As part of their Amazing Disgrace World Tour, The Quireboys have announced an extensive tour of the United States, including stops in California, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Houston, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Cleveland, New York and many more.
February sees the band, who have scored gold and platinum discs as part of their illustrious 35-year career, head to California to play the legendary Whisky A Go Go club in Hollywood,The Boardwalk in Orangevale and The House of Blues in Anaheim before embarking on a 14+ date run in March taking in a further 13 states across the country.
The lads were last in the States for their Black Eyed Sons Tour in 2013. Guitarist Guy Griffin said of the latest tour “We can’t wait to get back over to Hollywood, the spiritual home of sleaze, it’s been too long. And to play Las Vegas will be a thrill – we will just have to keep Spike off the slot machines…”.
The Quireboys recently sold out their 35th Anniversary concert at London’s prestigious O2 Forum in Kentish Town – a show which is being released via digital download shortly, and then as part of a full 90-minute documentary for worldwide release via Amazon.
The band will bring their unique blend of blues and British rock’n’roll during February and March 2020, with more dates looking to be added shortly.
As someone who has followed Def Leppard’s career for nigh on four decades, I’ve always kind of thought of Joe Elliott’s Down N Outz as something he did between tours just to keep himself busy. Formed as a celebration of the music Elliott grew up listening to, I’ve only casually listened to their previous two studio albums and live album simply because I’m at a loss regarding how you could ever better those old Mott songs?
The band’s new album ‘This Is How We Roll’ is an altogether different proposition for me though as it features just one cover (of the Tubes’ ‘White Punks On Dope’) and here we finally get to hear what the Down N Outz (also featuring The Quireboys’ Paul Guerin and Guy Griffin on guitar, Keith Weir on keyboards, with Vixen’s Share Ross on bass, and Wayward Sons’ Phil Martini on drums) actually sound like doing their own thang.
Opener ‘Another Man’s War’ actually takes me right back to the days when I first heard ‘Wasted’, it might only sound like Joe’s day job band in vocals alone but its got that same organic vibe that those early Leppard songs had in spades, and whilst this is probably the most Mott sounding track on ‘This Is How We Roll’ rest assured it is anything but a pastiche. Likewise, the album’s title track has an almost ‘High N Dry’ feel to it, and it is a pleasure to hear Elliott singing without multi-layered backing vocals. In fact, he’s probably never sounded more relaxed and in control of his voice.
The emotionally-charged piano-driven ‘Goodbye Mr. Jones’ is the type of tune guaranteed to give you goosebumps but for me, it is the much more subtle lyrical references during the jaunty pop of ‘Creatures’ that truly ticks all the boxes in the Bowie (yup that Mr. Jones) tribute department. This is easily my favourite track on ‘This Is How We Roll’ simply because it sounds like the band is having a wail of a time just doing what the hell they want to do.
With Elliott and Ronan McHugh behind the desk the production values on ‘This Is How We Roll’ are awesomely 70s-tastic – lush where they need to be, like on the almost Carpenters meets Cats In Space pomp of ‘Last Man Standing’ or truly bonkers like on the Beatles-y musical interludes of ‘Music Box’ and album closer ‘The Destruction Of Hideous Objects, Pt 3’.
‘Boys Don’t Cry’ meanwhile is a four to the floor rocker that puts me very much in mind of those ‘Hysteria’ era b sides where the band had the Lange production shackles loosened slightly and sounded like they were actually enjoying themselves. Look, I’m not being critical of that multi-platinum selling 80s version of Def Leppard it’s just that ‘This Is How We Roll’ took five years to record because of the respective members day job commitments – not because everything had to be multi tracked to the point of the song sounding almost secondary to the production. Just listen to the gospel tinged ‘Walking to Babylon’ or the dramatic ‘Let It Shine’ for examples of this in reverse, both are mid-tempo piano driven tunes that really do shine and could have very easily fitted into a Radio Caroline playlist back in the day.
The album’s only cover, ‘White Punks On Dope’ is also done very much in the Down N Outz style, and that in itself is what doing a cover should always be all about. Making it your own, so to speak.
I’ve had nothing but ‘This Is How We Roll’ on my stereo since it dropped a few days ago and my only slight criticism is that at twelve tracks in length (three of them being interludes and one a cover) I really could have done with hearing more of how the Down N Outz themselves really do roll. That’s because when these now not so young dudes and dudette get the bit firmly between their teeth on the eight original songs contained here it really is like the Golden Age of Rock N Roll all over again.
