Tag Archives: British Rock

BADFINGER – Head First (a review)

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Admittedly I am a late BADFINGER fan. I did not grow up while the band was active, but only got in to them casually years ago with a ‘Best of Badfinger‘ CD. I was so oblivious that some 20+ years ago I contacted Bob Jackson and sent him questions pertaining to his time with the David Byron Band in the early 80, (I am a huge Uriah Heep fan), and the Badfinger connection didn’t dawn on me at the time! Years later, and after the Best of CD, I started picking up Badfinger albums; I liked them, but when I picked up Wish You Were Here, and put it on – I was hooked! The previous hits were good, but this whole album I loved. In 2019 I had tickets to see Uriah Heep in Ohio for 3 nights in a row, but instead, the day before I came down with a virus and was put in the hospital for nearly a week. So, I had my wife bring in my laptop so I could write, and for a few days I researched further and wrote a retrospective on Badfinger. After that I picked up more CDs, reissues….and the 2 CD version of Head First. The songs on that 2 CD release were not the intended properly mixed album, but I enjoyed the songs! So, back to the album….

Head First was to be the follow up to the I’ll fated Wish You Were Here. A strange time for the band. Remember, back in those days many bands were expected to come up with new albums every 8 months or so, and many classic albums were recorded remarkably in short periods of time (the first Black Sabbath album for example). So, while Badfinger’s manager was stealing the band’s money from Warners, the band were thrown into a mess, with their central figure – Pete Ham, leaving. Bob Jackson (a keyboard player) was auditioned and joined. Pete Ham returned, and briefly there was a 5-man line-up. At the end of a UK tour Joey Molland left, and Badfinger was back to being a 4 piece. During this time Warners pulled Wish You Were Here from the shelves and filed lawsuit against the band (and manager) for missing money. The band’s manager (who took the money), hurried Badfinger back to the studio to record a follow up, which the band did in less than 2 weeks. But the lawsuit brought the band to a halt. In all this Pete Ham saw no way out and hung himself. The band was effectively done. Sure, there were Badfinger albums released in 1977 and 81, with a couple of originals, but it wasn’t even close without Pete Ham. Tom Evans would also kill himself. In 2000 Head First was released as a 1 and 2 CD set, featuring the songs recorded during that brief 2-week period. Since then, reissues and Pete Ham archives tapes have been released, as well as more recently a collection of Tom Evans demos.

A few months ago came the surprise news that an official version of Head First was to be released (on vinyl and CD). And well, although I’ve had access to listen to this online (to review) I really prefer a physical copy of an album to get into, and this was one I’ve been very excited to receive since it’s announcement, as I’m sure many longtime Badfinger fans have been as well. So, first off is the packaging…Head First comes in a glorious gatefold cover featuring the shot of the lion roaring on the front and the apartment pic on the back, with the track listing. The inner gatefold includes bandmember photos along with track by track performance credits on one side, and more photos of bandmembers along with pics of various correspondence, contracts, and letters pertaining to Head First. Inside (aside from the LP), there’s a 12-page colored booklet with lyrics, more photos, and more credits pertaining to this release. So, the packaging alone is first class, and one can enjoy this album old school – while looking through the jacket, booklet and reading the lyrics.

The album itself contains the same songs, albeit not exactly in the same order, as the 2000 CD release. But here, you get a proper mix, amazing sound. Maybe it’s me, but Head First, like Wish You Were Here, sound like they were ahead of their time in many ways, and for me, well beyond the band’s previous albums, like it’s hard to believe this was all recorded over 50 years ago. But Head First is the final missing piece of the Badfinger puzzle. The songs here, recorded quickly are all impressive, varied, with all 4 members contributing to the writing and lead vocals. The lead off track “Lay Me Down” is upbeat, catchy, with great harmonies throughout, a fantastic production, written and sang by Pete Ham. This (to me) would’ve been an obvious hit single! (And lo and behold this one was issued as the first video / single from this release!). Tom Evans contributed 2 cuts to what became side 1 – the more pop driven “Hey Mr Manager” and the rocking “Rock ‘N’ Roll Contract”: both songs dealing with the band’s situation at the time – “Hey Mr Manager” taking aim at the band’s corrupt manager Stan Polley. (Then) new guy Bob Jackson contributed perhaps the heaviest and most progressive tune here with “Turn Around”, featuring his lead vocals, and a cool mix of guitar and Hammond organ (if anyone’s heard the Indian Summer album from ’71, it is a heavier album, featuring plenty of Hammond organ and Bob’s vocals, a noteworthy comparison, but “Turn Around” is one of my favorites here). The first side also includes Mike Gibbins acoustic ballad “Back Again”, another gem, highlighted by the band’s harmonies, synths, and a harmonica solo from Pete Ham.

