Firebrand Magazine Issue 14 - November

Issue 14 - November 2013

PLUS Tygers Of Pan Tang REO Speedwagon Def Leppard Vampires Rock Kill For Eden Harem Scarem Savage Tad Morose Europe

2

Firebrand Magazine

So much to talk about in one little editorial space this month that I could practically take over the magazine on my own but the minions will get shirty so I will behave.

First topic of course must be the trial of Ian Watkins of the Lost Prophets. How could a sick twisted man get away with that for years especially being in the high profile position he was. Sadly, in my opinion, any sentence that is handed down to him will not be good enough for the crimes against children he committed. We like many others are banning the Lost Prophets from Firebrand and it is a shame that a talented band like that will be destroyed by the actions of its lead singer.

I have to say though it is a shame that the other remaining members of the band will have their careers forevermore tarnished by being in association with him.

In our series on the modern music industry I am delighted to say that this month we have an inclusion from the pen of the mighty Harry Paterson which provides a fascinating read.

I had the pleasure this week of attending a very private party hosted by legendary prog band The Enid. There will be a full write up on that in the next issue of Firebrand Magazine but just to say for now it was a phenomenal night.

Brand new this week as well is the Firebrand App. Available completely free of charge you will be able to catch up with all the Firebrand news and shows on the go. Available in two forms Iphone and Android do not delay get it today from the Itunes App store or the Google Play store and make your smart device happy.

Christmas is around the corner folks and I hope you all have a wonderful time this coming holiday season.

Peace & Respect Doc

3

Firebrand Magazine

Axel Rudi Pell to release new album Eminent German Heavy Metal Guitar WizardAxel Rudi Pell, who has sold over 1.5 million albums as a solo artist since his 1989 debut, is set to release his stunningly good 15th studio album, ‘Into The Storm’, on January 20th on Steamhammer / SPV. ‘Into The Storm’, indubitably one his finest albums ever, is more than worthy of marking the 25th anniversary of the incredibly accomplished Axel Rudi Pell band, long-time stars of the German and European melodic metal scene. The Axel Rudi Pell band, who sold out their Camden Underworld gig in April 2012, will then headline London’s Garage on 9th February, (ably supported by illustrious label mates Rebellious Spirit), as part of an extensive European headline tour.

Explaining his constantly driven musical motivation Axel states that “There hasn’t been one day of my life when I haven’t been pushed by Ronnie James Dio’s spirit to write something mystical.” Not that creativity comes at the flick of a switch for Pell, who states that “I couldn’t sit down with it and compose from nine to five; that doesn’t work for me.”

However, by harnessing advancements in modern technology, Axel was easily able to capture all moments of inspiration whenever and wherever he wanted; “My cell phone is almost like a mobile recording studio, it’s always busy. And this time things worked particularly well.”

In July 2013, after 15 great years together, Axel unfortunately had to part ways with drummer Mike Terrana, when their schedules could not match up, but there was no major fall-out; “We’re all professionals and we behave like professionals” proudly notes Pell. Top of Axel’s tub-thumper replacement wish-list was Brooklyn born sticksman Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult etc), who had always been one of his favourite drummers. Fortunately, “Bobby had heard a lot about me and immediately joined”, recalls Pell, continuing “Bobby fell in love with the new songs head over heels, I didn’t have to tell him what to do, he did everything right the first time.”

The addition of Rondinelli to the line-up, has definitely brought fresh blood into the band, which may explain why US vocalist Johnny Gioli is also raving about the new opus; “I think ‘Into The Storm’ is one the best ARP albums ever.”

Abounding among the multiple outstanding tracks on ‘Into The Storm’, are huge, catchy, up-tempo numbers like ‘Tower Of Lies’ and ‘Burning Chains’, elaborate, melodic rockers such as ‘Long Way To Go’ and ‘High Above’, plus soaring epic masterpieces such as ‘Touching Heaven’, let alone the ten-minute plus title track itself. Mention must also be made of the band’s sublime cover version of Neil Young’s ‘Hey Hey My My’. ‘Into The Storm’ will be released as a ten track jewel case CD, as a Digipak CD containing two bonus tracks; the glorious instrumental ‘White Cats (Opus #6 Scivolare)’ and a cover of Blackmore’s Night’s ‘Way To Mandalay’, along with a poster. The album will also be released as a double gatefold, black vinyl gatefold 2 LP + CD album, and in a limited edition (1,000 only) Box set containing 2 LP’s, the Digi CD, a flag, metal pin, patch, plectrum, poster, sticker and postcard.

Felix Martin to perform with guitar legend Steve Vai Venezuelan 14-string guitarist announces mini-homecoming tour, upcoming US appearances.

Up-and-coming guitar maestro Felix Martin, best known for his self-designed 14-string guitar, is honored to announce that he will be opening for guitar legend Steve Vai this weekend in his home country of Venezuela. Martin will continue to play a series of shows throughout Venezuela in December; dates can be found below.

Martin will make his way back to Southern California in January to attend the annual Namm Convention, where last year he was seen performing at the Seymour Duncan booth. He will also make select appearances throughout the beginning of the year including an appearance at Baja Prog Fest 2014.

Defying genres with his combination of instrumental progressive metal, jazz fusion, funk and world music, Martin released his "nothing short of phenomenal" (Alarm Magazine) Prosthetic studio debut, "The Scenic Album," earlier this year. The album, which features support from acclaimed drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Necrophagist, Joe Satriani) and bassist Nathan Navarro, "expertly crafts complex yet catchy songs...and knock(s) down sonic boundaries with ease "(No Clean Singing).

Steamhammer/SPV will release the new Battleaxe album Heavy Metal Sanctuary in February 2014 Here is the video for the title track:

The new album Heavy Metal Sanctuary was recorded at Trinity Heights/Pillarbox/Sound Inc Studios in Newcastle upon Tyne England and was mixed and mastered by Fred Purser (ex-Tygers Of Pan Tang).

The current line-up consists of the original members Dave King (vocals) and Brian Smith (bass) as well as Mick Percy (guitar) and Paul AT Kinson (drums).

4

Firebrand Magazine

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

ISSUE

5

ISSUE

Firebrand Magazine

6

Firebrand Magazine

Europe Live In Sweden 30th Anniversary CD/DVD 10/10 Record Label: Ear Music/EDL

Released: 21 October 2013

Highlight of the album: Girl From Lebanon Website: http://www.europetheband.com Reviewer: Jon Seymour

Yep, Europe have been around 30 years now, with album number one released in 1983. This CD/DVD encompasses the entire set taken from their headline performance at Sweden Rock Festival in June 2013. The show is released on a double CD, a DVD and a Blu-Ray disc, and includes songs spanning the whole of their musical career. For the purposes of this review, I have the CD and DVD versions.

