DEEP PURPLE RELEASE REMIXED SINGLE “CLEARLY QUITE ABSURD” — FEATURING PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD INSTRUMENTAL TAKE OF “MTV”
RAPTURE OF THE DEEP — 20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX TO BE RELEASEDAUGUST 29 — PRE-ORDER HERE
As part of the upcoming Rapture of the Deep — 20th Anniversary Remix, Deep Purple today release a new single: a newly mixed and remastered version of “Clearly Quite Absurd,” backed with a previously unreleased instrumental studio rehearsal take of “MTV.”
Roger Glover today recalls, “‘Clearly Quite Absurd’ is a very unusual Deep Purple song, which I like. We’ve always liked being unusual. We don t follow traditions, really. We are just who we are at a specific time.”
The single’s B-side, “MTV (2005 Studio Jam),” is a previously unheard instrumental take from an early rehearsal session — with Don Airey, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice running through a track that later appeared as a bonus on select editions of Rapture of the Deep.
The single is a preview of the Rapture of the Deep — 20th Anniversary Remix, out worldwide on August 29, which includes a brand new mix of the full album, revised artwork, and a bonus disc filled with rare studio rehearsals and instrumental jams.
The album will be available as 2CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.
There is a brand new video from BADFINGER’s HeadFirst, which was officially released (CD & vinyl) nearly 50 years after its recording.
“Keep Believing”, another classic Pete Ham cut, follow video releases for “Moonshine”, featuring Tom Evans & Bob Jackson sharing lead vocals, and the Mike Gibbins ballad “Back Again”.
One of the best (well, my favorite) and most surprising recent releases. Check it out if you haven’t!
What grew from the John Wetton memorial concert in 2023 to last year’s North American tour, now sees Geoff Downes’ new line-up of ASIA signing to Frontiers, with a new album expected next year. I saw the band last year, and really liked it. New singer/bass player Harry Whitley is a great choice to front the band, he has a voice not far off from John Wetton’s, and he is young, enthusiastic, and sincere in performing the band’s classics; so a new album (despite no Carl Palmer or Steve Howe) sounds fine by me! Check out the press info and links below. Hopefully someone recorded one of last year’s shows for live release (but, who knows!?)
Scruffy Bear Media
Frontiers Music Srl proudly announces the signing of legendary English rock supergroup ASIA, for an exciting new chapter in their celebrated history.
2024 was the Year of the Dragon – and with it came a powerful rebirth: a new ASIA lineup featuring founding member, keyboardist Geoffrey Downes, acclaimed drummer Virgil Donati, virtuoso guitarist John Mitchell, and stunning vocal newcomer and bassist Harry Whitley. This new chapter promises to reignite the band’s iconic spirit, stepping into a promising new creative era.
Founder member, songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Geoff Downes expressed his excitement for the signing:
“ASIA is thrilled to have recently signed a new deal with Frontiers Music Srl. Having been loyally supported by the label throughout the ASIA reunion period from 2005-2015, we are now entering an exciting new chapter in the band’s 45-year history with a sequence of live albums, DVDs & a brand new studio album scheduled for a 2026 release. It’s very much a homecoming for the band, and so we are greatly looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with them in the future. Watch this space!”
Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs VP of Frontiers, commented:
“So proud and excited for the label to be able to bring back this iconic band. There was certainly unfinished business to deal with and, thanks to this fabulous new line-up, new music from ASIA can now come to fruition. It will be a blast!”
In the Summer of 2023, Geoff Downes spearheaded a memorial concert to remember and celebrate the life of his late, much-loved friend and ASIA co-founder member, the great John Wetton. At the concert, he invited rock ‘n roll veteran John Mitchell, who had played with both Wetton and Downes in Icon and in Wetton’s own band, to join him on stage, taking on lead guitar duties. The duo was joined by newcomer Harry Whitley, whom Downes had discovered and whose vocal talents so closely resembled those of Wetton’s, it was nothing short of spine-tingling.
