During their initial years together, The Yardbirds scored several hit singles in the UK, and just one successful album, reports Forbes Senior Contributor, Hugh McIntyre.
The music they made is still remembered fondly, but the group is perhaps best known for helping launch the careers of some of rock’s most prestigious musicians: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. All three were once part of the band, which has just scored a new hit album this week in the country where their journey began.
The Yardbirds are back on the charts in the U.K. this week with their sole project aimed at the British audience. Roger the Engineer debuts on the Official Album Downloads ranking at No. 39, instantly earning the band a top 40 win.
Roger the Engineer marks The Yardbirds’ first top 40 hit on the Official Album Downloads chart. In fact, it’s their first-ever appearance on the U.K.’s ranking of the most-downloaded albums.
It’s everything you could want in a San Francisco home: a towering property relative to its neighbors on Haight Street, with views of Sutro Tower and the downtown skyline, painted a distinctive shade of red, reports Garrett Leahy for The San Francisco Standard. It also happens to be Jimi Hendrix’s “former 1960s residence,” according to a listing posted Monday for 1524-1528 Haight St. It’s priced at just under $4 million. There’s just one catch – Hendrix likely never lived there.
“It’s a bunch of shit,” said Keith Dion, a self-identified Hendrix expert and professional musician. “I’m sort of annoyed they didn’t spell that out.”
But maybe the listing agent knows something Dion doesn’t? When The Standard called the Burlingame-based agency, Green Banker Realty, they were connected to real estate agent Mark Louie.
“I’m kinda everyone and no one,” Louie said, adding that he is not the listing agent on the property. “I do showings, other things.”
“They just call it the Jimi Hendrix house. There’s nothing definitive,” Louie said when asked for more information. “Nobody knows for sure.”
Making a double album is easy – you just write more songs. But making an album that lasts less time than your average sitcom is much harder. We’re not talking about throwing together a few half-baked tunes – we’re talking about those records that rush breathlessly past and exit leaving you wanting more, something that takes real craft.
Let’s face it, size isn’t everything, as these gems prove.
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Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazinesince 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.
Five crazy diamonds badly in need of a shave and a haircut, their clothes reeking of bong smoke and time travel, Sacri Monti are bassist Anthony ‘Ant’ Meier, Brenden Dellar on vocals and guitar, Thomas Di Benedetto on drums, Dylan Donovan on guitar, and Evan Wenskay on organ and synth. From Oceanside, California, a beach city in San Diego County, they all met in high school in the early 2000s and began jamming.
“Our first show we made two songs last for fifty minutes,” chuckles Brenden. “That’s how it began. Not so much putting on shows as improvising in front of people.”
The band are named after nine sacred mountains in northern Italy, and their music has been described as ‘heavy psych’ and ‘psychedelic prog’: a peak early-70s cross between Hawkwind and Deep Purple. However, Ant says: “I don’t see us as progressive rock at all. We’re a heavy rock band.” Brenden says they “let the music take over and see where it takes you. We go for a more timeless vibe than progressive rock”.
Their self-titled first album came out back in 2015. The second, Waiting Room For The Magic Hour, took another three years to flash in the sky. Now comes their third, Retrieval, a six-track masterpiece. From the towering Maelstrom to the chunky Intermediate Death, it’s like cutting-edge Uriah Heep-meets-Cream when Eric really was God.
The mesmerising nine-minute finale More Than I is for Sacri Monti what In The Light was for Led Zeppelin: music as mystical communication, with a ferocious drive and flare that screams acid.
Sacri Monti – ‘Maelstrom’ – Live in Studio – YouTube
I tell them how when I worked for Hawkwind in the late 70s they made a point of tripping on acid when they were recording. “Oh my god!” Ant says, laughing. “We probably dipped into everything – not the hard opiates and stuff – since high school.”
Would they trip on stage?
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Brenden: “We used to in the early days when we would jam a lot.”
What kind of fans come to see Sacri Monti?
“Mostly men,” guffaws Brenden.
I imagine a crowd of deranged men with beards…
“Rocker men,” Ant says, smiling.
Sacri Monti did four shows in the UK this summer, and say their British fans get them more than fans in America.
“No question about that,” Ant confirms. “The UK is the home of a lot of the music we love. What’s cool is we can play indierock festivals and heavy metal festivals. It really is different every show. We never know what way it’s gonna be.”
And that in a nutshell is what makes Sacri Monti special. Even they don’t know what way it’s gonna go. Can ya dig it?
Off the backs of their latest single release, “Hellraiser,” and their North American Tour with Raven to support the full-length release of the latest album Sunburn, Wicked is back with more high energy rock ‘n’ roll.
Wicked is set to release yet another single; “Reptile Roots” on Friday, December 13. Pre-save here.
Not only will there be a reckless new hard rock track to crank up, but a new music video to accompany it, which will give a look back in time to scenes from the “It’s Summer Somewhere Tour” that the band just completed.
The band will be celebrating their single release with an intimate hometown show on December 13 at LUX located on 666 South Ave. Rochester, NY 14620, before they break into the new year and embark on their trip to NAMM to play the Anaheim, CA House of Blues with Metal Allegiance, as well as OTTTO and Lost Legacy on January 23.
With no stopping in sight, join Wicked as they rip through the end of 2024 and into 2025 with a mission to put that reckless fun back into rock ‘n’ roll!
“You all have been asking for it after every show, from NY to LA and Toronto to Mexico City. Well now you’ve got it! I give you ‘Reptile Roots’!” – Scotty V
“What does Reptile Roots mean?! IYKYK… It’s in your blood, running through your veins! It’s that eternal bond in all of us who walk the walk in the rock ‘n’ roll world!” – Danny
“It’s hard not to end the set with Reptile Roots! I love the song’s climax at the end with absolute rock ‘n’ roll mayhem erupting!” – Gunnar
“The music video for ‘Reptile Roots’ was a perfect way to put a bow on our North American Tour with Raven this year and give the fans some nostalgia and a reminder of what to look forward to in 2025, starting with the House of Blues in Anaheim California!” – Chad Michael
Swedish cult act Mezzrow returns to the thrash metal scene with their new single, “As Fear Unfolds”. A music video for the first harbinger of a new album to follow in 2025, is now premiering below.
The band comments: “Recorded during the Summon Thy Demons-sessions and one of the first songs we wrote back in early 2021 (The lyrics were actually written for another song way back in 1992). It kind of stands out from the other songs on the album with its proggy approach! Within the band we call it our ‘Mercyful Fate-song’, with all its different tempo changes and technical vibes going on. This is also the first studio recording featuring Alvaro ‘Alvis’ Svanerö on drums.”
During 2021, Mezzrow rose from the ashes, when bass player Conny Welén (ex-Hexenhaus) and singer Uffe Pettersson (ex-Rosicrucian) decided to make a new mark in the thrash metal world of today, together with new guitarists Magnus Söderman (Nightrage) and Ronnie Björnström (ex-Defiatory, ex-Aeon), as well as drummer Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö (Imperial Domain). Following their comeback album Summon Thy Demons (2023, Fireflash Records) and Keep It True – Live record, Mezzrow are currently busy writing new material for a next album to be released in the hopefully not so distant future through ROAR.
Twelve new songs are now ready for recording and this process has slightly begun. As the first single “As Fear Unfolds” proves, fans can expect a killer album with high intense Bay Area thrash with a Swedish melodic touch. 2025 – get ready for some new Mezzrow thrash metal.
Mezzrow is: Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson – Vocals Conny Welén – Bass Magnus Söderman – Lead Guitar Ronnie Björnström – Guitar Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö – Drums
After already launching two songs and videos, Caliban have released “Guilt Trip” (Feat. Mental Cruelty), along with a visualizer by The Black Visual.
“‘Guilt Trip’ is about breaking free from the weight others put on you,” states the band. “It’s a battle cry for anyone who’s had to fight their way out of someone else’s darkness. It’s a raw, aggressive release of years of pain, facing down the demons of blame and regret. This track captures the struggle to overcome that poison in your veins, the chains that keep you trapped, and finally reclaiming your power.”