The CD contains exactly the same tracks across the 2 discs, and again the sound quality is great, with over an hour of music on each one. Live albums are great to listen to, and although I prefer the visual element of a live show, the CD’s are good enough to transfer some of the atmosphere across from the DVD. Put it on loud in the car, and you could almost be there. It does need playing loud by the way. After all, if you’re at a show, the music is very loud, so in order to get the full effect The DVD I have is a promotional version, so I don’t of everything you need to try to recreate it as know if this will differ from the retail version, but it’s closely as possible. mastered in Dolby Digital 2.0, so no 5.1 surround sound. The Blu-Ray disc as far as I can tell has Overall, this is the definitive Europe experience, been mastered in DTS Master Audio so should be culminating 30 years worth of music into a single HD 5.1 and given the choice that’s the one I’d performance is no mean feat, but they managed to personally go for. That said though, the sound pull it off, and do it well. It’s also good to see that quality on the DVD is great, and the picture quality the guys have as much fun on the stage as they too is damned good, even when upscaled to always did, and their chemistry is incredible. They HD1080p, and suffers no pixilation at all. manage to include songs from every single studio album they’ve made, and in that respect is a must The editing is also top notch. There are a multitude for every Europe fan out there. For anyone not of camera angles, and they help capture the familiar with this band, then this is about as big a atmosphere of the concert, which incidentally was greatest hits album as you’re going to get, and with attended by 30,000 or so festival goers, and were the added bonus of being live, and the band also damned noisy by all accounts. The lighting and include a couple of bonus songs in the set, namely stage equipment were scaled up massively, and to Thin Lizzy’s Jailbreak featuring Scott Gorham and see the guys perform on such a big stage is great. UFO’s Lights Out featuring Michael Schenker. Yes, this is most certainly one of my essential albums of The past few years have seen a real upsurge in the the year, and also one of my favourites. 30 years band’s popularity, and deservedly so. They have and still going strong, and no sign of going produced some of the finest hard rock albums anywhere any time soon, and they’re still the hard you’ll likely have heard in their respective release rock powerhouse they’ve always been. You really years, and they’re packing out venues everywhere need to buy this album the first chance you get, but they go. So what do you get for your money with for the ultimate experience, it just has to be the this release? Well how about 28 tracks? Yes that’s Blu-Ray. right, 28 tracks (including a drum solo, but that’s splitting hairs), so it’s a long one. The DVD running time is 163 minutes. That’s a lot of Europe. It’s also a lot of damned fine music to boot. The DVD also contains some backstage footage, and is enjoyable to watch, bringing both interest and humour.

7

Firebrand Magazine

The Writing On The Wall?

By Harry Paterson Examining the impact changes in the music business have had on music journalism is something of a flawed exercise. Of course, to deny that the impact hasn’t been seismic would be to fly in the face of reality but those changes haven’t occurred in a vacuum. In one sense both those involved in the music industry – musicians, producers, engineers, roadies, support staff etc – and those involved in music journalism are victims of the same process; evolving technology. Not since the advent of Gutenberg’s printing press has there been a single technological advance in human communication that has had the impact of the internet. The effect on the music business is so now readily acknowledged and well-understood that it almost seems superfluous to mention it; downloading, MP3 and file-sharing have seen what was once a global multi-national concern reduced to little more than a cottage industry; certainly in comparison to the industry’s golden age from around the mid-60s through to the mid-80s.

the forthcoming live show. What all this has meant for feature-writers and music journalists is several-fold; firstly, the combination of both the lack of available budgets and the emergence of new communications technology, has seen many of the time-honoured staples and perks of music journalism become endangered species. Press junkets, ‘ligs’ and all-expenses paid trips to fly hacks around the world on the record company dime have all but vanished. These things do still happen, of course – I’ve received invites to three expenses-paid listening parties on the continent over the last year – but in nowhere near the frequency that was once an accepted working norm. I might once have expected to receive such invites at a rate of around one per month.

In terms of today’s music journalists, working-practices have changed too – have had to change – to accommodate this brave new, but infinitely poorer, world. Of course, mega-star rockers Undeniably, the much-reduced sums of money will still be ensconced in luxury suites at top London sloshing around the music business have impacted hotels, and the scribes will still be ushered in and out directly on everyone involved. Where once an album to receive the dispensed pearls of wisdom, but, release by a heavy-weight act would be an event of increasingly, interviews are conducted via Skype, significant proportions – and extravagant world telephone and – horror of horrors – via email and a tours would be organised in service of promoting pre-determined set of questions. The resulting sales of the album – now ticket-prices have rocketed answers are often little more than glorified press as musicians and bands see very little return from releases and sterile PR bullshit. This removes the their recording endeavours. Albums now often human interaction, spontaneity and the energy of promote tours; they’ve almost become loss-leaders person-to-person exchanges and requires greater and little more than aural flyers to raise publicity for efforts on the part of the writer to produce

8

Firebrand Magazine

interesting and compelling copy. While it isn’t all bad news – the internet and email have made research and submitting copy as painless as they’ve ever been, for example – the economic decline of the music industry has had an equally violent impact on the fortunes of the jobbing music writer. While it’s difficult to measure and quantify, there is a perception that freelancing has never been harder. Why should a top-flight print magazine, labouring under ever escalating costs, farm out assignments to freelance writers – who command a higher rate – when salaried staffers can do the job and costs can be off-set that much easier? The big names, the long-established pros, the Mick Walls, Charles Shaar Murrays and the Dave Lings of the world – who built up their reputations and portfolios in the music and publishing business’s most lucrative pre-digital period – will rarely starve but for the newly-aspiring music journo, it’s a tough, tough gig out there.

The aforementioned three worked on publications with enormous circulation figures and with staffs several times larger than today’s journals before making the transition to respected and acclaimed freelancers. Print music journalism has shrunk in parallel with the music business and titles with the gravitas and authority of sacred texts have changed out of all recognition or even disappeared altogether; Sounds is, sadly, a distant memory and The NME isn’t even a shadow of its former mighty self. For those that remain, sales and circulation figures would make 70s and 80s editors and marketing chiefs shudder in horror.

Sounds could once boast sales in excess of over 200,00 copies per week, every week, and while that information is jealously guarded by today’s equivalents, there isn’t a hope in hell current sales would compare. Kerrang! – perhaps hard to believe for the younger generation – was once, for a time, the only dedicated rock and metal publication in the world. Record labels queued up to throw money at it and its writers could enjoy travelling the world, hobnobbing with the stars gratis. Online journals, however, have multiplied at a dizzying rate and the internet has made the route to publication for writers easier than at any time previously. A cruel irony has emerged for the new generation; it’s now even easier to get published but harder than ever to actually earn money from one’s endeavours. The online model increasingly requires writers to work for free, grateful for the ‘exposure’ and ‘publicity’ such modest ‘opportunities’ afford the digital generation’s Lester Bangs and Hunter S Thompsons. Print journalism isn’t immune from this pernicious modern slavery, either.

There is at least one UK-based middle-ranking rock and metal magazine which pays its large ‘staff’ of writers nothing at all for their reviews and features; not a single penny piece and yet the proprietor(s) make his/her/their entire living from the magazine’s sales; all on the back of entirely unpaid labour. It’s difficult to see that trend reversing.