Side 2 opens with a classic Pete Ham song, “Keep Believing”, kind of a mid-tempo, almost ballad tune, with piano and slide guitar. I’ve read Ham wrote the song as a message to departed band member Joey Molland. “Moonshine” is another on the lighter side, and one of 2 that features Evans and Jackson sharing lead vocals; the other being “Passed Fast”. Both are enjoyable and memorable tunes. the latter co-written by Evans, Gibbins, and Jackson with Evans & Jackson sharing lead vocals, while the former is co-written by Evans & Jackson, and it’s another standout on here. “Rockin’ Machine” is another Mike Gibbins number that is very different, kind of a country-ish styled singalong/pub feel to it. The album ends with a re-edited mix of Pete Ham’s short instrumental “Saville Row”, which has added synths from Bob Jackson.

Overall, just a thoroughly excellent release, in so many ways. A must for any Badfinger fan (obviously), but also highly recommended to fans of classic rock. Bob Jackson deserves a lot of credit (and thanks) for his efforts to get this album done and out properly, after so many years. Well worth it!

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/BadfingerOfficial

https://badfingeruk.com/product/1048770-head-first-cd

https://badfingeruk.bandcamp.com/album/head-first

ROSS – Ross (1974)

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Formed by guitarist/singer/songwriter Alan Ross, this band released 2 albums in the mid ’70s. Alan Ross was best known for playing on a few John Entwistle albums and had recorded with the band RO RO – which also included bass player Warwick Rose. ROSS also included keyboard player Bob Jackson (ex-Indian Summer), bassist Steve Emery (ex-Legs), and percussion player Reuben White and drummer Tony Fernandez. Released in early 1974 featured cover art by Patrick Woodroffe, who would later do covers for Judas Priest, The Strawbs, Budgie and others.

Ross featured 10 cuts, all written by Alan Ross, but the lead off track (and single) “Alright By Me” was a co-write with Emery & Jackson. For the most part Ross is a good set of rock with influences of R&B and funk, with Ross’ guitar playing being the main draw, along with the band’s vocal harmonies. Ross wrote plenty of different and excellent tunes, despite not having any hits here, Ross is a more obscure 70s album worth checking out. Highlights include “You’re Looking Down A Road”, “Wherever You Go” and “Help Me Understand”, which features some cool interplay between guitar and organ, a good jam. There’s also a few acoustic tracks and ballads, notably “Caroline” (this would’ve made a fine single, but was used as the B-side), “Blackbird” (which had previously been recorded & released with ‘Ro Ro’), and “Leave it All Behind You”, which ends the record.

Ross released a 2nd album later the same year, The Pit And The Pendulum, and undertook 3 US tours, their biggest as openers to Eric Clapton. Bob Jackson left the band during the band’s last US tour, which (I think) effectively ended the band. He would join Badfinger soon after. Neither Ross album is easily available on CD, and would be an interesting package for some label to consider, especially with some of the excellent live material online (Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert, 1975, see below). Alan Ross would go on to record as a solo artist, and with the band ‘STARS’ (which also included the late Ric Parnell, on drums). Sadly Alan passed away in 2019. But both Ross albums are well worth hearing, especially the first one (IMO), and the live performance shows they were even better as a live band. Check them out. I’ve also added a few articles and links below to find more on this band, and Alan Ross.

