rival sons uk tour support 2023

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Rival Sons announce Darkfighter Tour Across UK and Europe in Support of New Album

13 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | London Roundhouse

Event Details

Rival Sons will embark on their UK and Europe Darkfighter Tour later this year. The 30-date tour starts at London’s Roundhouse on 13 October and

Rival Sons will embark on their UK and Europe Darkfighter Tour later this year. The 30-date tour starts at London’s Roundhouse on 13 October and runs through to Finland on 21 November. This tour is to support their Darkfighter album, due on 2 June 2023, with a companion album Lighbringer set for later this year.

October 13, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

Roundhouse, London

Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH

Calendar GoogleCal

14 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Newcastle NX

October 14, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

NX, Newcastle

Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SW

16 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Glasgow Barrowlands

October 16, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

Barrowlands, Glasgow

244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT

17 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Birmingham O2 Academy

October 17, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

O2 Academy, Birmingham

16-18 Horse Fair, Birmingham B1 1DB

18 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Manchester Academy

October 18, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

Academy, Manchester

Manchester University Students Union, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PR.

20 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge

October 20, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

Cambridge Corn Exchange

2 Wheeler St, Cambridge CB2 3QB

21 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Bristol O2 Academy

October 21, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

O2 Academy, Bristol

Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA

22 oct 7:00 pm Rival Sons | Southampton Guildhall

October 22, 2023 7:00 pm (GMT+01:00)

O2 Guildhall, Southampton

W Marlands Rd, Southampton SO14 7LP

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Rival Sons announce DARKFIGHTER UK tour

The debonair rockers return to our shores

Long Beach’s Rival Sons have announced a sprawling 30-date European tour for October 2023, which will see the band play eight UK venues, before heading on to continental Europe.

Celebrating the release of their forthcoming album of the same name , The DARKFIGHTER Tour kicks off on Friday 13th October in London’s famed Roundhouse, just across the road from the Barfly, where they played their first ever European show 12 years ago.

The 10-legged fuzz beasts then call at NX Newcastle, Glasgow’s Barrowlands, O2 Academy Birmingham, Manchester Academy, Cambridge Corn Exchange, O2 Academy Bristol and O2 Guildhall Southampton.

The rest of the tour sees them take in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Norway amongst other countries.

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General sale begins at 10am on Friday 14th April.

Whilst labelled the DARKFIGHTER tour, the band have confirmed that fans will also get to hear music from the twin album LIGHTBRINGER, which at present does not have a release date, slated only for "late 2023".

Announcing the tour, guitarist Scott Holiday said: "Dear friends on the other side of the pond, DARKFIGHTER is coming for you! AND LIGHTBRINGER is coming for you too!

"We’re finally able to come back to you and bring you NEW music! Music that has been firmly situated in our hearts. Nothing makes me happier than to think about experiencing these albums together and making them into something entirely new and different every night. Let’s make something symbiotic, alive, that we’ll want to remember forever!”

A special guest support act is currently TBA for the tour.

Rival Sons' last UK tour took place in June and July 2022 .

Rival Sons The DARKFIGHTER Tour UK dates:

OCTOBER 2023

London, Roundhouse - Fri 13th

Newcastle, NX - Saturday 14th

Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom - Mon 16th

Birmingham, O2 Acadmey - Tue 17th

Manchester, Manchester Academy - Wed 18th

Cambridge, Corn Exchange - Fri 20th

Bristol, O2 Academy - Sat 21st

Southampton, O2 Guildhall - Sun 22nd

Buy Rival Sons tickets

30 rock and metal albums to look out for in 2023:, uriah heep – ‘chaos & colour’.

Uriah Heep's first album in five years, ' Chaos & Colour ', was once again produced by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Corey Taylor, Black Star Riders) and recorded at Chapel Studios in London. The band's sole constant member Mick Box explains that the pandemic very much inspired the title of 'Chaos & Colour' and shaped some of its themes. "The album title reflects that we were in chaotic times with being locked down, tours being cancelled, businesses folding, and all the chaos that was thrown into the world," says Box. "As far as I could see it, the only colour people had was through music. It helped so many people get through those difficult years, using that strength and power which music has, to make those bad times not quite so bad." Release date: 27th January 2023

Black Star Riders – ‘Wrong Side of Paradise’

Featuring the Planet Rock playlisted gem 'Better Than Saturday Night' and Black Star Riders' barnstorming cover of The Osmonds' 'Crazy Horses' , the band's fifth studio album ' Wrong Side of Paradise ' is their first without founding member Scott Gorham, who officially exited the band in 2021. The 11-track record was recorded at Studio 606 in Northridge California and Toochtoon Sound in Redmond Oregon with long-term producer Jay Ruston at the helm. "As with all BSR albums, 'Wrong Side Of Paradise' is an anthemic statement of intent, driven by ferocious guitars and thundering drums," comments frontman Ricky Warwick. "I can only write about my own personal experiences, my families, my friends and how I see a world that is unravelling and changing faster than we can comprehend. That being said, I'm a firm believer in the power of positivity, something that echoes throughout this album." Release date: 20th January 2023

Metallica – ’72 Seasons’

Metallica's first studio album since 2016's 'Hardwired…To Self-Destruct' clocks in at over 77 minutes and features 12 songs including the barnstorming Planet Rock playlisted anthem 'Lux Æterna' that harks back to the band's embryonic years. Commenting on the concept for ' 72 Seasons ', James Hetfield says: "72 seasons. The first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves. The concept that we were told 'who we are' by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of those core beliefs and how it affects our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is re-enactment or reaction to these childhood experiences. Prisoners of childhood or breaking free of those bondages we carry." Release date: 14th April 2023

Sophie Lloyd – ‘Imposter Syndrome’

Currently rocking Planet Rock's airwaves with the high octane 'Do Or Die' featuring the powerful vocals of Inglorious frontman Nathan James, fast-ascending guitar phenomenon Sophie Lloyd will release her debut album 'Imposter Syndrome' in 2023. Just like the lead single, the record will feature an array of guest vocalists, many of whom Sophie idolised growing up. Sophie enthuses: "I can finally say that I have new music coming! All my music before was instrumental, so this is a very special release for me as it includes vocals, and some of the people we've worked with are people I used to have as posters on my wall as a kid, so it feels very full circle. It's something that I have been working on before the first lockdown, and to be here talking about it feels amazing!" Release date TBC

Rival Sons – ‘Darkfighter’

The mighty Rival Sons will release their first album in four years, 'Darkfighter', on Friday 2nd June 2023 and it has once again been helmed by producer Dave Cobb. Featuring eight tracks, Rival Sons have promised the record is "cinematic" in scope, and if searing leads single 'Nobody Wants To Die' is anything to go by, it's sure to be very special indeed. Commenting on the record's weighty lyrical themes, singer Jay Buchanan says: "'Darkfighter represents the cultural mitosis of isolation, the Pandemic, and the national fabric of the US getting looser and looser. When I say 'Cultural Mitosis', there are lines being drawn constantly. We're so divided, and you can't step over the lines without offending someone. It certainly informed my writing. We recognized a responsibility to put a good word on people's ears so there's a good word coming back on their tongues too. We missed the joy of the live show and that magical interaction. When it was taken from us, that made me want to sing about topics that were important. There are strong themes on this record of loss of identity, preservation of joy, and beholding light and shape again." Release date: 10th March 2023