Indeed all the pointers are that such practices and culture will only become more entrenched as online publishing threatens to eclipse traditional print journalism. After all, up-to-the-minute information is now at the fingertips of the ‘consumer’ at the click of a button, twenty four-seven. Why wait a month for a print magazine to report old news? Perhaps the last word ought to go to Ian Winwood who, with depressing insight, told Neil Daniels that he thinks of the future of the UK music magazine industry “… as being like the coal industry in the early 1990s; it’s in real trouble. I can’t help thinking that for all the talk of new media platforms and other revenue streams, the fact is that the game is over and now it’s merely about managing the decline.” (1) (1) All Pens Blazing, Neil Daniels p341

9

Firebrand Magazine

Harem Scarem 10/10

Mood Swings II Record Label: Frontiers Records

Released: 27 September 2013

Highlight of the album: Sentimental Blvd Website: http://www.haremscarem.net/ Reviewer: Lee Walker

Harem Scarem are among that elite group of bands Overall, ‘Mood Swings II’ can be summed up in one that I had heard about but had not checked out for simple word ‘impressive’. one reason or another until now.

Bring on Moodswings III! The original ‘Mood Swings’ was released way back in 1993 and ‘Mood Swings II’ is a complete re-recording of those hallowed tracks as well as an additional three brand new songs, unleashing them upon a new generation of listeners and allowing them to discover the irresistibly catchy array of classic rock songs and AOR friendly vocals.

The album itself is fourteen songs long with no dud tracks anywhere to be found, which is a very rare thing to find, and to say that I was surprised by this release would be an understatement to say the least.

The Presence LDN 8/10

Ya Ya Pop EP Record Label: Hot Tin Records

Released: 11 November 2013

Highlight of the album: Ya Ya Pop Website: http://www.thepresenceldn.com Reviewer: Jon Seymour

The Presence LDN are a culmination of several musicians coming together to form a band. This is their first release, and if you like, a statement of intent. The EP contains four tracks, that are so individually different that each could be by a completely different artist altogether. That’s not saying they don’t fit together though, because they do, and surprisingly well.

They manage to fuse rockabilly, punk, soul and good old fashioned rock n roll into something that’s actually coherent. It’s quite experimental by the sounds of things, but then you start to wonder if it’s not that at all. Maybe this isn’t an experiment, but something that’s cleverly put together to challenge your perceptions.

again. It’s got something that you just can’t put your finger on. I don’t know what it is, but it’s just, well, there. Is it good? Yes it is, most definitely. It’s also very different. Go into it with a closed mind, and you may find yourself out of your comfort zone quite quickly. If you’re openly receptive though, you can appreciate the music fully, and only then start to appreciate what it has to offer. If I had to describe it in a single word, that word would be “interesting.”

It’s rather strange though, but inexplicably addictive.

After the first listen I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d just heard, so I had to listen again, and again, and

10

Firebrand Magazine

11

Firebrand Magazine

Michael Spiggos Speaks to the guys from

12

Firebrand Magazine

Hello guys! Congratulations should go to you for your EP! With a month already since its initial release, how do you guys feel about it now?

Danun: Feelings are still good! We’re happy in that the EP is achieving what we hoped it would.

Which is recognition and a positive response to our songs and overall sound.

Andy: When we discussed releasing an EP over a year ago, the idea was to produce four tracks that would recreate our unique Superfecta style and sound. The same process was applied to the cover artwork.

Danun: Yep, Andy’s pretty proud of his artwork!

Andy: And so I should be!

Junior: I still feel really strong about it, and when we created it we knew we had something special in our hands, but I had no idea it was going to receive all that praise from people and the magazines.

they listen to the material.

Andy: A difficult question for me to answer. Our musical interests are quite varied…this can cause some friction within the band at times…in a purely creative way of course!

Ultimately our roots are collectively in rock, from classic to grunge to modern day and I think this can be heard in our music.

The general consensus seems to be that bands such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, and The Foo Fighters are immediately recognisable in our music and indeed these would be considered as some of our main influences alongside Iron Maiden, Faith no More, Stone Temple Pilots, AC/DC, Kiss, GnR, Motorhead and many more…!

Max: My bass influence is very eclectic. I come from a classic music background, so I feel like the bass needs to be colourful present and prominent. Plus, mixing in a little funk groove, creates a different character to the sound, a What about the press and the fans? What has discreet but interesting shape to the music we the reception been like? play.

Danun: To be honest it’s all been fantastic so far, from both press and the fans. Every review we’ve received to date has been great. You always read the next review with one eye squinted, just incase somebody slates it, but so far so good.

Max: Yep, we've received a lot of good feedback. Our fans really like it and are already asking when new songs are coming.

They are hungry!

Junior: It's been phenomenal. Considering we are a relatively new band we are getting great feedback from all sides.

According to what we’re hearing on your EP, your sound is quite varied, taking influences from melodic hard rock to grunge, yet there’s also space to express your own personal style. How did the Superfecta sound shape and on what influences is it based upon?

Junior: I would say the reason behind that variety is our love and interest for many types of rock music, plus the four of us are all different in our own little way. We listen to different stuff. I think that brings an interesting mix to the table.

Danun: Yep, that’s the one thing that has surprised us. A lot of the reviewers and the fans have mentioned how varied the songs are. To be honest, it’s not something we were really aware of, this “variation”. But it’s amazing what people actually hear when

13

Firebrand Magazine

Now about the EP itself: Tell us a few words about each of its four tracks.

Danun: I’ll leave this one to the vocalist!

Andy: The first track ‘She’s a Star’ is a melodic grunge guitar driven track. It’s one of the first tracks we wrote together as Superfecta and is generally considered one of our most ‘commercial’ songs. The lyrics for this song are written about a woman called ‘Eva Star’ who interestingly features on the cover artwork for the EP. We also plan to use her as a ‘mascot’ for subsequent single/album releases, as she featured on the first release of ‘She’s a Star’.

The second track ‘Paradox’ with its driving guitar and haunting vocal melodies make this a good follow on from the punchy first track, and leads nicely into the slower more laid back track ‘Inside’. Finally the last track ‘Pendulum’ is our ‘Motorhead’ song. Fast, furious and breathless, enough said!

Junior: ‘SAS’ is a great opener with an amazing guitar riff and a very unusual rhythm. ‘Paradox is just a good rock n roll Superfecta style track, and Inside is the emotional number of the EP, the ballad-esque type of track that you always have to have. Pendulum, no comments!

Danun: Yep, Junior can’t sleep at night due to one of his kick beats being out of time by one hundredth of a second!

Max: Pendulum mashes you up! Enough said!

Superfecta was formed back in 2011, but it took you guys about two years to get into the studio and record the EP. What can you tell us about the EP itself and the production process?

Danun: Yep we took longer getting to the EP than we originally planned. Shortly after releasing the “She’s a Star” demo in May 2012, Michael, our original bassist left the band, so it took us a while to find Max, and then we had to get him up to speed. And then we tried a few other rhythm guitarists, which didn’t work out! So once ready, we spent a lot of time finding the right studio, that specifically understood rock music, and so we ended up at Black Wookie in Lancing, near Brighton. We went into the studio with a basic skeleton idea of requirements, but much of it was open to suggestion. A lot of credit must be given to Paul Winstanley at Black Wookie. He’d hear and suggest things we’d never have noticed.

That extra set of ears was crucial He did a terrific job on the production and that’s a key factor in why the EP sounds so great.