ROSS ROSS RSO SUPER 2394 127
‘Funky’ is how composer/singer/guitarist Alan Ross describes his music and funky it is, due in no small measure to the percussion work of Tony Fernandez and Reuben White. Instrumentally this debut album has a blues -jazz influenced drive which is particularly noticeable on the up -tempo tracks such as Help Me Understand, I Need Your Love and Wherever You Go. However, the tracks do seem samey and although the guitar and keyboards complement each other the solos sound repetitive and frankly uninspired – seems I’ve heard it all before. As a lyricist Ross doesn’t seem to have a lot to say and the vocal delivery sounds thin and stereotyped. The lyrics tend to be superfluous, except perhaps as a basic framework for the backing by which they’re mostly obscured. The most striking feature of this album is the sleeve design which contains enough erotic symbolism to justify reproduction in Men House or Pent Only (or whatever it’s called). Either you love it or you hate it – unlike the disc which really doesn’t register either way. D.R (Beat Instrumental, 06-74)

LINKS:

https://lowando.blogspot.com/2010/06/british-guitarist-alan-ross.html

https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/jan/31/old-music-ross-swallow-your-dreams

http://badcatrecords.com/ROSS.htm

RUSSELL GILBROOK – Fans Interview URIAH HEEP Drummer

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Below is a new interview with URIAH HEEP drummer Russell Gilbrook, which was done through the Friends Who Like URIAH HEEP Facebook group, who’s members submitted the questions.. With permission of the group’s administrators I’ve reposted the interview here.

Last year, we were privileged to do a Q&A with former Heep vocalist John Sloman. This year, we’ve been equally privileged to run one with current powerhouse Heep drummer Russell Gilbrook. Russell had the unenviable task of filling the drum stool vacated by Lee Kerslake. To say he’s achieved this would be a massive understatement. Along with Davey Rimmer, he forms the most lethal rhythm section in rock. He’s also contributed 4 superb songs to the latest acclaimed Chaos & Colour album. The questions were great. The answers equally great. So, with huge kudos to Russell for agreeing and taking time out to do this, please read on…… And enjoy!

Rikki Fox – Hi Russell, Thanks for agreeing and taking the time out to do this Could you give us an insight as to what you were doing prior to joining Heep and how you landed the Heep gig?

Hi Rikki, mate! And hello to everyone else! I was doing a lot of drum clinics for the drum and cymbal companies I was with at the time. I was also doing a lot of sessions and teaching at a music college. I did one of my clinics at a drum shop in Hull where the late Trev Bolder lived… Trevor was invited to that particular one, and after the show, he came up to me and complimented my drumming and said it was one of the best performances he’d heard in a long time and invited me to his house for lunch the next day! We had a good old chat and remained friends. It wasn’t until 7/8 years later that I got a phone call from Trev telling me that Heep were looking for a drummer and he recommended me. Management had already scheduled auditions, of which I was one of 250 drummers that got whittled down to 40. It was held at terminal studios in London. I had a decision to make whether to imitate the late, great Lee Kerslake, or be myself. I chose to be ‘Russell’ because I’d worked so hard all my life refining my own technique and approach. Luckily for me, the band were looking for something a little different and I got the gig!

Julie Shannon – What are the Heep songs you find most challenging to play live?

Hi Julie Thanks for the question! Haha! actually none of them are THAT challenging for me. However, a lot of drummers at the audition couldn’t get to grips with the Easy Livin’ double handed shuffle. The shuffle is renowned to be tricky though!

Tony Marlow / Graeme Ogle – Will there be a live DVD / CD for the farewell tour Many of our members are demanding it!!!

Unfortunately, I can’t answer that at the moment! It’s not been spoken about; however, we may just do that if it’s important to all our fans. I’ll personally bring it up at our next meeting

Staf Pypen – Question that pops up is about tuning drums (I know tuning questions are common for drummers). But do you tune your drums to the pitch of the shell or to a certain note ?)

Hi Staf! I’ve always used my ears to tune and found it to work great for me. However, my drum tech Rich bought a gadget called a tunebot which I was dubious about, but it works great You clamp it on the side of a drum rim and lightly tap the drum and frequency numbers come up. Once they hit the number that matches the sound you like you just save the numbers and dial them in every show

Susan Rowledge – Ok Weird question How many calories do you think you burn in a Heep gig?

