Thunder

Tue
07
Feb

Thunder (2005)

Artist: 
Categories: 
Interviews
Thunder: The Magnificent Album!


Danny Bowes talks about the very latest and most impressive Thunder album, The Magnificent Seventh, out now...


G'Day Danny, time again for a wonderful little interview....thanks in advance for your time.
Thank you.

Thunder is at it again - the album is out and looking like being every bit as successful as Shooting At The Sun and even more so. Are you a happy man?
Extremely happy. This LP is going down really well with fans both old and new, and it's going to sell a lot more than the last one, which tells me we must have been doing something right for the past 18 months.

It seems the band has slipped into a very comfortable pattern post-reformation. You have a very strong organization supporting the band, getting your releases into stores in the UK and the word out to fans via the Internet. How do you find working in this environment, as compared to the days on a major label?
I don't know about comfortable....
In the old days we never really knew what was happening (we thought we did), but we left a lot to our management and the record labels. Nowadays I'm driving everything along so I'm in the thick of it all the time, and it's very hard work, but it appears to be working so it's worth it. You're right, we've assembled a really good team and it's working well.

It seems the band truly listens to their fans, as Shooting started a path back to the band's best loved sound, and Magnificent Seventh is even heavier, more boisterous and is definitely the best album since those first two albums. Does the band have to work at achieving that fan appreciated sound and style, or is it just where you guys want to be right now?
We don't consciously plan the music around what fans want, but when you're as open as we are with meet and greets and website Q&As etc, I guess it does happen to a small extent. Luke simply writes the tunes and we smash them around until they sound right, but it's not a long drawn out process by any means. Let's face it by now we should know what we're doing. Strange thing, we knew this LP was going to go down well with fans, but we didn't think it would be as widely accepted as it has been. The reaction has been universally great, even in quarters that have been, shall we say "unkind", in the past.

How does the press in the UK treat you guys today - being veterans of the scene? I can pretty much see what coverage you are getting through Europe, but how is it in the homeland compared to the days of being pin-up boys for Kerrrang and the like?
Kerrang TV in the UK recently referred to us as rock legends, I guess that says it all really. We're all in our 40s, so to be a legend already is quite flattering I think (ha ha).

Let's talk about the new album a little...cracking lead single I must say. I Love You More Than Rock N Roll seems to me to be the perfect Thunder song - hard edged, tongue in cheek, big rocker. How has that track gone over live?
It went well from the first time we played it last summer in Germany. It's very catchy and very direct, easy to sing along with and good to dance to. What's not to like?

Your 17th Top 40 hit in the UK - that's quite something isn't it!
Yes, especially as we did it without a record label. This makes me feel very good. Loads of supposed "hot" bands can't achieve the same chart positions, and don't sell as many LPs either, so it shows having magazines plastering you all over the media doesn't always make the prophecy a self-fulfilling one. I suppose getting a hit record again after a good while proves that you don't have to be "pop" to be "popular".

The sentimental side of the and is showcased on the very smooth ballad I'm Dreaming Again - you are a natural crooner - what does it take to make a great ballad?
I'm not the one to ask. Luke is the writer, I just squawk away over the top of the band. I find it easy to do that, but I guess some of it comes from the fact that the songs are very good to sing, and written for my voice.

The tempo of this album is a noticeable lift over Shooting At The Sun - was that another intended step?
No, not really. Luke wrote the songs exclusively on electric guitar this time, rather than electric, acoustic and piano. Maybe that has something to do with it.

How did you get the great Russ Ballad involved in One Fatal Kiss?
Chris has worked with Russ for years. He mentioned to Chris that he was looking to write some rock songs again and Chris told me. I called Russ, Luke went over for a day, the song was the result. Luke said Russ was very nice and easy to work with.

I must ask as I always do - favourite tracks on the album?
The Pride makes me jump around the room, more than the others, so I guess that's my favourite today.

The USA remains an untapped commodity for you, despite a definite fan base there. It's obviously a difficult market to work, being so big, but does the band have any plans to tackle it with the new album?
Still talking to potential labels to work with, but so far no one has made me feel good. As you say it takes a lot of effort and commitment to have a go at the US, so until we find a good partner, I'd rather not do it.

How about touring plans - you'll do the UK obviously - what else is lined up for the upcoming summer?
Festivals in Europe, an Australian tour, Japanese dates, all being planned as I type.

