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”.
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!”
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’
PRE-ORDER ‘NO EASY ROAD – WISHBONE ASH LIVE IN THE 70’s’ (30TH AUGUST):
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’.
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.
Badfinger Legend Tom Evans Rare Home Recordings “I Am Myself” Available On Y&T Music June 5, 2024!
“I Am Myself” is a collection of never-before-heard home demo recordings by Liverpool’s Tom Evans, bassist and co-lead singer of the iconic power pop group Badfinger. It will be released as a limited-edition CD by Y&T Music and available on all streaming platforms on June 5, 2024 to celebrate what would have been Tommy’s 77th birthday.
Like his Badfinger bandmate Pete Ham, Tom Evans was a prolific songwriter; he gave the quartet many of their greatest ‘deep cuts,’ including “Money,” “It’s Over,” “Believe Me” and “Blind Owl.” Evans and Ham co-wrote “Without You,” which went to No. 1 for both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest pop ballads of all time.
He sang lead on “Come And Get It,” Badfinger’s smash hit debut, written and produced by Paul McCartney; his soaring tenor voice made “Maybe Tomorrow,” recorded for the Beatles’ Apple Records when they were still calling themselves The Iveys, an international sensation.
Among the 21 tracks on “I Am Myself,” two went on to be recorded by The Iveys/Badfinger: “Fisherman,” and “No Escaping Your Love”.
Performed mainly on acoustic or electric guitar, with frequent vocal and instrumental overdubs, the album’s freewheeling musicality, lyrical playfulness and clever song-construction showcase Tommy’s songwriting talents at an early period in his musical career.
“I Am Myself” came to be after a long review of material. While reviewing Iveys demo recordings, Tom Brennan discovered that there was more than enough material of Tom Evans’ solo recordings to put together a robust album. Before Brennan could even present the idea, mastering engineer Kevin McElligott proposed the idea of a Tom Evans solo album. McElligott felt strongly that the time was long overdue for Tommy’s demos to have a formal release: “Such a supremely talented singer/songwriter who struck an emotional chord within so many. I felt a real strong responsibility to Marianne, Stephen and the Badfinger community to bring these songs out sounding as best they can. This is just the beginning of hopefully many more releases. It’s an honor for me to sit down and work on these tracks. I do hope everyone enjoys this release.” Everything just came together like it was meant to be. Badfinger historian Dan Matovina made the initial digital transfers. The recordings were then compiled & edited by Tom Brennan, and restored & mastered by Kevin McElligott.
Stephen and Marianne spent time listening to these songs during the process of putting this project together, as well as contributing photos to this album. Tim Boyle gave permission to use some of his pictures for this project and was excited to hear about a new Tommy album, as he is an Evans family friend and worked closely with the band as a booking agent and an assistant for many years.
Released with the full support and cooperation of the Evans Estate, “I Am Myself” is a limited edition of 1,000 CDs. An art print of a rare early photo of Tom is included.
Earlier in 2024, Y&T Music issued “Gwent Gardens,” a collection of unreleased demo recordings by the late Pete Ham.
“I AM MYSELF” TRACK LISTING: 1. Hello 2. I Am Myself 3. Our First Night Together 4. Water Lily 5. Goldfish 6. How Does It Feel (original demo) 7. Honey Lovin’ Ways 8. Uncle C 9. I Should Have Loved You (original demo) 10. Fisherman (original demo) 11. Dancing Girl 12. I Don’t Want The Bother 13. Handsome Malcolm 14. In My World Of Yesterday 15. No Escaping Your Love (original demo) 16. Good Times Together 17. The Leaves 18. Stay By Me, Baby 19. A Simple Song 20. Wine, Women And Song 21. I Am Myself (reprise)
UK Rock Legends UFO Reissue Rare 1988 EP With Vintage Live Bonus Tracks & Other Treasures!
The legendary British rock band’s rare 1988 EP, Ain’t Misbehavin’, is making a triumphant return in a Deluxe Bonus Track Edition reissue, promising a treasure trove of sonic delights for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Recorded in the wake of the band’s electrifying 1987 tour in support of their ’85 album Misdemeanor, this EP marked the final collaboration between UFO frontman Phil Mogg and the virtuosic Japanese-born guitarist Atomik Tommy M.Much like its predecessor, Ain’t Misbehavin’ goes full throttle from beginning to end with Mogg matching his vocal prowess to the pyrotechnic playing of guitarist Tommy alongside superstar bassist Paul Gray (The Damned) and former Magnum drummer Jim Simpson. The brilliant lead off track, “Between A Rock And A Hard Place,” ranks up there with some of the band’s best rockers. Check out this special digital single release of the track below!
This deluxe reissue not only reintroduces the original EP in all its glory but also treats fans to a selection of bonus tracks, including vintage live performances and other rarities that showcase UFO’s dynamic live energy and musical evolution. The artwork has been revamped with an even sexier front cover image, and the whole thing is being released on all formats this June 14 so order your copy today!
TRACK LIST: 1. Between A Rock & A Hard Place 2. Another Saturday Night 3. At War With The World 4. Hunger In The Night 5. Easy Money 6. Rock Boyz, Rock 7. Lonely Cities (Of The Heart) BONUS TRACKS 8. Only You Can Rock Me (Live In Milwaukee 1986) 9. The Chase (Live In Milwaukee 1986) 10. Night Run (Live In Milwaukee 1986) 11. Doctor Doctor (Live In Milwaukee 1986) 12. Between A Rock & A Hard Place (Instrumental Version)
So, gearing up for SAXON & URIAH HEEP in Cleveland.. Not totally looking forward to the 4 hr drive, but 2 of my favorite bands on one bill!
While going through SAXON CDs for the car the last few days, I had these 2 on – 2 classic Saxon albums – something old and something new. Wheels Of Steel is the band’s 2nd album, from 1980 and boasted the hits “747 (Strangers In The Night)” and the title track, as well as the single “Suzie Hold On”, and heavy opener “Motorcycle Man”. The LP went top 10 in the UK and began a run of classic NWOBHM era Saxon albums from 1980-83 (or so). Love the album artwork, the band’s logo that is still used. A must-have Saxon album to start. Check out the 2009 remaster with 8 extra tracks!
And from 2009, Into The Labyrinth . What a killer opening track – “Battalions Of Steel” is, with those church bells and built up intro before the band comes roaring in. One of Saxon greatest and heaviest. This album is full of cool rockers like “Demon Sweeney Todd”, the anthem “Live To Rock”, and “Valley Of Kings”. Highly recommended!
Very sad news that British guitarist/songwriter & producer Robin George passed away on April 26. It was announced on his facebook page a few days ago – “Robin had been fighting a long illness but by Christmas, it became obvious that he was not long for this world. He was devastated when he was no longer able to play his beloved guitars but he continued to write songs, do interviews, make videos and tell his story here on Facebook and through his biography. He desperately wanted his music to live on because music was in his heart and soul. Robin leaves behind his adored wife, 4 beloved children, 2 beautiful sisters, 9 lovely grandchildren, many dear friends and the animal family that he rescued over the years. We are devastated because there will never be another Robin George. LovePower with you always. You’re with your angels now.”
Robin had recorded numerous solo albums over the years and had also recorded with and performed with the likes of Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), David Byron (Uriah Heep), John Wetton (Asia), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Peter Goalby (Uriah Heep), Sean Harris (Diamond Head), Robert Plant, Magnum, and many more. Last year he had signed on with Hear No Evil Recordings who released the excellent 2CD compilation of early recordings Ace In My Hand, as well as Overcome (with Glenn Hughes), along with the announcement just last week of the Byron Band 3CD box set On The Rocks…Again to be released in June. So it was good to see that he was finally getting a break and his music was being released properly.
In 1984 Robin signed with Bronze Records (soon to go under) and recorded the album Dangerous Music, which featured the hit “Heartline”. Record company issues held up the follow up album (see Dangerous Music II released in 2015). His next album would be 2001’s Rock Of Ageists, which featured favorites like “Crying Diamonds” and “Learn The Dance” (written with David Byron). Since then Robin would record numerous albums, especially during the global pandemic & lockdowns a few years back.
Over the years I interviewed Robin a few times, and he was always quick and happy to answer questions and share info on what he was up to. Robin had a strong and loyal following and left loads of great music worth checking out. RIP Robin.
DAVID GILMOUR has released a new single from his forthcoming album Luck And Strange , to be released September 6. The single “The Piper’s Call” features classic Gilmour guitar work, with that distinctive sound that fans will easily recognize.
*Check out the video below and details in video description. Ordering link below.
British rockers PRAYING MANTIS have been going for decades, but it’s the last couple of decades that have been most productive and impressive recording-wise. Like fellow British legends Uriah Heep and Magnum, and Swedish rockers Europe it is the band’s string of later releases that make them worthy of checking out still, Mantis’ best stuff IMO. Since 2000’s Nowhere To Hide album (my introduction to PM) this band has released 5 other must-hear albums, and now Defiance is another Praying Mantis disc to dig into. Defiance continues on with that melodic hard rock sound that Praying Mantis has become known for, as opposed to the ‘heavy metal’ route that the band was tagged as in their early days. A solid 11 tracks here, including an excellent take of Russ Ballard’s “I Surrender.” lots of cool guitar rock here, with favorites coming near the end in “Standing Tall” and “Let’s See” (these 2 jumped out early on for me). Anyone who’s followed these guys in recent years will easily dig this, with well-produced melodic rock tunes like “From The Start”, “Give It Up”, “Defiance”, and the instrumental “Nightswim”.
Love the guitar sound, the occasional use of keyboards, and the band’s backing harmonies which are always a big part of the ‘Mantis sound. Jaycee Cuijpers vocals are strong, like this guy sounds great on everything (see Arjen Lucassen’s Sonic Revolution too!), and the band now has a string of albums with the same singer. As always awesome cover artwork (Stan-W Decker), making Defiance stand out upon first glance. Get it on CD or red vinyl!
Outsider Rock 