Funny you should say that! I’ve actually worked this out once… It’s 7lbs! But then I put it back on with a nice bottle of Red after the show

Mike Shannon – Who are your drumming influences? And on that note, what are thoughts on your predecessors in Heep? Lee Kerslake, Chris Slade, Iain Clarke, Keith Baker, Alex Napier and Nigel Olsson

Hi Mike! When I was young, my dad and drum teacher was into Jazz, I love Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Louis Bellson and then moved into more of the funk music as I got older and loved Harvey Mason and Dennis Davis. As the rock aspect kicked in, I liked Billy Cobham, John Bonham. There are many more that I admire and love to listen to, but these were my main ones. As for all previous Heep drummers, if you listen to the back catalogue, it’s obvious that they’ve all brought something to the table rhythmically to make Heep music sound great. They’re all quite different but personally, I’m a big Keith Baker and Lee Kerslake fan. The drumming on ‘Look at Yourself’ is really clever and Lee’s double handed shuffle (which is fast on Return to Fantasy) is exceptional. He was a very powerful drummer; amazing singer and he came up with so many great parts that I enjoy playing similarly today.

Aidi Singleton – Has being a top drummer always been your ambition? Or did you ever play other instruments?

Hi Aidi! I’ve been playing since the age of 4 and in bands since the age of six earning money so it’s all I know. I didn’t have ambition of being a pro drummer, it sort of just happened as a natural progression but the desire to be the best I can be is still there now. I started playing piano accordion at the same time I started drums, which lasted 5 years. I actually became a champion accordion player in a competition in Italy I also played trumpet for 7 years, which I unfortunately don’t play anymore

Dorothy Pegley-Worley – Who thinks up the titles for the albums and the cover designs? It always mesmerizes me Thank you and keep on Heeping

Hi Dorothy! Well, we all have a discussion about the album titles and eventually agree on one! As an example, Mick suggested ‘Chaos & Colour’ and we liked it, so rolled with it. As for album art, it gets given to a graphic designer, who comes up with an idea based on the album title. We don’t always agree as we all have slightly different vision for the initial idea! But with a few changes and tweaks, we get there in the end!

Kevin J Julie – Might we see a Russell Gilbrook solo or side project including other songs you’ve written?

Hi Kevin! YES! I’m in the middle of working on a solo project but time hasn’t been easy to allocate time to it and I’m still trying to figure out who I want to play on it!

Dimas Anindito – On new songs do you develop the drum parts yourself or do the other band members chip in? Do you come up with the drum patterns that the band then work around? E.g. Your 4 tracks on Chaos and Colour.

Hi Dimas 9/10 I come up with the drum parts. The only tracks I haven’t done it for recently are Davey’s two tracks. I’ve just tweaked slightly to suit my playing. Having said that, while we do preproduction in the studio, the other guys do come up with ideas as we all want the best performance for every song. Sorry I didn’t reply to my 4 tracks… So, I had a complete finished demo and let all the guys do what they felt worked… So, it was probably 75% my Sony and the rest their input… Again, we agree the songs sound their best before we finally record them.

Mark Evans / Todd Stone / Steve Cave / Stuart Green / Mick Gardner – Will the band be doing another studio album? After the last great album, it would be a shame not to Are you going to be doing anymore writing? (Your 4 tracks on Chaos and Colour were brilliant) Are there solo or side projects planned by any members of the band? Will we be blessed with a final live album?

Hi guys It really comes down to the record company. The contract determines when the albums happen. I’m sure what will happen, is our management will have a discussion with the record company to see if another album will go ahead. As a band, we are continuously writing so I’m sure there’s no shortage of material and I’m sure we’d happily do another album. As far as solo projects, as mentioned, I’m in the middle of my own project but I can’t speak for any of the other guys but as you know, both Phil and Bernie have released albums, so they may well work on more. We’re always looking at like material to release but the quality needs to be great… Let’s see.

Rikki Fox And finally…. Pretty sure you can’t answer this!!!! Will there be any surprises in the set list for the farewell tour?