Looking back - EMI Japan recently re-issued the Thunder back catalogue - any plans for an overhaul of the band's past releases in other territories?
No idea, you'd have to ask the labels.

You guys always record extra tracks - a nice box set of past b-sides and unreleased tracks might put a smile on fans faces!
Good idea, but you'd need to get all the labels to agree to do it. Good luck, I hope it works.

Any plans for another Bowes/Morley release after the work has been completed on this Thunder album?
We've not even discussed it, we're really incredibly busy satisfying the demand we've created with the new Thunder LP. Once it calms down a bit and we get 5 minutes to think, I dare say we'll get around to B&M again. I see no reason why not, we loved making the records before, it's purely a matter of time, or the lack of it...

Or perhaps a solo album at some stage? Or have you some other devious plan that is yet to be announced?
"We meet again Mr Bond" that kind of thing.... No, no devious plans I can think of, well none I can tell you about anyway, ha ha. I can't believe many people would be interested in a Danny Bowes solo LP. I'm not.

So leading from that - what's next for the band and yourself in the year ahead?
We're going to play live as much as we can, in front of as many people as we can, until we feel we can't do it any more. Then we'll have a little lie down for a month or 2. After that, we'll see....

Anything you would like to add Danny?
I have a fantastic collection of socks, all appear to be different, except for the fact that they all have holes in them.

Er, thanks for that! Many thanks for your time once again and take care for now....
Thanks for asking the questions.

 
Tue
07
Feb

Thunder (2003)

Artist: 
Categories: 
Interviews
Thunder: Shooting for a new lease of life.

Thunder vocalist Danny Bowes talks about life as an independent band in 2003 and the challenges of everything that involves. And there's plenty of Thunder still to come!


Danny, as you know I'm a big fan of the new CD - what made 2002 a perfect
time to reform Thunder?
It was all down to the UK Monsters Of Rock Arena tour. I convinced the promoter it was a runner, having answered all the technical and logistical questions and queries. My plan was always to be involved in it on a promoter and business level, but they made Thunder reforming and playing a part of the deal (they knew it was a big risk to put on the show and Thunder would sell them lots of tickets). I took it to the band, who agreed instantly. After that one thing led to another, as always seems to happen with Thunder.

Was the reason for you disbanding a sense of frustration in the scene, or
did you just all require a rest?
Luke and I agreed as kids that we didn't want to end up sad old gits prancing around a stage with our Zimmer frames, just doing it for the money. I always need to feel I'm able to compete and the last couple of record deals we had didn't really give us that chance. That combined with the constant touring became very wearing. Getting back together and self releasing a new record has been a real eye opener, very interesting to play record company and try to do it better than they did it. So far the sings are good and I'm enjoying being in control.

Has the Internet been responsible for breathing new life into the band, being that fans can so easily voice their support of the band and requests for you to come back to life?
The Internet is a very effective tool, and has made it possible to spread the word cost effectively. The ability to swap information with the fans is valuable, though it's not always a positive experience, so it has to be properly managed like any other resource.

You got together with Luke to record an album together - which was a step in another direction. Did that lead to discussion of a full Thunder re-union?
No. B&M was and is a separate project. No one had a problem with Luke and I making B&M records, as he and I have no problem with the others doing anything else. We're all good at what we do and the stimulus of other projects is all good for Thunder. We love making Thunder music and playing shows, and when we got back together after 2 years plus it was as if those years hadn't happened.

The sound of the band had changed over the years and you have always been a
diverse group of musicians, what do you attribute the sound of Shooting At The Sun to? It's like you guys went right back to the start and started all over again!
We felt if we were to come back it had to be with a much more straight ahead rock record. Very much a case of back to the roots. My words to Luke were "write me LP one and a half", I think he did that admirably. He's such an accommodating chap.

You guys chose to release the album yourselves in the UK. Did you not get any label offers for the record, or was it worth more to you guys to do it yourselves?
We had offers, but for reasons mentioned previously I didn't want to come back and go with a record label and possibly repeat the mistakes of the past. I've always been interested in how the business side of record making works, and got very frustrated with the labels when they ignored obvious things. It seemed natural to do this ourselves and use all the ideas and knowledge we've accumulated.

