Glenn Hughes
Vocalist/bass guitarist/songwriter Glenn Hughes is a true original. No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style blending the finest elements of hard rock, soul and funk. That astonishing voice is Hughes’ calling card. He’s known as a singer’s singer. Stevie Wonder once called Hughes his favourite white singer.
Hughes, a native of Cannock, England, absorbed all kinds of influences, including early British hard rock, the Beatles and, most importantly, American soul and R&B. The sleek Motown sound from Detroit and the gritty Stax/Volt sound from Memphis left their mark on him.
The first important band Hughes was a member of that achieved notable success was Trapeze. The band’s early ’70s albums included “Trapeze”, “Medusa” and “You Are The Music… We’re Just The Band”.
In 1973, Hughes joined Deep Purple. The trailblazing hard-rock legends had just weathered the departure of vocalist Ian Gillan and bass guitarist Roger Glover, but guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice continued with the addition of Hughes and David Coverdale. Any skepticism was squelched with the 1974 release of “Burn” which has since been re-released on its 30th anniversary. This stunning album rejuvenated the band and stands tall among Deep Purple classics.
In the halcyon days, Purple headlined at the famous California Jam in 1974 in front of quarter of a million people. World tours via Purple’s own jet plane, “The Starship” and two more studio albums later, (the Hughes influenced “Stormbringer” and “Come Taste the Band”), Deep Purple finally split in 1976.
Now living in Los Angeles, Glenn’s first solo album “Play Me Out” was released in 1977. He joined former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, which released an acclaimed self-titled album in 1982. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Hughes made countless guest appearances (both credited and un-credited) as a vocalist, bass guitarist or songwriter on other artists’ albums.
Glenn Hughes 2018More commercial recognition came when the KLF dubbed Glenn Hughes “The Voice of Rock”, proudly featuring him on their international best selling hit single America- What Time is Love?
Since 1992, Hughes has toured extensively in Europe, Japan and South America in support of solo albums such as “Blues”, “From Now On…”, “Burning Japan Live”, “Feel”, “Addiction”, “The Way It Is”, “Return Of Crystal Karma”, “Building The Machine”, “Songs In The Key Of Rock” and “Soul Mover”.
One of the most important collaborations in Hughes’ career occurred two decades ago when he began working with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi on the legendary guitarist’s first solo album. The result, 1986’s vastly underrated “Seventh Star”, was officially credited as ‘Black Sabbath Featuring Tony Iommi’ to satisfy the record company’s marketing desires. (Technically, this makes Hughes a former member of Black Sabbath too.) Hughes and Iommi remained friends and, in 1996, they began writing songs and recording together again. Those recordings were widely bootlegged, but they were eventually finished and released in 2004 as “The 1996 DEP Sessions”.
2005 saw the release of two albums that were greeted with commercial and critical success; “Fused” with Tony Iommi, and another solo album “Soul Mover”.
Soul Mover saw the continuation of the successful creative partnership with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith that began with Glenn’s live DVD “Soulfully Live in the City of Angels” (2004). Soul Mover was voted 12th best album of the year by highly influential magazine CLASSIC ROCK.
Glenn’s next album – “Music For The Divine” – was a rich tapestry of the soul, funk and rock, which have always influenced his music. Again, featuring Chad Smith on drums, (and fellow Chili Pepper John Frusciante on guitar for an incredible rendition of the perennial classic ‘Nights In White Satin’) it was commercially and critically well received, and the album again made Classic Rock magazine’s top 20 albums of the year.
Glenn Hughes 2017After his successful Music For The Divine European tour in 2006, 2007 saw Glenn make successful tours of Russia, South America, Italy, Norway and Spain, along with solo dates in London – at the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire – Bulgaria and Greece.
2007 also saw Glenn headline at festival appearances in France and Norway. Glenn also took part in the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in New York, which was highly successful and he also appeared as a guest presenter at the Classic Rock Awards in both 2006 and 2007. Another highlight of a diverse and colourful year were the 2 sold out solo shows at the famous Whisky in Los Angeles and BB King’s in New York.