To be honest, we haven’t even discussed it yet! Let’s all of us wait and see

BADFINGER: ‘Head First’ to get official release for 50th anniversary

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Badfinger’s Long-Lost Album “Head First” Set For Release in 2024, Fully Mixed and Mastered and On Vinyl For the First Time

HEAD FIRST: 50th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION

In an exhilarating announcement for music aficionados and rock historians, the iconic British band Badfinger is proud to unveil the forthcoming release of their long-lost album “Head First” scheduled for 2024 – exactly 50 years after its original recording. This historic release features Peter Ham’s final studio recordings and marks a significant milestone in the band’s legacy, bringing forth an album that has been shrouded in mystery for decades.“Head First” will be released on vinyl on December 13, 2024 on Y&T Music (CD TBA).With hits such as “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue,” Badfinger has long been recognized as a formidable force in the power pop and classic rock genres of the 1970s

A Historic Recording…Originally laid down in 1974 at The Beatles’ renowned Apple Recording Studio on Savile Row, London, “Head First” encapsulates a transformative era in Badfinger’s storied career. The sessions for “Head First” took place during a tumultuous period for the band, marked by personal struggles and external challenges, which ultimately led to the album being shelved. For years, only a rough mix survived, with the master tapes thought to be lost. However, the recent rediscovery of the original multi-tracks has allowed for a meticulous mixing and mastering process, breathing new life into this long-hidden masterpiece. The release promises to provide fans with an authentic glimpse into the creative spirit of Badfinger during one of their most artistically rich periods.

A Landmark Release for Fans and Collectors…The official release of “Head First” is not just an addition to Badfinger’s discography; it represents a rediscovery of a pivotal moment in rock history. The album features tracks that showcase the band’s raw energy and emotive songwriting, resonating with both long-time fans and a new generation of listeners. The newly mastered sound highlights the band’s musicianship in an unprecedented way, revitalizing their enduring legacy.Bob Jackson, the sole surviving member of the lineup, expressed his excitement: “On behalf of my bandmates – Pete, Tommy, and Mike – I am thrilled to say, ‘We did it, guys!’ This marks the culmination of a 50-year journey and it’s an honor to complete the vision we had all those years ago. The last piece of the puzzle is finally in place.”

The Songs:
Lay Me Down
Hey Mr Manager
Turn Around
Back Again
Rock ‘N’ Roll Contract
Keep Believing
Moonshine
Rockin’ Machine
Passed Fast
Savile Row (2024)

Badfinger’s music continues to captivate audiences around the world, and the release of “Head First” is set to be one of the most anticipated musical events of 2024.

TRAPEZE – Lost Tapes, vol. 2 (review)

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Vol. 2 of the Lost Tapes from legendary British 70s hard / funk rock act TRAPEZE, curated, compiled by Tom.Galley, brother of guitarist Mel Galley (RIP), and packaged brilliantly by Mel’s son Marcus, with photos from Carl Dunn. Although TRAPEZE split in the early 80s (following Live In Texas), there was a reunion or 2, and judging by the amount of and quality of the songs on both releases, an abundance of leftover finished tracks from every period. There have been 2 singles released – the rocker “Fighting”, which actually came from the first PHENOMENA sessions (feat Don Airey on keys, Ted McKenna on drums), and “Homeland”, an absolute classic, which sounds like it was done in later years. The lyrics and video pay homage to where the band came from.

There is also alternate takes of a few well known Trapeze favorites, such as the title track to 1979’s Hold On album (sung by Peter Goalby), and one of the band’s best lived tracks – “Coast To Coast”. I kinda prefer this version of “Coast To Coast”, a little rougher, and less smooth compared to the original album version. Also alternate takes of “Loser”, and Trapeze funk- rock favorites”Way Back To The Bone”, and “Midnight Flyer”. Other highlights include “Must Be In Love” , from the Goalby era. This one’s a bit more late 70s Apr, with,a bit of a country feel. “Welcome To The Real World”, from the early 90s reunion, including Geoff Downes on keys, another excellent post-70s track. Also included is the last track guitarist Mel Galley ever did – “Live Fast Die Laughing”, another rocker, well fitting here. 14 tracks total, all worth checking out.