Floor Jansen – ‘Paragon’

Nightwish singer Floor Jansen's debut solo album 'Paragon' is a departure from the symphonic metal of her day job, and instead features 'a diverse collection of pop-infused tracks and emotional ballads influenced by the sounds of her career.' Jansen has already released three singles from 'Paragon' - 'Me Without You', 'Storm' and 'Fire' - and she's extremely excited about her solo venture, enthusing: "To renew yourself and take leaps into the unknown makes you grow. To age is a gift not everyone gets. I am a fortunate woman who got to make an album I never knew I could make. One that even defines me, where I am on my path. I have reached my Paragon! I am so proud of this work! And grateful for all the amazing people in this beautiful life that helped me get here!" Release date: 24th March 2023

Jethro Tull – TBA

Fresh from releasing 'The Zealot Gene' – their first album of original material in 23 years - Jethro Tull have confirmed they have finished recording their as-yet-untitled new album , with a release date planned for the spring. Frontman and founder member Ian Anderson says of their 23rd studio album: "We have been putting the finishing touches to the artwork for the album cover and wrapped up the recording and mixing a few weeks ago. It's a little too early just yet to tease you with titles, tracklists and content, but rest assured that it is all done and dusted as to mastering and the main elements of art and packaging. I hope you will like the concept and themes when I am ready to tell you more."

Those Damn Crows – ‘Inhale/Exhale’

Bridgend livewires Those Damn Crows' new record 'Inhale/Exhale' boasts 10 songs and it was recorded at Vada Studios in rural Warwickshire and Giant Wafer Studios in Wales, with producer Dan Weller. The album is preceded by the powerful and intensely personal single 'This Time I'm Ready', which frontman Shane Greenhall wrote about his late dad. "'This Time I'm Ready' is a song about a one-way conversation I have with my Dad," comments Greenhall. "He's been gone 11 years now but as anyone who's ever lost and grieved somebody close, you never stop talking to them as they were (and will continue to be) a huge part in your life. I think the whole grieving process can be both mentally and emotionally brutal, with long lasting effects. Everyone deals with pain and grief differently, I believe it's made me stronger and genuinely given me more incentive and desire to go do the things I want to do... 'This time I'm ready, light the fire in me.'" Release date: 17th February 2023

Nita Strauss – TBA

After an eventful 2022 which saw her depart Alice Cooper's band for Demi Lovato's touring group, guitar shredder extraordinaire Nita Strauss is set to unleash her second solo album in 2023. The follow-up to 2018's 'Controlled Chaos' will feature the singles 'Dead Inside' (featuring Disturbed's David Draiman), 'The Wolf You Feed' (featuring Arch Enemy's Alissa White-Gluz) and the rip-roaring instrumental track ' Summer Storm .' Commenting on the latter track, Strauss says: "Instrumental music is where my heart is, and 'Summer Storm' might be the song I feel captures my personal style the most: cathartic, driving and emotional. While a lot of the upcoming record will have guest vocalists, I'm also so proud of the instrumental tracks and excited to officially unleash this one on the world!"

Alice Cooper – TBA

Alongside helming his show on Planet Rock , shock rock legend Alice Cooper has been busy working on two studio albums over the past couple years. Alice told Eddie Trunk a few months ago: "One (album) is written — totally written… and then the other one is just a touch in the future, but that's being written right now too. They're two entirely different kinds of albums, but they're Alice Cooper pure rock and roll albums." Producer Bob Ezrin added: "One (album) is very hard rock; the other one is hard rock but it's twisted. And that's all I can say about it right now, because there's a couple of really important things about both albums." Hopefully at least one of them will see the light of day this year!

Skindred – ‘Smile’

Welsh reggae metallers Skindred will mark their 25th anniversary in 2023 with the release of their eighth album 'Smile' via Earache Records. Featuring the earth-shattering lead single 'Gimme That Boom', Skindred's representatives have hailed the album as the band's "masterpiece." Blurb promoting 'Smile' reads: "These two sides of the album, ranging from joy to rage and love to fury, suggest that 'Smile' is going to be hailed as the band's masterpiece; an album that brings together all facets of Skindred's music – from reggae to metal, rock to pop, dub to electro – into the most mind-expanding and potent collection of songs, designed to melt stereos around the world." Release date: Summer 2023

Extreme – TBA

Extreme's first album in 15 years could well be on the way in 2023. In an interview with Eddie Trunk last July, singer Gary Cherone enthused that the record contains some career-best material. "I think this is some of the best stuff Nuno (Bettencourt) and I have written," he boldly proclaimed. "I think he would say the same thing… There's only one Nuno and he outdid himself on this record. His solos blow me away. I'm proud of a lot of the songs on the record."

Iggy Pop – ‘Every Loser’

Punk legend Iggy Pop, who recently retired from stage diving aged 75 , has drafted in an array of guest performers for his new studio album 'Every Loser' including Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, Josh Klinghoffer, Travis Barker, Stone Gossard, Dave Navarro and the late-great Taylor Hawkins. The record is helmed by Grammy winning Ozzy Osbourne producer Andrew Watt. Iggy Pop said: "The players are guys I've known since they were kids, and the music will beat the s--- out of you." Release date: 6th January 2023

Judas Priest – TBA

Judas Priest commenced work on the follow-up to 2018's 'Firepower' way back in February 2020 when Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner posted a photo from the recording studio. Of course, the pandemic got in the way of things, and in September 2021 Faulkner almost died when he suffered an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection on stage during Priest's performance at Louder than Life festival. Despite the significant hurdles, Priest have been busy working on their new record, and in October Rob Halford proudly proclaimed, "In essence, it's done."

Greta Van Fleet – TBA

Fresh-faced Frankenmuth rockers Greta Van Fleet have confirmed their third album is almost in the can. Drummer Danny Wagner told Heavy Consequence: "It's nearing completion, and we're very excited about it." Bassist Sam Kiszka adds: "It's conceptually going back to almost the days in the garage, with the raw energy of the sound. But expanding on that because we're the best musicians we've ever been." Greta Van Fleet's last album 'The Battle at Garden's Gate' was released in 2021.

The Winery Dogs – ‘III’

Richie Kotzen, Mike Portnoy and Billy Sheehan's aptly entitled third album 'III' boasts 10 tracks including the "fierce" lead single 'Xanadu.' The trio were inspired to commence work on the record way back in 2019 following a 22-date tour called Who Let The Dogs Out. Mike Portnoy says: "That was a fun little tour that reignited our enthusiasm — and that's also when we knew a third album was definitely in the cards." Billy Sheehan adds: "Getting back together like that was really refreshing. We could relax a bit and enjoy being together onstage, playing without any pressure. It was a beautiful thing." Following in the footsteps of their first two albums, 'III' was once again produced by The Winery Dogs and mixed by long-time band associate Jay Ruston. Release date: 3rd February 2023

Mammoth WVH – TBA

Having wowed at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts and his opening slot on Alter Bridge's UK arena tour, Wolfgang Van Halen and his Mammoth WVH band mates will release album no.2 in 2023. We don't know too much about the follow-up to 2021's acclaimed 'Mammoth WVH', but Wolfgang has been posting images from the studio on social media confirming that recording process has begun. Speaking to Guitar World magazine, Wolfgang says he finds making music a cathartic experience in the wake of his dad Eddie Van Halen's death in October 2020. "There's many times when I don't have the strength to do anything, and more than not, that seems to be the case but you've got to find the things that give you life," Wolfgang said. "For me, that's music and being able to wake up every day and think about how I am going to create this second album. It's stressful, but it's also very exciting, and it's what I pull all my thinking into."

Tony Iommi – TBA

The Iron Man kicked off 2023 by posting a video message to fans revealing he's working on a new studio album this year. "I've been writing and recording," Tony said. "I'm having a new studio built, which I'm really pleased about. Well, actually, the studio is built, and it's almost ready to go; I'm just waiting for some equipment. Because of the war (in Ukraine), it's sort of stopped some of the parts coming through. But we're almost there. In another couple of weeks, I think I'll be ready to go in and start work in there, which I'm really looking forward to – writing another album." Alongside potentially releasing a new solo album, Iommi has confirmed Black Sabbath will reissue their Tony Martin-era albums this year. Nice!

Anthrax – TBA

According to guitarist Scott Ian, Anthrax's new studio album 'should' be released in 2023. Speaking with Midwest Beatdown last August, Ian hinted that the follow-up to 2016's 'For All Kings' will very fiery. He said: "With the song writing that we have right now, going into what will eventually be a new Anthrax album, it just lends itself to even a more aggressive production which I think we will have no problem accomplishing." It remains to be seen whether drummer Charlie Benante's touring commitments with Pantera will stall the release of the new Anthrax record.

Europe – TBA

Europe guitarist John Norum confirmed the Swedish rockers will commence recording their first album since 2017's 'Walk The Earth' in May 2023 "We're gonna start working," Norum explained. "The plan is to start recording in May. So we are writing right now as we speak; everyone is writing new songs." Alongside the new material, Europe are planning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their eponymous debut album with a box set and tour.

Steve Vai – ‘Vai/Gash’

Guitar virtuoso Steve Vai will start 2023 in style by released his 11th solo studio album 'Vai/Gash'. The eight songs it contains date back more than 30 years, as Vai explains: "This record was written and recorded in somewhat of a stream of consciousness in 1991 within perhaps a two-week period as an answer to my desire to have a particular kind of music to listen to when I was riding my Harley Davison Motorcycle with my friends. It's reminiscent of a certain type of rock music I enjoyed as a teenager in the 1970's. These recordings sat on the shelf for over 30 years and are being released now in 2023." Release date: 27th January 2023

Airbourne – TBA

In summer 2022, Australian hard rock livewires Airbourne revealed their plans to release their sixth studio album this year. Refreshingly, unlike many records released in recent years, the album will definitely not be inspired by lockdown or the pandemic. Frontman Joel O'Keeffe told Eonmusic: "We did make an executive decision during lockdown not to be too focused on trying to make rock and roll songs that make you feel very good in an environment where you're depressed and you're being held down by the man." His drumming sibling Ryan O'Keeffe added: "We wanted to see people again and play to crowds again before we even think about (recording music); that's what we've always done." Hopefully we'll hear some new tunes at Steelhouse Festival this July!

Steel Panther – ‘On the Prowl’

After founding member Lexxi Foxx exited the band in 2021, comedy rockers Steel Panther have since recruited Spyder as their new full-time bassist, and they show no signs of slowing down with the upcoming release of their sixth studio album 'On the Prowl' and an accompanying headline UK tour in May. Lead single '1987' is a musical ode to the year in the title with Guns N' Roses, Poison, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne and Van Halen all namechecked. Elsewhere on the record, expect typically crude and daft lyrics, and gloriously overblown rock music on tracks like 'On Your Instagram,' 'Pornstar' and 'One Pump Chump.' Release date: 24th February 2023

Queens of the Stone Age – TBA

In October 2022, Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes let slip that his band mate Josh Homme had recorded a new Queens of the Stone Age album. During an Instagram livestream, Hughes was asked about his recent activities. He replied: "Recording a new record. Queens (of the Stone Age) just did one, now we're doing ours now." QOTSA's last album, the Mark Ronson produced 'Villains', was released in August 2017.

The Answer – ‘Sundowners’

Northern Irish rockers The Answer made their sensation live return at Planet Rockstock after six long years away in December, and they will continue their comeback in 2023 with album no.7 'Sundowners' and a headline UK tour. Produced by Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow, Those Damn Crows) and recorded at Middle farm studios in Devon, 'Sundowners' features 11 songs including lead single 'Want You To Love Me.' Enthusing about working with The Answer, Dan Weller says: "I've been swamped by loads of rock bands wanting to make records but when I heard these The Answer demos, I was literally gob smacked – fabulous song after song, crafted, kicking ass, it was almost too good to be true, I simply had to get involved." Release date: 17th March 2023

Within Temptation – TBA

Fresh from triumphing on their co-headline Worlds Collide UK tour with Evanescence, Dutch symphonic metallers Within Temptation are primed to release their as-yet-untitled eighth album this year. Within Temptation have already shared five excellent tracks from the record, including the Planet Rock playlisted gem 'Don't Pray For Me', and the omens look very good indeed for another killer album.

W.A.S.P – TBA

Blackie Lawless says he wants to finish W.A.S.P.'s 16th studio album before he comes to the UK in the spring on their delayed 40th anniversary tour. "We had started working on a record over a year ago and I'm hoping to be able to finish it sometime in January/February," Lawless told Eddie Trunk. "It won't be out until after the tour is finished, but I'm hoping to have it wrapped up by the time we start." Reflecting on the musical direction, Lawless said: "I want this to be a rock and roll record — an old-time rock and roll record. That's what I'm feeling. And it could be some sort of adverse reaction to what's going on in the world, maybe." W.A.S.P.'s last album 'Golgotha' was released in October 2015.

Slipknot – ‘Look Outside Your Window’

Slipknot percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan says the Iowan masked metallers might unleash their unreleased 'Look Outside Your Window' album in 2023. Recorded during the sessions for their 2008 album 'All Hope Is Gone', the 11-track record features musical contributions from only four Slipknot band members – Crahan, singer Corey Taylor, guitarist Jim Root and DJ Sid Wilson. "It's an amazing body of work," Crahan enthused to Upset Magazine. "You will never hear another Corey Taylor like this. The music and the words… it's one of the best things I've ever done in my life."

Pearl Jam – TBA

Back in January 2022 it emerged that Seattle grunge icons Pearl Jam had joined forces with Ozzy Osbourne producer Andrew Watt at his basement studio to lay down some material. Asked about the band's upcoming plans, Eddie Vedder told Mojo: "We'll make a record with Andrew, I believe. We've already talked about it." Vedder explained that Pearl Jam were working on the follow-up to 2020's 'Gigaton' as they "a strong, healthy ambition to do so." Andrew Watt is a self-professed Pearl Jam mega fan so we're excited to see the results.

Avenged Sevenfold – TBA

After years of teasing new material, Huntington Beach metallers Avenged Sevenfold updated the description of their official website in November 2022 with the words 'Official website for Avenged Sevenfold. New album out 2023.' Drummer Brooks Wackerman has previously described the follow-up to 2016's 'The Stage' as "unlike anything we've ever released."