Caliban released two new singles and videos already in 2024: “I Was a Happy Kid Once” and “Echoes”.
“Guilt Trip” feat. Mental Cruelty:
“Echoes”:
“I Was A Happy Kid Once”:
Caliban are (left to right in photo at top):
Iain Duncan — Bass + Vocals Patrick Grün — Drums Andreas Dörner — Vocals Marc Görtz — Guitar Denis Schmidt — Guitar
Legendary guitarist Phil X’s own band, Phil X & The Drills, has unveiled a new single “Don’t Wake Up Dead”, featuring Korn drummer Ray Luzier, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. The track comes with brand-new artwork created by Thomas Estrada. The video is accompanied by a new visualizer, available below.
Phil X commented on the single:
“’Don’t Wake Up Dead’ is a look at how people just go through the motions of life just to get to the end of their day. I know because I, myself, have been there. To put it into impactful words, if you’re not waking up ready to conquer all obstacles, you’re waking up dead. Plus… Put to music that’s like downing a triple espresso is pretty awesome.”
2024 marked an exciting new landmark for the band when they opened for Mötley Crüe at Summerfest in Springfield, IL. Phil X, Daniel Spree, and Brent Fitz took the stage and left the 10,000 attendees, event coordinators, promoters, and agents (not to mention the headliner) all thrilled.
They recently signed to Frontiers Records Srl and is excited to embark on a new journey with new music.
Phil X & The Drills: Phil X – Lead Vocals & Guitars Daniel Spree – Bass & Background Vocals Ray Luzier – Drums
David Coverdale, the powerful voice behind Whitesnake and former Deep Purple frontman, sees his solo work shine brightly in a new collection featuring remixed, remastered, and revisited versions of his solo albums Whitesnake (1977), NorthWinds (1978), and Into The Light (2000).
Into The Light: The Solo Albums is available through Rhino Records as a 6CD boxed set. It comes packaged in a hardcover box featuring a 60-page book with rare photos, detailed liner notes, and a new interview with Coverdale. The newly remixed version of Into The Light is also available separately as a double vinyl album presented in a gatefold sleeve.
Watch “Too Many Tears” (Official Video 2024 Remix) below:
The boxed set features two versions of Coverdale’s solo albums: one newly remixed to deliver a more dynamic sonic experience and a second remastered from the original recordings for those who want to revisit the classic sound. The remixed versions feature significant updates (particularly to Whitesnake and NorthWinds) and utilize cutting-edge audio separation software. The track “Time & Again” from NorthWinds benefited from innovative voice extraction technology, allowing for new string and piano arrangements that Coverdale has envisioned for decades.
Coverdale shares, “The remixes are modern, using new technology to squeeze the best out of them… Truly exciting to revisit and take care of any technical ‘issues’ I had with the tracks all those years ago.”
Into The Light, Coverdale’s third solo album, boasts an impressive musical lineup that includes guitarists Earl Slick (David Bowie) and Doug Bossi, bassist Marco Mendoza (who later joined Whitesnake), legendary drummer Denny Carmassi (Montrose, Whitesnake), and keyboardist Mike Finningan (Jimi Hendrix). The remixed version of the album expands the original with songs like “Let’s Talk It Over” and “All The Time In The World”. The collection also offers additional remixes, demos, and outtakes from the album, including “With All Of My Heart”. Coverdale wrote the song for his wife and considers it one of the best he’s ever written.
The set also revisits NorthWinds, and Whitesnake Coverdale’s first two solo albums recorded immediately after leaving Deep Purple. Both albums have been reimagined and re-sequenced for the upcoming collection. NorthWinds includes some new arrangements and additional tracks like “Sweet Mistreater” and “Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth”, breathing new life into this classic. Whitesnake features impossible remixes thanks to AI sound separation softwares, courtesy of technology that has only been available in the last couple of years.
CD1: Into The Light (Remix) “She Give Me” “River Song” “Don’t You Cry” “Love Is Blind” “Slave” “Cry For Love” “Living On Love” “Midnight Blue” “Too Many Tears” “Don’t Lie To Me” “All The Time In The World” “Wherever You May Go” “Yours For The Asking” “Let’s Talk It Over”
CD2: Into The Light (Additional Remixes) “Love Is Blind” (Band Version) “As Long As I Have You” “With All Of My Heart” “Wherever You May Go” (Strings Version) “Love Is Blind” (Strings Version)
Demos & Unfinished Symphonies “Lust” “Oh No Not The Blues Again” “Into The Light Intro” “Into The Light” “You Make It Hard On Me” “Would You Be Happy” “Fooling Yourself” “Make The Best Of It” “Veda of Cassandra Blues” “I Can See The Light” “Another Fallen Angel” “Itchy Finger”
Original Demos 1997 “Crazy ’Bout Cha” (Original Version of “Whipping Boy Blues”) “If You Want Me” “Lay Your Love On Me” (Original Version of “Lay Down Your Love”)
CD3: NorthWinds (2024 Remix) “Keep On Giving Me Love” “Sweet Mistreater” “NorthWinds” “Give Me Kindness” “Queen Of Hearts” “Only My Soul” “Time & Again” (String Version) “Say You Love Me” “Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth” “Breakdown” “Time & Again” (Piano Version) “Time & Again” (Strings Only)
CD4: Whitesnake MCMLXXVII (2024 Remix) “Lady” “Blindman” “Goldies Place” “Time On My Side” “Peace Lovin’ Man” “Sunny Days” “Hole In The Sky” “WhiteSnake” “Celebration”
Young Lad’s Blues (DC’s 1968 Home Demos) “Sunny Days” (Original) “Love Me In The Morning” “I Will Love You” “Moment In Time” “It Would Be Nice” “There Was A Time” “Why?” “I Still Love You”
CD5: Into The Light (Original Mix 2024 Remaster) “She Give Me” “River Song” “Don’t You Cry” “Love Is Blind” “Slave” “Cry for Love” “Living On Love” “Midnight Blue” “Too Many Tears” “Don’t Lie To Me” “Wherever You May Go”
CD6: Whitesnake (Original Mix 2024 Remaster) “Lady” “Blindman” “Goldies Place” “Time On My Side” “Peace Lovin’ Man” “Sunny Days” “Hole In The Sky” “Celebration” “WhiteSnake”
NorthWinds (Original Mix 2024 Remaster) “Keep On Giving Me Love” “NorthWinds” “Give Me Kindness” “Time & Again” “Queen Of Hearts” “Only My Soul” “Say You Love Me” “Breakdown”
Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Shinedown and Nickelback have been confirmed as headliners at the inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival, which will take place in Ocean Beach, Maryland, on May 17-18 2025.
Other bands confirmed for the festival include Halestorm, Bush, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, Flyleaf with Lacy Sturm, The Struts, Extreme, Everclear, Puddle Of Mud, 3 Doors Down, Bret Michaels, Candlebox, Night Ranger, Crossfade, Dorothy, Black Stone Cherry, Trapt, Kat Von D, Royale Lynn, Fuel, Saliva and Tim Montana.
The festival will take over Ocean City Inlet and feature three stages – two on the beach and one on the boardwalk – and include access to the restaurants, bars, and shops on the boardwalk, as well as Jolly Roger at the Pier, an amusement park containing a Ferris wheel, a Venetian double-decker carousel, a roller coaster and various other thrill rides.
Ticket prices start at $165 for a single-day general admission pass, with two-day passes available at $195. At the other end of the scale, a two-day “Ultimate” pass will cost $3,950 and includes front-of-stage viewing, on-stage viewing (pending artist approval, not headline performances), access to view shows from front-of-house mixing desk (again, subject to artist approval), golf cart transportation, access to an artist bar and an “exclusive festival gift”.
Fans can register to join a presale that begins on December 13at 10am. A general sale for any remaining tickets will follow at 11am.
Live Nation-owned C3 Presents, the company behind Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Boston Calling, Bonnaroo and many other festivals, are the organisers of Boardwalk Rock.
(Image credit: C3 Presents)
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Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazinesince 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.
