ELECTRIC FOOD – a look at pre-Lucifer’s Friend heavy rock LPs

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In the late 60s to early 70s a handful of German musicians were responsible for a number of obscure albums released under the Europa label. Many of these albums consisted largely of cover versions, with band recording them within a day or 2 , as hired by the producer. The musicians that wound up on so many of these Europa budget releases (many would wind up in grocery stores or gas stations at a discounted price) were the same guys that would make up the (now) legendary Lucifer’s Friend, minus singer John Lawton. One such project were 2 albums released under the name ELECTRIC FOOD, which, besides Peter Hesslein, Peter Hecht, Joachim Rietenbach, and Dieter Horns, along with Greek singer George Mavros (aka Monro. see ASTERIX). Electric Food was released in 1970 and Flash in ’71.

Many of the songs on these 2 albums would be co-written by Hesslein & Mavros, probably in the studio, within days. But there are some notable covers on each.Electric Food features what may possibly be the first Led Zeppelin cover, as the album’s lead off track was “Whole Lotta Love“. It also featured an excellent take of “House Of The Rising Sun“, as well as a cover of Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together” (which would be a hit for Canned Heat soon after). The second LP, Flash featured 2 covers – “All Right Now” (Free) and “Love Like A Man” (Ten Years After).

Though made not long before the Asterix and first Lucifer’s Friend albums, Electric Food also leaned towards a heavier blues based and psychedelic rock sound, mixing heavy guitar and Hammond organ, not nearly as ‘proto metal’ as the first Lucifer’s Friend. These are good listening albums for LF fans, but don’t have that impact that the debut LF had.

Electric Food also had 2 further songs included on the Europa compilation Born On The Road: Easy Rider. This 1971 LP release featured 5 Electric Food tracks, notably covers of “Born To Be Wild” and “Up Around The Bend” (CCR); neither of which were on the EF albums. The cassette version of Born On The Road included 9 EF tracks. Another Europa compilation titled My Sweet Lord, would feature 4 Electric Food tracks, though none of these were non-LP recordings.

The band, minus George Mavros (Monro) would go on to record many other projects, as well as many Lucifer’s Friend albums. Mavros would go on to record solo singles under the ‘Monro’ and Mavros name throughout the 70s. He still performs to this day. with his band ‘New Comix’. Peter Hesslein is preparing a fourth solo album, The Last Journey, for possible release in the spring.

Both Electric Food albums were reissued on as a 2 on 1 CD on 2004, as well as vinyl reissues in 2018 (Long Hair Records), which included inserts with historical liner notes.

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/Lucifersfriendph

https://www.facebook.com/ElectricFood

https://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=67530

RAINBOW – The Temple Of The King, 1975-1976

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9CD BOXSET FEATURING THE CLASSIC ALBUMS RITCHIE BLACKMORE’S RAINBOW, RISING, THREE FULL LIVE SHOWS ALONG WITH UNRELEASED TRACKS & RARE RECORDINGS

RAINBOW – THE TEMPLE OF THE KING 1975 – 1976 is the most comprehensive collection of the opening phase of Rainbow’s career to date, and is the first in a series of anthology sets covering the career of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The 9-CD set, newly mastered by Andy Pearce & Matt Wortham, is housed in Deluxe 7” packaging featuring a 24-page booklet featuring memorabilia, photos and sleeve notes by music writer Rich Davenport.

The set spans the band’s first two years and includes their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow; their breakthrough record, Rising and the extended German concerts that were compiled as part of the double live album On Stage.

The final two discs comprise rare recordings, many of which are featured on CD for the first time, including band rehearsals, single edits, and rough mixes.