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Rival Sons announce Darkfighter UK and European tour

Rival Sons will play 30 shows across The UK and Europe in support of this year's Darkfighter and Lightbringer albums

Rival Sons have announced a 30-date run of European shows. The UK leg of the Darkfighter tour will kick off at the The Roundhouse in London on October 13 and climax at the Southampton Guildhall on October 22, before the band embark on the European leg two days later at La Carrière in Nantes, France. Full dates below.

"Dear friends on the other side of the pond," advises guitarist Scott Holiday . " Darkfighter is coming for you! And Lightbringer is coming for you too!"

Holiday is referring to new Rival Sons album Darkfighter, due for release on June 2 – it was originally slated for March 10 – and a second album,  Lightbringer , which will arrive later in the year. The band's last album was 2019's Feral Roots . 

"We’re finally able to come back to you and bring you new music!" confirms Holiday. "Music that has been firmly situated in our hearts. Nothing makes me happier than to think about experiencing these albums together and making them into something entirely new and different every night. Let’s make something symbiotic, alive, that we’ll want to remember forever!” 

Tickets go on sale from the Rival Sons website from April 14. The band have released three tracks from Darkfighter so far: Nobody Wants To Die emerged in October, Rapture arrived in January, and Bird In The Hand was released last month. Last week, the band also launched a video for Bird In The Hand .    

Rival Sons have recently finished a short run of North American dates supporting Greta Van Fleet , and will embark on the US leg of the Darkfighter tour at the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City, OK, on May 11. Full dates below.  

Rival Sons Darkfighter 2023 Tour

May 11: Oklahoma City Diamond Ballroom, OK*# May 12: Little Rock The Hall, AR*# May 13: Austin Stubb’s, TX*# May 16: Chattanooga The Signal, TN*# May 17: Atlanta Tabernacle, GA*# May 18: Nashville Marathon Music Works, TN*# May 20: Daytona Beach Welcome To Rockville, FL+ May 21: Wilmington Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, NC*# May 23: Richmond The National, VA*# May 24: Norfolk The NorVa, VA*# May 26: Morgantown Ruby Amphitheater, WV* May 27: Columbus Sonic Temple, OH+ May 28: Buffalo Town Ballroom, NY* May 30: Silver Spring The Fillmore, MD*# May 31: Worcester The Palladium, MA*# Jun 01: New York Palladium Times Square, NY Jun 03: Philadelphia Franklin Music Hall, PA*# Jun 04: Albany Empire Live, NY*# Jun 06: London London Music Hall, ON*# Jun 08: Detroit The Fillmore, MI^# Jun 09: Chicago Radius, IL^# Jun 10: Minneapolis The Fillmore, MN^# Jun 12: Milwaukee The Rave, WI^# Jun 13: Cedar Rapids Club 5, IA^# Jun 14: St. Louis Pageant, MO^# Jun 16: Omaha The Admiral, NE^# Jun 17: Kansas City Uptown Theater, MO^#

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Oct 13: London The Roundhouse, UK Oct 14, Newcastle NX, UK Oct 16: Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom, UK Oct 17: Birmingham O2 Academy, UK Oct 18: Manchester Academy, UK Oct 20: Cambridge Corn Exchange, UK Oct 21: Bristol O2 Academy, UK Oct 22: Southampton O2 Guildhall, UK Oct 24: Nantes La Carrière, France Oct 25: Lyon Le Radiant, France Oct 27: Paris Olympia, France Oct 28: Lausanne Les Docks, Switzerland Oct 29: Milan Alcatraz, Italy Oct 31: Vienna Gasometer, Austria Nov 01: Zurich X-Tra, Switzerland Nov 02: Munich Theaterfabrik, Germany Nov 04: Prague Lucerna Music Bar, Czech Republic Nov 05: Warsaw Klub Stodola, Poland Nov 06: Poznan Music Club B17, Poland Nov 08: Berlin Huxley's, Germany Nov 09: Amsterdam Melkweg Max, Netherlands Nov 10: Cologne Kantine, Germany Nov 12: Brussels Ancienne Belgique, Belgium Nov 13: Hamburg Grosse Freiheit 36, Germany Nov 14: Copenhagen The Grey Hall, Denmark Nov 16: Bergen Forum Scene, Norway Nov 17: Oslo Sentrum Scene, Norway Nov 18: Stockholm B-K, Sweden Nov 20: Helsinki House Of Culture, Finland Nov 21: Tampere Hall, Finland

*with The Record Company ^with Black Angels #with Starcrawler +festival show

Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.  

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Rival Sons’ Give An Electrifying Performance at London’s Roundhouse. Gig review

We’d been waiting eagerly for this one since we interviewed Scott Holiday, Rival Sons’ guitarist, back in May, and last night’s hottest ticket in London didn’t disappoint.

Support at London’s Roundhouse came in the form of Californians LA Edwards. The trio warmed the North London crowd up brilliantly with their country-rock sensibilities and lovely vocal harmonies. The majority of their 9-song set came from this years ‘Out of the Heart of Darkness’ album, including new release ‘Peace Be With You’.

Songwriter Luke Edwards, along with his brothers Jay and Jerry went down a storm and we look forward to seeing more of them.

Fellow Californians Rival Sons took to the stage a little after 9pm and what a reception they received! Kicking off with ‘Mirrors’ from this years’ ‘Darkfighter’ album, frontman Jay Buchanan had the Roundhouse faithful in the palm of his hand from the off. We were then treated to a career-spanning set list.

‘Do Your Worst’, ‘Electric Man’ and ‘Rapture’ followed in quick succession and saw Buchanan brandishing a tambourine as the crowd sang lyric after lyric back to him.

‘Open My Eyes’ from 2014’s ‘Great Western Valkyrie’ included a spectacular drum solo by Mike Miley before we had three from upcoming release ‘Lightbringer’. ‘Sweet Life’ was followed by the live debut of both ‘Mercy’ and ‘Feral Roots’. We gave ‘Lightbringer’ a rave review recently and it was fabulous to see these songs get the live treatment. The audience loved them too, judging from the cheers and shouts of approval.

‘Face of Light’ showcased Scot Holiday’s guitar prowess as he played a mesmerising solo.

2012’s ‘Keep on Swinging’ closed the set and left the Roundhouse audience thrilled, exhilarated and satisfied.

Rival Sons are one of our favourite bands right now, and are touring the UK four the rest of the month. We strongly recommend you catch them if you can.

Check out my interview with Scott.

Rival Sons’ Give An Electrifying Performance at London’s Roundhouse. Gig review @ Rocknews

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RIVAL SONS ANNOUNCE UK & EU “DARKFIGHTER” TOUR

• April 11, 2023
• UK Music News
• by Desh Kapur UK-Editor/Photographer

Rival Sons have announced their long-awaited return to the UK & EUROPE this autumn taking their two forthcoming new albums,  DARKFIGHTER  and  LIGHTBRINGER on the road, across Europe for a 30-date run.

DARKFIGHTER,  is set to arrive worldwide June 2 nd  2023 and is available for  pre-order / pre-save now 

The 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated band, known for their electrifying, well-honed live shows, will be kicking the tour off in Camden, London at the Roundhouse on Friday 13 th October, just across the road from where they played their first ever European show, 12 years ago. The tour then runs through the UK, including a date at the infamous Barrowlands in Glasgow, then continuing with multiple dates in France, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia.

Scott Holiday (guitarist) comments: “Dear friends on the other side of the pond, DARKFIGHTER is coming for you! AND LIGHTBRINGER is coming for you too!

We’re finally able to come back to you and bring you NEW music! Music that has been firmly situated in our hearts. Nothing makes me happier than to think about experiencing these albums together and making them into something entirely new and different every night. Let’s make something symbiotic, alive, that we’ll want to remember forever!”  

My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both. Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago

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Rival Sons have announced their long-awaited return to the UK & EUROPE this autumn taking their two forthcoming new albums, Darkfighter and Lightbringer on the road, across Europe for a 30-date run.  Darkfighter , is set to arrive worldwide June 2nd 2023 and is available for pre-order / pre-save now on your platform of choice .

Scott Holiday (guitarist) comments:

Dear friends on the other side of the pond, Darkfighter is coming for you! And Lightbringer is coming for you too! We’re finally able to come back to you and bring you new music! Music that has been firmly situated in our hearts. Nothing makes me happier than to think about experiencing these albums together and making them into something entirely new and different every night. Let’s make something symbiotic, alive, that we’ll want to remember forever!

The tour dates will go on public sale here on Friday 14th April and will be accompanied by Meet & Greets where possible (available through the Rival Sons app)  with pre-sale available Thursday 13th April.

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Rival Sons Darkfighter/Lightbringer UK/EU TOUR:

• October 13, 2023 – London Roundhouse, UK
• October 14, 2023 – NX – Newcastle, UK
• October 16, 2023 – Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom, UK
• October 17, 2023 – O2 Academy – Birmingham, UK
• October 18, 2023 – Manchester Academy – Manchester, UK
• October 20, 2023 – Cambridge Corn Exchange – Cambridge, UK
• October 21, 2023 – O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
• October 22, 2023 – O2 Guildhall – Southampton, UK
• October 24, 2023 – La Carrière – Nantes, France
• October 25, 2023 – Le Radiant – Lyon, France
• October 27, 2023 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
• October 28, 2023 – Les Docks – Lausanne, Switzerland
• October 29, 2023 – Alcatraz – Milan, Italy
• October 31, 2023 – Gasometer – Vienna, Austria
• November 1, 2023 – X-TRA – Zurich, Switzerland
• November 2, 2023 – Theaterfabrik – Munich, Germany
• November 4, 2023 – Lucerna Music Bar – Prague, Czech Republic
• November 5, 2023 – Klub Stodola – Warsaw, Poland
• November 6, 2023 – Music Club B17 – Poznan, Poland
• November 8, 2023 – Huxleys – Berlin, Germany
• November 9, 2023 – Melkweg Max – Amsterdam, Netherlands
• November 10, 2023 – Kantine – Cologne, Germany
• November 12, 2023 – Ancienne Belgique – Brussels, Belgium
• November 13, 2023 – Grosse Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, Germany
• November 14, 2023 – The Grey Hall – Copenhagen, Denmark
• November 16, 2023 – Forum Scene – Bergen, Norway
• November 17, 2023 – Sentrum Scene – Oslo, Norway
• November 18, 2023 – B-K – Stockholm, Sweden
• November 20, 2023 – House of Culture – Helsinki, Finland
• November 21, 2023 – Tampere Hall – Tampere, Finland

Last week, Rival Sons released the third visual instalment in their narrative series of videos that have accompanied new music from the forthcoming Darkfighter album. The series tells the story of a double-cross and a heist gone wrong and stars the band themselves as a gang of crooks. It’s a caper that results in explosive consequences. Jay Buchanan as Preacher throws dynamite verse in the “Nobody Wants To Die” video, the first single from Darkfighter , from their own vintage cars; (Scott’s own 1956 Pontiac Chieftain and Jay’s 1982 Mercedes 300SD) while stunt-driving across the California dessert. In the latest video for new hit single “Bird In The Hand” the explosive consequences are contextualised with the video adding another vignette to the trilogy. With a large dose of humour and a devil-may-care attitude, “Bird In The Hand”, directed by Kurt Kubicek, and written by Jay Buchanan and Scott Holiday, is a prequel for the deadly single, “Nobody Wants To Die” (dir. Eli Sokhn) and “Rapture” (dir. Kurt Kubicek), both streaming now at the official Rival Sons YouTube channel.

Jay Buchanan comments:

It’s been a great time writing and producing these videos along with great directors and crew. With video production we’re really at that sweet spot where we don’t know the rules so we’re not afraid of breaking them. We’ll see where it goes from here.

Darkfighter (out June 2nd) will be accompanied by companion volume, Lightbringer, arriving later this year. Both produced by long-time collaborator and 8x GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell). The two new LPs marks the first new music from Rival Sons in more than four years, following 2019’s critically acclaimed, GRAMMY® Award-nominated sixth studio album, Feral Roots .

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Discussing the albums, Buchanan comments:

In comparison to our previous records, we certainly took our time both writing and recording this collection. When we set out, the intention was mostly to dig as deep as possible. Even in the beginning before the body had formed, we agreed to throw the map away and chop our way through the woods to make a new path. Then lockdown hit and it felt like the whole damn country decided to throw the map away too. For myself, 2022 was like an eight-stage rocket of life changing events, so every time I thought I was finished writing, a new bull would come tearing through the clothesline and I’d have to illustrate it in some way. By the end, there were really two different sides to the same story being told. On one side, you’re fighting the darkness and, on the other, you’re bringing your own light to where there is none. One side in a corner, on the ropes, and the other advancing, cleaning the ring. Without an intermission, a refractory period, the collection would be too big a bite, so splitting it in two was the only way to do it.

Header image by Pamela Littky

Rival Sons:   official  |  facebook  |  twitter  | instagram |  youtube

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Described as a gig junkie, can be seen at anything from the Quireboys to Black Label Society and everything in between. View all posts by Ross

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TVD Live Shots: Rival Sons at the Roundhouse, 10/13

Hailing originally from Long Beach, California, Rival Sons , with two Grammy nominations to their name, has seemingly discovered a more fervent following in Europe than in their homeland.

Their core lineup features the charismatic Jay Buchanan on lead vocals, the guitar maestro Scott Holiday, the reliable Dave Beste on bass, and the powerhouse drumming of Michael Miley. The band began their career on Earache, known primarily for their epic metal roster, and eventually moved to their current home, the legendary Atlantic Records, a label that housed many of their influences and stands as one of the most important record labels in history.

Touring in support of two new records in 2023, Rival Sons kicked off their UK tour on Friday at the legendary Roundhouse in London. With a career spanning over a decade, Rival Sons have not only carved their own path but have also evolved into something truly extraordinary—a modern-day equivalent of the mighty Led Zeppelin. Forget all the hype around Greta Van Fleet; Rival Sons are in a league of their own and continue to pave the way.

