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Top 10 Albums (January-June 2025)
Bangalore Choir will be releasing their new studio album ‘Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II’ via BraveWords Records in late 2025.
John Lees Barclay James Harvest have announced they will release a new studio album, ‘Relativity’, through Esoteric Antenna/Cherry Red Records on October 17.
The sixth in a series of career-spanning David Bowie box sets, ‘I Can’t Give Everything Away (2002-2016)’, will be released by Parlophone on September 12.
Cold Chisel release ‘The Big Five-0 Live - Live at The Sidney Myer Music Bowl’ on August 8.
Crown Lands have signed with InsideOut Music who will release the band’s third album which they are currently working on.
Deftones release their new album ‘private music’ on August 22 via Reprise/Warner Records.
Bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth) and vocalist Jeff Scott Soto are set to release their second album, ‘Unbreakable’, on August 15 via Rat Pak Records.
FM (pictured) will releases their fifteenth studio album ‘Brotherhood’ on September 5 via Frontiers. The single ‘Living On the Run’ was released on July 3.
Foreigner re-issue their classic ’4′ album as a 5CD/Blu-ray package with newly remastered stereo or ATMOS versions, on September 12.
Gypsy Pistoleros re-issue their latest album ‘Church of the Pistoleros’ on September 19 through their own label, the New Church Records.
Idlewild have announced a new self-titled album is set for release on October 3 and shared its lead single ‘Stay Out Of Place’ on July 7.
Mammoth release their new album, ‘The End’, on October 24 on BMG.
Steve Porcaro (Toto) releases his second solo album ‘The Very Day’ on October 3. ‘Miss Jane Sinclair’ was released as the lead single.
Scorpions release ‘Coming Home Live’ on November 14 and it features a recording of their recent at Heinz von Heiden Arena, Hanover, .on July 5.
Supertramp’s classic 1970s albums ‘Crime Of The Century‘ and ‘Crisis? What Crisis?’ are to have 50th anniversary vinyl reissues released through UMC on August 29.
The Switch - vocalist Bobby John, twin brothers Tom & James Martin (ex-Vega, Nitrate) and bassist Dennis Butabi Borg (Cruzh) – release their debut album ‘No Way Out’ on September 5 via Frontiers.
.38 Special release ‘Milestone’ on September 19 – their first new studio album in over twenty years.
Ronnie Wood releases a new compilation ‘Fearless: The Anthology 1965-2025′ on on September 26 through BMG.
In the studio…
Black Veil Brides are recording a new album which the band will produce themselves…King Crimson are working on a new studio album, their first in over 20 years…Tony Iommi is continuing to work on his solo album which is set to feature one vocalist
Newly announced UK tours (2025 unless stated):
Paul Carrack (Apr, May 2026), Sam Carter (Sep-Nov), the Commoners (Dec), Deftones (Feb 2026), Bob Dylan (Nov), the Feeling (Mar 2026), Peter Hammill (Sep, Oct), Justin Hawkins (Jan, Feb 2026), Orianthi (Jan 2026), the Prodigy (Apr 2026), Smith/Kotzen (Feb 2026), Stereophonics (Dec), Midge Ure (May, Jun 2026), Wet Leg (Nov),
Upcoming (Gigs – UK)
Newly announced US & European tours (2025 unless stated):
AC/DC (AU), Biohazard + Onyx (US), Buckcherry + Michael Monroe (US), Carcass (US), Deftones (EU 2026), Heart (US), Paul McArtney (US), Queensryche + Accept (US), Smith/Kotzen (EU 2026), Sonata Arctica (US),
Upcoming (USA/ROW)
Tour updates & postponed/cancelled gigs & tours:
Thunder drummer Harry James will sit out the planned Quireboys summer dates as he recovers from surgery.
Aldo Nova has suffered a severe back injury after a recent fall and as a result has cancelled his upcoming tour dates.
Saxon have cancelled their July and August gigs as Biff Byford is recovering after an “emergency procedure”.
Rick Wakeman has postponed this month’s US summer tour as he undergoes surgery.
King Diamond have cancelled their remaining summer shows due to illness.
Laurence Jones has been forced to cancel his European tour dates due to a severe Crohn’s disease flare-up.
The David Bowie Centre opens at the V&A East Storehouse on September 13. The David Bowie archive includes over 90,000 items and the Centre will open with two guest curated displays by Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party.
UK Royal Mint are producing a coin to commemorate Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary. The coin will feature mascot Eddie and has been designed by artist Albert ‘Akirant’ Quirantes.
Black Sabbath’s farewell gig was livestreamed to over 5m people worldwide and raised over £140m for the nominated charities.
Ozzy Osbourne publishes a new memoir titled ‘Last Rites’ through Sphere/Little, Brown on October 7.
Drummer Matt Cameron has left Pearl Jam after 27 years with the band.
Percussionist Luís Jardim who appeared on albums by Asia, Seal, Bryan Ferry and many albums that were produced by Trevor Horn.
Bassist Kevin Riddles, founding member of Angel Witch, Tytan and Baphomet,
More News
A quarterly feature highlighting album releases rated highly by the GRTR! review team and worthy of your investigation. We try and pick out a cross-section of albums that reflect the range of genres reviewed at the website. The star rating will be at least ****
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Black & Gold
‘Black & Gold’ is Joanne Shaw Taylor’s 10th album and it’s a defining roots rock release, as she confidently moves on from the rock/blues hamster wheel to embrace more Nashville friendly elements. ****
Review by Pete Feenstra
H.E.A.T. Welcome To The Future
They have toughened their sound over the years but this version of H.E.A.T is lean and mean, yet also still very melodic, not least as they have mastered the art of intros that invariably grab your attention. It is at least on a par with ‘Force Majeure’ with the songs having a tad more depth and for my money one of their very best releases in an already strong catalogue. **** ½
Review by Andy Nathan
In ‘The Healing’ we have a bone fide candidate for album of the year. It sounds absolutely incredible, with a production and mix that are nigh on perfect. It may have been ten years in the making but, McGregor and her partners have delivered something truly special. ****½
Review by Neil Pudney
FolkLaw have the wide folk rock appeal of Ferocious Dog, The Levellers and Show of Hands and doubtless wow the crowds at festivals. ‘Catch The Sun’ is a gem of an album and one that gets better and better with each play. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Unlike the recordings of other bands who are still around now, there’s nothing esoteric about Harems Scarem’s new music, it’s just a pleasurable celebration of all that’s great about melodic rock, coupled to a relentless drive to make it work. ****
Review by Brian McGowan
There is a charming, homespun and all-inclusive vibe that Solstice purvey and Clann can only widen their growing family of supporters. Utterly engrossing. *****
Review by David Randall
Albums of the Month (January-March 2025)
Albums of the Month (Main index)
More News
Glenn Hughes and Judie Tzuke join the GRTR! Greats
The next artists to be featured in the new “GRTR! Greats” series will be Glenn Hughes and Judie Tzuke. Special features will be published in September ahead of their respective UK tours in October.
Glenn Hughes is often described as the “Voice of Rock” and has contributed to the success of many bands over the years, along with releasing his own material.
Since the mid-1990s following significant chart success in the late-1970s and early 1980s Judie Tzuke has remained staunchly independent as an artist establishing her own Big Moon imprint.
Reflecting the spirit of the “GRTR! Greats” series, both artists have been revered by the Get Ready to ROCK! reviewers over an extended period. The new features will reflect review coverage since 2003.
“GRTR! Greats” launched in March this year with singer songwriter Thea Gilmore. Where possible we publish the feature prior to a tour or the release of a new album and include a new interview and analysis.
Recent additions
Comprehensive gig and tour listings
Compiled by Jason Ritchie.
Check out forthcoming album/DVD releases!
VAN ROYALE Gold
Van Royale are a Liverpool based 4 piece rock band, formed in 2022. They consist of Brent on drums, Duncan on lead vocals and guitar, Mike on bass and George on lead guitar. They spent 2023/4 gigging extensively across the North West and have built up a loyal following.
In their own words:
“We are Van Royale a classic rock band originating from Liverpool. Although defined as classic rock, our music spans many styles and genres from Radiohead influenced melancholic and atmospheric landscapes to the driving and climactic drum beats and riffs of Led Zeppelin. All supported with introspective lyricism and inventive bass lines.”
“Gold” is about using music and mainly live performance as a sort of veil for your insecurities. It’s a fairly positive message really. All about feeling like no matter what happens you can still get on stage, feel confident and have a good time.
Instrumentally the track is influenced by artists such as Audioslave, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and a bit of Royal Blood.”
THE DAMN TRUTH Addicted
Critically acclaimed psychedelic Montreal four-piece rock and roll band The Damn Truth return to the UK for an 11-date November 2025 headline tour with guests Parker Barrow.
The UK tour starts at Norwich Waterfront Studio (Wednesday November 12), takes in London Underworld (Friday November 21), and finishes at The Globe, Cardiff (Sunday November 23).
“We’re very excited to return to the UK for another tour,” says lead singer and guitarist, Lee-La Baum. “We always enjoy performing shows in England. The enthusiasm of UK audiences is incredible.”
“‘Addicted’ is about reclaiming your identity and owning it with zero shame. This is who I am. Take it or leave it.”
After extensively touring the UK and Europe for the last four years, The Damn Truth return with their self-titled fourth album, The Damn Truth, and, once again, produced by the legendary Bob Rock.
NORWICH WATERFRONT STUDIO – WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2025
LEEK FOXLOWE ARTS - THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2025
MANCHESTER ACADEMY – FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2025
SHEFFIELD CORPORATION – SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2025
GLASGOW ORAN MOR – SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2025
NEWCASTLE CLUNY – TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
LEEDS BRUDENELL – WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2025
BEDFORD ESQUIRES – THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2025
LONDON UNDERWORLD – FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2025
BRIDGWATER COBBLESTONES – SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025
CARDIFF GLOBE – SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2025
‘New to GRTR!’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio showcases independent music each week and latest playlist additions. (Sunday live, 21:00, Tuesday 16:00, Thursday 21:00 repeats, all times GMT)
Listen in to Get Ready to ROCK! Radio… Click the programme information image at the top of the page (top right, if using desktop).
If all else fails when mobile you can access our radio station using the TuneIn app!
The app is available as a free version for iOS and Android smartphones. After loading the app simply search for “Get Ready to ROCK!’ and save as a favourite.
You can also access Get Ready to ROCK! Radio via the TuneIn website here
Listen again to Get Ready to ROCK! Radio You can listen to selected shows and special features at our Mixcloud page.
In the archive series “GRTR!@20″ we are adding selected interviews that were originally posted to Mixcloud but exceeded the three-track-by-same-artist licensing restriction. Now re-edited the features allow insight to specific albums and artists since 2016.
Latest addition:
