

Next summer, Peter Hook & The Light will celebrate 50 years of music with a special set at Manchester Academy, spanning his work with Joy Division, New Order, Monaco and more.

On the 4th June 1976, Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto brought The Sex Pistols to Manchester for the first time for a night at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. The show attracted a modest crowd, with around 40 people in attendance, but amongst them were a disproportionate number of future legends of the Manchester scene. Future members of The Smiths and The Fall, Factory Records’ Tony Wilson, punk poet John Cooper Clarke, genius producer Martin Hannett and somewhere amongst that crowd was a young Peter Hook, with his friend & soon-to-be Joy Division bandmate Bernard Sumner.

Energised by the punk performance, Hook set out to buy a bass guitar the very next day. He went on to play in some of the most influential and iconic bands in British music history, pioneering post-punk with Joy Division before moving into more synth-driven soundscapes with New Order. Now, five decades on, Hook is set to celebrate the anniversary of that pivotal night with a special show in the city that shaped him. 

On 4th June 2026, 50 years to the day since The Sex Pistols changed the Manchester music scene forever, Peter Hook & The Light are set to perform a retrospective set spanning his lengthy career at the Academy. Playing choice picks from his time in Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Revenge, Monaco, and Freebass, it’s a night not to be missed by fans of Hook and his wide-spanning, widely-influential projects. “On the evening of the 4th June 1976 my life changed forever,” shares Hooky, “I hope on the evening of 4th June 2026 yours will too.” 

Hook will be joined by very special guests Buzzcocks, who were instrumental in putting the Sex Pistols on all those years ago. Since that night, the Buzzcocks have carved out their own place in British music history with hits like “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)”, “What Do I Get?’ and “Harmony In My Head”, winning audiences over with their catchy punk songwriting and lovesick lyrics. Next June, they support Hook and celebrate their own 50-year anniversary in the process. 

Pre-sale tickets for the show go on sale on Wednesday 3rd December here, while general on-sale kicks off on Friday 5th December. Tickets will be available here.

Live Dates

4th June, 2026 – Manchester Academy (with Buzzcocks) 

Tickets available here. 

For more information:

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WOLFSBANE – ‘All Or Nothing’

WOLFSBANE – ‘All Or Nothing’

FINAL 2026 HEADLINE SHOWS

Wolfsbane, performing with their legendary original lineup, are proud to unveil a brand new video ahead of their three final headline shows to close out 2025.

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‘Live Faster‘ is a totally new re-recording of their debut album ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’.  

To order Live Faster on CD and vinyl go Here

To stream Live Faster:Here

With a huge desire to do justice to the new version whilst respecting the old one, ‘Live Faster’ is splendidly IN YOUR FACE and everything the band had hoped it would be. “We are so pleased with the way it has turned out.” – Blaze

Wolfsbane dates in full 2025

December 5th – Sheffield – The Greystones

December 6th – Bradford – Nightrain

December 7th – Grimsby – Yardbirds

2026 

May 1st – Bonfest – Kirriermuir Scotland 

May 3rd – Roxoff Festival

May 29th – Call Of The Wild Festival 

Tickets for all the shows are available at https://www.wolfsbaneband.com/live/

Formed in Tamworth in 1984 after a couple of years with different drummers the line up of Blaze Bayley on vocals, Jase Edwards on guitar, Jeff Hateley on bass and Steve Danger on drums was established. This line up remains unchanged to this day. Gigging constantly anywhere that would have them Wolfsbane soon gained a reputation as one of the most incendiary live British Rock bands around, with an original sound fusing Hard Rock, Metal, Punk, Glam and Pop.

After receiving great reviews in Kerrang and Sounds magazines and support slots with King Diamond, Motorhead and Faith No More, Wolfsbane came to the attention of legendary record producer Rick Rubin, who signed them to his new Def American label. In 1989 their debut album ‘Live Fast Die Fast’ was released to rave reviews and included the (almost)hit single ‘I Like it Hot’. In 1990 Wolfsbane released the classic six track mini album All Hells Breaking Loose At Little Kathy Wilson’s Place. This was released to accompany a British and Irish tour supporting the mighty Iron Maiden! 91 saw the release of the ambitious and eclectic ‘Down Fall the Good Guys’ album, recorded at Abbey Road studios, produced by a young Brendon O’Brien and followed by the bands biggest and most successful British tour to date.

Wolfsbane toured across Europe, joining bands Motorhead, Anthrax and Public Enemy and Voivod in their tours, having excellent reactions and life changing escapades.

Wolfsbane then parted company with Def American and signed with the reactivated indie label Bronze Records. Their first release for Bronze was the raw raucous and legendary live album ‘Massive Noise Injection’, this was recorded on one sold out night at London’s Marquee club and captured Wolfsbane in all their unhinged glory and earned them a ten out of ten review in the NME!

Revitalised by the success of Massive Noise Injection, Wolfsbane recorded the eponymous stripped down, musically and lyrically hard hitting self titled album known as ‘The White Album’ but before it’s release Blaze Bayley left the band to replace Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden.

After a fourteen year hiatus, Wolfsbane reunited in 2007 at the Rock of Ages festival in Tamworth and then toured with the Wildhearts and Quireboys. In 2011 the reunion became permanent and Wolfsbane released their comeback album ‘Wolfsbane Save The World’ and this comeback was to last longer then the band had been together first time around.

This was followed by the ‘Rock’ ep and another live album ‘Wolfsbane Go Loco At The Asylum’ recorded in Birmingham.

In 2022 the band released the second full studio album of their now cemented comeback, the acclaimed ‘Genius’ album which epitomises the bands carefree attitude showing they will enjoy every minute of playing music together, with an infectiousness that can inspire others to do the same.

In 2025 Wolfsbane release ‘Live Faster ‘ a totally new re-recording of their debut album. It is a reclamation of the first album as the band would have wanted it.

Wolfsbane, still the same line up, are currently touring and played with The Almighty in November 

Babyshambles/Trampolene – Tramshed, Cardiff 27.11.25

Babyshambles/Trampolene – Tramshed, Cardiff 27.11.25

It’s been a while since we crossed paths with Swansea’s finest, and with the band expanding to a four-piece with Another Thomas Brother joining the ranks, the sound is beefier, and Jack has the support to wander where the fuck he likes and throw shapes without the sound dropping to just Wayne and Mr Williams.

Wearing his obligatory higher league and local rivals top Jack throws his head back and absorbes the chants of “You Jack Bastard” offered up by tonights hosts whilst casual non partizan gig goers might be wondering what the actual fuck is going on ‘Gotta Do More Gotta Be More’ wafts over the PA as the band go for the jugular from the opening second and to be fair fo rthe next half an hour deliver a thunderous set and sound like their right up for it and in the mood to take no prisoners. Adidas trainers are thrown into the audience as Jack is prowling the stage like a man possessed ‘Sort Me Out’ he says, ‘You Do Nothing For Me’ also sounds fantastic. It’s time for a breather as the band catches their collective breath with the more relaxed ‘Thinking Again’, the pace is put in recovery and shows they have the tunes to kick things off and chill situations out if they so choose. Jack’s smile is infectious and wins over the Cardiff crowd, who are eating out of his hand, which seems like a great time to air a brand new song.

This is as good as I’ve seen the band in a while and totally on focus and in match form, it’s an all too brief set as after the excellent new track is aired a certain Peter Doherty positions himself on the barrier in the front of the audience for a romp through an epic ‘Uncle Brians Abertoir’ Doherty appearing in the front row of the audience to contribute his vocals perfectly then tosses the mic back to Jones to seamlessly carry on almost like it was rehearsed.

With just enough time to get a pit going for ‘Alcohol Kiss’, them boyos done good and the heat of the Tramshed is turned up considerably and with Mr Williams to bow out with a timely cartwheel, Trampolene are back, and they’ve brought the goods. I look forward to more shows and a new record. Let’s have it, you fellow Jack Bastards.

On stroll Babyshambles to the strains of The Simpsons and immediately get down to business with a rambunctious ‘Killamangiro’, and onward we stumbled and puffed our chests out for a ‘Down In Albion’ heavy set. It was the confident ‘Delivery’ up next before we skanked our way through ‘I Wish’, and it was three very different offerings from three very good albums to ease us back into the experience that is a Babyshambles performance.

The band sounded tight as two rizzlas as they eased from the ska to the Strummer indie and back again via some perfectly formed balladeering. To be fair, Pete was kept on a tight leash, and his wandering off in the intro was kept to a minimum, and his jokes were kept under his pork pie hat.