Look, I know everyone’s sick of the Zeppelin comparisons, but f*cking hell, the new album sitting alongside that classic Atlantic Records retro logo immediately took me back to the first time I heard that epic Zeppelin debut. You simply can’t deny the influence nor the ability of Rival Sons to put their own spin on it while continuing to evolve their sound.

For me, Rival Sons hit their Zeppelin IV stride with Great Western Valkyrie , but the beauty of it all is that it doesn’t mean they’ve peaked. They’re like a fine wine, getting better with age. Now, with their latest album, LIGHTBRINGER , they’re diving even deeper into the singer-songwriter territory, reminiscent of some of the slower numbers and deep cuts from Feral Roots. You could sense this shift from the very beginning, starting with their choice of opener. This time around, they brought L.A. Edwards along for the ride, giving the night a Crosby, Stills, Nash vibe—a stark contrast to the raw rock ‘n’ roll swagger of Dirty Honey, who supported them just last year.

The Roundhouse in London was absolutely buzzing, with just a handful of tickets short of a sold-out show. The setlist was a rollercoaster ride, opening with a bang and then delving into the slower, deeper numbers. Four songs from DARKFIGHTER , three from LIGHTBRINGER —it was clear the band had a message to convey. Most bands are hesitant to venture beyond one new song in their set, but Rival Sons fearlessly played seven, showcasing their confidence in their latest work. And boy, did they deliver! Classics like “Pressure and Time,” “Do Your Worst,” “Open My Eyes,” and “Electric Man” kept the energy high. I was pleasantly surprised to see “Face the Light” still holding its ground in the setlist.

With LIGHTBRINGER set to drop on October 20th, I can’t help but be excited. If the single “Sweet Life” is any indication, we’re in for a treat. And let’s be honest, it’s these types of bangers that bring the crowds. The massive guitar riffs, the thundering drums, and Buchanan singing each song as if it’s his last, this is Rival Sons, this is what the world of rock ‘n’ roll is missing, this is what will convince Gene Simmons that rock ‘n’ roll is in fact very much alive. While I can dig on the singer/songwriter numbers here and there, let’s keep the bangers coming Sons.

These guys are making a bold move, releasing two full albums in one year, defying the trend of singles and cherry-picking playlists. But if their London show was any indication, Rival Sons are ready to conquer it all and on the verge of a banner year. So, get ready, folks, and stay tuned for their new album hitting later this week—it’s bound to be something special.

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Rival Sons have announced their long-awaited return to the UK & EUROPE this autumn taking their two forthcoming new albums,  DARKFIGHTER  and  LIGHTBRINGER  on the road, across Europe for a 30-date run.

DARKFIGHTER,  is set to arrive worldwide June 2 nd  2023 and is available for  pre-order / pre-save  now [album art / track-listing below].

The 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated band, known for their electrifying, well-honed live shows, will be kicking the tour off in Camden, London at the Roundhouse on Friday 13 th  October, just across the road from where they played their first ever European show, 12 years ago. The tour then runs through the UK, including a date at the infamous Barrowlands in Glasgow, then continuing with multiple dates in France, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia.

Scott Holiday (guitarist) comments: “Dear friends on the other side of the pond, DARKFIGHTER is coming for you! AND LIGHTBRINGER is coming for you too!

We’re finally able to come back to you and bring you NEW music! Music that has been firmly situated in our hearts. Nothing makes me happier than to think about experiencing these albums together and making them into something entirely new and different every night. Let’s make something symbiotic, alive, that we’ll want to remember forever!”

The tour dates will go on public sale  here  on Friday 14 th  April and will be accompanied by Meet & Greets where possible (available through the Rival Sons app  https://www.rivalsonsapp.com/  ) With pre-sale available Thursday 13 th  April.

Full UK/ European tour dates below.

Bird In The Hand

Last week, Rival Sons released the third visual instalment in their narrative series of videos that have accompanied new music from the forthcoming  DARKFIGHTER  album. The series tells the story of a double-cross and a heist gone wrong and stars the band themselves as a gang of crooks. It’s a caper that results in explosive consequences.

Jay Buchanan as Preacher throws dynamite verse in the  Nobody Wants To Die  video, the first single from  DARKFIGHTER , from their own vintage cars; (Scott’s own 1956 Pontiac Chieftain and Jay’s 1982 Mercedes 300SD) while stunt-driving across the California dessert. In the latest video for new hit single  Bird In The Hand  the explosive consequences are contextualised with the video adding another vignette to the trilogy.

With a large dose of humour and a devil-may-care attitude  Bird In The Hand , directed by Kurt Kubicek, and written by Jay Buchanan and Scott Holiday, is a prequel for the deadly single,  “ Nobody Wants To Die “  (dir. Eli Sokhn) and  “ Rapture “  (dir. Kurt Kubicek), both streaming now at the official Rival Sons YouTube channel  HERE .

Jay Buchanan comments: “ It’s been a great time writing and producing these videos along with great directors and crew. With video production we’re really at that sweet spot where we don’t know the rules so we’re not afraid of breaking them. We’ll see where it goes from here.”

“Nobody Wants To Die”  was hailed by  Rolling Stone  as “ hard-charging, ” adding “ The video has Kill Bill grindhouse vibes for days and is a literal blast. ” “ It would be cliché to say it’s been worth the wait, ” wrote  Guitar World , “ but the phrase applies: ‘Nobody Wants to Die’ has enough high-gain riffage and classic rock fretboard throwdowns to more than make up for Rival Sons’ absence. “

Rival Sons and The Smashing Pumpkins

Rival Sons forthcoming new album  DARKFIGHTER  will be released June 2 nd  via Elektra/Low Country Sound (Parlophone in UK/Warner across Europe). Rival Sons will mark the arrival of  DARKFIGHTER  with a truly epic live schedule, embarking on their own extensive North American headline run,  “The DARKFIGHTER Tour,”  beginning May 11 at Oklahoma City, OK’s Diamond Ballroom and then traveling through mid-June. Special guests throughout include The Black Angels and The Record Company, with Starcrawler also appearing on select dates.

The band will then play a special guest run on Smashing Pumpkins’ “The World Is a Vampire” Summer 2023 North American Tour, also featuring Stone Temple Pilots and Interpol, getting underway August 1 at Salt Lake City, UT’s USANA Amphitheatre and then continuing through early September. Tickets for all announced dates are on sale now. For compete details and ticket information, please visit  www.rivalsons.com .

DARKFIGHTER and LIGHTBRINGER

DARKFIGHTER  (out June 2 nd ) will be accompanied by companion volume,  LIGHTBRINGER,  arriving later this year. Both produced by long-time collaborator and 8x GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell). The two new LPs marks the first new music from Rival Sons in more than four years, following 2019’s critically acclaimed, GRAMMY® Award-nominated sixth studio album,  FERAL ROOTS .

“ In comparison to our previous records, we certainly took our time both writing and recording this collection, ” says Rival Sons vocalist Jay Buchanan. “ When we set out, the intention was mostly to dig as deep as possible. Even in the beginning before the body had formed, we agreed to throw the map away and chop our way through the woods to make a new path.

Then lockdown hit and it felt like the whole damn country decided to throw the map away too. For myself, 2022 was like an eight-stage rocket of life changing events, so every time I thought I was finished writing, a new bull would come tearing through the clothesline and I’d have to illustrate it in some way.