After 35 years of Pure Rock n Roll, The Quireboys are now ready for a new challenge. We bounced a lot of ideas about, but unanimously came up with something rather special that will allow fans to experience and immerse in a totally new side of The Quireboys, with a full Orchestra behind them. This special project aptly named, Orchestral Quireboys will be created, rehearsed and staged as a double header, ONLY @ the 02 Forum Kentish Town UK on the 4th & 5th September 2020. This is not a cheap project but something the band feels will create something live on stage that has never been witnessed before.
The whole set will be recorded Live for an exclusive Limited Edition Double Vinyl & Double CD pack that can only be bought here. We had a bad experience with Pledge recently, hence why, when we heard our label was creating a new Fan Funded platform called Hell Raiser, we knew we could possibly pull this off with our loyal fans support. This album will not be available anywhere else apart from this Hell Raiser Platform, A timeless piece from a magical adventure
All Royalty & VIP tickets for both Live nights @ the Forum next September, Signed Black & Coloured Double Vinyl Packs, Signed CD packs plus a few other specials can only be bought from our new fan funding platform Hell Raiser giving our Label and management team, full control of this whole campaign.
Its something we know we can pull off, it will take an incredibly long time, not to mention patience, perfecting the arrangements, rehearsing the songs, however in every way possible it will be totally worth it, whats more all Fans who help us reach our Raise can also get the only copies in the World of the show on Vinyl or CD.
This means a lot to all of us and we really want to make it a show like no other. If you feel you can help us make it a reality, please feel free to get involved
God Bless
Spike, Guy, Paul & Keith
For standard tickets to both shows you can visit hrh.live
This really is a huge one for the HRH family – the very best in sleaze rock all under one roof for a weekend of bands and booze over the 29th and 30th of August 2020
HRH Sleaze Cycle IV has gone into overdrive – we are bringing you one of the most exciting lineups ever, with bands from around the globe descending on The O2 Academy in Sheffield! Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis return to HRH Sleaze with the classic lineup of L.A. Guns – every time this iconic L.A. band hit the HRH stage we are treated to a masterclass in sleazy hard rock and Sleaze IV will be no different. Take a listen to their latest live album “Electric Gypsy Live” and you’ll soon hear why this legendary band are back to the very top of their game. https://youtu.be/hdpRskEqsgo
A firm favourite of the HRH family, former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroeimpressed everyone present at HRH AOR V with an incendiary performance that will be long remembered. The latest single by Finland’s finest – “One Man Gang” – is testament to his seemingly un-faltering talent.
The HRH Family surely need no introduction to The Quireboys – suffice to say that their latest album, the critically acclaimed Amazing Disgrace, is making waves in the music world. Spike, Guy and the gang are as busy – if not busier than they have ever been, with the quality of their recorded and live work still as vibrant and strong as it was back in 1990 when they took the world by storm with “A Bit of What You Fancy”.
Another welcome return to the HRH fold is the legendary Jizzy Pearl – one of the most recognisable voices in rock, he brings his Love/Hate to the O2 Academy Sheffield to treat us to classics from timeless albums such as Blackout in the Red Room and Wasted in America.
True veterans of the sleaze rock scene, Californians Jetboy were formed in 1983, and are in their second active spell having re-formed in 2006. Their latest album – 2019’s Born to Fly – is a staple on Hard Rock Hell Radio and is the band’s first full album of brand new music since 1990.
Hollywood leather boyz Pretty Boy Floyd have been playing with their electric toyz since 1987 with just a 5-year break in the ‘90’s – and a minor spat in the 2000s. Although they have only released 3 studio albums (the latest being 2017’s “Public Enemies”) the band are still very much active on the sleaze circuit playing iconic venues such as The Whisky and Rainbow Bar in Hollywood – the capital of sleaze.
Set to deliver a huge kick in the balls for HRH Sleaze IV next year will be Americans Kickin’ Valentina. With ex-Jetboy singer D.K. Revelle now on board the band are going from strength to strength as one of the leading lights of the new wave of sleaze rock.
The quality of bands at HRH Sleaze IV is beyond compare – in addition to L.A. Guns, Michael Monroe, Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate, The Quireboys, Jetboy, Pretty Boy Floyd and Kickin’ Valentina we are stoked to announce a further 15 incredible bands:
Sweden’s Confess are making their HRH debut and we can’t wait – also hailing from Sweden are Pretty Wild as they continue their goal of taking over the world with their “in your face” live set, having just released their latest album “Interstate 13” this year.
Now based in L.A., Bullets and Octane have toured with the very best from Avenged Sevenfold to Stone Sour, releasing 6 albums in almost 20 years.
One of the most active bands on the UK sleaze rock circuit are Midnite City. Formed by Tigertailz frontman Rob Wylde, the band are filling rock clubs around the country on a regular basis, and have just announced a tour of Japan.
Also joining us for HRH Sleaze IV are 3-piece The Spangles, featuring members of The Main Grains and The Idol Dead – they list cider as the band’s main interest, so that could get messy. Self-proclaimed bastards of rock’n’roll, RanKelson are back after a 32-year break – and ready to carry on where they left off. Circus Junkie Rebels make the short hop from Stoke, and Bare Knuckle Messiahs – led by former Tigertailz frontman Kim Hooker – make the trek from Wales.
Playing on their home turf at HRH Sleaze IV are Sheffield based Silverjet, while Londoners Paradise Alley have been active in one form or another since 1992. Finland are represented by veterans Plastic Tears, formed in 1992 and making a rare UK appearance while Nottingham’s Todd Michaels and the Screamin’ Heartstake a short ride up the M1 to join us in Sheffield.
Last but not least, we welcome Southampton’s The Smokin Prophets, The Suicide Notes who describe themselves as the “illegitimate sons of punk and sleaze”, and hard rockers Liberty Slaves from nearby Huddersfield.
Rock’n’roll legends The Quireboys have released a brand-new video for their new single “Original Black Eyed Son” – which is the lead track taken from their latest album, the critically acclaimed “Amazing Disgrace”.
2018 is quickly running out of weeks and before we know it we’ll be crashing into 2019 and another year of new records and great bands to see. Before everything blurs into one we have to reflect on what happened last week never mind last year so the final week of November saw RPM review some amazingly talented artists like the brand new up and coming force of nature that is Nikki Hill and her album ‘Feline Roots’.
As well as the new talent we also welcomed back the return of US Bombs with their long player ‘Road Case’
There was also musical collaborations that we found really appealing like The wicked EP by The Dahlmanns that we would highly recommend you check out and seeing as its Christmas why not give yourself a little treat.
Whilst on the live front RPM were present for the umpteenth show from the amazing UK Subs who are forever on tour as are The Quireboys but it was the line up of Helldorado that really caught our imagination as Europe seems to have really hit paydirt as far as the amazing line up goes. With top turn after top turn hit the stages and RPM was there to regale the magic for our readers.
Interviews we had them as well as Leigh spoke To Mike Christie about Guitars, Amps and general Guitar related Tech and we also caught up with Sal from Electric Frankenstein to hear all about his compilations and a general EF chat. On the feature front, Ben continued his adventure across the West coast of America and managed to catch a few live shows whilst he was talking in what Frisco, Vegas and LA had to offer.
Anyway enough looking back how about looking forward and this coming week on RPM we’ve got plenty of live action coming your way from some of our favourite bands still making music as well as some tasty new albums as well as a bunch of reissued classics you might have missed out on first time but now is your chance to pick em up. So we welcome December with a cheeky snap from He Who Cannot Be Named for you and as always Stay Sick and keep it RPM. Til next week that is.
Its been a while and a troubled beginning for nicotine Pretty but finally, they seem settled and have a brand new EP released and a decent support slot with the Quireboys in Cardiff. With a short space of time in which to impress the rather packed room the band get down to business and start kicking out the jams and it’s not long before the audience responded favorably to these south Wales hooligan rockers with their junked up take on punk rock n roll. They hit the audience with the tunes from their EP and a cover of The Stones. They sounded tight and had a decent mix which is always a help for a band warming up any audience. They have to be happy with how their songs went down tonight with a mainly middle-aged rock audience who to be fair looked like they loved it even Ginge knocking out his best Johnny Thunders solo during ‘Dead Flowers’ was well received and by the time they hit ‘Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?’ they could have gone on.