In 1982, John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and Steve Howe became the founding fathers of supergroup ASIA, responsible for a string of multi-million-selling albums and chart-topping hits across the globe. ASIA’s self-titled 1982 debut album was the biggest-selling album in the world that year. The band dominated the airwaves and for many, “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” and “Sole Survivor,” amongst others, were the soundtrack to their youth.
Another multi-million seller, “Alpha” followed in 1983, and in 1986 “Astra” completed the trio of MTV era hits. Greg Lake briefly joined the band for a Japanese tour, where ASIA’s show from the fabled Budokan was the first intercontinental simulcast.
In 2006, the founding members reformed ASIA and released several new albums before John Wetton’s untimely passing in 2017. Since John’s passing, Geoff and Carl have toured with Sam Coulson, Billy Sherwood, Ron Bumblefoot Thal, and Steve Howe guesting.
Busy touring the globe, Carl Palmer is now immersed in a project very dear to his heart, the ‘Return Of Emerson Lake & Palmer’, while the legendary Steve Howe remains at the helm of progressive rock legends, Yes. So, Geoff made the decision to take a fresh, new-looking ASIA back out on the road, recruiting Mitchell and Whitley as new members and bringing in the drumming excellence of the incomparable Virgil Donati, who had played with Wetton in the UK.
ASIA has entertained and delighted a multitude of audiences over the last forty years. Some of the world’s greatest musicians have taken up the ASIA baton during that time. However, Geoff Downes believes that the time is right to bring a fresh, new-looking ASIA out into the light.
The Year of the Dragon foretells good fortune, abundance, and prosperity. The Dragon blessed 1982, the year ASIA was first unleashed into the world, and now the journey has come full circle. Time for the dragon to take flight once more.
The BOLTON IRON MAIDEN released 2 CDs years back, comprising of their studio & live tracks made back in the early-mid 70s, back before another band used the name and went on to become one of the biggest bands in Heavy Metal. BIM, then just known as ‘Iron Maiden’, were the 2nd British band to use the name at the time (before Steve Harris came along). Now from the band’s recordings comes a very limited vinyl release of their music, just 7 tracks, with a new cover (to the CDs). Check it out. And check out my previous features on the band, including an interview with Paul TJ O’Neill!
*Available on black vinyl (+ special edition) and colored vinyl.
Details:
Active between 1970 and 1976, the Bolton Iron Maiden (originally known as Birth and then Iron Maiden) was a psychedelic hard-rock band formed in Bolton by Ian Boulton-Smith (Beak) on lead guitar, Derek George Austin on bass and Paul TJ O’Neill on drums / vocals.
Influenced by contemporaries like Led Zeppelin, Cream, Free, Groundhogs or Andromeda, their music blended blues, hard rock, and progressive elements.
They soon built a strong reputation supporting acts such as UFO, Bedlam (with Cozy Powell), Caravan, Thin Lizzy…
In 1976, the band disbanded following the death of guitarist Ian Boulton-Smith from cancer.
In 2005, Paul O’Neill revived interest in BIM by releasing two albums, “Maiden Flight” and “Boulton Rides Again”, which compiled studio and live recordings. The proceeds from these albums were donated to Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support. With the blessing of the more famous Iron Maiden and their manager Rod Smallwood, the band adopted the name “The Bolton Iron Maiden” to avoid confusion.
For the first time on vinyl, “Maiden Flight” collects their previously unreleased studio recordings from 1972 plus raw as live tracks circa 1975.
Insert with detailed liner notes and rare photos / memorabilia. Download card with extra (live) bonus tracks.
The band formed and lead by British guitarist, songwriter & producer Mick Jones was something of a ‘supergroup’, and who’s massive success started with their 1978 debut album, Jones had previously recorded 3 albums with SPOOKY TOOTH, as well as played with Leslie West. Ian McDonald had been in KING CRIMSON, (drummer) Dennis Elliott had recorded a number of albums with British band IF, and relatively unknown singer Lou Gramm had recorded 2 albums with Rochester based BLACK SHEEP.. Prior to the 3rd album, bass player Ed Gagliardi was replaced with Pete Wills, who’d played with Peter Frampton, among others.
