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So suspected serial killer Stephen Griffiths has been exposed…as a fan of rock music.

In an attempt to make the man arrested on suspicion of three murders in the Bradford area appear even more sinister (if that were possible), certain national newspapers chose to reveal his taste in music.

And after glossing over the fact that he likes reggae, hip-hop, house music and drum n bass it was reported his three favourite bands are none other than…Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

Twelve months ago red hot US rockers Tesla walked away with the 2008 rushonrock Album of The Year and this year’s race to the top has been just as compelling.

There have been some cracking releases from established acts and some surprise hits from hitherto unknown bands.

And while we haven’t always given them the credit they deserve at the time, several albums released earlier this year have really grown on the rushonrock staff.

So get ready for our list of the 20 best records we’ve heard in 2009 and feel free to respond with your own! Read the rest of this entry »

Another rocking year is almost at an end and all week on rushonrock we’re celebrating the best and worst of 2009.

Today we unveil the new bands who made a big impression on our hard rocking team of wisened cynics.

And we celebrate the return of some old stagers to the rock and metal scene.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sonisphere may have stolen a march on its rivals in the race to become crowned the summer festival of 2010 – naming Iron Maiden, Rammstein and Alice Cooper among its confirmed acts – but next year’s new kid on the block has hit back in some style.

The Classic Rock conceived High Voltage two-dayer had already named ELP and ZZ Top as co-headliners and now Foreigner, Focus, Black Label Society and Clutch have been added to the bill.

And all of this at a time when the likes of Kiss and Europe are being touted to deliver main stage sets at Download! Read the rest of this entry »

rushonrock tip for 2010 Marya Roxx impressed the masses on the Hard Rock Hell main stage last weekend but now she’s out to make her mark on the world.

The metal chick based in LA, but hailing from the Baltic state of Estonia, has it all – the tunes, the looks and a red hot band.

Needless to say we’ll be bringing you much more Marya next year but for now take a look at what makes her tick. Read the rest of this entry »

Winger produced some of the greatest songs ever to emerge from the hair metal era two decades ago and despite constant ridicule on MTV survived to fight another day.

That day has arrived with the release of the sensational Karma – one of the contenders for rushonrock‘s albums of the year – and a full UK headline tour next March.

Founder member Kip Winger took time out to look back on the hair metal glory days, the bittersweet taste of commercial success and why it’s obvious he’s in a band crammed full with his best buddies. Oh, and he even gives his verdict on grunge… Read the rest of this entry »

Poison – Stand (Michaels/Dall/Rockett/Kotzen) b/w Native Tongue/Scream (Michaels/Dall/Rockett/Kotzen) 1993

By the time Stand hit stores hair metal was clinging on for dear life in the face of the unrelenting advance of grunge and US audiences had all but deserted Brett Michaels and co. in 1993.

This excellent song, from the mature yet underrated Native Tongue record, may have hit 25 on the UK singles chart but it only just limped into the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100.

And pretty soon after Poison were forced to accept defeat with the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden stamping all over their MTV heartland. Read the rest of this entry »

Pearl Jam – Backspacer Gatefold Vinyl Edition (Universal)

We’ve had a week to judge whether this might well be the best Pearl Jam record we’ve ever heard and the verdict? It is.

Incredibly it sounds like the record Eddie Vedder and co. might have been expected to deliver at a time when hair metal dominated and grunge was in its infancy.

Influenced more by classic rock than the Seattle scene, it’s polished, often upbeat and always challenging. In fact, if you’ve always been put off Pearl Jam because of their roots then it’s time to give the band their due – and your time – in 2009. Read the rest of this entry »

To celebrate The Wildhearts’ welcome return to the UK’s live scene we’re bringing you an exclusive interview with frank and forthright frontman Ginger – a typically candid chat you really can’t afford to miss!

This week sees live shows from 80s prog rock heroes It Bites and US chart-busting punk sensations All Time Low. The nearly men of early 90s melodic rock, Firehouse, feature on The Vinyl Countdown and we take a long overdue look at the new Pearl Jam record – on vinyl.

And we go behind the scenes with You Me At Six‘s Josh Franceschi  as he reveals the off-stage routine which makes him tick. And there’s more. Read the rest of this entry »