Month: August 2023

FRIDAY NIGHTS ALRIGHT for New Wave of British Heavy Metal band, Avenger

/ Alikivi

In the early 80s Tyneside based Avenger released two albums on the Neat record label – ‘Blood Sports’ and ‘Killer Elite’ both firmly planted the band on the NWOBHM map.

Fast forward to 2023 and their last show was three months ago in Spain at the Galia Metal Fest near Madrid…

“It was a cracking festival just in its first edition” said drummer Gary Young.

Next up is an explosive triple bill of classic NWOBHM on Friday 1st September. Joining Avenger are Spartan Warrior plannng an old school 80s set and an exclusive Venom set from Abaddon.

“I think we’ve played more shows with Spartan Warrior than any other band we know. We have a smooth working relationship with them and that makes touring alongside them very easy”.

“We’ve played with Abaddon too, and been friends with him for nearly 40 years! It’s always an honour to share the stage with him and the lads”.

The three bands will be playing on home turf at Trillians Rock Bar in Newcastle…

“We love Trillians….so much history, so many memorable shows there in the past – both as punters and playing. The place is essential to the music scene’s health”.

How influential has NWOBHM been?

“I think New Wave of British Heavy Metal has been a keystone to how current metal music has developed and that’s recognised by people especially when discovering metal for the first time.”

“When researching a bands history they can identify the whole legacy, for example Metallica were influenced by NWOBHM”.

After 40 plus years the NWOBHM North East Division of Satan, Raven and Tygers of Pan Tang are still breathing fire wherever they turn up.

“How has NWOBHM endured 40 odd years? Simple, the sheer quality of the bands”.

Free night of classic NWOBHM at Trillians Rock Bar, Newcastle, Friday 1st September 2023.

Alikivi   August 2023

Link to 2017 interview with Gary Young, Avenger:

YOUNG BLOOD – interview with Avenger and Repulsive Vision drummer Gary Young | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

MEMPHIS CALLING for Teesside Rhythm & Blues singer & songwriter Emma Wilson.

/ Alikivi

Robert Plant, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Jerry Lee Lewis are just a few names that have recorded in Sam Phillips Studio in Memphis, USA – a new name to be added to that impressive list is Teesside Rhythm & Blues Singer & Songwriter Emma Wilson…….

“Sam Phillips studio breathes, it has an immense presence. The Phillips family have kept the rooms the same. The live room is awesome, huge, beautifully designed, it took me everything to hold it together. I let my emotions out on the recording”.

Her second album Memphis Calling, scheduled for an October release, with first single What Kind Of Love released on Friday 1st September 2023.

What Kind Of Love was co-written by legendary singer and songwriter Don Bryant (Hi Records) and Scott Bomar, who also produces the album.

“Don Bryant collaborated with his then wife, my idol Ann Peebles, on many huge songs such as the iconic ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’. For him to offer me one of his songs and then join me in singing was a dream come true…he is so vibrant and such a great singer!” explained Emma.

“When I asked him how he thought I should perform the song he took hold of my two hands and said “Just sing it honey”.

“The band on ‘Memphis Calling’ are spectacular we have members of the HI Rhythm section Leroy Hodges bass, Charles Hodges organ, Hubbie Turner piano, the greatest drummer in the world Steve Potts and young Memphian cats Joe Restivo guitars, Kirk Smothers saxes and Marc Franklin trumpet”.

“Scott Bomar produced the record and is one of the greatest, he restored the STAX desk that we recorded through, it was just a beautiful experience”.

Emma won 2022s Emerging Blues Artist of The Year in the UK Blues Awards, her debut album Wish Her Well, made the finalist in Blues Album of The Year category in UK Blues Awards 2023.

Pre order link:

https://EmmaWilson.lnk.to/WhatKindOfLovePR

For further info contact the official website at:

www.emmawilson.net

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/emmawilsonbluesband

Alikivi   August 2023

WICKED GAMES with New Wave of British Heavy Metal band, THUNDERSTICK

/ Alikivi

Flag bearers of the NWOBHM scene since the late 1970s and still delivering the goods now include Kev Riddles (Angel Witch/Tytan), John Gallagher (Raven), Rob Weir (Tygers of Pan Tang) and Barry Graham Purkis (aka Thunderstick). Purkis is best known for his time drumming with Samson and an early Iron Maiden line up.

“Samson were one of the first bands to release an album that was considered to be New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. And that was the ‘Survivors’ album” explained Purkis.

“We were looking for support acts to come out with us and guitarist Paul Samson knew a band from south London that he was good friends with, he recommended Angel Witch, so they were put on the bill”.

“We were thinking about a third band, I said ‘Well the band I played with prior to joining Samson was a band called Iron Maiden. Would you be interested in them?’ And Paul said, ‘Yeah, sure.’

Fast forward to August 2023 and Thunderstick, fronted by lead vocalist Raven Blackwing, are releasing a new single ‘Go Sleep With the Enemy (I Dare Ya)’.

Raven Blackwing explained “We wanted to show that the material on the new album follows an altogether weightier vein. Releasing a single from the album that people already know and love when we play it live seemed a perfect way of introducing everyone to our new direction.”

(Single taken from the 2017 album ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’).

Purkis adds “The new single is a tale of infidelity and the wrath of a woman spurned. I wanted to re-visit this particular track by way of demonstrating the heavier aspects of the new band that make up the forthcoming album. I felt this track was the ideal vehicle to do that.”

“With the new album now completed and ready for an October release, the collection of songs on it are the strongest Thunderstick have ever recorded.”

“I’m so lucky to have found the musicians that I now work with especially Raven, of whom I consider to be one of the finest rock singers around. She is the ‘real deal’ both in terms of voice and stagecraft.”

Upcoming live dates:

British Steel Festival Fismes, France, 7th October.

Legends of Rock, Ilfracombe, 10th November.

Thunderstick 2023 line-up:

Raven Blackwing (vocals), Pete Pinto and Dave Butters (guitars), Rex Thunderbolt (bass) and Thunderstick/Barry Graham Purkis (drums).

For further info/releases/photo/video contact:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderstickofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThunderstickUK

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thunderstick.official/

Roulette Records: http://www.rouletterecords.co.uk/

Link to 2020 interview with Raven:

THE LADY WORE BLACK with Thunderstick vocalist Raven Blackwing | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

Thanks to Darren Johnson at Crow Flies Communications.

Check out the full interview with Thunderstick at:

Darren’s music blog | News, reviews, interviews and more. From classic rock to contemporary folk. (darrensmusicblog.com)

Alikivi    August 2023

FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED with New Wave of British Heavy Metal band, TROYEN

/ Alikivi

After re-forming in 2014 Warrington based Troyen have played a number of UK and European festivals but their first bite out of the NWOBHM scene was in the early 80s.

A big impact was made on the live circuit opening for Spider, Girlschool, Diamond Head and a European tour supporting Nightwing.

“We have many memories of gigs in the 80’s” said drummer Jeff Baddley.

“We almost left a roadie in an autobahn service station. We saw him frantically running down the road waving his arms to get our attention. Another time we parked our tour bus in an Embassy drive way – didn’t know that at the time – and were woken by armed guards inside the bus demanding ID”.

“When we opened for Spider they liked our track ‘Crazy Lady’ so much they wanted to buy it…we declined the offer”.

A demo, and first production job for Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies) was released in 1981.

Jeff added “It was a great experience, our good friends Nightwing were in the studio next-door. Gil Norton was great to work with. He was very young and very skilled. We recorded, mixed and produced the four tracks in three days”.

It quickly sold out earning a deal with legendary North East studio Neat records, but the band split before the ink was dry on the contract.

Fast forward to May 2024 – you can never be too early to advertise an event – and after a gig in Edinburgh, Scotland on the 18th, Troyen will be jumping over Hadrians Roman Wall to Newcastle Trillians on the 19th for a night dedicated to the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.

“Our new album will be out in May 2024 so the set will be filled with new tracks off the as yet untitled album, and classic back catalogue stuff” Jeff explained.

Trillians Rock Bar already has a number of NWOBHM events lined up this year. Dates from powerhouse metallers Tytan and Trespass, while playing on home turf and delivering bone crunching impact are Abaddon, Avenger, Millenium and Spartan Warrior.

Not forgetting a night with the now legendary Tygers of Pan Tang – al’ the way from Whitley Bay! Another band who’ve had numerous line-up changes and are still on the prowl after 40 years plus. 2023 has brought a new album and European gigs.

More live dates for Troyen are 2 September, Flames Still Burns Festival, Nuneaton. 6 October, The Carlisle, Hastings. 7 October, British Steel Festival, France and for 2024 so far 20 January, The Cavern, London. 18 May, Bannermans, Edinburgh. 19 May free entry to Trillians, Newcastle with special guests Culloden.

