A Sneak Peek... And this time, on Bruce Dickinson's first solo album which came out on May 8, 1990. Today in 1990 Bruce Dickinson released his first solo album "Tattooed Millionaire". The project began when Dickinson was asked to record a song for the film "A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child", in 1989. He wrote the song "Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter" and turned to guitarist Janick Gers to record the song with him. Gers was previously part of the band "Gillan" and part of the "Gogmagog" supergroup, which included singer Paul Di'Anno and drummer Clive Burr, both former members of "Iron Maiden". This fruitful collaboration between Dickinson and Gers created an "appetite" that led to the expansion of the project to a full album. The album included 10 newly written songs, regardless of the song "Bring Your Daughter ... to the Slaughter", which was included in the film's soundtrack and was not included on this album. A different version of the song was eventually recorded by "Iron Maiden" and appeared on the album "No Prayer for the Dying" released in October 1990. All songs on the album were written by Dickinson and Gers, except for a cover version of the song "All the Young Dudes"ת written by David Bowie and performed by "Mott the Hoople" and the song that seals the album "No Lies", which was written solely by Dickinson. The style of the album is different from the musical direction of "Iron Maiden" and mainly includes hard rock songsת rooted in simpler compositions than the progressive ones of "the mother band". During the recording of the album, Gers was asked to join "Iron Maiden" as a replacement for guitarist Adrian Smith, who left the band that year, following disagreements over the musical direction, thinking he could not contribute to the band. It is interesting to note that Nikki Sixx from "Motley Crue", claims in his book "The Heroin Diaries" that the album's theme song was written about him after sleeping with Dickinson's wife. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

"Let it Be" The Beatles' 12th studio album, released on May 8, 1970. Here are 20 interesting facts about the album: 1. Although this album was the last to be released by the band, about a month after its breakup in 1970, it was mostly recorded before "Abbey Road", the band's 11th studio album, released in 1969. 2. The album was to be called "Get Back" and the initial idea was for the band to return to its origins of basic and simple rock 'n' roll, after years of exploring the realms of psychedelia, complex productions, and experimental instruments and effects, which were part of the recordings of previous albums. 3. This album was originally intended to be a movie soundtrack and a live album. The idea was to film the band members during the writing and creative process, at the end of which the band would appear in front of an audience and present the materials they were working on at the beginning of the film. 4. The one who wanted to get the band back on stage was Paul McCartney. Many ideas arose regarding the location where the album would be recorded in front of an audience, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Sahara Desert, but as is well known, the band finally climbed to the roof of the Apple building and made their "Rooftop Performance", on January 30, 1969. 5. In the film recorded during the creative process of the album, one can notice the many frictions between the band members, especially between Paul McCartney and George Harrison, when in one of the climactic moments Harrison simply got up and left the studio. Harrison later said that he went home from the studio and wrote the song "Wah-Wah" which describes the headache he got as a result of the quarrels in the studio. The song was of course included on Harrison's solo album "All Things Must Pass". 6. In an attempt to deal with the friction between the band members, Harrison invited keyboardist Billy Preston to the studio. Harrison knew the band members behaved better when another artist was in the studio, as happened with Eric Clapton during the recording of "The White Album". Not only did Preston help to cool the atmosphere, but he also contributed greatly to the band's sound in those sessions. 7. As a result of the friction and quarrels, the band members and producer George Martin abandoned the project, and the recordings from those sessions remained "on the shelf". Only after the recordings of "Abbey Road" did the band members decide to try to produce a full album from that material. 8. Although the band's regular producer George Martin did the initial mixes for the album's songs, John Lennon and George Harrison handed over the recorded material to producer Phil Spector to make an album out of them. John was the one who wanted Spector after working with him on the song "Instant Karma!". He thought the recordings were not of good quality and that only Spector could do something with them. 9. Phil Spector added to the recorded materials, strings, chorus, effects, and "over-produced" the songs, which he claimed were meant to save them, since they were at the level of "sketches" or "rehearsal room". 10. After hearing the final result, George Martin's said that it should be noted on the album cover: "Produced - by George Martin, Over-Produced - by Phil Spector". 11. The band members also hated the result. They regretted the moment they gave Phil Spector a free hand in the production. Spector's work completely missed the original purpose of going back to the band's roots with a simple production. 12. In 2003 the remaining band members will correct this by reproducing the album and releasing it with a minimalist mix on the album called "Let It Be ... Naked". 13. The album cover was supposed to be photographed in the EMI building - the same building where the cover of the band's first album "Please Please me" was photographed. The band approached the same photographer with a request to recreate the photo on the stairs, but eventually, this photo was used on the double compilation album "Retrospective 1967-1970". 14. The song "One After 909" originated in 1959 and is one of the first collaborations between Lennon and McCartney. 15. The song "Let it Be" was written about Mary McCartney - Paul McCartney's mother, who passed away when he was only 14 years old, from breast cancer. McCartney recounts how "Mother Mary" advises him in difficult times and told him words of wisdom. This song was also played with Paul's wife - Linda McCartney. 16. The song was initially offered to singer Aretha Franklin who even recorded a version of her own, before the Beatles recorded the song for the album. Paul later regretted it and Aretha received a letter forbidding her from releasing the song as a single. It was only released as part of Aretha's cover album called "This Girl's in Love with You". 17. Paul wrote "Let It Be" the same day he wrote "The Long and Winding Road", which he initially proposed to singer Tom Jones in 1968. Jones politely declined the offer. 18. The song "Two Of Us" was written by McCartney about his wife Linda. Most of the song is acoustic and Paul does not play bass on it. 19. The song "Across the Universe" was written by John Lennon about his first wife Cynthia. 20. In June 2019 it was announced that director Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings") will direct a documentary based on the raw material that has not yet been seen and filmed during the recordings of the album "Let it Be". Eventually, Jackson produced a 3 chapter TV series called "Get back" with over 8 hours of material. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

He is one of our favorite guitar players. Here are some interesting facts about Joe Bonamassa: (Photo: Gus Stewart) 1. Joe Bonamassa was born as Joseph Leonard Bonamassa, on May 8, 1977, in New Hartford, New York. 2. He grew up in a musical family, and his father was a guitar dealer who exposed him to a variety of music genres, including blues, rock, and jazz. 3. At the age of 4, he received his first guitar and began taking lessons. By the age of 7, he was already performing in public. 4. In 1989, at the age of 12, Bonamassa opened for blues legend B.B. King. 5. In the early 1990s, he was discovered by blues musician Danny Gatton, who invited him to perform at his shows. 6. In his teenage years, he played in a band called "Bloodline", which also featured the sons of Robby Krieger ("The Doors"), Miles Davis, and Berry Oakley ("The Allman Brothers Band"). 7. In 2000, Bonamassa released his debut solo album "A New Day Yesterday," which was produced by Tom Dowd and featured collaborations with musicians such as Gregg Allman and Rick Derringer. 8. In 2006, he formed the band "Black Country Communion" with Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian. They released four albums between 2010 and 2017. 9. In 2011, he collaborated with Beth Hart on the cover album "Don't Explain". Since then he released 3 more albums with her, including "Live in Amsterdam," which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful. 10. In 2009, he released the album "The Ballad of John Henry," which reached number one on the Billboard Blues chart. 11. In 2012, he released the album "Driving Towards the Daylight," which featured collaborations with "Aerosmith's" Brad Whitford and former "Whitesnake" guitarist Doug Aldrich. 12. In 2013 he started collaborating with "Candy Funk Party", a jazz-funk band that was formed in 2009. Bonamassa released 3 studio albums and a live album with them. 13. In 2016, he collaborated with blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Gales on the album "Different Shades of Blue". 14. In 2019, he formed the band "The Sleep Eazys" and released the album "Easy to Buy, Hard to Sell," which was a tribute to his early influences. 15. In 2020, he released the album "Royal Tea," which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and featured British musicians such as Bernie Marsden and Jools Holland. This album gave him his 4th Grammy award nomination. 16. In 2021, he released a collaborative album with blues singer-songwriter and harmonica player Jimmy Vivino called "Together in the Spirit." 17. The same year he released his 15th album "Time Clocks". 18. In Addition, Bonamassa released 18 live albums between 2002 to 2023. 19. In 2020, he was inducted into the "Musicians Hall of Fame" and Museum in Nashville, which honors musicians of all genres who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Bonamassa was inducted in the guitar category, joining other legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Duane Allman. 20. Bonamassa is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation to support music education in schools and his fundraising for various charities. 21. He is a collector of vintage guitars and has amassed a collection of over 300 instruments, including several rare and valuable pieces. 22. He also owns a guitar store in Las Vegas called The Bona-seum, which showcases some of his favorite guitars. 23. Bonamassa is an avid car collector and has a collection of vintage and exotic cars. 24. Bonamassa has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the "Royal Albert Hall" in London, the "Sydney Opera House" in Australia, and the "Beacon Theatre" in New York City. 25. Bonamassa has been recognized with several awards throughout his career, including Guitar Player magazine's "Best Blues Guitarist" award and the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the UK's Guitarist magazine. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On May 8, 1989 "Phish" released their sprawling, ambitious double debut album "Junta". Originally released only on cassette in 1988, the album was independently recorded and produced, and quickly became a cult favorite among "Phish" fans. The album's title is a nod to the band's first official manager, who helped them secure a record deal with Elektra Records. Phish was formed by guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, and drummer Jon Fishman at the University of Vermont in 1983. In 1985, keyboardist Page McConnell joined the group, completing the band's four-piece lineup. Together, they would go on to become one of the most beloved and influential jam bands of all time. "Junta" showcases Phish's eclectic and improvisational style, which draws from a wide range of genres including rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass. At over two hours in length, the album is a journey through the band's musical universe, full of surprises, twists, and turns. The album contains mainly nontraditional structures and arrangements based on jazz fusion and improvisation, resulting in symphonic-like epics. The songs are characterized by intricate instrumental interplay and complex compositions that allow for extended improvisation. The album kicks off with the energetic "Fee" which sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other highlights include "You Enjoy Myself" a fan favorite that features a memorable vocal jam and an extended bass and drum segment, and "The Divided Sky" a mostly instrumental, twelve-minute epic that begins with a nice acoustic intro and builds to an explosive climax. One of the album's most memorable tracks is the epic "Fluffhead" which consists of multiple interconnected sections and tells the story of a character named Fluffhead. The song is a prime example of "Phish's" storytelling abilities and their willingness to take musical risks. (Photo: courtesy BC Kagan) Throughout the album, "Phish" demonstrates their penchant for experimentation and improvisation, weaving together intricate instrumental passages and unexpected musical flourishes. The band's ability to seamlessly transition between different styles and moods is particularly impressive, as they move from funky grooves to psychedelic jams to Jazz and delicate ballads. While "Junta" may not be as accessible or concise as some of "Phish's" later albums, it remains a landmark release in the band's discography. It is a landmark album that established "Phish" as a force to be reckoned with in the world of jam bands. With its blend of technical prowess, musical experimentation, and whimsical storytelling, "Junta" is a must-listen for any "Phish" fan and a testament to the band's enduring legacy. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Here are some facts about Guitarist Bernie Marsden: (Photo: Fin Costello) 1. Bernie Marsden was born on May 7, 1951 in Buckingham, England. 2. He began playing guitar at the age of nine and was influenced by blues guitarists such as BB King and Albert King. 3. Marsden's first professional gig was with the band "UFO" in 1972, but he left the band after just a few months. 4. In the early 1970s, Marsden was a member of the band "Skinny Cat", which included future "Whitesnake" drummer Ian Paice. 5. He then joined the band "Wild Turkey" in 1974, but left after just one album. 6. Marsden joined the band "Babe Ruth" in 1975, playing on the album "Kid's Stuff" (1976). 7. In 1976, Marsden was involved with "The Majesticaires", a band that included Cozy Powell on drums. 8. In 1976, Marsden also played with "The Little House Band", which included future "Whitesnake" bandmate Micky Moody. 9. In 1976, Marsden was involved with the band "Paice Ashton Lord", which featured former "Deep Purple" members Ian Paice and Jon Lord. 10. Marsden played guitar on the band's only album, "Malice in Wonderland" (1977). 11. Following the release of the album, "Paice Ashton Lord" disbanded and Marsden went on to join "Whitesnake". (Photo: Fin Costello) 12. In 1978, Marsden joined "Whitesnake", playing alongside guitarist Micky Moody and singer David Coverdale. 13. His first album with the band was "Snakebite" (1978) and since then Marsden played on another 6 "Whitesnake" albums including: "Lovehunter" (1979), "Ready An' Willing" (1980), "Come an' Get It" (1981) and the excelent live album "Live... in the Heart of the City". 14. During his time with "Whitesnake", Marsden co-wrote several of the band's biggest hits, including "Here I Go Again" and "Fool for Your Loving". 15. In 1980, Marsden released his debut solo album "And About Time Too". 16. In 1981, Marsden formed the band "Alaska". They released two albums, Heart of the Storm (1984) and The Pack (1985). 16. Marsden left Whitesnake in 1982 to focus on his solo career and pursue other musical projects. 17. Marsden released several other solo albums, including "Look at Me Now" (1981), "The Friday Rock Show Sessions: Live at Reading" (1982), and "Big Boy Blue" (1992). 18. Marsden collaborated with other notable musicians and bands, including Cozy Powell, Don Airey, and "Forcefield", Ian Gillan and more. 19. In 1994, Marsden formed "The Snakes", a band that included former "Whitesnake" members Micky Moody and Neil Murray. 20. "The Snakes" released two albums, "Once Bitten..." (1998) and "Live in Europe" (1999). 21. In 1998, Marsden formed "The Company of Snakes", a band that also featured former "Whitesnake" members Micky Moody, Neil Murray, and others. 22. "The Company of Snakes" released two albums, "Here They Go Again" (2001) and "Burst the Bubble" (2002). 23. In 2005, Marsden formed "The Moody Marsden Band", a duo with former "Whitesnake" bassist Neil Murray. 24. "The Moody Marsden Band" released two albums, "Never Turn Our Back on the Blues" (2005) and "Live in Hell: Unplugged" (2007). 25. In addition to his music career, Marsden has written several books about his experiences in the music industry, including "Where's My Guitar?: An Inside Story of British Rock and Roll" (2015). 26. Marsden was awarded the Marshall 50th Anniversary Award for Services to British Music in 2012. 27. Marsden was inducted into the Marshall "Wall of Fame" in 2019, joining other legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. 28. Marsden has a guitar collection that includes more than 200 different guitars. In June 2023, one of his guitars, an 1959 Gibson Les Paul known as "The Beast" was sold for a fantastic $1.3 million. 29. In 2017 he published his autobiography called "Where's My Guitar". 29. Marsden passed away on August 24, 2023 and he was 72 years old at the time of his death. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On May 7, 1977 "UFO" Released their sixth studio album - "Lights Out". "Lights Out" is considered one of the most important hard rock albums of the era. The album features the classic lineup of Phil Mogg on vocals, Michael Schenker on guitar, Pete Way on bass, Andy Parker on drums. It is the first "UFO" album to feature Paul Raymond on keyboards and rhythm guitar. The album's opening track, "Too Hot to Handle", sets the tone with its driving rhythm and catchy chorus. Phil Mogg's powerful vocals and Michael Schenker's impressive guitar work are both highlights of the song. The title track "Lights Out" close the first side of the vinyl, with its iconic opening riff, which has become one of the most recognizable in hard rock history. For example, Michael Sweet, lead singer of "Stryper" admitted that their song "More Than A Man" came out of "Lights Out" Riff. No doubt, the song's hard-hitting groove and Mogg's emotive vocals make it an instant classic. And if you thought that the album version is a masterpiece, then you have to listen to the live jaw dropping from the album "Strangers in the Night". The second side of the vinyl opens up with "Gettin' Ready", a bluesy riff, and a strong vocal performance from Mogg. The song also showcases the band's tight musicianship and the interplay between Schenker's guitar and Raymond's keyboards. Immediately after comes "Alone Again Or", a "Love" cover from their classic album "Forever Changes", released in 1967. The album was "UFO's" first to feature string arrangements, as Producer Ron Nevison brought in Alan McMillan to handle the string and horn arrangements. One of the song to feature the orchestral addition is the closing track "Love to Love". It's the album's more atmospheric tracks, with its dreamy melody and Mogg's heartfelt vocals. The song's lush instrumentation and beautiful guitar solo from Schenker make it a standout. Throughout the album, "UFO" combines heavy, riff-driven tracks with more melodic and atmospheric songs, creating a dynamic and cohesive listening experience. The production is excellent, with a clear and dynamic mix that allows each instrument and vocal to shine. Overall, "Lights Out" is a classic hard rock album that continues to influence generations of musicians. With its powerful riffs, memorable hooks, and top-notch musicianship, it remains a fan favorite and a classic of the genre. Not for nothing "Kerrang!" magazine listed the album at No. 28 among the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time" and Steve Harris named "Love to Love" as his favorite song. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Today we will tell you about Phil Campbell known as "Motörhead's" guitarist. (Photo: Ian Gavan) 1. Phil Campbell was born on May 7, 1961, in Pontypridd, Wales. 2. He began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, "Persian Risk", in the late 1970s. 3.Campbell was a fan of "Motörhead" before he joined the band, and even saw them play live in 1979. 4. He officially joined "Motörhead" as the band's guitarist in 1984 and remained with them until their dissolution in 2015. 5. Campbell played on 16 studio albums with "Motörhead", including the band's final album "Bad Magic" which was released in 2015. (Photo: courtesy of Adrenaline PR) 6. In addition to playing guitar, Campbell is also proficient on bass, drums, and piano. 7. He has collaborated with many other musicians and bands over the years, including the likes of Dee Snider, Chuck D, and Billy Sheehan. 8. Campbell is known for his distinctive stage presence and often wears a various hats while performing. 9. He is a keen motorcyclist and has been involved in several charity motorcycle rides, including the "Phil Campbell All-Stars Ride" which raises money for children's hospitals. 10. In 2013, Campbell was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of South Wales in recognition of his contribution to the music industry. 11. Campbell is also an accomplished artist and has created artwork for several of "Motörhead's" album covers and merchandise. 12. His solo album, "Old Lions Still Roar", was released in 2019 and featured guest appearances from several notable musicians, such as Dee Snider, Rob Halford and Alice Cooper. 13. Campbell's has another solo project called "Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons". It includes his three kids : Todd , Dane & Tyla. They released an EP in 2016 and 2 studio albums, the latest called "We're the Bastards", was released in 2020. 14. Campbell has cited guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page as his major influences. 15. He has stated in interviews that his favorite "Motörhead" album is "Another Perfect Day", which was released in 1983 before he joined the band. On March 13, 2026, Phil Campbell died at the age of 64 due to complications following surgery, "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Today we come to the fourth episode in the "Transformers of Metal" series. An episode in which we are about to discover the weaknesses of the "metal monsters", which until now have seemed invincible to us. A chapter in which we witness the beginning of the disintegration of this metal "Shape Shifters". But before you start reading the fourth part, you should make sure that you have read the previous three parts: 1. "The Rise of the Transformers of Metal": 2. "Revenge of the Fallen": "Dark of the Moon": And now let's join us in the fourth, and possibly the last, part of the "Transformers of Metal" series - "Transformers: Age of Extinction": On May 7, 1996, the album "The Great Southern Trendkill" was released - Pantera's eighth studio album. This is probably the band's most powerful and aggressive album, and this can already be understood from the opening roar that comes immediately upon the opening of the theme song "The Great Southern Trendkill" which also opens up the album. But as we shall see immediately below, this forcefulness and aggressiveness do not necessarily indicate unity and power in the "Transformers of Metal" camp, but rather a distance and alienation that began to erode them slowly. The name of the album stems from the band's criticism of popular "trends" in music during the recording of the album and especially "rap metal". The "Transformers of Metal" wanted to wave a "finger" to all the "Decepticons" - to the whole music industry that was changing before their eyes, and this was well expressed not only in the name of the album but also within. It seems that as metal bands got closer and closer to the "Decepticons" and the mainstream enjoyed MTV's embrace, the "Metal Transformers" went in the exact opposite direction and became less accessible, with weird and twisted riffs, aggressive roars, and screams. Due to friction and tension between the "Shape Shifters" at the time, the recordings were held in two different studios, with Phil Anselmo recording the vocal roles in Trent Reznor's ("Nine Inch Nails") studio in New Orleans, while the rest of the band recorded the music at Dimebag Darrell home and the Chasin Jason Studio in Dallas Texas. This form of recording greatly challenged the band members, as guitarist Dimebag Darrell, his brother - drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Rex Brown, did not know what vocal roles Phil Anselmo was going to record up on their music and whether they would even fit the music they wrote. The separation between the two studios during the recordings made it especially difficult for Transformer guitarist "X-Men" Dimebag Darrell, who was accustomed to record the lead guitar roles after Phil Anselmo had already recorded his vocal roles. Despite Dimebag's difficulty, some of his most marvelous moments can be found on this album, especially "Floods" guitar solo which is considered by many to be his best solo. It is interesting to note that this amazing solo was composed by Dimebag Darrell from pieces of solo parts he used to play in the band's performances on the "Far Beyond Driven" tour. The esteemed "Guitar World" magazine ranked this solo 15th on the list of the 100 best solos of all time, Dimebag's highest ranking out of 3 solos he managed to put on this list (the other two were "Cemetry Gates" ranked instead The 35th and "Walk" ranked 57th). By the way, the reason for the distance between the members of "Metal Monsters" during the recordings, became clear several months after the release of the album, when on July 13 the Transformer Phil Anselmo almost died, after taking an overdose of heroin backstage, at the end of the band's performance in Dallas. (Photo: Mick Hutson) It seems that the tension and frustration that accompanied the recordings of the album and Phil Anselmo's struggle with hard drug addiction also affected the content of the album, which as mentioned is probably the band's most extreme and heavy. Another expression of the album's aggressive and dark atmosphere can be found in Anselmo's singing which sounds almost "devilish". To create this "devilish" effect, Phil Anselmo's voice was recorded in layers, across several channels later put together. This "devilish" harmony is also maintained in the song "Steps to Nowhere 13" which features Seth Putnam - the singer and guitarist of "Anal Cunt", who is responsible for the shaky roars that make fertile ground for Anselmo's singing. Seth is featured on other songs on the album including "The Great Southern Trendkill" and "War Nerve", There is no doubt that this is an album that is not easy to listen to on first hearing. But over time and as you get deeper and deeper into the music and lyrics, you find that it does not fall far short of the rest of the band's albums of the early 90s. This is perhaps the band's heaviest album, but you can also find "slower" and quieter moments in it, which add to the diversity and versatility of the album. This versatility culminates in two parts of the song "Suicide Note", the first part of which "caresses softness", while the second part "crushes bones". It is interesting to note that Dimebag was the director of the clip for the song "Drag the Waters" which is also the first single released from the album. Dimebag noted that the song is about the same people you encounter during life that it is not clear what their real intentions are. Unfortunately, the extreme emotions, harsh atmosphere and tension that surrounded the creative process of this album, not only influenced its content, but also pointed to the "beginning of the end" ... the "age of extinction" of the Metal Transformers ... "Transformers: Age of Extinction ". For listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On May 6, 2022 "Halestorm" releases their fifth studio album "Back from the Dead". We have been waiting and anticipating for this album and then it arrived, straight from the dead !!! "Back from the Dead" is "Halestorm's" fifth album, but feels that in the two prior to it's release the band has undergone a process of development and flourishing of more than 5 years. The band members started working on this album before the outbreak of COVID-19, several months after they started working they were already under closure, and like many artists, they were disconnected from their main life support, no more live shows !!! Many artists in music went through a very strong crisis during the COVID-19 period, after all, live shows and tours are their bread and butter, they are the oxygen, and this is what keeps them alive not to mention the economic aspect. Many of the artists manage to survive not to mention live with dignity, mainly thanks to income from performances. There are artists who have taken the crisis positively and some negatively, but the vast majority have simply created music non-stop. The closure, the social distance, and the restrictions on the one hand created severe traumas but on the other hand, created a huge amount of musical creativity. Singer and bandleader Lzzy Hale experienced a severe crisis with the outbreak of the plague. "Once we went into lockdown and were unable to perform and tour, I fell into a dark place and something of an identity crisis. This album is the story of me carving myself out of that abyss. It is a journey of navigating mental health, debauchery, survival, redemption, rediscovery, and still maintaining faith in humanity." More than half a year before the album was released, the first single and first track from the album "Back from the Dead" was released setting a very high bar for the rest of this excellent album. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

A Sneak Peek... And this time on the origin of the name "The Single Factor" - "Camel's" ninth album, released on May 6, 1982. The name of the album represents the music as well. A collection of singles - short and focused sections that certainly do not characterize what this band is used to produce and certainly not the progressive genre from which it comes. This album is the result of record company Decca Records pressure, which demanded that the band will produce a "hit" single. It was the last album the band was committed to releasing with the aforementioned record company and Andrew Latimer decided to meet the demand and produce a collection of short tracks none of which exceed the 5-minute limit. Despite the commercial and even "poppy" approach, this album has some gems like the melting track "Selva", the track "Sasquatch" featuring Latimer's longtime bandmate Peter Bardens, the "End Peace" a track co-written by former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips and more. it is interesting to note that Anthony Phillips plays guitar, organ, and synthesizer on other tracks of the album. Undoubtedly, this is one of the band's weaker albums, due to its commitment to the record company. At the same time, if this is considered the band's "weak" album, it certainly indicates the quality and greatness of Camel. Feel free to follow the local wonder band "The Humps", performing "Camel's" materials perfectly and faithful to the original. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Written By: Moti Kupfer Release date - 06.05.1996 In the summer of 1995, while most 18-year-olds were nervously waiting for their exam results, three teenagers from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Tim Wheeler (vocals, guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass), and Rick McMurray (drums), had already released their fifth single. Their punchy pop-punk track "Girl from Mars" surprised everyone when it entered the UK charts just outside the Top 10. Less than a year later, "Ash" had become the most promising and explosive Northern Irish band in the UK, with their debut album "1977", released on May 6, 1996. As early as 1989, Wheeler and Hamilton formed a band called "Vietnam" (alongside three other members), playing covers of "Iron Maiden". Two years later, an unknown band from Seattle called "Nirvana" ignited their desire to develop a sound of their own. They realized they did not have to be highly skilled musicians to be good at it, as Tim Wheeler later explained. By early 1992, vocalist Gareth Hutchinson, guitarist Malcolm King, and drummer Andy McLean had left the group, and Wheeler and Hamilton decided to form a punk band. Wheeler took on vocals and guitar, while Hamilton played bass. They spent two weeks writing original material in Wheeler’s bedroom. In the summer of 1992, drummer Rick McMurray joined after Wheeler approached him during a school play and invited him for a jam session at his house, which led to their first demo "Solar Happy". They chose the name "Ash" randomly, picking the first word they liked from a dictionary. Their debut single "Jack Names the Planets" was released in February 1994, and two months later, "Ash" traveled to London for a promotional campaign. Several major labels showed interest before they signed with "Infectious Records". Since Wheeler and Hamilton were only 17 at the time, their parents had to sign the contract on their behalf, along with their school principal, Jack Preece. Two additional singles preceded the release of their mini-album "Trailer", which finally came out in October 1994. In preparation for their debut album, the band met with several producers, including Phil Vinall, who had worked with "The Auteurs". Wheeler, however, preferred Mark Waterman, having become familiar with his work on "Nowhere" by the shoegaze band "Ride". Eventually, producer Owen Morris was chosen, who had worked in late 1994 with "The Verve" on their second album "A Northern Soul" (1995). Wheeler said they wanted a young and cool producer, and they chose Morris after learning he was influenced by artists they loved, such as David Bowie, "T. Rex", and "Thin Lizzy". "Ash" began recording the album "1977" on New Year’s Day, named after the birth year of two of its members and the release year of the film "Star Wars". Although the process was initially planned to last six weeks, it ultimately stretched to three months. Musically, "1977" was described as Britpop blended with power pop, garage rock, and pop rock, incorporating elements of glam rock, punk, and grunge. In a 2020 interview, Wheeler explained that being labeled as Britpop felt automatic due to their British origins, but in reality, they were more influenced by American music than British. Most of the album’s songs were written by Tim Wheeler and revolve around teenage romance and heartbreak, childhood memories, desires, and missed sexual opportunities. The track "Kung Fu", written about martial arts film star Jackie Chan, was featured in advertisements and the end credits of Chan’s film "Rumble in the Bronx". Interestingly, the fourth and fifth singles, "Goldfinger" and "Oh Yeah", became the most successful, reaching numbers 5 and 6 on the UK charts, while "1977" itself topped the UK Albums Chart. The album cover features a photograph discovered by Dutch photographer and graphic designer Brian Cannon, who found it in a book he purchased in Amsterdam and showed it to the band, who immediately liked it. According to Cannon, it was extremely difficult to obtain permission to use the image, as the photographer had passed away and they had to track down his wife to secure the rights. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

You know him mostly from the band "Foo Fighters" but he also has a solo career... Please welcome the guitar player, creator, and singer Chris Shiflett. (Photo: Guitar.com) 1. His full name is Christopher Aubrey Shiflett and he was born in Santa Barbara, California on May 6, 1961. 2. During his childhood Chris was a very talented Soccer player and was even part of the American Youth Soccer Organization. 3. At the same time as his Soccer talent Chris started to develop another talent and at the age of 11, he started learning to play the guitar. 4. At the age of 14 he had to make a decision about the talent he wanted to continue to develop, as we know he chose a guitar and joined his first band. 5. In his youth Chris grew up on Punk Rock music in San Francisco, he started his career as a fan on the club floor and very quickly moved on stage as a guitarist for several bands like: "No Use for a Name" (punk rock band with which he released three albums), "Me First and the Gimme Gimmes" (a cover band he works with to this day), "Lost Kittenz" and "Rat Pack". 6. At one of "Rat Pack" shows, Chris came on as a bassist as they were an opening act for "Scream", whose drummer at the time was Dave Grohl. 7. There's a story that in 1999 a friend of Chris's who was very involved in the US music scene, offered him to audition for a band called "Guns N' Roses", Chris was not enthusiastic about the idea and instead asked his friend to arrange for him an audition for a band called "Foo Fighters" which he heard was looking for a guitar player. 8. Chris came to the Foos' audition and Dave who really liked Chris' musical background and talent, recruit him to the band. He joined immediately after the recording of the album "There Is Nothing Left to Lose" which came out in 1999 as an accompanist for the tour to promote the album but became a regular part of the band before the recordings for the band's fourth album. (Photo: Martin Philbey) 9. In light of his commitment to the Foos', Chris left his band "No Use for a Name" but at the same time continued with his cover band "Me First and the Gimme Gimmes" as he begins his journey to the top. 10. In 2002 Chris was part of his first "Foo Fighters" album and the band's fourth album "One by One". The album was recorded after a difficult period in which the band's future was unclear and when Dave almost dismantled the band out of lack of interest and boredom. 11. In 2002, Chris and his brother Scott Shiflett, guitarist Trever Keith, drummer Josh Freese, and keyboardist Chad Blinman formed the band "Viva Death". They have released four albums: "Viva Death" (2002), "One Percent Panic" (2006), "Curse The Darkness" (2010), and "Illuminate" (2018). 12. In 2003 Chris again formed with his brother another punk rock band called "Jackson United" with whom Chris only released an EP called "Jackson" but left the band a year later. 13. In 2005 the Foos' released their fifth and double album "In Your Honor", which consists of an electric album and an acoustic album. 14. In 2007 the band released their sixth album "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace" which was nominated for five Grammy Awards and even won one. 15. That same year Chris returned to "Jackson United" and began work on the band's third album. During the recordings, things did not work out with the drummer who came to record and Dave and Taylor Hawkins came to support their friend and recorded the drums parts on the album together. 16. In 2010 Chris was looking for diversity among his various ensembles, leading him to set up another side project called "Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants" with which he was focusing more on country and rockabilly music. They released their first album bearing the band's name. (Photo: Michael Elins) 17. In 2011 Foos' released their seventh album "Wasting Light" which is one of our favorite albums and we recommend that you pay some attention to it. 18. In 2013 Chris releases another album with the "Dead Peasants" called "All Hat and No Cattle". This band prepared the ground for the style of his solo albums to come later. 19. A year later, the "Foos'" released their eighth album "Sonic Highways" which consists of local influences from different cities in the US, with each song actually representing a different city and a different influence. 20. In 2015 the band released the "Saint Cecilia" (EP) and two years later their ninth album "Concrete and Gold". Dave described the album theme as "Hope and Despair" when on this album they took Greg Kurstin who is a famous pop album producer and this is the first hard rock album he is producing. 21. In April 2017, Chris released his first solo album "West Coast Town", an album consisting of catchy and dancing country songs called honky tonk tracks, a country-style bar music. 22. In June 2019 he releases his second solo album "Hard Lessons". The album was produced by Dave Cobb who is one of the biggest country producers in Nashville, and together they created a collection of songs dubbed the Americana rodeo. 23. The "Foos'" ninth album was out in 2021 and is "Medicine at Midnight". This album is different from what we were used to getting from the Foos'. It's bouncing, It's happy, It's catchy It's a party. This album also holds the record as "Foos'" shortest studio album, with only 36 minutes of music. Dave stated that he wanted to produce a "fun" album something like "Let's Dance" by David Bowie. 24. In July 2021, the band returns the disco to the stage and releases a cover album of the great songs of the "Bee-Gees" band, they release the album under the name "Dee-Gees" and the album is called "Hail Satin". 25. In October 2021, Chris entered the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" with the "Foo fighters". 26. On February 25, 2022, Chris and his friends from "Foo Fighters" debuted their comic-horror movie "Studio 666". 27. On March 25, 2022, Taylor Hawkins was found dead in a hotel in Bogota, where he was scheduled to perform alongside the "Foo Fighters". Currently, there is no information about the rest of the band or the band's future, but we hope they will recover from this tragedy. 28. In May 2023 the band revealed its new drummer!! The band released a comical video in which they are seen in a rehearsal room "as if" waiting for their new drummer. A number of famous drummers such as Chad Smith, Tommy Lee and Danny Carey enter the room with ridiculous claims (food delivery, blocked parking, dog shower) and immediately leave, until the camera reveals Josh Freese sitting on the drums all this time waiting for his new friends to start playing. The video continues to a "rehearsal" called "Preparing Music For Concerts" in which the band plays a setlist for the first time in its new line-up. 29. In June 2023, the band releases its first album after Taylor's death, the album "But Here We Are". The album was produced by Greg Kurstin and the band with Dave recording all the drums parts on the album. This is undoubtedly a lament album, both in terms of sound and lyrics, Dave reflects in the songs the feelings that he and the band experienced following Taylor's death but also what he himself experienced following the death of his mother Virginia. In October 2023, Chris releases another solo album called "Lost at Sea". 31. Chris said that in his early years with the "Foos'" he was constantly anxious that one day he would be dumped and replaced by Pat Smear who was one of the first in the band and Dave's best friend. It wasn’t until Pat became a regular member of the band that Chris was freed from those anxieties. 32. In some of the ensembles in which Chris was a partner he used to perform under the name Jake Jackson. 33. Occasionally Chris took part in Hawkins' band, a special band called "Chevy Metal", a kind of super-star cover band !! With Hawkins on drums and Wiley Hodgden being permanent members of the band and all other band members changing from show to show and featuring big stars in the rock world. 34. Sounds very painful but it is said that Chris has a tattoo of the phrase "Gimme Gimme", part of his band name, on the inside of his lower lip. 35. In April 2026, the band released the album "Your Favorite Toy", the band's twelfth studio album and the first to feature drummer Ilan Rubin. The album was produced by the band alongside Oliver Roman and recorded between Grohl’s home studio and Studio 606 in Los Angeles. According to Grohl, the title track "Your Favorite Toy" was the moment the band rediscovered the direction and energy of the record after a long period of musical experimentation. If you fancy a bit of country, feel free to listen to Chris's "Hard Lessons" latest album on Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website