NEWS: The Cult announced as first headliners in an already packed Ramblin Man Fair line-up

FOLLOWING on from the critically acclaimed and commercially successful third year in 2017, Ramblin’ Man Fair returns in 2018! This year the festival will move from its traditional end of July slot to the 30th June and 1st July 2018 and hae announced

Ramblin’ Man Fair is pleased to announce the next wave of bands for the event in 2018. These include The Cult (Main Stage Headliner, UK Exclusive), Gun (Main Stage), Chas & Dave (Blues Stage), Me & That Man - Neargal (Country Stage), Goldray and Voyager (Both Prog In The Park Stage) with many more acts to be announced…

The Cult (Main Stage, Headliner / UK Exclusive Set) – Ramblin’ Man Fair are delighted to announce the first headline act for 2018 – British rock legends The Cult. Formed in 1983 (although becoming The Cult in 1984), the band have gone to sell over 10 million albums worldwide. The distinctive vocals of Ian Astbury and guitar playing of Billy Duffy inspired a generation of young rock fans and the bands influence and legacy can’t be underestimated – from playing seven sold out nights at Wembley Arena to taking little known band Guns N Roses out on their first USA tour. Ian Astbury was also the visionary behind “A Gathering Of the Tribes” festival in the USA, which he launched in 1990 with Bill Graham – often seen as the precursor to Lollapalooza, the spirit of AGOTT is very much in keeping with the diverse lineup of Ramblin’ Man Fair itself.

The Cult released classic albums such as “Love”, “Electric” and “Sonic Temple”, and delivered songs such as “Wildflower”, “Love Removal Machine”, “She Sells Sanctuary” and “Fire Woman”. After splitting in the mid 90s the band reformed in the late 90s and released latest studio album “Hidden Cities” in 2016. Ramblin’ Man Fair 2018 will be a UK exclusive performance in 2018 for these British treasures.

GUN (Main Stage) – Drawing influence from the classic rock bands before them Scottish band Gun became one of the UK’s premier rock acts in the 1990s. The bands 1989 debut album, “Taking the World”, led to a host of singles and guest slots with luminaries such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi and Iron Maiden. Following the debut, a plethora of critically acclaimed albums, charted singles and awards, line-up changes eventually led to the bands untimely demise in the late 90s. The band returned in 2008 and have re-established themselves at the top of their game – their 2017 album “Favourite Pleasures” charted in the UK at 2016.  With hits such as “Better Days” and their global hit cover of Cameo’s “Word Up” will be a fantastic addition to the main stage of Ramblin’ Man Fair 2018.

Chas & Dave (Blues Stage) – Ramblin’ Man Fair 2018 are delighted to welcome the living legends that are Chas & Dave. Formed in 1975 the cockney duo invented and perfected the musical genre of rockney. Eight top 40 singles, nine charting albums and countless live shows have followed. The band released their latest studio album, their first in 18 years, in 2013. With hit singles such as “Gertcha”, “Rabbit” and “Ain’t No Pleasing You” The Blues Stage will be a riotous place to be at Ramblin’ Man Fair 2018.


The festival will take place in the beautiful Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent – the garden of England.
Ramblin’ Man Fair will take place on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July 2018.
Announced acts to date are:

Main Stage
The Cult (Headliner)
Halestorm (Special Guest)
Blackberry Smoke
Sons Of Apollo
GUN
Country Stage
Steve Earle & The Dukes (Headliner)
(UK Exclusive Set ‘Copperhead Road plus Hits!’)
Me & That Man

Blues Stage
Gov’t Mule (Headliner)
Chas & Dave
Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind
Kris Barras.

Prog In the Park Stage
Fish
(Playing Material From The “Clutching At Straws” Album)
Mostly Autumn
Von Hertzen Brothers
Voyager
Goldray

GALLERY: HRH XI shots Part Two

Our second gallery from HRH XI, this time from Darren McVeigh:

ALBUM REVIEW: Wayward Sons bring the boom on Ghosts of Yet To Come

WE have always had a large amount of admiration for Toby Jepson - his work with Gun, Little Angels and solo recording, not to mention his production credits. When news filtered through that he had assembled a new band thoughts turned to whether he could remain at the top of his game with Wayward Sons.

But when you have rockers of the calibre of Sam Wood, Nic Wastell, Dave Kemp and Phil Martini you have the collective experience of not only Jepson's bands, but a resumé that includes Spear of Destiny, Treason Kings and Chrome Molly brought to bear.

Thus their début album 'Ghosts of Yet To Come' is a true hard rocking release that recalls the 90s, with more than a smidgeon of a tip of the hat to classic acts from the 70s and 80s.

Throughout the riffs and melodies are to the fore, especially on the immense track 'Ghost' and the mid-pace rollick of 'I Don't Want to Go'.

What makes it an enjoyable album is that they are not as clichéd as many of their contemporaries; sure they are treading a similar path, and they nod to their predecessors for example the likes of 'Give It Away' has echoes of The Fountains of Wayne 'Stacy's Mom'.

The album is a trip through memories, but brought right up to date. Jepson is as always giving every ounce into his performance, but with Wood to as a foil the solidity of the songs is clear. And Toby's social stance is present on the likes of 'Small Talk' - a refreshing diversion from others more bland rock lyrics: "I was born into Thatcher's Disaster" is a memorable line.

Many will have the benefit of having samples of the album through the band's decision to release a series of their tracks (four in total) on YouTube, but they should merely be an encouragement to buy this album.

