All About Rock & Metal

Time flies, doubly so the older you get, it seems. I can remember my first ever gig, which was Saxon (on the ‘Crusader’ tour) in 1984 at this very venue, then known as the Colston Hall. A year later I saw Accept promoting their ‘Russian Roulette’ album just round the corner at the Hippodrome. I may not remember people’s names these days, but great concerts seem to be lodged forever, and that first gig was a doozy.

It’s been a few years since I saw FM in Bristol, and they’ve shifted sideways from playing on a boat (Thekla) to one of the most loved smallish venues in the UK, which is never a bad thing. The Fleece & Firkin may have a few poles that get in your way but also hold up the roof, but it’s usually a great place to watch a band, so I’m looking forward to this one.

Helloween are a German Power Metal band, and if you need any more intro than that you are definitely reading the wrong magazine. Often credited as the fathers of European Melodic Power Metal, they are one of those bands that has ebbed and flowed quality wise, but always seem to come back stronger, as on their 2021 self titled album, one of their best since forming in 1984.

Grand Slam have had a busy month or two, traipsing round Europe and playing to sizeable crowds whilst supporting Saxon and Girlschool, and

It’s album number six for UK spaceship superstars Cats In Space,

It’s a long way to the top, or so I’m told, and this is doubly so if your suspension isn’t up to scratch as the winding road up to the top

It’s a busy night in Bristol, as the co-headlining Metal Monsters sell out the O2 with ease.

It’s a nice venue, the Tramshed, and there’s plenty in to see one of the greatest Glam Rock acts there’s ever been, or what’s left of them

Fresh from hosting The Sweet last night, the Tramshed welcomes another set of golden oldies in the shape of Slade,

Technically, tonight is a Dead Man’s Whiskey gig, as their name’s at the top of the bill, but I’m just here to see the two Australian acts

Due to some transport issues we manage to miss most of U.S support act Adam & The Metal Hawks, though amongst some lively originals ...

The Patriot is a small venue, resembling a scout hut or youth club at first glance, but warm and welcoming once you get inside.

The lineup this year is quite biased towards Blues based bands, and that’s a shame

Twilight Force project an air of being around forever, probably because their Power Metal stylings harken back to classic Helloween.

With FM ripping it up alongside The Dead Daisies on their latest killer tour, and their new album 'Thirteen' hailed by critics and fans ..