Live Reviews

Exeter Phoenix, 27th March 2017. Opening the show with ‘Snake Eyes’ Frank Carter burst on stage with an explosion of energy and passion to a sold out venue of yearning fans. His pure power and emotion for his music and his performance came through the entirety of the show, there was never a dull moment. This was shown through his normal crowd surfing, walking ...

English-born American rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who was the lead guitarist for The Runaways in the late 70’s before embarking on a solo career in the 80’s, has finally paid us a visit in the UK for a brief tour. After nearly 30 years since she last visited the country of her birth, she’s now back and ready to ...

Well, here we are; back for another instalment of the legendary Hard Rock Hell United Hammerfest, and if the first day is anything to go by, the quality is damn high. The sun is beating down on the black shirted, leather jacket-clad festival attendees, and the mood is understandably, ridiculously jubilant. Opening the entire festival with a song described as ...

Gojira are BACK! It’s actually only been a few months since they last graced the UK with their presence. The difference being that this time sees them on their very own headline tour in support of their latest album ‘Magma’ which even at the time of writing this, is still currently happening. Back in November the band embarked upon a ...

July last year we covered Courtesans at a venue on the other side of Newcastle, their first gig in the city. They have returned playing a more central venue – with more fans and materials behind them. Leading up to the release of their EP ‘Better Safe Than Sober’ EP this tour is a a live taster of what’s to ...

Most sensible people stay in on a Sunday night. Me I’m out on the town about to catch two bands whose work I’m not overly familiar with. In the case of Vega, I know them only by reputation: melodic/AOR band, four albums in the can with regular support slots up and down the country. While the venue hasn’t filled out ...

Well, it feels like we’ve barely started, but we’re on the dawn of the final day of this year’s Hard Rock Hell AOR. The whole event has been excellent so far, and the organisers have certainly saved the best til last. Let’s dive right in. Power is the optimal word for Häxan. There are few things more impressive than a ...

Gloriously, the gods of weather have treated us here at Hard Rock Hell by getting all of the rain out overnight so we don’t have to suffer through it. This is especially welcome as the suffering is real. If you don’t have a hangover this morning, you are not experiencing a rock and roll festival properly. With pounding headaches, a ...

It’s not an enviable task having to open up a festival, but Tequila Mockingbyrd makes it look effortless. The Melbourne-born trio recently relocated to the UK and are on the cusp of releasing their debut in Europe – their Australian fanbase has already been treated to it – and they are out to prove a point, and make sure that ...

The band who helped make your summers bright as a teenager, the band who made you realise you didn’t want to be casualties of society, the band who’s cheeky-smiled skater–punk style injected the anthem fuelled songs at your parties… Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Sum 41. But first, the main support act, Hollerado. These Toronto-based musicians are not ...