The urgent melodies of 'Crush' are just a flavour of what the rest of the tracks offer (see video below).

For fans of true hard rock this is an essential buy. Unfortunately they won't be with Inglorious in Belfast, unlike other parts of the tour, but hopefully they will land in Northern Ireland soon to give us all a treat with their melodic boom.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

NEWS: Wayward Sons set for album release - video released

FROM being solo artist, band member and producer Toby Jepson has moved on to his next project, and it's a pretty exciting one for lover of hard rock...here's the blurb:

Wayward Sons are delighted to announce the release of their debut album “Ghosts Of Yet To Come” on the 15th September through Frontiers Music Srl.

 Wayward Sons is a UK guitar act made up of Toby Jepson (Vocals/Guitar), Sam Wood (Guitar), Nic Wastell (Bass), Dave Kemp (Keys) and Phil Martini (Drums). They have an impressive resume of groups they have previously worked with – Little Angels, Gun, Spear Of Destiny, Treason Kings and Chrome Molly to name a few - which is reassuring in terms of the band as players, but doesn’t really hint at their sound. Wayward Sons sound nothing like the sum of their parts. The music is hard rock but mixed with a vitality and energy – both musically and lyrically.

The band is set to release four videos to support single releases. The videos together will make one short film. You can see the first video (for debut single 'Until The End') below.

'Ghosts Of Yet To Come' is a hugely accomplished debut album – as might be expected. From the staccato riffing of 'Give It Away' to the melodic intro of first single 'Until The End', from the hard rock of 'Ghosts' to 4/4 rock of 'Don’t Wanna Go', the album sounds familiar yet of its own.

Toby Jepson had the basis of songs written when the band formed. Together they then took these rough song ideas and forged their own sound. Lyrically the album sees Jepson treading a far more personal line than some of his previous output.

“I feel I have unfinished business, stories still left to tell, points to make, noise to create, all of the above... besides, it wasn't a choice, more of a need. My intention is very simple. I want to write about what makes me tick; about what I believe in. Hopefully you will believe in it too. It will be warts and all,” says Jepson.

The album was produced by Wayward Sons (Toby Jepson’s previous credits as a songwriter and producer include the likes of Katie Melua, The Virgin Marys, The Answer and Toseland) and Chris D’Adda (Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds).

“Ghosts Of Yet To Come” will at turns surprise, beguile and inspire…

LIVE REVIEW: Black Star Riders rock Belfast with storming set of BSR songs

THE Black Star Riders have emerged on the other side - the side of living in the shadow of Thin Lizzy: perhaps last year's festival tour did it.

But when BSR landed in Belfast it was more than a homecoming gig for Ricky Warwick, it was when the Riders emerged as a real force in their own right a band whose tunes were known to most of the crowd in a packed Limelight1 on Sunday night (5th March) in the city.

Before the main attraction two familiar acts had the Ormeau Avenue not just warmed up, but ready, to coin a phrase, to rock.

The power trio of The Amorettes have been faithful in keeping Northern Ireland on their tour itineraries with dates in the Diamond Rock Club, with Europe in the Ulster Hall and supporting Danko Jones.

The result was that with every track the crowd was familiar with the riffs and choruses, so when it came to the crowd pleasing 'Hot and Heavy' concluding the set the majority present responded to the call and joined in with every request to shout out the chorus.

For sometime Gun have threatened to really breakthrough beyond the hit cover of 'Word Up'. But when they came on to the Limelight stage they were welcomed with a warmth and genuine affection.

In turn the Scottish five piece delivered a concise set with songs such as 'Better Days' and 'Hold Your Head Up'. However, 'She Knows' from their forthcoming autumn album stood out as a teaser of what looks to be a promising 2018. The inclusion of the Beastie Boys 'Fight For Your Right (to party)' was on the other hand not best advised.

With a growing sense of anticipation in the audience Black Star Riders arrival on stage. As the sirens sounded a loud roar of approval greeted the title track of  'Heavy Fire'. For their new material to be greeted so warmly was a tribute to the progress BSR have made.

The mid-paced majesty of 'Cold War Love' was just one example of how Warwick and Johnson have crafted the newer songs to a standard, a higher standard, than many can - or wish to - achieve.

Only one Thin Lizzy song was included in the set ('The Boys Are Back In Town') which says a lot about how the band has developed in their own individual right.

Their three albums gives them a range of songs that have become familiar. 'The Killer Instinct' and 'Hey Judas' sees the majority join in the choruses with gusto, while the introduction to 'Soldierstown' was greeted with a truly emotional response.

The band's interaction with the audience produced a genuine warmth, and even the obviously well rehearsed speech from Warwick about how vinyl and CDs represent a legacy to pass on to our children didn't sound clichéd.

'Testify or Say Goodbye' and 'Bound For Glory' were high points and, yes, this was Black Star Riders 'Finest Hour' to date.

This is a band that developed amidst a public glare, with some controversy lingering in their early days. Now, with their third album achieving significant sales (and even BBC Radio2 airplay, much to Warwick's self-deprecating amusement) Black Star Riders are on the verge of being in the hard rock Premier League.

One feels that the idea of support slots on arena tours with the likes of ageing acts are now a thing of the past. Once BSR complete this tour and the summer festival appearances Black Star Riders will exceed and surpass what they themselves might have expected.

And, no-one should be 'Blindsided' by the success they are due.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh