The second bad Britpop star, Liam Gallagher, is celebrating his birthday today so we've gathered 20 interesting facts about him: (Photo: mijasinternational.com) 1. He is the younger brother of Noel Gallagher. He was born on 21 September 1972 in Manchester, as William John Paul Gallagher. 2. When he was 10 his mother divorced his father since he physically abused all of his children. 3. It may sound strange and we do not have conclusive evidence for this, but there is a story that Liam did not relate to music when he was in high school. It was only after a big fight he had with another school where he received a hammer blow to the head, that he began to relate to music. 4. Before he and his brother Noel formed "Oasis" he co-wrote songs with Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs in a band called "Rain". They met for rehearsals only once a week and Liam was often quoted as saying that the band's material was just "crappy". (Photo: Steve Double) 5. Since he became famous, Liam has created for himself a reputation of a blunt guy who is not afraid to say what is on his mind, even if it is dirty or offensive to other people, he has not really maintained verbal and physical restraint. 6. In 1998 he was part of a fistfight during a flight to Australia by "Cathay Pacific". He was banned from flying with the company in the future. 7. In 1993, "Oasis" played four songs at a bar called "King Tut's Wah Wah Hut" in Glasgow, Scotland. At the same time, an agent named Alan McGee discovered them and signed them to a six-album contract. 8. The band's first album "Definitely Maybe", released in 1994, became the fastest-selling British debut album of all time. 9. The band's second album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" Released in 1995 it was even more successful and became the third best-selling album in British history. 10. About an hour before the band's show on "MTV Unplugged" in 1996, the band announced that Liam would not be able to perform due to a "Sore Throat". Noel performed all the singing roles in his place, with Liam watching the show from a balcony overlooking the stage. 11. Later on, the band went on a tour without Liam. This time too, Noel was performing all the singing roles. This created a rumor about why Liam did not take the stage and did not join the tour. 12. The first song written by Liam for "Oasis" is "Little James" which appears on the band's fourth album "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants", released in 2000. He wrote the song for his son James. 13. On the band's next three albums, Liam wrote 3 songs in each album, which was significant progress. 14. The band was an insane success in the UK and brought Brit-pop to the headlines all over the world. All seven of the band's albums broke records in British charts. 15. In 2010 Liam was named "Greatest Frontman" of all time according to a poll conducted by Q Magazine. 16. The friction between Liam and Noel culminated in August 2009 before the band's performance at the "Rock en Seine Festival". The quarrel between them became physical as Liam smashed Noel's guitar. The show of course did not take place and Noel later announced that he was leaving the band. 17. In 2009 Liam formed a new band called "Beady Eye" and in 2010 they released their debut album "Different Gear, Still Speeding". Three years later they released their second and final album "BE". 18. Liam has released three solo albums, “As You Were” in 2017, “Why Me? Why Not” released in 2019, and "C'mon You Know" released in 2022. 19. Liam has a thick file in police branches around the world, he tends to a fist fight in bars, with fans, or just because someone annoyed him. At one of the events, he and "Oasis" drummer were involved in a brawl at a bar in Munich, Liam ended up with broken teeth and minor physical injuries. In light of the event, the band was forced to cancel further performances in Germany. 20. On the other hand, Liam has participated in several charity events and special performances, some of which he has even initiated himself, in order to donate to victims of terrorism. 21. In September 2024, after 15 years, the unbelievable happened and the two feuding brothers officially announced the reunion of the band "Oasis". By now you must have heard about it because it appeared on every second post, on every possible social media, the reunion of the decade!! The two announced that in 2025 they will tour the UK and Ireland. There are currently no known future plans beyond that. (Photo: Simon Emmett) In August 2019 Liam performed an MTV Unplugged show at Hull City Hall in England, in April 2020 the show was released as an album. Listen to the album on Spotify "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Here are some interesting facts about Leonard Cohen, a Jewish Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, a novelist and a painter: (Photo: Fanart.TV) = Leonard Cohen was born on September 21, 1934, to a Jewish family of Polish and Lithuanian origin, in Westmount, Quebec, Canada. His full name was Leonard Norman Cohen, and his Jewish name was Eliezer Ben Nisan HaCohen. = His Lithuanian Jewish mother, Marsha ("Masha") Klonitsky emigrated to Canada in 1927 and was the daughter of Talmudic writer and rabbi Solomon Klonitsky-Kline. = His father, Natan, was an engineer tailor and owner of a clothing store, and died when Leonard was 9 years old, and his maternal grandfather, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Klonitsky, was entrusted with his upbringing. = Cohen's grandfather helped found many institutions that shaped Jewish life in Canada. = Cohen completed grades seven through nine at "Herzliah High School", where his literary mentor Irving Layton taught. = During high school he taught himself to play the acoustic guitar and formed a country–folk group that he called the "Buckskin Boys". = In 1951, Cohen attended McGill University, where he became president of the McGill Debating Union. = He published his first poetry collection, "Let Us Compare Mythologies", in 1956. = In 1961, Cohen released his second poetry book, "The Spice-Box of Earth", gaining critical recognition. = Cohen moved to Hydra, Greece, in 1960, where he lived on less than a thousand dollars a year and wrote "The Favourite Game", his first novel released in 1963. = In 1964 he published a songbook named "Flowers for Hitler". = In 1966, he published his second novel, "Beautiful Losers". = In 1967 Cohen moved to the US and transitioned into music, releasing his debut album, "Songs of Leonard Cohen" the same year. = His song "Suzanne" from the debut album became one of his most famous tracks. = In 1969, Cohen released his second album, "Songs from a Room", featuring the hit "Bird on the Wire." = Cohen's "Songs of Love and Hate" album was released in 1971, further cementing his musical reputation. = He contributed to the soundtrack of the 1971 film "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" with several songs. = He spent almost two years living in a cabin in Tennessee, formerly the home of Boudleaux Bryant, author of “Bye Bye Love.” = In 1971 Cohen released the album "Songs of Love and Hate", from which the song "Famous Blue Raincoat" became famous. = In 1972 Cohen went on a European tour. The last performance of this tour was held in Jerusalem. The performance as well as the audience's participation caused great excitement among Cohen and his band. = In 1973 during the "Yom Kippur War", Cohen spent few months in Israel appearing before soldiers at the outposts in the Sinai Peninsula with the "trio of twins", Mati Caspi and Ilana Rubina. (Photo: The National Library Of Israel) = In 1974, Cohen released "New Skin for the Old Ceremony" which was influenced by his experiences during and after the "Yom Kippur War". This influence can be seen in the songs "Who by Fire", which is based on a section from "Venatna Tokef", one of the poems of Yom Kippur, as well as in the songs "There Is a War" and "Lover Lover Lover" which was written during his shows with Mati Caspi at the front. = One of the most famous songs on "New Skin for the Old Ceremony" - "Chelsea Hotel #2" was written following the death of the singer Janis Joplin. In the song, Cohen describes a meeting with Joplin at the Chelsea Hotel, a well-known meeting place for artists at the time. = Leonard Cohen invented a cocktail called "Red Needle" in Needles, California, in Summer of 1975. = He released "Death of a Ladies' Man" in 1977, a collaboration with producer Phil Spector. The production was grandiose and did not match Cohen's minimalist style, and immediately became the target of harsh criticism. = In 1979, he released "Recent Songs", returning to a more acoustic sound and using various musical instruments like the oud, mandolin and gypsy violin. = Cohen went to Cuba just before the Bay of Pigs invasion as a self-proclaimed “foot soldier.” = He named his daughter Lorca after the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. = In 1984, Cohen released "Various Positions", which included his signature song "Hallelujah." Columbia Records deemed the album not good enough for U.S. release. "Hallelujah" has been performed by almost 200 artists in various languages, including John Cale and Jeff Buckley. = A tribute album called "Famous Blue Raincoat", released in 1987 by singer Jennifer Warrens (who had served as background vocals for Cohen on previous tours), resulted in an immediate rise in Cohen's popularity. = He released "I'm Your Man" in 1988. The album marked a shift toward synth-based arrangements and became one of Cohen's most successful albums, featuring the hit "First We Take Manhattan". = The song "Everybody Knows" from this album, was included in the movie "Pump Up the Volume" and brought exposure to a younger audience. = In 1992, Cohen released "The Future", exploring dark political and social themes. Three songs from the album were played in the successful movie "Natural Born Killers". = Cohen entered a Zen Buddhist monastery in 1994, spending 5 years in seclusion. = In 2001, Cohen returned with the album "Ten New Songs", reflecting his spiritual journey. It is considered the most melancholic of his albums. = His 2004 album "Dear Heather" was released for his 70th birthday and featured a mix of spoken word and singing. In this album, Cohen collaborated with the jazz singer Anjani Thomas. In 2006, Thomas released an album co-written with Cohen. = In October 2005, Cohen sued his previous music manager, Kelly Lynch, and claimed that she was embezzling his money in an amount of over 5 million dollars. In March 2006, Cohen won the lawsuit and it was determined that Lynch should compensate him with 9 million dollars. = In 2006 Cohen published a book of poetry and paintings called "Book of Longing", which immediately became a bestseller in Canada upon its publication. = The same year, a film was released in Cohen's collaboration called "I'm Your Man" featuring many artists such as "U2", Nick Cave and more, who perform Cohen's songs. The Film soundtrack was a huge success and exposed Cohen to a wider audience. = In 2008, Cohen began touring again, embarking on a highly successful world tour. = He released "Old Ideas" in 2012, which became his highest-charting album at the time. = His album "Popular Problems" was released in 2014, receiving critical acclaim for its lyrical depth. = In 2016, Cohen released his final album, "You Want It Darker", shortly before his death. In the title song Cohen face his creator and sings in Hebrew "Hinneni" (I'm here) as if he is ready to face his death. = Leonard Cohen died on November 7, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. = He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. = Leonard Cohen was invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honour. In 2011, he received one of the Prince of Asturias Awards for literature and the ninth Glenn Gould Prize. 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Written By: Moti Kupfer Release date - 22.9.1978 "If you can't say what you have to say in two minutes and ten seconds, then don't say it at all." This important statement by Jeffrey Ross Hyman, aka Joey Ramone, summed up the entire essence of punk music. Some believe that the "Ramones," whose fourth album "Road to Ruin" was released on September 22, 1978, is the genesis of punk. The "Ramones" were formed in 1974 in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, but if we dig a little deeper into the background from which they emerged, it will become clear that two of the band members are actually descendants of Jewish families, some of whom survived the Holocaust with great difficulty. All members of the band adopted pseudonyms (Tommy, Johnny, Joey) ending in the surname Ramone, although none were biologically related; the band's name was inspired by the "Beatles" member Paul McCartney who used to check into hotels under the pseudonym "Paul Ramone". The original members: Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Ross Hyman) on vocals and drums, Johnny Ramone (John William Cummings) on guitar, Dee Dee Ramone (Douglas Glenn Colvin) on bass, and Tommy Ramone (Thomas Erdelyi) as drummer and band manager. Cummings and Erdelyi had played together in the 1960s garage rock band The Tangerine Puppets and befriended Douglas Colvin, who had recently returned from Berlin with his mother and sister. Jeffrey Hyman, born in New York in 1951, was a fan of David Bowie, "The Beatles", "The Stooges", and "The Who" - in which he particularly admired drummer Keith Moon, who inspired him to learn to play drums at age 13 and played them until he bought an acoustic guitar at age 17. Hyman joined the glam rock band "Sniper" in 1972, where he was a member for about two years before being replaced by Alan Turner in early 1974. Later that year, he joined Cummings, Erdelyi, and Colvin to form The "Ramones", a name that as mentioned, came from Paul McCartney's pseudonym, Douglas Colvin, called himself Dee Dee Ramone and convinced the rest of the band to change their name. On March 30, 1974, they made their debut at "Performance Studios", playing very fast and very short songs, about two years before this genre was given its name - Punk Rock. At the same time, a new music scene was emerging in New York City, centered around two clubs: "Max's Kansas City" and "CBGB" (an acronym for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues), a club where the roots of punk grew with artists such as "The New York Dolls", "Television", "Blondie", and also the "Ramones", who quickly became household names at the club where they performed no less than 74 times between August 1974 and the end of the year. At the end of '75, they signed a recording contract with "Sire Records" and soon began to be recognized as the leaders of the emerging punk scene, largely thanks to Joey Ramone, whose singing style was original, unlike other bands in New York. As the leaders of the scene, "The Ramones" managed to influence and give confidence to new bands that arose around them - (also on the other side of the ocean) Like "The Clash", and "The Damned". Their further performances in California led to the formation of punk bands in the area such as "Black Flag", "Dead Kennedys", "Bad Religion" and "Social Distortion". But one thing wasn't working, low sales of their first three albums, which put pressure on them for the fourth album, especially when they saw another "CBGB" band ("Blondie") breaking through. At this point, punk began a sharp decline until its death about a year later, and the "Ramones" who were aware of what was happening around made a change in the drummer position, when Marc Steven Bell (Marky Ramone) left the band "Richard Hell and the Voidoids" replacing Tom Erdelyi (Tommy Ramone) who remained in the position of producer (and additional guitarist) along with Ed Stasium, and together they helped to change the band's style and sound. No more fast, wild, and short songs without a production touch, but slower, longer songs with occasional overdubs on the guitar, bass, and drums. The style of the songs moderated towards pop-punk with dominant pop songs such as "Don't Come Close" and melancholic ballads such as the remake of Jackie De Shannon's "Needles and Pins", and the ballad "Questioningly". The album incorporated musical elements that were less prominent in punk rock, such as guitar solos (heavy metal), and sixties-style ballads. Lyrically, the "Ramones" sing about their experiences during the shows, the pressure that erupted into the line "Just put me on a wheelchair, get me to the show" in the song "I Wanna Be" Sedated", a song that tells of a feeling of emptiness, when the "Ramones" arrived in London for shows and ended up watching American movies in the hotel instead of exploring the city. In "Don't Come Close" and other songs, the lyrics focus on various states of relationship from love to frustration and lack of communication. The closing song "It's a Long Way Back" was written about Dee Dee Ramone's childhood in Germany. The album cover is the work of art by Gus MacDonald, a fan of the band who came up with the idea and sent the band members an illustration of them performing with a crab coming out of the amplifier and a snake placed around their legs. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On September 21, 1990, "The Razors Edge", the 12th studio album by "AC/DC", was released in the United States. Some sources date its international release to September 24. Here are 10 interesting facts about the album: 1. After a period in which "AC/DC" failed to produce successful albums, this album returned the band to its relevance and the popularity it gained during the 70s and early 80s. 2. 3 singles were released from the album: "Thunderstruck", "Moneytalks", and "Are You Ready", all of them managed to reach worthy places on the American Billboard charts. In addition, the album includes several unforgettable songs such as: "Fire Your Guns", "Mistress for Christmas" and of course the theme song - "The Razors Edge". 3. The album itself reached 2nd place on the American charts and 4th place in the UK. 4. The album sold about 8 million copies worldwide, of which 5 million were in the US alone. It is still ranked fourth in terms of sales figures among "AC/DC" albums, after "Back In Black", "Highway To Hell" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap". 5. Before the recordings, drummer Simon Wright left the band and went to work on the album "Lock Up the Wolves" by "Dio". He was replaced by Chris Slade, known among others for his membership in the bands "The Firm" and "Manfred Mann's Earth Band". 6. Singer Brian Johnson hardly contributed to the album because he was busy with divorce proceedings at the time. Although in the past Brian wrote the lyrics for the most part, while brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young wrote the music, on this album the Young brothers wrote both lyrics and music. 7. The album's producer was Bruce Fairbairn who produced, among others, the album "Slippery When Wet" by "Bon Jovi" and the albums "Permanent Vacation" and "Pump" by "Aerosmith". 8. The song "Thunderstruck" started as an improvisation by Angus Young while practicing his guitar playing. He played the improvisation to Malcolm Young who was immediately enthusiastic and gave the song its great rhythm. Angus said that the idea for the song came from a thunderstorm he experienced during a flight. 9. To promote the song "Moneytalks", the band released dollar bills bearing the image of Angus Young instead of that of George Washington. This is the band's single that reached the highest place on the American Billboard 100 chart. 10. The album's title and the song "The Razors Edge" came from a saying of farmers in England, who used to call the moment when a sunny day with blue skies turns into a storm with black clouds "The Razors Edge". For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On September 21, 1993, "In Utero", "Nirvana's" third and final studio album was released. Here are some interesting facts about "In Utero": 1. The album was supposed to be called "I Hate Myself and Want to Die", which refers to a sentence Kurt Cobain said in 1992. Kurt thought it would be fun to call the album that way. 2. Bassist Krist Novoselic asked Kurt Cobain to think of another name. He feared lawsuits such as "Judas Priest" and Ozzy Osbourne following the suicide cases allegedly caused due to negative messages in the lyrics of the two artists. 3. Another name that came up was "Verse, Chorus, Verse", but in the end, everyone agreed on "In Utero" taken from a song by Courtney Love. 4. "Nirvana" wanted to stay as far away as possible from "Nevermind" and sound as primal and immature as possible. 5. Kurt Cobain enlisted producer Steve Albini to help "Nirvana" sound like the "Pixies". Cobain admired the "Pixies" and stated that he was also very much influenced by them, so he chose Albini who had worked with them in the past. 6. Albini was initially not keen on working with "Nirvana". He was eventually persuaded but one of his terms was to receive a global sum of $ 100,000 for his work. no more! He also refused to accept royalties from the sales as is customary, because it is unfair to continue and "milk" the band for work he has already done. 7. Albini used to make practical jokes about Eddie Vedder during the recordings. He would call him and introduce himself as Tony Visconti producer of David Bowie and tell him he would be very happy to work with him if he left "Pearl Jam". 8. Albini's production result was as immature, rough, and dirty as Cobain had hoped it would be. However, the record company did not like the result which led to the re-production of some of the songs, this time by producer Scott Litt who worked with "R.E.M." And was asked to give the songs a more accessible sound. The only re-produced songs were: "Heart-Shaped Box", "All Apologies" and "Pennyroyal Tea" which were also the only singles released from the album 9. Apparently the sound in the recordings was so bad that the band included in the album's internal booklet instructions on how to adjust the high and low sounds in the stereo system to get an optimal result. Speaking of the inside booklet, the band thanked Quentin Tarantino in the acknowledgments list. This adds to the rumors that Quentin wanted Kurt and Kourtney to play the role of drug dealers in the "Pulp Fiction" movie that came out that year. The three members of "Nirvana" celebrated the end of the recordings by burning their pants. 12. The entire album was recorded in 14 days. Less than the time it took for the band to record "Nevermind". 13. "Nirvana" recorded a total of 18 songs for the album, including "I Hate Myself And Want To Die" and "Marigold". In the end, only 12 entered the album. 14. The song "Marigold" was written by Dave Grohl. He was released as a b-side for the song "Heart-Shaped Box" and later also appeared on the acoustic live album of "Foo Fighters" "Skin And Bones". 15. Unusually, all three members of the band received credit for the song "Scentless Apprentice". This is unlike most of Nirvana's songs for which Kurt Cobain received credit alone. 16. Dave Grohl wrote the guitar and drum roles for the song. 17. The song "Scentless Apprentice" was also recorded in one take. 18. Cobain wrote the song "Heart-Shaped Box" in a closet. Courtney Love says she heard him play the guitar and asked him to write her a riff. Cobain wrote it in five minutes and Courtney Love loved it very much and asked Cobain if she could take it for her album. Cobain answered her FUCK YOU !. 19. Cobain claimed the song was influenced by documentaries about children with cancer. In a biography he wrote about Cobain, Michael Azerrad claimed it was not true and the song was written about Love. Courtney Love herself tweeted in 2012 that the song is about her vagina, the tweet was deleted immediately afterward. 20. The original name of the song was "Heart-Shaped Coffin", Cobain wrote the lyrics to the song "I am buried in a heart-shaped coffin for weeks" but again this time pressure was exerted on Cobain to change the lyrics. 21. Courtney Love gave Cobain a heart-shaped box in 1990 and filled it with things that Cobain loved. He kept the box as a symbol of their love. 22. The commercial chains "Wal-Mart" and "Kmart" refused to sell the album in their branches because of the song "Rape Me" and the photos on the back cover of the album. Cobain compromised and changed the name of the song on the back cover to "Waif Me" and moderate the pictures that appeared on it. 23. The original photo collage on the back cover was created by Cobain himself on the floor of his house. 24. The song "Rape Me" also caused a scandal at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards when the network threatened the band that if they played the song they would immediately interrupt the live broadcast and move to commercials. Eventually, Cobain was persuaded not to play the song and played only i's intro from which he switched to the song "Lithium". 25. Cobain wrote the song against rape and disrespect for women, but the media misinterpreted it. 26. Cobain wrote the song "Pennyroyal Tea" back in 1990, but he did not think it was good enough for the album "Nevermind". 27. The word "Pennyroyal" in the title of the song refers to a plant that is claimed to cause miscarriage. 28. The song was slated to be the third single from the album but was eventually canceled due to the suicide of Kurt Cobain. 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On September 20, 2010 "Black Country Communion" released their self-titled debut album. "Black Country Communion" is a supergroup born from the collaboration of four rock heavyweights: Glenn Hughes (vocals, bass), Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Jason Bonham (drums), and Derek Sherinian (keyboards). The band was formed after a jam session between Hughes and Bonamassa sparked the idea of creating a supergroup. Their mutual friend and producer, Kevin Shirley (known for his work with "Led Zeppelin" "Iron Maiden" and "Aerosmith"), helped bring the project to life, recruiting Bonham and Sherinian to round out the lineup. The band’s name, "Black Country Communion," pays homage to Hughes and Bonham's English roots in the Black Country, a region historically known for its heavy industrial production, mirroring the gritty, raw sound the band sought to deliver. The result is an album that blends the best of classic hard rock with modern blues-rock influences. From the opening track, "Black Country," the band sets the tone with a fast-driving riff that screams ‘70s rock. Hughes’ vocals immediately take center stage, blending soulful melodies with a hard rock edge. Lyrically, the song nods to the band members’ roots, particularly Hughes and Bonham, evoking a sense of pride in their shared heritage. “One Last Soul” is one of the album’s standout tracks, driven by a catchy, anthemic chorus and Bonamassa’s soaring guitar work. It’s a more radio-friendly track that captures the essence of rock and roll while allowing Hughes’ versatile vocal range to shine. The song quickly became a fan favorite, with its infectious melody and blues-infused rock energy. The slow-burning epic “Song of Yesterday” takes a more introspective approach, featuring some of Bonamassa’s finest guitar work on the album. Clocking in at over eight minutes, it’s a journey through bluesy solos, haunting vocals, and rich instrumentation. Hughes’ emotional delivery and Sherinian’s atmospheric keyboards create a sense of depth and melancholy that contrasts with the heavier, more aggressive tracks. On "The Great Divide," "Black Country Communion" takes a more measured, atmospheric approach. The song unfolds with a slow, deliberate pace, featuring a haunting, guitar playing from Joe Bonamassa that builds tension. Jason Bonham's drumming is steady and powerful, giving the track a sense of weight and gravity. Glenn Hughes' vocals are soulful and emotional, perfectly complementing the song’s reflective lyrics about division and personal struggle. Hughes explained that his return to the forefront of rock is captured in the song. He described it as the most spiritual track on the album. "Sista Jane" channels more of that classic rock swagger, with a riff that could easily have been plucked from the pages of a "AC/DC" record. Hughes and Bonamassa trade vocals, adding a dynamic, conversational feel to the track. Sherinian's organ fills provide a vintage rock touch, giving the song a fuller, richer texture. The reworking of “Medusa,” originally a "Trapeze" track, is another standout moment. Hughes revisits his past with a fresh perspective, infusing the song with a heavier, more modern sound. The new arrangement captures the raw emotion of the original while allowing the band’s signature blend of classic and modern rock to shine through. The album closes with the sprawling, 11-minute "Too Late for the Sun," a track that allows each member to showcase their individual skills. Bonamassa delivers some of his beautiful guitar work here, weaving in and out of Hughes’ vocals and Bonham’s powerful drumming. It’s an epic, jam-heavy track that feels like a celebration of the band’s chemistry, capturing the spontaneity and energy that define "Black Country Communion’s" sound. "Black Country Communion’s" debut album is a powerful fusion of blues, rock, and hard-hitting grooves, carried by stellar musicianship and dynamic songwriting. Each track offers something unique, from the anthemic "One Last Soul" to the epic "Too Late for the Sun," and the chemistry between the band members is undeniable. The production by Kevin Shirley captures the raw energy of the band, making it feel as if the listener is in the room with them. For fans of classic rock with a modern edge, this album is a must-listen, and it marks the beginning of what would become a beloved rock supergroup. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Just yesterday we celebrated with "New Jersey" and today we are already celebrating "Have a Nice Day", the ninth album of "Bon Jovi" Released on September 20, 2005. The album was written and recorded with Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi as the main writers, with producer John Shanks working contributing to the writing process. Work on the album began in 2004 alongside the work on the "100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong" compilation box. In the first part, Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi recorded almost the entire album with Richie recording the guitar work, John the vocals and the drums are recorded electronically, without the bass. In the second part, all the other members of the band joined in and recorded their parts according to what Richie and John had guided them. After a short break, they all reunited in 2005 and recorded a number of additional songs and even changed some of the songs recorded in 2004. Many argue that in this album Jon Bon Jovi stepped out of his comfort zone in terms of lyrics and incorporated heavier and more substantive themes like politics, social responsibility, and more. This is not something ordinary for John but the combination of the different and "new" lyrics with the guitars and harmony so identified with the band create a very beautiful, a bit rough, and totally enjoyable record. And here are some interesting facts about the album: 1. The theme song "Have a Nice Day" was written by John and Richie along with producer John Shanks. It was the first single released from the album and was written following the 2004 US presidential campaign that George W. Bush won, even though John supported his opponent John Kerry's campaign. 2. The second single, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," was written about the roots of the band, the state of New Jersey. It even became a kind of national anthem of the state. Jon noted that the song is a kind of thank you letter to the band's fans who have been with them in fire and water for 25 years. 3. There are two versions of the song on the album. The second that seals the album is a country version featuring Jennifer Nettles from the band "Sugarland". 4. Bon Jovi told that when writing the song "Welcome to Wherever You Are", the third single released from the album, he thought it was going to be a song that would symbolize global unity. 5. The album sold 202,000 units in the first week of its release in the US and became the first Bon Jovi album to sell such an amount in one week. 6. The album was ready for release as early as December 2004 and the initial intention was to release it for Christmas that year, but then the band decided to record 4 new songs that were added to the album which led to a postponement of its release date. Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

This is an album whose title says it all !! "Love is more important than fortune"!! An album that is a statement of intent!! An album that is all about courage and going with your heart. "Love Over Gold" - Dire Straits' fourth studio album was released on September 20, 1982. There are five songs on this album. Five tracks, the shortest of which is just under 6 minutes. An album in which the epic opening track spans over 14 minutes and the leading single from it is a short story that spans about 7 minutes. The days are the early eighties, a decade whose name says it all and can be a stand-alone musical genre, a decade in which "kitsch" and pop were not considered dirty words. A decade that even managed to force huge veteran artists to change and align with the musical style and the colorful appearance. But exactly then and there, Mark Knopfler chooses to go with his heart and prefers "love for money". In a suicide move (there is no other way to describe it) he releases an album with epic, complex, and long songs with influences of progressive rock. To understand how bold and dangerous Mark Knopfler's and "Dire Straits" move was, it is enough to mention that at these times, bands like "Genesis" and "Yes" for example did the exact opposite to survive. Under these circumstances, the gamble taken by Knopfler to create a five-track album that opened with a 14-minute epic song was a very dangerous one, which could even threaten the very existence of the band. So the choice of the album title "Love Over Gold" suddenly takes on a strong meaning and kind of A brave statement that resonates even today 40 years later. But as we shall see immediately, the boldness of Mark Knopfler and "Dire Straits" with the release of this album, turned out to be a successful gamble, which proved that one should always listen to his heart. "Dire Straits" arrives on this album with a change in lineup. Knopfler, bassist John Illsley, and drummer Pick Withers, are joined by guitarist Hal Lindes, who replaced Mark Knopfler's brother David Knopfler who retired during the previous album's recordings, and keyboardist Alan Clark. From the first notes of the album, one can distinguish the huge change made by "Dire Straits", from the basic rock that characterized its previous three albums. The "keyboards carpet" welcomes us to the epic work "Telegraph Road", which develops gradually and so magically, with a combination of electric and acoustics, pianos, and keyboards that ends with Mark Knopfler's amazing solo which unfolds over the last five minutes of the song and is pushed forward with the galloping drumming of Withers. Knopfler was inspired to write the song during the band's second tour of America, as he sat in the front of the bus that raced on Telegraph Road, a 70-mile north-south road in Michigan. At the time, Knopfler read the novel "The Growth Of the Soil", by Norwegian author and Nobel prize winner in laureate - Knut Hamsun. He noted that the book simply connected to the road along the way. The song talks about America's progress and development and its negative impact on one person's dream, especially the unemployment it brings with it. We must note that the style in certain parts of the song, the vocals, the combination of the piano and the guitar, and the general idea behind the song reminded us of Bruce Springsteen. The album continues with the first successful single "Private Investigations", which in our humble opinion is a kind of musical piece that is divided into two parts. The first, includes the singing part, and the second is the instrumental section. The mesmerizing intro to the first segment, puts us in the dark and mysterious atmosphere that accompanies us into the life story of a private, hard-working detective who is fed up with his work. Knopfler's vocal presentation is simply ingenious and stimulates the imagination that sails into the world of the detective. A combination of monotonous recitation and whispering that forces the listener to focus on the story and dedicate themselves to the song, with soft and melodic playing in the background that perfectly combines piano playing and classical guitar. And what a contrast the second section brings with the beating bass of John Illsley, who since the performances in Israel in 1985, we can not listen to it without imagining the stage lights turning on and off in full sync with his bass rhythm. The combination of classical and electric guitar here is among the most beautiful that exists in Rock, when the electric riff at 4:48 of the song sends us a chill that spreads throughout the body, even though almost 40 years have passed since we first heard it. The other side of the vinyl opens up with the shortest song on the album (5:50) and the second and final single released from it - "Industrial Disease". The song reached number nine on the American Billboard. This is a kind of protest song about the crisis in British industry in the 1980s, unemployment, and the economic downturn. A catchy and bouncy song that without a doubt its style and spirit lines up with the song "Walk Of Life" which the band will release 3 years later on the masterpiece album "Brothers in Arms. The album continues with the theme song and charming ballad "Love Over Gold" led by Alan Clark's classic and slightly jazzy piano. This song can be seen as the second part in a trilogy, written by Knopfler following the breakup from his girlfriend Holly Vincent, who dumped him over a phone call in the middle of the band's tour in America. In the first part of the trilogy - "Romeo and Juliet" the woman leaves the man, but he still has the hope to return to her, even though she is no longer interested in him. In the song "Love Over Gold," the man loses hope of returning to his loved one and realizes that she used him to advance herself and her career. The third part is the last song on the album - "It Never Rains" it is probably one of the songs with the most blunt and direct lyrics of Knopfler, who closes a circle with his girlfriend, after discovering how fate has avenged her since she left him. The following words from the song perhaps best illustrate things: "And your new Romeo was just a gigolo when he let you down" It is interesting to note that during the sessions for the album several additional songs were recorded: "Private Dancer" which was recorded in full but eventually Knopfler considered a woman would suit it better so he passed it on to Tina Turner who built an entire comeback album on it, "The Way It Always Starts" which found it's way to the soundtrack of the movie "Local Hero" and "Badges, Posters, Stickers and T-Shirts" which eventually entered the EP "ExtendedancEPlay" which included four songs and was released in 1983. Despite the band's dangerous gamble, the album was a huge success with its release, reaching number one on the charts in many countries around the world, including Australia, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Those who are not really familiar with "Dire Straits" tend to skip this album, as it does not contain "hits" like the other albums. At the same time, in our humble opinion, this is the band's best album illustrating its versatility and incredible creative ability. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On September 20, 1976, “AC/DC” released their third studio album “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”, an album that sharpened the band’s identity and locked in the outlaw swagger that would soon make them unstoppable. The album was not released in the United States until 1981. If “High Voltage” was the spark and “T.N.T.” the ignition, then “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is where the engine finally roared at full force. This is the album where “AC/DC” stopped sounding like a promising hard rock band from Australia and started sounding like a dangerous, fully formed entity. Everything here feels tighter, nastier, and more confident. The riffs hit harder, the humor is darker, and the attitude is no longer playful rebellion but something far more deliberate and confrontational. By the time the band entered Albert Studios in Sydney, the chemistry between Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd, and Mark Evans was undeniable. Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar dominates the record, setting up that relentless, piston-like groove that would become the backbone of the “AC/DC” sound. Angus Young’s leads are sharp and economical, never flashy for the sake of it, always serving the song with precision and bite. Producer Harry Vanda, alongside George Young, captured the band raw and immediate, resisting polish in favor of power. Bon Scott is the true star of the album. His voice drips with menace, humor, and charisma, turning every lyric into a character sketch. Whether he’s playing the role of a hired gun, a street-level criminal, or a leering troublemaker, Scott sounds completely believable. His lyrics on this album are witty, provocative, and unapologetically dirty, but always delivered with a grin that makes it impossible not to go along for the ride. The album opens with “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”, one of the most iconic mission statements in rock history. Built on a swaggering riff and a call-and-response chorus, the song feels like a late-night classified ad for chaos. Scott’s delivery turns criminal mischief into a business proposition, and the band backs him with a groove that is impossible to shake. In the first pre-chorus, Scott sings "Just ring: 3-6, 2-4, 3-6, hey I lead a life of crime". This number was an inside joke referring to idealized body measurements in inches (bust-waist-hips), but the joke led to an actual lawsuit. In the United States, an Illinois couple named Norman and Norma Patney sued the band and the record label in 1981 after thousands of fans called their home late at night asking for "dirty deeds done dirt cheap." The lawsuit was settled out of court. “Ain’t No Fun (Waiting Round to Be a Millionaire)” slows things down into a blues-soaked strut, giving Scott room to vent frustration and cynicism. The song stretches out, letting the band breathe, and shows that “AC/DC” could build atmosphere just as effectively as they could deliver blunt-force riffs. “Problem Child” brings the pace back up with pure attitude. Short, sharp, and aggressive, it sounds like a declaration of identity. There is no attempt to soften the edges or justify the behavior. This is defiance as a lifestyle, delivered with a grin and clenched teeth. Squealer”, open the second side of the vinyl with a darker and heavier vibe that leaves the listener with a raw, unsettling edge. One of the album’s most underrated moments is “Big Balls”, a song that perfectly captures Bon Scott’s genius for double entendre. On the surface it’s a tongue-in-cheek tale of high-society gatherings. Underneath, it’s pure filth, delivered with theatrical flair and impeccable timing. It is humorous, ridiculous, and somehow still menacing. The Australian version of the album closes with “Jailbreak”, one of the most dramatic and cinematic songs of the Bon Scott era. Its prison-break narrative, rising tension, and explosive payoff make it a natural finale, ending the album with urgency, attitude, and a sense of outlaw freedom that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”. Original Australian cover It is important to note that international versions of the album differ significantly from the original Australian release. The international edition shortened several tracks and altered the running order, removing “R.I.P. (Rock in Peace)” and “Jailbreak”, and adding “Love at First Feel” and the punk-like “Rocker” instead. Despite being released in 1976, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” did not appear in the United States until 1981, after “AC/DC” had already become global superstars. By then, the album felt like a missing chapter in the band’s story, revealing the roots of their attitude and the raw hunger that fueled their rise. Over time, it has become one of the band’s most beloved records, frequently cited as a definitive Bon Scott era release. Today, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” stands as a crucial turning point in the “AC/DC” catalog. It is the sound of a band shedding uncertainty, embracing their identity, and committing fully to a philosophy of loud guitars, hard grooves, and zero compromise. It may not have the stadium polish of later albums, but its grit, humor, and danger remain timeless. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Written By: Moti Kupfer Release date - 20.9.1994 "Guitar hero" is a nickname usually given to virtuosos among them, those whose guitar sound brings with it a musical stamp, and sometimes even world fame, the furthest from the "guitar hero" I'm talking about today, Grant Lee Phillips. Phillips is a member of the alternative country/rock band "Grant Lee Buffalo" whose second album "Mighty Joe Moon" was released on 20.09.1994. Grant Lee Phillips was born into a family of religious preachers in Stockton, California. He was influenced as a child by the band "Kiss", and David Bowie, and by the blues that his grandmother loved to listen to, so the music Phillips plays is a combination of rock and blues. At the age of 13 he was a member of the band "Bloody Holly" in which he was the sole songwriter. After attending and dropping out of UCLA, Phillips met drummer Joey Peters in Los Angeles, and together they formed the psychedelic rock band "Shiva Burlesque". The band released two albums, and during one of their shows, Paul Kimble saw them and liked what he saw. When "Shiva Burlesque" broke up, it was Kimble's turn to join the band in place of bassist James Brenner, and the trio began performing without a permanent name. During 1991, the band's name was established as "Grant Lee Buffalo", a name that combines Grant Lee Phillips' name with a combination of historical American items such as Buffalo Bill and magician Harry Houdini. "Grant Lee Buffalo" performed weekly in West Hollywood at the Cafe Largo as they slowly began to gain fans, while at the same time sending samples of their songs to the label Singles Only ("Hüsker Dü"), who released the song "Fuzzy" in 1992, which later became the band's huge hit. Meanwhile, "Grant Lee Buffalo" increased their fan base nicely, to the point that a representative from the record company "Slash" who came to sign them to a contract with the company had to wait in line for 45 minutes. The debut album, released in 1993, was called "Fuzzy" after their famous hit, a hit that prompted the band "Pearl Jam" to take them as an opening act for their tour. In early 1994, the band began working on their second album "Mighty Joe Moon" but on January 17, 1994, Los Angeles experienced a major earthquake, the results were severe, Paul Kimball's house was destroyed, and the same fate befell Grant Lee's trailer. With no choice, the band stayed in a tent at Peters' house, and every morning they would wake up to the sounds of birds. Grant Lee was inspired by the sounds of birds, and wrote the song "Mockingbirds" about it, which was also the band's first single from the second album, a song that did relatively well when it reached the Top 20 of the American Modern Rock Chart. "Grant Lee Buffalo" released "Mighty Joe Moon" in an interim period between the dominant grunge that still set the tone in the US, and the rap/rock bands that came right after the end of the grunge era, so this album kind of "fell between the chairs", and did not receive the recognition it deserved. "Grant Lee Buffalo" play melodic rock/folk on the album on the one hand, and noisy rock full of feedback on the other, this fascinating contrast is read throughout the album, and sometimes even in the same song (for example in the opening song "Lone Star Song"). Grant Lee Phillips' voice manages to sometimes sound powerful like the lead singer of a heavy rock band, and then lower the tone all at once and sound like songwriters such as Gordon Lightfoot and James Taylor. It is a well-known rule that sad songs are usually slow, and happy or angry songs are rhythmic, "Grant Lee Buffalo" is one of the few bands that plays songs with anger and high internal combustion at a slow pace. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Editor's Choice... On September 19, 1981, "Triumph" released its fifth studio album (the fourth international) "Allied Forces". It's one of the band's greatest albums and the one that exposed it to a larger audience with hits like "Magic Power" and "Fight the Good Fight", so for those of you who don't know the band is definitely a good place to start. After the relative failure of their previous album "Progressions of Power" from 1980, Canadian power trio members Rik Emmett (guitar/vocals), Mike Levine (bass/keyboards), and Gil Moore (drums/vocals) decide to take matters into their own hands. Unlike the previous album which was hastily recorded under pressure from the record company to finish it as soon as possible, the band is entering its private recording studio "Metalworks Studios", for the first time, and is working on new material. The band members noted that knowing they were doing it for the first time in their private studio with unlimited creative freedom, maintained a relaxed atmosphere that served as a fertile ground for writing some of the most beautiful songs they have ever created. All the songs except the two instrumental pieces were written with the full collaboration of all three members, when in this case also there is a fairly balanced vocal sharing, between the two lead singers the drummer Gil Moore and guitarist Rik Emmett. We have already talked and written about it quite a bit, but one of the great advantages of this band is the fact that it has two excellent singers, who just complement each other. In this way, every one of them brings the right tone and style of voice to the specific song and thereby creates an amazing diversity that blends so beautifully with the music. We do not really know how to explain it exactly, but as if it is a contrast between two ends that still manage to complement each other. This contrast can already be felt in the two opening songs of the album. On the one hand "Fool for Your Love" with the catchy and rough riff sung in the powerful voice of drummer Gil Moore and on the other hand the first hit of the band "Magic Power" which is sung by guitarist Rik Emmett in his soft and caressing voice. The band members will say that this song changed the balance of power in the band's fan base, when overnight they turned from a band that 90% of its fans are men, to a band whose performances include 40% women. But the contrast does not mean that necessarily all the softer songs are led by Rik Emmett while the more "rough" songs are sung by Gil Moore. Take the rock and roll "Hot Time (In This City Tonight)" for example, which Emmett sings and compare it to "Ordinary Man" which opens with an A-chapel by Moore and Emmett and becomes a quiet duet of the two. As we mentioned this album includes some of the band's great songs, including the fast-paced theme song "Allied Forces" sung by Gil Moore and of course, the masterpiece "Fight the Good Fight" - a complex and formidable piece with progressive influences, with beautiful keyboard work by bassist Mike Levine, who produced the album, on his Hammond B3. This is a track that you must not, you simply must not miss !!! In the best tradition, this album also includes a short instrumental guitar section "Petite Etude" played by Rik Emmett who is in our opinion one of the great guitarists who are not appreciated enough, and not rightly so. And now you have to listen: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On September 19, 1985 "Accept" recorded their first live EP "Kaizoku-Ban", released later that year. Though it's an official live EP, the title "Kaizoku-Ban" translated from Japanese is "Pirate Edition" or "Bootleg". This album captures the raw power of "Accept" at the height of their career. A compact live album, recorded in Nagoya, during their "Metal Heart" tour in Japan. It presents six tracks that showcase the band’s fierce energy and powerful stage presence during the mid-'80s. Though brief, with a runtime of under 30 minutes, this release offers a tantalizing glimpse into the German heavy metal band’s commanding live performances. The EP opens with "Metal Heart," a cornerstone of "Accept’s" catalog and the title track of their 1985 album. This song is a perfect opener. The band immediately sets a high-octane tone. Udo Dirkschneider's raspy, unmistakable vocals pierce through the crowd noise, with Wolf Hoffmann’s neo-classical guitar solo inspired by Beethoven’s Für Elise and a guitar work that delivers sharp, melodic riffs with precision. The mix captures the immediacy of a live show, with Peter Baltes’ bass thundering alongside Stefan Kaufmann's pounding drums. The live version retains all the studio track’s drama and intensity, but with an added edge that only a live setting can provide. "Screaming for a Love-Bite" follows, offering a catchy melody and infectious hooks. The band’s performance here is tight, as the interplay between Hoffmann’s guitar and Peter Baltes’ bass keeps the song driving forward. The chorus, a classic Accept sing-along, sounds even bigger in the live environment, giving the crowd something to latch onto. "Up to the Limit" takes things into more aggressive territory, showcasing the band’s speed and precision. This track, with its galloping rhythm and scorching guitar work, thrives in the live setting. Stefan Kaufmann’s drumming provides a relentless pace that pushes the song along, while Hoffmann delivers another scorching solo. The EP also features two cuts from their 1983 album "Balls to the Wall", starting with "Head Over Heels." A fan favorite, this track comes to life with Dirkschneider’s gritty vocal delivery and Hoffmann’s signature riffing. The live version captures the song’s raw energy, with the band feeding off the crowd’s excitement. "Love Child," also from "Balls to the Wall", is another highlight, driven by its mid-tempo groove and powerful vocals. The band’s chemistry is on full display here, as they navigate the song’s dynamic shifts with ease, giving it extra punch in this live rendition. The EP closes with "Living for Tonite," a rhythmic anthem that showcases the band’s energetic, no-frills approach to live performance. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a fitting closer, leaving the audience on a high note. This track is a testament to "Accept’s" ability to write simple, effective metal songs that translate perfectly to the stage. For those of you who bought the cassette of this album in real time (yes we are old...), you might remember that it featured all six songs on both sides, Because of the duration of the six songs. "Kaizoku-Ban" is not meant to be a definitive live album, but it serves as a concise and powerful showcase of "Accept’s" live prowess during a peak period in their career. While it doesn’t feature their full catalog, it remains a strong snapshot of "Accept" at their aggressive best, capturing the spirit of the "Metal Heart" era. For Listening: Youtube "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website