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Rising rock stars Halestorm, fronted by the fabulous Lzzy Hale, have made a massive impact this summer on the back of their superb self-titled debut.

The US band went down a storm at Download earlier this summer – a performance which earned them a slot opening up for Disturbed, Papa Roach and Buckcherry on December’s Taste Of Chaos tour.

rushonrock‘s Andy Spoors caught up with Lzzy and her brother Arejay to bring us yet another exclusive interview. Read the rest of this entry »

In the highly competitive summer festival market any new event must be right on the money. And while High Voltage experienced its problems we’re pretty confident this is one rock and metal gathering which will grow and grow.

As Sonisphere booms into life at Knebworth and the memories of Download are still so vivid it’s clear that we’re slap bang in the middle of a golden era for outdoor rock. With Bloodstock and the Leeds/Reading festivals still to come there’s never been as much choice for the discerning fan of guitar-driven music and the only question is: will it last? Read the rest of this entry »

We loved Dead Confederate’s brooding debut Wrecking Ball and the Georgian crew return with what promises to be another slab of gritty US rock this summer.

Sugar is released on August 23 with lead single Giving It All Away out the previous week.

And that’s just what Dead Confederate are doing right now with the tune available for a limited time via the band’s official website. Read on for the link… Read the rest of this entry »

Cancer Bats are returning to the UK this autumn for their biggest ever run of British headline shows.

And after their demented Download set earlier this month frontman Liam Cormier can’t wait to come back to his adopted home.

“We’re headlining the UK,” he beamed. “And we’re coming back over to play some shows around our favorite holiday, Halloween! Check out the dates and get your costumes ready cus we’re going to headbang the shit out of life for 12 days across the United Kingdom.” To put it mildly.

Read on for full dates and ticket details. Read the rest of this entry »

rushonrock writer and self-confessed Journey fan Andy Spoors just won’t stop believin’ where his favourite AOR band is concerned.

And in the latest in his series of one-off blogs the late convert to classic rock dreams of a world dominated by Arnel Pineda’s pipes and Neal Schon’s riffs.

Needless to say there’s an element of Glee in his work. Read on to find out more. Read the rest of this entry »

FM – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

If there was widespread disappointment that Ratt pulled out of Download at the last possible minute then drafting in Brit melodic rockers FM proved to be a masterstroke.

With the brilliant Metropolis a sensational statement of intent from Steve Overland and co. the need to take their new tunes on the road is pressing.

Adding a main stage festival set to this summer’s headline tour of the UK was the dream scenario for the nearly men of the late 80s scene and talk about seizing their chance with both hands – from start to finish those who did tackle Sunday’s early action were treated to something very special indeed.

Read the rest of this entry »

However hard certain sections of the rock and metal world may try there’s simply no stopping the Lycra and hairspray daubed juggernaut that is Steel Panther.

Twelve months ago they blew away the opposition with a short but sickly sweet set in a sweaty tent at Download. Back then they were still relative unknowns but such obscurity was never going to last. Read the rest of this entry »

Steel Panther – Download RJD Stage, June 13 2010

With rain lashing down, ankle-deep mud gathering underfoot and a main stage running well behind schedule, Sunday’s Download seemed to be taking a turn for the worse.

But one band changed all that. One band stopped the rain. One band made the mud tolerable. That band was Steel Panther.

Returning for their second performance in successive years at Download, the glam rockers meant business.

With the festival celebrating the last brilliant 30 years on the hallowed grounds of Donington. So it was fitting that a band inspired by a spoof 70s act, laced up and singing 80s style songs with a twist of modern day humour should steal the show. Read the rest of this entry »

Slash – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

There are very few guitarists in the world of rock who, in their own right, can command a middle ranking berth on Download’s final day main stage.

There are fewer still who can pull off a set so diverse, so dazzling and so utterly at one with the spirit of Castle Donington’s past, present and future that they seem like the most natural figurehead for a world renowned event.

Slash, of course, was making his fourth appearance at the famous metal haunt and the former GnR hero, more than most, must feel at home treading the Download boards. But in this guitar hero’s case familiarity hardly breeds contempt – exactly the opposite, in fact. The more we see of this this magnificent musician, the more we marvel at his brilliant showmanship. Read the rest of this entry »

Saxon – Download Main Stage, June 13 2010

Saxon’s is a story of an amazing triumph in the face of commercial adversity. Within the space of three years the NWOBHM pioneers have gone from relative obscurity to Download’s main stage and it’s great to see them back.

Significantly Biff Byford and the boys follow up their Castle Donington comeback with an appearance at High Voltage next month. It’s the latest leg of a remarkable journey for the Barnsley boys and recognition that one of the UK’s most talented rock bands are still the perfect foil for any festival.

Saxon may owe their rejuvenation to a rather dodgy reality TV show but like their good mates Anvil they’re not about to let a second stab at stardom pass them by. Working harder and faster than ever – and with their entire back catalogue remixed and remastered – these are heady times for a true staple of the domestic metal scene and this sun-baked set showcased a band back at the very top of the game. Read the rest of this entry »