Troyen 2023 line-up – Jeff Baddley – drums/backing vox, Steve McGuire – guitar/backing vox, Mark Nortley – bass, Simon Lind – guitar/backing vox, Sy Davis -vocals.

Alikivi   August 2023

Link to interview with Troyen drummer Jeff Baddley in 2017.

BACK FOR GOOD ? Return of NWOBHM band Troyen | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

THE WOLF MEETS THE LION – with New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band, TRESPASS

/ Alikivi

Earlier this month the site featured Tytan main man Kev Riddles talking up a night of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal on Friday 13th October when Tytan, Trespass, Tailgunner and Kev Riddles’ Baphomet are booked to play at Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend.

Sharing the bill is Suffolk based Trespass, I got in touch with guitarist Mark Sutcliffe and asked why do you think NWOBHM is still alive over 40 years later?

“The early eighties was an interesting time. Full of change and quite tough at times. It was a time for self-expression and freedom. The NWOBHM was part of that”.

“The new bands of that era had great influences. I never thought it would endure this long but I am proud and honoured to be a part of it”.

Mark added “Back then we played the Marquee in London. First time was opening for Girl with Phil Collen who went on to join Def Leppard. We headlined later and actually broke their Monday night attendance record”.

“Did we use pyro? Sadly it was a double edged sword when we used pyro. We had a roadie injured at Leeds Forde Green and at a gig in Gravesend Red Lion we blew a trip switch. This meant an early drum solo as it was on the opening chord!”

The band featured on NWOBHM ten track compilation albums ‘Metal for Muthas’. Vol 1 included Iron Maiden, Samson, Praying Mantis and Angel Witch, Vol 2 had Dark Star, White Spirit and Trespass.

“That was an interesting but perhaps disappointing time for us. EMI had been showing real interest in the band and suggested we had two tracks on Vol 2” explained Mark.

“We recorded One of these Days and Stormchild in Spaceward studios in Cambridge – also used by Maiden. This echoed Maidens two tracks on Vol 1 and we got excited and assumed as much”.

Major labels were in the process of hoovering up NWOBHM bands – MCA collared Fist and Tygers of Pan Tang, Raven signed with Atlantic and Phonogram pulled in Def Leppard. What could go wrong?

“EMI asked us to their studio in London to record a session. Despite a good performance we didn’t succeed in getting signed. I guess they wanted the path clear for Maiden”.

“The independent label we were on at the time may have put them off, also EMI were going through a take-over at the time so it may have been that. We’ll never know”.

This year Trespass released a new album ‘Wolf at the Door’ to a number of hot reviews.

“We are very proud of this set of songs. It’s been interesting reading the reviews. One of the things that struck me was, that people can hear the NWOBHM in there”.

“Not something we did deliberately or even thought about. We just did what we do, as it were. Songs from the album have been going down well live, even on first listen, so that’s great.”

“Our last live show was at Head Bangers Open Air in Germany. It was awesome and great fun. These festivals are like family events. It’s like coming home.”

“And with four bands on the NWOBHM bill on October 13th, Leo’s Red Lion can expect classic tracks from across the Trespass years when the Wolf meets the Lion!”

Promo video clip ‘Wolf at the Door’.

Trespass 2023 line up: Wil Wilmot bass, backing vox, Mark Sutcliffe lead vox guitar, Joe Fawcett guitar, backing vox, Jason Roberts drums.

Alikivi   August 2023

KEEP ON TURNING with TYTAN main man Kev Riddles | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

SOUTHERN COMFORT for 70s rock legends GEORDIE

/ Alikivi

Geordie were signed to EMI, had UK chart hit singles, appearances on Top of the Pops and toured with Thin Lizzy and Nazareth. A few line-up changes took them into the 80s where they finally called it a day.

With a much welcomed return to the stage, the 2020s line up has original members Brian Gibson on drums and Tom Hill on bass with new recruits in former Animals guitarist Steve Dawson, and former Beckett/Back Street Crawler frontman Terry Slesser.

“Terry is working really well as the frontman for Geordie” said Tom.

The band are back on the road in August and heading down south with a series of gigs including the Half Moon in Putney and Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend.

Tom added “For the set we’ll be introducing some new songs, we recently released three singles in quick succession. All three made the top 20 of Mike Read’s Heritage Radio Show”.

“After this run of gigs we’ll be doing more recording then at the end of September playing a festival in Belgium, keep on rocking”.

Alikivi   2023

For further info contact the official website:

The Official Geordie Website – Keep On Rocking – Geordie Band

KEEP ON TURNING with TYTAN main man Kev Riddles

/ Alikivi

Being at the outset of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal in ’79, zillions of UK & European gigs with Angel Witch, Paul Samsons Empire, Baphomet and Tytan – plus recording a few albums along the way – Kev Riddles has been a flag bearer for NWOBHM the past 40 plus years.

“In the halcyon days of Angel Witch we toured constantly, either in our own right or opening for Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Girlschool, Saxon or April Wine”.

left to right, Kev Riddles – bass/backing vocals, Andy Thompson – keyboards, Tony Coldham – vocals, Chris Borsberry – guitar, Garry Bowler – drums

Here we are in July 2023 and Tytan are sitting in the port waiting for the Calais ferry after playing at the Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany. Kev reflects on the weekend…

“We had a blast. A superb crowd. But the ferry’s been cancelled….there’s a four hour wait!”

“I just drove for 11 hours, played to 2,000 people in Germany, ate too much, then drove back again. Is it worth it? Hell yeah! We do this because we can and we love it!”

On Friday 13th October Tytan are lined up to play a NWOBHM night with Kev Riddles’ Baphomet – yes second show of the night for Kev – Tailgunner and Trespass at Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend. (Interview with Trespass coming soon).

Then on 3rd November a pre-Bonty Night triple bill with fellow NWOBHM bands Millennium and Spartan Warrior at Trillians Rock bar, Newcastle.

Are you looking forward to playing in the North East who spawned the big four – Raven, Venom, Fist, Tygers of Pan Tang ?

“I always feel a little pressure when playing the North East precisely because of the incredible talent coming out of the place” said Kev.

“I’ve had, and continue to have, the good fortune to witness and share a stage with all the bands you mention and this year we’ll be lucky enough to play alongside Spartan Warrior at Trillians again”.

What can the crowd at Trillians expect?

“Trust me we will have some fun on the night because that is what we do”.

Is there a wind up merchant in the band?

 “All of us are wind up merchants, it goes with the territory – Fun is for life, death is forever”.

Has that ferry turned up yet?

Alikivi  August 2023

For more info contact the official website:

Trillians Rock Bar (trilliansnewcastle.co.uk)

Interview with Kev Riddles May 2017:

BACK IN THE RING – Going Another Round with NWOBHM band Tytan | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

ALL BUT GONE with Lyin Rampant vocalist Stewartie Adams

/ Alikivi

Lyin Rampant originally formed in 1983 when Stewartie teamed up with former Heavy Pettin’ guitarist Eddie Trainer.

They released an album Up and Cumin’ in 1987 on Prism records. Last year the album was re-released by Renaissance Records, USA.

(Further info in interviews with Stewartie 10 & 19 March 2022, links below. Lyin Rampant 2023 are Stewartie, Eddie Trainer, Davey Harkness, Doug Jagger).

Video clip of new track ‘All But Gone’ (Trainer/Adams).

“We are currently working in conjunction with Shock City Promotions/Glasgow. We would like to give a huge thank you to them for adding us to these upcoming shows”.

Stewartie explained “Starting in September we are looking forward to working with our old friends Heavy Pettin’ on their 40th anniversary tour. On the 28th we’re at Edinburgh Bannermans and the Classic Grand, Glasgow on 30th”.

“Then we are on the bill at the Winterstorm Rock Fest in Troon in November. The festival runs from 23rd -25th.

We haven’t played there before so we are excited about being on stage with all the other great talent performing this year, including headliners MSG, Graham Bonnet, Uli Jon Roth then there is our old pal Doogie White, to name just a few”.

This past year you’ve had some personal problems, how are you holding up ?

“We are currently working away in the rehearsal studio for these shows. This will be my first time working again with Lyin Rampant after all these years due to the personal commitments so this will be a big challenge for me”.

“I would like to thank my great friend Eddie Trainer (guitar) and the others in the band for all their support and encouragement getting me back into it again.

This should be a lot of fun as Eddie and myself have not been on stage together for about 33yrs … the Lyin will roar once more!”

Alikivi   August 2023

TARTAN SPIRIT with former Tytan & Lyin’ Rampant vocalist/guitarist Stewartie Adams | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

DONE DEAL IN AMERICA with ex TYTAN & LYIN’ RAMPANT VOCALIST STEWARTIE ADAMS | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)