While Foreigner and Double Vision had elements of prog on them, and were very 70s sounding (in retrospect), Head Games took on a bit of a fresh modern AOR / hard rock approach. It’s like a big step forward into the ’80s, with the production. The first hit single off this album was the hard-rockin’ lead off track “Dirty White Boy”, while the hit (single) title track lead side 2. But beyond these 2 stand-outs, Head Games featured a number of classics such as “Love On The Telephone”, “The Modern Day” (sang by Mick Jones), the ballad “Blinded By Science”, and the classic closing cut “Rev On The Red Line” (the best song here, IMO). The record went to #5 in Canada and the US.
Head Games was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, Mick Jones, and Ian McDonald, with Jones writing (or cowriting with Gramm) almost every song and being credited for ‘musical direction’ .
Head Games is my most played album of the band’s catalogue, and although Foreigner 4 was their massive hit (#1) album, I thought it all downhill after this, as the band dropped 2 members (becoming ‘4’), and going in a more pop and ballad direction. 4 I liked, though I don’t need to hear “Juke Box Hero” or “Waiting For A Girl Like You” ever again, Agent Provocateur I just never got into.
Originally released in October of 2005, DEEP PURPLE’s Rapture Of The Deep was the 4th of the Steve Morse era, and my favorite (up until then) after Purpendicular. It included favorites like “Wrong Man”, “Money Talks”, “Don’t Let Go”, and the ballad “Clearly Quite Absurd”. So (see press info below), Rapture Of The Deep has been remixed, with added tracks, and colorful new artwork!
Deep Purple‘s Rapture of the Deep turns 20 – and it’s celebrated with a complete remix and remaster, striking new artwork, plus a bonus CD/LP featuring never-before-released recordings.
It’s no secret that Rapture of the Deep isn’t the first album that comes to mind when listing Deep Purple’s classics – and while it was met with interest at the time, it gradually faded from view. Despite solid sales, the album arrived during a period when there was little spotlight on the world of classic rock, and over the years, Rapture of the Deep developed into an overlooked chapter in Deep Purple’s rich discography.
It’s equally true that this record, and the story behind it, marked a turning point — the quiet beginning of a run that would eventually lead to four consecutive No. 1 albums (2013, 2017, 2020, 2024) and the kind of success few bands experience even once, let alone decades into their career.
New insights by Kerrang! founder and Classic Rock magazine writer Geoff Barton pull back the curtain on a time when Deep Purple were navigating an uncertain era in the music industry that saw the downfall of many once-great artist careers — and unravel the strange chemistry that gave birth to Deep Purple’s 18th studio album.
As bassist Roger Glover reflects, “We were going through a bit of a hard time when we started the songwriting and production of Rapture of the Deep and, strangely enough, we didn’t have a record company at that point. Let’s face it, we were a bit lost (…).”
But from that uncertain moment emerged an album bursting with sharp songwriting, masterful playing, and pure Deep Purplegrit.
Now, newly mixed with the supervision of Glover, analogue-mastered at renowned Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, and presented with bold new artwork, Rapture of the Deep finally shines with clarity and color. “It’s a new album now to me,” says Roger Glover. Fans will hear it blooming for the first time.
This new edition also includes a bonus CD/LP featuring previously unreleased instrumental takes and studio rehearsals recorded during the songwriting process — providing a rare, unfiltered insight into the band’s creative work in the studio. Captured on multi-track in 2005 and mixed for the first time in 2025, it’s one of those rare instances where recordings resurface decades later from archives long thought lost.
Among the highlights is the track “Closing Note,” a never-before-heard piece by former guitarist Steve Morse — recorded during the album sessions and now officially released for the first time.
These tracks are available exclusively on all three physical formats — CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly Limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.