Rainbow was initially formed as a Ritchie Blackmore solo project in the early months of 1975, after a Deep Purple tour of the previous year. On that tour, they were supported by the American band Elf. The singer of Elf, Ronnie James Dio, left an impression on the already legendary guitarist Blackmore. Blackmore asked him to sing on a cover of the song Black Sheep Of The Family. The sessions went so well that a full album began to take shape, with Blackmore and Dio collaborating on original songs. Blackmore had such foresight in this project, he solely financially funded the work and thus began the mystical musical world of Rainbow.  The resulting record, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, was recorded between February and March 1975 at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. With Blackmore’s composing prowess and Dio’s mystical lyrics, the band was set to take fans to a new level.

The album’s unusual stylistic blend of hard rock and classical music was partly inspired by Blackmore taking up the cello to help him break free of the confines of conventional guitar chord progressions. Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow was a top 15 hit in the UK and top 30 in the US, and was such a positive experience that in the Summer of 1975, that Blackmore left Deep Purple to commit himself fully to Rainbow.

Recruiting bassist Jimmy Bain, keyboard player Tony Carey and ex-Jeff Beck Group drummer Cozy Powell, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow undertook their first tour. By 1976, the band’s name had been shortened to Rainbow, and a second album, Rising, was recorded in February of that year once again at Musicland. Rising, with its iconic sleeve of a fist holding a rainbow in a mystical scene, only features six tracks, including two epic compositions on side two, one of which, Stargazer, is widely regarded as a Rainbow classic and a landmark in hard rock. The original musical stylings are often touted as the 1st neo-classical metal band. It was the perfect melding of Ritchie’s guitar wizardry and Ronnie’s soaring powerful vocals.

Taking the album on the road in 1976, the band added Deep Purple’s Mistreated to their setlist, and song lengths were stretched to include improvisational sections. The band recorded shows in Germany and Japan, which were edited and compiled as the live album On Stage, released in the summer of 1977. Three of the German shows from Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Nürnberg are being released together for the first time outside of Japan on The Temple Of The King 1975 – 1976.

By the end of 1976, Rainbow had established itself as one of the cornerstones of British rock, and, under the leadership of the never-predictable but ever-astonishing guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, would become synonymous with some of the most loved and popular Rock songs of the seventies and eighties. To be continued….

TRACKLISTING

CD ONE: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Man On The Silver Mountain
Self Portrait
Black Sheep Of The Family
Catch The Rainbow
Snake Charmer
The Temple Of The King
If You Don’t Like Rock ‘n’ Roll
Sixteenth Century Greensleeves
Still I’m Sad

CD TWO: Rising
Tarot Woman
Run With The Wolf
Starstruck
Do You Close Your Eyes
Stargazer
A Light In The Black

CD THREE: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Live In Köln 1976 – Kölner Sport Halle 25.9.1976 – Part 1
Kill The King
Mistreated
Sixteenth Century Greensleeves
Catch The Rainbow
Man On The Silver Mountain

CD FOUR: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Live In Köln 1976 – Kölner Sport Halle 25.9.1976 – Part 2
Stargazer
Still I’m Sad
Do You Close Your Eyes

CD FIVE: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Live in Düsseldorf 1976 – Düsseldorf Philips Halle 27.9.1976 – Part 1
Kill The King
Mistreated
Sixteenth Century Greensleeves
Catch The Rainbow

CD SIX: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Live in Düsseldorf 1976 – Düsseldorf Philips Halle 27.9.1976 – Part 2
Man On The Silver Mountain
Stargazer
Still I’m Sad

CD SEVEN: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Live in Nurnberg 1976 – Nurnberg Messezentrum Halle 28.9.1976 – Part 1
Kill The King
Mistreated
Sixteenth Century Greensleeves
Catch The Rainbow
Man On The Silver Mountain

CD EIGHT: Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
Live in Nurnberg 1976 – Nurnberg Messezentrum Halle 28.9.1976 – Part 2 + Rarities
Stargazer – Live in Nurnberg 1976
Still I’m Sad – Live in Nurnberg 1976
Do You Close Your Eyes – Live in Nurnberg 1976
Getaway (Kill The King) – Studio Rehearsals for 1976 World Tour*
Mistreated – Studio Rehearsals for 1976 World Tour*
Sixteenth Century Greensleeves – Studio Rehearsals for 1976 World Tour*
Catch The Rainbow – Studio Rehearsals for 1976 World Tour*