‘À rebours’ was eased into proceedings via a welcome intro of Love Will Tear Us Apart’ only to make way for the set’s highlight as we reached a beautiful moment on ‘Albion’ as a visibly shaking Mr Williams joined the band for a Welsh language version, which was quite moving, and what a wonderful lilt Mr Williams has.

Pat was never far from proceedings with his action picture being the backdrop for a lot of the set, and mentions along the way, there was even time for a brand new Babyshambles song titled, fuck knows I Didn’t Hear It. However, time was of the essence, and we were in danger of having the house lights turned on, so it was an encore but no encore time.

‘Dandy Hooligan’ was the warm-up before we got the school night boppers all jumping around to a punchy ‘Pipedown’ before the curtain was drawn, but not before a sweaty ‘Fuck Forever’ really did signal time to cut the PA. Hopefully, tonight was a reminder to everyone that the magic was still in the air and Doherty and co had left everything on the stage after delivering a thoroughly enjoyable set. Until next time, that was excellent. Now onto some new music, and we can all do this again next year. The Shambles are back in the game and leaner and right on focus.

Author: Dom Daley

Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

The self-proclaimed ‘Barons of high energy rock n’ roll’, otherwise known as Märvel, return with their 10th album, cunningly titled ‘Brain Drain Diaries’.

The Swedish three-piece have been in the game for 20 years now. King (vocals & guitar), The Burgher (bass) and The Vicar on drums play the sorta rock n’ roll we here at RPM adore, and their high-energy mix of Thin Lizzy, Hellacopters and Kiss is always something to get excited about.

Recorded and self-produced at the Sunshine Factory in their homeland, ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ is what we have come to expect from the masked trio who dress like evil henchmen from a 60’s Batman TV show. 

Lyrically, the band have taken a more reflective approach here, with themes of resilience, honesty and songs straight from the heart. But musically, it’s all about catchy hooks and killer riffs, baby! 

I’m pretty much sold on the album art to be fair, but the opening one-two of ‘Look It’s Rock n Roll’ and ‘A Beautiful Corpse’ seals the deal in magnificent style.

With the former coming on strong like latter-day Hellacopters, Märvel deliver a killer opener with a refrain to die for and a high-octane solo to boot. This is low-slung rock n’ roll at its finest. 

The latter, with its twin guitar attack, urgent beats and vintage Kiss feel, is pure rock n’ roll energy guaranteed to get the heart racing and the vocal cords working. That opening chorus will catch ya, hook, line and sinker. It’s probably the best track on the album. But it’s got some stiff competition. 

Märvel have a knack for wearing their influences on their sleeves with no shame. ‘Biding My Time’ drifts from a Lizzy-like verse to a Kiss-inspired chorus with ease, but just ends up sounding like Märvel to me. The glam rock stomp of ‘Time Has A Way’ has a very British feel, like Mud or The Sweet in their prime. It’s as instant as Instant Whip and twice as nice. You’ll be humming it before the second chorus kicks in, believe me. 

The likes of ‘Brain Drain’ and ‘Take A Stand’ prove not only that Märvel stole the beat from the Lord, but they may well have improved on it. 

Märvel may not have the same kudos as the likes of The Hellacopters, The Hives or Turbonegro in certain circles, but ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ continues a strong run of killer albums from a band who are up there with their contemporaries delivering the goods to the max.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Tell It To The Ghosts’

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Tell It To The Ghosts’

“Tell It to the Ghosts”, written and performed by Camden-based Northern Irish singer-songwriter Matty James Cassidy, is a brooding, acoustic-led track with a noir atmosphere. Channelling the shadowy storytelling and grit of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, it explores memory, loss, and the ghosts we carry. Intimate and cinematic in feel, this is indie rock with depth, character, and pulse.

Matty hits the road supporting the Quireboys on their UK tour — plus a few final solo shows to close out 2025 Here

Bandcamp

Stream Here

Website

Ist Ist see the ‘Warning Signs’

Ist Ist see the ‘Warning Signs’

FROM UPCOMING FIFTH ALBUM:
‘DAGGER’
OUT 6 FEBRUARY, VIA KIND VIOLENCE RECORDS

ON TOUR THIS NOVEMBER, 
PLUS FURTHER UK TOUR DATES IN 2026

One of the most urgent, immediate and irrepressible tracks the band have delivered to date, “Warning Signs” is a lightning bolt of realisation and unrequited love. 