With Deep Purple riding high on the success of their latest No. 1 record=1, the time is right to (re)discover the album that set the path for Deep Purple in the 21st century.
Photo Credit: Bruce Payne Deep Purple in 2005 — Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Roger Glover, Steve Morse.
RAPTURE OF THE DEEP 20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX TRAC KLISTING: CD + LP: “Money Talks” “Things I Never Said”* “Rapture of the Deep” “Clearly Quite Absurd” “MTV”* “Back to Back” “Wrong Man” “Girls Like That” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” “Don’t Let Go” “Junkyard Blues” “Before Time Again”
*Not on original studio album
BONUS LP+CD 2005 Studio Jams & Rehearsals: “MTV” “Money Talks” “Back to Back” “Before Time Began” “Closing Note”** **Unreleased instrumental track by Steve Morse
This pop/rock gem was originally penned by songwriters Phil Wainman and Richard Myhill, and first recorded by British glam band HELLO. The song was soon picked up and recorded by a number of other varied acts, particularly in just a few year span. A single for many, though I don’t see that it was a huge hit for anyone after Hello.
“Hello was the first, they were rehearsing it within days of us writing it.”, recalls Wainman. “Richard Myhill and I wrote together over a couple of years, he was great fun to work with.”
Asked about his biggest hit as a writer, Wainman replies – “Probably “Give A Little Love”, Bay City Rollers, number one in the UK. I would not call myself a prolific writer there are so many real writers… I’m more of a producer that writes and can fix other people’s songs, that’s what I enjoyed most.”
Phil had produced a lot of early Sweet recordings, but by the time “Love Stealer” came about, Sweet had largely moved on to recording their own material. – “I never thought of offering it to Sweet as they started to write their own songs.” Richard Myhill had a career as a singer as well, releasing a few solo albums, as well as work on various soundtracks.
Richard Myhill (demo)
I found this on Youtube, according to Phil Wainman – “That sounds like the demo Richard Myhill sung, not me! That’s an EMI label, it was never released like that.”
Hello – 1976
Back in the days of of British Glan scene, HELLO released a few albums, and a number of singles, including their version of Russ Ballard’s “New York Groove”.
Cliff Richard – 1983
the last track on Cliff Richard’s Silver album. Not bad at all! Kinda loud and heavy (musically), and very 80s.
Ian Lloyd – 1979
From Ian Lloyd’s (Stories) 1979 solo LP Goose Bumps A very likeable poppy version. Goose Bumps featured songs by a number of writers (Rod Argent, Russ Ballard, Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance, Ric Ocasek…), as well as an impressive list of players and guests. Also, this version was a single.
Brownsville Station – 1978
Perhaps my favorite version of this song, American band Brownsville Station recorded it for their 1978 album Air Special, their last. The band had recorded another Wainman song on their previous album (self-titled, red album) – “Lady (Put The Light On Me)”. Both Brownsville covers were issued as singles.
Ray Burgess Band – 1978
Australian musician Ray Burgess, from the lone Ray Burgess Band album, Final Mix. A lighter, but very good version of this song..
Uriah Heep – 1980
Somewhat of a controversial choice for Heep (being as it was recorded not long after their Conquest album). Although it’s not a bad version, it was an odd move at the time. Singer John Sloman was not happy about recording it, and it would be the last recording to feature keyboardist Ken Hensley, who left soon after.
Richard T Bear – 1979
American singer (pianist, writer, producer) who released a few albums in the late 70s and 80s. This is from his 2nd album Bear, which included a number of name players such as Bob Kulick, Ian Thomas, Mark Clarke. Co-produced by Jack Richardson. A bit of rock, pop, funk, blues….
The Scooters – 1981
From The Scooters 2nd LP Blue Eyes, produced by Phil Wainman. This was also released as a single. The Scooters, a power-pop band, based in England included American Larry Lee, who went on to play and produce several acts, notably the late Joey Molland (Badfinger, the 80s) Mr Big (produce), and Roger Daltrey.
BoysVoice – 1990
German hard-rock/metal band that released 3 albums. This is from their self-titled debut album; also released as a single.
Honeymoon Suite have a new album coming out this summer. Check out the press info, ordering info, and videos below….
Legendary Canadian Rockers HONEYMOON SUITE Announce New Studio Album ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down’ – Out July 25th via Frontiers Music Srl Pre-Order HERE
Famed Rockers HONEYMOON SUITE are proud to announce that their highly anticipated ninth studio album is dropping this summer! Entitled ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down,’ this new full-length will be released via Frontiers Music Srl and hits on July 25, 2025. As a follow-up to their electrifying 2024 release ‘Alive,’ ‘Wake Me Up…‘ marks another exciting chapter in the band’s storied career. Known for their infectious blend of melodic rock, powerful hooks, and captivating lyrics, this legendary Canadian band continues to honor its classic 80s-inspired sound while embracing contemporary production techniques. The new album showcases the group’s signature style — a fusion of hard-hitting rock energy and smooth, melodic anthems — but with an updated sonic twist, adding a modern touch that fans have come to expect after their previous successes. Celebrating the announcement, HONEYMOON SUITE shares the album’s first single, “I Fly,” along with a new music video. About the single, Derry Grehan comments: “I had originally come in with the music that ended up becoming ‘I Fly.’ We had a great chorus, and we knew the track could be super cool if we finished it right. There were several re-writes over the course of a few months, but we finally hit on a really great verse and pre-chorus that rolled perfectly into the ‘I Fly’ chorus. I felt bad for Johnnie as Mike pushed him to his limits when cutting the vocal, but sometimes that’s what it takes, and the results speak for themselves. Johnnie is singing better than ever! “The lyrics are metaphorical. They talk about being on a plane, taking off into a new life, and leaving a bad situation behind on the ground. Finding a new freedom and the strength it takes to change. It’s a very positive song, and I think a lot of people can relate.”
‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down‘ sees the band continuing their commitment to the rock genre, staying true to the powerful, melodic music that made them a household name in the 1980s. Fans can expect driving rhythms, soaring guitar solos courtesy of Derry Grehan, and the signature emotive vocals of lead singer Johnnie Dee. HONEYMOON SUITE’s earlier work, including iconic hits like “New Girl Now,” “Feel It Again,” and “Lethal Weapon,” established them as one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands, and their ability to evolve while keeping their classic sound intact continues to resonate with both old and new listeners alike. Once again, the band has joined forces with acclaimed producer and songwriter Michael Krompass (Steven Tyler, Theory of a Dead Man, Smash Mouth), who helped shape the sound of their 2024 album ‘Alive.’ Krompass’s ability to blend the past and present is evident here, as the album resonates with the same nostalgic vibe that has defined HONEYMOON SUITE’s enduring legacy, while incorporating the latest production trends that elevate their sound to new heights. Derry comments on ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down‘: “The new album actually came together pretty quickly compared to ‘Alive.’ We didn’t have a pandemic to deal with. Also, our producer, Mike Krompass, had moved back to Canada, and this put us all much closer together. We recorded most everything at Mike’s home studio outside of Toronto. A lot of the songs were written quickly by Johnnie, Mike, and me in the studio, and I think they have a very fresh, live sound with a sense of urgency and excitement. I had also brought in a few much older ideas that we re-worked and made into great new songs. The album is classic HONEYMOON SUITE. Every song is different and great in its own way. It’s an album that will grow on you the more you listen, and we think people are going to love it.” From their self-titled debut album in 1985 to the success of ‘Racing After Midnight’ and ‘Monsters Under the Bed,’ HONEYMOON SUITE has maintained a loyal fan base, producing a series of chart-topping records that continue to define the rock genre. Their latest effort proves that, nearly four decades later, the band is still firing on all cylinders. With this new album, HONEYMOON SUITE demonstrates their ability to stay relevant and energized in today’s music scene while still tapping into the timeless essence that made them a staple of the 80s rock era. The album delivers a collection of tracks brimming with both high-octane rockers and more introspective moments, all marked by the band’s trademark energy and musicianship. From its anthemic choruses to its emotive lyrics, ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down‘ reaffirms that HONEYMOON SUITE remains one of rock’s most enduring and exciting acts, ever evolving but never straying from the heart of what made them legends.
Track List: 1. I Fly 2. Way of the World 3. Every Minute 4. Way Too Fast 5. Stay This Time 6. Crazy Life 7. Live On 8. Keep Our Love Alive 9. Unpredictable 10. Ever Leave You Lonely
pic – : Allan Zilkowski
HONEYMOON SUITE are: Johnnie Dee – lead vocals Derry Greham – guitars / keyboards / backing vocals Dave Betts – drums Gary Lalonde – bass Peter Nunn – keyboards
Andrew Barnum has worked on a number of different album covers over his career, and more recently having been checking out KANSAS’ 80s records, I wanted to find out more about 1982’s Vinyl Confessions. It was an album that saw a few changes for the band – singer, sound, and cover art! A very different cover than the band’s previous ones. Andrew gives us some great insight to the Vinyl Confessions artwork and period of the band, as well as a bit about other aspects of his career and covers he’s done. *Check out the links at the end, and the galleries of Andrew’s work.
How did working on the Kansas cover come about? Had you done many album covers prior to this? How did you get involved? And were you familiar with the band?
As an American born Australian, I returned to the USA from Sydney in 1977 as a freelance graphic designer, and aspiring singer-songwriter. Designing by day, performing music by night. After freelancing for 3 years, I landed a real job at a company called Print, Film and Tape in Burbank (Movies, Music, Arts) that lasted a year, which led to joining Tom Drennon. I can’t remember how it happened; Tom was all music business design work, from covers, to promo campaigns, and tour identity collateral. Here’s Tom’s covers: https://bit.ly/4mp2Gpw . I’d only done a few of album covers as a freelancer both by saxophonist John Klemmer (Brazilia, Straight to the heart) and jazz singer Jon Lucien. By 1980 I’d met my soulmate, art director, and music partner Lissa Mendelsohn and formed our post-punk band ‘Live Nude Girl.’ Our freelance designing was with Macy Lipman Music Marketing, and Larry Vallon Concert Promotions. I was familiar with Kansas by reputation only, and that Tom had done numerous covers for the band, and other Epic Records artists.
Can you explain the whole idea behind the cover, your contributions, how it was all put together?
This album was a monumental change for the band because a change of lead singer. Tom recounted after the concept meeting at the studio, that the band felt under intense scrutiny because of the line-up change, under a microscope so to speak. Tom’s key image idea was the interrogation chair. That began the process of designing a package that was looking at the band in minute detail during this re-invention. Hence the stripped back blue-print imagery. The design was also influenced by the 80s post-modern design shift that had begun in LA. The new cover was breaking with the past Kansas tradition of earthy, painted imagery. This was achieved by both the chair photo, and the striking B&W band photo, and primary colours in the logotype, and band names on the photo. Pre-digital, all the assets were hand drawn, typeset, and composed on full size paste-up boards.
Can you explain your technique used for this cover?
Drawn, or re-touched B&W bromide film elements (typesetting, image) pasted in position for CMYK print film colour separations. Very standard pre-digital print production. An assembly of visual assets.
Did you also happen to do the lettering on the front cover? Any idea why the band’s logo (on all previous album covers) was not used?
The logo brief was to create something new for Kansas, while creating continuity with their classic forms on previous covers. This led to researching typefaces in the trusty (copyright free) reference of the time, Dover books. We found ‘the sixteenth-century German artist Albrecht Durer’s instructional treatise on the geometric construction of Roman capitals, with precise directions for each letter and general directions for Gothic capitals and miniscules, Of the Just Shaping of Lettersby Albrecht Dürer.’ (Google books) The roman titling we found which contained both capital and lowercase outlines served the purpose of detail, scrutiny, and classicism. We added the bright colour set within the letter forms.
Was Kansas a band you listened to? Any recall listening to this album?
Not really on our post-punk radar at the time. But fully aware of their impressive stature and sales.
Did you do any other album covers beyond Vinyl Confessions? And what do you do now?
(Well, since then, in the art world) After Lissa and I were married in LA in 1981, all roads started leading back to Sydney after a honeymoon trip, we reconnected with design and music in Sydney which led to a new freelance life as A&L Barnum Design, and our ‘Live Nude Girl’ demos being heard by local producer Mark Moffat at Festival Records. By easter 1982 we’d sold up our chattels, and moved to Sydney. Again, design by day, and music by night, sometimes vice-versa.And a new band name for our new duo ‘Vitabeats.’We’ve designed covers for Inxs, Eurogliders, Redgum, Anne Kirkpatrick, Mary Jo Starr, Mark Callaghan (Gangajang) and Java Quartet. And Vitabeats and my 8 solo albums (see atbarnum.bandcamp). We are both exhibiting artists. Mexico City born Lissa’s Aus-Mex paintings, and my more conceptual minimalist works. barnumgroup.biz/art
Have you ever seen the Uriah Heep album cover for ‘Equator’ (1985)? (check it out)
I note the similarity to ‘Confessions.’ Also a progressive hard rock band re-defining itself with graphic impact for the mid 80s. The image looks a slice through the earth at the equator. Global warning anyone?
Another STEVE HACKETT live album. I haven’t picked up the last one yet, but love all these releases revisiting his GENESIS years. But, is there any Genesis albums left for him to do? Check out the press release, video, and track-listing below.
Steve Hackett proudly presents ‘The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall’, a stunning audio/visual document of his show at the iconic London venue in October 2024, set for release on the 11th July 2025. Watch the band performing ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ below:
Steve and his live band celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis concept album ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’, with a selection of his favourite tracks from that album including ‘Fly On A Windshield’ & ‘Lilywhite Lilith’. The live set also includes other Genesis & solo classics, including music from his most recent acclaimed album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’. This special evening saw the band joined by guests including Ray Wilson, Steve Rothery, Amanda Lehmann & John Hackett. Steve comments: “I was so happy to revisit the Lamb on tour. The Royal Albert Hall evening was particularly memorable. It is my favourite London venue and the atmosphere there that night was absolutely electric… I was really pleased that everyone in the band and the performing guests pulled it off with flying colours!”
Expertly mixed by Grammy-award winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge, and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, the night was filmed by longtime collaborator Paul M Green, and is presented as Special Edition 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak which includes 5.1 Surround Sound & bonus interview content. The vinyl arrives as a deluxe 4LP 180g boxset, including 12-page LP-size booklet featuring photos from the evening. Pre-order now HERE.
Track-listing:
1. People of the Smoke 2. Circo Inferno 3. These Passing Clouds 4. The Devil’s Cathedral 5. Every Day 6. Hands Of the Priestess 7. A Tower Struck Down 8. Low Notes And High Hopes 9. Camino Royale 10. Shadow Of The Hierophant 11 .The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 12. Fly On A Windshield 13. Broadway Melody Of 1974 14. Hairless Heart 15. Carpet Crawlers 16. The Chamber Of 32 Doors 17. Lilywhite Lilith18.The Lamia 19. It 20. Dancing With The Moonlit Knight 21. The Cinema Show 22. Aisle Of Plenty 23. Firth Of Fifth 24. Los Endos 25. An Interview with Steve Hackett
Steve Hackett & band are currently continuing their Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlight & Solo tour around Europe, before taking it to Japan in July, Italy in September & North America in October & November.
Earlier this year, Steve Hackett released ‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, featuring live recordings from his annual acoustic shows at Trading Boundaries in the UK. Listen nowHERE.
Outsider Rock 