CD NINE: Rarities  
The Temple Of The King – Bolivian Mono Mix
Man On The Silver Mountain – Mono Edit
Man On The Silver Mountain – Stereo Edit
Tarot Woman – Rough Mix
Run With The Wolf – Rough Mix
Starstruck – Rough Mix
Do You Close Your Eyes – Rough Mix
Stargazer – Rough Mix
A Light In The Black – Rough Mix
Stargazer – Pirate Sound Tour Rehearsal
Starstruck – Mono Edit
Starstruck – Stereo Edit

*Previously unreleased.

RAINBOW – THE TEMPLE OF THE KING 1975 – 1976 is the most comprehensive collection of the opening phase of Rainbow’s career to date, and is the first in a series of anthology sets covering the career of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The 9-CD set, newly mastered by Andy Pearce & Matt Wortham, is housed in Deluxe 7” packaging featuring a 24-page booklet featuring memorabilia, photos and sleeve notes by music writer Rich Davenport.

9CD BOXSET RELEASING MARCH 6th 2026
ON EDSEL RECORDS
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW
https://rainbowband.lnk.to/templeoftheking

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 
www.ritchieblackmore.com
RITCHIE BLACKMORE INSTAGRAM
RITCHIE BLACKMORE FACEBOOK
RITCHIE BLACKMORE YOUTUBE
RITCHIE BLACKMORE X
RAINBOW FACEBOOK
 RAINBOW INSTAGRAM

DENNY SOMACH – ‘Get the Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became the Biggest Band in the World’

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Denny Somach has released Get The Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became The Biggest Band In The World‘. I have the 2014 title of this book, which featured artwork by album cover artist Ioannis, who passed away earlier this year. This 2025 edition features a new cover, a forward by legendary drummer Carmine Appice. According to Somach – “This is a new book with over 200 new pages and photos, it does include 10 or so of the best interviews from the original, but being treated as a new book”. See the press info below, and link at the bottom.

In-depth, lushly illustrated coffee-table book. The book starts with a unique day-by-day timeline that reveals quirky insider details, achievements, and exploits. Thirty-plus rare, candid interviews follow, featuring all Zeppelin members and other musicians and industry insiders, including Jason Bonham (drummer and son of legendary Zeppelin drummer John Bonham), Chris Squire (Yes), Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Alice Cooper, Paul Rodgers, and music producers industry legends Eddie Kramer and Ron Nevison, Danny Goldberg (Swan Song Records, Vice President) and Craig Kallman, current Chairman of Atlantic. The book is illustrated throughout with photographs, reproductions of memorabilia from a major private Zeppelin collector, and specially commissioned artworks by noted album cover artist Ioannis. It also features a comprehensive timeline of the band and complete discography including solo projects from each member. Coverage of the reunion concert film in 2012 at the O2 in London, Celebration Day and the presidential Kennedy Center Honors appearance in 2012.

For the first time anywhere from the personal collection of Craig Kallman, a copy of every 45 picture sleeve from around the world. Zeppelin rarely allowed singles to be released, but different countries pressed up singles that were immediately recalled and/or destroyed.

For the first time an interview with Mark Andes, the only living member of Spirit who was involved along with the estate of Randy California in the Stairway to Heaven vs Taurus copyright trial. 

https://RocknRoll4grownups.com

JOHN CORABI – new single, new album coming

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📸: Jeff Fasano

Rock icon JOHN CORABI is proud to announce his debut full-length solo album ‘New Day,’ due out on April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, JOHN offers fans a first glimpse of the upcoming album with the release of it’s title track, alongside an official music video, available below.

A trip down memory lane with a nostalgic mood, the lead single “New Day” moves from intimate acoustic moments to richly layered rock arrangements. It’s a journey through the heart of rock, infused with soul and blues sensibilities and inspired by the melodic grandeur of early Boston and Queen.

On the title track, JOHN shares: “‘New Day’ is a positive, upbeat song with a message of enjoy life!!! Stop whining and complaining about how unfair life is, and enjoy the ‘little beautiful things, life offers’ and make the changes you need to make your life better!!! Change happens WITHIN…”

‘New Day’ marks JOHN CORABI’s first full-length solo album of original material. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

The record features the previously released singles “Così Bella (So Beautiful)” (2021) and “Your Own Worst Enemy” (2022), now presented as part of a rich collection of tracks that spotlight his commanding vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful songwriting. Throughout the album, CORABI is joined by Marti Frederiksen, who adds backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion; Evan Frederiksen on drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming; Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) on lead guitar; Paul Taylor (Winger, Steve Perry) contributing piano, organ, and clavinet, as well as Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) offering guitar solos. Together, they create an organic, instrument-driven sound built on real performances, melodic interplay, and soulful energy.
With a European tour planned for February/March 2026 and additional shows running through late spring and summer, CORABI is poised to bring this new music directly to fans, delivering both powerful live energy and genuine emotional resonance.

More than just a solo debut, ‘New Day’ serves as CORABI’s personal testament to rock’s enduring spirit—an exploration of melody, soul, and authenticity, played with passion and conviction at every turn.
JOHN shares: “I’m very excited for everybody to hear this new collection of songs! I wanted to put together an album of eclectic, organic songs that are reminiscent of the music I grew up listening to, and I truly believe the mission was accomplished! This is a 60’s-70’s sounding classic rock and roll record…Turn it up, and enjoy!!!”

*Pre-Order ‘New Day’ HERE.

‘New Day’  Track List:

1. New Day

2. That Memory

3. Faith, Hope And Love

4. When I Was Young

5. One More Shot

6. 1969

7. Laurel

8. Good To Be Back Here Again

9. Love That’ll Never Be

10. Cosi´ Bella

11. Your Own Worst Enemy

12. Everyday People

LINKS:

https://www.instagram.com/johncorabiofficial/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/JohnCorabiMusic/

ARMAGEDDON – Lone album from 1975 50th anniversary reissue

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These guys were a short lived band, labelled as a “supergroup” at the time. The album has been a highly sought after classic hard hard release. Though the band didn’t last long beyond it’s original release, Armageddon made an impact. Love the songs, sound, and cover. Check out the press release below, ordering info, and a few clips.

LONG LOST CULT CLASSIC BY ARMAGEDDON IS CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND IS BEING REISSUED THROUGH DEKO ENTERTAINMENT. REMASTERED AND REPACAKGED ON 180G “ATOMIC RED” VINYL WITH BUNDLES SIGNED BY ALL THREE SURVIVING MEMBERS

Armageddon was formed in 1974, and their self-titled debut, ‘Armageddon’, released in 1975, was recorded in England and released in the United States on A&M Records. The albums’ original liner notes use the term “supergroup”, as their personnel were drummer Bobby Caldwell (previously a member of Captain Beyond), singer Keith Relf (who had fronted the band the Yardbirds and was a co-founder of Renaissance), guitarist Martin Pugh (from Steamhammer), and bassist Louis Cennamo (also formerly of Renaissance and Steamhammer).

This classic has now been remastered and repackaged in a beautiful gatefold on 180G Atomic Red Vinyl with additional photos and credits to celebrate the 50th Anniversary.  There is a Limited (100 copies) signed bundle that comes with a 10×10 print signed by all three-surviving members (Bobby Caldwell, Louis Cennamo, Martin Pugh). As Caldwell states, “Hello!  It was a great pleasure to have written and worked on the Armageddon album with the late Keith Relf, Martin Pugh, and Louis Cenamo, some of the finest players in England!  We had a lot of fun, and we are delighted to see the album being re-issued by Deko Entertainment. We hope you enjoy it. Many thanks! Best Wishes.

Pugh continues, “I am thrilled that Deko is recognizing the 50th anniversary of Armageddon with this timely release of the vinyl. Keith, Louis and myself flew out from London following a dream, when we arrived in Hollywood, met and jammed with Bobby, the dream came true.” Cennamo concludes, “Armageddon, our supergroup that nearly was and now just might always be!”

*Armageddon is a limited pressing of 500 copies and continues in the tradition of Deko Entertainments mission to bring lost classics back to life and sometimes for the first time ever on vinyl. Recent releases have included Trapeze, Angel, Dokken, Warrant, Slaughter, Stevie Salas, and others.

*You can pre-order Armageddon here:  https://www.dekoentertainment.com/reissues/armageddon

Tracklist:
SIDE A
1. Buzzard
2. Silver Tightrope
3. Paths and Planes and Future Gains

SIDE B
4. Last Stand Before
5. Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun
a) Warning Coming On
b) Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun
c) Brother Ego
d) Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun (Reprise)

*For more info: www.dekoentertainment.com

HEAVY PETTIN’ – release ‘Rock Generation’

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HEAVY PETTIN’ released 3 albums of hard rock back in the ’80s. In recent years the band from Scotland has been brought back to life via singer Stephen Hayman, and in October released their first full length album since 1989. Rock Generation features a fun set of hard rockers and anthems, and I like the sound (big guitars and even those 80s backing gang vocals at times). Fave cuts include “X-Rated”, “Brother Sister”, and “This Life”. The band has been busy playing live to support this album, more recently as support for Uriah Heep, (and) with April Wine in Europe.

*Check out the press info below, as well as the videos and links at the bottom,

The Scottish rock warriors Heavy Pettin release the title track and video from the brand-new studio album Rock Generation, which is set for release on on October 24th via Silver Lining Music.  Pre-orders available now at this location.

Vocalist and founding member, Stephen “Hamie” Hayman comments: “Heavy Pettin are back!!!! Rock Generation is a celebration for all rock fans around the world… Made to ROCK ur Soul.”

Back in the ‘80s, Scottish rock ‘n’ roll warriors Heavy Pettin strode stages worldwide whilst their debut album, 1983’s Lettin Loose, threatened to break the rock world apart. They were seen as the natural ascendants to rock’s highest echelons, touring internationally alongside the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crüe as wild Glaswegian whippersnappers. Then life happened and Heavy Pettin went on a triple decade hiatus.

Listening to Heavy Pettin’s first new studio album since 1989 – Rock Generation – feels more like a 30 week’ hiatus augmented by a supreme confidence. Led by founding frontman Stephen “Hamie” Hayman, featuring Dave “Davo” Aitken and Richie “St. James” Dews on guitars and backing vocals, plus David “Boycee” Boyce on bass and Mick “The Wizard” Ivory on drums, Rock Generation is a sonically-superb, classic song-strong rock ‘n’ roll return to that glorious slipstream between Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy. The ten cuts bristle with full-frontal attitude and powerful melodies. Take the title track, with its hip swinging anthemic swagger, there’s “Oblivion” with guest vocals from Roni Lee which carries a true Celtic swing in its groove plus an addictive singalong chorus, while “X-Rated” fuses the attitude of Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street with the punch and panache of the Sunset Strip. 

Made in Glasgow at Morsecode Studios and produced with a timeless sheen by Ciarán O’Shea, make no mistake, Rock Generation is only interested in bringing you on a thrill-ride through the carefree sweat and leather landscape of cut-loose heavy rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a mission which will demand -and receive- your willing acquiescence.

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/HeavyPettin2023

https://www.instagram.com/heavy_pettin_official/

https://sl-music.net/en/releases/279-artists/heavy-pettin/releases-heavy-pettin/1145-rock-generation

APRIL WINE to tour North America, as special guest to reunited TRIUMPH

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This past year was a busy year for APRIL WINE, having toured the UK with Uriah Heep and Tyketto, then Canada with BTO and the Headpins, and then over to Europe to (again) join Uriah Heep and Heavy Pettin’. And 2026 looks like they’ll be on another bigger tour, supporting Triumph! Check out the press release, tour dates, and links below!

(From left to right. Roy Nichol, Richard Lanthier, Brian Greenway, Marc Parent
Photo Credit: Taylor Jones)

Fans of classic Canadian rock n’ roll must be overjoyed with not only the announcement of Triumph’s first North American tour in decades, but that they will have another one of the Great White North’s top rock bands supporting these spring dates: April Wine.  Running from April 22nd through June 6th, the tour will hit all the spots that both Triumph and April Wine amassed legions of fans over the years; Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, St. Louis, San Antonio, New York, etc.

*Tickets are now on sale for all the shows, and can be ordered via this link:  https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917CqB0/triumph-events 

Comprised of members Brian Greenway (guitar), Richard Lanthier (bass), Roy Nichol (drums), and Marc Parent (lead vocals, guitar), this will not be the first time April Wine and Triumph have shared the stage before. Longtime fans may recall a show at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas on February 18, 1977, which served as Triumph’s major American debut and a significant breakthrough for the band.  Also, in San Antonio during March 1978, as part of a run of five shows in Texas for promoter JAM Productions. One fan recalled the lineup for this show as April Wine, Crack the Sky, and headliner Triumph. Both bands have a strong history with the state, as San Antonio radio station KISS-FM was an early supporter of Canadian hard rock acts, helping both bands gain a significant U.S. following.   

April Wine has been a staple in the rock music scene for over five decades. Known for their powerful ballads and rock anthems, the band has seen several lineup changes but has always stayed true to their roots. April Wine has weathered the storms of the music industry with remarkable resilience and the band continues to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next show, ready to experience the magic that April Wine delivers.   

The journey began in 1969, marking the start of a legendary career in rock music. With hits like “Just Between You and Me”, “Sign of the Gypsy Queen”, “Roller”, “I Like To Rock”, “Say Hello”, “Oowatanite”, “Enough Is Enough”, “Rock N Roll Is A Vicious Game” and many more, April Wine has left an indelible mark on the music industry.  

Significant milestones include their induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2009, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2023. These accolades are a reflection of their hard work, talent, and the significant role they have played in shaping the rock genre. April Wine’s ability to consistently deliver powerful performances and connect with audiences has earned them a place among the greats in rock history.    

Today, the band continues to tour, keeping the spirit of rock alive for their dedicated fanbase. And in 2026, they will bring their melodic and anthemic brand of rock once more to North America!

TOUR DATES:

CANADA

April 22 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON | GFL Memorial Gardens
April 24 – Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena
April 25 – Hamilton, ON | TD Coliseum
April 28 – Halifax, NS | Scotiabank Centre
April 29 – Moncton, NB | Avenir Centre
May 1 – Laval, QC | Place Bell (Montreal)
May 2 – Ottawa, ON | Canadian Tire Centre
May 5 – Winnipeg, MB | Canada Life Centre
May 7 – Edmonton, AB | Rogers Place
May 8 – Calgary, AB | Scotiabank Saddledome

UNITED STATES

May 13 – Rosemont, IL | Rosemont Theatre (Chicago)
May 14 – Milwaukee, WI | Miller High Life Theatre
May 16 – Kansas City, MO | Starlight Theatre
May 17 – St. Louis, MO | Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
May 20 – Irving, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Dallas)
May 21 – San Antonio, TX | Frost Bank Center
May 22 – Houston, TX | Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
May 24 – Tampa, FL | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater
May 26 – Atlanta, GA | Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
May 28 – Camden, NJ | Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Philadelphia)
May 30 – Sterling Heights, MI | Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (Detroit)
June 3 – Darien Center, NY | Darien Lake Amphitheater
June 5 – Wantagh, NY | Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (New York)
June 6 – Boston, MA | Leader Bank Pavilion

LINKS:

www.aprilwine.ca

https://www.facebook.com/AprilWineOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/aprilwineband

TRIUMPH to tour North America for 50th Anniversary

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It’ll be 2026 soon, and what bands will fans of Canadian rock fan be looking to go see? RUSH….THE GUESS WHO…..APRIL WINE….TRIUMPH! Announced a couple of days ago, TRIUMPH has reunited, added a few players, and added APRIL WINE as the opening act for a 50th Anniversary tour of North America. The band last reunited in 2008, for 2 shows, and before that last toured with Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore in 1988. Triumph, with Phil X in place of Emmett, was resurrected in ’92 for one more album and tour. Phil X is also involved again for this tour.

For this tour Triumph is adding a few players to help out. To clear things up, the band posted a few days ago – “We want to clear up something that popped up during today’s tour announcement: this is NOT a tribute band tour. This is a Triumph tour. We’re putting in the work to bring our show and our songs back to you, the fans. And to help us deliver a truly world-class show, we’ll be joined on-stage by a few friends – Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz from Slash’s band, and Phil X on loan from the mighty Bon Jovi. Big things ahead. We can’t wait to share it with you. See you on the road!“ – Gil, Rik & Mike

(Brent Fitz and Todd Kerns are also part of Canadian band Toque).

More recently Triumph has been the subject of a Documentary (Rock & Roll Machine, 2021), as well as a Tribute album earlier this year and most recently were honored by the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame (see clip below).

LINKS:

I-Heart Radio interview with Gil Moore HERE.

The Band

ASIA – ‘Live in England’, release in new year

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Well, this comes out in the new year, and I am excited to hear this! Saw the band when they played in Niagara Falls last year, and thought they sounded great. *Check out my interview with Harry Whitley from the beginning of his time with the band. Here is the press release, new video, artwork, track-listing, etc….

Today, legendary English rock supergroup ASIA are thrilled to announce their upcoming live album, ‘Asia – Live In England,’ due out on March 13, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the announcement, the band unveils the live version of their hit song “Heat Of The Moment,” alongside an official live video, available to view below.

Geoff Downes comments: “’Heat Of The Moment’ has an interesting story behind it. It was actually the final track John and I wrote for the ASIA album, and it ended up being the opening track and lead-off single. We threw it together in one afternoon. I had the verse, John had the chorus, although this was a guitar picking country-style piece in 3/4 time. We straightened it all out and bingo, there it was!”

He continues, “A couple of days later we wrote the middle 8 section, rehearsed it in the studio and recorded it straight down with band. Ironically, it still remains our most famous track to this day. Without it, I doubt the album would have been as big as it was, so I am very grateful to have been a part of the creation of HOTM. It’s still a really fun track to play live, and I hope it will bring back memories, and give pleasure to the listeners and fans all over the world for many years to come.”

Harry Whitley adds: “Playing ‘Heat Of The Moment’ live is always such an incredible experience, it’s always electrifying and this recording was no different – it was such an exciting night and a thrill to revisit all of ASIA’s catalog over the three nights. We’re really looking forward to fans hearing this whole live album and the others to follow…”

“This song carries decades of history – every note, every moment – and we hope listeners feel the same passion we pour into it night after night,” Virgil Donati states.

John Mitchell also expresses his love for this track: “’Heat Of The Moment’ is a very dear song close to my heart. Having performed it a vast number of times over the years both previously with the John Wetton solo band and with John and Geoff in Icon, from the quiet introspective acoustic version at The Borderline to the full band amped up version in front of 12000 strong in St Petersburg, it is both an uplifting anthem and a quiet tonic for the soul which never fails to bring warmth to the many.”

