Owen Auskerry Recovery Fund Hits £28k! 31/1/16
Owen Auskerry is currently in a Thai hospital having suffered from a brain aneurysm on 13th January. A go fundmepage here set up by his brother and Route 66 Radio show host Rory Auskerry to help fund his recovery and repatriation to the UK is now amazingly just short of its £30k target. The latest update from Rory reads "We’ve had slightly conflicting information from a couple of different doctors today so we’re not entirely clear on exactly how many days it’ll be until Owen can come home but he is moving out of intensive care today which is great. However, because of the vasospasm persisting, we have been advised that he is going to need round the clock attention in case he has a seizure when he is on his own. We are going to use some money from this fund to pay for a 12 hour night nurse, and Mum and Dad will sit with him the rest of the time." Therefore, if any of you want to help kindly reach that target, no matter how little the amount, then the WRC would truly be grateful.
Thank you.
New WRC Members Cards To Be Despatched This Week! 31/1/16
We have to hold our hands up and admit that there is currently a slight backlog in new WRC members cards being put in the post! Hopefully all of you waiting for your brand new WRC cards will receive them by the beginning of next week! And if you want to become a WRC member simply fill out the form here and become a WRC member for life for FREE and we'll (eventually) send you a WRC members card which you can use to benefit from current members offers which we also hope to add to in the future.
Catfish Hooked! 30/1/16
Catfish (our Vid Of The Day) are now the fifth band to be officially announced as part our 2016 WRC BluesRockFest bill taking place at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, on Saturday 24th September. Alongside headliners The Stevie Nimmo Trio, 2015 WRC Award winners The Mentulls, Red Butler and Jack J Hutchinson - their debut album 'So Many Roads' went straight to No. 1 in the IBBA blues airplay charts on its release in January 2015. Within their first year, Catfish were nominated twice as finalists in the 2015 British Blues Awards - in the 'Emerging Artist' category plus Paul Long for keyboards! Remember that Earlybird Tickets are now on sale for a limited time here for £15 (instead of £20). WRC Members only pay £15 - so why not head off here to sign up for free. Don't forget to check back next Saturday for further announcements on the other exciting bands we have lined up!
"Just Pure Guitar Genius!" 30/1/16
"JV doesn’t waste time talking to the crowd and gesticulating to them to clap their hands - he doesn’t need to. His set combines his own compositions mixed in with classic Blues rock numbers. The first half is not a lightweight affair as it includes heavyweight classics such as ‘Cocaine’ and ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ mixed in with his own compositions which include one of my favourites in 'Prove Your Love'. I say first half even though there isn’t a break, but you feel the set gaining momentum with two more Verity songs ‘Nothings Changed’ and the brilliant ‘Say Why’ which envelop the classic ‘Rocky Mountain High’."
Read the rest of Wrinkly's JV review here plus check out our Photo Gallery here and Video Vault here.
Steve Morrison Live On BOTM! 30/1/16
Not only did Kevin Beale have the multi-talented Steve Morrison playing live in the Blues On The Marsh studio last night, but also the Marshman played some of the great new releases that have come his way recently! Therefore music from around the world fills today's Track Of The Day to the gunnels with the likes of Black River Bluesman (Jukka Juhola ) & Bad Mood Hudson, Cotton Belly's, Dan Doiron, Gunther Brown, Guru, Ina Forsman, Meschiya Lake and The Little Big Horns, The Mighty Boss Cats, Rebecca Downes, the Swing Ninjas, Thornetta Davis, Wily Bo Walker and The Danny Flam Band, Bing Futch plus Cecil B Fardoulli and The Big Boo!
Steven Wilson Photo Gallery Now Available 29/1/16
Wow! What a night we had at the Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday from the four-time Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist and producer Steven Wilson! There was something for everyone - kicking off with his acclaimed 'Hand. Cannot. Erase' album in its entirety plus a second half mix of Porcupine Tree (see our Vid Of The Day), Storm Corrosion, his new interim album '4 ½' released last Friday, a Bowie tribute and rounded off with a memorable performance of 'The Raven Who Refused To Sing'. Amazing. Anyway watch out soon for Mr. Prog's take on the evening but in the meantime check out our Photo Gallery here.
Ladies In Blues! 29/1/16
The Blues Club Podcast returns today and features UK IBBA Presenters' Picks for January, music from BluesRockFest 2015, new releases, new artists, new albums and tracks from some Ladies in Blues! Our Track Of The Day includes tracks from Katie Bradley, Thornetta Davis, Lauren Housley, Rebecca Downes, Jo Harman, Beth Hart, Malaya Blue (pictured), 2015 WRC Award winner Chantel McGregor, Joyann Parker & Sweet Tea, Billy Walton Band, King Solomon Hicks, The Reverend Shawn Amos, Joe Cocker, Keith Thompson, Little Devils, Richard Townend & The Mighty Boss Cats, Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, Norman Beaker, Cotton Belly's, Lewis Hamilton, The Blues Spiders, Gregg Allman, Wily Bo Walker, Paul Carrack, Danny Bryant, Edmund Jeffery, B. B. & The Blues Shacks and more!
'Blood Money' Released Today! 29/1/16
Yes the wait is finally over as Danny Bryant's new CD 'Blood Money' is out today! Check out Wrinkly's excellent review here plus don't forget that our next WRC Promotion features Danny in just under a month's time at Leos Red Lion on Sunday 28th February! You can book tickets through our Ticketsource box below or use the link here. Support is also from Red Butler who have Just won the second UK Blues Challenge and will represent the UK at the 2016 European Blues Challenge in Italy! Do not miss out!
Wilson The Wizard 28/1/16
Just four months after his awesome gig at the Royal Albert Hall, Steven Wilson returned to the capital following up on his acclaimed 'Hand. Cannot. Erase.' with the new interim album '4 ½' released last Friday. Thankfully the London Tube strike had been suspended - so it was all systems go at the Hammersmith Apollo to see the four-time Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist and producer and of course our 2015 WRC Award nominee! Produced and mixed by the man himself, '4 ½' features a stellar group of musicians including Adam Holzman (keyboards), Nick Beggs (bass), Guthrie Govan (guitar), Dave Kilminster (guitar), Marco Minnemann (drums), Chad Wackerman (drums), Craig Blundell (drums) and Theo Travis (saxophone). So did the Wilson faithful lap up more of his individual work or are they still waiting patiently for the return of Porcupine Tree? Anyway, watch out for more pics and a review shortly but in the meantime check out Steven's superb Bowie tribute Video Of The Day recorded live in Berlin last week!
Turn Up The Volume & Soak It Up! 28/1/16
No guests on Blues On The Radio this week - so that means our Track Of The Day consists of two solid hours of seriously great music. And with the quality and quantity of new releases coming out, host Richard Dunning needs those two hours to fit it all in! So if you like the Blues, in all it's diverse forms, there's no other place to be. Therefore turn up the volume and soak up Stevie Nimmo (who's headlining our 2016 BluesRockfest pictured), Rebecca Downes, Storm Warning, Wily Bo Walker, Catfish and Mike Brookfield - to name but a few!
BluesClub At Eel Pie Tonight 28/1/16
Performing tonight at Twickenham's famous Eel Pie Club, The Patch, 67 London Road TW1 3SZ are BluesClub starring Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler Band) on keys & steel guitar, William Topley (The Blessing) on vocals, Peter Hope-Evans (Medicine Head and Pete Townshend) on mouth organ & jews harp, Danny Cummings (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler Band) on drums, Robbie McIntosh (The Pretenders, Paul McCartney Band and John Mayer) on guitars plus Alan Rogan on Fender bass. With a combined love for the Blues of America from the 1930's to the 70's, BluesClub setlist includes songs from artists as varied as Leadbelly and Charley Patton to Slim Harpo, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal and Canned Heat. Doors open at 8.30pm and WRC members are reminded that they can use their cards to get discounted £10 admission.
Picture This ... But No Videos!!! 27/1/16
Thankfully the London Tube strike has been suspended - so all roads still lead to the Hammersmith Apollo for 2015 WRC Award nominee Steven Wilson's gig tonight. The four-time Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist and producer, follows up on his acclaimed 'Hand. Cannot. Erase.' with the new interim album '4 ½' (gettit?) released last Friday. Produced and mixed by the man himself, '4 ½' (see Our Vid Of The Day) features a stellar group of musicians including Adam Holzman (keyboards), Nick Beggs (bass), Guthrie Govan (guitar), Dave Kilminster (guitar), Marco Minnemann (drums), Chad Wackerman (drums), Craig Blundell (drums) and Theo Travis. And we will be there - including Mr. Prog himself whose SW 'The Raven That Refused To Sing' picture (pictured) adorns his kitchen wall! Expect a review and a few pics but no videos (in-joke) of the evening!
Seaside Rock! 27/1/16
Our thanks to Steve Borkowski for tipping us off that another 2015 WRC Award nominee The Rainbreakers have won the chance to appear on the main stage at the Butlins Rock & Blues Fest next year following their stand-out performance at the Skeggy Fest on Sunday! Indeed every year for the last three years there has been an 'Introducing' stage where new bands (or new to Butlins) play in a competition for a spot on the main stage the following year, voted for by the public, 3 days, 4 bands per day and the best from each day come back the following year to play the main stage! We were also delighted to hear that WRC LastMinuteBandz band Sugarman Sam & The Voodoo Men were also winners on the Friday. Anyway, our Track Of The Day takes us back to the Summer of 2015 where The Rainbreakers played BluesRockFest.
"Thanks Chaps" 27/1/16
"Thanks chaps - and thanks to Vick for excellent sound at the gig! Cheers mate :-)" was the kind tweet we received from John Verity the day after his awesome gig at Leos Red Lion on Saturday! With a review in the pipeline, deserved praise for sound and lighting legend Vic Wintergreen, but in the meantime check out our newly updated Video Vault with another JV classic recorded on the night.
Celebrating The Spirit Of Independence & Culture Of Live Music! 26/1/16
Independent Venue Week started yesterday and ends on Sunday 31st January and is a celebration of small music venues around the UK and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in, week out. These venues give artists their first experience of playing live in front of an audience and for fans, somewhere to get up close to artists that one day, may well be playing stadiums and festival main stages. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Independent Venue Week brings together these venues along with breaking and established artists, promoters, labels, media, bloggers and tastemakers to create a nationwide series of gigs. These venues are the backbone of the live music scene in this country and Independent Venue Week wants to recognise all that they have done to create some of the most memorable nights of the past so they can continue to do the same in the future!
Storm Warning For TNMC Tonight! 26/1/16
And talking of supporting small music venues, tonight the Tuesday Night Music club host Storm Warning - lauded by the press as one of the best and classiest, contemporary Blues bands in the UK. They play top quality original Blues songs and make Blues covers their own with ex-Mick Ralphs Band Son Maxwell on vocals, guitarist Bob Moore, Ian Salisbury on keys, Derek White on bass (Larry Miller band) plus ex-Mick Clarke drummer Russ Chaney. So why not head on down to The Tuesday Night Music Club at the Hooley Village Club, St. Margaret's Road, Hooley Village, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 3RB and don't forget to tune into mein host Richard Dunning's Croydon Blues On The Radio show here beforehand from 5pm!
Click On This Link Now, Don't Disappoint Your Ears! 26/1/16
If you love your ears then you will of course love today's Rock On The Ridge Track Of The Day! Turn it up loud as Bob and Jules play The Coral, Raveneye, Wolfmother, The Temperance Movement and Lenny Kravitz! There's also a track from Monster Truck (today's Vid Of The Day) taken from their new album 'Sittin' Heavy' out on Mascot Records on Friday 19th February who are also playing London's 100 Club on Tuesday 5th April!
John Verity/The Unknown Photo Gallery Available! 25/1/16
Well what a great night Saturday night was at our first WRC Promotions gig of the year at Leos Red Lion, Gravesend. As expected Blues Man JV and his band blew the roof off The Red Lion - but the added bonus was the excellent support band The Unknown - so much so that we dipped into the WRC coffers and bought their first album 'Into The Unknown'. Anyway have a gander at our photo gallery here, check out their Vid Of The Day plus also watch out for a review coming over the next few days.
Classic Rock Show Tonight! 25/1/16
As you well know the WRC are always on the look out for new internet music radio stations to share with our members. Indeed we had the pleasure of catching up with 2015 WRC award winning Purple Zeppelin guitarist Mark Dawson (pictured) over a cuppa (yes we know it's hard to believe) last week and Mark kindly tipped us off about Sheppey FM and in particular 'The Classic Rock Show' hosted by Philip Woody Wood! Anyway check out Woody's three hour show here tonight from 7pm.
All American Blues! 25/1/16
And talking of great internet music, today's Black On Blues Track Of The Day features an all American lineup for you! This week's playlist features 55 Rose Street, David M’Ore, Anthony Charles & the Blues Dolphins, Big Al Carter, Big Joe Duskin, Brad Wilson and Georgie Bonds.
Blues Man JV Rocks Leos! 24/1/16
Eighteen months after John Verity unfortunately had to pull out of BluesFest 2014 because of band illness, JV finally made it to Leos Red Lion last night ... and it was well worth the wait. Supported by The Unknown, an appreciative audience lapped up the ex-Argent Blues Man as he mixed it up with some of his own stuff plus both Blues classics and of course 'Hold Your Head Up'. Anyway, check out our Vid Of The Day with more pics and a review to come.
Next Up Danny Bryant! 24/1/16
Following our great JV gig last night, we now turn our attention to our next WRC Promotion - Danny Bryant at Leos Red Lion on Sunday 28th February! With Danny's new CD 'Blood Money' out on Friday 29th January (see review here) you can book tickets through our Ticketsource box below or use the link here. Support is also from Red Butler who have Just won the second UK Blues Challenge and will represent the UK at the 2016 European Blues Challenge in Italy! Do not miss out!
Introducing ..... Supersonic Blues Machine 24/1/16
The collaborative extravaganza that is Supersonic Blues Machine will release their debut album ‘West of Flushing, South of Frisco’ on 26th February on the Provogue/Mascot Label Group. At the heart of it is bassist/producer Fabrizio Grossi, guitarist/singer Lance Lopez and drummer Kenny Aronoff as well as a host of guests of the highest calibrer; ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons, Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule/Allman Bros Band), Chris Duarte, Eric Gales, Walter Trout and Robben Ford. As well as being the latest band on our 'Introducing ...' page, SBM are also our Track Of The Day!
JV Ready To Rock The Red Lion! 23/1/16
All roads lead to Leos Red Lion in Gravesend tonight as ex-Argent singer/guitarist John Verity (our Vid Of The Day) takes to the stage. Tickets to see the former 2012 WRC Award winner are still available on the door for £10 and JV and his band will be supported by The Unknown. Meanwhile JV was duly mentioned in despatches during Russ Ballard's interview with Mike Read at an 'Evening With Russ Ballard' at Leicester Square Theatre, London, on Wednesday night. Praise indeed and a good enough reason to get down to Leos tonight and see the man in action!
Jack J Hutchinson Band Added To Roster! 23/1/16
The Jack J Hutchinson Band (Track Of The Day) are the fourth band to be added to the 2016 BluesRockFest bill taking place at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, on Saturday 24th September. Alongside headliners The Stevie Nimmo Trio, 2015 WRC Award winners The Mentulls and Red Butler - Hutchinson is a British blues guitarist and in 2015 he was nominated for a British Blues Award for Emerging Artist. He is also regularly part of the house band at London’s famous Ain’t Nothin’ But Blues bar. Remember that Earlybird Tickets are on sale now for a limited time here for £15 (instead of £20). WRC Members only pay £15 - so why not head off here to sign up for free. Don't forget to check back soon for announcements on the other exciting bands we have lined up!
"If You Love Your Ears ......" 23/1/16
"If you love your ears, with the line up we have this week! you will want to tune in to the show on @RidgeradioUk Saturday 8-10pm" - yes that was yesterday's tweet from the WRC Award winning Rock On The Ridge team. Simply tune in to Bob & Jules here tonight as they deliver another knock-out Rock show. Also watch out not only for the return of Mr. Rockrpix himself John Bull in the ROTR studio on Saturday 6th February but also for some news on some dodgy guests appearing in mid-March! All will be revealed soon!
Billy Walton Band Currently Touring UK 22/1/16
Newly named in the 2015 British Blues Awards in the top three of the Overseas Artist category, New Jersey's Billy Walton Band (photo: Amber Charach) tour of the UK started on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday 2nd February at The Beaverwood Club in Chislehurst, Kent. Their recent album 'Wish For What You Want' on Vizztone Records won the band new critical acclaim and memorable reviews - their sound a combination of hard, funky Blues reminiscent of Hendrix, Clapton and Vaughan. As guitarist with the legendary group Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Billy Walton recorded with Little Steven and jammed with Jon Bon Jovi. Billy has sat in with numerous rock luminaries including Bruce Springsteen, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Stevie Ray Vaughan's band, Double Trouble. The full, six-piece touring band comprises Billy, bassist William Paris, Tom Petracarro on sax, Matt Fischer on trombone, drummer Johnny D'Angelo, and Sam Sherman on keyboards. A new live album is imminent and a new studio album is in the works.
Russ Ballard Photo Gallery Available 22/1/16
Following on from Wednesday nights excellent 'An Evening With Russ Ballard' we now have a photo gallery available here plus we also have a new Vid Of The Day - Russ performing 'I Don't Believe In Miracles'. Photos from the Leicester Square Theatre, London, also include interviewer Mike Read plus the ex-Argent vocalist/guitarist Special Guests Brian May, Kerry Ellis, Rick Wakeman and Bob Henrit!
BluesRockFest On Blues Club! 22/1/16
The Blues Club Podcast Track of The Day returns today with a playlist featuring the UK IBBA Presenters' Picks for January 2016, tracks from BluesRockFest 2015 (pictured), new releases, new artists, new albums and a few classic tracks plus a short tribute to Robert Burns. Music this week includes Tedeschi Trucks Band, Chris Bevington & Friends, Cleveland Blues, Nathaniel Rateliff, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, Dean Haitani, Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, Troy Redfern, Lewis Hamilton, Cotton Belly's, Norman Beaker, The Georgia Flood, Chris Walker, Eddi Reader, Rattlin Bone, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, Bob Margolin, Gregg Allman, Micke Bjorklof & BlueStrip, Benny Turner, My Baby, The Rainbreakers, Mark Harrison, Rebecca Downes, Allman Brothers Band, B. B. & The Blues Shacks and more.
Hold Your Head Up! 21/1/16
Ex-Argent vocalist/guitarist Russ Ballard has written some of the most iconic Rock tracks of the past four decades. The list of artists, other than himself, to have recorded his songs includes Kiss, Rainbow, Skindred, Three Dog Night, Santana, Hot Chocolate, Roger Daltrey, America, Elkie Brooks, Agneyha Falltkog and Anni-Frid Lynstad from ABBA, Colin Blunstone, Ace Frehley, The Sweet, Bay City Rollers, Barry Ryan and The Shadows, to name but a few! A great raconteur with many interesting and funny stories, 'An Evening With Russ Ballard' saw Russ expertly interviewed by Mike Read plus taking questions from the audience, as well as playing some of his hits acoustically and explaining how they came to be written. Throw in for good measure Special Guests Brian May, Kerry Ellis, Rick Wakeman and Bob Henrit with 'Since You Been Gone', 'God Gave Rock And Roll To You' (Vid Of The Day), 'Hold Your Head Up' - this was certainly a unique brilliant night that took place at the Leicester Square Theatre, London, last night. Watch out for more pics and some more vids over the next few days!
Dee To Join Lizzy At Ramblin' Man! 21/1/16
Thin Lizzy are teaming up with Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee - the latest addition to Ramblin' Man on Saturday 23rd July. Black Star Riders are off the road recording their third album - so there are a series of UK shows to mark both the 30th anniversary of the death of former frontman Phil Lynott and the 40th anniversary of landmark album 'Jailbreak'. Lizzy will lineup with vocalist Ricky Warwick, guitarists Scott Gorham and Damon Johnson, Darren Wharton on keyboards and Dee on drums. Consequently we turn back the clock with our Track Of The Day to when Lizzy played High Voltage in 2011.
Shooter On The Run! 21/1/16
Let's face it - it hasn't been a great start to 2016 Rock-wise with the deaths of Lemmy, Bowie, Frey plus also this week Mott The Hoople drummer Dale Griffin. So all of us at Wrinkly Towers were sad to hear that our mates Shooter were also splitting - going out with a bang at their farewell gig at The Half Moon, Putney, London, on Thursday 3rd March here. Every cloud has a silver lining though as Shooter frontman Dom O'Riley is running the Fulham F.C. Craven Cottage 10k run on Sunday 14th February in aid of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. So if you fancy supporting Dom then simply go here!
Since You Been Gone! 20/1/16
Hands up those of you who didn't know that today's Vid Of The Day was actually released roughly three years before Rainbow had a hit single covering it? Anyway, the WRC managed to snap up the last remaining tickets to see the ex-Argent singer/songwriter at a 'An Evening With Russ Ballard' at the Leicester Square Theatre, London, tonight! And among the legends guests are Kelly Ellis and some guitarist geezer called Brian May. We're soooo excited so watch out for a review over the coming days plus some pics and possibly a vid!
Five Years Of The Blues! 20/1/16
We suppose that a bit like London buses, you wait five years for a Black On Blues podcast Track Of The Day and then two come along in the space of four days! Well show No. 258 featuring 'Blues Women' is a particularly special one for the blackonblues.com team as host Kevin and producer Jason celebrate five years of the show. Anyway, featured on this broadcast are Dr. Izzy Band, The Laura Holland Band (pictured), Brigitte Rios Purdy, Nicole Christian, Hurricane Ruth LaMaster, Joyann Parker & Sweet Tea, Rory Block and Zoe Schwarz. Here’s to another 5 more years!
RIP Glenn Frey - Finally Checked Out Of Hotel California! 20/1/16
Glenn Frey, who has died aged 67 from stomach problems, was a founding member, singer, guitarist and driving force of the 1970's Californian country-rock band the Eagles, co-writing most of their biggest hits and taking part in a journey which saw a group of smiling young troubadours morph into drug-addled superstar burn-outs, before reuniting in later life as seasoned old pros. The Eagles were founded in Los Angeles in 1971 by Frey and his songwriting partner, the drummer and singer Don Henley. Over the next decade they became the most popular group in the world, Frey and Henley turning out hits, often with Frey as lead singer, including 'Tequila Sunrise', 'Lyin’ Eyes', 'Heartache Tonight' and of course 'Hotel California'.
Their 'Greatest Hits' became the biggest-selling album of all time (29 million units in its original 1975 form plus 11 million when it was repackaged in 1982 to include later hits), above even Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller'. Altogether the Eagles sold more than 120 million albums worldwide while Frey won six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards. The band’s success was built on recording techniques which smoothed out any grit, producing a sort of shiny, all-American homogeneity. Even their darkest material was full of easy-on-the-ear harmonies, leading critics to accuse them of killing Rock and Roll with synthetic kitsch and creating a template for singer-songwriters such as Elton John.
Behind the scenes, however, the Eagles conformed to a more traditional Rock and Roll stereotype. The title track of their classic 1976 album, 'Hotel California', evoked a musty, claustrophobic decadence: “Last thing I remember I was running for the door / I had to find the passage back to the place I was before / 'Relax’, said the night man, 'We are programmed to receive / You can check out any time you like but you can never leave’. ” Frey once described their career in the 1970's as “got crazy, got drunk, got high, had girls, played music and made money’’. He might have added “fought like cats and dogs”. “The Eagles talked about breaking up from the day I met them,” as their manager, Irving Azoff, recalled. Of their original four-man line-up, guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner departed, in 1975 and 1977 respectively, after disagreements with Frey, Leadon famously announcing his departure by pouring a can of beer over Frey’s head.
Relations among the replacement line up of Frey and Henley, with Don Felder, Timothy Schmit and Joe Walsh, deteriorated during the making of their 1979 album, 'The Long Run', which took 18 months to produce. In 1978 Walsh caused $20,000 worth of damage to a Chicago hotel room with a chain saw. The following year Henley was arrested after a naked 16-year-old prostitute suffered a drug overdose during a party at his home in Los Angeles. Police seized cocaine, marijuana and quaaludes and Henley was subsequently charged for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, fined and put on probation. The last straw came at their final concert, a Democratic Party fundraiser in July 1980 at the Long Beach Arena. During an evening later referred to as “Long Night at Wrong Beach”, the Eagles broke up in drug-fuelled rancour, with band members threatening to beat each other up.
Although Frey played his part in the hellraising, he was always the most businesslike of the group. After the break-up, he went on to forge a successful solo career, his debut solo album, 'No Fun Aloud' (1982, in part a collaboration with the songwriter Jack Tempchin), going gold and spawning several hit singles, including 'The One You Love'. His single 'The Heat Is On' went and reached No. 2 in the Billboard charts (No. 12 in Britain) after it featured as a soundtrack in the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop. Frey also embarked on a career as an actor, becoming the first rock star to appear (as a drug dealer) on Miami Vice (for which he wrote and performed the song 'You Belong to the City', which reached No. 2 in the US charts), doing a Pepsi commercial, starring with Robert Duvall and Gary Busey in the film Let’s Get Harry (1986) and taking a small role in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire.
In the mid-1980's he embarked on a self-administered “detox” programme, which was so successful that in 1989 the Health and Tennis Corporation of America signed him up as a spokesman. After the Eagles’ break-up Frey ruled out the possibility of reuniting “for a Lost Youth and Greed tour”, while Don Henley claimed that the group would only get back together again “when hell freezes over”!! Fourteen years later, however, in 1994 they came together for a massively successful “Hell Freezes Over” tour, and they continued to perform together until last year, drawing big crowds and earning big bucks, and releasing five compilation albums, a live album and, in 2007, 'Long Road Out of Eden', the first Eagles album of new material since 'The Long Run' in 1979. The following year they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mrs. WTS and myself saw the Eagles for the only time at the 02 Arena in London in June 2014 and for me, few bands were better at distilling the vibe of Los Angeles in the 1970's than the Eagles, and as its singer and guitarist, Glenn Frey served as a sort of mellow ambassador of LA. Just as Liverpool is forever associated with the Beatles, Seattle claims Nirvana and Bruce Springsteen owns New Jersey, the Eagles embodied the bell-bottomed, feather-haired flair of Southern California. Frey may be gone, but those sun-baked, Southern California ballads, many sung with exquisite tenderness, will endure forever... He is a fallen Eagle whose legacy will last for the long run...
Wrinkly the Silver
Introducing ......... Mike Brookfield 19/1/16
As you know the WRC celebrated its first birthday on Saturday - and just to re-emphasise the fact that our members are the lifeblood of our site - we were delighted to receive a 'New Act To Me' message from Marilyn Pascoe re: Mike Brookfield who supported Laurence Jones at The Beaverwood last Thursday. "He looks like a young Bryan Adams and his Blues/Rock music is better. If you haven't caught him yet, might be worth a look." Thanks for the tip-off Marilyn - consequently Mike has been added to our 'Introducing ...' page and is also today's Vid Of The Day!
OMBBM Andy Twyman At TNMC Tonight! 19/1/16
Yes 'One Man Blues Boogie Machine' Andy Twyman is playing the Tuesday Night Music Club at The Comrades Club, 194 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, Greater London, CR5 2NF tonight. The former winner of our 2013 WRC 'Best Acoustic' award for his performance at BluesFest 2013 will hopefully have some clothes on tonight during his set following his Christmas single 'A Naked Noel'!
Dedicated To Owen ..... 19/1/16
This week's Route 66 Track Of The Day has been dedicated to host Rory Auskerry's brother Owen who suffered a brain aneurysm in Thailand last week. Owen's family are all out there with him (including Rory) - and on behalf of the WRC we would like to wish Owen a speedy recovery. As usual it's a busy show packed with new tunes from Inglorious, Last In Line, Danny Bryant, Leroy Miller and The Steve Miller Band. And on a happier note our picture was taken when we caught up Rory and his younger brother Hamish at the awesome ZZ Top gig at Wembley last year.
Danny Bryant - Blood Money Review 18/1/16
Danny Bryant said about 'Blood Money' - “I wanted to make this album ever since I began my musical journey 20 years ago as a 15 year old boy who fell in love with his parent’s record collection.” On 'Blood Money', Bryant set out to record an album that showed an introspective return to his roots and an appreciation of his Blues influences, by paying homage, as he puts it “to all the different influences and flavours of this wonderful music that I have loved for many years.” I only read this after I listened to the album and had started penning the review – DB listed his influences for some of the songs – I found myself listing my own and I am sure others will add theirs when they hear this excellent album.
Read Wrinkly's full review here plus check out todays Vid Of The Day!
WRC In The News! 18/1/16
Today's Rock On The Ridge Track Of The Day as usual is music so good your ears will dance with your feet! Tracks include Monster Truck, David Bowie, Inglorious, Wolfmother plus a very special first birthday message for the WRC! Bob and Jules (pictured) 2015 WRC 'Best Radio' award recently made the headlines in their local newspaper here. Rest assured guys a pucker award will be presented to you in due course!
Alain Caron - Live Webcast Tonight! 18/1/16
One of the world's top jazz-fusion bassists, Alain Caron, will be hosting a live-streamed webinar on NMB Live here tonight at 11pm UK time. Alain will be demonstrating his approach to performance and to practice while taking your questions via the live chat. If you're serious about jazz-fusion, you won't want to miss this rare opportunity. And don't forget to spread the word! Space is limited so make sure to reserve your spot (tickets $19.95) right here.
Syndicating The Blues! 17/1/16
As promised - today's Track Of The Day is the latest Black on Blues podcast. Not surprisingly - they're all about the Blues - from the Delta to Dagenham - if there’s Blues to be heard – it's Blues they play. The 'Bob' team consist of Kevin (the Black in 'Bob') plus Jason - and the guys not only cover the entire spectrum of Blues music but also specialise in women Blues artists too and feature them every two weeks. Featured on this week's show are Omar And The Howlers, Theo & The Boogie Sinners, The Rev. Shawn Amos-Brand, Too Slim And The Tail Draggers, Tim Green Band, Tommy McCoy, Zilla Project and last, but not least, John Mayall!
Rockin' Jockin' Tonight! 17/1/16
And talking of great radio - don't forget to tune into Rory Auskerry's latest live Route 66 show here at 6pm tonight! Also remember if you happen to miss it - then you can catch up with the our Track Of The Day podcast later this week plus the programme will be re-broadcast on Rock Radio UK here on Friday evening from 8-10pm!
Never Too Old To Rock! 17/1/16
A big shout out to all of you that sent us first birthday wishes yesterday including our friends at the award winning Rock On The Ridge radio show with this very kind message: "Happy Birthday guys keep up the great work, Keep it Live Never too old to Rock and looking forward to another great a year in association with The Wrinkly Rocker Club All the Best Jules n Bob!" Not only that - but on their latest show last night - the guys made a birthday dedication to the WRC! Anyway, watch out for their 'Track Of The Day' later this week but in the meantime our Vid Of The Day is one of our favourite bands they featured last night - Wolfmother!
Happy 1st Birthday To wrinklyrockersclub.com! 16/1/16
Yes it's exactly a year to the day that our new website wrinklyrockersclub.com replaced our inaugural website wrinklyrockersclub.co.uk .... and what a year it has been! Our very first posting back in 2015 brought you news of Aerosmith winning our 2014 WRC 'Best Rock Performance' award plus there was a review of AC/DC's latest album 'Rock Or Bust'. Anyway we're sure that the next 12 months will be even more exciting what with all the gigs we have planned - whether it's just as a punter or as a promoter. Anyway, if you feel inclined to send us your best wishes below - then be our guest!
Red Butler Added To BluesRockFest 2016! 16/1/16
Red Butler are the third band to be added to the 2016 BluesRockFest bill taking place at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, on Saturday 24th September. Alongside headliners The Stevie Nimmo Trio and 2015 WRC Award winners The Mentulls - Red Butler (Vid Of The Day) have Just won the second UK Blues Challenge and will represent the UK at the 2016 European Blues Challenge in Italy! Remember that Earlybird Tickets are on sale now for a limited time here for £15 (instead of £20). WRC Members only pay £15 - so why not head off here to sign up for free. Don't forget to check back soon for announcements on the other exciting bands we have lined up!
JV On The Marsh! 16/1/16
Not only was last night's Blues On The Marsh (today's Track Of The Day) a 'Women In Blues' special but The Marshman also kindly plugged John Verity's Leo's Red Lion gig taking place next Saturday 23rd January! 'Women In Blues' was recorded live by Simon Taylor at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, last September - the gig featuring Bex Marshall, Val Colwell, Katie Bradley and Fran McGillvray. The concert was dedicated to Jo-Ann Kelly - an icon of the 1960s Blues movement - and was a tribute to her life and music, performed by wonderfully talented female Blues artistes in a unique collaboration. Meanwhile JV (ex-Argent and former 2012 WRC Award winner) tickets are £7 in advance here and £10 on the door. WRC Members can purchase them for just £5 by e-mailing wrcpromotions@aol.com
Larry Miller Fundraiser Tonight! 15/1/16
The Stables have now released a few standing tickets for tonight's Larry Miller fundraising gig despite it selling out! So if you haven't got tickets and want to go, you'd better be quick and go here or call the Box Office on 01908 280800. Don't forget that as well as Larry's brilliant band - guest guitarists are Bernie Marsden, Stray's Del Bromham, Oli Brown and Sinnerboy's Barry Barnes! Anyway, today's Video Of The Day takes us back to BluesFest 2013 where Larry memorably headlined. Happy Days!
Happy Holidays! 15/1/16
The Blues Club Podcast is of course Friday's Track Of The Day with lots of new releases received over the holiday period. Looking forward to 2016 Malcolm & Jim have the UK IBBA Presenters' Picks for January, new tracks, new artists, new albums plus a couple of older classic tunes from their collection. Music this week includes Cotton Belly's, Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, Norman Beaker, Lewis Hamilton, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mike Zito, The Pat Sheridan Band, The Ragpicker String Band, Tim Williams, Walkin Cane Mark, Albert Cummings, The Blues Spiders, Lee Palmer, Chris Yakopcic, Malcolm Holcombe, John McKinley-Band, Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective, Ritchie Dave Porter, Mike Brookfield, Lonnie Mack, Andre Bisson, RG Winfield & Double$huffle, Guitar Shorty, Mark Harrison, Jack J Hutchinson, Michael Messer, Paul Cowley, Catfish (pictured), Long Tall Deb featuring Colin John, B. B. & The Blues Shacks and more!
Special 'Women In Blues' BOTM Tonight! 15/1/16
As promised by The Marshman recently - tonight's Blues On The Marsh show here at 7pm is a 'Women In Blues' special. Recorded live by Simon Taylor at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, last September - the gig featured Bex Marshall, Val Colwell, Katie Bradley and Fran McGillvray. The concert was dedicated to Jo-Ann Kelly - an icon of the 1960s Blues movement - and was a tribute to her life and music, performed by wonderfully talented female Blues artistes in a unique collaboration.
New Year - First Blues At The Woodlands Gig Tonight! 14/1/16
Yes 'Blues at The Woodlands' at the Woodlands Art Centre, Gillingham ME6 2DU returns tonight with Steve Morrison Blues Abuse (Vid Of The Day). Tickets are £10 and doors open at 7pm. For more information call 0300 065 8210 or e-mail r&abrother@aol.com and don't forget that WRC members get £2 off the normal admission on production of a valid WRC members card.
Prize Catch! 14/1/16
Catfish band members Paul Long and Matt Long recently popped into the Croydon Radio studio for a chat and to introduce all five songs from their new EP 'When B. B. Sings The Blues' ahead of their Official Release Show at the Tuesday Night Music Club this week! Today's Blues On The Radio Track Of The Day also includes music from the Rebecca Downes Band, Wily Bo Walker, Jack J. Hutchinson and our old mucker Andy Twyman!
Black On Blues Is Coming! 14/1/16
Well I suppose we did stipulate yesterday that anyone posting on our Facebook page would be rewarded! Anyway following Kevin Black's message yesterday: "Can't believe that after 5 years broadcasting and now on 2 USA stations and 2 in the UK the WRC doesnt know about the black on blues podcast" - the truth is Kev that we do listen to Black On Blues but you're quite right that it has never been included as our Track Of The Day! Well let's put that right then by featuring the latest Black On Blues podcast this coming Sunday!
John Verity - 11 Days & Counting! 13/1/16
What with our 2015 WRC Award announcements and the recent tragic deaths of both Lemmy and Bowie - you could be forgiven for overlooking the fact that our first WRC Promotion of the New Year takes place in just eleven days time! So why not book your place now to see the legend that is John Verity (ex-Argent and former 2012 WRC Award winner) rock Leos Red Lion in Gravesend on Saturday 23rd January. Tickets are £7 in advance here and £10 on the door. WRC Members can purchase them for just £5 by e-mailing wrcpromotions@aol.com - bargain!!!
Route 66 On The Money! 13/1/16
With 2016 promising to be another exciting year for new music, today's Route 66 Track Of The Day plays brand new tracks from Eliza Neals and Stephen Dale Petit as well as something from the forthcoming Danny Bryant Album 'Blood Money' who is also playing a WRC Promotions gig at Leos Red Lion, Gravesend, on Sunday 28th February! Orkney based Blues/Rock trio the Andrew Taylor Group also get a spin tonight as does the Mitch Laddie Band who host Rory Auskerry will be chatting to in a couple of weeks time. There's also classic tracks from Slash, Rod Stewart and Lynyrd Skynyrd!
Introducing ..... Black Whiskey 13/1/16
Anybody who posts on our Facebook page "We're Wrinkly" will ultimately be rewarded! Step forward Black Whiskey - the latest band in our 'Introducing ....' feature with roots firmly entrenched in those classic sounds of the seventies and early eighties but these guys have been involved in diverse styles over the years. Their music sounds fresh and modern but stays true to the blueprint! Consisting of Simon Gordon on vocals, Kev Ingles on guitar, Mark T. Parkin on bass and Rich Bannister on drums - it's no surprise that bands like Zeppelin, Free, Purple, UFO, Schenker, Scorpions, Lizzy and Rainbow are all huge influences and this is hugely evident in the music they make!
All The Young Dudes - RIP David Bowie 12/1/16
It's fair to say that my very first 'Pop Idol' was indeed David Bowie. 'John I'm Only Dancing' was one of the very first single's I ever bought and is still a staple on my jukebox (along with b side 'Hang On To Yourself') 44 years later. Ouch! Of course that lead me to the album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' and as they say the rest is history as I went back through Bowie's entire back catalogue - the stand-out for me easily being 'Hunky Dory'. The adjective 'unique' is much overused in Rock circles but in Bowie's case it was spot on. Not only was his music and lifestyle different to the traditional 70's fayre but his memorable lyrics still effortlessly roll off the tongue all these years later. He was also the master of reinvention and despite me honestly losing the plot after 'Aladdin Sane' there were still sniffs of the old Bowie that I loved so much in the singles 'Rebel Rebel', 'Heroes' and in particularly 'Ashes To Ashes'. It pains me to say it but we were at the Isle Of Wight festival in 2004 with Bowie playing on the Sunday night (Vid Of The Day) but we never made it (that's another story) - so I never actually saw him live. Although, ironically we did see perhaps my favourite Bowie track of all time 'All The Young Dudes' performed of course by Ian Hunter with Spiders From Mars guitarist Mick Ronson just before Ronson's death in 1993. David you were one cool dude man.
AJ.
Music So Great Your Ears Will Sing Along With Delight! 12/1/16
The announcement of our 2015 WRC Awards may very well be over but today's Rock On The Ridge Track Of The Day includes some tracks from our very own award winners including 'Best Guitar Solo' from Paul Turley of Albany Down (pictured)! There's also quality music from Troy Redfern, The Rainbreakers, Inglorious and some band called Led Zeppelin! Enjoy!
Catfish Day! 12/1/16
Today is Catfish day and not only are they releasing their new EP 'When B. B. Sings The Blues' plus playing at their Official Release Show at The Tuesday Night Music Club - but band members Paul Long and Matt Long will also be popping into the Croydon Radio studio for a chat and to introduce all five songs from the EP! As well as that, Blues On The Radio will of course be treating you to all the other great new releases and the Independent Blues Broadcasters Associations albums of the month. So why not head on down to The Tuesday Night Music Club tonight at the Hooley Village Club, St. Margaret's Road, Hooley Village, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 3RB plus don't forget to tune into Richard Dunning's BOTR show here beforehand from 5pm!
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Rock' - Nazareth 11/1/16
Our eleventh and final 2015 WRC Award Winner announced today is Nazareth who have won our 'Best Rock Performance' following their performance at London's Brooklyn Bowl in September. Check out our Vid Of The Day to see how the guys fought off the challenge of other respected nominees Crobot (Underworld November) and Shooter (Half Moon September). The WRC would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of you that took the time to vote - and even if you may ultimately disagree with some of the voting - rest assured that live music will always be the winner!
WRC Pointless Part 2 Tonight! 11/1/16
Those of you who tuned in on Friday evening to see the WRC represented by Wrinkly The Silver and Wrinkly The Classical on BBC1's Pointless would have no doubt been proud of their exploits particularly the plug for the WRC! This prompted a surge in social media communications during the airing of the show such as numerous hits on our website (including membership applications), Facebook postings and numerous tweets! Sadly, in the end the guys fell at the final hurdle but return tonight to fight another day again at 5.15pm. Hopefully Dave and Stuart will get some music questions this time!
Introducing ........ Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard 11/1/16
The well overdue return of our 'Introducing ....' feature welcomes the Welsh mouthful that it is Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard! The Doom monsters consist of Paul Michael Davies (guitar and synth), Jessica Ball (bass and vocals), Wez Leon (guitar) and James Carrington (drums). Indeed our Track Of The Day is their new album ‘Noeth Ac Anoeth’ released by New Heavy Sounds at the end of last year. Paul was also formerly part of Mother Of Six who were featured by the WRC on a previous Wrinklycast.
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Support' - The Replicants 10/1/16
Given that Replicants guitarist Stu O'Brien has been such a pain over the last week or so enquiring who's won our 2015 'Best Support' award - we decided to let Stu stew so to speak! Well the good news is that indeed The Replicants have landed the prize - principally due to their outstanding set at Wrinklystock IV supporting T.Rextasy. Let's not forget the other nominees - namely Born Healer and The Rainbreakers - who both supported the legendary Corky Laing at the 100 Club in November. Watch out for footage of The Replicants in action at Wrinklystock IV soon but in the meantime see our Vid Of The Day as we turn the clock back to Wrinklystock III when the guys supported The Bohemians!
Get On The Bucket List! 10/1/16
As a special deal for his fellow Blues and Rock fans, our old mucker Damo Fawsett is offering discounted tickets to WRC members to the 3G event featuring former Bad Company guitarist Dave 'Bucket' Colwell at Leos Red Lion on Saturday 13th February. Also featuring Damo's band Big River plus Salvation Jayne - discounted £6 tickets or two for £10 can be purchased by directly e-mailing damey74@live.co.uk And to see what's in store - check out our Track Of The Day featuring 'Bucket & friends'. Unbelievable!
Happy 72nd Birthday Jimmy (For Yesterday) 10/1/16
Our thanks to Route 66 for their tweet yesterday: "Happy 72nd Birthday to #JimmyPage. He's been getting a whole lotta love today. #guitarhero" And even if we forgot Jimmy's birthday yesterday - don't forget that every Sunday evening at 6pm, host Rory Auskerry presents two hours of the very best in Rock & Blues music here on Pure 107.8 FM. And if you can't tune in tonight (why not?) then watch out for our Track Of The Day podcast later on this week.
2015 WRC Awards 'One's To Watch' - Southbound 9/1/16
With just two remaining 2015 WRC Awards to be announced - today we reveal that Southbound have won our 'One's To Watch' award. Following in the footsteps of The Mentulls (2012), Absolution (2103) and Little Devils (2014) - Southbound fought of the awesome international competition of both SIMO (St. Moritz, London) and The Brothers Landreth (Borderline, London) to win this coveted prize - thanks to stand-out gigs at Leos Red Lion, Gravesend, The Half Moon, Putney, and The Horn, St. Albans (pictured) during 2015. And you can catch the guys tonight at The Troubador in London with, coincidentally, Little Devils! In the meantime check out today's Vid Of The Day!
Mentulls Added To BluesRockFest 2016! 9/1/16
We promised you some news yesterday after we revealed that The Mentulls had won this year's 2015 WRC 'Best Blues performance' award. Suffice to say that the guys will now be supporting the Stevie Nimmo Trio at BluesRockFest at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, on Saturday 24th September. Remember that Earlybird Tickets are on sale now for a limited time here for £15 (instead of £20). Beware - once they've gone - they've gone! There are (so far) 7 top Rock and Blues acts from around the UK planned and of course WRC Members only pay £15 - so why not head off here to sign up for free. Don't forget to check back soon for announcements on the other exciting bands we have lined up!
Mixed Bag On The Marsh! 9/1/16
A nice mixed bag awaits you on today's award winning Blues on the Marsh Track Of The Day! Big Jay McNeely, Buddy Whittington, Cotton Pickers from Serbia, Long Tall Deb, Malcolm Holcombe, Michael Messer's Mitra, Mick Clarke, Mike Brookfield, Movers, Mudcats Blues Trio, Nikki James, Paul Cowley, Rhiannnon Giddens, Russell Morris from Australia, The Fried Okra from Finland, The Mighty Resonators and The Rhythm Express will all be gracing the show plus The Marshman also remembers Cyril Davis and Long John Hunter!
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Blues Performance' - The Mentulls 8/1/16
Just three years after winning our WRC 'One's To Watch' award - the prophecy has certainly come to fruition as The Mentulls have walked away with our 2015 WRC 'Best Blues Performance' award! Hard lines to the worthy challenge of the other two nominees - namely Bernie Marsden (Ramblin' Man) and Joanne Shaw Taylor (Jazz Cafe) - but The Mentulls awesome Red Lion gig in May (pictured) swung the vote their way! Don't forget that you can still purchase both the 2013 & 2014 BluesFest DVD/CD's featuring The Mentulls through our merchandise page here. Anyway check out both today's Vid Of The Day plus watch out for further exciting news re: The Mentulls tomorrow!
WRC Pointless Tonight! 8/1/16
Just make sure you switch on your TV tonight and tune into BBC1 at 5.15pm for Pointless! Why - you may ask? Well none other than our very own correspondent Wrinkly The Silver (pictured) is one of the contestants on tonight's show! Also taking part alongside WTS is his old mucker Stuart (aka Wrinkly The Classical) - so that should ensure that all genres of music are well covered then. Anyway, our lips are sealed as to the outcome but we wish WTS well given he's been in the wars a bit health-wise recently. Suffice to say let's hope WTS's plug for the WRC doesn't end up on the cutting room floor!
New Year - First Blues Club Podcast! 8/1/16
The first 2016 Blues Club Podcast plays the latest UK IBBA Presenters Picks for January and looks back at Top Ten Blues songs, albums and artists from three very different end of year air play charts for 2015, plus new releases. Today's Track Of The Day includes music from Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, Norman Beaker, Lewis Hamilton, Cotton Belly's, Buddy Guy, Half Deaf Clatch, Steve Earle, King King (pictured), Lucinda Williams, Wily Bo Walker, Altered Five Blues Band, Joe Bonamassa, Elvin Bishop, Ian Siegal Berry, Sonny Landreth, Shemekia Copeland, Tinsley Ellis, Little Devils, B. B. King, Tommy Castro, Rebecca Downes, Richard Townend & The Mighty Boss Cats, Trigger Hippy, Dave Alvin, Tas Cru, Ruthie Foster, Slam Allen Band and B. B. & The Blues Shacks.
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Festival' - BluesRockFest 7/1/16
Before we hear cries of "fix fix" - the WRC are really grateful to all of you that voted for BluesRockFest as 'Best Festival' in our 2015 WRC Awards! Previously under the banner of BluesFest in the last two years - BluesRockFest fought off the illustrious company of both Ramblin' Man and The Broadstairs Blues Bash to clinch the prestigous prize. And of course BluesRockFest 2016 returns to Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, on Saturday 24th September with headliners The Stevie Nimmo Trio with limited Earlybird Tickets on sale here for £15 (instead of £20). Beware - once they've gone - they've gone! Anyway go to our Troy Redfern Vid Of The Day in order to check out one of the many highlights from 2015 and why you should book now for 2016!
Tweet! Tweet! One Thousand + Up! 7/1/16
With the first Birthday of wrinklyrockersclub.com just over a week away - the WRC were delighted to reach another landmark yesterday when we passed the 1,000 followers mark on Twitter. This welcome news also coincided with a very kind tweet from Chantel McGregor on receiving news of her 'Best Acoustic' WRC Award: "@WRINKLYCLUB thank you so much for my acoustic award... Off to write more acoustic songs this year!!! Hugs to everyone xxx" Of course our previous website wrinklyrockersclub.co.uk was launched at the end of December 2010 and to celebrate our first birthday we will be resurrecting part of the 2010-2014 Wrinkly archives over the coming months!
Schenker's On A Mission! 7/1/16
Award-winning, legendary rock guitarist Michael Schenker (our Track Of The Day) will release a new double A-side single Rock City b/w Good Times next Monday 11th January, to celebrate his nationwide UK tour that starts at Bilston Robin 2 on Wednesday 20th January! The single is taken from Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock album 'Spirit On A Mission'. The tour will see Schenker perform tracks from the album including the singles 'Communion', 'Vigilante Man' and 'Live and Let Live', plus UFO, MSG, and Scorpions classics. Schenkers band features ex-Scorpions Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), Wayne Findlay (guitar and keyboards) and ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White.
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Guitar Solo' - Paul Turley 6/1/16
We pass the halfway mark in our 2015 WRC Awards today with the news that Paul Turley of Albany Down (pictured on our 2016 WRC Calendar) has won our 'Best Guitar Solo' award. Simply check out today's Vid Of The Day to see why Paul deserved this award beating of esteemed company such as Ramblin' Man's Danny Bryant and BluesRockFest's Troy Redfern! Paul certainly did the WRC proud at both our Christmas Bash plus BluesRockfest and don't forget you can still purchase the official 2015 BluesRockFest DVD/CD here for a bargain £10 + p&p featuring both two video and two audio tracks from each of the six artists that appeared on that Summer's day. WRC Members of course also get 10% off by simply entering their coupon code!
More Bands Added to Ramblin' Man Roster! 31/1/16
More bands have been added to an already very impressive Ramblin' Man line-up of Whitesnake (pictured at Wembley in December 2015), Europe, Airbourne, Thin Lizzy and Black Stone Cherry. New names Joining the fun at this year's event over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th July - held again at Mote Park, Maidstone - include Ginger Baker, Inglorious (our Vid Of The Day) and The Zombies (Track of The Day)!
When They're Gone - They're Gone! 6/1/16
And talking of BluesRockFest - our 2016 Earlybird Tickets which are on sale now for a limited time here for £15 (instead of £20) are flying out the door! Beware - once they've gone - they've gone! As exclusively revealed on New Year's Day - The Stevie Nimmo Trio (part of The Nimmo Brothers who won 'Best Band' at the 2015 British Blues Awards) are headlining this year's festival at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, on Saturday 24th September. There are (so far) 7 top Rock and Blues acts from around the UK planned and of course WRC Members only pay £15 - so why not head off here to sign up for free. Don't forget to check back soon for announcements on the other exciting bands we have lined up!
Special Route 66 Review Of 2015 6/1/16
Today's Track Of The Day is a special Route 66 musical review of 2015 featuring highlights from all this year’s interviews plus some of the best new music from the last 12 months. During the year host Rory Auskerry talked to British Blues Award winner Laurence Jones, 2015 WRC 'Best Acoustic' award winner Chantel McGregor, former Deep Purple singer and bass legend Glenn Hughes and the South African blues guitarist Dan Patlansky who supported Joe Satriani (pictured) on his latest tour. Also appearing on the show are Newcastle based virtuoso guitarist Paul Rose, Finnish slide goddess Erja Lyytinen, Harmonica player Dave Hunt and the lead singers from two well known rock bands both making new music in 2015; Joey Tempest of Europe and Dante Gizzi from Gun!
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Acoustic' - Chantel McGregor 5/1/16
Just a year after running away with our 2014 WRC 'Best Blues Performance' award - Chantel McGregor (pictured on our 2016 WRC Calendar) has scooped this year's 'Best Acoustic' WRC award. Beating off strong competition from both Ryan Bingham (who we saw at The Borderline in February) and Ben Poole - Chantel's memorable acoustic intro at BluesRockFest in July in the end won the day. So our Vid Of The Day has to be part of that set - and you can still purchase the official 2015 BluesRockFest DVD/CD here for a bargain £10 + p&p featuring both two video and two audio tracks from each of the six artists that appeared on that Summer's day. Don't forget that WRC Members can also get 10% off by simply entering their coupon code!
Danny's Sugar Sweet! 5/1/16
With Danny Bryant's new CD 'Blood Money' not due to be released until Friday 29th January - you can get a sneak preview of what's literally in store by downloading the single Sugar Sweet here. Not only that, but Danny, who we saw at Ramblin' Man this year (pictured by John Bull plus Track Of The Day), will be touring in the UK in February 2016 and his itinerary includes a WRC Promotions gig at Leos Red Lion, Gravesend, on Sunday 28th February! To book tickets go to our Ticketsource box below or use the link here.
New Year - First TNMC Gig Tonight! 5/1/16
If you're looking for your first gig of 2016 tonight then why not check out Will Johns at the Tuesday Night Music Club at The Comrades Club, 194 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, Greater London, CR5 2NF. Will is recognised as one of the most distinctive and exciting performers on the British Blues scene today. His guitar playing is both modern and cutting edge but also steeped in the blues history passed from generation to generation. Hardly surprising as Will has direct heritage to a golden age of music. As well as being a spellbinding live act, Will is a hugely respected songwriter, having thrice been nominated for ‘Best Original Blues Song’ by the British Blues Awards in three consecutive years!
2015 WRC Awards 'Best International' - ZZ Top 4/1/16
With just 7 category winners left to be announced in our 2015 WRC Awards - today we reveal the winner of our Best International award - none other than those 'beards' from Houston, Texas - ZZ Top! Hard lines to runners-up Lynyrd Skynyrd who we saw at The Hammersmith Apollo in April and Blues Pills who were part of a very wet Ramblin' Man at the end of July. Consequently our Vid Of The Day is of course ZZ Top - filmed when we saw them at Wembley Arena in June with the added bonus of a certain Jeff Beck!
New Year - And What A Way To Kick It Off! 4/1/16
Following Saturday's news that the Rock On The Ridge team had won our 2015 'Best Radio Show' award - the following tweet said it all: "Thank you so much for all your support and helping us win Best radio show award @WRINKLYCLUB, Jules and I are lost for words". Well the guys deservedly celebrated on Saturday night, which of course was their first show of 2016. Listen again to our Track Of The Day which features music from King King (pictured), Tesla, Inglorious, Motorhead, Hollywood Vampires, Black Stone Cherry, Monster Truck and Broken Witt Rebels.
New Year - First WRC Promotion 23/1/16 4/1/16
Now that both the Christmas & New Year holiday's are out of the way - why not book your place at our first big gig of the year to see the legend that is John Verity (ex-Argent and former 2012 WRC Award winner) rock Leos Red Lion in Gravesend on Saturday 23rd January. Tickets are £7 in advance here and £10 on the door. WRC Members can purchase them for just £5 by e-mailing wrcpromotions@aol.com - bargain!!!
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Prog Performance' - King Crimson 3/1/16
It's day 3 of our 2015 WRC Award announcements and we are delighted to reveal that King Crimson have won our Best Prog Performance award! KC beat off the strong challenge of both Steven Wilson (who the WRC are off to see again on Wednesday 27th January) and The Pineapple Thief who we saw at Ramblin' Man in July. Fully deserved after their Hackney Empire gig in September - please check out our King Crimson Vid Of The Day!
BluesRockFest Early Bird Tickets - 99 And Counting! 3/1/16
As exclusively revealed in our January 2016 WRC Bulletin - The Stevie Nimmo Trio (part of The Nimmo Brothers who won 'Best Band' at the 2015 British Blues Awards) are headlining this year's 2016 BluesRockFest at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend on Saturday 24th September. There are (so far) 7 top Rock and Blues acts from around the UK planned and tickets for the event will be £20 each, although there are 100 Earlybird Tickets on sale for a limited time for £15 here. Once they've gone - they've gone! In fact make that 99 as Marliyn Pascoe has already snapped the first one up. Well done Marilyn! Of course WRC Members only pay £15 so why not head off here to sign up for free. Don't forget to check back soon for announcements on the other exciting bands we have lined up!
Blues On The Marsh Off With A Bang! 3/1/16
The New Year starts off with a bang as today's Blues On The Marsh Track of The Day features tracks from Sari and the Engine Room, Aretha Franklin, Sassy Brown Band, Travellin' Bros, Catfish and more. Host Kevin Beale has also confirmed coming live this month in his Channel Radio studio will be a 'Women in Blues Special' with Katie Bradley featuring tracks from the 2015 tribute to Jo Ann Kelly plus on Friday 29th January - Steve Morrison!
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Radio Show' - Rock On The Ridge 2/1/16
In the second of our eleven 2015 WRC Awards, The Rock On The Ridge Show pipped Blues On The Radio, Route 66, The Blues Club Podcast, Blues On The Marsh and At The Empire to the coveted 'Best Radio Show Award'! So congratulations to Bob and Jules as we dedicate today's Track Of The Day to the guys - their 2015 BluesRockFest special edition (headliner Chantel McGregor pictured on our 2015 WRC Calendar) originally broadcast five months ago. And there's no resting on their laurels as they hit the ground running tonight with their first show of 2016 here as their New Year's Eve tweet promised: "What a way to start a new year part 1 @Loosehounds1 @blacktopdeluxe @Robinbibi @theanswerrocks @Brokenwittrebel and more so 8-10 Saturday".
"wrinkly rockers are the best rockers" 2/1/16
Given the Festive season, there were a number of kind messages flying around about the WRC - none more so than a tweet from British Rock band Inglorious: "@WRINKLYCLUB hope to see a few wrinkly rockers on our tour in feb https://youtu.be/SJTdvTfEFGc http://inglorious.com RT". This prompted further fan tweets of "@WeAreInglorious @WRINKLYCLUB wrinkly rockers are the best rockers" and "@WeAreInglorious @WRINKLYCLUB my wrinkles will be there"! Anyway Inglorious are five young men with a mutual love and respect of the classics of Hard Rock music, big guitar riffs, and soulful vocals. Their influences stem from iconic rock and roll shrine of Rock albums from the 1970's – many years before the band members were born! Anyway check out today's Vid Of The Day plus you can see the guys live at the Islington Assembly Hall on Sunday 21st February!
Greece Is The Word! 2/1/16
Not a great start to 2016 for WRC member Chris Painter who resides in Chaniá, Greece! "Disaster! Hey guys, my membership card went badly through the wash, can you pop another in the post please? Cheers, Chris." Of a course a replacement card will shortly be winging its way to Greece - but in the meantime if you have still not joined the WRC FREE for life - then why not a make a New Year's resolution and join up here. We'll consequently send you a WRC members card (kindly modelled by Keith Howe of Blacktop Deluxe) which you can use to benefit from the current members offers which we also hope to add to in the future.
2015 WRC Awards 'Best Tribute' - Purple Zeppelin 1/1/16
The WRC are delighted to announce that Purple Zeppelin are the first band in our eleven 2015 award categories to win 'Best Tribute'. Run close by both T. Rextasy and Voodoo Room, this is the second time the guys have won the award mainly for their incredible performance in front of the WRC at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford in July. Consequently Purple Zeppelin are deservedly our Video Of The Day. Watch out for a further announcement of the winners of our 'Best Support Band' tomorrow.
Stevie Nimmo Trio To Headline BluesRockFest 2016 1/1/16
Exclusively revealed in yesterday's January 2016 WRC Bulletin - yes the Stevie Nimmo Trio are headlining this year's 2016 BluesRockFest at Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend on Saturday 24th September. As one half of Scotland’s highly respected ‘Nimmo Brothers’ who won 'Best Band' in the 2015 British Blues Awards, Stevie Nimmo has been a well known and respected figure throughout the Blues and Roots world for over 20 years. The Nimmo Brothers are taking an indefinite hiatus while Stevie and Alan pursue their solo projects. Consequently, Stevie is now enjoying a new adventure in a full-on, electric, no-holds-barred trio format. The recording of their new album (produced by King King Drummer/Producer Wayne Proctor) is done and a release is set for early 2016. Don’t miss this chance to catch an artist at the top of his game doing what he does best – standing on stage playing his own music in his own passionate, inimitable fashion. You will not be disappointed!
Easing You In To 2016! 1/1/16
The Blues Club Podcast eases you into 2016 with their New Year's Eve show featuring predominantly Blues but also Rock, Jazz, Swing, Zydeco, Singer Songwriters, some New Year tunes plus new releases and old favourites from Jim's CD collection! Therefore our first 2016 Track Of The Day features music this week from Tedeschi Trucks Band, King Solomon Hicks, Johnnie Johnson, Phily K, Larry McCray, Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey (pictured on our 2016 WRC Calendar), Gary Clark Jr., Anthony Geraci, Carlos Santana, Tim Aves & Wolfpack, Tape Five, Tas Cru, Dave Ferra, Lisa Marini, Sonny Landreth, Dr. Feelgood, Paul Cox, Lauren Housley, Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, Steve Young, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, B. B. King, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Nick Nixon Band, Lil Ed & Dave Weld, King King, Dean Haitani, B. B. & The Blues Shacks and more.