By the end, there were really two different sides to the same story being told. On one side, you’re fighting the darkness and, on the other, you’re bringing your own light to where there is none. One side in a corner, on the ropes, and the other advancing, cleaning the ring. Without an intermission, a refractory period, the collection would be too big a bite, so splitting it in two was the only way to do it.

Rival Sons play rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form without apology or pretence. Instead, they simply plug in, turn up, and rip on a path of their own. Along the way, they’ve architected a critically acclaimed catalogue, including  PRESSURE & TIME  (2011),  HEAD DOWN  (2012),  GREAT WESTERN VALKYRIE  (2014),  HOLLOW BONES  (2016), and  FERAL ROOTS  (2019).

Highlighted by the chart-topping lead single, “Do Your Worst,” the latter album stands tall as a creative and critical high watermark for Rival Sons, scoring a GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Best Rock Album,” with the standout track, “Too Bad” receiving a nod in the “Best Rock Performance” category. In addition, the album’s lead single, “Do Your Worst,” proved the band’s biggest hit to date, ascending to #1 at Rock radio outlets nationwide while tallying north of 60M streams and counting.

Hailed as an electrifying, well-honed live act, Rival Sons have played countless headline shows, shared stages with everyone from Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC to Guns N’ Roses and Lenny Kravitz and made high-profile late-night TV appearances including CBS’  The Late Late Show with James Corden . In 2021, the band launched their own label, Sacred Tongue Recordings distributed by Thirty Tigers.

That same year saw Rival Sons celebrate the 10 th  anniversary of 2011’s  PRESSURE AND TIME , by performing the landmark LP live in its entirety for the first time ever on the sold out “Pressure and Time Tour.” The band also presented a very special two-night livestream event,  Pair Of Aces , which saw them performing 2009’s debut album,  BEFORE THE FIRE , and 2010’s self-titled  RIVAL SONS  EP in their entirety live from the historic Catalina Casino on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California.

Rival Sons is:  Jay Buchanan (vocals, harmonica, rhythm guitar), Scott Holiday (lead guitar), Mike Miley (drums), and Dave Beste (bass).

Mirrors Nobody Wants To Die Bird In The Hand Bright Light Rapture Guillotine Horses Breath Darkside

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Like a phoenix, Rival Sons, rose from the ashes of Black Summer Crush, Scott Holiday’s former band. They formed in 2009, and endorse a blues-rock style, that has developed their status into being an international chart topping success.

Singer, Jay Buchanan has his reservations about joining a rock band being a blues singer songwriter, but the reaction from their audience grew, especially with the release of their eponymous debut album, Before The Fire in 2009. In their first year united, they supported Alice Cooper and Kid Rock, and even made their debut television appearance during a televised show of The Indianapolis 500.

2011 was a pivotal year for this band, as their sophomore album, “Pressure & Time” released on June 28th 2011, reached number 19 on the US Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart. They managed to have their track “Get Mine” featured in a Jeremiah Weed premium malt beverage TV advertisement that shows an arm wrestling competition. The album later reached number 1 in the Amazon best sellers. On the live side of sings, Rival Sons played a slew of dates in Canada, and then a prestigious slot at The Viper Room. They also earned slots at SXSW and Hangout Festival, and Sonisphere in the UK. Their song “Torture” earned itself a spot on the original sound track of the movie, Real Steel in October 2011, and the band were personally invited by Amy Lee to support Evanescence in the USA. They returned to Europe to embark on a headline tour to round off the year.

2012 saw the band re enter the studios to record their third full-length album in Nashville, Tennessee. It only took the band 20 days, and they worked with Vance Powell who has producing albums by Jack White and The Raconteurs on his CV. Prior to the release of the album, the band supported Evanescence, Eagles of Death Metal and Black Stone Cherry on their UK Tours, they even scored slots at Rock AM Ring, Sweden Rock, Ruisrock, Graspop and Download. Later that year, their album “Head Down” was released. It charted at number 31 in the UK album chart, and in the top 20 of Sweden, Finland and Norway.

They made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on March 7th 2013, and then did a UK Tour including a sold out show at Shepherds Bush Empire.

In January 2014, the band returned to the same studio that they recorded “Head Down” alongside Dave Cobb, to recorded their fourth studio album. Before the album was released they opened for Aerosmith on the Scandinavian leg of their European tour, and made it to the stage of Rock Am Ring and the Isle of Wight Festival. In the midst of it all, their album “Great Western Valkyrie” was released on June 6th 2014, it reached the charts of twelve countries. In October 2014, they made an appearance on Later… with Jools Holland.

Live reviews

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Vogue Theatre

Vancouver, BC

After a short delay due to what appeared to be technical difficulties with Scott Holiday’s complex guitar rig, the Rival Sons show began dramatically for a sell-out crowd. The five veterans of what I figure are likely over a thousand performances (at least for the three original members), have their chops well down, playing tightly and passionately together with both thunderous fire or sweet subtlety, depending on the need.

Guitarist Holiday isn’t some bombastic, grandstanding, six-string masturbator; he cranks out chunky, crunchy locomotive chords, dripping with thick, fat distortion, on a wide variety of new and vintage axes, dropping in short and tasty solos when appropriate for emphasis. He alternates intelligently between the savage and the sublime.

Michael Miley, known for paying homage to Bonzo at times, never rips off our hero, the godfather of heavy rock drumming, but inserts sly nods to him, while laying down a solid, textured, and, at times, explosive sonic onslaught we haven’t heard outside of metal in many years.

Bassist Dave Beste, who replaced original member Robin Everhart in 2013, is the piece of clockwork that connects the percussive fusillade of Miley to the tonal barrage of Holiday. Beste is agile and precise and produces a foundation which perfectly complements the drums and guitar. Like his stage-mates, Beste stands out when required, and blends generously when it’s someone else’s turn. Without a great bass player, a one-guitar band couldn’t be so full and rich; with him, they become an enormous multi-headed monster.

Adding variety to the mix, long-time studio collaborator and touring member Todd Ögren supplies keyboards, percussion, and, along with with all the others, backing vocals. He may not be a full member of the band, but, without his abundant contributions, they’d be capable of much less variety of texture and mood than with him.

As talented as all the players are, together and separately, the singer, lyricist, and frontman, Jay Buchanan, still stands out. His voice is a wonder to behold. He’s not only a master of his instrument but a surgeon of microphone control. He’s able to swoop dynamically amongst a light, almost whispered falsetto, an authoritative and punchy middle, and a ferocious full-lunged scream, while controlling loudness and presence with deft and aggressive mic positioning. Of the scream, you’d think he’d only be able to offer us this occasionally without doing damage to his pipes. This doesn’t seem to be the case; his vocal cords appear to be so robust that they’re able to withstand brutal punishment several nights a week, for weeks and months on end, without showing strain or fatigue. He’s not noticeably more hoarse at the end of the performance than at the beginning. It’s almost inconceivable!

These men are monsters, yes, but not of the metal variety. The potently muscular vocalist Jay Buchanan, and fuzz-lord guitarist Holiday together pen most of their tunes; these are reminiscent, but not derivative, of much blues-based hard rock of the late 60s and early-to-mid 70s. Some number are riff-heavy, while others are more delicate, showing the writing team’s diverse range of thematic and emotional expression. The tunes tend to throw us hints of decades past, but they never descend from personal vision into mimicry. These guys are unique in rock today, and, 40 or 50 years ago, when there were fewer competing styles of music available, I believe would have been a much bigger success than in the fractured market of today.

Rival Sons haven’t invented a genre, but they are serving to carry on a musical tradition which, without them, would be fading into nostalgic obscurity. Thanks to them, rock lives. That was my third time seeing them, and I’ll be happy to see them again.

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Rival Sons at The Scala, London. I have been going to gigs since the tender age of 17, so it’s fair to say that over the years, I have been to quite a few. Yet, only a handful have left a significant imprint in my memory. Rival Sons at The Scala is already one of these, the sort of gigs that make me feel really grateful that I have the love of music in my life. Although the band have been around since 2008, I have only recently discovered them. When I did, I got so excited about the music, my expectations for their upcoming gig were high… and boy did they exceed them in every possible way!

The minute Jay Buchanan walked on stage, I was mesmerized. The man has incredible stage presence and a quirky persona complete with his own strut and stage antics… and then he starts singing and one gets totally lost in that powerful soulful voice of his. I focus on him because he is so striking, but his performance could not be complete without the input of the rest of the band, especially Scott Holiday, an exceptional guitarist and a playful character, whose rapport with Buchanan is obvious.

Rival Sons have been compared to Led Zeppelin and I totally get why: the classic rock and vocals are reminiscent of theirs. But this is not the only reason. Having seen them live, I realise that they follow in the tradition of all the great 70s rock bands (Led Zep but also The Rolling Stones or the Who), where a front man with great stage presence is key, but so are musicians at the top of their game and a great vibe between band members. Rival Sons definitely have all of the above and it comes through in their performance.

They played plenty of songs from their excellent new album Great Western Valkyrie as well as what I now understand to be their classics like “Keep On Swinging” and “Torture," giving the audience an opportunity to join in and sing along. My personal highlights were their rendition of “Face of Light," a beautiful and emotional song about the love of a father for his son (Buchanan’s,) and the fact that Buchanan came to the front of the stage at the end, drenched in sweat and drunk from his performance to shake hands with a few lucky fans before exiting the stage.

I have seen so many bands play gigs “by the numbers” without displaying much emotion or truly ever engaging with their audience, so this was really refreshing and on reflection, as every gig should be. I left the venue feeling like I had just witnessed a great moment, as if I had just seen The Rolling Stones play a small venue in 1973. I felt truly privileged to have been there, and that is why I simply cannot wait to see them again when they return to London in December…

I'm pretty sure my Wife and I have seen RIVAL SONS in a club environment for the last time?

The are just THAT GOOD!! Kind of bitter sweet as they are one of those bands that comes across so much better in a sweaty club than a big "Butts in seats" type place IMO. Hey, good for them! Just no so much for us I guess.

RIVAL SONS live is like going to Evangelical Tent Revival. It's just that kind of uplifting and borderline possession mixed together into one big worship of ROCK N' ROLL (which is far from dead BTW)!!

Jay Buchanan as a front man, reminds so much of Jim Morrison in his heyday with a aloof intensiveness that you are just glued to! And is vocals are just so powerful as to be scary sometimes!!

Guitarist Scott Holiday is not your typical Six String Shredder. He floats somewhere between The Edge and Dan Auerbach. Great Riffs and blistering, yet short, leads that assault you throughout the set. And a very unique tone that sets him off from the heard!

Drummer Michael Miley is a damn good powerhouse drummer!! Seriously how he makes that much noise on a "small" kit is beyond me?

And keeping all this intensity in check(?) is Bass player Dave Beste. Dave keeps it deceptively "simple" but, if you pay attention to what He is doing, it really is anything but! Dave reminds me allot like another low key 4 Stringer by the name of John Paul Jones! Without Bass players like them the songs fall apart very quickly! Never under estimate the power of the Bassist (yes. I'm a Bass player).

RIVAL SONS has a pretty permanent touring Keyboardist by the name of Todd Ögren who looks like a Rabbi and lends just enough flourish to their live sound without really taking away from the raw energy. And He is a riot to watch too!!

Do yourself a favor and go worship at the Alter of RIVAL SONS before they explode unto the masses!

This is our third Rival Sons concert. Scott Holiday is a true genius with his guitar and he truly loves what he does. Amazing playing of his strings keeps you mesmerized and wanting more and more Love the acoustic touch as we'll this time around. Michael Miley is one of the best drummers I have heard. His craft is well played and he certainly adores being involved with his fans. Jay Buchanan is getting more refined like vintage wine. His technique is oh so grandeur when he tops his lungs to the fullest capacity having everyone wanting more. David Beste plays great bass and vocals. Robin Everhart fantastic on the keyboard Nice work gentleman. Kick it up again tonight in buffalo!

Just incredible! Jay has become a phenomenal singer. I've been a fan for years because of the heart and soul Jay puts into his performances. He gives it everything. I can't believe he can sing that intense and still have a voice. Anyway, I hadn't seen them in a couple of years and I saw them last night. I was worried he had to tone down his performances by now so he could still have a voice, but that definitely was not the case. Every time I see RS they are the best live show I've ever seen. And every time they get better! Real rock and roll with real soul and emotion. The best rock band out there, for my money. I'm seeing them again in San Diego with STP. Can't wait!

Before the doors opened of The Melkweg in Amsterdam. A large crowd formed in front of the entrance. The sun was shining and the people were hyped to see the band play.

Once inside it took more than a hour before the band started playing.

When they finally arrived on stage they started with 'Electric Man' and the crowd went crazy. During the second song somebody throw her (red) bra onto the stage. The band almost played for two hours long and what a concert it was. Had a great time and got my rock fix.

This is one of the best live bands there is! I have been to hundreds of concerts and Rival Sons are the best of the best. It is amazing to me that they are still playing in small venues here in the states, but selfishly I am glad because I love the intimacy of it. Each person in the band is incredibly talented and when you put them all together it makes for a musical experience you should not miss! Don't ever pass up an opportunity to see them live!!!

This is my 3rd time seeing Rival Sons and unfortunately, this show was not the best. They did a short acoustic set in the middle of the show that had a long pause while they set up for it. It was fine once they started the acoustic set but they need to transition in quicker as the crowd got restless and started talking... and continued as the set started. They put on a tight show otherwise (as always) so I'd still recommend seeing them if you haven't

Third time I see the Rival Sons. Last year in Amsterdam, in Prague as opening act for Black Sabbath and now again in Amsterdam Melkweg. The show was sold out and you can tell the band has got themselves some loyal fans. Jay had a cold or something and his voice was not at the best level but the crowd push him to the limits and they gave a fantastic show. Again I really enjoyed myself and look forward to the next opportunity to see the band live.

If you like boring monotonous music...do not go to a Rival Sons concert. These boys come out of the gate and hit you with high octane mind blowing raw talent rock and roll from the get go. Like Power Rangers assembling they join forces on stage to blow your brains out with killer riffs, awesome raw vocals and general incredible talent.

Wha a gig. Best live act there is!

If you have not seen Rival Sons... go do it!

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Rival Sons is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 42 concerts across 8 countries in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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