Author: fgt

On August 1st, German metal legends Accept performed at Wacken Open Air 2024. During their set, they were joined by KK’s Priest / ex-Judas Priest frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens for “Balls To The Wall”. Check out the video below.

Accept are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025-2026. The band will be ringing in its golden birthday with a unique anniversary tour at the end of 2025 to mark this mammoth milestone. An anniversary album will be released in early 2026.

Wolf Hoffmann, the driving force behind Accept, was not only significantly involved in the songwriting of every Accept song, but his work has shaped an entire generation of metal musicians. A founder and the longest-standing member, Wolf Hoffmann has made the most impactful contribution to the band’s unmistakable sound and success.

Since joining Accept in 1976 at the age of just 16, Wolf played a central role in the band. His instantly recognizable and signature guitar style not only created the Accept “sound” but influenced a plethora of other highly successful bands and guitarists. Because of Wolf’s unflinching dedication, Accept has become one of the most significantly defining bands in heavy metal. Not only did he lay the musical foundations for the band, he also carried the band through the highs and the lows that come with a 50-year career.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Accept is embarking on a spectacular world tour that will take fans on a musical metal journey through time. Fans can look forward to a unique stage show with surprise guests, all the classic hits from the band’s history as well as rarely performed songs.

Wolf Hoffmann comments:

“It’s an incredible honor to be able to look back on five decades of a musical career and share our music with so many people. But nothing lasts forever and who knows how much longer we’ll be touring…..

“This tour will be very special because we think 50 years of Accept is a GREAT reason to celebrate in style!”

In spring 2026, Accept will be releasing a special album that covers the band’s entire musical history. This anniversary album will contain a carefully curated selection of the best Accept songs from the last five decades, re-recorded – partly with well-known surprise musical guests and colleagues, as well as with some rare tracks that have not been played so often before.

“We wanted to create something that captures the essence of Accept while offering something new to our loyal fans,” explains Wolf Hoffmann. “This album is a tribute to our journey and to everyone who has accompanied us along the way.”

Over the past five decades, Accept has sold millions of albums and inspired countless musicians. Their energetic live performances and iconic albums such as “Balls To The Wall”, “Restless And Wild,” and “Metal Heart” have left a lasting mark on the heavy metal genre. Wolf Hoffmann’s guitar style and musical vision have made the band one of the most respected on the heavy metal scene.

After a hiatus in the band’s career, Wolf Hoffmann was introduced to New Jersey singer Mark Tornillo in 2009. The chemistry and fit between them were so remarkable, that Accept reformed and almost immediately rose to global success with chart-topping number-one albums. Accept continues to be celebrated for each of their new records with Mark, who is now the longest reigning frontman of Accept, placing the Hoffmann- Tornillo partnership firmly in the Metal Hall of Fame!

For decades, Accept has been recognized as a guarantee of high quality and each of their albums has reached the top of the charts, delivering energy, melodies, killer riffs, and an impressively powerful stage presence for 50 years.

Accept states:

“Celebrate with us! We invite the world of heavy metal to join us in the celebrations of this extraordinary anniversary!”

Full Metal Assault Tour 2024:

August
31 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go-Go

September
1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Rainbow Backyard Bash 2024
3 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
5 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
6 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Events Center
7 – Des Plaines, IL – Des Plaines Theater
8 – Detroit, MI – District 142
10 – Toronto, ON – QET
11 – Montreal, QC – Rialto Theatre
13 – New York, NY – The Palladium
14 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
15 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theatre
16 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
18 – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
20 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
21 – Providence, RI – The Strand Ballroom
22 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater
24 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
26 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore
27 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
28 – Dallas, TX – Tannahill’s
29 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre

October
1 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theatre
2 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
4 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
5 – San Diego, CA – The Magnolia
6 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades
7 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom

European Headline Tour:

October
17 – Istanbul, Turkey – KCP
28 – Toulouse, France – Le Bikini
29 – Lyon, France – Transbordeur
31 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix

November
1 – Paris, France – Elysee Montmartre
2 – Lausanne, Switzerland – Les Docks
3 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex
5 – Saarbrücken, Germany – Garage
6 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle
7 – Langen, Germany – Stadthalle
9 – Vienna, Austria – Simm City
12 – Munich, Germany – Backstage
13 – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys
15 – Neu-Ulm, Germany – Ratiopharm Arena
16 – Geiselwind, Germany – Eventcenter
21 – Bremen, Germany – Aladin
25 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
26 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Trädgår’n
29 – Karlstad, Sweden – Nöjesfabriken
30 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fryshuset

Festivals 2024:
July
21 – Athens, Greece – Release Athens
31-August 3 – Wacken, Germany – Wacken Open Air

August
1-3 – Rejmyre, Sweden – Skogsröjet

October
20 – Mallorca, Spain – Full Metal Holidays

Probably the world’s biggest band at the time, The Police were able to be both creatively risky and commercially bulletproof in 1983.

A huge-selling Grammy-winner, Synchronicity had a first side that took plentiful blind leaps, from the jaggedness of the two title tracks to Andy Summers’ berserk misfire Mother. 

Side two, though, reassured pop fans with the triple triumph of Every Breath You Take, King Of Pain and Wrapped Around Your Finger – evidence that Sting in his pomp was a slyly subversive master of writing dark-hearted, disquieting songs which yet brought joy.

The album proved that three men can grate on each other’s last remaining nerves but still retain unique chemistry and deliver diamonds – as long as they record in separate rooms, as was now the case. The net result, a balance of edginess and ease, could have turned out very differently, as this six-CD or four-LP box reveals (trimmed formats are also available).

It’s fascinating to hear the trio jamming now universally-known hits with the singer shouting, ‘Middle eight!’

There will be fans who don’t want to see the workings behind the magic curtain, and others who do. This set is for the latter. As well as live cuts and remixes, dozens of demos and out-takes appear from Sting’s archives. 

It was standard for The Police to do multiple takes: in fact, the staccato perfection of Every Breath You Take drew from a stream of overdubs. There are drafts of King Of Pain and Every Breath which ladle on a soup of sequencers and keyboards rather too thickly.

It’s fascinating to hear the trio jamming now universally-known hits with the singer shouting, “Middle eight!” Or, after some ad-libbing, “I think that’s it now…” 

That presumably made sense at the time: Sting’s bank account must thank the mysterious gods of music that the most-played song in radio history was counter-intuitively stripped back, kept understated, and granted Summers’ Bartók-inspired guitar motif.

The box also includes a California concert from that year, which ramps up the energy. Yet as the unreleased material shows here, restraint was often their trump card.

Synchronicity (40th Anniversary Edition) is on sale now via UMR / Polydor.

Stars from across the world of rock have paid tribute to Aerosmith after the iconic band announced they had retired from touring.

Aerosmith announced their immediate retirement from touring and cancelled their upcoming Farewell – Peace Out tour dates yesterday in a statement posted on social media.

The decision was made after it became clear frontman Steven Tyler would never fully recover from an injury sustained to his vocal cord last year.

Among the first to pay tribute was former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar. The Red Rocker was performing in Michigan on Friday when he said from the stage: “We had some crazy news today.

“We got here this afternoon sometime and we’re all sitting around backstage and a friend of ours that works for Aerosmith came and said, ‘Yeah, Aerosmith called retirement today. They quit. They stopped.’ God bless ’em.

“It’s a horrible thing. It’s a horrible thing. What a great fucking loss. Long story short, we love those guys. We all grew up with those guys. It’s a sad thing, but honest to God, my hat goes off to one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time, Mister Steven Tyler, for saying, ‘I can’t sing anymore. I quit.'”

Queen guitarist Brian May also mourned the loss of Aerosmith from the touring circuit, saying on social media: “This has brought a tear to my eye. Aerosmith have been a huge part of my life, as they have been for millions of other rock fans.

“Steve Tyler stands as one the greatest vocalists and front men of all time – and it’s heartbreaking that his extraordinary voice has been so damaged. We all send our love and prayers for your recovery, Steve.

“It’s also typical of the pure class of the band that they have made and broadcast this bold decision in such style. The career of Aerosmith is truly something to celebrate forever. All things must pass – but the inspiring work of Aerosmith will live on – along with the memories of truly one of the most awesome bands to ever hit a stage.”

Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash said on Instagram: “Just wanted to take a moment to thank Aerosmith for everything. Without this band, none of this would have been possible.”

Other stars to pay tribute include LA Guns‘ Tracii Guns, Mr Big’s Billy Sheehan and This Is Spinal Tap star Michael McKean.

Metallica frontman James Hetfield celebrated his 61st birthday by breaking into a high-pitched version of the thrash icons’ smash hit Enter Sandman.

A video posted to Metallica’s Instagram account today shows the vocalist inhaling helium gas from a birthday balloon before singing Happy Birthday to himself then saying: “Hi, everybody. I’m 61. Did you know that?”

And after breaking into a fit of giggles, Papa Het sings a few lines of Enter Sandman like you’ve never heard it before.

Watch the clip below.

Hetfield is showing no signs of slowing down. Metallica are on the latest leg of their M72 World Tour, which features a new in-the-round stage set with the band’s iconic “snake pit” relocated to the centre of the stage, giving fans a 360-degree view of the performance.

They are playing two shows in each city on the tour, with completely different setlists each night.

The tour is in support of the band’s latest album, 72 Seasons.

Enter Sandman appeared on Metallica’s Black Album. Released on July 29, 1991, Enter Sandman reached No.16 in the US and No.5 in the UK.

Enter Sandman and the Black Album proved to be game-changers, turning Metallica from one of metal’s biggest bands into a genuine mainstream phenomenon.

Aug 04: Foxborough Gillette Stadium, MA, USA
Aug 09: Chicago Soldier Field, IL, USA
Aug 11: Chicago Soldier Field, IL, USA
Aug 16: Minneapolis US Bank Stadium, MN, USA
Aug 18: Minneapolis US Bank Stadium, MN, USA
Aug 23: Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium, Canada
Aug 25: Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium, Canada
Aug 30: Seattle Lumen Field, WA, USA
Sep 01: Seattle Lumen Field, WA, USA
Sep 20: Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
Sep 22: Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
Sep 27: Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
Sep 29: Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico

August 3, 2024, 2 hours ago

news the pretty reckless taylor momsen hard rock

In true glam goth spirit, Taylor Momsen of the American rock band the Pretty Reckless was bitten by a bat as she was performing the band’s song “Witches Burn” in Sevilla, Spain on May 29th. The band is touring as a supporting act for the European leg of AC/DC‘s Power Up trek.

The Pretty Reckless has now shared video of the entire performance via YouTube. Check it out below.

Momsen previously uploaded footage of her encounter with a flying bat the following morning, and in the caption she wrote, “So…ROCK AND ROLL MOMENT…in Sevilla Wednesday during “Witches Burn” of all songs… a BAT 🦇 🦇 flew onto me and clung to my leg…in the moment I was performing and had no idea until the incredible crowd kept screaming and pointing…he was cute, but yes he bit me…so rabies shots for the next two weeks 😖😖😖 thanks to all the staff at the hospital who dubbed me #batgirl after seeing it on the local news that morning…more footage to come…that’s one for the books!!!!”

The Pretty Reckless will support AC/DC on the European dates listed below.

August
4 – Hannover, Germany – Messe
9 – Dessel, Belgium – Festivalpark Stenehei
13 – Paris, France – Hippodrome Paris Longchamp
17 – Dublin, Ireland – Croke Park

Since this is a rock and roll site, we try to stick more towards the rock songs that were big during the summer of 79. However, from a historical standpoint of pop music, we should mention that a few other songs were massively successful outside of the rock and roll world during the summer of 1979. That would include “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer, which went to number one on July 14th, and “Boogie Wonderland” and “After the Love Has Gone” by Earth, Wind & Fire, both of which were top 10 hits during the summer of 1979. One of the summer’s biggest hits was by Nile Rodgers and Chic, called “Good Times,” which hit number one on August 18. Anita Ward’s “Ring My Bell” hit number one in June, and Barbra Streisand’s “The Main Event” reached number three in July. Dr. Hook’s “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” hit number six in August.

Do you remember the song by Raydio called “You Can’t Change That,” which also was a top 10 hit in August? Then there was Maxine Nightingale’s “Lead Me On,” which was a top 10 hit towards the end of the summer. And, of course, there was Elton John with his Philadelphia-inspired soulful tune “Mama Can’t Buy You Love,” which was also a top 10 hit in August of 1979. And, of course, Led Zeppelin released their final studio album In Through The Outdoor. Many more songs filled the airwaves that weren’t top 10 hits or maybe not even broke into the Billboard Hot 100.  There’s so much music to look back at during that summer. Nonetheless, we thought we would pick 10 pretty popular ones that had an impact in more ways than one.

# 10 – Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) – Neil Young

Opening up our 10 Songs To Bring You Back To The Summer Of 1979 article is a roaring, intense rocker by Neil Young entitled “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black).” The song was released on June 22, 1979.  The recording lineup for “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” included Neil Young on vocals and guitar, plus backing him up was Crazy Horse, costing of Frank Sampedro on guitar, Billy Talbot on bass, and Ralph Molina on drums. The track opens with a thunderous guitar riff that sets the tone for Young’s raw and introspective lyrics, delivered with a haunting and almost prophetic tone. This one just blew us all away. What an album this was.

# 9 – Rock Lobster – The B-52s

After the first half of 1979, dominated by disco hits on the radio, especially by the likes of Donna Summer and the Bee Gees, rock music started to make a comeback in the summer of 1979. A new sound called New Wave had been brewing for a while, and no band represented this sound more than the B-52’s. Their debut album was released on July 6, 1979, and radio stations immediately began playing one of the most original rock songs we had ever heard: the debut single “Rock Lobster.” At the time, the band consisted of Kate Pierson on vocals, keyboards, and bass, Cindy Wilson on vocals, Fred Schneider on vocals, Keith Strickland on drums, and Ricky Wilson on guitars.

# 8 – The Devil Went Down To Georgia – Charlie Daniels Band

This one was a big hit everywhere. Charlie Daniels Band had gotten into the mainstream many years earlier with Uneasy Rider, but this song catapulted the group worldwide on all types of charts. The song was released on the album Million Mile Reflections, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by the Charlie Daniels Band is a vibrant and captivating fusion of Southern rock and country that tells a gripping story of a fiddle contest between a young man named Johnny and the Devil. The song, written by Charlie Daniels, Tom Crain, “Taz” DiGregorio, Fred Edwards, Charlie Hayward, and James W. Marshall, became an instant classic, showcasing the band’s exceptional musicianship and storytelling prowess.

Recorded at Woodland Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” features Charlie Daniels on lead vocals and fiddle, Tom Crain on guitar, “Taz” DiGregorio on keyboards, Fred Edwards on drums, Charlie Hayward on bass, and James W. Marshall on drums. Produced by John Boylan and the Charlie Daniels Band, the track is distinguished by its high-energy fiddle playing, which serves as both the narrative driver and the song’s musical centerpiece.

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

# 7 – The Logical Song – Supertramp

# 6 – Sad Eyes – Robert John

It may not be pure rock and roll, but it’s such a perfect pop song that we just had to include this one on the list. Definitely one of the most addictive melodies and choruses we’ve ever heard. And how could someone sing that high? Robert John’s song “Sad Eyes” was released in April of 1979. It hit the top 10 in August and then peaked at number one in October. So, pretty much, it was all over the radio that summer. The Knack’s “My Sharona” spent six weeks at number one beginning during the summer of 1979. That run was finally ended by Robert John’s “Sad Eyes.”

# 5 –  Don’t Bring Me Down – Electric Light Orchestra

The music of Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra will always fuel the memories of those of us who grew up in the 1970s. There was always something so strangely magical about ELO’s music. These guys worked hard, constantly putting out new material and always touring, showcasing amazing light shows and stunning live productions. “Don’t Bring Me Down” was released on Electric Light Orchestra’s Discovery album, which was released in June of 1979. It was the second single from the album, as “Shine a Little Love” had become a hit earlier in the summer. “Don’t Bring Me Down” was released on August 25, although it did not peak until the first week of September when it hit number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: Electric Light Orchestra’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums

# 4 – Gold – John Stewart

This is one of those songs that you probably forgot about. You haven’t heard it for a long time, and then suddenly, it pops up on the radio, and then you go, “Oh yeah, I remember this song. I loved this song.” John Stewart is one of those artists whom many people do not realize had such a successful musical career. He released fifty studio albums on his own. He was an original member of the Kingston Trio in the early ’60s. He wrote a huge Monkees hit, “Daydream Believer.” The man had a truly successful musical career. Nonetheless, this was a really special song that I think most of you will remember; it also featured Stevie Nicks on background vocals. John Stewart’s single “Gold” was released on July 14th. It would peak at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 4th.

# 3 – I Want You To Want Me – Cheap Trick

If you’re a classic rock fan, you’re probably a Cheap Trick fan. I don’t know how anybody can love classic rock music and not love Cheap Trick. This band had everything: perfect power pop songs, great rock and roll playing, brilliant musicianship, stunning vocals, and a very cool look that was incredibly unique. The song “I Want You to Want Me” was originally released in September 1977 on their second album, In Color. However, it was the live version from Cheap Trick at Budokan that became a hit. This song was huge during the summer of 1979. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 21st.

# 2 – Chuck E’s In Love – Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee Jones’ arrival on the music scene was a breath of fresh, cool air for rock fans. Rickie Lee Jones was so unique in the way she sang the songs she wrote and her own personal style—or at least the style she presented on stage. She was perfect for the late seventies. Even the album cover was just so cool. This song was released on June 9th. It would peak about one month later, right after the 4th of July, on July 7th, hitting number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Rickie Lee Jones was definitely “Coolsville.” She would be no flash in the pan, as she has had a long, distinguished, and wonderful musical career.

# 1 – My Sharona – The Knack

If there ever was a song that could remind you of the summer of 1979, or perhaps just the entire year, it would be The Knack’s “My Sharona.” That opening bass line, the sound of those drums, and everything else about this song are just so memorable. It’s just one of those songs you never get tired of. The album was released on June 18, 1979. The single was released on August 4th. It hit number one on August 25th. It’s interesting, but sometimes a song like this becomes so big, so popular, and has never gone away that you almost forget the first time you heard it. It almost loses its historical significance because it just became a part of pop culture forever.

10 Songs To Bring You Back To The Summer Of 1979 article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

Italian power metallers Frozen Crown, have shared a new video along with the following message:

“Some months ago we were invited to play as special guests on the North European leg of U.D.O.’s Touchdown tour and it was amazing! This is some of the footage we gathered from our phones and cameras. Featuring all the awesome U.D.O. musicians as well as lots of snow, ice and FOOD!”

Frozen Crown inked a worldwide contract with Napalm Records in June 2023. The five-piece was founded in 2018, and have since become one of the most influential Italian metal bands in the current scene.

So far, Frozen Crown have released four albums – The Fallen King (2018), Crowned In Frost (2019), Winterbane (2021) and this year’s Call Of The North – which have brought the band huge media exposure, millions of streams and video views, and big European tours with the likes of Dragonforce and Nanowar Of Steel, as well as two headlining tours in Japan.

Their current album, Call Of The North, is Frozen Crown’s most mature work so far, showcasing the best of the band’s unique power metal style infused with classic heavy metal, melodic death metal and speed metal influences, all topped with bombastic production highlighting opulent orchestrations and harmonies.

Frozen Crown on the signing: “We’re happy and honored to join the Napalm Records family and we’re ready for our next big step together. Since we founded this band in 2018 we worked hard incessantly, day after day, not only trying to put our best in our studio albums and live, but also managing the band all by ourselves, conquering every single little accomplishment with our DIY attitude, always keeping loyal to our (extremely) small entourage. Thanks to the support of our lovely fans, Frozen Crown eventually grew bigger, and got to a point where we were not able to handle it all by ourselves anymore. At the same time, we knew we needed more firepower to push the band further and bring it to the next level. And speaking of firepower, Napalm Records was just the best record label to start this new chapter with… We’re excited beyond words to be part of the best metal label in the world, and we can’t wait to start working together on our new album, joining forces with this huge team of professionals.”

Sebastian Muench, Senior A&R Napalm Records, adds: “Frozen Crown are simply one of the most creative power metal bands to emerge in the last five years. Their previous releases, Winterbane and Call Of The North, are brilliant. We look forward to working with Frozen Crown to reach the next level in their career.”

Frozen Crown are:

Giada “Jade” Etro – Vocals
Federico Mondelli – Vocals, Guitar
Fabiola Bellomo – Guitar
Francesco Zof – Bass
Niso Tomasini – Drums

KISS legend Gene Simmons and his solo band performed at the Dalhalla Amphitheatre in Rattvik, Sweden on July 29. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below

Setlist:

“Deuce” 
“War Machine” 
“Almost Human” 
“Are You Ready”
“Shout It Out Loud”
“House Of Pain” (Van Halen)
“I Love It Loud”
“Christine Sixteen”
“Communication Breakdown” (Led Zeppelin)
“Cold Gin”
“Ace Of Spades” (Motörhead)
“Weapons Of Mass Destruction”
“Parasite”
“Never In My Life” (Mountain)
“Calling Dr. Love”
“Rock And Roll All Nite” 

Upcoming Gene Simmons Band tour dates are listed below. For ticket links, head here.