Andy: Indeed the early days of Superfecta saw a few members come and go before we were happy with the four piece we have today. Being an artist myself, I also decided to undertake the artwork for the cover, using the self created Eva Star mascot …The idea for the theme for the cover artwork was taken from a mixture of

14

Firebrand Magazine

sources including Iron Maidens ‘Somewhere in Time’ album cover and the film ‘Blade Runner’ which both had the futuristic styles we were looking for. But a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into recording and producing the tracks but we also had a lot of fun. And No animals were harmed during the making of the EP… Danun: I may have mentioned that Andy’s very proud of his artwork!

Max: Yep the songs were pretty much ready when entering the studio, and in there, some magic happened along with a little improvisation.

It definitely added some character to the songs, especially SAS, which sounds more aggressive and still more melodic than its first demo recording back in 2011.

and we are also very excited with the artwork concept that we have in mind.

Andy: But before the album we have a new single to release, probably late Jan, early Feb 2014 with the album in the spring of 2014. We are also currently working on a lot of new material that will be battling for space on the album.

Danun: By next April we’ll have roughly 18 -20 tracks to choose from, and as Junior has said, we’ll probably cut it down to 12. But it’s going be a tough decision picking the twelve. We’re already scratching our heads as to which tracks probably won’t make the final cut! What we do know though, is that it’ll be vey varied, like the EP!

Let’s get to the band itself... Tell us a bit about Superfecta.

Danun: Well we all know the cliché about how being in a band is like being in a longterm relationship, and it’s sadly true. We argue, don’t appreciate each other, and the sex is none existent! But in all seriousness, it can be quite complex. We have a band with two moody northerners, a Bolivian and an eccentric Frenchman! A recipe for disaster really, but it seems works on the whole! We’re all good mates,we work hard and enjoy the creative process of writing and playing.

Junior: We are a great band!

Max: That’s the sort of thing I’d usually say!

Andy: Well, the aim is to be a great band! Let’s move on!

What plans are there regarding your live appearances? Are there any set live dates yet?

Max: A lot of live dates are coming along for 2014, and we are definitely looking at hitting the festivals.

Danun: Yes we’re just in the middle of confirming a set of London dates for Jan/Feb 2014, but it’s outside London that interests us. We’re speaking to a couple of promoters right now and we’re hopeful to be heading around the UK pretty soon.

And as Max has mentioned, it’s important to get our teeth into some summer festival slots

Taking into consideration the fact that you have tested the waters with the EP and with its success in mind, would you be looking to build upon what you have established and release a full length album? Are there plans for that in the near future? What can you tell us about it?

Max: The full- length album is indeed on its way!

Junior: Well the plan is to record the debut album early 2014 and have 10 to 12 tracks on it,

Thank you for the interview guys! Anything you would like to say to the readers of Firebrand Magazine?

Andy: Just watch out for an even bigger, better and bolder Superfecta in 2014!

Junior: Thanks to our family, friends and the fans for their continuous support. Without them nothing would have been possible Danun: I’ll raise a glass to those statements, but it’s also important to say a huge thanks to all those people working behind the scenes, that are pushing, promoting and helping us to get Superfecta out there! Here’s to 2014!

Max: Au Revoir and merci!

15

Firebrand Magazine

16

Firebrand Magazine

Ted Morose 10/10

Revenant Record Label: Despotz Records

Released: 15 November 2013

Highlight of the album: Ares Website: http://www.tadmorose.se Reviewer: Jon Seymour

So Sweden’s Tad Morose have been absent from the metal scene for a little while now, ten years in fact.

Yes you read that correctly, this is the first album from the band in ten years. A lot has happened in that time, and the band has gone through some line up changes, but now they’re back with a bang, and a big bang at that.

but it always fits so well, so why the Hell not? The album is varied in pace, with some songs hurtling along at breakneck speed, while others are slow and purposeful, driving onward like a thousand bulldozers in formation, formidable, heavy, strong and seemingly unstoppable.

So then, this is a colossal album, and it’s seriously Revenant kicks off with a sledgehammer of a track. heavy. It’s powerful too, but it doesn’t hit you with blunt This is powerful stuff, and it doesn’t let up in the force trauma. It’s more technical than that. It doesn’t slightest. The vocals are immense. They emerge from just hit you and hope you’ll fall down eventually. It your speakers with the force of Viking hordes intent seems to target your weak points systematically, and on pillaging every ounce of hearing you have. Musically even with your guard up, it will take you apart. Yes, this too, it seems that subtlety is a word lost on these is a relentless assault that you don’t even notice until guys. it’s too late. You could almost say “clever girl” if this album was effeminate, but it isn’t, it’s as testosterone The lyrical content is as you might expect, steeped in fuelled as anything you could pretty much imagine. It’s mythology, war and fantasy. It seems that this sort of pretty damned awesome too. imagery goes hand in hand with this style of music,

Savatage 10/10

Streets: A Rock Opera. A Narrated Version Record Label: earMUSIC

Released: 18 November 2013

Highlight of the album: Agony and Ecstasy Website: http://www.savatage.com/ Reviewer: Lee Walker

Savatage put the mountain king himself Jon Oliva firmly at the forefront of the music scene back in the day and it’s a testimony to just how ahead of its time Savatage actually was.

is a dvd collection of classic Savatage videos such as ‘Hall Of The Mountain King’, ‘Gutter Ballet’, ‘24 Hrs. Ago’ etc as well as several rare bonus audio tracks adding and extra element to the overall experience.

‘Streets: A Rock Opera’ is just that and to me falls under the category of a concept style album with its musical style set pieces and narrative.

Originally planned as a broadway musical by Paul O’Neill the concept impressed Jon and Chriss so much that they set out to bring this creation to life with a mix of classic progressive sounds and theatrical parts putting the story together with such finesse that even now, some 12 years after it was first released it still sounds as fresh as it did on the day that it was released.

Also included on this long awaited classic re-release

17

Firebrand Magazine

So, here we are getting off the U5 train and as I head out to the street to look for the venue the first thing I see is a large illuminated advertisement for DildoKing; welcome to Berlin!

This is my first visit to K-17 a decent looking venue situated just outside Berlin city centre. The ground floor room was big enough to hold a couple of hundred people and the first person I managed to speak to was Simon Morton, the Tygers' manager.

Simon, for his sins, was manning the merchandise desk and we chatted about a couple of the previous gigs in Essen and Hamburg. Essen saw around 260 people rock out while Hamburg saw just 30 or so, mostly due to the dodgy weather reports and the flood barriers put up around the venue. Still, the evening along the Reeperbahn in Hamburg appears to have been an interesting one (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)! I hung around just long enough to see the youngest fan there, a lad named Markus, aged around 9 or 10, attending the gig with his parents.

He wanted everything on the merch table, his mum said they'd have to speak to his dad and ask him for some money. That obviously touched Simon because

18

Firebrand Magazine

young Markus walked away with a t-shirt, lanyard, signed set-list....all for free. Simon is hoping he doesn't bring all his classmates to the next gig!

There was no local support band on in Berlin and by the time that main support act, Belgian band Showdown, hit the stage there was close to 100 people in the hall. I'd not seen Showdown before and I have to say they were pretty damned good.

Showdown is a four piece band fronted by Sammy Peleman who provided some striking vocals; at times you could close your eyes and hear hints of 1970's Gillan, but most of all the similarity to Judas Priest's Rob Halford was quite staggering. Supported by Bart Calis on drums, Glenn Vanpoucke on guitar and Sharon MortelĂŠ on bass the band ripped through 8 quality songs in around 40 minutes. The music was tight, the vocals were superb, all in all, a great choice of support act.

