Kevin Armstrong signed to EMI as a solo artist in the early '80s, but fate had other plans for him. Finding himself at Abbey Road studios with David Bowie, an afternoon’s recording catapulted the guitarist to world’s grandest stages alongside some of the biggest names in the business from Iggy Pop to Sinéad O'Connor. Telling it all, autobiography 'Absolute Beginner' is the story of what it takes to survive as a self-taught musician, with a glimpse into the backstage world of the artists Kevin has worked with. We sat down for an extended chat with the player and learn his fascinating story. Real wild child; Eamon O'Neill.
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In a set that made headlines, Andy Bell's 2023 Rewind South appearance is certain to go down in history. With the festival issuing a statement acknowledging that Bell's performance "fell short" of what Rewinders could have expected, the drama and fall out from the infamous show has been heavy. Backstage ahead of the headline slot, the atmosphere however was warm and welcoming. In an exclusive, we spoke to the Erasure front man a few hours before taking to the stage for that infamous performance in Henley-On-Thames. Talking stepping out solo, and a little Erasure history; Andy Bell. A little respect; Eamon O'Neill.
Music's most adorable couple, Toyah and Robert Fripp lit up first the nation, and then the world when their 'Sunday Lunch' series grew to become a phenomenon. Seeing the husband and wife iconic artist and King Crimson founder come together for a series of cover songs recorded in their kitchen, the weekly event has grown to clicks in the millions, leading the pair to take it out on tour. We caught up with Toyah at Rewind South to talk about Sunday Lunch, and plans for a movie celebrating it. Sheep farming in Barnet; Eamon O’Neill.
EXCLUSIVE: It's been another vintage year for Therapy?, with the release of the critically acclaimed 'Hard Cold Fire' seeing the Irish-Anglo trio revitalised. "We wanted to write an album that wasn't a lockdown, 'woe is me' album. We said that people have had enough", says Andy Cairns as we sit down for a chat at Stonedead Festival. Currently in the middle of touring for the what's proved their highest charting U.K. release for twenty-five years, they're also looking forward to a very special anniversary in 2024. "It's happening", Cairns exclaims when asked about plans to commemorate three decades 'Troublegum'. Lunacy booth; Eamon O’Neill.
One of North Carolina’s most successful indie rock bands, The Connells carved out a niche for themselves in the early ’90s alt-rock scene with their brand of introspective jangle pop. Formed in Raleigh in the mid -1980s by brothers Mike and David Connell, the duo soon expanded to include Doug MacMillan (vocals), Peele Wimberley (percussion) and George Huntley (guitar, vocals). Breaking through in Europe, they scored a huge hit with '74-'75', a track they're still best remembered for. Celebrating 30 years of its parent album 'Ring', we sat down with Doug for a chat about the reissue, and those heady days. Slackjawed; Eamon O'Neill.
UB40 are world renowned originators. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, they conquered the globe to become one of the biggest selling reggae acts of all time. 45 years and 70 million album sales later, they're still here. It hasn't however, been all plain sailing. We caught up with bassist Earl Falconer and drummer Jimmy Brown for a chat about their roots and to find out why there's only one UB40. The one in ten; Eamon O’Neill.
Exploding out of The Netherlands with 1982’s self-titled Vandenberg, the Dutch phenomenon notched an international hit in the form of 'Burning Heart'. The band canvased the United States, Europe, and Japan alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, Rush, Scorpions, Michael Schenker, and many others, however with its leader, guitarist Adrian Vandenberg sought out to join Whitesnake, the band disappeared, seemingly for good. Reactivated in 2020 with a new line-up, the four-piece are back with 'Sin', a driving rock album that reveals exactly why David Coverdale was so keen to snap up the six-stringer. Talking the the new album, why Steve Vai apologised to him for his 1989 behaviour, and how he turned down a gig with Thin Lizzy, we sat down with Adrian for an extended chat. Restless heart; Eamon O'Neill.
How Yes Ended Up in Rural Co. Cork Pub on the Night of the Moon Landing & More with Jon Anderson.20/7/2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Yes vocalist and songwriter Jon Anderson is touring Europe with The Paul Green Rock Academy. The trek is a resumption of the tradition started in 2005 when Jon toured with Paul Green's School of Rock all stars. Bringing a new generation to perform a host of classic tracks, Jon will be playing Yes' classic 'Close to the Edge' in its entirety, as well as other hits and some surprises. We caught up with Jon to discuss the dates, touch on some key Yes albums, and find out what happened the night Yes attempted to play a gig in Cork on the night of the moon landing all the way back in 1969. Man in the moon; Eamon O’Neill.
Front man for Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow before joining up with Michael Schenker, Ronnie Romero has worked with some of rock's most larger than life figures. However, he's now stepping out from under those huge shadows with a brand new project. Put together by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner and featuring Pantera's Rex Brown on bass, Elegant Weapons have recently released their debut album 'Horns for a Halo. We caught up with Ronnie at Hellfest in France to discuss the project, his split with Schenker, and what lies ahead. Do or die; Eamon O'Neill.
Talk about Firepower! That is, of course, the name of the Judas Priest record that arguably represents guitarist Richie Faulkner’s finest moment with the legendary Birmingham band. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers for over a decade now, Richie is stepping out with a little help from his friends with his own Elegant Weapons. Originally featuring Pantera's Rex Brown on bass, the line-up includes Ronnie Romero on vocals. We caught up with Richie at Hellfest in France, to discuss the project, his shocking onstage aortic aneurysm, and progress on the new Priest album. Horns for a halo; Eamon O'Neill.
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