August
4 – Ronda – Utrecht, Holland
6 – Turbinenhalle – Oberhausen, Germany
8 – den Atelier – Luxembourg, Luxembourg
9 – Nirwana Tuinfeest – Lierop, Netherlands
11 – Alcatraz Festival – Kortrijk, Belgium
13 – Porta Ferrada Festival, Guixols Arena – Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain
14 – La Riviera – Madrid, Spain    
16 – Cinzella Festival, Ex Capannone Montecatini – Taranto, Brindisi, Italy

Beneath The Bassline has shared a clip of bassist Robert Trujillo looking back on his audition for Metallica back in 2003.

Robert: “Eleven o’clock in the evening rolls around, and Lars (Ulrich / drums) is getting ready to leave, getting in his car at the headquarters, and he says ‘Hey, let’s go get a drink.’ I’m like, ‘Okay.’ At the time I could hold my own, I think, with a few beers. We end up drinking until five in the morning, and I’ve gotta play the next day. We’ve gotta be there at 10:00am or something, so I’ve had very little sleep, and I’ve got the worst hangover of my life, and I’ve gotta play music with Metallica.”

Beneath The Bassline, released in 2021, is a feature length documentary starring some of the world’s most influential heroes of the bass guitar. Travelling to Fodera Guitars in Brooklyn, Sadowsky Guitars in Long Island City and Aguilar Amplification in Manhattan’s Soho district – featuring never-before-seen performance footage and interviews with the likes of Victor Wooten, Billy Sheehan, Will Lee, Stanley Clarke, Bootsy Collins, Felix Pastorius, John Patitucci, Larry Graham and Marcus Miller, this superb documentary gives you access to some of the most incredible bass guitarists on the planet. Go to this location for more information.

When you think of mysticism and rural rituals, what’s the first place you picture? It probably isn’t Walthamstow. Nonetheless, this is where Green Lung have holed up to host a secret show and gear up for what could be a breakthrough year to come.

Though they’re based in London, these occultists imbue their stoner/doom metal with folkloric tales from their birthplaces of Devon and Norfolk. Furthermore, they seek to write songs that could have come from mid-’70s metal: an era where the genre dabbled in folk, prog, blues and more, yet to be codified by the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. It’s a fusion that, even when the quintet were self-releasing their music, earned them coverage from national newspapers and radio.

That goodwill is palpable tonight, as Green Lung take the stage at a quickly sold-out Blondies to a blast of cheers. Opener The Harrowing / Old Gods establishes their proto-metal sound and, moreover, how fucking excellent they are at writing songs. “Old gods never die!” singer Tom Templar howls with the rasp of an early-days Rob Halford – it’s the first of many choruses that will have everyone in this venue shouting along in unison.

As a wooden Green Man mask leers from the back of the stage like Iron Maiden’s Eddie, the band rally through anthems that narrate their musical story so far. Whereas Old Gods clearly leans on Black Sabbath and Deep Purple’s influence, newer songs The Forest Church and Maxine (both from last year’s excellent This Heathen Land) are more distinct. Proggy synths wind underneath Templar’s infectious refrains and Scott Black’s hulking riffs: a combination somewhere between Ghost, Yes and Electric Wizard.

The crowd’s energy remains hyperactive throughout, especially during the crushing crescendos of One For Sorrow. However, it peaks with finale Let The Devil In, which not only has everybody screaming its title; it also sees them carrying Templar as he stagedives while hammering out his closing lines.

Green Lung’s stock is about to skyrocket. The band will tour with Opeth and Clutch this summer, then in February they’re headlining London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town for their biggest-ever concert. Combine that with tonight’s torrent of bangers and the constantly fired-up audience, and it’s clear these stoner shamans are about to bewitch metal’s mainstream.

Green Lung setlist: Blondies Brewery, London, UK – August 2, 2024

The Harrowing / Old Gods
The Forest Church
Maxine (Witch Queen)
The Ritual Tree
Mountain Throne
Graveyard Sun
Templar Dawn
The Ancient Ways
One For Sorrow
Initiation / Woodland Rites
Let The Devil In