And why now release the album to Frontiers Records? What did they pitch to
you to make it an attractive offer to do so?
It soon became clear to me that I couldn't release a record internationally and be able to do everything. It's simply not possible to be everywhere all the time and do a good job. I could have not bothered to try to sell the record in the shops and keep it as an internet only release, but that's not playing the labels at their own game (we're back to competing). In light of this we decided to take on partners to help spread the word and extend the sales. JVC are doing it for us in Japan, and Frontiers have licensed the record from us for Europe. They are very enthusiastic and will hopefully do a good job for us. I'm talking to others about other territories but we'll see. What matters is that we are in control, I have all the headaches but we are in control (ha ha).

Do the band plan on touring anywhere in Europe in 2003?
We're in discussions, our agent is negotiating, but no firm plans can be revealed yet.

How about the response from fans to the record - what's your favourite
comments about it?
Too many to mention, but it's clear a great many people are very glad we're back. This is gratifying, because we need them (and others like you) to be our unofficial sales force and sell the LP to rock fans everywhere who may be interested.

And favourite tracks on the album?
Loser is a real stand out song, that's why we released it as a single around the last UK tour (it got to no 48 in the UK singles chart - not bad for a band with no label!). No one mentions it very much but I really like The Man Inside too, it's not that popular with fans, I guess that's why I'm drawn to it, awkward!

What about playing live - what new tracks have you been you using in the set?
Loser, Spin Doctor, If I Can't Feel Love, Everybody's Laughing were all played in the UK set in May. As to what we'll play when we tour again in Nov, who knows?

Is it hard doing everything yourselves? Producing/making the album, then
marketing/selling it?
In a word, YES!
You have to be able to wear several hats at one time. It is hard, but I'm seeing good results and I'm enjoying it immensely.

As a big player in the British hard rock scene over the years - how has it
changed and is there anything that can be done to improve it?
How long have you got?
We need more "launch pad" venues where kids can get out of their bedrooms and play in front of people. It's not just about being able to work the computer and DV, though the technology is great and is obviously here to stay, there's a balance to be struck. I believe we need to have a structure that enables bands to learn how to entertain a crowd too. I also believe we need more nurturing of talent, giving writers time to develop their craft. I have some theories which I'll keep to myself for now thanks.

What's next for Danny Bowes and also for Thunder in the 12 months ahead?
New B&M LP, studio soon, released early 2004. Thunder will release a DVD in October (content to be decided), we have the Thunder UK shows in November, possible European shows before that... I'm looking into the idea of a filmed acoustic Christmas show, possibly to form part of another DVD in 2004. It's in development so no details on that either right now. Next year we'll get back into the studio and write and record a new Thunder LP, more shows. There's lots but...

Anything you would like to add mate?
I don't think so, the new LP is great, so anyone who hasn't got a copy should get one asap (ha ha)

Thanks for your time!
Thanks for the interview.
 
Mon
30
Sep

ANDY TAYLOR Announces First Solo Show in 30 Years

Artist: 
Categories: 
Tour News
 
The great ANDY TAYLOR is finally making a comeback! He has even completed recording a new studio album, has signed to BMG Worldwide for a release to be announced shortly.
 
Andy has also announced his first solo headlining show in 30 years this November!
 
Here’s Andy’s statement posted today:
 
“I’m extremely excited to announce that I will be playing my first headline solo show in 30 years this coming November 27th at the 100 Club London in support of my forthcoming new album on BMG records, I will be joined by my great friend Mr Gary Stringer from Reef (& a whole new band) for this very special show.”
 
Tickets will be available from Live Nation below as of 10am this Friday:
 
 
Fri
09
Aug

THUNDER - Your Time Is Gonna Come (Official Audio)

Celebrating thirty years of music, Thunder will release a 28 track album entitled simply ‘The Greatest Hits’ on 27 September 2019 through BMG. Featuring tracks from each of their 12 studio albums, it is the first ever collection to actually be sanctioned by the band, but also compiled by Thunder themselves. The tracks chosen for ‘The Greatest Hits’ shows perfectly the arc of evolution that the band has travelled over three decades, developing, challenging themselves and always moving on: without ever losing the core elements that make them special. ‘The Greatest Hits’ will be released in four formats: 2CD, expanded 3CD [featuring a live session recorded and streamed at the Planet Rock studio on 18 Jan 2019], 3LP and Digital. CD1 & CD2 are both closed by Thunder covers of classic songs.
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Artist: 
 
Fri
28
Jun

THUNDER Unveil 'The Greatest Hits' All Formats Sept 27

Artist: 
Friday, September 27, 2019
Categories: 
News Feed
It’s 30 years of Thunder this year, so we’ve decided to release the first ever band curated Greatest Hits compilation on September 27.
 
