SINISTER, PESTILENCE Among Acts Confirmed For Eternal Flame Metal Festival 2025

December 31, 2024, an hour ago

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SINISTER, PESTILENCE Among Acts Confirmed For Eternal Flame Metal Festival 2025

Legendary death metal acts, Sinister and Pestilence, are among the acts confirmed for the 2025 edition of the Eternal Flame Metal Festival, taking place April 18 – 19 in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to Metal Addicts, in addition to Sinister and Pestilence, other bands confirmed for the festival include Hetrem, Lepra, My Last Suicide, Izrod, Casket, Moribund Oblivion, Death Valley Knights, and Putridity.

The festival’s official Facebook event will be announced soon, with early bird ticket sales expected to start at the beginning of 2025. Stay tuned for updates.


BILLY SHEEHAN On DAVID LEE ROTH – “For The Record, He’s My Hero, And I Wouldn’t Be Where I Am Today Without Him”; Video

BILLY SHEEHAN On DAVID LEE ROTH -

Mr. Big bassist, Billy Sheehan, is featured in a new interview with Marty5150, filmed on sight at Nashville’s new music shop, Tone Central Station.

An introduction message reveals: “While talking to Billy we chatted about David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, Richie Kotzen as well as Mr. Big, along with this master classes, home studio and personal hobbies and plans for 2025. I have been a fan of Billy Sheehan since the mid 80’s and it was a pleasure to be able to sit down with him and pick his brain a bit.”

Asked if he’s open to answering a few questions, Billy interjects, “I know what it is already, ‘So what’s David Lee Roth really like?'” Acknowledging that the question has been asked a million times, Sheehan adds, “For the record, he’s my hero, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I rest my case your honour.”

Later during the chat, Billy is asked what was his biggest takeaway from his time working with Roth. “I feel I have the equivalent of a PhD in Show Biz 101 because of Dave,” says Sheehan. “I had the good fortune of touring with him in 1980, opening up for Van Halen with my band Talas, and that’s where we first saw this machine in action. And it was like a military operation. It was incredible. And so I learned a lot about how you present yourselves and present songs and how you get the show on the road. It would be hard for me to list all the positive things I learned from that experience ’cause there are many.”

Watch the video below:

(Photo – Neil Zlozower / Atlas Icons)


CHRIS BOLTENDAHL On GRAVE DIGGER’s 45th Anniversary – “I Thought I Would Die By 30”; Video

CHRIS BOLTENDAHL On GRAVE DIGGER's 45th Anniversary -

2025 will see German metal institution, Grave Digger, celebrate its 45th anniversary. As the new year begins, hear how Chris Boltendahl feels about this epic milestone. Watch the video below:

Founded in 1980 in Gladbeck, Grave Digger set out to conquer the world; who would have thought that 45 years later Grave Digger would be one of the most important, consistent and influential metal bands from Germany.

With the release of their ground-breaking debut Heavy Metal Breakdown in 1984, an unprecedented career began that will find its logical continuation with their forthcoming, 23rd studio album, Bone Collector, slated for a release on January 17 via ROAR!

Produced, mixed and mastered by Chris Boltendahl, optically set in scene by Brazilian artist Wanderley Perna, this is a work of art that heralds a new era.

“Here it is at last, our new studio album, true to the motto: #gravediggeroldschool. With Tobi Kersting in the band, we have focused on the essentials of our sound again after many years with numerous concept albums: Concise straightforward metal songs that burn themselves into your brain stems after the first listen. Bone Collector doesn’t sound like off-the-shelf stuff, but highly energetic, fresh and you’ll notice that we had a lot of fun with the songs. We’re looking forward to your reaction, the release of the album in January and 45 years of Grave Digger live with you,” states Boltendahl.

Bone Collector will be released as a CD digipak, picture vinyl, colored marbled vinyl, RPM exclusive splatter vinyl and digitally. At the RPM & ROAR Mailorder Shop, the limited splatter vinyl and the digipak are also available as a bundle with the exclusive “Old School” shirt. Pre-order here.

Bone Collector tracklisting:

“Bone Collector”
“The Rich The Poor The Dying”
“Kingdom Of Skulls”
“The Devil’s Serenade”
“Killing Is My Pleasure”
“Mirror Of Hate”
“Riders Of Doom”
“Made Of Madness”
“Graveyard Kings”
“Forever Evil & Buried Alive”
“Whispers Of The Damned”

“The Devil’s Serenade” video:

“Killing Is My Pleasure” visualizer:

“Kingdom Of Skulls” video:

For Grave Digger concert tickets, head here.