The Quireboys. I’ve lost count as to how many times I’ve had the pleasure over the years going right back to their appearance in Swansea as the Queerboys I’ve seen them support Guns N Roses, Malmsteen, Aerosmith. I’ve seen them take on the old school Reading Festival and win Donnington and smash it as well as dozens of times in venues big and small including the Dominion Theatre the Town and Country club and the last time they played the Globe there could only have been 40 people there which was a shock but tonight it must be fairly close to capacity which always baffles me how that happens but to be fair they always put in the miles and clearly aren’t afraid of hard work and with Spike, Guy, Keith and Paul being mainstays for quite some time they work well together and when they’re in the groove they are still a match for anyone on any stage.
spike declares them to play Rock and Roll and when they do they can be awesome and tonight early doors we get the classics ‘Misled’ and ‘There She Goes Again’ which take me right back to when going to a show was exciting and hearing a band rocking out was an absolute pleasure tonight was no difference but and not wanting to be critical I could do without the Blues numbers from ‘White Trash Blues’ whilst they were clearly going down well it’s just not my cup of tea at all and thankfully its ‘Mona Lisa Smiles’ that brings me back on track and ‘This Is Rock And Roll’ has the band purring once again as thankfully the blues workouts are put to bed.
‘One For The Road’ was dedicated to fallen bandmates Paul Hornby and Michael Lee which was a nice touch and from there on in it was The best of the Quireboys sounding as fresh as the carnation on Spikes Lapel. ‘Hey, You’, Sweet Mary Ann’ 7 O’Clock’ followed by a fantastic rendition of ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore’ and then to bring the curtain down on a fine evening with a fantastic live band we were all invited to a ‘Sex Party’.
Another night spent in the company of a mighty fine band who continue to make records and stay relevant because Rock and Roll is timeless and like Spike says this is Rock and Roll and I certainly wouldn’t disagree with that.
So when is it a good time to look back on a recording catalogue thas rich with quality yet seemingly something of an unknown quality to the general music buying population? Right here right now I guess. Dave Kusworth is something of an enigma in the music world he still writing and recording and making music but modern technology and social media tools have somewhat bypassed the guy and he will happily carry on in his own inimitable way creating music for his dedicated fanbase to feast upon and he’s teamed up with the good people at Easy Action Records to put together an amazing double album that spans his career and showcases just what a talent he has.
this record begins with the band he formed with the sadly passed Nikki Sudden who wrote this song whilst on acid and it was Kusworth that stole the music from the barracudas and changed the title which kinda makes it as good a place to start as any as the guitars jangle along to the uptempo beat. Next its ‘Shame For The Angels’ from the EP of the same name that I love. Great lyrics an interesting story about what happened to the tapes of this allegedly. Rock and Roll pirates and vagabonds to the end.
The Bounty Hunters are up next and with Glen, David and Alan Kusworth rocked things up to a “Happy” pitch and songs like ‘Threads’ led the way in boozy rock and roll and could or possibly should have seen these guys become as popular as The Quireboys and The Dogs D’Amour. Over the next side and some The Bounty hunters rock and roll like their lives depended upon it ending up with ‘Riches To Rags’ which sort of seems quite fitting.
The second record in this collection sees a solo recording of ‘Next Tuesday’ that is taken from the fantastic ‘All The Heartbreak Stories’ and is a beautiful melancholic wander through the mind of Kusworth.
His tenure with the Tenderhooks are up next and the loose version of ‘All I’ve Got Left’ is fantastic and whilst I tend to lose the thread(no pun intended) as to what he was calling the band at the time and what album this one or that one is off because as long as the title contains the words Dave Kusworth – I’m in. bounty Hunters or Dave Kusworth Band who knows or to be honest who really cares ‘Paint And Sugar’ is a pretty simple song and it mixes up perfectly the whole Keith and Johnny vibe with his more Waterboys tinged side. To be fair to Kusworth having his output condensed down into twenty songs seems a bit of a headache for whoever contrived this and not a project I’d have liked bestowed upon me. Sudden had a boxed set and I’m thinking this could easily have been the case because for every reason there is for including the rocking and excellent freak out of ‘Someone Else’s Shoes’ there must be another ten tracks you could have snook in but for consistency and variety this collection could always be considered a starting point eh?
The World Of Dave Kusworth can often be a magical and terrifying adventure and judging by the soundtrack on offer from Easy Action one that should be grasped at with both hands but the best thing is this being Vol 1 & 2 suggests there is more to come so watch this space. Fantastic talent – fantastic legacy – Buy it!
Recent Comments