After a short break the hall had filled a little and maybe 150 or more people had come out to see the Tygers of Pan Tang. The current line-up is founder member Robb Weir on guitar, Gav Gray on bass, Craig Ellis on drums, Iacopo Meille on vocals and new kid on the block Micky Crystal on guitar. Some of you might know Micky Crystal as Michael McCrystal of DeeExpus; he joined the Tygers towards the start of this year and seems to have slotted in very well indeed though his alter ego may not fool the tax man.

The Tygers playlist included songs from Wild Cat, released in 1980, right through to the latest album, Ambush, released last year and they kicked off with 'Keeping me alive' from Ambush. They threw back the years and followed this with two tracks from 1981, 'Love don't stay' from Crazy Nights and 'Gangland' from Spellbound. The mixed crowd were really up for this gig and the headbanging got under way right from the very first song. Tracks from Ambush, Wild Cat, Crazy Nights, Spellbound and Animal Instinct followed over the next hour or so of smoke-filled riffage. The entire band seemed to really enjoy the gig, particularly Micky Crystal who admitted after the show that he was thriving on being able to occasionally improvise during the songs. The main set ended with 'Hellbound' from Spellbound.

After a short respite while the crowd were yelling for more, the Tygers returned to belt out two more songs; 'Euthanasia' from Wild Cat and an energetic cover of 'Love Potion No.9' taken from the 1982 album The Cage.

The gig was over, the fans hung around to chat with the band who were happy to oblige. The next major UK gig will be Hard Rock Hell at the end of November, if you're going then make a point of watching the Tygers of Pan Tang because they really do roar!

19

Firebrand Magazine

Interviewed by Lee Walker 20

Firebrand Magazine

How did Kill For Eden form?

I met Lyla through a band personnel website. I was writing all this music but needed a singer to develop the material into songs. Lyla was looking for something with enough meat on the bone to get her musical teeth into and work with a band playing original music. We then met Mike who wanted to focus on bass after fronting a few bands in London and we found lead guitarist Andrea who is from Cremona, Italy where the famous Stradivarius violins were made. We are a five-piece band but like Spinal Tap before us, until now have had problems finding the right drummer. However a year ago we met Wally a fantastic drummer from Omsk in Siberia who has settled in London and he’s slotted right into the band very nicely.

How did you come up with the bands name?

We started out as 'Rhode Island Red' but this had too many chicken and humorous overtones and we wanted something more serious.

Kill for Eden represents the irony that throughout history, in the name of religion, people have killed in order to preserve their ideology of Eden (purity of their beliefs) and happily kill those who don't conform. Most religion teaches its followers to seek a place of Eden here on earth (ie a place free from sin) but ironically in order to find it, it creates fanatics who will kill for it (ie heaven, Eden, jannah (islamic heaven). Look recently at Islamic fundamentalists....

Also in the past many wealthy groups of whites have killed to preserve their high quality of life. Take slavery in southern America. Whites didn't want to share their Eden with blacks & killed to preserve their selfish greedy lifestyle in the American civil war.

We have seen this happen throughout Africa, Israel, and of course across the British Empire.

In a way we still do this in first world countries leeching off the planets resources so that we can live the lives of luxury at the expense of the planet and the poor who work hard for little return.

been happy with the responses that they got?

Yes. The press we've received consistently recognizes the strong band performance, well crafted song writing and of course Lyla's outstanding vocals.

What prompted you to put the e.p out so soon after the album release?

We wanted to release a second single from the album but if we'd put it out later it would have been March before it was released and considering the album was out last May that was far too long to wait so we plumped for a pre-Christmas time frame.

Would you like to change anything about either release?

I'd like more money with which to promote them.

Getting the message out there is a constant mission and marketing is where you can always do more.

With the E.P released what do you have planned for the future? Do you have any tour dates or festival appearances booked?

Well I’m happy to say that Lyla is expecting a baby this December so we’ll take a hiatus for a few months and probably start gigging again from Springtime 2014 with some club dates and hopefully some festivals.

Are there any messages that you would like to pass on to your fans?

Our new EP 'Living On Mars' featuring a remixed and re-mastered version of that song is available from iTunes, Amazon and the usual download sites and features two brand new songs recorded in London this summer.

Also there are a few new videos, some live, that we’ve made that will be going up over the winter on YouTube and our website - www.killforeden.com

How would you describe the bands sound?

We are a hard rock band that perform songs incorporating infectious grooves, strong melodies, hard edged guitar riffs and a strong girl vocal that demands your attention.

What is the biggest obstacle that you have came across so far?

In my view there are far too many rubbish bands out there that make the task of distinguishing yourself all the more difficult.

You released your debut album earlier in the year and you have recently released the first e.p from it. Have you

21

Firebrand Magazine

some bands. So while I was at the GPO by day, I was playing clubs at night, all sorts. In an R ’n’ B band called The Blend we had on sax John Helliwell, who went on to Robert Plant’s band and into Supertramp.

What do the singers Tom Jones, Roy Wood, Noddy I was invited to join the band Deuces Wild, with an Holder, celebrity chef Rusty Lee, and comedian opportunity to go to France. I’d have to give up the Johnny Carroll have in common? Well, one thing is GPO, though. We went. When I came back it was to a that a picture of them as a group adorns the wall at job on a building site, and forming a new band, then Birmingham’s Rich Bitch recording and rehearsal back off to France. We worked playing for American studios in Birmingham. The photo, presented to Rich GI’s in camps pre-deployment to Vietnam, six to seven Bitch owner Rob Bruce by Johnny Carroll, captures days a week. There was a condition, we had to have a at least a couple of the many stars to have crossed girl singer, the troops preferred that, and we had the threshold of his 34-year old studio. Others Lynda Lane come over. We were in France like that include the Black Country’s finest, Black Sabbath. for two years and Lynda and I married when she was Rob, married to singer Jude, is proud of his still in her teens. When we came back we gigged contribution to what he describes as the “Rock City” regularly at the bigger Birmingham clubs, two were of Birmingham. From a Blues perspective, Roy owned by Mecca, the Dolce Vita, and also The Wood’s colleague in the early Electric Light Cavendish in Yardley. We’d play on the same bill as Orchestra, Jeff Lynne, is from Birmingham, and, Rob The Pedlars, Lulu and her contemporaries. It was says, started out in a couple of Blues bands. great meeting people who had made it.”

Then I became self-employed. I used to make leather belts, in a business set up by my brother-inlaw. I became a partner and moved to Selly Oak. Under the place where I lived I had a cellar, which I did out as a rehearsal room. Other bands got to hear of it by word of mouth and later they hired it. More and more came and I needed more room as it For 31 years, Rich Bitch studios has been on its became a full-time business, so my band ceased and I current site. Its very first years, though, were in a got into recording. I moved to the other side of the basement, as Rob recalls, “I was one of those to go glass. None of my own stuff got recorded! Yet I for the eleven-plus test for grammar schools, and enjoyed it, as a self-taught engineer recording didn’t get it. The headmaster of the school I went to people, including some Blues bands, such as the instead said, in his welcoming speech to us newcomers, ‘You’re factory fodder.’ He was right for Steve Gibbons Band. I went into the Punk era, had Napalm Death here, one of the first Punk acts to a while, my first job was in a print factory, printing make it, and they’re still around. It was getting really roadsigns. Then I had a job in the old General Post Office (GPO). I was there for seven years. When I was busy and road widening was interfering with the in my teens, though, I played a bit. I was lead guitar in location, so I looked for a new place.