Grave Digger is:

Chris Boltendahl (Vocals)
Jens Becker (Bass)
Tobias Kersting (Guitar)
Marcus Kniep (Drums)

(Photo – Jens Howorka)


Former MEGADETH Guitarist KIKO LOUREIRO Welcomes The New Year With Final Live Stream Of 2024; Video

Former MEGADETH Guitarist KIKO LOUREIRO Welcomes The New Year With Final Live Stream Of 2024; Video

Former Megadeth guitarist, Kiko Loureiro, is welcoming 2025 by sharing his final live stream video of 2024. Watch the video below:

Loureiro recently released the track “Talking Dreams” from his new solo album, Theory Of Mind. Check out the official video below.

“Talking Dreams unveils the poignant tale of a dancer confined to the shadows of the stage. Though her soul belongs to the spotlight, she finds herself entangled in mundane tasks, lost in dissatisfaction, trying on costumes that never seem to fit.

In contrast, Kiko Loureiro stands on stage, his back turned to an absent audience, immersed in a performance unseen and unheard. Meanwhile, in an alternate timeline, the dancer moves—but in reverse, her graceful motions rewinding through time.

This narrative is a metaphor for the human journey: a life spent ignoring our true purpose, our innate gifts, our deepest calling. It reflects the tragedy of living as spectators in our own stories, wearing roles that don’t resonate and rarely stepping forward as the protagonists of our lives.

In the climactic moment, the dancer faces the reality of her own mortality. In desperation, she pursues the dream she had always longed for—only to realize it is too late. Life, after all, has its own rhythm, and its tempo waits for no one.

The video’s retro aesthetic evokes the theatricality of existence, a grand spectacle where we are often cast in parts we never chose. A movie in which we live as characters we don’t like and almost never as the protagonists.”

Theory Of Mind features Kiko Loureiro (guitars and keyboards), Felipe Andreoli (bass), Bruno Valverde (drums) and Maria Ilmoniemi (keyboards).

Go to this location to purchase.

Tracklist:

“Borderliner”
“Out Of Nothing”
“Mind Rise”
“Talking Dreams”
“Blindfolded”
“Point Of No Return”
“Raveled”
“Lost In Seconds”
“The Other Side Of Fear”
“The Barefoot Queen”
“Finitude”

“Mind Rise”

“Point Of No Return”


Rock Hall Chairman Explains Why Its Name Will Never Change

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has no plans to change its name, despite a steady influx of artists from outside the genre.

In recent years, the Hall has displayed a broad interpretation of “rock & roll,” welcoming in an array of hip-hop acts (Missy Elliott, A Tribe Called Quest, Eminem), pop stars (Cher, Whitney Houston) and country artists (Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton). The trend has led to calls for the Hall to change its name to the ‘Music Hall of Fame’, but John Sykes, the organization’s chairman, says that isn’t going to happen.

“I think it’s because some people don’t understand the meaning of rock and roll,” Sykes explained to Vulture. “If you go back to the original sound in the ’50s, it was everything. As Missy Elliot calls it, it was a gumbo. It just became known as rock and roll. So when I hear people say, ‘You should just change it to the Music Hall of Fame,’ rock and roll has pretty much covered all of that territory.”

READ MORE: 27 Rock Stars Inducted Into the Hall of Fame More Than Once

Sykes further noted that the challenge isn’t about changing the Hall’s name, but instead changing the public perception of what rock and roll is.

“Rather than throwing the name out, it’s doing a better job of communicating to people where rock and roll came from and what it’s truly about,” he explained. “Once they hear it that way, they understand.”

How John Sykes Convinced Jay-Z That Rock Isn’t Dead

To prove his point regarding the Rock Hall, Sykes offered an anecdote with his “great friend” Jay-Z. The rapper was inducted in 2021, but had reservations about the honor.

“He told me, ‘Rock is dead. It should be called the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame,’” Sykes recalled. “And I said, ‘Well, hip-hop is rock and roll.’ He goes, ‘No, it isn’t.’ And I said, ‘We’ve got to do a better job explaining it. Little Richard, Otis Redding, Chuck Berry — these artists were the cornerstones of rock and roll. If you look at the sounds over the years, those artists ended up influencing hip-hop.’”

According to Sykes, Jay-Z “hemmed and hawed” over the honor, but eventually attended and accepted his induction. “That made me feel like we had done our job to communicate that rock and roll is open to all,” the chairman admitted.

145 Artists Not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Many have shared their thoughts on possible induction.

Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff

Complete List Of The Pixies Band Members

The Pixies Band Members

Feature Photo: Wp72, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Pixies’ journey began in 1986 when Black Francis and Joey Santiago formed the band in Boston, Massachusetts. Their intent was clear: to blend surf rock, punk, and indie rock into something unique. The Pixies’ sound, which juxtaposed soft verses with explosive choruses, became iconic. Albums like Surfer Rosa (1988) and Doolittle (1989) cemented their place in alternative rock, while their unconventional approach to songwriting influenced countless bands that followed. Despite their initial breakup in 1993, the Pixies reunited in 2004 and have continued to shape the alternative rock landscape.

Their chaotic yet structured sound, marked by surreal lyrics, noise-driven guitars, and dynamic shifts, made them one of the most revered bands of the late 20th century. The Pixies’ combination of pop sensibilities and punk energy was ahead of its time, allowing them to leave a lasting impact that remains relevant to this day. Their ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound has helped them maintain a loyal fanbase, even decades after their formation.

Black Francis (Charles Thompson)

Black Francis, born Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV, is the driving force behind the Pixies, responsible for much of the band’s unique sound. He formed the band in 1986 and has been its primary vocalist and guitarist throughout the group’s career. Known for his distinctive vocal style that ranges from melodic to abrasive, Francis has written most of the Pixies’ songs, including many of their most famous tracks like “Where Is My Mind?” and “Debaser.” His surreal and often dark lyrics, blending religious themes with abstract imagery, set the band apart from their peers in the alternative rock scene.

After the band’s breakup in 1993, Black Francis embarked on a solo career under the name Frank Black, releasing numerous albums that maintained his signature songwriting style while exploring different genres. He reunited with the Pixies in 2004, and their return to the stage was met with critical acclaim. His continued contributions to the band, including their albums Indie Cindy (2014) and Head Carrier (2016), have ensured that the Pixies remain one of the most innovative forces in rock music.

David Lovering

David Lovering has been the drummer for the Pixies since its formation in 1986. Lovering’s drumming is an essential part of the Pixies’ signature sound, often understated yet vital to their quiet-loud dynamic. His drumming on Surfer Rosa (1988) and Doolittle (1989) played a crucial role in creating the Pixies’ signature dynamic—marked by quiet verses and explosive choruses. Lovering’s contributions also include occasional backing vocals, and he’s known for his live performances, where his playful yet controlled drumming style became a fan favorite.

After the Pixies initially disbanded, Lovering briefly pursued a career as a magician but rejoined the band in 2004 when they reunited. Since then, he has continued to perform with the band on their tours and on albums like Indie Cindy (2014) and Head Carrier (2016), contributing to their ongoing success.

Joey Santiago

Joey Santiago is the lead guitarist for the Pixies and one of the founding members. Santiago’s guitar playing is an essential part of the band’s unique sound, known for blending melodic lines with abrasive noise. His use of distortion and reverb created the signature Pixies sound, especially on tracks like “Gigantic” and “Where Is My Mind?” His contributions, such as the riff-driven “Gigantic” and the haunting “Where Is My Mind?” showcase his ability to craft melodies within a framework of dissonance.

After the breakup of the Pixies in 1993, Santiago worked on various side projects, but he rejoined the Pixies in 2004 when they reunited. His guitar playing has remained central to the band’s sound, and he continues to contribute to the band’s work, including on Indie Cindy (2014) and Head Carrier (2016).

Kim Deal

Kim Deal was the bassist and backing vocalist for the Pixies from 1986 to 1993. Her melodic bass lines and distinctive voice were crucial to the band’s sound, providing a soothing contrast to Black Francis’s intense vocals. Deal’s vocals on tracks like “Gigantic” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven” provided a contrast to Black Francis’ intense delivery, offering a more soothing yet powerful element to the band’s dynamic. Her work on Doolittle and other albums helped cement the Pixies as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the era.

Deal left the Pixies in 1993 but went on to form The Breeders, a highly successful alternative rock band. The Breeders’ album Last Splash (1993) became a classic of the 90s. Deal rejoined the Pixies for their 2004 reunion but left again in 2013. Despite her departure, her influence on the band’s early sound remains crucial to the Pixies’ lasting legacy.