“Thunder - The Greatest Hits” will feature at least 1 track from all of our 12 studio albums. There’s even a couple of our favourite covers thrown in there too. We hope you’ll like having all the bangers in one handy place.

There will be 28 remastered tracks, available on Triple Vinyl, 2xCD, 3xCD & Digital formats. The 3CD version includes the live show we streamed at Planet Rock’s London studios on January 18th this year. The artwork is chock full of memorabilia pics and interviews too.

Pre-orders will are now live from the Townsend Music store.
There are several bundles available plus an exclusive Greatest Hits t-shirt.
Check them all out here.
Thanks
Ben, Chris, Danny, Harry, & Luke

 
CD1 [of both 2 and 3CD formats]
Dirty Love // Love Walked In // She’s So Fine // A Better Man // Backstreet Symphony // Low Life In High Places // River Of Pain // Like A Satellite // Stand Up // Living For Today // Love Worth Dying For // Just Another Suicide // All I Ever Wanted // Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones cover)

CD2 [of both 2 and 3CD formats]
I Love You More Than Rock N Roll // Loser // I’m Dreaming Again // The Devil Made Me Do It On The Radio // The Rain // Wonder Days // Rip It Up // In Another Life // Right From The Start // The Thing I Want // Future Train [2019 Version] // Low Life In High Places [2019 Version] // Your Time Is Gonna Come (Led Zeppelin cover)

CD3 [recorded live at Planet Rock - Included with Deluxe 3xCD Version Only]
Bigger Than Both Of Us // Serpentine // She’s So Fine // Blown Away // River Of Pain // Stand Up
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Wed
12
Dec

FIREWORKS Issue #85 On Sale Now

Categories: 
News Feed
 
In UK shops from 13th December...
 
While other magazines seems to be getting slimmer due to the recent paper price increases, the mighty Fireworks remains at a colossal 148 pages, with the addition of an extra 215 page pdf and over 100 mp3 songs on our cover-mounted CD (also available via download link for imported copies. ALL copies bought directly online will have the CD).
This issue sees Thunder discussing their new album of stripped-down reworkings of songs from throughout their career, while Whitesnake’s David Coverdale tells us all about their new ‘Unzipped’ box-set.
 
Two years after leaving Magnum, Mark Stanway gives us the details on his exciting new band Kingdom of Madness, and elsewhere, Kane Roberts explains the fun of working with Alice Cooper again on his new opus, ‘The New Normal’. And then there’s Heat’s original vocalist Kenny Leckremo telling us all about his debut solo album and Jeff Wayne on bringing his magnificent ‘War of the Worlds’ to the stage.
 
Other interviews include Within Temptation, Ace Frehley, Uli Jon Roth, Fifth Angel, Nordic Union, Metal Church, Ten, Dan Reed, Evergrey, Jake E. Lee, Amaranthe, Hank Erix, White Widdow, The Tangent, Graham Bonnet, Johnny Gioeli and a truly uplifting chat with Jason Becker. And of course, many, many, many more!!
This issue, the Enthusiasts Guide takes a look at the solo career Rainbow legend Joe Lynn Turner while our Bands That Time Forgot feature, Dave Reynolds runs the rules over two classic bands of the 70s:  Teaze and Thrills.
 
Over 50 pages of detailed reviews and … yeah, you know it .. SO MUCH MORE!!!!
All for £5.99 (plus postage) and a miserly £3.50 for the download (inc pdf and all mp3 songs).
So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!
 
 
Mon
03
Dec

Veteran UK Rockers THUNDER Return With New Album ‘Please Remain Seated’

Artist: 
Friday, January 18, 2019
Categories: 
News Feed
In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, Thunder revisit and reinterpret of their finest songs in a way you’ve not heard before. Released in the U.S. on Friday, January 18th, 2019 through BMG, ‘Please Remain Seated’ is the sound of a band taking a strange journey into their own music, but also distilling thirty years of playing together in order to create something truly compelling, taking in flavors of rock, blues, jazz and soul along the way.