Lost Tapes – (both volumes), are highly recommended, not merely just for Trapeze completists, but for fans if classic British rock. Trapeze may not have released a ton of albums, but both these albums (on vinyl & CD via Metalville) add greatly to the band’s catalogue and legacy! Out now!

Trapeze – Lost Tapes Vol.2 CD Digipack

MAGNUM to release final show ‘Live At KK’s Steel Mill’

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Super excited to see this news! A live album from MAGNUM’S final performance, before the passing of guitarist/songwriter TONY CLARKIN. Set list is below the press release, as well album artwork and ordering Link. There is a few clips from this show online (shared below. The DVD was included as a bonus disc to the band’s last album). A great looking set-list, largely earlier classics, with a few newer gems, should be a another great sounding release as with previous MAGNUM live albums!

British rock icons MAGNUM have announced the release of the band’s final live album with founder Tony Clarkin. Recorded December 10, 2022, ‘Live at KK’s Steel Mill‘ was the memorable night when they played the final show of their European tour at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton and, as they had done on all previous nights, wowed their fans from the first to the last note.
The concert was recorded by state-of-the-art audio equipment, which later turned out to be a real blessing because it was – as we now know – the last official live recording starring Tony Clarkin. The guitarist and main songwriter died unexpectedly on January 7, 2024, just a few days before the release of MAGNUM’s studio album ‘Here Comes The Rain.’

The album presents MAGNUM as an enthusiastically celebrated act whose repertoire of hits, classics, and newer material could hardly be more varied. “It was the perfect evening,” recalls singer Bob Catley. “We finished our The Monster Roars tour in Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill was packed out and the promoter was a passionate MAGNUM fan. I couldn’t imagine a more worthy farewell to Tony than those recordings.”

HiDue to the huge demand and to mark the first anniversary of Clarkin’s passing, ‘Live At KK’s Steel Mill’ will be available via Steamhammer/SPV  starting January 10, 2025, for the first time on double CD, triple LP, and for digital download.

Pre-Order ‘Live at KK’s Steel Mill’ HER
Pic- Rob Barrow

‘Live at KK’s Steel Mill‘ Track List:

CD1

1. Days Of No Trust 

2. Lost On The Road To Eternity 

3. The Monster Roars

4. The Archway Of Tears 

5. Dance Of The Black Tattoo 

6. Where Are You Eden? 

7. The Flood 

8. The Day after The Night Before

CD2

1. Wild Swan

2. Les Morts Dansant

3. Rocking Chair

4. All England’s Eyes

5. Vigilante

6. Kingdom Of Madness

7. On A Storyteller’s Night

8. Sacred Hour

To pay tribute to their late bandleader, MAGNUM are set to play an exclusive series of ‘Tribute to Tony’ shows in the UK in January 2025.
As a special gesture, Clarkin’s daughter Dionne will showcase two of her father’s favorite instruments to the concerts – his red Telecaster and his white custom guitar, hoping that Clarkin will be watching from heaven.
“My father was an extremely modest and humble man who would probably be surprised at how much the large MAGNUM community continues to love him to this day. He always believed that few people would really care if one day he would no longer be with us. As it turns out, the exact opposite is the case: We all miss him, his huge artistic achievement, and his great empathy as a father, friend and musician!” 
This is why ‘Live at KK’s Steel Mill’ is undoubtedly one of the most emotional albums in MAGNUM’s longstanding career!
Pre-Order Exclusive CD/LP Bundles
21.01. UK-London – O2 Kentish Town Forum, 22.01. UK-Manchester – Academy, 1 24.01. UK-Glasgow – The Garage, 25.01. UK-Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill, 26.01. UK-Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill

http://www.magnumonline.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/magnumbandpage/

URIAH HEEP’S Equator reissued on colored vinyl

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MusicOnVinyl has reissued Heep’s 1985 album Equator in a limited, color vinyl edition. Equator was the last to feature singer Peter Goalby and keyboard player John Sinclair. See info below!

