After demo sessions in 1979 turned sour, long-serving vocalist Jon Anderson departed from Yes after a decade of performing as both frontman and songwriter. Keyboard player Rick Wakeman departed at the same time, thus leaving the band without two of their key members. They filled the void with vocalist producer Trevor Horn and keyboard player Geoff Downes who, at that time, were both members of pop duo Buggles. The new Yes line up of Horn (vocals), Downes (keys), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass) and Alan White (drums) clicked, but the resulting album – ‘Drama’ (released in August 1980) – is a release which polarises fans.
Monthly Archives: December 2013
Lawrence Arms: US tour dates, Feb/Mar ’14
In suppoer of their upcoming new album, US punks The Lawrence Arms will be embarking on a run of dates across the US this coming February and March.
THE NAKED SUN – Space, Place & Time EP
The Naked Sun are a four piece Americana/roots rock band based in Philadelphia. Their debut studio EP ‘Space, Place & Time’ offers four very high quality songs – the standard of which you’d swear came from a band far more established within the music world; the sound heavily influenced by many old style country rock themes.
RAINBOW – Down To Earth
With the seventies drawing to a close and with three successful albums released under the Rainbow moniker, the ever-restless Ritchie Blackmore looked to make changes. In a quest to push Rainbow towards a more commercial and radio-friendly direction a big shake up occurred, resulting in the departure of three of the band’s five members. While Cozy Powell retained his position on drums, a quest for a new bassist saw the appointment of Blackmore’s old Deep Purple mate Roger Glover, while the role of keyboard player was filled by future Ten/Deep Purple member Don Airey. Certainly the most devastating loss was that of Ronnie James Dio, who supposedly had no interest in Blackmore’s new vision for the band. Since a talent like Dio’s comes along once in a lifetime, perhaps other musicians would have fought to reach a compromise; but in any band featuring Ritchie Blackmore, Blackmore’s decision is final.
New video from The Minx
Just in time for Christmas, alt-rock band The Minx have released a new single. ‘(Can You Find) My Head’ showcases the band’s excellent mix of guitar driven styles as well as anything on their debut EP. They’re building a cult following and can now count ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr among their fan base.