On June 26, 1970, "Free" released "Fire and Water" !! This is the band's third album and its breakthrough album which was a huge commercial success. The album that managed to put them on the top list of artists who performed at the "Isle of Wight Festival" in August of that year, in front of over 600,000 people. Who does not know the video clip of the mega-hit "All Right Now" shot in the same mythological show. So for those unfamiliar with "Free", this is a hard rock/blues rock band formed in 1968 by guitarist Paul Kossoff who came from the band "Black Cat Bones" and singer Paul Rodgers. The two added drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Andy Fraser from "John Mayall's Bluesbreakers", whom he joined when he was only 15 years old. They recorded their first album - "Tons of Sobs" in late 1968 and it was released in March 1969. They were really young and inexperienced, all under the age of 20, when Andy Fraser was then only 16, which is noticeable in the results. The album failed to elicit a response from audiences and critics. Although the second album bearing the band's name - "Free" was released only a few months later, one could already feel the difference, especially in Paul Rodgers' voice which sounded like a combination of James Brown's voice with Robert Plant's depth and Rod Stewart's hoarseness. Another significant change was in the quality of the material, which was written almost entirely by Rogers and bassist Fraser, who studied classical music and also knew how to play the piano. At the same time, this album also did not arouse any significant interest, nor did it enter the charts. In January 1970, "Free" opened the decade at the Trident recording studio in London, where they entered to record their third album. They decide to make a change and for the first time produce the album themselves. They knew they had to have a "hit" this time. After two albums that failed to take off, it was clear to them that if they failed to produce a serious hit, their fate was doomed and no record company would be interested in continuing to fund them. The opportunity to produce the "hit" they so longed for, came precisely after the band's failed performance in Durham England. Drummer Simon Kirk recalls that they got off the stage at the sound of their footsteps because the audience did not even clap. They went into the locker room and realized they desperately needed a good rock track with which they could end their performances. And so all of a sudden, the inspiration fell on young bassist Andy Fraser and he started dancing while singing the phrase "All Right Now". Kirk noted that the entire song was written in the same locker room within 10 minutes. This song was a meteoric success and jumped straight to number one on the charts in over 20 different countries. It is one of the greatest rock anthems of all time, which has a place of honor next to other great anthems like "Smoke On The Water", "Satisfaction", "Whole Lotta Love", and more. In 2006 the American Artists' Rights Organization BMI announced that the song had been played over 3,000,000 times on radio stations since its release. Do the math yourself, it means this song was played 10 times an hour, every day, every month, for 26 years !!! This song of course saved "Free" from doom, but it is the one that also eventually led to its end. The band failed to recreate such a big hit which would eventually lead to their disbandment after two years and another two studio albums. Even today, more than 50 years after its release, you can hear in "Fire and Water" the boldness and innovation that the band brought with it. Unlike the English blues-rock / hard-rock bands that performed at the time, such as "Cream", "Blind Faith", and "Derek and the Dominos", "Free" knew how to incorporate soul and groove, into their music, while the other bands were missing. Listen to the theme song "Fire and Water" that Paul Rodgers noted he wrote with the thought that a soul singer would have to sing it. He said that when he wrote it during the band's US tour in which they warmed up "Blind Faith", he felt that Sly Stone and James Brown were present in the room, but it is clear that the song is closest to Wilson Pickett, who even performed a cover version of it a year later. The guitar playing in this song, is a genius of simplicity, just pure gold. "Mr. Big" was written by all four members of the band. A great track that showcases the talent of each of the band members. Kosoff's amazing solo that almost sounds like feedback and Fraser's cruel bass with Kirk's precise drumming - a-la Charlie Watts, prove how talented these guys are. The song inspired the name of the American hard rock band "Mr. Big", which even performed a cover version of it in their third self-titled album from 1993. "Remember" could easily have been part of Rod Stewart and the Faces' repertoire. A song of longing, written by Rodgers and Fraser in Fraser's apartment after Paul moved in. This is a remake of Outtake from the band's first album called "Woman by the Sea". And how is it possible not to mention the blues-soul ballads “Heavy Load” with Fraser’s piano playing, the mesmerizing “Don’t Say You Love Me” and the “Oh I Wept” that guitarist Paul Kossoff led its writing. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music Follow us on Facebook or Subscribe to our website "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog & Podcast

On June 25, 2002, Ozzy Osbourne released "Live at Budokan" album. The album was recorded during Ozzy Osbourne's performance at the legendary "Nippon" Budokan Hall on February 15, 2002, during his "Down to Earth" Tour, this album showcases Ozzy and his formidable band—longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo (soon to join "Metallica"), drummer Mike Bordin ("Faith No More"), and keyboardist John Sinclair. However, despite its high-energy performance, the crazy Japanese crowd and solid production, "Live at Budokan" feels like an unnecessary addition to Ozzy’s discography. The album kicks off with "I Don’t Know", a classic from his debut album "Blizzard Of Ozz" that immediately sets the stage for the live Ozzy experience. Although Zakk Wylde’s is out of this world he is not always sticking to Randy Rhoads’ original composition, which sometimes feels like an overkill. The setlist continues with "That I Never Had" from "Down to Earth" failing to leave a lasting impression with Ozzy's voice sounding a bit strained and out of tune, while Zakk’s backing is more solid. "Believer" on the other hand, stands out as a highlight, with Wylde capturing the essence of Randy Rhoads’ original style, making it one of the better tracks on the album. The setlist continues as a mix of old and new songs with another track from "Down to