DARE
is best known for their frontman singer songwriter Darren
Wharton who first rose to fame in the early eighties playing
keyboards with legendary Irish rock band Thin Lizzy. From the
tender age of 17, Darren went on to record the famous Chinatown
album with Philip Lynott, Scott Gorham, Snowy White (Pink Floyd)
and Brian Downey. After being featured on Chinatown, Phil Lynott
had taken Darren under his wing and the young musician from
Manchester soon found himself touring extensively throughout
Europe, America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
After a year of
selling out concert halls around the globe Thin Lizzy once again
returned to the studio. Now as an established member of the
band, Darren was about to embark on his second Thin Lizzy album
Renegade. After co-writing Angel of Death with Philip Lynott,
Wharton’s talent for song writing began to emerge. Several world
tours later, Darren went on to co-write The Sun Goes Down, This
Is The One, Heart Attack and Someday She’s Gonna Hit Back on the
legendary Thin Lizzy album Thunder and Lightning.
After four great
years of playing alongside Phil Lynott, Scott Gorham, Brian
Downey and Whitesnake’s John Sykes, the Thin Lizzy disbanded.
Darren returned to Manchester where he began to write, sing, and
produce his own songs. After recruiting young guitarist, Vinny
Burns, it wasn’t long before Darren’s new band DARE were getting
noticed by the major labels in London and in 1987 Darren and
DARE were signed by A&M records.
In 1988, DARE
recorded their début album Out Of The Silence in Los Angeles at
singer, Joni Mitchel’s private studio in Beverly Hills. After
this highly acclaimed first release, DARE’s live performances
soon earned them a cult following throughout Europe, opening for
Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, and Swedish rockers
Europe. DARE toured extensively throughout Germany, Sweden,
Denmark, Finland, Spain, Belgium, Italy, France, the UK, and
Ireland.
Back in Los Angeles,
DARE’S second album Blood from Stone was produced by renowned
L.A. producer Keith Olsen (Whitesnake, The Scorpions’ and had a
much harder edge than the previous Out Of The Silence. When
PolyGram bought A&M records in the UK, several changes forced
Darren and Dare to walk away from their four-year deal.
Disillusioned and
frustrated, Darren decided to move away from Manchester to North
Wales. Settling in the Snowdonia National Park, Darren quickly
set about building his own recording studio. Now working with
new guitarist and friend Richard Dews, Darren was inspired by
the haunting natural beauty of his new surroundings, and a new
atmospheric Celtic feel started to emerge in the DARE sound. The
first songs to come out of Wales were to become DARE’S third
studio album Calm Before The Storm, it would also see Darren's
in a new role - as producer. Calm Before The Storm was well
received by Dare fans marked the welcome return of DARE,
re-establishing the band throughout Europe and the UK. Dare were
back!
Taking time out from
writing, in 1994 ten years after the sad death of Phillip
Lynott, Thin Lizzy’s Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Darren Wharton,
Brian Downey and Marco Mendoza reformed for a very successful
tribute tour of America, Japan and Europe to honour their friend
Phil Lynott. On January 4th they performed in Dublin, at the
Point and were joined on stage with many Irish legends including
U2’s Bono, Bob Geldof, Joe Elliot, and Van Morrison.
Back in Wales, Darren
composed new material for a new album Belief. This beautiful
album set a new standard for DARE. “Like a mirror to the soul”
and a doorway to the heart of this unique songwriter, the first
single White Horses was playlisted by Terry Wogan on BBC Radio
2. Tours throughout Europe and Scandinavia followed, including a
12-date tour with Asia in the UK.
After the success of
Belief, DARE fans were rewarded again when Beneath The Shining
Water was released in the summer of 2004. This album, hailed by
many as a modern classic, is highly original and instantly
addictive. It featured some of Darren’s most inspired songs to
date. Sea Of Roses received months of airplay on BBC Radio 2.
DARE had once again pushed back their musical boundaries,
broadening the bands appeal to both young and old alike.
Behind the scenes,
2008 finally saw the official US release of Belief and Beneath
The Shining Water as a double CD though Warner Music/ADA,
widening DARE’S audience even further.
Now the world stage
was set, DARE’S latest album Arc Of The Dawn was released
October 2009 on Wharton's own label, Legend Records, through
Warner’s distributor ADA, and to the fans delight, saw the
return of old friend and guitar legend Vinny Burns; back with
Dare again on live shows, including a famous appearance at
Sweden Rock Festival alongside Whitesnake and Def Leppard.
