Here are some facts about Jim Martin known as "Faith No More" Guitarist in the years 1983-1993: (Photo: MusicBox359.com) = He was born on July 21 in Hayward, California as James Blanco Martin. = Martin sited Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and David Gilmour as his major influences. = In 1979 he played in the punk band "Agents of Misfortune" with bassist Cliff Burton. = In 1981 he played guitar in the thrash metal band "Vicious Hatred". = He joined "Faith No More" in 1983, four years after the group's formation. = In 1985 he released his first album with "Faith No More" - "We Care A Lot". = In 1987 the band released its second album "Introduce Yourself". = In 1988 Mike Patton was recruited to the band at Martin's suggestion, after he heard "Mr. Bungle's" first demo tape. = In 1989 the band achieved major success with their third album - "The Real Thing". = In 1991 he appeared in the movie "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" as "Sir James Martin". He also produced and recorded material for the movie. = In 1992 Martin and "Faith No More" released their masterpiece album "Angel Dust", but Martin faced creative differences during production. = On November 30, 1993 Martin was fired from "Faith No More". = In 1995 Martin played on "Voodoocult's" album "Voodoocult". = In 1996 Martin released an album with "The Behemoth", called "The Behemoth". = In 1997 He released a solo album called "Milk and Blood". = At the same year he was featured on "Metallica's" "Reload" album. He saved the song "Low Man’s Lyric" which started as a metal ballad with his hurdy-gurdy, that James Hetfield found in his house. = In the years 1998-2000 Martin toured as lead guitarist with punk band "Fang", also playing in their album "Fish and Vegetables" from 2000. = In 1998 Martin has featured on "Metallica's" "Garage Inc." album with "Tuesday's Gone". = In 1999 he collaborated on multiple projects, including with "Primus" on "Antipop" (In the song "Eclectic Electric"). = The same year he released the album "Conflict" with Anand Bhatt. he continued to collaborate with Bhatt in 2001 in the album "Fire Woman: A Tribute to The Cult". = In 2002 he contributed to "Echobrain's" self-titled album "Echobrain" (the song "Spoonfed"). = In 2009 he announced he would not participate in "Faith No More's" reunion tour. = In 2011 he joined "Metallica" on stage for their 30th anniversary shows. = In 2013 he played guitar for "Infectious Grooves'" reunion. = When Martin was asked what he considers as the highlight of his career, he answered: Performing with Bo Diddly, Klaus Meine, "Metallica", Gary Rossington, Pepper Keenan, Sean Kinney, Jerry Cantrell, John Popper, Jason Newsted, singing "Misfits" songs with "Metallica" live during our tour with them and "Guns N' Roses". Follow us on Facebook or Subscribe to our website "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog & Podcast

The album "Dream Evil", the fourth by "Dio" was released on July 21, 1987. This is probably Dio's latest "classic" album, as those who came after it has no longer been able to recreate the highlights of the first four albums. To be sure, this is Dio's most underrated album at the time of its release, which was appreciated only later. The core that accompanied Ronnie James Dio on the first three albums is also preserved on this album, with the exception of guitarist Vivian Campbell, who parted ways with the band already during the tour of the "Sacred Heart" album. Campbell's influence on the band's sound was so substantial that there was a grave concern that he could not be replaced by someone of his magnitude. In the end, the guitarist who was chosen to replace him was Craig Goldy of "Rough Cutt", a heavy metal band from Los Angeles led by Dio's wife - Wendy Dio. Craig Goldie proved to be a great choice to replace Campbell, and his playing on the album clings brilliantly to the formula of his predecessor, to the point that the average listener would not notice Vivian Campbell has been replaced. Before leaving the band, Campbell co-starred in the 1986 album "Intermission", which included recordings made during the tour that accompanied the album "Sacred Heart". The album also included a new song "Time to Burn" recorded in the studio in collaboration with new guitarist Craig Goldy, who replaced Campbell in the middle of a tour. The band wanted a song that would introduce the new band so the song was recorded and put on the live album. In March 1987, at the end of the tour, the band went on to record the album "Dream Evil". What made this probably Dio's last classic album, is the fact that it's the last album featuring all 3 members of the "Founders' Generation" (Dio, Appice, Bain), as on the album that followed Ronnie James Dio replaced all band musicians without exception, from drummer Vinny Appice, through bassist Jimmy Bain who accompanied the band from its foundation, to keyboardist Claude Schnell and guitarist Craig Goldy, who managed to get into Vivian Campbell's shoes so beautifully, but only survived one album. (Photo: Hardrock80fr.wordpress.com) In terms of musical style, the album marks a rapprochement with the style that characterized the band's first two albums. In light of the harsh criticism following the musical direction in which the previous album "Sacred Heart" went, Dio decided to take two steps back and try to return to the roots. Anyone who has read the review we wrote on the album "The Last In Line", certainly did not miss the term "pop-metal" that we coined specifically to explain the musical softening of Dio and his move towards the mainstream, which became more sophisticated on the album "Sacred Heart". So true, "pop metal' still exists in "Dream Evil" and the commercial buds of "Sacred Heart" are still in it. Evidence of this can be found in the increased use of keyboards in several tracks, such as "All The Fools Sailed Away" and the catchy melodies such as "I Could Have Been a Dreamer", but despite this, it is still a darker and heavier album than its predecessor. Another significant change in this album from previous albums is the increased involvement of keyboardist Claude Schnell in the writing process as well as its impact on the sound of the album. Remember, Chanel also came from the band "Rough Cutt" from which Goldie came. He accompanied the band as a paid musician during the tour of the album "Holy Diver", and became a full member of the band during the recording of the album "The Last In Line". Going back to the review we wrote on the album "The Last In Line", we mentioned there that although Claude Schnell was not a co-writer of any of the songs on that album, his influence still hovered over many of the songs there. So this influence has been greatly intensified on this album, when not only is Schnell participating, for the first time, in writing four of the nine songs on the album, but the presence of the keyboards on the album is much more noticeable. Although "Dream Evil" does not reach the level of the first two classics that this band released in the beginning, there are still quite a few unforgettable moments here, such as "Dream Evil" - the theme song, "Night People", "Naked in the Rain", "Sunset Superman" and the Power-Ballad "All the Fools Sailed Away". And before finishing a little word on the cover. This is the latest album to feature Murray's character on the cover. Some of you may raise an eyebrow at the sound of the name Murray. So similar to Iron Maiden's Eddie, Murray appeared on all four of Dio's first album covers. It is a beast with horns and bright, slanted eyes with fingers and claw-like hands that mark the famous horn symbol of Dio. By the way, for those of you who are really interested, you can find Murray's full story on Dio's website here: 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 - 20.07.1974 (Billboard chart entry date) From hell and back. That was probably the feeling Eric "Slowhand" Clapton experienced as he slowly rebuilt both his life and career, thanks in no small part to the friends who refused to give up on him. By the mid-1960s, Clapton had already established himself as one of the era's most celebrated guitarists through his work with "The Yardbirds", "John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers", "Cream", "Blind Faith", and "Derek and the Dominos". Yet despite his remarkable success, the early 1970s brought him to one of the darkest periods of his life. Having collaborated with "The Beatles", Clapton fell hopelessly in love with Pattie Boyd, the wife of George Harrison. Harrison, it should be said, was hardly known for remaining faithful during their marriage, yet Boyd stayed loyal to him and repeatedly rejected the advances of "Slowhand." Clapton earned the nickname "Slowhand" after snapping yet another guitar string during a concert. As he calmly replaced the broken string, the audience applauded patiently. In Britain, that type of applause was sometimes referred to as "a slow hand," and because Clapton had a habit of breaking strings on stage, the expression eventually became his lifelong nickname. At the very beginning of the 1970s, Clapton released his self-titled debut solo album, "Eric Clapton". Just three months later, he reunited with "Derek and the Dominos" to record "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs", an album that served as a heartfelt declaration of his love and longing for Pattie Boyd, propelled by the monumental success of "Layla." But as his feelings for Boyd intensified, so did his dependence on heroin and alcohol. Before long, Clapton found himself sinking deeper and deeper into addiction and hallucinations. For more than two years, Clapton and his guitar became distant companions. He rarely performed, appearing only once before Pete Townshend organized the famous comeback concert that helped pull him away from drug addiction. That lone appearance was at George Harrison's "Concert for Bangladesh", where "Slowhand" ultimately collapsed on stage. As mentioned, it was Pete Townshend of "The Who" who stepped in and helped save both Clapton's career and, quite possibly, his life. A year later, Clapton was gradually recovering, with Pattie Boyd now by his side. Working closely with his manager Robert Stigwood, Clapton assembled a group of seasoned musicians who left their superstar egos at the door. Among them were Carl Radle, his former bandmate from "Derek and the Dominos", Al Jackson Jr. of "Booker T. & the M.G.'s", and backing vocalist Yvonne Elliman, all under the experienced guidance of legendary producer Tom Dowd. For "461 Ocean Boulevard", Clapton recorded ten songs, seven of them cover versions, including "I Shot the Sheriff," originally written by Bob Marley. Clapton first heard the song when one of his bandmates played him one of Marley's albums and encouraged him to record it. Initially, Clapton was reluctant to include the cover because he feared it might be disrespectful to Marley. His bandmates and management convinced him not only to keep it on the album, but also to release it as a single. The rest, as they say, is history. With a collection of songs that flow effortlessly from one to another, blending blues, acoustic grooves, reggae influences, and rock, Clapton found his footing again and firmly placed his career back on an upward trajectory. Highlights include his interpretation of Blind Willie Johnson's "Motherless Children," inspired by Johnson's tragic childhood after losing his mother and enduring a difficult relationship with his stepmother. Throughout the album, Clapton openly shares the emotional vulnerability that surrounded his recovery from addiction. On "Give Me Strength," he sounds painfully fragile, as though the smallest setback could send him spiraling once more. He almost pleads with the listener, singing, "Give me strength to carry on." On "Get Ready," Clapton appears to sing about Pattie Boyd from the perspective of a heartbroken man contemplating revenge. The song also features prominent backing vocals from Yvonne Elliman, who appears on roughly half of the album. The same Yvonne Elliman would later score the massive disco hit "If I Can't Have You" toward the end of the decade. Here, however, her harmonies enrich "Let It Grow," perhaps the album's most beautiful and emotionally stirring composition. The song feels like a spiritual successor to "Keep On Growing" by "Derek and the Dominos" from 1970. This time, the song reflects Clapton's relationship with Pattie Boyd from a far more optimistic perspective, celebrating a love that was finally beginning to blossom. Its uplifting mood is perfectly mirrored by the blooming tones of the dobro guitar that emerge during the closing section, creating a finale capable of melting the heart of virtually any music lover. The album's title, "461 Ocean Boulevard," comes from the address of the house where Clapton lived while recording the album. It would later become the residence of "The Bee Gees." For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

While he is quiet and does not tend to be exposed to the spotlight, he is one of the significant guitarists who started the development of the grunge scene in Seattle. (Photo: Henry Ruggeri) We want to share some interesting facts about the guy: = He was born in Seattle on July 20, 1966, as Stone Carpenter Gossard. = The first band Gossard joined was "March of Crimes", which also included Ben Shepherd who would later join "Soundgarden". = He later joined the band "Ducky Boys" in which he met Steve Turner, who would later be a member of the band "Mudhoney". Turner was the one who introduced Gossard to punk rock music, which inspired Gossard later on. = In 1984, the two formed the band "Green River", where Gossard first met bassist Jeff Ament. = Gossard, Ament, Steve, and Mark Arm as "Green River" released their first EP "Come on Down" in 1985, already then the collaboration between Ament and Gossard began to shine, with the duo composing most of the mini-album songs. = In 1987, the band released a second mini-album called "Dry as a Bone", which was the first release of the mythical "Sub-Pop" label, so identified with grunge. = As part of the publications and promotion of the mini-album, the label first mentioned the concept of grunge in the following words: "Ultra-loose grunge that destroyed the morals of a generation". = In 1988, "Green River" released their only full-length album - "Rehab Doll". During this time the relationship within the band was intense, with Ament and Gossard on one side and Mark and Steve on the other. = These controversies led to the dissolution of "Green River", but its place in the history of music remains as one of the first and most influential bands in the grunge genre. (Photo: Pearl Jam On Twitter) = In 1988, Ament and his friend from "Green River", Gossard, formed the band "Mother Love Bone". They will add a talented and charismatic character named Andrew Wood who came from the band "Malfunkshun". = On March 23, 1989, Ament, Gossard and the band released an EP with six songs called "Shine", making "Mother Love Bone" as the first band in Seattle to release an album with a major record label. = At the end of 1989, Gossard, Ament, and the band members returned to the studio in California to record their debut album "Apple". The album included 13 songs and was scheduled to be released in March 1990, but just days before the planned release date, Wood died of an overdose. (Photo: James Bland) = Wood's death of course dismantled the band but also threatened to affect the friendships between Ament and Gossard, with Ament even playing briefly with the band "War Babies", before returning with Gossard. = The two added Gossard's childhood friend Mike McCready and the three tried to form a band. = While searching for members for the new band, the three received an invitation to join a project in memory of Andrew Wood led by "Soundgarden" leader Chris Cornell - called "Temple of the Dog". = In 1990, Ament, Gossard, and McCready, along with singer Eddie Vedder, formed "Pearl Jam". (Photo: Wallpapercrafter.com) = In August 1991, the band releases their debut album "Ten". Although initially, the album was not very successful, towards the end of 1992 it got a significant breakthrough. It comes in second place on the Billboard 200, receives two Grammy nominations, and sweeps a bunch of awards on MTV. The album soon became one of the greatest albums to come out of the grunge scene and one of the greatest of the 1990s, and in general. = Gossard becomes an essential and important part of the band as already on the first album he contributes to writing 8 of the album's 11 songs including: "Alive", "Even Flow", "Black" and "Once". = In 1993 the band's second album "Vs" is released. The album soared on the waves of success straight to number one on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for 5 weeks breaking weekly sales records. = The band released 10 more albums: "Vitalogy" (1994), "No Code" (1996), "Yield" (1998), "Binaural" (2000), "Riot Act" (2002), "Pearl Jam" (2006), "Backspacer" (2009), "Lightning Bolt" (2013), "Gigaton" (2020) and "Dark Matter" on 2024, which really got us back to the beginning, when we fell in love with the band all over again! = Gossard will continue to co-write the band's masterful songs such as "Animal", "Daughter", "Spin the Black Circle", "Of The Girl", "Life Wasted", "Of The Girl", "Bushleaguer" and more. = Although Gossard is generally considered the band's rhythm guitarist, the dynamics between him and McCreedy began to change with Eddie becoming a third guitarist, with Gossard occasionally taking more on the lead. = Gossard also occasionally plays bass, piano, mellotron, and sings background vocals. = Most of Gossard's writing for the band is in compositions, but he also wrote lyrics for some of the songs such as: "All Those Yesterdays", "Thin Air", "Of the Girl and more. = Gossard also serves as lead singer in two of the band's songs - "Mankind" and "Don't Gimme No Lip". = In addition to his work with "Pearl Jam", Gossard is a member of the band "Brad" which was formed in 1992 and has released five albums to date. (Photo: Billboard) = That same year Gossard appeared in the mythical movie "Singles" about the grunge scene in Seattle. = In 1994, he co-founded the label "Loosegroove Records" with Regan Hagar, a member of the band "Brad". This label signed "Queens of the Stone Age" through which the band released their debut album. = Gossard is also a producer and owner of the recording studio "Studio Litho" in Seattle. In this studio many bands have recorded, such as: "Soundgarden", "Screaming Trees", "Deftones", "Dave Matthews Band" and of course also "Pearl Jam" and "Brad". = In 2001, Gossard became the first member of "Pearl Jam" to release a solo album, with "Bayleaf" where he played most instruments and even drums. = In 2013, Gossard released his second solo album "Moonlander". = He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with his friends at "Pearl Jam" in 2017. = During the Covid-19 crisis he continued to work with musician Mason Jennings on a project called "Painted Shield" which they started together in 2014. The first album bearing the band's name was released in 2020 and the second album called "Painted Shield 2" was released in 2022. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

"Candlebox's" self-titled debut album, released on July 20, 1993, is a significant entry in the rock landscape of the early '90s. As one of the last bands to ride the massive Seattle grunge wave, "Candlebox" positioned themselves at the forefront of the post-grunge movement. This album is a testament to the band's ability to blend hard rock and blues with post-grunge elements, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Formed in late in November 1990, "Candlebox" originally consisted of lead singer Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado, "Candlebox" took its name from a line in a "Midnight Oil" song. Their rise to fame was rapid, thanks to a demo tape that found its way to Madonna’s "Maverick" label, securing them a record deal in 1992. Despite some criticism from grunge purists and their leaning more towards classic rock, blues and hard rock, "Candlebox" persevered and honed their craft until their big break with this debut album. Although it took over a year for the album to enter the Billboard 200, it eventually sold over 4 million units in the US. Despite its commercial success, the album often gets overshadowed by other Seattle grunge releases. However, tracks like "Far Behind" and "You" have left a lasting impression, ensuring that "Candlebox" remains a memorable name for those familiar with '90s rock. As a Seattle band that was formed in the early 90s, it was not a surprise that they where influenced by the grunge era. Their debut album took a bit of the heaviness of "Soundgarden" and the cool riffs of "Pearl Jam" but they added other elements from hard rock and blues, so there are moments in this album reminiscent of "Led Zeppelin" and the "Black Crowes". The album opens with nervous laughter before blasting into "Don't You" with a heavy hard rock riff and powerful drumming turning into a "Pearl Jam"-like jam during the verse. No doubt that this track sets an energetic tone to the rest of the album. Then comes "Change" which undoubtedly "changes" the vibe of the album. This was the album's first single and it showcases the band's ability to blend moody, reverb-drenched guitar notes with strong, dynamic choruses. The use of contrast in dynamics adds depth, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. Kevin Martin voice is so versatile and this song is the perfect example, showing his ability to change from the soft law verses to the high screams at the choruses. The third song "You" was the second single from the album and was a minor radio hit. This song features deadened guitar notes and a rotating shuffle. The sustained-notes guitar lead towards the end, combined with Scott Mercado's choppy drumming and Kevin Martin's almost rap-like lyrical rhythm, makes it memorable. In this song "Candlebox" frontman Kevin Martin shared his experience with drug addiction during his youth and this song reflects his journey to overcoming dependency, as he states in his own words: "Come around town, steal another dime, don't you push your drugs in my face Yes, I feel it, feeling fine Don't you push your drugs in my face or I'm gonna put you in your place Fuck you, I don't want it no more" Martin revealed that he stole money from his parents to support his habit. His turning point came on his 18th birthday after seeing Peter Garrett of "Midnight Oil" perform, which inspired him to quit drugs. He repaid his parents and has avoided hard drugs since. "No Sense" shows the great potential of "Candelbox" and its unique style. The Boss-Nova driven drums and interesting guitar and bass interplay make the song very promising. Even the guitar solo goes in this interesting path. However, in the end, it unfortunately falls into a typical grunge formula, making the initial promise feel somewhat unfulfilled. "Far Behind" is undoubtedly the standout track of the album and one of the greatest songs of the early 1990s. "Far Behind" is a heartfelt tribute to the late Andrew Wood of "Mother Love Bone". Kevin Martin, Candlebox's vocalist, first met Wood while working at a Seattle shoe store. Wood encouraged Martin to pursue his music despite any negativity. Wood's death deeply saddened the Seattle music community. Initially, the song's lyrics directly referenced Wood, but Martin changed them in the studio to make the meaning less obvious. This led many to interpret it as a love song, rather than one about death and loss. Kevin Martin's intense vocals, the crisp opening riff, and Peter Klett's fantastic middle lead all contribute to its powerful impact. The song peaked at #18 on the U.S. charts in 1994. After this album's standout track, the album fails to reach the level of creativity. Although the rest of the songs on the album are good, "Candelbox" fails to reach its peak and deliver the greatness of the first half of the album. "Blossom" is slow and methodical, featuring good bass accents by Bardi Martin. Despite falling into the grunge formula, it remains one of the better songs on the album due to its strong composition. "Arrow" goes towards hard rock showcasing the band's raw edge. "Rain" is a bluesy track where Peter Klett's guitar playing really shines. It is the most experimental and longest song on the album, pushing the seven-minute mark. "Mother's Dream" starts with an "Alice In Chains" "Would?" bass line but is lacking the focus needed to make a strong impact. "Cover Me" was the last single from the album. A refreshing slow ballad featuring great strumming and picking by Klett. It stands out as a moment of calm and introspection on the album, following the typical hard rock ballad pattern. The album concludes with "He Calls Home" - A melodramatic ballad about a homeless man, carried mainly by Martin's vocals and Peter Klett's guitar playing, providing a reflective end to the record. In conclusion, "Candlebox" is a perfect representation of the transition period in 1993 between grunge and post-grunge, when alternative rock began to dominate the mainstream. The band achieved both critical and commercial success, with "Far Behind" standing out as a defining song of the decade and with other great tracks like "Change", "You" and "Cover Me". While the rest of the album, though solid, often feels like it is reaching for greatness but falls just short, it still showcases the band's genuine care for their music. Unlike many later post-grunge acts, "Candlebox" effectively uses influences from the Seattle scene without turning into copycats, adding blues and hard rock influences. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Guitarist Carlos Santana is celebrating a birthday today, and we want to tell you 40 facts about him: (Photo: Enwallpaper.com / Joshua N. Timmermans) 1. He was born in Autlán de Navarro, Mexicoת on July 20, 1947. 2. The first instrument he played at age 5 was the violin. His father José Santana was a professional violinist and he inspired him to play the instrument. 3. He switched to playing guitar at the age of 8. 4. He was influenced by guitarists like B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, Peter Green, Jimi Hendrix, Hank Marvin, and Mike Bloomfield. 5. In his youth his family moved to Tijuana and from there to San Francisco. Santana became a U.S. resident in 1965. 6. The band named after him was formed in 1966 in the Latin Quarter of San Francisco. 7. The band, originally called "Santana Blues Band", included singer and keyboardist Gregg Rolie. (Photo: Tucker Ranson) 8. The band, which originated in blues, gradually began to combine, folk, jazz, and Latin in its music, as well as African musical instruments, which made its style very different and unique. 9. Santana had to work very hard before he became famous. He played on the streets of San Francisco and even worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant. 10. He was accepted to several universities like "Humboldt State", "California State", and "Northridge", but eventually decided to pursue a musical career. 11. One of his first recordings was on the album "The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper" by the duo Al Cooper and Mike Bloomfield, which was recorded live in 1968. He played there in the song Sonny Boy Williamson. 12. He performed with his band at the Woodstock Festival on August 16, 1969, even before the band's debut album was released. It was one of the best performances at the festival. 13. Following Santana's successful performance in Woodstock, the band gained much publicity, and their first album released about two weeks later reached number four on the Billboard 200. The song "Evil Ways" from the album was ranked among the top ten most played songs in 1969 in the United States. 14. In September 1970 the band released their second album "Abraxas", which reached number one on the Billboard 200, and included the stunning cover of the song "Black Magic Woman", originally performed by Fleetwood Mac. 15. The third album of the band "Santana III" which was released in September 1971, was also a success when it reached number one on the Billboard charts. 16. In October 1972, the band's fourth album "Caravanserai" was released. It marked a turning point in the band's lineup as well as a change in the musical direction. It was the first album with guitarist Neal Schon, who two years later would leave the band together with singer and keyboardist Gregg Rolie in favor of the formation of the band "Journey". 17. In 1972 Santana became interested in the fusion ensemble "Mahavishnu Orchestra" and its guitarist John McLaughlin. 18. The two released the album "Love Devotion Surrender" in 1973, exactly on the exact day of Santana's birthday. 19. In November 1973 Santana released the band's fifth album "Welcome". The album marked a decline in the band's popularity which also continued in the next three albums "Borboletta" from 1974, "Amigos" from 1976, and "Festivál" from 1977, all of which won gold album status, compared to the band's first four albums which gained platinum status and above. 20. The 1980s started well for Santana whose album "Zebop !!" was a great success and included, among other songs, the hit "Winning". 21. However, in 1982 "Santana" released their 13th album - "Shangó" which again marked a decline in the band's popularity, which continued into the 1990s. 22. In 1989 he participated in John Lee Hooker's album "The Healer". 23. Santana returned to Woodstock 25 years later, performing at the 1994 festival. 24. In 1998 he was inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". 25. That same year he participated in the song "To Zion" by singer Lauryn Hill, from the excellent album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". 26. In 1999 Santana released the album "Supernatural" which marked his mighty comeback. 27. The album featured famous musicians such as Dave Matthews, Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Eagle-Eye Cherry, and Eric Clapton. 28. This album was a resounding success and sold about 30 million copies. The album also won nine Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, becoming the best-selling Latin album in the Guinness Book of Records. 29. Santana tried to replicate the success on the 2002 album “Shaman”, which included collaborations with artists like Macy Gray, "P.O.D.", Chad Kroeger, Dido, Seal, and more. 30. He played in the song "Mother Father" from the 2001 album "Everyday" by Dave Matthews Band. 31. In 2005 he was a guest on Buddy Guy's "Bring 'Em In'" album. 32. During his illustrious career he has won 10 Grammy Awards. 33. He owns a restaurant chain called "Maria Maria" (named after his famous poem). 34. He also has a line of shoes called "Carlos by Carlos Santana". 35. In 2001 Santana participated in the song "Whatever Happens" by Michael Jackson from the album "Invincible". 36. He is literally a "bookworm", and loves to read all the time. On his website, you will even find a list of books he has read and recommends0 37. Santana is married to his band drummer Cindy Blackman. He proposed marriage to her during the band's performance in 2010, following her drum solo. 38. In 2010 he released the cover album "Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time", which features collaborations with artists like Chris Cornell, Scott Weiland, and Joe Cocker who also share the same birthday with him, Chester Bennington, and more. 39. In 2016 he reunited with bandmates from the 70s, Mike Carabello, Michael Shrieve, Neal Schon, and Gregg Rolie, and released the album "Santana IV". (Photo: Maryanne Bilham) 40. In 2003 Rolling Stone magazine ranked Santana 20th in the list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Santana has released during his illustrious career 26 studio albums under the band that bears his name as well as 7 more studio albums as a solo artist. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 20, 1973 "Genesis" released it's first live album, simply called "Genesis Live". "Genesis Live" is a mesmerizing testament to the progressive rock prowess of "Genesis", capturing the essence of their captivating live performances during their early 1970s heyday. Recorded during their tour supporting the album "Foxtrot", the live album, this album perfectly showcases the band's musical virtuosity, imaginative storytelling, and theatrical stage presence that established them as one of the leading forces in the progressive rock movement. Initially intended for radio broadcast on the American show "King Biscuit Flower Hour", the album was put together using recordings from two shows: one at "De Montfort Hall" in Leicester and the other at the "Free Trade Hall" in Manchester. The decision to release "Genesis Live" as a budget-priced title was to fill the gap while the band was busy recording "Selling England By The Pound". Despite some initial reluctance from lead singer Peter Gabriel, who felt the album was quickly put together and didn't represent their best work, it became the band's first album to break into the top 10 in the UK, reaching No. 9. However, its US release came after "Selling England By The Pound", which frustrated Gabriel as it included older live material. The album features five tracks: "The Knife" from "Trespass", "The Return Of The Giant Hogweed" and "The Musical Box" from "Nursery Cryme", and "Watcher Of The Skies" and "Get ‘Em Out By Friday" from "Foxtrot". Each track showcases the band's musical brilliance and Peter Gabriel's captivating vocal performances. The album kicks off with "Watcher of the Skies", a track that immediately sets the tone for the entire live experience. Its ethereal keyboard intro, courtesy of the talented Tony Banks, draws listeners into a world of mystique and wonder, while Peter Gabriel's haunting vocals add an otherworldly dimension to the song. The intricate interplay between Steve Hackett's soaring guitar solos and Mike Rutherford's solid bass lines provides a strong foundation for the track's dynamic shifts, showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly transition from gentle melodic passages to more intense, energetic sections. "Get ‘Em Out By Friday" may not reach the same heights as the previous track, but it still delivers compelling performances and highlight the band's theatrical flair, demonstrating the band's ability to blend complex musical arrangements with thought-provoking and imaginative lyrics. This track showcases the band's ability to combine disparate elements seamlessly, effortlessly transitioning between rock, folk, and classical influences, within the same song. With "The Return Of The Giant Hogweed" the band picks up intensity with a powerful performance, much heavier and more dynamic than the studio version of the song, proving the great stage presence of the new lineup. "The Musical Box" is another standout track, considered one of the best compositions by "Genesis". A mesmerizing journey through time and space. Clocking in at over ten minutes, this song highlights the band's penchant for crafting elaborate, multi-part epics. Gabriel's storytelling ability shines through in the vividly evocative lyrics, painting a vivid picture of the song's unsettling narrative. The instrumental prowess of each band member is on full display here, creating a sonic tapestry that keeps the listener fully engaged from start to finish. No wonder It's a fan favorite, since here too the live version is far superior to the studio version, even though at parts when Rutherford comes in with his rhythm guitar, the sound is a bit lacking bass. In our opinion, the band saved the best to last with the closing track "The Knife" taken from "Trespass". This live version of the song stands out as the highlight of the album, featuring significant rearrangements, with a brilliant dynamic and powerful performance that showcases the influence of the new band members, Steve Hackett and Phil Collins. It's interesting to note that the original test pressings included a 23-minute version of "Supper's Ready" from the Leicester show, but it was omitted from the official release, even though the album's front cover photograph was taken during a live performance of the song (with Gabriel donning the "Magog" mask). A live recording of "Supper's Ready" from that same year was released on 1998's 4-CD boxed set, "Genesis Archive 1967–75". The decision to leave it out was due to the economic challenge of issuing a three-sided double-LP. In conclusion, "Genesis Live" is a must-listen for any "Genesis" enthusiast, especially those who cherish the Gabriel-era. This timeless classic captures a pivotal moment in the band's history and showcases the intensity and brilliance of their live performances, easily surpassing their studio recordings. As the only official live release with Peter Gabriel in the band until "Genesis Archive 1967-75," this album solidifies Genesis' reputation as an extraordinary live band. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

He passed away on July 20, 2017 so here are some things you might know or did not know about Chester Bennington... (Photo: Christie Goodwin) 1. His full name is Chester Charles Bennington and he was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 20, 1976, to a nurse mother and a detective father who specialized in child abuse. 2. From a young age he loved music and grew up on bands like "Depeche Mode" and "Stone Temple Pilots". 3. Chester was sexually abused when he was at the age of 7 by another man, he was afraid to tell anyone or ask for help because he was afraid they would think he was lying or he was gay. He suffered from the abuse until the age of 13. 4. When he was 11 years old his parents divorced and he moved in with his father, while still being abused, his older brother left home and his two sisters were not around. His father, who suffered from mental health problems and worked double shifts, was not at home and Chester was left alone. He hated his family, he had no one to turn to, so he ran away. 5. He ran away to poetry and painting and began writing songs, choruses, and rhymes so that they would help him put some order to his relentless thoughts and emotions while trying to keep his sanity. 6. Chester's first band was "Gray Daze", a post-grunge band he formed with his friends in 1993. They were very well known in Phoenix and performed as an opening act for almost every rock band that performed in the city. (Photo: Pinterest) 7. The band released three albums, a demo album in 1993, the album "Wake/Me" in 1994, and the album "No Sun Today..." in 1997. Beyond being Chester's starting point in music, it was also the one who gave him the lost confidence and self-belief. As one who was also abused at school, he was happy to have a group that he belongs to and which supported him. On June 26, 2020, the band "Gray Daze" released an album consisting of songs from the band's first two albums, with Chester's original recordings voice and a brand new recording of the musical instruments, the album is called "Amends". 8. The problem was that the same group also created a lot of chaos around it with drugs and alcohol, Chester said that it was an endless cycle, when they finish the drugs they switch to alcohol and when it was over they would go back to drugs when occasionally combining sex, just like the cliché... "drug sex and alcohol" only in a very extreme way. 9. In 1993 Chester who was only 17 years old but already drained from drugs and alcohol returned to live with his mother, who was shocked by her son's condition, a broken and pale boy. She locked him up in her house without the possibility of leaving until he recovered. 10. In 1998 the band disbanded. According to Chester, it was due to a lack of originality and interest that led to quarrels and arguments. At the age of 22 when he is married with no musical future, he finds himself working for a digital services company. 11. On his 23rd birthday Chester got a call from Jeff Blue from the Los Angeles record label "Zomba Music" who asked him if he was interested in being a singer in a band, trying to combine rock and hip-hop. Chester who did not really like hip hop but was very interested in the band expressed willingness, to say the least. (Photo: Gary Wolstenholme) 12. On the same day he received a demo with the music of the band "Xero", he ran to the studio and began to record his vocals on the music on the demo. The next day he picked up the phone to Jeff and played the recordings for him, another day passed and Chester was already waiting at nine o'clock in the morning at the "Zomba Music" offices for auditions for the band. 13. Chester who looked skinny and pale with glasses and dressed like a guy from a dark nightclub, opened his mouth roaring into the microphone and the rest is history !! 14. The interesting story about the acquaintance of Chester and Mike Shinoda stems from the way the two learned to know each other. During their first writing, Mike would work with Brad Delson on the music and then, sit down with Chester on the lyrics. Chester lays out in his writing everything he went through and so, without any prior acquaintance, Mike learned about the life of Chester through the songs. 15. As we have mentioned in other posts, "Xero" changed its name to "Hybrid Theory" and tried to get a recording contract, but everyone rejected them until Jeff who helped them initially got a role in the "Warner Bros." record company and signed the band "Linkin Park" to a recording contract. (Photo: Mick Hutson) 16. In October 2000 the band released their first album "Hybrid Theory" despite difficult confrontations, lack of faith, and relentless attempts to change them. The Fantastic Six managed to release an album that took them straight to the moon in business class. 17. The band's second album "Meteora" came out three years later and despite the insane expectations and heavy pressure from all sides, for the album to be as successful as the first album. Linkin Park passed the "second album syndrome" with success and flew to number one on the charts and was a resounding success again. 18. Throughout that period, Chester experienced great suffering despite their insane success. Because he often drank and used drugs, the other members of the band did not share the same. So they distanced themselves from him. Not just because they did not use drugs themselves but because it was impossible to have a conversation with Chester without him losing control. He felt alone and lost as the band rode the success at 120 mph and does not stop for a second. 19. After finishing the tour of the second album, the members returned exhausted and worn out. Chester returned to his home and his unwanted relationship with his first wife and his condition began to deteriorate. He increased his drug and alcohol consumption and went through a lot of anxiety attacks and nervous breakdowns until at some point he decided to go to rehab and put an end to it. (Photo: James Minchin) 20. The recordings for the band's third album "Minutes to Midnight" were the opening of a new area from all aspects. Chester who was clean and sane began to form a warm and cohesive relationship with the rest of the band and together they also decided to go in a slightly different musical direction. The album was released in May 2007. 21. The band then released four more albums, "A Thousand Suns" in 2010, "Living Things" in 2012, "The Hunting Party" in 2014 and "One More Light" in 2017. 22. In 2005 Chester formed a band called "Dead by Sunrise" with guitarist Amir Derakh and guitarist Ryan Shuck both from the band "Orgy". The band's idea came when Chester wrote a number of songs that did not suit Linkin and he felt he had to put them out. They released one album called "Out of Ashes" in October 2009. (Photo: Discogs.com) 23. On May 23, 2013, Chester fulfilled a dream when he took the stage with the idols of his youth, "Stone Temple Pilots". A few months later Chester becomes the band's official singer and they released an EP with five songs called "High Rise" all songs written by Chester and STP. This love story was short and ended in 2015 in light of his commitment to Linkin. 24. Chester is a tattoo enthusiast and has quite a number of tattoos all of which were performed by "Club Tattoo" in Arizona whose owner is Sean Dowdell a childhood friend of Chester. (Photo: Chester Bennington) 25. He also played a number of small roles in several films including: "Crank", "Crank: High Voltage", "Saw 3D" and "Artifact". 26. Chester suffered all his life from depression and mental health problems which led him to consume drugs and alcohol in a massive matter, he had better and worse times but it was always there in the background. He committed suicide by hanging himself and was found by his housemaid around nine in the morning at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California. The day he died should have been Chris Cornell's 53rd birthday he also committed suicide two months earlier. 27. In honor of the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the band's second album "Meteora", the band released a video clip for one of the songs that were shelved during the work on the album. Like many other songs that were recorded but not released, the song "Lost" was re-produced and reworked and was released in February 2023. 28. The band continues Chester's way and on Feb 2024 they release a new single. The single is part of the album "Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000–2023)" that will be out on April 12th. This will be a greatest hits album which spans the band's best-selling singles from 2000 to 2023 and will also include some new songs reproduced by the band. The most appropriate album for this post is the band's latest album "One More Light" which despite its poppy nature, the lyrics of the album feel as if they were preparing for his death. You can listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 20, 1999, "Metallica" took the stage for the second time in Israel, this time at the Amphi Park in "Rishon Lezion". It is doubtful that the residents of the "Kiryat Rishon" neighborhood living right in front of the park in Rishon Lezion were prepared for what happened that historic and hysterical evening, but surely the animals in the nearby "Chai Kief" suffered greatly that night. Six years after their previous visit to the Holy Land (30/6/1993) which you can read about here, the band members landed on the morning of July 19, 1999, with their private plane at Atarot Airport in Jerusalem. It was the last show on a long and tedious tour that began nearly four years earlier in Hawaii, USA, and the band members came to give a tremendous and glorious final show. arm-upAfter w show from the "HaYehudim" that the members of Metallica chose as the opening act, we got a heavy and loud bombard of the best "hits": "Master of Puppets", "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Sad but True", "Wherever I May Roam", "One" and of course "Nothing Else Matters", "Enter Sandman", "Creeping Death" and "Seek & Destroy" played during the two crazy encores the band played. The show was even broadcast on the radio and can be listened to at the following link, only, unfortunately, the first three songs were not included in the same broadcast. Setlist: Breadfan (Budgie) Master of Puppets For Whom the Bell Tolls Fuel King Nothing Bleeding Me Sad but True Turn the Page (Bob Seger) Wherever I May Roam One Fight Fire With Fire Nothing Else Matters Creeping Death Enter Sandman Seek & Destroy Battery "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 19, 1990, the only album by one of Seattle's major bands, "Mother Love Bone", was released. The debut album of this special band came out under a heavy cloud of tragedy when just four months before the release of the album, the colorful and charismatic character, the band's leading man - singer Andrew Wood passed away as a result of an overdose. The passing of Andrew dealt a devastating blow to his friends within Seattle's music scene, potentially even proving fatal to the emerging community and culture in the city. Although many were aware of his struggles with drugs and alcohol addiction, the full extent of it remained largely unknown. It was the profound impact of Andrew's death on the Seattle scene that served as the inspiration for the movie "Singles". (Photo: James Bland) "I felt really alone when Andy passed away," Chris Cornell said in '92. "I spent a lot of time with him and tried to help him get out of the pain creatively. Most of the time I really didn't know Andy was using." Things were supposed to turn out quite differently for "Mother Love Bone". Originally, the album was supposed to be released on the same month that Wood died and there was a massive expectation around it and a very big buzz, much thanks to the success of the EP that came out a year earlier called "Shine", but not only. The band's special live shows have been well-known throughout Seattle. In addition to Andrew, Jeff Ament on bass, Stone Gossard on guitar, Bruce Fairweather on guitar along with drummer Greg Gilmore, created their own special style that combined traditional genres with their own twist. On this album, the quintet combined funk-metal, flash (yes, there is such a genre), bluesy rock like "Led Zeppelin", glam charisma with grunge and hard rock aggression, and lots, and lots of soul. Although clearly feeling the influences of Robert Plant in the song "Stargazer", "Jane's addictive" and groovy style in the song "Stardog Champion" and even a little Axl Rose in the song "Holy Roller", this album had its uniqueness, he was among the first to produce a new style. If you think about it in depth, this album is closer to glam than grunge. Songs like "Crown Of Thrones" or "Gentle Groove" could easily fit as a ballad on "Poison" or "Cinderella" albums, rather than on "Soundgarden" or "Nirvana" albums. But nonetheless, this album has its groove, and its all-too-unique vibe, which will have such an impact on the Seattle scene and be among the leading and significant in the emerging style. As you know, even before the album came out and with Wood's death, "Mother Love Bone's" life ended, after a difficult period, the band members continued their musical career and formed "Pearl Jam", Bruce joined the band "Love Battery" and Greg moved behind the scenes and console and began working as a producer. It is impossible not to mention that one of the amazing things that came out of this tragic event, was the album and the band "Temple Of The Dog", which took its name from one of the most beautiful and moving songs on the album "Man of Golden Words". So feel free to listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Here are some interesting facts about Malka "Yo Yo" Spigel, Israeli musician and artist and the founding member of the Israeli-Belgian rock band "Minimal Compact": Photo: Stefan Oracle = Malka Spigel was born in Israel in July 19, 1954. = Spigel grew up in Bat Yam and later in Kibbutz Marhavia, exploring music on her own despite limited access to records. = In the early 80s Spigel moved from Tel Aviv to Amsterdam. She was initially not a musician, but the girlfriend of Rami Fortis. = In 1980, "Minimal Compact" was formed by Sami Birnbach and Rami Fortis, as a sequel to a band called "S.O.B" which they formed in Amsterdam, together with Malka Spiegel, Berry Sakharof, and Neti Weissman. = The band's activities in Amsterdam were unsuccessful, and Fortis returned to Israel, but the other members of the group continued to work together in Belgium and their joint activities gave birth to "Minimal Compact". = Malka realized she could be a musician despite not being technically trained. Berry Sakharof was the one who helped her play the bass guitar. = Spigel played bass guitar and contributed vocals for "Minimal Compact". = In 1981 the band was signed by the independent record company "Crammed" and produced an EP that included the song "Static Dancing". = In 1982 came out their first full-length album "One by One" which was recorded in London and included the songs "Babylonian Tower", "Disguise" and "It Takes a Lifetime". The inside cover of the album stated that Rami Fortis is a member of the band "In Exile". = In 1984, Fortis returned to "Minimal Compact" and took part in the recording of their album "Deadly Weapons". Mlka's bass playing was an integral part of the band's sound. = In 1985 came out the fourth album, "Raging Souls" which is considered the band's most successful. That was when Spigel met Colin Newman of "Wire", who was producing the album. = The album featured the song "When I Go" which is sang by Malka and considered one of the best of "Minimal Compact". The song also featured in the Wim Wenders movie "Wings of Desire." = In 1986 Malka Spigel and Colin Newman began working together on his albums "Commercial Suicide" and "It Seems." They got married the same year. = In 1987, "Minimal Compact" released their fifth studio album "The Figure One Cuts". The album continues the line of the previous album and contains the song "Is It So?" which is a solo contribution by Malka. = In addition to the studio albums, "Minimal Compact" collaborated with esteemed musicians like "Tuxedomoon's" Peter Principle and John Fryer. = "Minimal Compact" was involved in several soundtracks, including the film "Wings of Desire", "Fuck Your Dreams This Is Heaven", "Made to Measure Vol. 1", "Lowlands Flight (Made to Measure Vol. 10)" As well as the live album "Minimal Compact Live". Photo: Roy Tee = In 1989 Malka wrote lyrics for three tracks of the Rami Fortis & Berry Sakharof "Foreign Affair" album. = In 1990 Malka contributed vocals to the album "You" by "Tuxedomoon". = In 1991 Malka contributed vocals to Berry Sakharof's debut album, "All or Nothing" ("Hakol O Clum"), only that it was recorded backward under the influence of the "Tears For Fears" song "Sowing The Seeds Of Love". = In 1992 Spigel and Newman moved to London and established the swim ~ label to release their projects and other artists' works. = In 1993 Spigel released her first solo album, "Rosh Balata," on the swim ~ label. The album was well-received, particularly in Europe, and drew comparisons to Björk. = In 1994 Spigel and Newman formed the project "Immersion" and released "Oscillating." They also created an exhibiting at "The Irish Museum of Modern Art" in Dublin. = In 1996 Spigel began establishing herself as a visual artist, furthering her education with a degree in fine art, specializing in video and photography. = In 1997 She released two more solo albums, "Hide" and "My Pet Fish," and collaborated on Colin Newman's "Bastard." = In 1999 Spigel and Newman released "Low Impact" with Immersion and a live album, "Live." Photo: Toby Mason = In the years 2000-2002 Spigel continued her studies and created video work with Immersion and for other bands. = In 2004 She co-founded "Githead" with Colin Newman, Robin Rimbaud, and Max Franken. "Githead" released their debut EP, "Headgit." Music journalist Joe Tangari praised Spigel's contributions, particularly her bass work and vocal complexity. = In 2005 "Githead" released their first full-length album, "Profile." = In 2007 "Githead" released "Art Pop." = In 2009 "Githead" released their third album, "Landing." = In 2012 Spigel released the solo album "Every Day Is Like the First Day," a collaboration with Newman. = In 2014 "Githead" released their fourth album, "Waiting for a Sign," and Spigel released another solo album, "Gliding." = In 2015 Minimal Compact reunited for a series of live shows. = In 2019 Minimal Compact released "Creation is Perfect," featuring new versions of their classic songs and a new track. = In 2020 Malka Spigel released her fourth solo album, "Gliding & Hiding," which combined new tracks with previously unreleased material from the 1990s. = Malka Spigel lives in Brighton and continues her work as a musician and visual artist. She exhibits her visual art in prominent venues such as The Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Royal Festival Hall. She frequently visits Israel, maintaining strong ties to her childhood home and the cultural scene there. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Brian May, born July 19, 1947, is celebrating his birthday today !!! Here are 15 interesting facts about the gifted guitarist: (Photo: Queen On Twitter) 1. Brian May is a Doctor of Astrophysics. 2. He has published two articles on the history of the universe. 3. He built his "Red Special" guitar with the help of his father when he was sixteen. It lasted a year and a half with the guitar neck made from a mahogany fireplace, the body from an oak table, and the brackets from bicycle wheels. 4. He built the guitar because he had no money to buy a "Fender Stratocaster" or "Gibson Les Paul" guitar. The cost of the materials for the guitar he built was only a few pounds. 5. Instead of a guitar pick May uses a Sixpence coin that came out of circulation in the 1970s. In 1993 more were produced at May's request. 6. May performed in Israel in 1993 as a warm-up for Guns N' Roses, together with a "dream team" that included, among others, drummer Cozy Powell and bassist Neil Murray. 7. May played the solo in the song "When Death Calls" from the "Headless Cross" album of "Black Sabbath", from 1989. 8. May also collaborated with "Soundgarden" playing guitar on the song "New Damage", which appeared on Greenpeace's 1994 Alternative NRG collection. 9. May will also collaborate with Chris Cornell, on the song "Someone To Die For" which appears in the soundtrack of the movie "Spiderman 2" and is sung by Jimmy Gnecco. 10. He also collaborated with the "Foo Fighters" as part of the soundtrack of "Mission: Impossible 2", playing a cover version of the song "Have A Cigar" by "Pink Floyd". 11. May also collaborated with guitarist Eddie Van Halen on the "Star Fleet Project" that May released independently. (Photo: Tony Iommi Facebook Page) 12. He was knighted to the Order of the British Empire. 13. May is a good friend of Tony Iommi, he has appeared in two songs from Iommi's first solo album - "Iommi" released in 2000. 14. As of 2013 we started getting teasers from the two about their joint “Riffs” project, and on July 10, 2020, we received a signal from Brian May stating that the “Riffs” project still has a chance. 15. In June 2020 May was chosen as the greatest guitarist of all time by the readers of "Total Guitar" magazine. He has beaten other guitar legends like Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and more. So let's wish Brian May many more years full of activity and good music. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website