Earth" - "Junkie. Zakks playing is as amazing as the studio album's version, but Robert Trujillo's bass playing is pure perfection. Then comes "Mr. Crowley" letting John Sinclair to step into the spotlight with the classic intro. The album includes four tracks from the "No More Tears" album, with the title track and "Road to Nowhere" faring particularly well. "Mama I’m Coming Home" and "I Don’t Want to Change the World" receive enthusiastic responses from the crowd, though the latter remains a less exciting part of the setlist. "Crazy Train" and "Bark at the Moon" staples of Ozzy’s live shows, don’t sound quite right with the down-tuned arrangements, and their energy seems diminished as a result, despite Mike Bordin’s drumming that usually brings a fresh, energetic style. The album ends up with a "Black Sabbath" classic "Paranoid" which in our opinion got a weak version. Zakk, again, is trying to push the boundaries of this classic track with too much improvisations, in our opinion. More than that, the double-tracked Ozzy vocals sound very artificial. The Japanese crowd at Budokan adds an interesting dynamic to the recording. Known for their respect and attentiveness, they provide a loud and enthusiastic backdrop not seen in a typical Western concert. Production-wise, the album is decent, and the rhythm section of Mike Bordin and Robert Trujillo positively impacts the sound. Trujillo's bass is prominent in the mix, and Bordin’s drumming is consistently engaging. Despite this, Wylde's guitar work, characterized by excessive pinch harmonics and flashy solos, sometimes overshadows the rest of the band. It is interesting to note that a DVD of the concert was also released along with the album, including the song "Suicide Solution" and Zakk Wylde's guitar solo, which spanned over 13 minutes. These sections were cut from the CD version due to time limitations. For those interested, you can watch the full performance here: Despite its moments, "Live at Budokan" feels like an unessential of Ozzy’s live releases. The setlist, lacks the depth and variety that might have made this recording stand out, with the absence of tracks from albums like "The Ultimate Sin", "No Rest for the Wicked" and "Ozzmosis". Except of the addition of the unique Japanese crowd and the "Superstars" lineup, this album fails to overshadow live albums like "Tribute" and "Live & Loud". For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 25, 1967, the first live broadcast in the history of satellite television called "Our World" took place. This was the first international production of satellite TV. Various artists were asked to appear on the same broadcast as opera singer Maria Callas, painter Pablo Picasso and another band you may have heard of called "The Beatles". ( Photo: The Beatles Bible) "The Beatles" were asked to provide a song with a message that could be easily understood by many people from different countries and cultures. Two songs were suggested by the band "Your Mother Should Know" written by Paul McCartney and "All You Need Is Love" written by John Lennon. In the end, Lennon's song was chosen because of its contemporary social significance. About a week before the broadcast the BBC Announced that "The Beatles" are expected to present a new live song to the world and that this would take place in a special and preliminary broadcast. On June 14, "The Beatles" entered the studio and began recording the song that opened with "La Marseillaise" - the French national anthem, at the request of producer George Martin. The Fabulous Four returned to the studios to add instruments a few days later, when on June 23rd the orchestral accompaniment that is heard throughout the entire song was also recorded. On the day of the broadcast, Studio No. 1 of "Abbey Road" Studios was converted into a television studio from which the song was broadcast live to the whole world. Prominent artists in British culture came to attend the special and historic event, including Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Pattie Boyd, Keith Moon, Marianne Faithfull, Graham Nash, and Jane Asher, and more. Everyone, including "The Beatles", was dressed in colorful clothes, and the studio was decorated in the spirit of the "Flower Children" and the "Summer of Love". The song was broadcast live to 25 different countries and was watched by more than 400 million viewers. The song was played as playback from the Beatles' early recordings, except for Lennon's vocal roles, George Harrison's guitar solo, and a few other instruments. The "Rolling Stone" magazine ranked the song 362nd out of the 500 best songs of all time. This special day was so significant in the history of "The Beatles", so this is the reason why it was decided to hold the "Global Beatles Day" every year on June 25!!! "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Today we're going to tell you about the Israeli guitarist Hillel Slovak who became famous mainly as a founding member of the band "Red Hot Chili Peppers". (Photo: John Coffey) Here are some facts we know about the man: 1. He was born in Haifa, Israel on April 13, 1962. He is the son of Holocaust survivors who left Israel for the United States in 1967. 2. He attended "Fairfax High School" where he met Jack Irons, Anthony Kiedis, and Michael "Flea" Balzary. 3. He received his first guitar as a Bar Mitzvah gift and played it for long hours, mostly influenced by "Led Zeppelin", Jimi Hendrix, and "KISS". 4. His first band was "Chain Reaction", which soon changed its name to "Anthem". Hillel was then only in high school 5. At one of the band's shows, Hillel met Anthony Kiedis who was in the audience, and the two became good friends. Flea along with Kiedis and Hillel used to spend a lot of time together and became good friends but what united them was mostly drugs, they used heroin, cocaine, and LSD. 6. The members of "Anthem", especially Hillel, were not happy with the performance of their bassist so Slovak decided to teach his good friend Flea to play bass to replace him. Flea connected to the instrument very quickly and beyond his great talent, an amazing musical chemistry was created between him and Hillel. Flea of ​​course joined a band that continued to perform in small clubs. 7. After graduating from high school, the band changed its name to "What is this?" Later Flea left the band and they continue without him to perform across California. 8. In 1980, after discovering that they had a common fondness for punk and the band "Defunkt", the other three together with drummer Jack Irons started playing together and formed the band with the short and catchy name "Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem". The first song the four wrote was a riff written by Hillel on which Kiedis added the rap and called it "Out in L.A." 9. After they wrote a few more songs and started performing in clubs around Los Angeles they changed their name to "Red Hot Chili Peppers". The band gained momentum and for six months became an underground hit among clubs in Los Angeles. (Photo: NME) 10. Three years later, the band managed to obtain a record contract with EMI, while at the same time Hillel's other band - "What is This?" Also manages to get a record deal with MCA Records. Since Hillel and Jack saw "RHCP" as a side project, they decided to leave and focus on their first band. Kiedis and Flea recruited a new drummer and guitarist to replace them. 11. In 1984 RHCP released their first EP called "Squeezed" and a year later the debut album bearing the band name. 12. In 1985 Hillel felt he was no longer finding his place in "What is This?" and contacted Kiedis and Flea who at that time felt dissatisfied with their guitarist and started looking for other solutions. The perfect timing reconnected Hillel with the RHCP. 13. In August 1985, RHCP released their second album, but the first with Hillel. The album was produced by George Clinton, a musician and a colorful personality known for his virtuosity in the punk world. Although the album was unsuccessful, Hillel considered it an ingenious album and really liked the work and creation process of the album with his band members. 14. In addition to him being a talented musician, Clinton also had a knack for instilling a party atmosphere during the band recordings. He contributed greatly to the intensification of the drug use of his two friends, Kiedis and Hillel. During the recordings, the band members moved in with Clinton, which further increased the drug use of the band members and especially of Hillel and Kiedis. 15. After the release of the album, the band went on a tour to promote it. During the tour, Hillel's health condition began to deteriorate as a result of the drug use, it came to the point when he was unable to hold himself properly or wrestle with Flea on stage, as they did at every other performance. As a result of increased drug use and the tension created, drummer Martinez left the band and Jack whose band disbanded returned to RHCP, so the original lineup that formed RHCP was back in full operation. 16. For their third album the band members tried to recruit producer Rick Rubin, but in light of the band's use of drugs he refused and the band took Michael Beinhorn as producer instead. Work on the album was difficult and often stopped due to Kiedis and Hillel's severe drug addiction, Hillel was still able to function while Kiedis often disappeared and was unable to record. 17. In September 1987 the band released their third album "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan" which is also the last album in which Hillel participated. The album was a greater success than the previous album and was the band's first album to enter the Billboard charts. 18. After the release of the album, the band went on a tour to promote it. Before embarking on a tour, Kiedis and Hillel decided to stop using drugs to produce a successful tour. The two began to develop symptoms of drug withdrawal as Hillel became extremely unstable. The rehab process severely affected Hillel until he became incapable of playing the guitar. During one of the performances, Hillel, who was unable to play the guitar, experienced a severe nervous breakdown and left the band to perform an entire show without a guitar. 19. After the event the band did not agree to let Hillel perform and recruited DeWayne McKnight instead for several performances. Hillel then returned and continued touring with the band. At the end of the tour, Kiedis tried to take Hillel to a rehab facility but the attempt was unsuccessful, with Hillel denying his difficult condition. 20. Several weeks after the end of the tour, on June 27, 1988, Hillel was found dead in his Hollywood home by the police. A post-mortem revealed that Hillel had died two days earlier as a result of a heroin overdose. (Photo: Monumentsusa.com) 21. A little about the rest of the band members ... Although throughout their time together, Kiedis and Hillel used drugs, Kiedis is the one who saw serious consequences and failed to function properly over time. Hillel managed to perform much better than Kiedis but he is the one who eventually collapsed. Jack, who became severely depressed after Hillel's death, refused to continue with the band that "caused" his friend to die and left. The guitarist who replaced Hillel, John Frusciante, was a young fan of Hillel who went his way and was greatly influenced by his playing. 22. Hillel greatly influenced the other members of the band who saw him as the source of creativity and inspiration. Some of the songs were written about him such as: "Feasting On The Flowers", "Dosed, This Is The Place", "My Lovely Man" and more ... The album "Mother's Milk" which was released a year after his death was entirely dedicated to praise. 23. Despite Anthony Kiedis' intense love and admiration for Hillel Slovak he was not present at his funeral, the situation was too difficult for him. 24. On March 24, 2026, Netflix released a documentary film about Hillel and the early days of Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is an emotional documentary journey into the band’s roots, focusing on Hillel, who was the beating heart of the group in its early years. The film sheds light on the deep bond between the young band members in 1980s Los Angeles, their musical breakthrough that fused funk and rock, and the tragedy that struck with Slovak’s untimely death. Through rare interviews and archival footage, the film successfully shows how Hillel’s spirit continued to accompany the band over the decades, shaping the identity and sound that would turn them into global icons. For Listening to the last RHCP With Hillel: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Today we'll tell you about Ian McDonald, a musician and multi-instrumentalist, one of the founding members of "King Crimson" and "Foreigner": (Photo: Paul Natkin) 1. Ian was born on June 25, 1946 in Middlesex, England. 2. The first instrument he played in his youth was the guitar. 3. He received his substantial musical training in the army, where he served for five years. 4. He joined the army when he was in his teens, There he learned to read music, play the clarinet and later the saxophone and flute. 5. After his release from the army, he joined the band "Giles, Giles & Fripp", which consisted of Michael Giles (drums, vocals), Peter Giles (bass, vocals) and Robert Fripp (guitar). 6. McDonald participated in the recording of one song from their album "The Cheerful Insanity of Giles, Giles and Fripp". He played brass instruments, keyboards, acoustic guitar and vocals in the song "Under the Sky", which was only included in the later releases of the album. 7. In 1969 he co-founded "King Crimson" with Robert Fripp. He was one of those responsible for the band's all-too-special sound as the one who played mellotron, flute, saxophone, clarinet, piano, organ and sang background vocals. He was also responsible for the production and for all of the band's arrangements on the debut album "In The Court Of The Crimson King". 8. After the release of King Crimson's debut album, McDonald's left the band with drummer Michael Giles. The two formed the band "McDonald and Giles" with Michael's brother - Peter Giles who played bass. 9. The band released their only album "McDonald and Giles" in 1970. Also this case McDonald was responsible for playing a wide variety of instruments, singing and musical processing. The album also featured Steve Winwood. 10. In 1971, McDonald participated in the recording of the song "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" by "T. Rex". 11. In 1974, McDonald returned to collaborate with Robert Fripp as a guest on the recording of the album "Red". McDonald's had plans to return as a permanent member of "King Crimson", but Robert Fripp had other plans and he chose to disband it. 12. In 1976, McDonald's, together with guitarist Mick Jones and singer and songwriter Lou Gramm formed the band "Foreigner". 13. "Foreigner"'s first album was released in 1977 and was an immediate huge success. It included hits like "Cold as Ice", "Feels Like the First Time", "Long, Long Way from Home", "Starrider and more, which soon made it one of the best-selling debut albums in the US. 14. McDonald plays on "Foreigner" debut album on keyboards, guitar, saxophone and flute, he sings background vocals and this time too he co-produced and wrote one of the hits on the album - "Long, Long Way from Home". 15. McDonald will continue with "Foreigner" in the next two albums "Double Vision" from 1978, which includes the only instrumental track of the band "Tramontane" which was co-written with McDonald and "Head Games" from 1979. 16. In 1980 McDonald left "Foreigner" after friction with Mick Jones. 17. In 1996 he joined Steve Hackett's backing band. As a result he co-recorded the album "Genesis Revisited" and the live album "The Tokyo Tapes", which also included a mini-reunion with John Wetton ex-"King Crimson" bassist and singer. 18. In 1999 McDonald released the solo album "Drivers Eyes", which featured guest appearances by John Wetton, Lou Gramm, John Waite and Gary Brooker. 19. In 2017, McDonald's formed the band "Honey Wes", together with guitarist and singer Ted Zurkowski. They released their only album "Bad Old World" the same year. 20. On February 9, 2022, McDonald passed away at the age of 75. He died of cancer alongside his family at his home in New York. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 24, 1988 "Pantera" released their fourth album "Power Metal". This is a historically significant album that serves as a bridge between the band's earlier glam metal sound and their heavier thrash-influenced style that would come to define their later releases. This album marked a turning point for "Pantera" as it introduced Phil Anselmo as their lead vocalist, solidifying the lineup that would remain intact until their breakup in 2003. The album's backstory adds depth to its significance. After parting ways with vocalist Terry Glaze, "Pantera" held auditions for a replacement singer and began working on songs with various candidates. The tension between the band and Glaze led them to search for a heavier vocalist, which led to the introduction of Phil Anselmo. Anselmo's first appearance with the band was recorded on November 25, 1986, and he brought a new energy and aggression to the group. "Power Metal" showcases "Pantera's" musical evolution and the band's determination to shed their glam metal roots. The album's songwriting and musicianship demonstrate a balanced fusion of their earlier flamboyant prowess and the street grit that would become characteristic of their later releases. The influences of glam acts like "KISS" and "Def Leppard" have given way to heavier inspiration from "Judas Priest" and "Metallica", with hints of the groove metal sound that would define their later work. Phil Anselmo's vocal performance on "Power Metal" is a standout element. His mix of Rob Halford falsettos and David Lee Roth swagger, while lacking some of the quirks that would later become his signatures as a vocalist, exudes confidence and captivates the listener. His techniques may make him nearly unrecognizable in compered to "Cowboys from Hell" for example, but his delivery is compelling and enjoyable, showcasing a range that would come to define his future work. It is worth noting that the lyrics underwent significant changes from their original versions, with Anselmo altering most of them to suit the band's evolving direction. The instrumental prowess of the band is evident throughout the album. The Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell on guitar (then credited as Diamond Darrell) and Vinnie Paul on drums, display their growing strength as musicians, with Dimebag's guitar work combining southern crunch with tight chugs and acrobatic soloing. Dimebag was working at the time with "Slayer's" Kerry King and there is no doubt that this was affecting the outcome on this album and on his future playing style. Vinnie Paul's drumming injects hard rock beats with faster patterns, adding dynamism to the songs. Bassist Rex Brown's presence on "Power Metal" is more pronounced compared to previous albums, laying the foundation for the role he would come to play in the band's sound during the nineties. (Photo: Revolver Magazine) The songwriting on "Power Metal" is more consistent than on any other "Pantera" album. The album largely avoids the pitfalls of their earlier glam releases while steering clear of the experimental tendencies of their groove metal era. The album has a perfect balance between the past and future of the band's musical styles. Tracks like "Rock the World" go more toward the glam metal roots of the band, while tracks like "Power Metal" with the double bass-driven onslaught showing their thrash metal influences. The rollercoaster continues with the glam of "We'll Meet Again" against the fast-pace of "Over and Out", the stomping beats and catchy choruses "Proud to be Loud" (written and produced by "Keel's" Marc Ferrari who also plays guitar) vs. the thrash metal riffs of "Down Below" and Rob Halford's-like vocal of Phil Anselmo. "Death Trap" sounds like a very early "Queensrych" song while "Hard Ride" adds a touch of AOR flair and a chorus reminiscent of "Judas Priest's" "Rock Hard, Ride Free". The album ends with the speed metal track "Burnnn!" and "P*S*T*88" featuring non-other than Dimebag Darrell on vocals. Despite limited promotion and the absence of major label support, "Power Metal" has garnered a dedicated following over the years. While initial critical reception was mixed, with some acknowledging its transitional nature, the album has since been recognized as an intriguing early effort from one of the most important metal bands of the '90s. While "Power Metal" may not have achieved mainstream success or received the same level of acclaim as "Pantera's" later releases, it remains a hidden gem for fans of the band. Its role as a transitional album, combining elements of the band's earlier glam metal sound with their evolving heaviness, makes it a worthy addition to "Pantera's" catalog. The album serves as a testament to the band's musical growth and showcases the talents of its members, particularly the emerging vocal prowess of Phil Anselmo and Dimebag Darrell's guitar skills. In conclusion, "Power Metal" deserves a second look and appreciation for its place in "Pantera's" history. It might not be one of their best, but its importance in the band's progression cannot be overlooked. It stands as a testament to "Pantera's" resilience and determination to carve their unique path in the world of metal. For Listening: Youtube "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

The Israeli punk rock band "The City Revival", which we discovered in the last performance of "Useless ID", is releasing its debut album today, June 24, 2022. The band "The City Revival" was formed in 2019 when in the same year they released their first EP "No Skin Just Bones" which contained 5 songs. The band consists of Lior Babani Guitars and vocals, Hemi Keren Guitars and backing vocals, Guy Gorlan Bass and Oz Yitzhak on drums. The album, entitled "On Display", which the band worked on for a year, was created under the production and guidance of the famous punk anchor, Yishai Berger, who most of you know from the band "Useless ID" and the project "Tabarnak" (by the way, he also maintains a solo career) and you can even meet him in the Ozen record store. The band releases this album under the label "White Russian Records" (named after the drink), which is a Dutch label specializing in punk rock, hardcore, and everything around. Holds quite a number of bands from the genre and he attests that it is not big but loves what it does and supports their bands all the way! The first single from the album "War Inside" was released in April this year. The album called "On Display" showcases the band's entire arsenal of tools - from mowing punk to sweet and caressing rock, with lyrics that are not afraid to touch the really painful places and still come out optimistic from the whole story. This album has everything that should be in punk rock and even what's a bit around, cool riffs that catch you fast, melodic vocals that are fun to rave with, and drums that hit you like you hit the floor to the sounds of music. An album that is one big fun !!! Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

He is best known as the drummer, co-founder, and leader of the rock band "Fleetwood Mac", here are some facts about Mick Fleetwood: (Photo: Dia Dipasupi) 1. He was born in Redruth, Cornwall, England as Michael John Kells Fleetwood, on June 24, 1947. 2. He spent his early years living in Egypt and Norway due to his father's military service. He attended school in Norway and became fluent in Norwegian. 3. He performed poorly in school, which he attributed to his inability to memorize facts being dislectic, but he nevertheless enjoyed acting during school, often in drag, and was a competent fencer. 4. Fleetwood stands at an imposing height of 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and was known for his beard and long hair. 5. His parents recognized his musical talent and bought him a drum kit when he was thirteen. 6. Fleetwood was a self-taught drummer from his early childhood. 7. Fleetwood dropped out of school at 15 and moved to London in 1963 to pursue a career as a drummer. 8. He initially stayed with his sister in Notting Hill and found his first opportunity in music through keyboard player Peter Bardens, later known as "Camel's" keybordist. 9. Bardens gave Fleetwood his first gig in the band "The Cheynes" in July 1963, leading to further musical opportunities. 10. Later in 1966 Fleetwood joined "the Peter Bs" which expanded to "Shotgun Express" (with Rod Stewart). 11. Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood went to join "John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers", in April 1967. The band also featured John McVie. 12. Green became a supportive bandmate who helped Fleetwood develop his drumming skills. 13. Fleetwood and John McVie were heavy drinkers during their time with "the Bluesbreakers", causing strain in the band. 14. In the end, Green who left the "the Bluesbreakers" invited Fleetwood to join his new band, which eventually became "Fleetwood Mac". 15. Bassist Bob Brunning was replaced by John McVie, solidifying the first fixed lineup of Fleetwood Mac. 16. The initial lineup of "Fleetwood Mac", including Fleetwood, McVie, Green, and Spencer, performed their first gig in August 1967. 17. The name "Fleetwood Mac" was derived by merging Fleetwood's surname with that of the group's bassist, John "Mac" McVie. 18. The band released their first album, "Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac," in 1968. 19. The band recorded their second album released in 1968, "Mr. Wonderful," under the name Fleetwood Mac, dropping Peter Green's name. 20. Christine Perfect, who would later marry John McVie and known as Christine McVie, became a guest musician and later a permanent member, beginning in "Fleetwood Mac's" third album, "Then Play On," released in 1969. The album also marked a shift in musical style toward a more psychedelic sound. 21. Peter Green's mental health declined, and he left the band in 1970, leaving Fleetwood and McVie to carry on. The departure of Green led to a period of instability and lineup changes within "Fleetwood Mac". 22. In 1974, "Fleetwood Mac" relocated to Los Angeles, seeking new opportunities and a change of scenery. 23. In Los Angeles, Mick Fleetwood discovered Buckingham-Nicks, a duo featuring Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, and invited them to join the band in 1974. (Photo: Fanart.TV) 24. Buckingham and Nicks brought fresh songwriting and vocal talents to "Fleetwood Mac", revitalizing the band's sound. 25. The self-titled album "Fleetwood Mac" released in 1975 became a breakthrough hit for the band, reaching No. 1 on the US charts. 26. "Rumours" released in 1977, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with hits like "Go Your Own Way" and "Don't Stop". 