Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist JOHN SLOMAN posted to social media that his long-awaited album Vaudeville will be released July 5 (digital & CD!) Also, his 2nd book Kontradamus will be available in the next few days as well. John describes his new book as – “a dystopian satire“, adding “It’s kind of a continuation of the previous one. But whereas the previous one was mostly autobiographical with some fictional narrative woven into it, this latest one is a novel with some autobiographical material woven into it. It will be available in paperback, hardback and e-book.”

The book’s cover (above) was designed by Rick Kord, and John says he’s already planning a 3rd book! Keep a check on Amazon for book and CD availability.

Former YES frontman & songwriter Jon Anderson has a new single out, ahead of a new album. The song “Shine On” is a good upbeat rockin’ track and will definitely appeal to YES fans. Jon’s support band ‘The Band Geeks’ includes Ritchie Castellano of Blue Oyster Cult! *Check out the video below, as well as the press info, tour dates and links!

In the midst of leg one of their 2024 tour, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks today premiere the video for the song “Shine On”, the first single from their forthcoming album “TRUE” which will be released on August 23rd. The video was filmed in New Jersey before the start of the tour and directed by Tom Flynn. The song has been performed nightly on the tour and has received universal positive response.

Additionally, the full album is available today for preorder on all DSPs and streaming services. The nine-song album was produced by Jon and Richie Castellano with the centerpiece being the 16-and-a-half-minute track “Once Upon a Dream” which will stand amongst other classic Jon penned epics such as “Close to the Edge”, “Ritual”, “Gates of Delirium”, and “Awaken”.

*Pre-order the album here: https://ffm.to/jonandersontrue

Tour Dates:
6/13/2024 – Chicago, IL – Copernicus
6/15/2024 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
6/18/2024 – Greensburg, PA – Palace Theater
6/20/2024 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre
6/22/2024 – Concord, NH – Capitol Center for the Arts
6/25/2024 – Boston, MA – Shubert Theatre
6/27/2024 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
7/21/2024 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival
7/24/2024 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium*
7/27/2024 – Peachtree City, GA – Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre
7/30/2024 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater*
8/2/2024 – Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater*
8/4/2024 – La Vista, NE – The Astro Outdoors*
8/7/2024 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater*
8/10/2024 – Denver, CO – Paramount
8/14/2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
8/16/2024 – Thousand Oaks, CA – Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center
9/11/2024 – Beverly MA- Cabot Theatre
9/13/2024 – Glenside PA- Keswick Theatre
9/15/2024 – Glenside PA- Keswick Theatre
9/19/2024 – Portchester NY- Capitol Theatre
9/21/2024 – Montclair NJ- Wellmont Theatre
9/27/2024 – Staten Island NY- St George Theatre
*w/Special Guests The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

LINKS:
Jon Anderson’s official website: www.JonAnderson.com
Band Geek official website: https://richiecastellano.com/bandgeek/

Jon Anderson YES Epics and Classics:
Website –  http://jonandersonyesepicsandclassics.com/
Facebook – Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics – https://www.facebook.com/jonandersonyesepicsandclassics/
Twitter –  @JonYesEpic
Instagram – @jonandersonyesepicsandclassics
TikTok – @JonAndersonYESEpic
YouTube –  Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvSkw_3SAs1Yy2Ro68GzLw

The latest from southern California rockers FU MANCHU … These guys debuted in the ’90s, a band I missed at the time, because, well – I avoided much of the ’90s (grunge, nu-metal, rap-metal, etc…).

FU MANCHU is something very different; with their own style of heavy guitar rock, usually labelled as ‘stoner rock’. And a catalogue featuring plenty of cool driving rockers like “Hell On Wheels”, “Boogie Van”, “Dimension Shifter”, and they do a pretty cool version of BOC’s “Godzilla”!

So, The Return Of Tomorrow, (which comes out June 14) sounds damn heavy, loaded with huge riffs, killer solos and tons of energy. From the opening fuzz-tone riff of “Dehumanize”, this album doesn’t let up much with cuts like “Lochness Wrecking Machine”, “(Time Is) Pulling You Under”, and the title track. Favorites also include “What I Need” (love the epic instrumental half of this), lead-off single “Hands of The Zodiac” and the mellower closing psych instrumental “High Tide”.

Pre-Order: https://lnk.to/FuManchu_TheReturnOfTomorrow_Album

LINKS:

http://www.fu-manchu.com

https://www.facebook.com/FuManchuBand

https://www.instagram.com/fumanchuband

DEEP PURPLE have released a new single from their forthcoming album. “Pictures Of You” is an excellent follow up to “Portable Door”, I like that riff, but it reminds me of something (slightly) by Kiss… But, I am really looking forward to this record – which can be pre-ordered at : https://deeppurple.lnk.to/equals1ID

*Check out the video below and links and info in the description .

: Spirit of Unicorn Music are pleased to announce the release of “FJORD FOCUS”, the new single from FOCUS, taken from their forthcoming album Focus 12, which releases on July 5th. 

“Fjord Focus” is available to download now from all good streaming services.

“Fjord Focus” – as with much of the new album – was written by stalwart band leader and progressive music legend, Thijs Van Leer. About the single, bassist Udo Pannekeet comments “Fjord Focus is a beautiful, classic composition by Thijs with wonderful 12/8 rhythms provided by drummer Pierre van der Linden.”

The track features an epic guitar solo from Menno Gootjes, which was recorded in just one take. Pannekeet recalls “It is one of the best solos we’ve ever captured in the studio. I remember I had goosebumps listening back. I couldn’t believe he (Goojtes) nailed these Coltrane-like chord changes in one go!”

When asked to comment on the new single, Gootjes simply said “I just think it’s great. Just put it on and be taken on an adventure.”

The album Focus 12 was recorded at the world-renowned Wisseloord Studios, in the band’s native country of the Netherlands and is produced by both Pannekeet and Gootjes.

Focus 12 will be available on CD, Vinyl and on all good streaming services and can be pre-ordered here:  https://burningshed.com/store/focus

The Heat Of The Moment Tour Featuring Rock Legends Asia, Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash, Curved Air and MC’d by Artist Roger Dean – Summer 2024

Asia is absolutely delighted to announce The Heat of The Moment Tour, headlined by Asia and also featuring Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air and MC’d by artist Roger Dean.

The tour will commence on 3rd July 2024 and will incorporate 21 dates across the USA and Canada.

The tour has been masterminded by rock music keyboard legend and original Asia member, Geoff Downes (Buggles, Asia, Yes).

Asia was the biggest selling album of 1982, number 1 on Billboard for 9 weeks and pioneers of the MTV era! Downes’ brand new iteration of Asia first began to evolve last Summer, at the concert held in memory of late lead singer, songwriter and bassist, John Wetton (King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK, Asia, John Wetton Band, Icon). Downes invited old friend John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Lonely Robot, Kino, John Wetton Band, Icon) and new-comer Harry Whitley to join him on stage to celebrate Wetton’s life by performing some of the classic Asia hits. Such was the uproarious reception to their set, that Downes wondered if something magical was beginning to take shape.

“And so it was that the John Wetton tribute last August really reminded me how much Asia’s music belongs on the stage. The response to it all was literally…spine-tingling.”

Downes’ new-look Asia will once again feature Mitchell on guitars and Whitley on lead vocal and bass. The quartet will be made complete by the addition of Virgil Donati (UK, Southern Sons, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth) on drums.

Downes continues, “With the addition of Virgil Donati & John Mitchell, two of the finest musicians in the world in their respective classes, this is almost going full circle bearing in mind their previous close collaborations with John W. Completing this circle is also the amazing Harry Whitley who absolutely floored the audience with his incredible vocal interpretation of the Asia songs that John W and I so lovingly wrote over the years.”