Paz Lenchantin

Paz Lenchantin officially joined the Pixies in 2014 as their bassist and violinist after having toured with the band in 2014. Lenchantin’s contributions have been vital to the band’s new phase, bringing a sense of versatility to their sound. Her violin playing and bass work on Head Carrier (2016) added an entirely new dimension to the Pixies’ music. She also provided backing vocals, creating harmonies with Black Francis that continued the vocal dynamic established by Kim Deal. Lenchantin’s classical background and experience in various alternative rock bands made her a natural fit for the Pixies.

Before joining the Pixies, Lenchantin played in A Perfect Circle and Zwan, two notable rock bands, further establishing her reputation in the alternative music scene. Her diverse musical background has helped shape the band’s sound and continues to bring new energy to the Pixies’ performances.

Kim Shattuck

Kim Shattuck briefly filled in as the bassist and backing vocalist for the Pixies in 2013 after Kim Deal’s departure. Shattuck, known for her work with The Muffs, brought a punk edge to the band during her short tenure. Although her time with the Pixies was brief, she contributed to their live performances and was part of the band’s return to the stage. Her time with the Pixies ended after just a year, and she was replaced by Paz Lenchantin.

Shattuck’s legacy is largely defined by her role in The Muffs, where she created some of the most influential pop-punk music of the 90s. Her impact on the genre remains strong, and her time with the Pixies, though brief, added a new energy to the band during that time.

Simon Archer

Simon Archer played bass for the Pixies during 2012 for a short period. His time with the band was brief, and his primary contribution was during a transitional phase. Archer played on some of the band’s live shows during this period, but he was quickly replaced after a short time.

Archer’s involvement with the Pixies was limited to touring, and he did not contribute to any studio albums. His brief tenure highlighted the Pixies’ ongoing search for a stable bassist during a time of change for the band. He is not remembered as a long-term member but played a part in their live performances during this transitional phase.

Emma Richardson

Emma Richardson joined the Pixies in 2024 as their bassist and backing vocalist, marking a new chapter for the band. Richardson’s ability to blend powerful bass lines with the band’s established sound is already proving essential, and her contributions to the Pixies’ new era are just beginning to unfold. Her arrival brought a sense of continuity and fresh energy to the band, ensuring their legacy continues while introducing a new musical voice. Richardson is currently working with the band on their live performances and contributing to their evolving sound.

Check out more Pixies articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……

Top 10 Pixies Songs

Complete List Of The Pixies Studio Albums And Songs

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

Complete List Of The Pixies Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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LORDS OF THE TRIDENT Reveal How KORN Orders A Coffee (Video)

LORDS OF THE TRIDENT Reveal How KORN Orders A Coffee (Video)

Metal powerhouse Lords Of The Trident have shared a new clip via their YouTube channel, this time revealing how Korn orders a coffee. Enjoy…

Lords Of The Trident recently released electrifying new music video for “Master Of Speed”, the grand finale single from their latest EP, V.G.E.P. This high-octane visual caps off the release, showcasing the band’s signature blend of blistering riffs and soaring vocals.

Frontman Fang VonWrathenstein explains:

“The initial intent of the ‘Master of Speed’ music video was to shoot it in an arcade. The Baron noted, ‘Hey, the Mad With Power Fest pre-party is at an arcade, and all of our friends & fans will be there already…why don’t we just shoot it there?’ While this was a fantastic idea, it also filled me with dread, as I’m already losing sleep (and hair) over all the stress of running the fest, but good ideas always win out. The shoot was sweaty and chaotic, but thanks to the energy of our fans, we made it through with some certified SICK FOOTY!”

The EP made its “sudden drop” as an exclusive release for Lords Of The Trident’s Patreon supporters. Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the Lords Of The Trident Patreon gets immediate access to download the full EP as well as the band’s last four albums, 25+ live albums, 10+ singles, and more.

On the release of V.G.E.P., Fang VonWrathenstein adds:

“Very excited to finally (publicly) release the V.G.E.P.! We hope you enjoy cranking the new tunes while playing along to some of your favorite games! We’ll be holding a CD release party with our buddies Psychostick in Madison, WI on 10/11, and then it’s off to Japan in December. I wonder if there’s going to be a divide over fans’ favorite track in each country?”

Tracklisting:

“To Kill A God”
“Master Of Speed”
“Jet Set City”
“Valerie”
“The Ballad Of Jon Milwaukee”

“Jet Set City” video:

“Valerie”:

“The Ballad Of Jon Milwaukee” video:

“To Kill A God” video:


DOCTOR BUTCHER – 30th Anniversary “Rock Opera” Collection Featuring SAVATAGE’s CHRIS CAFFERY And JON OLIVA Streaming Via YouTube

DOCTOR BUTCHER - 30th Anniversary

Rock Duck Radio producer Mark Christopher Garrett has shared a 30th Anniversary collection of Doctor Butcher songs. Check it out below.