Of the track, vocalist Adam Houghton says:

”I wanted to write from a place of regret — that gut-wrenching moment when you realise pride and fear have cost you the person you love. The song is a confession and a plea, filled with what-ifs and too-lates. I wanted the repetition and directness to feel desperate, like someone haunted by what they didn’t say soon enough. It’s about confronting the pain of being without the one who grounded you and understanding too late that love requires vulnerability. The goal was to make the emotion feel raw, honest, and painfully human.’’

New single “Warning Signs” is an unignorable reminder of the band’s highly awaited fifth album ‘DAGGER’, as produced by Joe Cross (Hurts, Courteeners, Slow Readers Club). It arrives on 6 February 2026, via the band’s own Kind Violence Records. 

The new track comes complete with an official video shot by Joyce Van Doorn and edited by Shaolin Pete. Featuring live and backstage footage from IST IST’s triumphant recent tour of Europe, it’s a tantalising reminder for what’s to come at their upcoming UK comeback shows, which kick-off this week in Leeds, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham (28th November – 6th December, check dates below). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mXaLRyMlJM&feature=youtu.be


IST IST will also be hitting the road again in April 2026, with additional shows in Norwich, Exeter, Oxford, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, Bristol, and Brighton, paving the way towards their biggest hometown show to date, at Manchester’s Albert Hall in May. All dates are listed below, with all tickets on sale now.

Catch IST IST marking their decade-long career and playing new music from ‘DAGGER’ at the following UK shows: 

IST IST  – 2025/26 EUROPE & UK TOUR DATES


Friday 28th November – Leeds – Warehouse
Saturday 29th November – Glasgow – Oran Mor
Friday 5th December – London – 229
Saturday 6th December – Birmingham – O2 Academy2

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THURSDAY 9th APRIL – NORWICH – THE WATERFRONT ** JUST ADDED **
SATURDAY 11th APRIL – EXETER PHOENIX ** JUST ADDED **

SUNDAY 12th APRIL – OXFORD – 02 ACADEMY2 ** JUST ADDED **

THURSDAY 16th APRIL – NEWCASTLE – THE GROVE ** JUST ADDED **

SATURDAY 18th APRIL – SHEFFIELD • NETWORK  ** JUST ADDED **

THURSDAY 23rd APRIL – NOTTINGHAM • RESCUE ROOMS ** JUST ADDED **

FRIDAY 24th APRIL  – BRISTOL – THEKLA ** JUST ADDED **
SATURDAY 25th APRIL – BRIGHTON – QUARTERS ** JUST ADDED **


Friday 1st May 2026 – Manchester – Albert Hall
w/ Support from DESPERATE JOURNALIST + THE YOUTH PLAY

Tickets for all shows on sale here:
https://www.ististmusic.com/pages/live
*****

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

MICHAEL MONROE

New Video/ Single

‘DISCONNECTED’

OUT NOW

New Album OUTERSTELLAR

OUT FEBRUARY 20

PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION 

Michael Monroe releases the irresistibly anthemic second single ‘Disconnected’ from forthcoming new studio album Outerstellar, set for release on February 20th via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.

‘Disconnected’ speaks of something that Michael Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.

“Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff” comments Michael Monroe. “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That‘s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that!”

The new album Outerstellar, is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. The harmonies and vibes roll effortlessly in silk scarves, lounging in leather pants with liquor and a smile on a beat-up sofa in those small AM hours. And the sheer attitude, which screams carefree (not careless!) confidence (not arrogance!), a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing real rock ‘n’ roll the right way.

The recently released first video and single, ‘Rockin’ Horse’, is a defiant blast against critics and judges and comes with one of the craziest Michael Monroe videos you’ve ever seen. “I am who I am and I’m not going to edit myself for your benefit,” Michael says unequivocally for anyone who might doubt that fact.

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

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

2025:

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

25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)

2026:

24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK)

25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)

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

28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK)

1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK)

3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK)

4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK)

6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK)

7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK)

8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK)

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

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

Follow Michael Monroe:

www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial 

www.x.com/michaelmonroe 

www.instagram.com/michaelmonroeofficial

www.michaelmonroe.com/web/

www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelmonroe 

Avalanche – Down For The Count

Avalanche – Down For The Count

The Next Big Noise from Down Under!

Avalanche release new single“Down for the Count” and announce album Armed To The Teeth to be released February 13th, 2026 via MGM

Pre-order album HERE

AVALANCHE, Australia’s own Rock N’ Roll Hard Rock Powerhouse drop knockout new single “Down for the Count“ set to shake up the Rock World!

Prepare to be blown away by ‘Down For The Count’, the new single from Australia’s hottest Hard Rock band AVALANCHE that will hit ya like a haymaker! Fresh off announcing they’ll be supporting Aussie rock royalty AIRBOURNE on tour across Europe and the UK and leading into their debut album Armed to the Teeth to be released on February, 13th 2026 – Avalanche bring you a song for the fighters!

This track delivers an unrelenting blast of pure rock fury, showcasing Aussie rock at its finest.  It’s the ultimate fighter’s anthem about getting back up when life hits hard and fighting ‘til the last bell! With perhaps their catchiest riff to date, this track features a knockout, ear-worm guitar riff, vocals strong enough to strip paint off the walls and the ultimate sing along chorus to chant along too in the pub or the stadium alike!

With a music video shot both in a boxing ring; and on tour in Japan, this song will have you up, dancing and going out swinging!

Since their emergence from a steel factory in 2018, Australia’s husband & wife led, hard rock powerhouse AVALANCHE (Veronica & Steven Campbell, Blake Poulton, Bon Lowe) have taken the world by storm. Headlining tours and festivals across Australia, Japan, Taiwan & New Caledonia, and sharing stages with rock titans like Nashville Pussy, Buckcherry, Fozzy, Rose Tattoo, Jesse Hughes (Eagles Of Death Metal) & more, along with winning Australia’s largest live original band competition; Passport To Airlie – Avalanche has solidified their reputation for explosive performances and raw, unfiltered Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Their relentless drive has earned them international acclaim, with 2026 set to be their biggest year yet. They will release their debut album Armed to the Teeth on Feb 13, touring it across Europe & The UK supporting Australian rock legends Airbourne, followed by Rock The Boat where they will play alongside Rock royalty Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Phil X (Bon Jovi), James Lomenzo (Megadeth) & more.

Produced by Grammy-nominated, ARIA award-winning producer Steve James, Avalanche’s sonic assault has resonated globally, earning airplay on influential stations like Triple M, Kerrang!, Planet Rock, and publications such as Classic Rock, Rolling Stone and more.

Their signature sound and hectic touring schedule continue to win new fans worldwide. Get ready to be swept away by the sheer power of Avalanche.

From frontman Steven Campbell on the album: 

“‘Armed To The Teeth’ has been over 2 years in the making, it is quite literally our blood, sweat and beers! And now to be touring it around Europe & UK with our biggest childhood heroes Airbourne is an absolute dream come true! 

The album name was actually inspired by (Airbourne’s) Joel O’Keffee; after sending him the masters, he very excitedly called us saying the track ‘Armed To The Teeth’ was one of the best new rock songs he’s ever heard, even comparing it to AC/DC’s ‘Let There Be Rock’ and that it would be a killer album name! For a riff that Veronica wrote when she was 16 and listening to Airbourne, it was the ultimate praise and utterly unreal, so we just had to go with it!

We can’t wait to get this out there, rock with ya’s around the world and get ya’s all armed to the teeth with us!”

AVALANCHE LIVE:


2025:

NOV 22 Australia, Sydney, The Loft

Avalanche supporting Airbourne on the Gutsy European Tour 2026:

FEB 14 Germany, Hamburg, Georg Elser Halle

FEB 16 Netherlands, Utrecht, Tivoli Vrendenburg


FEB 17 Luxembourg, Luxexpo

FEB 20 Germany, Cologne, Palladium

FEB 21 France, Paris, Zenith

FEB 24 UK, Birmingham, O2 Academy

FEB 25 UK, Manchester, Academy

FEB 28 UK, London, Roundhouse

MAR 2 UK, Norwich, UEA

MAR 3 UK, Southampton, Guildhall

OCT 25 – NOV 1 Australia & New Caledonia, ROCK THE BOAT Cruise 

W/ Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Phil X (Bon Jovi), James Lomenzo of (Megadeth) & more

TICKETS: HERE

Gary Moore – BMG Reissues

Gary Moore – BMG Reissues

BMG Announces Reissues of Four Classic Gary Moore albums on vinyl and CD 

Order Here

BMG and Gary Moore will reissue four beloved titles from the legendary guitarist’s catalogue Ian 2026: the studio albums Old New Ballads Blues (2006), Close As You Get (2007), and Bad For You Baby (2008), along with the live album Live at Bush Hall (2014, recorded in 2007). 

All titles will be available on CD from 27th February, with each release also presented on double vinyl, arriving 24th April.

Old New Ballads Blues, Gary Moore’s 15th solo album, continued his exploration of the blues with a mix of classic blues tracks—written by legends such as Otis Rush and Willie Dixon—and his own original compositions. The album also features Don Airey on keyboards.

One year later, Close As You Get was released, reuniting Moore with his former Thin Lizzy bandmate, drummer Brian Downey, who performed on every track. Stripped down and raw, the album finds Moore delving as close to purist, traditional blues as he had ever ventured.

Released in 2008, Bad For You Baby is Moore’s seventeenth solo album and the final studio album released during his lifetime. It leans toward the hard-rock-infused blues style he had embraced in previous years and includes covers of two songs strongly associated with Muddy Waters. The album also features standout collaborations with Cassie Taylor and Otis Taylor. Gary Moore passed away on 6 February 2011.

Concluding this group of reissues is the live album Live at Bush Hall. Recorded in 2007 at an intimate, invitation-only show promoting Close As You Get, the 13-song set once again pairs Moore with drummer Brian Downey. Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word” is the only Lizzy track to make it into the setlist and the performance features rare live versions of several songs, including Chuck Berry’s “30 Days,” the self penned “Trouble at Home,” and Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Eyesight to the Blind.”

Gary Moore rocked the worlds of blues and rock with his virtuoso guitar playing and soulful voice. Best known for his evocative solo hits Parisienne Walkways and Still Got the Blues, as well as his on-and-off membership in Thin Lizzy, Moore’s solo career comprises more than twenty albums. Throughout the 1980s, he rose through the rock hierarchy, but ultimately turned his back on what he regarded as the empty flash of metal and returned to his true passion—the blues—where, ironically, he achieved his greatest commercial success with his blues albums of the 1990s and 2000s.

Alongside leading his own bands throughout a successful solo career, Gary Moore played with some of the greatest names in rock and blues, both live and on record, including George Harrison, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Greg Lake, B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, and many others. Widely regarded as one of the most influential Irish musicians of all time, Moore was honoured by both Gibson and Fender with signature guitars. The Northern Irish star remains celebrated as one of the finest guitarists in music history.

To pre-order the albums released on CD on 27th February, and on vinyl on 24th April go to: https://gary-moore.lnk.to/releases

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

What can you say about one of the most legendary voices of Rock that hasn’t been said before – not much, but I will say that Graham Bonnet and his band, the imaginatively monickered Graham Bonnet Band, are soon to be releasing a new live album that celebrates and commemorates Graham’s voice as one of the most recognisable in rock. Up there with Ronnie James Dio and only a few others. This album is a touching, yet relevant showcase of what the 77-year-old singer can do.

Recorded back in August 2024, at the famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, the Graham Bonnet Band rocked and rolled, and it has all been captured here on this the Lost In Hollywood Again album.

Opening with ‘Eyes of the World’, then straight into ‘All Night Long’ – you know that this band mean business and for the 16 song setlist – prove that class doesn’t age and only gets better with time.

‘Love’s No Friend’, ‘Making Love’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ are up next, while many would keep the hits until last – Graham and band acerbate a confidence that is rarely seen these days.

Now would be a great time to introduce the band that is captured live here – Obviously, you know Graham Bonnet on the vocals, but the band, who are made up of Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Alessandro Bertoni on the Keyboards and Francis Cassol on drums. This band have clearly reinvigorated Graham, and the audience must have been in their oils as the music washed over them.

However, up next – poses the age-old question of the live album and should guitar/keyboard/drums solos should be included. I’m of the opinion that they should, as it gives the listener the time for a toilet break, just like they do in the live setting. Wasting no time, the band kick straight into ‘Lazy’ and then ‘Imposter’. Which again only highlights how good a voice Graham still possesses.

The closing gambit of this live album is another lesson in Rock N Roll greatness. How can anyone argue that the following cluster of songs is nothing short of brilliance – ‘Night Games’, ‘Into The Night’, Assault Attack’, Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live’ and ‘Lost In Hollywood’.

While albums like this will undoubtedly gain the artist some new fans, it is clearly a love letter to the OG fans and a record that deserves to be heard and played loud.

Buy Here

Author: Dave Prince