2012 was an exciting
year for DARE and their fans. With Vinny Burns now firmly back
in the band, along with drummer Kev Whitehead and Nigel
Clutterbuck on bass, there were many new projects planned.
Including a special edition re-release of Calm Before The Storm
2, completely re-recorded with never-before-released bonus
tracks.
2016 saw the highly
anticipated seventh studio album from DARE. Sacred Ground
delighted DARE fans everywhere, and after receiving spectacular
reviews for European and UK press, quickly topped the Amazon
Rock Charts in four countries, reaching number #1 in the UK,
Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Charting once again
in Sweden, DARE also reached new heights in America, hitting
number #5 in the U.S. Amazon Rock charts, and an amazing number
#1 in the Japanese Imports charts. Following critically
acclaimed live performances in the UK, London Roundhouse,
Germany Rock Of Ages, Sweden Rock Festival, Spain, Athens,
Norway, the band’s reputation grew from strength to strength,
reinstating Dare’s cult status in Europe and the UK and the
world. With the first single On My Own playlisted on Planet Rock
for over three months, the band found themselves back on top of
the AOR rock scene.
2018 was to be
another great chapter in the book of DARE, as the band
celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a Special Edition
re-release of their debut classic album Out Of The Silence. The
album Out Of The Silence 2 Reached number #1 in the Amazon
Classic Rock charts in four Countries, UK, Germany, Italy, and
Spain
2022 will see the
April release of DARE’s tenth studio album Road To Eden
featuring the single Born In A Storm. The band will support the
release of the album be embarking on a 12-date UK tour in
October 2022.
Collateral
have been busy in the studio since the release of their debut EP
‘4 Shots!’ which was originally released on November 17, 2018
and featured the single ‘Midnight Queen’. After the single got
to the top of the Australian Radio Charts, it was then added to
the main playlist on Planet Rock; the UK’s biggest classic rock
radio station (the single appears on the band’s upcoming debut
album).
The exciting and flamboyant Kent-based rock and
roll band are comprised of Angelo Tristan (lead vocals, guitar),
Todd Winger (guitar), Jack Bentley-Smith (bass) and Ben Atkinson
(drums).
On May 3, 2019, Collateral released their next
single, ‘Lullaby’ which was the first new song taken from their
highly anticipated debut album. The single was accompanied by a
live style music video which was celebrated by Planet Rock and
was premiered on their official website.
After the
release of the ‘4 Shots!’ EP, Collateral worked relentlessly to
keep the momentum going. They won a Camden Rocks Festival
competition out of 20,000 bands to play the main stage at the
Electric Ballroom on June 1, 2019. A few months later, they won
a competition between 40 bands at the Ramblin’ Man Rumble to
play the Rising Stage at the Ramblin’ Man Fair festival 2019.
The band drew the biggest crowd when they played the Rising
Stage at Ramblin’ Man.
One of their most exciting
achievements for Collateral in 2019, was when they won a
competition out of 200,000 entrants to support Jon Bon Jovi on
his Runaway to Paradise Mediterranean Cruise departing Barcelona
to Majorca on August 26th.
British four-piece rock band
Collateral are set to release their highly anticipated eponymous
debut album on February 21, 2020.
Collateral’s hotly
tipped debut album is likely to propel them next level. A lot of
people don’t know what to expect from the new album, as the band
have been tight-lipped about the new songs. Collateral have
created a state-of-the-art rock album that will enable fans to
feel the blood, sweat and glory that went into the recording of
every song.
“We wanted to stay away from the normal rules
that apply to what you can and cannot put on an album,” says
front man Angelo Tristan. “The album contains all of our
inspirations, and nothing’s has been diluted. I’m very
influenced by country music which is evident in the song ‘About
This Boy’. Jack is heavily influenced by 80’s rock on tracks
like ‘Mr. Big Shot’ and ‘Promiseland’.
“One of the more
Southern style tracks on the album is “Merry-Go-Round.” It’s a
reflection of Todd’s inspiration from bands that include Black
Stone Cherry and Cadillac Three. Our drummer, Ben, comes from a
far heavier metal background which really gives the songs their
powerful edge.
“The album is comprised of nine songs -
all killer and no filler. The recording of this album was an
amazing experience from the get-go. To finally see this record
come to life was remarkable. I hope the fans will share the same
excitement we had when we made the album. Buckle up. We’re in
for one helluva ride!”
Formed
in 2011, SKAM are a hard rock power trio band from the middle of
England. They have a reputation for delivering no nonsense,
gutsy, classic sounding British rock music. Over the last 9
years, the band have worked tirelessly to build a solid
following in the UK, and now they are widely considered to be at
the forefront of the ‘New Wave of Classic Rock’ movement that is
currently sweeping the nation. To date, the band have
independently released 3 albums. ‘It’s Come to This’ (2011) and
‘Peacemaker’ (2014) were released to critical acclaim and the
band established themselves as a live force to be reckoned with.
The band have hit road with The Answer, Airbourne, Skindred, The
Quireboys, and GUN to name a few and are considered a formidable
live act. A drive to innovate inspired SKAM to release ‘The
Amazing Memoirs of Geoffrey Goddard’ (2017), a concept record
based on the diary entries of a time travelling RAF pilot. The
songs were described as ‘gritty anthemic rockers’ by Classic
Rock Magazine and the album received a number of 5 star reviews
from the UK Music press. SKAM don’t write songs to a formula,
they write songs as rock fans, trying to capture what they would
want to hear. Lead single ‘Take it Or Leave it’ was voted as
‘track of the week’ by Classic Rock Magazine and has since been
included on Earache Records ‘New Wave of Rock N Roll’
compilation vinyl. And now in 2020, coming up to their 10th
anniversary, SKAM are working on their 4th release.
Wold-class
guitar virtuoso Miguel Montalban has been considered “One of the
greatest young guitarists around” (Zack Wilde). Originally
taking to the streets of London busking, Montalban’s version of
Dire Straits’ ‘Sultans of Swing’ became a viral hit
on YouTube, notching up over 26 million views getting him
worldwide recognition by Rod Stewart as “one of the finest
guitarists in London” and Mark Knopfler as a “totally excellent
musician.”
Miguel studied at the Conservatory of
Jazz Music in Rome, which led him to co-work with Grammy awards
producers. Kevin Metcalfe (Queen, David Bowie, Duran Duran,
White Stripes) produced Miguel’s single “Girl” in
London’s Red Bull Music Studios, Mike Hedges, Haydn Bendall,
Vincent Niclo’s Sony production “Adagio”, Andy Whitmore (Peter
Andre, Elton John) and Eroc (Grobschnitt, Robin Trower, Gary
Moore), who mixed and mastered his debut album” AND THE SOUTHERN
VULTURES”.
In 2019 the Chilean-born guitarist
formed The Southern Vultures, a four-piece London-based band,
which has been considered a rising star in the
virtuoso blues and rock music sphere over the past year,
headlining festivals around UK and Europe to crowds of thousands
and amassing 120k followers over their social accounts, since
their first full album “And the Southern Vultures”
and debut singles “Wander” and “Fell in Love”.
The band shared big stages with Marco
Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), Ricky Warwick (Black Star
Riders, Thin Lizzy) Texas Band, Chris Farlowe, Dare, King King,
and Ten Years After, among many others leading to
co- headlining show with Samantha Fish in the Netherlands in
2023.
The newest double album, ‘Live In
Birmingham’ is the perfect introduction to the band, which
showcases the exhilarating playing of Chilean- born Montalban
over the rock-solid backbone of The Southern Vultures
(Marc Hayward – rhythm guitar & backing vocals, Edoardo
Marriotti – drums, Bruno Pint – bass).
DEPARTED
have an impressive CV having performed at the likes of Planet
Rockstock, Winters End, Download Festival, Bloodstock as well as
opening for rock giants such as Michael Schenker, Status Quo,
The Darkness amongst many many others.
DEPARTED consist
of founding members Ben Brookland (ex member of The Treatment)
and vocalist Mark Pascall (Formerly of Cats in Space and Kingdom
of Madness). They are complimented by the talents of multi
instrumentalists Matt Chalk and Charlie Smith.
Last year
the band were back from a needed break and exploded back on to
the scene whilst touring with Skin.
Blue
Nation, a 3-piece band from Birmingham, use Riff based Melodic
Blues Rock from a reservoir of influences, including Beatles,
Cream, Zeppelin, Brit Pop 90’s, more recently Rival Sons and
Vintage Trouble, to create their memorable sound. Their songs
are delivered by three accomplished musicians, fronted with
stunning vocals. All backed up with impressive gig experience,
stage presence and great songs. They play top venues and
festivals in the major cities of the UK and further afield
including two tours of NYC’s Greenwich Village and Manhattan.
They are equally happy doing stripped down acoustic or full
blown electric gigs Their most prestigious performances have
been on the Main Music Stage @ F1 British Grand Prix
Silverstone, twice, and tours / gigs with Dirty Thrills, Steve
Conte (NY Dolls), Skid Row, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Von
Hertzen Brothers, Virginmarys, Cats in Space, King King, Daxx &
Roxane, Kris Barras, The Record Company, Sari Schorr and Chantel
McGregor. Main support to Toploader @ Rhuddfest and main stage
slot @ Evoke Festival Brentwood. The quirkiest was The Tramlines
Festival Sheffield, acoustic on a moving Tram.
Formed
in March 2013, this British, Blues Rock / Hard Rock Trio,
already have two EP’s, two Albums and three Singles to their
name.
Showcasing their very own ‘Signature Brand’ of
Guitar driven, ‘Power House’, Rockin’ Blues, their original
songs have seen them share stages with Joe Bonamassa, Robin
Trower, Martin Barre, Focus, Wishbone Ash & Walter Trout to name
but a few.
Their influences are many and varied, Free,
Joe Bonamassa and Rory Gallagher to name a few, pulling in the
best of ‘British Invasion’ Rock and Blues with their live
performances already compared to many of their hero’s including
Cream, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Taste & Johnny Winter.
Brave
Rival are the South East’s brand-new rip-roaring rock and blues
Machine. Hailing from Portsmouth, the UK Blues Award Nominated
band features the powerful and beautiful twin vocals of Chloe
Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick. On lead guitar, providing
dramatic guitar solos and crunching rock riffs is Ed “The Shred”
Clarke. And holding it all together is the rhythmic backbone,
the self-proclaimed engine room of Billy Dedman (bass) and Donna
Peters (drums).
Drawing influence from the likes of John Mayer, Aretha Franklin,
Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Tedeschi Trucks, Brave
Rival offer a style and sound that you’ve always known, and yet
never heard before.
Since their inception in the summer of 2019, Brave Rival have
gone from strength to strength, featuring in Raw Ramp
Magazine as one of the 'Top 20 Bands To Watch In 2020' and
nominated for 'Breakthrough Act 2019' by Get Ready To Rock
Radio.
At the turn of the decade, hot off the heels from supporting
blues rock giants such as Stevie Nimmo and The Billy Walton
Band, Brave Rival captured their raw energy live by recording
their headline set to a gracious sold-out audience at Hook’s
famous Echo Hotel Music Club. This fabulous set of early
material was quickly released to critical acclaim as their first
Live Album ‘Brave Rival Live at the Echo Hotel Music
Club’. Keeping the momentum going, a Kickstarter was launched
for their first studio album with the target easily reached by
their loyal fanbase with time to spare. It was then time to
repay that loyalty with a studio album. Little did they know
however, that the world was about to change forever.
With the pandemic putting the brakes on recording plans, Brave
Rival spent much of the UK Lockdowns writing new material via
the power of Zoom calls and Google drive. The abundance of
material produced served them well for the eventual recording of
their debut album in the summer of 2021. Recorded at The Mayfair
Studio in the picturesque Surrey countryside with
producer/seducer Tarrant Shepherd at their side, Brave Rival’s
highly anticipated debut album “Life’s Machine” arrived on May
6th 2022 to critical acclaim. Emerging Rocks Bands Magazine said
it best when they described the album as “Boss blues energy from
start to finish”. Similarly, Powerplay Magazine finished their
ten out of ten review by saying that “Brave Rival have unleashed
one lean, mean and well oiled machine!”
Tipped as one of Joe Bonamassa’s “favourite discoveries this
year” the future is looking incredibly bright for this young up
and coming band. A successful set on the introducing stage at
the 2022 Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Skegness saw
them win the competition, securing a deserved place on the main
stage in 2023. The relentless gigging and hard work in 2021 has
also paid off for the band with a UK Blues Award
Nomination for Best Emerging Blues Band.
Brave Rival are a band on a meteoric rise, firing
on all cylinders and are about to take the world by storm. Their
unique combination of beautifully harmonic, soulful vocals, epic
guitar solos, pounding drums and powerful bass serves up an
infectious sound that is not to be missed.
Back
after too many years away, International award winning
songwriters Soulweaver received worldwide radio play and
critical acclaim back in the early to mid 2010's. Run
independently by one of the hardest working couples in rock, The
Goodges, Soulweaver shared bills with acts such as Black Star
Riders, Quireboys, Wishbone Ash, Alabama 3 and many more. With
dynamics, quality and intensity, they contain the essence of
classic British rock bands but with a contemporary edge that has
seen them described as the British Foo Fighters. “Very
Impressive, Cracking Band” - TotalRock Radio. “They’ve got a
certain something” - Dave Ling. "Soulweaver are addictive" -
Thisisnotascene.com. "Their set of bounce along dynamic rock
music hit just the right spot and boy, did the crowds enjoy
them.” Midlands Rocks.
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