Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 11-03-2010
Kan you ever be too old for Kerrang!?
As a spotty teenage boy reading the magazine on Newcastle’s Metro 20 years ago I was well used to the weird looks and disdainful sighs every time I reached inside my satchel and whipped out the latest edition.
Back then I didn’t fit into the Kerrang! demographic because I went to a posh school, wore a smart uniform and had hair cut above the collar. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 04-03-2010
Everywhere I go right now it’s Glee this and Glee that. Think High School Musical mixed with Grange Hill and you get the idea – it’s basically an American kids’ TV programme which has become a big hit worldwide. But what the f**k has that got to do with rock I hear you say?
Quite a lot, in fact. Just as Guitar Hero started turning a generation of Slash wannabes in the direction of classic rock Glee regularly revisits pop metal’s standards and gives them a refreshingly contemporary revamp. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 25-02-2010
Once upon a time there was an upcoming band called Lostprophets and they were desperate to get their music and their messages heard.
A nice bunch of lads from Wales, their debut album A Fake Sound Of Progress nudged into the top 50 of the UK album charts on the back of a load of gigs and some heartfelt support from regional newspapers up and down the country. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 18-02-2010
In the eyes of many they’re the future of good time rock and roll, the saviours of bar room bawls and the natural successors to fellow countrymen AC/DC.
No pressure there then.
Their name is Airbourne and they’re a happy-go-lucky bunch of typical Aussies who like nothing better than a barbecue, a tinny and a cracking game of cricket. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 11-02-2010
Earlier this week the mighty Bon Jovi added a further two dates to their massive summer 2010 o2 Arena residency.
And while Jon and the boys may no longer be genuine rock heroes – preferring to ‘pop out’ many years ago – it’s exciting to think a real band with real musicians can still be such a huge draw. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 04-02-2010
As any self-respecting collector of rare vinyl will know, the classified ads are a rich source of bargain albums and essential buys.
Rock and metal fans missing that long lost gem have unearthed countless classics by leafing through the small print of their local rag.
And if the seller doesn’t quite realise the true value of that numbered special edition etched picture disc with postcards and a patch then all the better. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 28-01-2010
The decision to announce AC/DC as the first headline act for Download 2010 has given the UK’s premier rock and metal festival a huge shot in the arm.
A band synonymous with the Monsters Of Rock event of years gone by – and an act still riding high on the back of their best album for more than 20 years – is the perfect tool to inspire a tickets rush. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 21-01-2010
Without hair metal where would I be?
Still listening to Dead Or Alive, perhaps? Still spinning A-ha, maybe? Never looking beyond Radio One or Q Magazine?
It’s a frightening prospect and an outcome which strikes fear into a rock and metal fan with more than 20 years of power chords and guitar solos under his belt. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 14-01-2010
This time next week my four-year-old daughter’s anticipation will be reaching fever pitch. All her dreams will be on the verge of coming true.
Her dad will finally be talking to someone who really matters.
She thinks it’s all very well conversing with Alice Cooper. She takes a passing interest in the ‘Cherry Black Stones’ and is keen to meet any deaf leopard or white snake given the chance. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Rock O The North) by simon on 07-01-2010
Just how many rock festivals can one country take?
That’s the question on everybody’s lips right now as a nation in the grip of recession continues to embrace a succession of top class events showcasing the world’s very best bands.
No sooner had Sonisphere announced itself as the major rival to Download than plans were in place to launch the classic rock-themed High Voltage festival for 2010. Read the rest of this entry »