27. Fleetwood Mac's album "Tusk" (1979) showcased a more experimental direction led by Buckingham, incorporating elements of punk and new wave. 28. Mick Fleetwood often sang filled pauses along to songs to help keep the beat. 29. Mick Fleetwood had his rack of tom drums arranged back to front. 30. Mick Fleetwood hit his drums very hard, except for his kick drum. 31. Mick Fleetwood has played drums on many of his bandmates' solo records, including Lindsey Buckingham's "Law and Order", where he played on the album's biggest hit, "Trouble". 32. Fleetwood released his first solo album "The Visitor" in 1981 and his second solo album "Something Big" in 2004. 33. in 1983 he released the album "I'm Not Me" under the band name "Mick Fleetwood's Zoo". The band's second album "Shakin' the Cage" was released under the name "The Zoo" in 2004. 34. Together with John McVie Mick Fleetwood is the only member of "Fleetwood Mac" to feature in all of the band's 18 studio albums. 35. Mick Fleetwood has a secondary career as a TV and film actor, usually in minor parts like on of the episodes in "Star Trek: The Next Generation". 36. Mick Fleetwood co-hosted the 1989 BRIT Awards. 37. In 1998, Mick Fleetwood was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of "Fleetwood Mac". 38. Mick Fleetwood has been married to three women and has four children. His first wife was Jenny Boyd - sister of Pattie Boyd the wife of George Harrison and later Eric Clapton. 39. Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks discovered they were more than just bandmates in 1977, they had a short love affair. Jenny Boyd had also been having an ongoing affair with "Fleetwood Mac" member Bob Weston. Weston was ultimately fired from the band. 40. Mick Fleetwood became a US citizen only on 22 November 2006 in Los Angeles. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Editor's Choice... And this time on "Marillion's" "Holidays in Eden" album released today in 1991. This is the band's sixth album and second with singer Steve Hogarth replacing Fish on the previous album - "Seasons End" released June 24, 1989. This album combines "Marillion's" familiar progressive tracks with more accessible and commercial tracks. If Hogarth came to the previous album after most of the material had been written, then this album is the first time the band has written as a complete piece, with Hogarth's contribution being very noticeable. How noticeable is it? The music for three of the album's songs - "You Don't Need Anyone", "Cover My Eyes" and "Dry Land" was already recorded by Hogarth as part of his previous band "How We Live" in 1987, when the song "Cover My Eyes” was with a slightly different chorus and was called“ Simon’s Car ”. After the song "Easter" from the previous album showed relative success, the record company got an "appetite" and asked the band to work with producer Chris Neil, who among others produced bands like "A-Ha". Chris knew how to strip the songs from the layers of instruments and the sound barrier and make some of them accessible in a more "poppy" way, aimed at a larger audience and the mainstream. Marillion's music suddenly got the sound of bands like "U2" (listen to Steve Rothery's guitar that opens the song "Cover My Eyes"), or sounded for moments like "Bon Jovi's" ballads (listen to "Dry Land" or "No One Can" and imagine Jon Bon Jovi singing them). But along with the "commercial" hits, you can also find some moments that are reminiscent of the good old "Marillion", in this album. Listen to the dramatic opening of "Splintering Heart" and the divine entrance of Steve Rothery at 2:36 and say that it does not throw you straight to 1983. Listen to the gloom and melancholy of "The Party" and you will understand its complexity, especially in the amazing bridge section, with syncopations and rhythm changes Starting at 3:20. What a great song it is! Mark Kelly's beautiful keyboards, the pounding bass work by Pete Trewavas, and the clever drumming by Ian Mosley and that's even before we mentioned Steve Rothery's crazy guitar solo. Even the three songs that seal the album "This Town", "The Rakes Progress", and "100 Nights" are arranged as a trilogy, in a kind of medley that deals with the impact that the big city has on two people. Indeed, it's not quite the good old "Marillion", but we really like this album, even its more commercial parts. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On June 24, 1995, "Marillion" released their eighth studio album, "Afraid of Sunlight". This album arrived at a transitional moment in the band's career—their last under EMI and one of the most emotionally and thematically unified works of the Steve Hogarth era. Though not officially labeled a concept album, "Afraid of Sunlight" flows like one. It revolves around the destructive nature of fame and the emotional fallout that trails behind public adoration. The writing process came swiftly after touring in support of "Brave", with most of the album created in a tight, immersive setting. The band crafted a poignant, sometimes unsettling atmosphere, shaped by characters like Mike Tyson, O.J. Simpson, Donald Campbell, Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, and Michael Jackson. These figures serve as avatars for society's obsession with building icons only to watch them burn out. The album opener "Gazpacho" lampoons the Hollywood lifestyle and seems to refer to O. J. Simpson. opens the album with ambient TV and boxing audio, juxtaposing upbeat melodies with biting lyrics about media exploitation and violent celebrity arcs. "Cannibal Surf Babe" is a "Beach Boys" influenced track, inspired by late-night horror movies. It acts as a satirical homage to surf music, smuggling in dark subtext beneath its jangly guitars and Mark Kelly's strange keyboards, which correspond with the soundtrack of American '60s B-movie aesthetic. And listen to Pete Trewavas' bass work in the opening minutes, how much it corresponds with that of Geddy Lee. "Beautiful", the album’s only single, and one of the "Beautiful" and melodic songs written in the Hogarth era of the band. It is a tender plea for authenticity and compassion in a world that punishes vulnerability. It reached No. 29 in the UK charts and remains a staple of the band’s live shows. "Afraid of Sunrise" and "Afraid of Sunlight" together form the emotional center of the album. The former is soft and calm like the morning, while the latter bursts into shimmering melancholy and refers to self-destructive thrill-seekers such as James Dean. In between them we cab find "Out of This World" - arguably one of "Marillion"'s most transcendent tracks—a deeply emotional tribute to speedboat racer Donald Campbell, whose fatal 1967 crash haunted the British psyche. This song give us chills and penetrates our bones. Such a beautiful a melody, such brilliant performance by the whole band and divine presentation of Steve Hogarth. Steve Rothery solo in 2:30 is mind blowing and the melody that comes right after is absolute perfection. The song later inspired diver Bill Smith to look for the actual wreckage, with the main part of the fuselage of Campbell's Bluebird K7 hydroplane being recovered from Coniston Water on March 8, 2001. Both Steve Hogarth and Steve Rothery were present at the raising, and Rothery produced a photographic record of the event. "Beyond You" pays homage to Phil Spector’s wall-of-sound technique, productions and, in homage, was mixed in mono. "King" closes the album in majestic, sorrowful form—a soaring elegy to artists like Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, and Michael Jackson. It embodies the album’s message: we crown our icons and then crucify them. Despite modest commercial performance, "Afraid of Sunlight" has become a fan favorite and a critical high point of "Marillion"'s post-"Brave" catalog. In 2019, it received a deluxe reissue featuring a new stereo remix, surround sound version, demos, new cover and a full live set from Rotterdam in 1995—underscoring its lasting legacy. 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 guitar legend Jeff Beck. (Photo: David Redfern) 1. He was born in Wellington, England on June 24, 1944, as Geoffrey Arnold Beck. 2. At the age of 6 he first heard Les Paul playing the electric guitar with the song "How High the Moon" on the radio. He immediately knew that was what he wanted to do with his life. 3. At the age of 10 he began to sing in the church choir. 4. As a teenager he started playing on a borrowed guitar and at the same time made several attempts to build a guitar himself. 5. It was his sister Annetta who introduced him to Jimmy Page when they were both young boys. 6. After high school, he attended Wimbledon College of Art and worked in casual jobs among other things as a painter. 7. During his college years he played in various bands including "Screaming Lord Sutch and the Savages". 8. In 1963 he formed "the Nightshift" R&B band with which he played at "the 100 Club" Pub on Oxford Street. 9. Later that year Beck switched different bands, when in 1964 he became a sessions player in recordings for "Parlophone" record company. 10. On March 10, 1965, Beck joins "The Yardbirds" on the recommendation of his friend Jimmy Page and replaces Eric Clapton. Beck made his first appearance with "The Yardbirds" just two days after Clapton's departure. 11. The Yardbirds recorded most of their hits at the time Beck was a member of the band, but during his tenure, he was privileged to record only one studio album with them - "Roger the Engineer" from 1966. 12. As The Yardbirds' guitarist Beck uses innovative playing techniques and effects, while influencing younger musicians. 13. Beck was known as a perfectionist and had a hot temper that erupted a lot when he was not happy with his performance. 14. In May 1966 Jeff Beck entered the studio and recorded the instrumental piece "Beck's Bolero", which would be issued 10 months later as part of his solo career. Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, and John Paul Jones are present in the studio during the recordings. 15. A few months later Jimmy Page joins the band as a bass player. Page later became the band's second guitarist alongside Jeff Beck. Beck was officially fired from the band in November 1966, largely due to his perfectionism and warm temperament. 16. In 1967 Beck releases two singles, On one of them - "Tallyman" he also sang. 17. That same year the Pink Floyd band considered recruiting Beck as Syd Barrett's replacement, but Nick Mason noted years later that none of them dared to approach him and ask him to join. 18. That same year he formed the band "The Jeff Beck Group" along with Rod Stewart on vocals, Ron Wood on bass, Nicki Hopkins on keyboards, and Mickey Waller on drums. 19. Along with this band, Beck will release two masterful albums - "Truth" from 1968 which was released as a solo album, and "Beck-Ola". 20. In 1969, after the death of Brian Jones, Beck was asked by the "Rolling Stones" to be his replacement. 21. This is not the only offer Beck received to join a great band. The members of "Pink Floyd" also wanted him to join their band before turning to David Gilmour. 22. In September 1969 Beck tried to create another band with Stewart, bassist Tim Bogert, and drummer Carmine Appice, both from the band Vanilla Fudge, but after a recent accident that caused a crack in his skull the project was shelved and meanwhile, Bogart and Appice joined the band Cactus. (Photo: Ivan Keeman) 23. Beck returns to the music scene after recovering and in 1971 reassembles "The Jeff Beck Group" only with various band members, including drummer Cozy Powell. 24. Together with this band he releases the third album "Rough and Ready" which was released in 1971. The album differs in style from the other two and combines soul, R&B music, and even jazz. 25. In 1972 Beck releases with the band the fourth studio album - "Jeff Beck Group". On this album, Beck deepens his grip on soul music and even performs a cover of Stevie Wonder's song "I Got to Have a Song". 26. That same year he was also featured on Stevie Wonder's song "Lookin' for Another Pure Love" from the masterpiece "Talking Book." 27. After the dissolution of the band Cactus in 1972, Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert become available and they join Beck. The three together form the power trio "Beck, Bogert & Appice" which releases their first and only album in 1973. The band disbanded in 1974 before they had time to release their second album. 28. In 1974 Beck returns to his solo career with the album "Blow by Blow". An instrumental jazz fusion album produced by George Martin. The album features Stevie Wonder. 29. Beck continues the momentum on another album produced by George Martin - "Wired" from 1976. On this album, Beck continues more or less with the musical formula from the previous album, with the addition of influences of funk. 30. In 1980 Beck released the album "There & Back". On this album, he deepens his collaboration with keyboardist Jan Hammer from the "Jan Hammer Group". 31. In 1981, Beck appeared alongside Eric Clapton in a charity show by Amnesty International. 32. In 1983 Beck participates in the charity show "ARMS Concert for Multiple Sclerosis" and plays on stage alongside Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. This is the first time the three guitarists of "The Yardbirds" are together on the same stage. 33. In 1984 Beck played guitar in the song "Private Dancer" by Tina Turner. 34. In 1985 Beck releases the album "Flash" in which Rod Stewart and Carmine Appice return to collaborate with him. 35. That same year he played on Mick Jagger's solo album "She's the Boss". Beck will also collaborate with Jagger on the 1987 album "Primitive Cool". 36. In 1989 Beck released the album "Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop". In this album, he plays the electric guitar with his fingers without a guitar pick. 37. In 1990 Beck is featured in Jon Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory" song. 38. In 1992 he participated in Roger Waters' solo album - "Amused to Death". 39. That same year he rehearsed with "Guns N 'Roses" ahead of the band's performance in Paris. However, due to ear damage caused by drummer Matt Sorum's cymbals, he became temporarily deaf and did not eventually take the stage at the show. 40. Back in the same year, Beck entered the "Rock Hall of Fame" along with "The Yardbirds". 41. In 1993 he played on Kate Bush's album "The Red Shoes". 42. Back in the same year, he participated in Paul Rodgers' tribute album to Muddy Waters - "Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute to Muddy Waters". 43. In 1998 he played the song "The Guv'nor" from Brian May's "Another World" album. 44. In 1999 he released the album "Who Else!", where he experiences electronics and techno. 45. In 2001, Beck released the album "You Had It Coming" in which the effects of electronics continue. 46. In 2008 Beck plays the piece "Where Were You?" From his album "Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop" at the funeral of keyboardist Rick Wright who really liked his playing, at Wright's own request. 47. In 2009 Beck entered the "Rock Hall of Fame" as a solo artist. 48. That year he hosts David Gilmour on stage in his performance at the Royal Albert Hall. The two play "Jerusalem" and end the show with a performance of "Hi Ho Silver Lining". 49. ​​That same year he plays the song "Black Cloud" from Morrissey's "Years of Refusal" album. 50. In 2010 he releases his album "Emotion & Commotion" The album wins Beck two Grammy Awards. 51. In the same year he comes to Israel for two performances. 52. In 2013 Beck was featured on Roger Taylor's album "Fun on Earth". 53. In 2021, two songs were hosted, including the theme song from the album "Patient Number 9" by Ozzy Osbourne. 54. Beck was a collector of American "Hot Rod" vehicles and has the largest collection of them in the entire UK. 55. Jeff Beck, passed away on January 10, 2023 in a hospital near his home in the south of England and he is 78 years old. The cause of death was meningitis. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Written By: Noam Asulin Release date - 24/6/2022 Sharpen your swords, open a bottle of rum, and put on your wooden leg, because we're going to talk about pirates. grrrr... This time, the review is of the new and seventh album by the Scottish pirate band "Alestorm", named "Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum", and as you can see this is a paraphrase of the legendary seventh album of "Iron Maiden" - "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" from 1988 The Scottish band "Alestorm" has five members: Christopher Bowes on vocals and keyboards, Gareth Murdock on bass guitar and background vocals, Peter Alcorn on drums, and Elliot Vernon on keyboards and vocals, and Máté Bodor on guitar and background vocals. The band was formed in 2004 and was called "Battleheart", until 2007 when it changed its name to "Alestorm". that year, the band signed a record deal with "Naplam records" and released their debut album "Captain Morgan's Revenge" and have since released six more albums, including the reviewed album. The band is defined as "Pirate Metal" because the theme of the songs revolves around the theme of pirates. Those of you who know the band knows that its members like to laugh and give quite angular performances. The show at Reading 3 on July 5, 2022, has already sold out. The new album is a triple album. The first record includes 11 tracks, while the second record includes the same tracks in an acoustic version and the third record also includes the same songs, please note, in the dog version. Yes, instead of the lyrics you hear the barking of dogs. We already said this band like to laugh? The review will refer to the album in the regular version. The first song "Magellan's Expedition" does not waste time and already makes you bounce. Alestorm's songs always give a sense of a "party" and fun and are characterized by instruments that are common in this genre like the accordion. Although the band loves to fool around, it also maintains professionalism and a polished and high-quality sound. Christopher, the lead singer not only sings about pirates but also sounds like a pirate. And tries to emphasize this in every song, both by using "rrrrr…" and in his accent. The album continues in the same direction, with the fourth track being called "P. A. R. T. Y", so if you did not understand what's the band members' aim and purpose, this song will definitely not leave any doubt. The sixth track "Magyarország" is especially interesting because the band members sing in Hungarian during the chorus. The song itself talks about Budapest. Although it did not surprise me personally (and I guess everyone who knows the band), I still keep my mouth open every time some of the members are so beautifully changing languages ​​on the band's albums, and more on that later. As on the previous album "Curse of the Crystal Coconut", on this album to the band collaborates with some of their favorite artists, such as Patty Gurdy who plays hurdy-gurdy (a traditional instrument that produces sound by manual rotation of Manuela and includes strings like on guitar) and Ally Storch on violin. The ninth track "Return to Tortuga" is a slightly different version of the song "Tortuga" from the band's previous album. The latest track "Wooden Leg Part III" is also a slightly different version of the song from the previous album "Wooden Leg Part II". In addition to this song they also sing in Spanish and Japanese (languages, remember?) In conclusion, this is a super fun album to listen to. Quite a few songs have contagious solos that make me swing my imaginary Air Guitar. You can not miss the talent and fun of the band members to create together. Still, there were two little things I didn't like so much. I was happy to get new songs instead of two different versions of two songs from the previous album and still, these are different versions enough to interest me. Plus, I think the third record called "Dog Version" is redundant. It's a nice and funny gimmick for one song but not beyond, certainly not for all the songs on the album. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website