2008 saw Glenn undertake another extensive European tour; including a month long trek across Russia, festival appearances, and his first live shows in Belarus, Estonia and Romania. Another highlight was Glenn’s appearance in London at the Childline Charity concert in March 2008 where he performed a short set of Deep Purple classics with Purple drummer Ian Paice. This was particularly poignant as it was the first time the pair had played together since the Purple days. Ironically, in June 2008, Glenn played in Liverpool, England for the first time in over 30 years; a triumphant and emotional return to the city where Deep Purple Mark IV played their final ever concert before disbanding in 1976.
Other highlights of 2008 include Glenn’s live on air performance on the USA radio show Rockline, and his first appearance in New Zealand since 1975 with Deep Purple, when Glenn brought the house down at the G-Taranaki Festival in July.
The 2008 release of “First Underground Nuclear Kitchen” is quite possibly the most compelling and positive musical statement in a distinguished career already abundant with highlights and milestones. Chad Smith again played out of his skin on the drums, and Glenn has rarely – if ever- sounded more inspired, written with such grace, or sung with more passion.
Another world jaunt accompanied the release, carrying on into 2009 with tours of Europe, Russia, South America and selected shows in the States including sell out shows in LA and NYC.
Glenn Hughes 2016
2010 was one of the most exciting and prolific years in Glenn’s career as it saw him recording and touring in a new supergroup project, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION with guitar star Joe Bonamassa, keyboard player Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre) and drummer Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham. The band released their debut album on September 20th, 2010. The album went to #13 in the Official UK Album Chart and #1 in the Official UK Rock Album Chart. Produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, Black Crowes, Page and Plant, Journey etc), this is yet another world-class musical statement that raises the bar for rock singing.
In November 2010, Hughes was awarded the ChildLine Award at Classic Rock’s Roll of Honour.
Glenn and BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION released their second album, “2”, in 2011, followed shortly afterwards, by their debut live tour encompassing the USA, UK and Europe. Their third release, “Live Over Europe”, recorded live while on the European leg of their debut tour, reached the Top 5 spot world-wide with releases on DVD, CD, Blu-ray and Vinyl.
Glenn had his Autobiography published in 2011, in both hard and soft cover editions. The Number 1 best seller is available at all good retailers, both online and at traditional brick & mortar stores!
In November 2011, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION won the prestigious Classic Rock Breakthrough Artist of the Year award at the Classic Rock Awards in London, with Glenn collecting the award on behalf of the band.
2012 saw Glenn touring Russia as a solo artist and also South America as a member of the Rock and Roll AllStars, featuring his good friends Gene Simmons, Matt Sorum, and Joe Elliot amongst others. Glenn also did solo shows and guest appearances in the UK, Israel, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, China and Armenia but his main focus in 2012 was the writing, recording and press promotion for the third BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION album, “Afterglow”. Released worldwide in late October 2012, and again produced by Kevin Shirley, the album was another huge success for the band, and is possibly the most Glenn dominated album of the three, with many of the songs written solely by Glenn.
Glenn Hughes 2015
In late 2013 he formed a new band called CALIFORNIA BREED with drummer Jason Bonham and guitarist Andrew Watt and in May 2014, the band released their debut self-titled album, followed by Autumn tour dates in the USA (w/ Alter Bridge), Russia, Europe and UK (w/ SLASH).
2015 focused on his solo career after the disappointment of the last couple of rounds with band projects. Sold out crowds were the order of the day, while touring non-stop throughout the second half of the year, with shows in South America, Europe, UK, Japan and Singapore.
In addition, late in 2015, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame based in the USA, announced that DEEP PURPLE including MKIII, are finally to be inducted after several previous nominations over the years!
2016 was his busiest year yet, with Summer festivals & solo shows in the USA, UK and Europe, in addition, it saw the release of his first solo album in over 8 years! “Resonate” is a triumphant return to form for “The Voice of Rock”, from album opener, “Heavy”, to the very last chords of the closer, “Long Time Gone”, making it the ‘Album of the Year’ for many and a true Glenn Hughes landmark release.
Glenn Hughes 2015
2017 kicked off with the triumphant return of a reunited BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, who immediately entered a studio in Los Angeles to record their fourth album. Soon after it was straight back to the UK and Europe to begin his solo tour in support of “Resonate”. Upon his return home, Glenn was once again in a Los Angeles studio, this time with his pal, CHAD SMITH (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and guitar virtuoso, JOE SATRIANI (Chickenfoot, Deep Purple), to record the latter’s latest solo instrumental album. It would see Glenn record an album where he only plays bass guitar… no vocals! In late Spring, a visit to Australia and New Zealand ensued with the The Music of Cream 50th Anniversary Tour which also featured MALCOME BRUCE (Jack Bruce’s son), KOFI BAKER (Ginger Baker’s son) and WILL JOHNS (Eric Clapton’s nephew). After a Summer of festival solo performances, the Autumn heralded the long-awaited release of the fourth album by BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, simply titled, “BCCIV”, which received a rapturous welcome from fans and press alike, with many naming it their ‘Album of the Year’. Soon afterwards, a return trip to Australia and New Zealand saw Glenn introduce his GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE touring production, which received tumultuous reviews from both fans and the media with sold out shows across the continent, resulting in the planning of more of these very special performances around the world over the coming months.
Glenn Hughes 2008
2018 began with BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION playing 2 exclusive live sold out shows in the UK and within just a few days, the worldwide release of Glenn’s performance on the JOE SATRIANI album, “What Happens Next”. The remainder of 2018 and into 2019 saw the return of Glenn’s live touring production, GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE, with shows across the USA, UK, Europe and beyond! In late Summer of 2019, it was announced that Glenn joined THE DEAD DAISIES, on lead vocals and bass guitar, joining guitarists Doug Aldrich, David Lowy and drummer Deen Castronovo. The Australian based collective of musicians have included John Corabi, Marco Mendoza, Richard Fortus, Dizzy Reed, Frank Ferrer, Darryl Jones, Tommy Clufetos, Charley Drayton and Jon Stevens amongst others.
The band didn’t waste any time upon Glenn’s arrival and have a new album recorded by Producer, Ben Grosse at La Fabrique Studio in the South of France, boasting: “The best is yet to come”.
2020 kicked off with the announcement of THE DEAD DAISIES new album featuring Glenn set to be released in late May and a full European Summer tour schedule with their own shows and festival appearances and joining forces with Judas Priest and Foreigner along the way. More shows around the world will follow.
So make no mistake. The Voice of Rock never left the building.
Days of the New
By the late ’90s, a whole new generation had missed out on experiencing the likes of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana first-hand (with some perhaps not even knowing of their existence at all), so a new crop of similarly styled bands picked up the slack, including Days of the New. Originally hailing from Charlestown, IN, before relocating to Louisville, KY, the group’s leader from the get-go was singer/guitarist/songwriter Travis Meeks, who recruited friends Jesse Vest (bass), Matt Taul (drums), and Todd Whitener (guitar), who along with Meeks, were still teenagers at the time. The group’s largely acoustic-based sound instantly brought to mind Alice in Chains’ more tranquil releases (Sap, Jar of Flies, Unplugged), as Meeks’ vocal delivery and lyrics were quite comparable to both Layne Staley and Jim Morrison. The quartet caught the ear of former R.E.M. producer Scott Litt, who signed the group to his newly formed label, Outpost, and oversaw the group’s self-titled 1997 release. The album was an immediate hit with the MTV crowd on the strength of such singles as “Touch, Peel and Stand” and “The Down Town,” and the group spent the summer of 1998 opening up for another one of their musical heroes, Metallica.
Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the DoorsBut during the tour, tempers between the bandmembers began to flair and rumors of an impending breakup circulated. The rumors proved to be true shortly after the tour’s completion, as Meeks fired everyone in the band (save for Taul). 1999 saw the release of Days of the New’s sophomore release, again self-titled, which despite Meeks’ attempts at creating a sprawling masterpiece (complete with choir, orchestra, and bombastic arrangements), failed to sell as well as its predecessor. 2000 saw Meeks cover the Doors classic “The End” with the surviving Doors members for a taping of VH1’s Storytellers series (as well as recording a studio version that appeared on the Doors tribute disc Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors), as he continued writing for the third Days of the New album. The band’s third album, again self-titled, saw the light of day in 2001, with their leader now letting elements of prog rock seep into the music. With Meeks the only original bandmember still in attendance by that point, it confirmed what many knew all along, that Days of the New is basically a Meeks solo project.
Andy McCoy
Andy McCoy, the legendary guitarist, composer, co-founder of Hanoi Rocks, colorful artist, and so much more.
Hanoi Rocks made five studio albums and embarked on wild life-changing thrill ride around the world, touring Europe, UK, Mid- and Far East and finally the US.
After Hanoi Rocks dissolved following the death of drummer Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley (R.I.P.) in Hollywood in December 1984, McCoy carried on with Suicide Twins and Cherry Bombz touring Europe and US. Andy made an solo album and published an autobiography “From Hanoi to Eternity”. In 1988 Andy moved back to California and played lead guitar on Iggy Pop’s “Instinct” tour all around the world.
Andy met with Angela Nicoletti and to celebrate the fresh 90’s, they got married. Andy formed Shooting Gallery that played pre-Seattle era hard rock and published one self titled album. Andy also had several projects with other musicians, e.g. Nicky Hopkins (R.I.P.), Sebastian Bach, 69 Eyes etc etc. Just before mid 90’s he moved back to Europe.
Andy reformed another version of Shooting Gallery and toured Scandinavia. Later on he also joined forces with Pete Malmi (R.I.P.) to form Briard Revisited. They did one album and toured Finland. In the late 90’s Andy filmed the cult movie “The Real McCoy” and also recorded soundtrack for the film.
Andy and Michael Monroe met each other for a long time when they worked on the Hanoi Rocks CD box project early 2001. Soon they found themselves talking and jamming together. One thing led to another and soon a band Hanoi Revisited was introduced. Also Andy’s book “Sheriff McCoy” came out in the end of 2001.
During the next seven years the band released three studio albums and toured in Europe and Japan. Finally Hanoi Rocks called it a day in 2009. The band reached the climax by doing eight farewell gigs in just six days at club Tavastia in Helsinki Easter 2009. The final gigs were documented on live DVD release Buried Alive.
Andy has played lead guitar on Pelle Miljoona Oy since 2011. Andy also formed a band called Grease Helmet who released self titled debut album in September 2012.
Andy focused on writing and recording solo material, released two singles: “Xmas song” in 2016 and “The Way I Feel” in 2017. Andy co-operated with writer Lamppu Laamanen and a book “Andy – Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” was released in the fall 2018. He played guitar on Pelle Miljoona Oy 40 anniversary tour in the fall 2018 with final show in Helsinki Ice Hall in January 2019.
Andy released a solo EP “Soul Survivor” including four songs 7th December 2018.
Flaw
Ask anyone who has ever been in a band, and they’ll tell you. Being in a band is hard. Making it work for 20 years? That is really, really hard.
That has certainly been the case for the once Louisville, KY-based metal band FLAW. The band has seen multiple line-up changes over the years, however the core of Chris Volz’s vocals has remained as the creative driving force and is poised to re-emerge on the strength of their finest set of recordings to date. The band has signed a deal with Pavement Entertainment, and they released Divided We Fall on August 19, 2016. FLAW’s most recent heavy hitting album, Vol IV: Because Of The Brave, was released July 19, 2019.
FLAW’s story began with the independent release of home-grown albums American Arrogance (1996), Flaw (1998) and Drama (2000). It was the songs on these recordings that garnered the attention of Universal Republic Records, who signed the band and released the break-through album Through The Eyes in 2001. The offering topped the Billboard “Heatseekers” chart, largely fueled by the singles “Payback” and “Whole.” The band then followed-up with an album entitled Endangered Species via Republic in 2004, but soon thereafter the band went through personnel changes and ended their relationship with the label. Volz stayed creative, releasing a critically acclaimed solo record, and also touring aggressively with the band Five.Bolt.Main. The band’s tumultuous relationship with themselves, and their label, were reflected in their songs. It was the life and energy captured in these songs that propelled the band forward. It was always FLAW fans’ connection to their songs that carried the band on. “We would not be where we are today without our hardcore fans,” says Volz. “The Flaw Family is the backbone of everything we do, and we cannot wait to get out and tour in support of this new record”.
FLAW is a band that is re-emerging on the strength of renewed focus and energy, and that energy is captured on the lead single from “Divided We Fall”, a song called “Live and Breathe” that is a vessel of raw human experience and emotion. Just days before the release of FLAW’s most recent album VOL IV: Because Of The Brave, FLAW filmed on the Stephen Colbert Show in NYC, in a skit video supporting their first single “Conquer This Climb.” FLAW can accomplish great things, and their fans are poised and ready to answer the call. In 2019 alone, FLAW was on tour for a majority of the year, all over the United States, to include performances at Metal In the Mountains, Blue Ridge Rock Festival, and headlined Vet-Traxx Festival 2019.
Crazy Lixx
Swedish Hard Rock / Hair Metal band Crazy Lixx carries the torch of Rock ‘n’ Roll with pride. Since their album debut in 2007, the band has been enthralling crowds with their unique brand of 80’s Hard Rock. Noted as one of the last standing bands of ‘The New Wave of Swedish Sleaze’, Crazy Lixx are pioneers of Sweden’s rock music scene in their own right. With over a decade of experience and now finally with a stable line-up, the band has under their belt six full-length studio albums and one live album including “New Religion” (2010), “Ruff Justice” (2017) and “Sound Of The LIVE Minority”(2016).
Crazy Lixx’s most recent and sixth studio album “Forever Wild” (2019) comprises of 10-tracks of instant hair metal awesomeness. Rendering the pure nostalgia of 80’s arena hard rock, mixed wit a bit of action movie themes, “Forever Wild” packed with impressive guitar solos, memorable hooks and catchy choruses, big drums and defining riffs became an instant Hair Metal masterpiece.
Influenced by Rock giants such as KISS, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, RATT, Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi, the band etched their signature style. Bridging a lasting connection with old and new audiences alike, the band continues to produce energetic live performances across Europe. Hungry and ready to unleash, Crazy Lixx pushes onward with the line-up of: Danny Rexon (Vocals), Joél Cirera (Drums), Jens Anderson (Bass), Chrisse Olsson (Guitar) and Jens Lundgren (Guitar).
Thunderstruck - America's AC/DC
Thunderstruck recreates the spirit and energy of an AC/DC concert, the way you remember it. Thunderstruck aims to please every crowd, playing the songs you know and love from all eras of AC/DC. Striving to stay true to the AC/DC way, Thunderstruck obsesses over the tones and structures of each song’s studio and live versions, also using all the gear necessary to bring the power and entertainment of a genuine AC/DC show.
From The Jam
#BRUCE FOXTON
The words legend and icon are sometimes used too frequently these days but not when being used to describe Bruce Foxton. Since the punk explosion during the summer of 1976 when, as a part of The Jam, Bruce Foxton’s thumping bass lines exploded onto London’s live music scene. The next year the anthemic “In the city” album and single were released to the record buying public and the shockwaves sent out by the music of The Jam lives on today. He was recently voted by readers of NME as the 7th Most Influential Bass Player, which shows the high regard he is held in by fans, musicians and the music press alike.
In The Jam, Bruce and drummer Rick Buckler were the driving force, power and rhythm section behind singer, guitarist, and songwriter Paul Weller. Bruce’s versatility is evident, taking lead vocals on “David Watts” (The Kinks) and writing “News Of The World”, which to this day appears as the theme to the BBC’s Mock the Week show and has introduced his work to a new generation of fans. Perhaps Bruce’s most notable work “Smithers-Jones”, the story of the city executive who soon finds he has been chewed up & spat out, is just as pertinent today as it was in 1979 when he wrote it for the Setting Sons LP.
After The Jam split in 1982, Foxton pursued a solo career. He had a hit with the single “Freak” and collaborated with other musicians, until he got the call from Stiff Little Fingers’ Jake Burns, staying with SLF for fifteen years, recording four albums, namely, Flags and Emblems, Get a Life, Tinderbox, and Guitar and Drum.
Bruce toured with Bruce Watson, Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) and Simon Townshend (The Who) in 2006 as The Casbah Club supporting The Who in the U.K and Europe promoting their album “Venustraphobia.”
In May 2007 From The Jam toured the UK to sold out venues. Since then they have toured the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand as well as some dates in Europe.
#RUSSELL HASTINGS
Russell Hastings has been working with Bruce Foxton since 2007 when Russell and Rick Buckler were touring with The Gift which was formed in 2006.
Russell has been the only frontman to work with both Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton since Paul Weller split The Jam in 1982 and has been earning respect from fans across the world as a frontman and with his guitar skills.
As a genuine Jam fan, his passion and understanding of The Jam’s history is second to none and has toured the world playing to packed houses of Jam fans for years.
Russell was also co writer on Bruce Foxton’s last album “Back In The Room” which reached Number 21 in the Independent album charts and was received with great acclaim.
He also worked alongside Paul Weller, Wilko Johnson and Steve Cropper to name just a few.
Boomtown Rats
The Boomtown Rats were originally a legend, whispered on the winds of ancient Ireland over countless millennia. From those whispers, a thousand incantations amalgamating in the airwaves above and the puckered lips of Ireland’s youth, that legend entered the hearts and souls of six human beings; Bob Geldof, Pete Briquette, Garry Roberts, Simon Crowe, Johnnie Fingers and Gerry Cott.
These men would embody that legend, allowing it to consume them in all its glory.
Alas, and in homage to the whispering gods of olde, the group took The Boomtown Rats in name and spirit, setting the stage for themselves, the citizens of Boomtown and the pathologically bored.
Their noisemakers filled the ears of hundreds, thousands and then millions. People listened, people sang and people danced.
For decades, they powered through the trashiness of yesteryear until they could take it no more.
Had they wronged the Boomtown Gods?
Utterly broken, four of the chosen ones reunited years later with the weight of the Boomtown burden resting precariously on their shoulders.
One gig after another, the foursome pounded away at the hearts of the naysayers until, once again, the Boomtown Rat and its foundations were firmly re-rooted in the soils of modern times.
Big Country
Big Country was originally formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson both native of the band’s hometown Dunfermline in Scotland.
Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler. This is the Big Country that (with producer Steve Lillywhite), recorded the classic debut album ‘The Crossing’ in 1983.
The band broke massively worldwide with the release of the album’s classic singles ‘Fields Of Fire’, ‘Chance’ and signature song ‘In A Big Country’, which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving ‘The Crossing’ to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA.
The run of success continued throughout the 1980′s with the release of the anthemic single ‘Wonderland’ and the second album ‘Steeltown’ (1984), which debuted at Number 1 in the UK and contained the hit singles ‘East Of Eden, ‘Just a Shadow’ and ‘Where The Rose Is Sown’ . In 1985, Big Country appeared at Live Aid in London followed by further successful album releases ‘The Seer’ (1986, which included the bands biggest UK hit ‘Look Away’, which also reached Number 1 in the Irish Singles chart) and ‘Peace In Our Time’ (1988), which saw the band playing the first ever privately promoted gig in Russia at the Moscow Sports Stadium.
At the start of the 90’s ‘Through A Big Country’, featuring all the bands classic hits was released, followed by the fifth studio album ‘No Place Like Home’ (1991) taking the band’s total record sales to well over five million copies.
Further studio albums Buffalo Skinners (1993) and ‘Why The Long Face (1995) followed, which saw Big Country landing the special guest slot on the Rolling Stones ‘Voodoo Lounge’ European tour and several shows in the UK and Ireland with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in 1995.
In August 1998 they were once again invited to open for the Rolling Stones on their ‘Bridges To Babylon” tour of Europe prompting Mick Jagger to say that Big Country were “one of the best opening bands we ever had”.
Two songs written at that time (‘Somebody Else’ and ‘Devil In The Eye’) were co-written with Ray Davies of The Kinks who invited the band to back him on the main stage at Glastonbury to perform a storming set in the rain.
By now singer Stuart Adamson had relocated to Nashville, Tennessee and so his fellow bandmates decamped to America to join him in writing and recording the album ‘Driving To Damascus’. It would be the last album they recorded together. With Stuart at the helm, Big Country, scored 17 top 30 UK singles achieving 5 gold and platinum status albums along the way. Stuart and Big Country would tour Europe one final time in 2000 and on the closing night at their beloved Barrowlands in Glasgow the band were fatefully joined on stage for one last song by Alarm singer Mike Peters and Bruce Watson’s son Jamie on guitar.
On December 16th 2001, Stuart Adamson took his own life in Honolulu, USA. He is survived by his children Callum and Kirsten. A celebration of Stuart’s life was held at Glasgow Barrowlands in May 2002 featuring the remaining members of Big Country with special guest vocalists including Mike Peters who would also sing with the band at a fan club convention in Zaandam, Holland.
The remaining three members had no real thoughts of performing as Big Country again. But, Tony Butler, Mark Brzezicki and Bruce Watson re-united in 2007 to celebrate the band’s Twenty-fifth anniversary. “It wasn’t a come-back… it was just the three of us having fun, as friends and as a band, and hoping to give the fans some enjoyment by playing our songs live, to celebrate 25 years” – Bruce Watson
In the summer of 2010, Bruce Watson finally picked up the phone and asked Mike Peters to do what he had previously been reluctant to do and sing with Big Country officially. In order to celebrate 30 years since the band was formed, Mike (a longstanding friend of Stuart’s who credits the words of ‘In A Big Country’ as literally inspiring him to ‘Stay Alive’ through two very public cancer battles), instinctively agreed and dates were booked. The first was fittingly in Glasgow, Scotland on New Years Eve 2010 and the second in the band’s hometown of Dunfermline. There was instant chemistry with the band also being joined by Bruce Watson’s son Jamie on guitar as Big Country again sought solace in the music and the freedom to express their love and admiration for their departed friend Stuart Adamson (who’s usual space at the centre of the stage was left symbolically vacant).
“When we are playing it is as if we never stopped, but I know we have, I know we suffered a great loss. But you heal . . . slowly. I can assure you that Stuart will be there with us every night, in our thoughts, in our words, and in our hearts. And now we find ourselves maybe not fully healed, but whole enough to hear the calling to continue this story. And time has made me realise that this story has always been about our fans, the love we have for our fans, and the love they have selflessly given us back.” – Bruce Watson
“When Bruce Watson called and asked me to sing for Big Country it was something I didn’t need to think twice about. It’s been an incredible honour getting to know the music of Big Country intimately and a pleasure to be around such great musicians and fans alike. I find singing the lyrics of Stuart Adamson very life affirming” – Mike Peters
Two years of intense and emotional shows followed with the ‘new’ Big Country fuelled by a renewed energy and once again revelling in the dreams and visions that had brought them together in the first place, finding instant and respectful acceptance by fans and critics alike. Since then, the band have performed at many of the UK and Europe’s most famous festivals, including Isle Of Wight (Twice), V Festival, T In The Park, Oxegen, Pink Pop and Cropredy creating a new generation of fans and renewing the passion for diehards with the introduction of new original songs such as ‘Another Country’ and ‘The Journey’ which encapsulate not only the sound but the heart and soul of Big Country past, present and future.
With the promise of a new era dawning for the band and the realisation that Big Country now have the platform to once again record and tour on a world wide scale, bassist Tony Butler has decided that his time in Big Country has come to a close and so he has retired gracefully from the stage. The band now welcomes Scott Whitley on bass.
In April 2013, Big Country released The Journey and toured across the globe in support of this highly acclaimed album throughout the year.
Coming into 2014, new challenges arose for Big Country. With Mike Peters dedicating his efforts full-time towards the support of the 30th Anniversary of The Alarm’s Declaration, Big Country have been joined by Simon Hough to perform vocal duties. He has fit in perfectly as the band continues its touring throughout the year that Big Country celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the release of the album, ‘Steeltown’. 2015 sees a massive Best Of (and more) tour of the UK and Europe, during which, Scott Whitley joined the band on bass, following Derek’s departure after 3 years. With 2016 comes the 30th Anniversary of ‘The Seer’ with the album being performed in its entirety on tour.
Gene Loves Jezebel
In the fall of 1982, Michael Aston set out from his native South Wales and settled in the leafy dilapadated elegance that was 56 St. Georges SQ Pimlico SW1 (passport anyone?).
After hooking up with James Chater, a drummer of questionable ability, he formed his first band (briefly known as ‘Slavorian’). They were joined soonafter by Ian Hudson (guitar) and twin brother ‘J’ (vocals, guitar) and the twins began their assent in the U.K. Underground.
A demo resulted in a deal with ‘Situation 2 Records’ (appropriate) a Beggers’ Banquet subsidiary. The bands London debut at Covent Gardens Rock Garden Shaving ny neck’a well and receiving E.P. followed (incidentally ‘ALL ABOUT EVES’ Julliane Regan on piano & vocal debut).
J managed to wangle a spot on the I.C.A. (Institute of Contemporary Art) Rock Week. A radical Art/Multimedia Event/Alternative Festival (YaBoo Lalla-Pallooza). One problem, they were without a moniker! The Brothers had been patronizing St. Martins (School of Fashion & Art) Bar. Famous for its young, eccentric, arty and beautiful peoples, the scene embraced them. J was named ‘Jezebel’ affectionately mocking his long vermillion hair. Michael as a poor limping child (as a result of a broken leg….who says soccers’ a girls’ game?) was nicknamed ‘Gene’ after Gene Vincent Gaite…someone quipped, “Does Gene Love Jezebel?” – ALL ABOARD! The band recorded screaming for ‘Emmalene’ with Albi Deluca, a guitar player of great artistry & verbiage. Hudson took over on bass. John Murphy (Associates) on drums; soon after the triple ‘A’ sided ‘Bruises/ (A stellar recording) Punch Drunk / Brando’.
‘83 the band recorded the debut album ‘Promise’ with Ian Hudson returning to guitar, Steve Marshall on bass and Richard Hawkins replaced the brilliant but odd Murphy on drums (making the band 80% that were WELSH BLOOD). ‘PROMISE’ has since been recognized as a Genre (Gothic) classic (Alt press 95). 1984 was a problematic year session with John Peel and Kid Jensen ‘The Highlights’ Recording with John Cale in New York. Though wonderful in its own way, bore no fruit (Also a Steve Harley produced single).
1985 saw Marcus Gilvear replace Hawkins and Chris Bell replace Gilvear for the ‘Immigrant’ Album (The bands’ favourite by the way). After touring Europe with Gilvear and now Rizzo on bass, the Astons & Hudson recorded ‘Desire’ and ‘Sweetest Thing’ for English release before heading off to the U.S. (Relativity released Immigrant) for their first sortie into the U.S. (late ‘85). The tour saw the last straw placed on Hudsons’ back…he lost his mind & was replaced mid-tour by James Stevenson (Generation X, Chelsea) for the recording in early ‘86 of ‘Discover’…the bands’ first major label release (signed by Gary Gersh of Geffen Records). 1986 was a very good year…‘Desire‘ was voted college record of the year and “Heartache” was racing up the pop charts (ahead of the likes of REM and the CULT) a No.7 dance hit. They sold out theatres across the U.S. (Universal in a matter of hours!) 1987, the world at their feet, the ‘Pre-Raphaelite Brothers recorded the ‘House of Dolls’. Despite another sell out tour, “Motion Of Love” their most commercially successful record and world-wide tour…Michael bailed. Was some 3 years before THE JEZEBELS with J at the helm released ‘Kiss of Life’….heralding a triumphant return with ‘Jealous’ a No.1 modern rock track chart. Severing their ties with Beggers’ Banquet, they signed to the ill fated Savage Records.( turning down Atlantic, would you believe?). Despite the massive radio hit in ‘Josephina’ the label folded and the JEZEBELS were in limbo…Until now that is. Michaels’ made two albums, ‘Edith Grove‘ and last years’ critically acclaimed ‘Why Me, Why This, Why Now’. J’s just completed his first solo album as yet untitled ‘Pre Raphaelite Brothers’.
Last year, the brothers also sold the release titled, ‘Some of the Best of Gene Loves Jezebel’ (Avalanche Records). Michael is currently working on a new solo record…and the twins are writing material for ‘The Pre Raphaelite Brothers’. Today Founding member Michael Aston (Lead vocals) owns the “Gene Loves Jezebel” trademark world wide and is still touring and recording new music as Gene Loves Jezebel.