“Doctor Butcher, Chris Caffery’s brain child and one of his earliest solo projects featuring Jon Oliva (notably of Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra fame). Chris Caffery also being a key figure in both Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). He formed Doctor Butcher after convincing Jon Oliva over five bottles of Jack Daniels, then enlisted Jon Osborne on drums and Doctor Butcher was born. Demos were released in 1993, but the debut album was released in 1994 with a lot of the tracks cut. This was upsetting and confusing to early fans, as some of the tracks that were cut were already featured on a local radio station. Later, a demo album was released featuring some of those lost and missing tracks. 

This Doctor  Butcher 30th Anniversary Collection brings almost all the song to one place to listen to as intended. When assembled together they make up a rock opera about an inividual that has lost faith in religion and humanity and begins commiting crimes. This ultimately leads to his arrest, trial, and culminates with his execution. So now for the first time this Doctor Butcher rock opera can be listened to in its entirety.

Tracklist:

“Freaks”
“A Living Hell”
“Dismissal Of Faith”
“Born Of The Board”
“Bridges”
“The Altar”
“Don’t Talk To Me”
“Season Of The Witch”
“Reach Out And Torment Someone”
“Chester The Molester”
“Help Police”
“Innocent Victim”
“The Pictures Wild”
“Lost In The Dark”
“I Hate You Hate We All Hate”
“All For One, None For All”
“Juice”
“The Chair”
“Bridges” (acoustic bonus track – Chris Caffery vocals)
“Live Die Kill” (demo)

The legendary Savatage (Johnny Lee Middleton – bass, Chris Caffery – guitars, Al Pitrelli – guitars, Jeff Plate – drums, and Zak Stevens – vocals) have announced tour dates across Europe for summer 2025, with a mix of festival appearances and headline shows.

Says Zak Stevens: “As you can imagine, there are so many special things about these shows that are racing through my mind. We get to play a series of headline shows for the first time in over twenty years that will put us right back in front of all of the unbelievable fans who have given us so many unforgettable memories over the last three decades. Here’s our chance to directly give back to everyone who’s been there supporting us all these years! All the great festival shows are going to be off-the-charts amazing. It’s even hard to imagine the scale of excitement that’s going to take place with those shows.”

Savatage mastermind Jon Oliva expressed his disappointment at not being able to join the band for the shows, but shared his excitement, stating: “I am very excited for the guys to be doing some shows. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I will not be able to join the guys for this run. Hopefully, this is just temporary. I will continue working in the studio on new music for the future. These shows will be awesome and I will be working with them to get it all ready for you. I know everyone is going to love it!!! Me and the guys are very excited and ready to kick ass! So from me, thank you all for the support for all these years and we can’t wait to rock you!”

For further details, including ticket/festival links, head to Savatage.com. Find a video trailer below.

South American dates:

April
19 – São Paulo, Brazil – Monsters Of Rock
21 – São Paulo, Brazil – Espaço Unimed (Headline Date)
23 – Santiago, Chile – Masters Of Rock

European dates:

June
13 – Leeuwarden, Netherlands – Into The Grave
14 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle (Headline Date)
16 – London, UK – Shepherds Bush Empire (Headline Date)
18 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex 457 (Headline Date)
19 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle (Headline Date)
22 – Dessel, Belgium – Grapop Metal Meeting
24 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz (Headline Date)
26 – Barcelona, Spain – Rock Fest
28 – Thessaloniki, Greece – Rockwave


We celebrate 50 years of Yes’s Relayer on the cover of the new issue of Prog, which is on sale now!

We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Yes’s 1974 album Relayer on the cover of the new issue of Prog, which is on salw now!

It was their lone record with keyboard player Patrick Moraz, and found the band at their most experimental, veering towards the jazz fusion that so appealed to singer Jon Anderson at the time. Both Anderson and Moraz reveal the secrets of the album that gave us just three tracks, but what amazing pieces of music they remain, while there’s input from Alan White from an interview the magazine conducted before his death.

Elsewhere, Marillion tell the story of 1997’s This Strange Engine; Clannad reveal the secrets of their BAFTA-winning 1984 album Legend; David Surkamp of cult US prog rockers Pavlov’s Dog looks back over a fascinating career; we pay tribute to the late Peter Sinfield, best known for his contributions to King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer; and there’s the Prog writers’ best albums of 2024.