ASIA are back and roaring in their new, exhilarating line-up! Recorded live on the first of three unforgettable nights at Trading Boundaries in Sussex in April 2025, this release captures the band performing their iconic 1982 debut album ‘ASIA’ in full, along with a selection of their greatest hits.
Featuring Geoff Downes (keys), Virgil Donati (drums – ex-Planet X), John Mitchell (guitars – Arena, It Bites etc.) and the astonishing Harry Whitley (on bass and vocals), this fresh incarnation of ASIA brings both reverence for the classics and a thrilling new energy to the stage. The setlist includes fan favorites like “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” “One Step Closer” and “Time Again,” alongside video-era and bonus tracks such as “Ride Easy,” “Video Killed The Radio Star,” “The Heat Goes On” and “Daylight” (video exclusive).
Geoff Downes shares: “Revisiting the entire first ASIA album brought all the great memories flooding back from 43 years ago. In the studio with John, Steve, Carl and, of course, the great Mike Stone at the production helm. I think at the time we knew we’d made a good album but could not have predicted the enormous success that followed, that made the band a household name across the world, and particularly in America. That said, it was a result of much hard work and effort from everyone involved. So, when I had the opportunity to put together the live album with the current and fantastic line-up of ASIA and in collaboration with Frontiers Music, it was really a no-brainer.”
“I was reminded of what a collection of great songs and performances made up the album – variety and musical dynamics to the fore. When we recorded it again earlier this year, I was drawn to some of the less featured tracks and realized how much they played an important part of overall album, in addition of course to the signature tracks such as ‘Heat Of The Moment,’ ‘Only Time Will Tell’ etc.”, he continued. “We did this for you, the fans, and hope you really enjoy hearing these songs in the live setting performed in their entirety once again and enjoy it as much as we did creating and performing it”.

TRACKLIST:

1. Heat Of The Moment

2. Only Time Will Tell

3. Sole Survivor

4. One Step Closer

5. Time Again

6. Wildest Dreams

7. Without You

8. Cutting It Fine

9. Here Comes The Feeling

10. Ride Easy (Bonus track)

11. Video Killed The Radio Star (Bonus track)

12. The Heat Goes On (Bonus track)

With ASIA’s legacy spanning over 40 years – from multi-million selling albums like ‘ASIA,’ ‘Alpha,’ and ‘Astra’ to defining the sound of the MTV era – this new line-up proves that the Year of the Dragon is bringing the legendary songs to life for a whole new generation of fans.

This is just the first of three live releases from Trading Boundaries, each capturing a full classic album from their initial trilogy in concert in audio and video. Experience the magic of ASIA, live, where past and present collide in a spectacular display of musicianship and passion.

LINKS:

http://www.originalasia.com

https://www.facebook.com/asiatheband/

https://www.instagram.com/asiatheband/?hl=en

NEKTAR: ‘Fortyfied’ Receives Definitive Re-Mastered Re-Release

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After Being Unavailable for 15 Years – OUT NOW!

NEKTAR formed in Hamburg in 1969 and is well known for iconic progressive rock albums such as A Tab in the Ocean, Remember The Future and Recycled. After four decades of successful albums and tours, the band reformed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nektar’s formation.

The tour was recorded and released under the name Fortyfied. This live album was only briefly available on Roye Albrighton’s own label but has been unavailable for over 15 years. This is the first mainstream release of the recordings.

This re-mastered 2CD set features a line-up of Roye Albrighton, Ron Howden, Peter Pichl and Klaus Henatsch. This remastered re-release is endorsed by the relevant line-up of Nektar including the estate of Roye Albrighton.

Available from all good retailers:

Amazon 2CD set: https://geni.us/40fied

Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/album/fortyfied-live-live-2025-remaster/1852092120

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0Az7PuTffnB74lFANToqSE

Also available via Cherry Red’s website:  https://www.cherryred.co.uk/label/explore-rights-management/nektar-fortyfied-cd-edition

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