The tour will also feature sets from other classic acts, Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air. All three support acts boast their founder bandleaders and have deservedly attained the status of legend.

Focus will be releasing a brand-new studio album later in 2024. Led by the indomitable Sir Thijs van Leer, featuring original 1970’s drummer Pierre Van Der Linden, plus the virtuoso talents of Menno Gootjes on guitar and Udo Pannekeet on bass.

Martin Turner was lead vocalist, bassist, founding member and creative force behind 70’s rock music behemoth Wishbone Ash, best known for such classic albums as Argus and Pilgrimage.

Formed in 1970, Curved Air are one of the founders of progressive rock and a retrospective collection of their most influential and ground-breaking material is currently in the planning stages. Sonja Kristina (vocals) and Kirby Gregory (guitar) will treat audiences to an acoustic set featuring some of the band’s most memorable musical moments. They will be joined by violinist Grzegorz Gadziomski.

Each performance on the tour will be MC’d by legendary artist Roger Dean. For so many, Dean’s artwork is synonymous with the music of the time and stands to represent the very best of British rock music.

The final word goes to Geoff Downes, “I am convinced that John (Wetton’s) spirit is with us as we set out on this new adventure. After all, it is the Year of the Dragon – just as it was in 1982, when we released our first Asia album. It’s as though it was meant to be. Looking forward to seeing you there, my friends – bring it on!”

Heat Of The Moment 2024 Tour Dates:

Wednesday, July 3: Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
Thursday, July 4: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, ON
Saturday, July 6: Chevalier Theatre, Medford, MA
Sunday, July 7: The Paramount, Huntingdon, NY
Tuesday, July 9: Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ
Wednesday, July 10: Count Basie Center, Red Bank, NJ
Friday, July 12: Tropicana Showroom, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday, July 13: Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem, PA
Sunday, July 14: American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA
Tuesday, July 16: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC
Wednesday, July 17: Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Thursday, July 18: Columbia County Performing Arts Center, Evans, GA
Saturday, July 20: Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
Sunday, July 21: Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, FL
Monday, July 22: Seminole Hard Rock, Tampa, FL
Wednesday, July 24: North Charleston PAC, North Charleston, SC
Thursday, July 25: Macon City Auditorium, Macon, GA
Friday, July 26: Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL
Sunday, July 28: VBC Mark Smith Concert Hall, Huntsville, AL
Tuesday, July 30: The Arcada Theatre, St Charles, IL
Wednesday, July 31: The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, WI

ASIA
Geoffrey Downes – Keyboards, Vocals
John Mitchell – Guitars, Vocals
Harry Whitley – Bass Guitar, Lead Vocal
Virgil Donati – Drums

Home

FOCUS
Thijs van Leer – Hammond Organ, Flute, Vocals
Menno Gootjes – Guitars
Udo Pannekeet – Bass Guitar
Pierre van der Linden – Drums

https://focustheband.co.uk/

MARTIN TURNER ex Wishbone Ash
Martin Turner – Bass guitar, Vocals
Danny Willson – Guitars, Vocals
Misha Nikolic – Guitars, Vocals
Sonny Flint – Drums

https://www.martinturnermusic.com/

CURVED AIR
Sonja Kristina – Vocals
Kirby Gregory – Guitars
Grzegorz Gadziomski – Violin

https://www.curvedair.com/

Check out the press info and videos for SUNBOMB’s Light Up The Sky. This is the band featuring Stryper’s singer Michael Sweet and guitarist Tracii Guns. I got the band’s first album from a couple of years back, and liked it, so am looking forward to hearing this one. Guns released another album not too long ago with original Great White singer Jack Russell. (I dig the partnership between Guns & Sweet, but not so sure on the name(?); why bother – just call it SWEET & GUNS …kinda like SWEET & LYNCH!)

SUNBOMB — featuring Tracii Guns & Michael Sweet — Announces Sophomore Album ‘Light Up the Sky’, due out June 24th on Frontiers Records Srl. Pre-Order HERE

https://www.facebook.com/SunbombMetal