Klone, Swallow The Sun, Dilemma, Mercury Rev, Joe Deninzon and And So I Watch You From Afar bring us up to speed with their latest releases. There’s a free digital sampler from the excellent Nice Weather For Airstrikes label and four Yes postcards reflecting the Relayer era.

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Also in Prog 156

Peter Sinfield – remembering the man who gave King Crimson their name and who sadly died last month.

Marillion – the inside story of 1997’s dark This Strange Engine album.

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Klone – the atmospheric French proggers unlock the secrets of 10th album The Unseen.

Clannad – Moya and PÓl Brennan look back over 1984’s groundbreaking Legend.

Swallow The Sun – Finland’s dark proggers talk a love of Marillion and Queen choruses and their new album Shining.

Mercury Rev – the US art-rockers discuss their passion for the natural world with Born Horses.

And So I Watch You From Afar – there’s no place like home for the Irish post-rock quartet on Megafauna.

Dilemma – the Dutch proggers are back with their first new album for six years.

Critics’ Choice – so what was the Prog writers’ album of the year? And do you agree? Read on!

Ross Valory – former Journey bassist Ross Valory discusses his new solo album and the arena rockers’ prog roots.

Pavlov’s Dog – David Surkamp of cult US proggers Pavlov’s Dog looks back over the band’s career. And as for those Geddy Lee comparisons? Yes, he’s heard them!

Joe Deninzon – Kansas violinist Joe Deninzon on a prog life full of Rush, Yes, Frank Zappa and Bruce Springsteen.

Plus reviews of new releases and reissues by Mogwai, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, Soft Machine, Kevin Ayers, Wardruna, Jean-Michel Jarre, Nektar, Hawkwind, Matt Berry, Jonathan Hultén, Oddleaf, Cardiacs, Man and loads more.

And this issue we went to Prog The Forest and saw gigs by The Pineapple Thief, Focus, VOLA, Von Hertzen Brothers, Wheel, Animals As Leaders, Colin Blunstone and more!

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“Bowie comes in wearing a black jumpsuit, holding a can of Heineken and a big bit of cheese”: Simple Minds on the night David Bowie and Iggy Pop invaded their studio

Simple Minds found the experience of recording their 1979 debut album Life In A Day in London a little daunting, the Scottish post-rock upstarts feeling a bit like fish out of water when they were sent to down to posh London studios from their native Glasgow. It was all a bit much, so Jim Kerr & co. decided to change tact when it came to making follow-up Real To Real Cacophony. For that album, they stayed away from the big city and headed into the Welsh countryside, setting up base at Rockfield Studios, a few miles from the market town of Monmouth. Here, they assumed, they could set up base and crack on without distraction. That was the idea anyway, because they didn’t bank on their studio being gatecrashed by two rock’n’roll icons one night, the future Don’t You (Forget About Me) stars completely unaware that Iggy Pop and David Bowie were working on the former’s latest solo record in the studio next door.

Allow founder members Kerr and Charlie Burchill to take up the tale, as they explained to Q’s Tom Doyle a few years ago:

“Iggy came in looking for a bit of hash,” guitarist Burchill began, before frontman Kerr took up the thread.

“Bowie comes in wearing a black jumpsuit, holding a can of Heineken and a big bit of cheese. I think he had the munchies,” the singer said.

The pair stuck around until the early hours, Kerr continued, when they suddenly had the idea that Simple Minds should come and sing on a song they’d been working on for Pop’s new record.

“About two in the morning, they said, ‘Oh, we’ve been working on this song and we want everybody to come in and join in on the chorus’,” Kerr recalled. “It was a track called Play It Safe.”

“Especially in that weird, surreal Rockfield environment, it was off the scale,” Burchill stated.

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Kerr elaborated on the strange experience to Billboard. “It was unimaginable to us that Iggy Pop would be in the Welsh countryside, where there’s nothing going on except sheep and hills,” he said. “We ran through the track a few times, and very diplomatically Bowie said, ‘Not bad, but why doesn’t everybody who doesn’t sing for a living take a few steps back from the microphone.’ Of course, that just left me sandwiched between Bowie and Pop at the microphone and we did it and I got a credit on the album and it was fantastic. A lot of stories grow arms and legs as they get old, but that one’s true.”

Listen to Play It Safe, which featured on Pop’s 1980 album Soldier, below: