Dawn Osborne

Kotzen is an uncommon guitarist, but he’s an even more uncommon vocalist and that is why I come just as much to his concerts for his vocals, if not more than for his guitar, which, in itself, is exceptional.

I’ve been pretty impressed with The Commoners on record and been playing them on the show, so when I heard they were playing London I decided to check them out..

Bonnie Tyler was to support Michael Bolton at the 02, but due to public demand, when that show was cancelled, she rescheduled last minute to the Indigo 02 which is

TotalRock’s beginnings go way back to 1997 – founded as ‘Rock Radio Network’ by the voice of metal, Tommy Vance and his trusty producer of the BBC Friday Rock Show, Tony Wilson, along with the walking encyclopaedia of metal, journalist Malcolm Dome (R.I.P.)

It’s seven years since Tuk Smith made it to the UK, and its long overdue. When I spoke to him before the UK tour he said he didn’t know what to expect. He need not have worried, the UK had not forgotten him and with a number of sold out shows and his friendly approach with fans he made quite a splash in a market that can be quite hard to impress, so no mean feat. I made it to the two London shows. There was only supposed to be one in East London, but as it was sold out, at short notice they arranged one in the West and I was lucky enough to go to both.

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Never a man to shy away from a challenge, despite the cost of living crisis and spiralling costs of pretty much doing anything in the UK, Bruce Mee of Fireworks Magazine revived Firefest after 10 years with the biggest bill of entirely melodic Rock and Metal I can think of in recent memory. Nineteen bands over three days in central Manchester, a decent sized venue and passionate fans from all over the world, Europe, South America, Japan and others. It’s no secret that ticket sales are down across the board in the UK for Rock concerts as many people struggle with the economic aftermath of the Pandemic, Brexit and the energy crisis, but with much of the merchandise sold out within an hour of open doors the commitment of all those that took part was never in doubt. Plus every band was given a decent set time even those at early doors, so no one was short changed.

SMITH/KOTZEN, the electrifying collaboration between IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith

Having caught on to Troy Redfern as a crossover artist at Hard Rock festivals like ‘Call Of The Wild’ a few years ago I take every chance I can to see him play. I am not so familiar with Philip Sayce billed as a Blues artist, but I am intrigued hoping that Troy would select a support slot right up his street. I was right and I loved both of their sets. Certainly the intensity of the guitar solos surpasses many a Metal gig! If you love electric guitars as I do, this turns out to be a dream gig!

Surfing with the Hydra Tour ” is set to l aunch in the UK on June 1 3, 2025, r unning a cross Europe until August 1, 2025