‘She’s So Fine’ was the album’s first single, and on this Friday, November 30th Thunder will be releasing the second single / video from ‘Please Remain Seated’ – ‘Miracle Man.’ This version of the track has been given a completely new slant and fully underlines the fresh, innovative and daring approach taken by the band during the ‘Please Remain Seated’ sessions. The video can be viewed here: 



‘Please Remain Seated’ will be available in various formats: Standard 1CD, Deluxe 2CD (bonus tracks), 180g standard black, gatefold double vinyl, Limited edition transparent orange double vinyl (Indie store exclusive, limited to 500), Digital - HD, MFiT andd standard.  The album has been mastered at half speed on vinyl for dynamic range. New single and video ‘Miracle Man’ is out on November 30th. Pre-orders available here: https://thunderband.lnk.to/PRS
 
Danny Bowes said, “We’ve never been the kind of band that wanted to make the same album over and over, and we’ve never been scared to try new things. In fact, making Thunder music over the past 30 years has taught us that the more we challenge ourselves, the better we get. Having re-imagined and re-recorded Love Walked In in 2017, we were very stimulated by the process, and wanted to try it on other songs. We made it as live as possible, jamming ideas until we found an arrangement that felt good. We set ourselves three rules: work fast, don’t aim for perfection, and make it different to the original. Some songs fell together spontaneously, and some took a series of strange left turns before ending up in a place none of us predicted.
 
By shaking up old tunes in this way, we forced ourselves to rethink how we felt about them. We think it’ll probably be the same for fans when they hear them. It’s not supposed to be a ‘Best Of’, and it’s not a change of direction, it’s just another brief stop along the journey to where we’re heading (wherever that is). We really like it, and we hope others will too”.

TRACKLISTING: Bigger Than Both Of Us / Future Train / Girl’s Going Out Of Her Head / I’m Dreaming Again / Fly On The Wall / Just Another Suicide / Empty City / Miracle Man / Blown Away / Loser / She’s So Fine / Low Life In High Places

Since forming in 1989, Thunder have notched up twenty Top Fifty singles, 2 gold albums, and cultivated a reputation as consummate live performers. Their last album - 2017’s ‘Rip It Up - hit number 3 in the UK album charts, giving the band theirr highest chart placing in 22 years. ‘Please Remain Seated’ is the result of all those miles on the clock and represents the sound of a band having fun. The smiles on their faces are almost audible, and the occasional bit of inter-band banter that made the final cut just underlines the d’esprit de corps that has always been there with Thunder. Half of the tracks feature additional musicians who’ve performed at the famed Christmas shows and there’s even a choir on one track!

‘Please Remain Seated’ may be a quieter album - thhe delicate sound of Thunder if you will! - but this collection undderlines the strength of the songwriting and musicianship, and it also proves that great [even unexpected] things can happen when a band is prepared to step out of its comfort zone and challenge itself, even after 30 years.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: thunderonline.com
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Sat
20
Oct

'Please Remain Seated' For The New THUNDER Album

Artist: 
Friday, January 18, 2019
Categories: 
News Feed
 
THUNDER's new album is called 'Please Remain Seated' and will be released via BMG (their new label) on January 18th 2019. It’s an exploration into our own music.

Q. What’s that?
A: After we reimagined and re-recorded Love Walked In in 2017 we decided to have a fresh look at the rest of our songs.

We agreed on just three rules only:
1. Work fast.
2. Don’t focus on making it perfect.
3. Make it different from the original.

The session was very challenging, frustrating, and
all round weird, but it was also a lot of fun.
We love
it, and hope you will too.

Tracklist
1. Bigger Than Both Of Us
2. Future Train
3. Girl’s Going Out Of Her Head
4. I’m Dreaming Again
5. Fly On The Wall
6. Just Another Suicide
7. Empty City
8. Miracle Man
9. Blown Away
10. Loser
11. She’s So Fine
12. Low Life In High Places

As you can see this is not a Greatest Hits album, and it’s not a change of direction either.
It’s just another stop on our musical journey.

You can pre-order it now from our Townsend Music online store, in a few formats, and a load of exclusive bundles (hopefully there’s one for everybody).
Click here for full info.

https://thunder.tmstor.es/
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Mon
28
Aug

SNAKECHARMER - Second Skin (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
80%
Produced By: 
Snakecharmer
Release Date: 
2017
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Classic Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
80
Friday, May 12, 2017
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Well it’s a lot better than the one-paced and rather bland debut, that’s for certain. Tighter production, clearer mix and much better songs. And the band has moved away from the Whitesnake heritage, swinging into a more straight up classic rock vibe. Maybe because Neil Murray is the only snake left after Mickey Moody departed.
 
Chris Ousey as usual sings his heart out, belting out his best on tunes such as the rocking opening Sounds Like A Plan and the sweeter feel good That Kind Of Love and the fast moving Follow Me Under, which continues a more varied tempo than the debut.
 
The blues kick in with some hard edged riffing on Hell Of A Way To Live, continuing into the slow burning ballad Fade Away.
The acoustic driven pop/rock ballad Punching Above My Weight is a tail end highlight amongst a few songs that don’t carry their weight.
 
I’d still much prefer Chris Ousey fronting The Distance, or teaming again with Mike Slamer like he did for his debut solo album. Still, it’s always good to hear his voice.
 
Snakecharmer have lost a little of their ‘snake’ and gained a little more ‘charm’, but they are still a ways off a classic album. More work on hooks and choruses next time – everything else seems to be in place.

 

 
Tue
21
Mar

SHADOWMAN Expose 'Secrets And Lies' May 19

Artist: 
Friday, May 19, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Escape Music will release the brand new SHADOWMAN album on May 19.
 
 
Steve Overland (FM) -­ Lead Vocals
Steve Morris (Heartland) ­- Guitars & Keyboards
Chris Childs (Thunder) ­- Bass
Harry James (Thunder) -­ Drums
 
Special guest on keyboards: Didge Digital
 
Produced by: Steve Morris and Steve Overland
Mixed and Mastered by: Martin Kronlund
Executive Producer: Khalil Turk for Escape Music Ltd.
 
Track List: 1- Gravity 4:34 / 2-Automatic 4:19 / 3- Put It All On Love 4:45 / 4-Contagious 3:26 / 5-Broken Bones 3:53/ 6-Best Things In Life 4:09 / 7-Face The Night 4:23 / 8-No Smoke Without Fire 4:09 / 9-Good Times, Bad Times 2:58 / 10-Be True To yourself 4:21 / 11-Secrets And Lies 3:57 / 12-Stand Up And Be Counted 3:26
 
It has been almost 14 years since the debut album by Shadowman was released ('Land of the Living' ESM098). The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock. As you would expect Shadowman had elements of both Heartland and FM deeply embedded in its grooves, yet it was highly original and was often touted as the best British melodic release of 2004.
 
Two years later in 2006 and the eagerly awaited follow up 'Different Angles' (ESM 127) became an important album for this quartet that also includes both Harry James and Chris Childs of Thunder. The unmistakable guitar trademark sound of Steve Morris and the vocals of Steve Overland will always shine through at a very early stage. Somehow they make their music sound effortless, and as we all very well know Steve Overland has a remarkable vocal range. His vocal range suits the classic melodic rock genre and he has a very bluesy side to his talent. His four solo releases on Escape Music are all fine examples of his work.
 
Shadowman are a band that is all about great rock music who will win you over with charm. Quality rock music is so hard to find these days and it is reassuring to know that it hasn't lost its way. 'Ghost in the Mirror' (ESM179), the band's third release in 2008 is an extension of the band's already established sound and the 2011 release 'Watching Over You' helped nurture the band's identity even further.
 
Another six years on and we are presented with the band’s fifth studio release, and it’s certainly been worth the wait. “Gravity” is a marvellous opener which shows fresh ideas and superb musicianship, and this pretty much paves the way for the rest of the album. Along the way we have Steve Morris and his ever present guitar prowess, and Steve Overland just effortlessly gives us brilliant vocal performances throughout. The solid rhythm of Thunder men Chris Childs and Harry James are faultless, and with classic touches from original FM keyboards player Didge Digital we are in for a real treat.
 
Discography: Land of the Living (2004), Different Angles (2006), Ghost in the Mirror (2008), Watching Over you (2011), Nowhere Bound (2017)
 
 

 

 
Thu
09
Mar

SNAKECHARMER Deliver 'Second Skin' May 12

Artist: 
Friday, May 12, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of Snakecharmer’s sophomore album, “Second Skin” on May 12.
 
The British hard rock supergroup Snakecharmer was originally founded in 2011 by former Whitesnake/David Coverdale members Micky Moody and Neil Murray along with the perfect mix of high calibre musicians including Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne), and Chris Ousey (Heartland).
 
The band’s debut self-titled album was released in 2013 and musically the record showed a finely crafted hard rock style mixed with blues and melodic overtones, akin to Micky and Neil's former band and Bad Company, with hints of early Foreigner as well.
 
Snakecharmer played live shows regularly in support of the album’s release and built a solid fanbase in the UK and Europe. In 2016, Moody left the band and was replaced by the Irish-born Simon McBride on lead guitar. Simon was hailed “among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world” by Guitarist Magazine and has built up an impressive resume playing with outstanding rock, soul, and blues artists.
 
“Second Skin” is the hotly anticipated second effort from Snakecharmer and brings the listener straight back to the good old days of real rock n' roll played with heart and soul. Slightly harder edged compared to the debut, but with roots still firmly planted in the classic hard rock vibe with a hint of late '70s AOR, this new record sounds fresh and crisp.
 
Bassist Neil Murray says “It’s been a rather long journey, but finally I’m very pleased to announce that Snakecharmer are soon to release our new album, Second Skin. The band has now found its own unique musical identity and in particular Laurie Wisefield and Chris Ousey have contributed some very powerful and melodic songs, which still have the Snakecharmer blues-rock distinctive trademarks. The band works in a very democratic and collaborative way, which means that sometimes there is a lot of discussion before decisions are finally made, and it was great to have a more objective viewpoint from producer Gary Stevenson, who also fired the band up with his ideas, enthusiasm and sonic skills. We can’t wait to get out on tour and play some of the new songs, together with the best of our established classics, both Snakecharmer and Whitesnake, and showcase our new virtuoso guitarist, the brilliant Simon McBride.”
 
Strong, passionate, rocking, and blues-laden, “Second Skin” is quality British hard rock at its very best!
 
Tracklisting:
1. Sounds Like A Plan
2. That Kind Of Love
3. Are You Ready To Fly
4. Follow Me Under
5. I'll Take You As You Are
6. Hell Of A Way To Live
7. Fade Away
8. Dress It Up
9. Punching Above My Weight
10. Forgive & Forget
11. Where Do We Go From Here
 
SNAKECHARMER:
Chris Ousey - vocals
Laurie Wisefield - guitar
Simon McBride - guitar
Adam Wakeman - keyboards
Neil Murray - bass
Harry James - drums
 
UK TOUR DATES:
May 05 Cardiff, The Globe
May 07 Bingley, Bingley Arts Centre
May 10 Hull, Fruit
May 12 Sheffield, The Plug
May 13 Tavistock, The Wharf
May 14 London, O2 Academy Islington
May 18 Glasgow, 02 ABC2
May 19 Newcastle upon Tyne, 02 Academy
May 20 Alva, Scotland
May 24 Preston, Guildhall
May 25 Milton Keynes, The Stables
May 26 Frome, Cheese And Grain
May 27 Holmfirth, Picturedrome

 

 
Wed
07
Dec

THUNDER Will 'Rip It Up' In February

Artist: 
Friday, February 10, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
New Album - It's Called... "Rip It Up" - Released Feb 10th 2017
 
Yes people, we're extremely chuffed to announce that our new studio album is finished, and it is AMAZING! We can say this of course because we've heard it, so you'll have to trust us..
It was recorded in 3 sessions (March, June and August) and it's a real step up in every direction. There are 11 brand new cracking tunes, all written as ever by Luke. He also produced it, and our old mate Nick Brine recorded it at Rockfield in Monmouth (as with Wonder Days).
This time we made a few changes, with some new mixing ears wrapped around it in the form of the talented Clint Murphy at Modern World, and Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, who mastered it in New York USA.
The album artwork was done by a fantastic Norwegian artist (yes he's an artist) called Magnus Gjoen. His work focuses on how things are not always what they seem, which we think is a bit like us..
 
There will be formats galore, and also like Wonder Days, there will be a whole bunch of Thunder Store Only exclusive items. All of these will be available to pre-order tomorrow morning at 09:00, so pop back here and check it all out babies!
Paul Anthony will get the world exclusive first play of the title song "Rip It Up" at 08:10 tomorrow morning on Planet Rock, so tune in, have a listen, and spread the word. With your help, on February 10th 2017, we're going to Rip It Up, all over again...
 
Thanks
BCDH&L
 

 

Tags: 
 
Thu
28
Jul

THUNDER Announce Official Bio 'Giving The Game Away'

Artist: 
Categories: 
News Feed

We're pleased to announce that our first ever book will be called “Giving The Game Away', and it's the definitive Thunder story in all its glorious detail.

We'll be launching it at the Louder Than Words literary festival in Manchester on November 12th.
We'll be 'in conversation' with Joel McIver, our long suffering author (he who interviewed us 1000 times for the book).

From Thunder Online: "As and when it feels appropriate, we'll burst into acoustic performances, and Joel will do his best to exercise some control over the proceedings.
Once we're done, we'll mingle for a short while with the assembled throng, chat and sign the book (which can be pre-ordered along with tickets).

Tickets and pre-sales for the book will go on sale at 09:00 on Friday morning, and this is fair warning so you all have an equal chance to get your hands on one or two. It's an intimate event, so those who want to attend will need to be quick.

See you there

Thanks

BCDH&L"
 
Tags: 
 
Thu
21
Jul

THUNDER Announce First Ever Australian Dates

Artist: 
Categories: 
Tour News
 
Look Out Aussie, Here We Come!
Yes yes it’s true. 
It’s only taken us 28 years to get there, but in March 2017, we will play our first ever shows in Australia..
Yes yes it’s true.
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, and there's a pre-sale happening on Wednesday too. All ticket links will be posted here:WWW.MJRPRESENTS.COM/THUNDER
In the meantime the venues and dates are below.
We really can’t say any more, we are way too excited..
Yes yes it’s true..
BCDH&L
Tuesday 7th March - Factory, Sydney NSW
Wednesday 8th March - Corner, Melbourne VIC
Friday 10th March - Triffid, Brisbane QLD
Saturday 11th March - Capitol, Perth WA

 

Tags: 
 
Mon
15
Feb

One On One With Mitch Lafon - THUNDER

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio
 

THUNDER's DANNY BOWES joins Mitch on episode 195 of One On One With Mitch Lafon
 
 
In the episode's only interview, vocalist DANNY BOWES discusses THUNDER latest release All You Can Eat, last year's Wonder Days, the business of Thunder, why North America has been so hard to 'conquer', his relationship with Luke Morley, getting a record label after years of being independent, the Farewell not actually Farewell tour, and much more.

Quotes from the DANNY BOWES interview:

On the initial reaction to record company's request to record All You Can Eat: "The band wasn't overly impressed with the idea of having finished an album and going straight back in to the studio to re-record it live, but we, in the end, thoroughly enjoyed it."

The future of the band: "Providing we stay happy and healthy, we'd love to release another record in 2017. We have momentum and an international presence which is growing. The ripples of love for the Wonder Days album are still coming home to us now."

Luke Morley: "He's a constant. He's always been there. We are inextricably linked, always have been and always will be. There is no way around that."

North America: "The video for Dirty Love that went number one Dial MTV for six weeks. We sold a quarter of a million albums in America and hadn't even set foot there. We were thinking, 'wow, this is it.' The problem was a man named Kurt Cobain had other ideas. Overnight, the record company changed from being interested in bands like us to being interested in bands like Nirvana."

"We had a tour booked with David Lee Roth and Cinderella in the summer of '91. It was three months in huge sheds. We'd shipped all our equipment, our bicycles, and absolutely everything out there to start this tour. We were so excited and with about five days to go, our American manager rang up and told us to unpack. He said, 'the tour is not selling. It's not about this kind of music anymore. You guys are going to get the reputation for being the house band on the Titanic."

For more about THUNDER visit:
Online: http://www.thunderonline.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonline
TWITTER: @thundertowers
Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/thunderonline
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SfrwwVPGtjYTI3vwQ4hEU

Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
And Official Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/OneOnOneMitchLafon
 
 

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