Rich Bitch: A studio rich in memories

Rich Bitch: A studio rich in memories

22

Firebrand Magazine

Upward and onward After four years in the basement, I did find a new place, in an alley behind some shops. It was a warehouse. When I viewed it, I thought, ‘That’s a bit big!’ It fired my vision to build it out as I wanted to. I had a good relationship with the bank manager! I asked for a mortgage on it when I had no proven business acumen at all. He went with it and so I bought this place. The first ten years, it was run on a wing and a prayer. Build a room and move on, build a room and move on, a studio first with a backlog of people wanting to use it. It was then that I found out about the need for planning permission, belatedly, but the bank manager still supported me so I built two rehearsal rooms in a couple of years. It took nearly thirty years to finish. Build a bit, make some money, build a bit more. It is now as I envisaged thirty years ago when I walked through the doors. I’d collected gear as a performer and used it here, so bands can plug and play in ten rooms. It was one of the innovations, the ready room. Now I have thirteen rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, a PA hire company based here, and drum and vocal tuition. I’m still doing essentially the same job and enjoying it – ninety-nine percent of the time.

Music is my life. Lately I’ve managed to pick up the guitar and play a little bit and write a few songs.

Over thirty years I’ve met some wonderful people, the artists are in the majority great people, like Brad.”

Brad is Brad Henshaw, whose band the Road-Kings, as well as his Blues Brothers Approved stage show preparations and his project Rock Symphoneque have been honed in the Rich Bitch Studio.

So, why the name Rich Bitch? “That was the name of the last band I was in. Bands would say, ‘We’re rehearsing at Rich Bitch’s place.’ I tried to change the name a couple of times in case it might be offensive and people stay away, but it is a name you don’t forget. I tried abbreviating it to RB Studios, which works for my initials, but I can’t get rid of Rich Bitch now. I went to a party for the Queen Mother at a sheltered housing scheme for blind people set up by the Birmingham Royal Institute for the Blind in Harborne that I’ve done some charity work for.

When I was introduced to the Queen Mother, the man making the introduction said, ‘Here’s Rob Bruce, a man who owns… a studio in Birmingham.’

Who have I had at Rich Bitch Studio? A lot of acts.

Here is a selection, with some Blues names in there: Black Sabbath Jeff Beck The Electric Light Orchestra Ruby Turner The Wonder Stuff The Road-Kings Earth, Wind and Fire

The Brothers Groove Trevor Burton Steve Gibbons I get 2000 people through the studio a week, and we’re open seven days a week. I even have a pond inside with fish. I had a pond at home with Koi carp, but I spent so much time here I had the pond built so I could see fish here! I also like to play in jams here with my band, The Rob Bruce Band, and we do the odd gig.

I did have a great compliment. Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi had a new band, Heaven and Hell, with Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice on drums and Geezer Butler on bass. They rehearsed here and Tony asked to record a demo of half a dozen new tracks. He insisted I engineer it – after I’d had two years off. I did it, with an assistant. Ronnie James Dio was a fantastic singer! He has fantastic professionalism and experience and listening to the end result, I just said, ‘yes!’

“I do enjoy going into some rehearsals. One especially, Earth, Wind and Fire with that extremely great brass line up of theirs. I really enjoyed going into that room where they were playing their classic hits.

Also there are the unknown bands, I go past and listen, and they’re good. I find an excuse and go in. When The Road-Kings were in I had to go in and listen. I just enjoy working with great players and artists.”

Reuben James came in with a Soul-ish band.

He was amazing at fifteen years old, and he’s now in the Royal School of Music and playing in a trio.

I like to quote Tony Iommi. He says when he’s here, it ‘feels like coming home’. I get lots of comments like that, I get the same with the band The Editors. People say it’s comfortable here, it makes you want to rehearse. It makes me proud.

Links Rich Bitch Studios: www.richbitchstudios.co.uk/ Welcome.html Brad Henshaw: http:// bradhenshaw.wordpress.com The Road-Kings: www.theroadkings.co.uk Birmingham Royal Institute for the Blind www.brib.org.uk The Editors: www.editorsofficial.com Reuben James: https://twitter.com/ ItsReubenJames

23

Firebrand Magazine

Def Leppard 10/10

Viva Hysteria DVD Record Label: Frontiers Records

Released: 21 October 2013

Highlight of the album: Steve’s Guitar Solo Website: http://www.defleppard.com Reviewer: Jon Seymour

1987 brought us some great albums, and the biggest of the lot was Def Leppard’s Hysteria. This was the album that cemented the band as one of the most successful British rock bands in history.

The fact that it was also the album surrounded by so much misfortune in the band’s career makes it even more poignant.

The album took four years to make, mainly due to Rick Allen’s car accident, which left him minus his left arm. That’s a pretty big handicap for a drummer, but he carried on. Then of course, this album brought the band their first real taste of rock stardom, and the fame and fortune that came with it brought them the rock star lifestyle, which eventually led to guitarist Steve Clarke paying the ultimate price. A huge talent taken far too soon and the whole world mourned his passing, and we still do to this day.

Surround, and the sound quality is top notch. I would expect nothing less though. As well as the concert, there’s some bonus footage to watch, including an acoustic set and some photographs, and something called Ded Flatbird filmed over 2 nights, but I won’t spoil that surprise for you.

The main feature also includes some vintage footage featuring Steve, and some of the background to the original album, and what happened afterwards. The actual concert also features some video footage of one of Steve’s guitar solos from the Hysteria tour projected up onto the big screen, which is extremely powerful and emotional.

All in all, this is a massive band, in a massive arena, performing one of the most colossal albums in rock history, and ripping it up like they always do. This is Def Leppard at their very best, and if you’re a fan of the band, then you simply must get this. For anyone So then, this concert is something of a momentous that hasn’t heard Hysteria, then this is a good place occasion, and the first time the band has performed to start, but seriously, if you haven’t heard Hysteria, an album in its entirety live. Hysteria is a monster where have you been? Yes this brought back so album, there’s no other way to describe it, packed many memories for me, some good, some not so from start to finish with anthemic rock songs, and good, but all part of my rock education. Viva Hysteria hearing them played live is nothing short of fantastic. indeed....

The DVD is mastered in both Dolby 2.0 and 5.1

24

Firebrand Magazine

Royal Hunt 9/10

A Life To Die For Record Label: Frontiers Records

Released: 29 November 2013

Highlight of the album: Running Out Of Tears Website: http://www.royalhunt.com/ Reviewer: Lee Walker

‘A Life To Die For’ is the twelfth album for cult prog rockers Royal Hunt and is the long awaited follow up to 2011’s ‘Show Me How To Die’ and returns the bands recent return to form.

Falling under the ‘concept’ banner ‘A Life To Die For’ is brim full with the rich progressive melodies, while throwing in large sweeping symphonic melodies and dynamic vocals creating an exciting mix of sounds not too dissimilar to Kamelot.

As the album progresses the quality of the songs themselves remains constant with the ever present symphonic elements sounding more impressive with each listen proving beyond doubt that Royal Hunt are back on track and firing on all cylinders.

Salem 10/10

Forgotten Dreams Record Label: Pure Rock Records

Released: 6 December 2013

Highlight of the album: Ask The Lonely Website: http://www.salemband.co.uk/ Reviewer: Lee Walker

After teasing us with details of the upcoming Salem album way back in Issue 8 (http://issuu.com/rickpalin/docs/ firebrand_magazine_issue_8) Paul and the gang finally unveil ‘Forgotten Dreams’.

With this release I think its fair to say that Salem should finally receive the recognition that they deserve and would not be at all surprised to see several of the songs feature on ‘Forgotten Dreams’ labelled as timeless classics.

Due for release on the Pure Rock record label ‘Forgotten Dreams’ continues the assault of the Second Wave of NWOBHM with Salem being the latest classic band to release a new album.

The album itself is everything that you would expect to hear from an all out classic rock release with its mix of superbly crafted guitarmanship being augmented by Simon Saxby’s vocals, creating a sound part Iron Maiden, part Saxon and all action, as twelve tracks of pure rock bliss are unleashed upon the world.

25

Firebrand Magazine

Vampires Rock Kings Lynn Corn Exchange November 8th 2013 Review and photos by Jon Seymour This was something of a side step for me. I tend to a little. You know what though? I don’t think anyone spend a lot of time reviewing albums and live gigs, so cared. I certainly didn’t. tonight was a lot different to the shows I normally go out and see. So what is it all about?

Well loosely, it’s about a vampire searching for, and finding a bride. That’s the concept for the whole show, and it works. What it really is though is a showcase for a shed load of classic rock songs from the 70’s and 80’s. That said, the acting is great, the comedy elements are hilarious, it’s camp as Hell, and the music is great.

This was their tenth year doing the show, and they’re winding it up at the end of 2014. Steve Steinman, the brains behind the production has said he’ll be back with something else though, so it’s not all bad news.

Now then, if you’re going to one of these shows and expecting to hear the best vocalists in the world, you’re setting the bar too high. When you’re going to one of these shows, it’s all about the performance and the execution. Yes they can sing, and they’re pretty good too, but occasionally the vocals wavered

26

Firebrand Magazine

The whole evening was packed with music from my childhood, and all performed by extremely talented musicians. I’m not going to give a blow by blow account of the whole thing as that would spoil the surprise for anyone who’s not seen the show, but suffice to say, the entire audience were on their feet by the end, and we all left with sore throats and hoarse voices and ringing in our ears. Yep, that’s what a rock show is all about. The set includes songs from Queen, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Suzi Quattro, Meatloaf, Rainbow and a whole lot more besides. Yep it was a classic rock fan’s wet dream.

As well as the music, there was the visual element.

There was vampire costume, scantily clad female dancers, fake blood, fire and other special effects.

It’s actually quite a big production, and the stage itself is something of a spectacle to behold. All in all, this was a fantastic night of great music, and a whole lot of fun. If you’ve not seen this show then do so, because the next time they’re in your neck of the woods, it will be the last. Quite what Steve and the rest of the cast will come with for 2015 is anyone’s guess, but if it’s even half as good as Vampires Rock, then it’s going to be a killer show.

27

Firebrand Magazine

28

Firebrand Magazine

Firebrand Super Rock 9/10

Born For The Gallows

Record Label: Wasted Youth Records Released: 3 December 2013 Highlight of the album: Lost At Sea Website: http://www.firebrandsuperrock.com Reviewer: Jon Seymour

So these guys hail from Scotland, and they’re no relation to us by the way, and what’s more, they make quite an impression. This album is a big slab of rock that’s as heavy as something very heavy indeed. It’s quite Sabbath-esque in places, and very well executed.

you have no idea yourself. It’s also varied enough to hold our interest all the way through, and will do just that. To get the full effect though, you just have to listen on maximum volume.

Rock music is meant to be played loud, but with some Musically it’s full of thundering riffs, screaming solos, stuff you can get away with it being a little quiet. This and howling vocals that will make the hairs on your isn’t one such example. Listening to it quietly will neck stand on end. This is blood curdling stuff. It’s definitely mean you miss something. You can still listen powerful too, and certainly pulls no punches. It gives to it quietly, and it does work, but let the music fill your you a thump in the back as it propels you forward and head, and it builds a moody atmosphere that almost on through the album. It charges headlong into some seems haunting at times. This is a really good album, imaginary abyss, twisting and turning as it goes, and and most certainly one that deserves you parting with dragging you along with it. your hard earned cash for.

Pace wise this is mixed bag. Sometimes it’s slow and steady, and at other times it just hurtles along, but all with unwavering determination. It knows where it wants to take you, and exactly how to get there, even if

29

Firebrand Magazine

With Chris Nelson

WHATS THE BEST BAND YOU’VE EVER SEEN LIVE? Hawkwind ..... a lonnnnng time ago IF YOU COULD TAKE JUST ONE THING ONTO A DESSERT ISLAND WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE? A boat! ... DER!!!!

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Joseph ...... to ask if he really did shag Mary cause i recon he slipped one in there while she was a sleep!!

WHATS YOUR CURRENT CAR? Land Rover IF YOU COULD HAVE SEX WITH ANYONE FAMOUS WITHOUT BEING FOUND OUT, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Can’t tell you or I'd be found out!!! ........ but to throw you off the trail I'll say Jessica Rabbit

One of my kids .. to find out if I am cool or not.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE COUNTRY YOU’VE VISITED? WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF FOOD? My own! England rocks!!!

Indian curry made in Birmingham DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS OR UFO’S AND IF YOU COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE JUST HAVE YOU HAD ANY EXPERIENCES YOU FOR ONE DAY WHO WOULD IT BE? CAN SHARE WITH US? 30

Firebrand Magazine

followed us over and in the most ridiculous way crashed into a car coming the other way..... the funny part is .... Geoff Nicholls immediately had the WHAT POSTER DID YOU HAVE ON YOUR WALL Comic brilliance to sing the tune to "War AS A TEENAGER? pigs" but replaced the words with .. (and Curved Air .... had a thing for Sonja Christina ....... actually met her recently you have to sing it where the words at a jass festival but didn’t have the balls "generals gather in their masses" are) ...replace with ..... "Witches drive a to tell her!! skoda CRASHES!!!!!""""" as we waved them good bye and left them alive but WHATS THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACE YOU’VE disgruntled in the middle of the road.

EVER HAD SEX? A ski lift carriage over the Alps .... True!!! ......... But they STILL found the hotel..!!!!

Noooooo!!! It’s all a load of bollox!!!!!!!!!!

FAVOURITE FILM OF ALL TIME? Avatar or Pirates of the Caribbean ... or kung foo panda

THE WORLD IS GOING TO END IN 10 MINUTES TIME, WHATS THE LAST THING YOU’D DO? Kiss my lady!