Limited edition of 1000 numbered copies on smoke coloured 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Equator is the sixteenth studio album by the British rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1985. It marked a departure from their earlier progressive rock sound towards a more commer- cial and accessible style, incorporating elements of pop rock and AOR (album-oriented rock). It peaked at #79 in the UK albums chart. The album features a lineup consisting of Mick Box (guitar), Lee Kerslake (drums, vocals), Trevor Bolder (bass guitar, vocals), Phil Lanzon (keyboards), and Peter Goalby (vocals). This album was the last to feature Kerslake and Goalby before their departure from the band. Singles on the album include “Rockarama” and “Poor Little Rich Girl”.

JUDAS PRIEST Announce 50th Anniversary remixed & remastered version of ‘Rocka Rolla’

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Friday, September 13th, 2024 is the US and Canadian release date for digital, pre save here

Friday, November 22nd, 2024 is US and Canadian release date for CD and Vinyl

“It’s great to look back and see our future unfurl — from little metal acorns mighty metal oaks do grow. One small step for metal, one giant leap for metalkind — a lifelong metal journey began with these songs. This album lit the eternal metal flame — as real and fresh as ever five decades on” — Rob Halford. In 1974 before the eternal metal flame was ever lit – Judas Priest were simply 5 young musicians in their 20’s – Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, KK Downing and John Hinch – from the Black Country an area of working-class towns in England – excited to have signed a record deal. With limited funds, the band recorded during the less expensive night shift hours. The album Rocka Rolla was born during these sessions, under the guidance of producer Roger Bain who was brought in by the label and who had previously produced Black Sabbath. Judas Priest learnt over time how to record an album – and the experience of working in a professional recording studio helped prepare them for the next album to come – one of the most definitive and foundational heavy metal albums of all time – Sad Wings of Destiny. But with Rocka Rolla the band was not there for the mixing, the mastering process or any final approvals — they didn’t have a say when it was finished or how it ultimately sounded. Although the band felt positive about how the songs sounded in the studio, they were particularly disappointed when they received a finished copy of the album in the mail to listen to for the first time….. “I took the record…  and I put the needle onto the groove, and I sat back. And I just slowly started to deflate, deflate.” said Rob Halford. “I was so disappointed with the way it was sounding… All of us were – we’d all worked so hard to get to this place. And now this music that we know when we play live is roaring – the heavy metal is roaring even in those early primitive days – none of that was coming out of the speakers”.  The band never had a future say in Rocka Rolla in the intervening decades — the re-releases and early-era compilations… but that was about to change…. During Judas Priest’s 50 Heavy Metal Years tour in 2022, something remarkable was happening behind the scenes. The label that originally signed Judas Priest in 1974, Gull Records and it’s owner David Howells, decided to sell the masters and publishing rights for the two albums the label owned, Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny — and he contacted Glenn Tipton’s music publisher, Michael Closter of Reach Music Publishing. After discussing this opportunity and collaborating with Judas Priest’s manager Jayne Andrews, a compelling offer from Reach Music was made to Gull Records. Terms were accepted. An acquisition agreement was prepared, and after almost 50 years from the release of these albums, Reach Music and it’s label Exciter Records – in partnership with Judas Priest, was now the owner of Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny. The first order of business was to retrieve the original multitrack tapes from storage (which miraculously still existed and kept in usable condition for all these decades) — and to begin the process of resurrecting Rocka Rolla from these multitrack recordings…..With the task of delving back into time and putting the tapes of Rocka Rolla back on the recording studio console, Judas Priest put their full faith in Tom Allom — known in the Judas Priest world for producing the iconic British Steel and Screaming For Vengeance albums among many others. As Tom Allom stated, “What we did with the multi-tracks is quite unusual, to completely remix an album from that era, from scratch. So, to clarify what we’re doing, we’re not adding anything musically. We’re not re-recording any of the musical parts…  We’re remixing them, rebalancing them using the technology we have, the modern tools we have now, to sonically upgrade them, and make them sound more powerful.” The results of this remixed version are now available for posterity — the artist-approved version of Rocka Rolla is finally here for fans to add to their Judas Priest collection. Rob Halford: “I’m just thrilled… because it just goes to show you when you get an expert involved in a project, it’s likely that you have a second chance. And I think that Tom Allom is giving us a second chance here with the way that a lot of the elements were lost in Rocka Rolla. And it’s also nice, like a really nice feeling, especially to attach it to what will be a 50th anniversary moment. It’s just a beautiful feeling.” Glenn Tipton: “This is where it all started for us and 50 years later, we have a great re-mixed and re-mastered version of the original…and the band are still going strong!” Ian Hill: “Recorded during nighttime sessions to save costs, over a few weeks in June and July 1974, on a shoestring budget, Rocka Rolla was always going to have its flaws! But walking into my local record store and seeing it on a shelf amongst all your idol’s records was the proudest feeling in the world, and I thought, ‘Whatever happens now, nothing can change that!’ Now re-mixed by Tom Allom and re-mastered, Rocka Rolla has finally got the production it deserved!” KK Downing: “At last! This! The first Judas Priest album can be listened to and enjoyed in the way it was always intended to be!” 

Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) track listing:
01 One For The Road Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 04:44
02 Rocka Rolla Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 03:24
03 Winter Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 02:59
04 Deep Freeze Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 02:07
05 Winter Retreat Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 01:32
06 Cheater Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 03:01
07 Never Satisfied Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 04:50
08 Run Of The Mill Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 08:21
09 Dying To Meet You Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 06:17
10 Caviar And Meths Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered) 02:09

WISHBONE ASH ‘No Easy Road: Live in the 70s’ book

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WISHBONE ASH ‘NO EASY ROAD – WISHBONE ASH LIVE IN THE 70s’ Coffee Table Book Set For Release on Madfish August 30, 2024

  • Madfish are proud to present ‘No Easy Road’, an exclusive Wishbone Ash Coffee Table Book and the first official tribute to the band’s life on the road during their classic years from 1970-1980. This beautifully crafted 216-page set, set for release on 30th August, offers a unique glimpse into the band’s journey and features contributions from Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield and head roadie Mark Emery.
  • WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘NO EASY ROAD’
Heidelberg Germany 27th September 1977. Photo: Dick Barnett
  • ‘No Easy Road’ includes many previously unseen photographs captured by renowned photographers Jill Furmanovsky (Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin), Michael Putland (The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney), Barry Plummer (Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley) and Dick Barnatt (Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart), alongside personal photographs from the band members’ private archive plus images of rare memorabilia and tour ephemera.Limited to just 1000 copies, each book comes with a photo signed by four band members: Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Steve Upton and Martin Turner.
  • The book comes packed in a rigid slipcase containing a bonus 10-track KRO-NCRV concert CD, originally broadcast in Holland during the landmark Startruckin’ 75 Tour – an essential addition for any Wishbone Ash enthusiast.
  • The ultimate chronicle of one of the world’s greatest live bands, ‘No Easy Road’ follows Madfish’s recent 50th anniversary edition of the band’s 1972 classic, ‘Argus’.

KEN HENSLEY – Our Brother the Legend, new book!

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Trevor Hensley has put together and issued a new book on his late brother Ken. Titled ‘Our Brother – the Legend ‘, it is 110 pages full of stories about Ken from the perspective of his family. There are rare and family pics of Ken, stories of his early days growing up, of the band’s he was in, hobbies, and as part of the Hensley family. There’s also stories from musicians Ken worked with like Joe Konas,, Jack Williams and Ken Ingwersen (among them), as well as some nice recollections from a few fans who’d met and seen Ken over the years. Discographies, Trevor’s picks of his favorite Ken Hensley & Uriah Heep songs, and more. A fun and excellent read, with plenty of previously unheard tales, and unseen images. Love the story of Ken’s mom coming to see Heep only to pull out her knitting! 🙂

You can order a copy of ‘Ken Hensley: Our Brother – the Legend’ through Trevor simply by sending him a private message on Facebook. A nice little addition to the Ken Hensley/Uriah Heep collection!

*You can check out Trevor’s radio show at wwe.redfiveradio.co.uk , as well as visit the Ken Hensley Fan Club on Facebook.