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU LOST YOUR VIRGINITY? Ah... well that depends if you count the first time i TRIED to lose it and missed!!! either 14 or 15

WHAT SPORT DO ENJOY PLAYING OR WATCHING THE MOST? Formula 1

WHATS YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS? Change the way the music industry works!!!!! Music has become a worthless WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? art these days, Its time we as artists Champagne actually!!! ... not very rock fought back..... Stop giving music away and roll but hey!!! for free!!!! Its not helping... once the people that like it have it .. there is no WHATS YOUR FUNNIEST TOUR BUS STORY? one else to sell it to!!... Stop WORKING Have you got time????? .... well...... for Free Its not helping... once you do it after a show in the eastern block some the next time is EXPECTED. We are the Goth girls had been stood outside the first person in the chain that creates the dressing room for HOURS not speaking.. work ... but we are the last person in the then as we were leaving ... one of them said... "we come to hotel" ..... someone said chain to get paid..... !!! We are the Same person!!! ... in between are all those that "oh no you ain’t" .. and scuttled us into live off it. That must change. Apart from the bus!! ... The goth girls followed us and got into an old Skoda car and tailed the class A super groups there are FEW the tour bus.... All of us were in the back that can actually earn from it these days. The public AND the artist have to window lookin’ out as the bus driver realise MUSIC IS NOT FOR FREE!!!! tried to lose them by driving over the central meridian...... however they

Don’t forget you can catch up with Chris Nelson every Sunday 12-2pm on Firebrand Rock Radio

31

Firebrand Magazine

REO Speedwagon 10/10

Live At Moondance Jam CD/DVD Record Label: Frontiers Records

Released: 29 November 2013

Highlight of the album: Can’t Fight This Feeling Website: http://www.reospeedwagon.com/ Reviewer: Lee Walker

REO Speedwagon are a band which need no introduction and have been spreading their imitable style of feel good rock since the late 60s and with this release REO Speedwagon prove that there is still plenty of mileage left in the tank.

With ‘Live At Moondance Jam’ you have yet a truly classic performance masterfully captured.

Broadcast originally in early 2013 ‘Live At Moondance Jam’ captures REO’s polished

performance down to a t, successfully capturing the electrifying atmosphere as this veteran band show exactly why they have been around for all those years as they play through a selection of their greatest classic hits, with any track that you could ever wish to hear live from this band being played flawlessly be it from 1972s ‘Golden Country’ through to the timeless classics ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ or ‘Keep On Loving You’ all are included in this superbly crafted set leaving you wanting more.

32

Firebrand Magazine

33

Firebrand Magazine

34

Firebrand Magazine

35

Firebrand Magazine

10cc December 08 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Airbourne December 02 Leeds O2 Academy 03 Nottingham Rock City 04 Newcastle O2 Academy 06 Glasgow O2 ABC 07 Glasgow Ritz 09 Birmingham The Institute 10 Bristol O2 Academy 11 Oxford O2 Academy 13 London The Forum Amaranthe April 2014 05 London O2 Academy Islington 09 Wolverhampton Slade Rooms 11 Nottingham Rescue Rooms Black Sabbath December 10 London O2 Arena 12 Belfast Odyssey Arena 14 Sheffield Motorpoint Arena 16 Glasgow Hydro 18 Manchester Arena 20 Birmingham LG Arena Black Star Riders December 01 Cardiff Solus 02 Oxford O2 Academy 05 Inverness Ironworks 06 Edinburgh Picturehouse 07 Newcastle O2 Academy 08 Leeds O2 Academy 10 Leamington Spa The Assembly Rooms 12 Nottingham Rock City 13 Manchester Ritz 14 Dublin Academy Black Stone Cherry February 2014 25 Glasgow Barrowlands 26 Manchester Ritz 28 London KoKo March 2014 01 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Buckcherry December 02 Bristol O2 Academy 03 Cardiff Solus 04 Exeter Lemon Grove Dan Baird & Homemade Sin December 01 London 100 Club Deacon Blue

December 01 Brighton Centre Depeche Mode January 2014 27 Birmingham LG Arena Dr Feelgood April 2014 05 West Yorkshire The Picturedrome Eagles May 2014 28 Birmingham LG Arena 29 Birmingham LG Arena 31 Glasgow The Hydro June 2014 02 June Glasgow The Hydro 04 Dublin O2 06 Dublin O2 16 London O2 18 London O2 23 Leeds first direct arena 25 Manchester Phones 4u Arena Enuff Z‘Nuff December 05 York Fibbers Electric Six December 02 Liverpool O2 Academy 03 Birmingham O2 Academy 05 Newcastle O2 Academy 07 Sheffield O2 Academy 11 Bournemouth Old Fire Station 12 Bristol O2 Academy Halestorm April 2014 07 Birmingham O2 Academy Iced Earth January 2014 12 Birmingham O2 Academy 14 London O2 Academy Joanne Shaw Taylor December 01 Gateshead Sage

03 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 12 Nottingham Rock City 04 Manchester Ritz 05 Bristol Anson Rooms The Darkness December Papa Roach 01 Preston 53 Degrees December 01 Portsmouth Pyramids The Quireboys January 2014 02 Sheffield Academy 03 Birmingham Academy 28 Cardiff Club Ifor Bach 05 Manchester Academy 29 Swansea Sin City 06 Dublin Academy 30 Nottingham Rescue Rooms 08 Glasgow Barrowlands 31 Grimsby Yardbirds February 2014 09 Newcastle Academy 10 London Brixton Academy 01 Bolton The Railway 02 Bilson Robin2 Sham 69 04 Bristol Thekla December 05 Southampton Joiners 01 London Borderline 06 Chester Live Rooms February 07 Northampton The Attic 08 Bristol Fleece 08 Sheffield Corporation 22 London Borderline 09 London Borderline 12 Leamington Spa Zephyr Skarlett Riot Lounge December 13 Workington Vine Bar 03 Newcastle Think Tank At 14 Aberdeen The Moorings Digital 15 Ballymena The Diamond 16 Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms Skindred 18 Newcastle The Cluny January 2014 Toby Jepson 24 Nottingham Rock City 25 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall December 26 Middleborough Empire 13 York Fibbers 27 Glasgow O2 ADC Toseland 29 Sheffield Leadmill November 30 Bristol O2 Academy February 2014 04 Wolverhampton Slade 01 London The Forum Rooms 02 Manchester Academy 05 Leeds Brundell Social Club 11 London O2 Academy Status Quo December Trans-Siberian Orchestra January 2014 06 Liverpool Echo Arena 07 Birmingham LG Arena 10 Manchester O2 Apollo 08 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 11 London Eventim Apollo 10 Plymouth Pavilions Within Temptation 11 Bournemouth International April 2014 Centre 11 Manchester O2 Apollo Tarja 12 London Wembley Arena February 2014 14 Newcastle O2 Academy 10 London O2 Academy 15 Glasgow O2 Academy Islington 16 Birmingham O2 Academy

For a free listing please email your gig or festival information to: sales@fbrr2010.com With the following info: Date(s), Band Name, Venue, City (Please do not send any attachments) Sadly if any of the above information is not included we will be unable to list your event.

Michael Monroe December 01 Nottingham Rescue Rooms 02 Bristol Thekla 03 Wolverhampton Slade Rooms 04 London O2 Academy Islington Mindless Self Indulgence December 01 Edinburgh Liquid Rooms

36

Firebrand Magazine

37

Firebrand Magazine