Today's April 2017 WRC e-mail Bulletin not only looks back at our March gigs including Dan Reed Network, Black Star Riders, Sari Schorr & The Engine Room, Monster Truck, Devilskin, Thunder and Blackberry Smoke, but also CD's we reviewed including Michael Schenker, Matt Andersen and Erja Lyytinen. We also again look forward long-term to November and Wrinklystock 6 featuring Magic - a kind of Queen & ELO - plus our April gigs including Bad Touch, Erja Lyytinen, Krissy Matthews Band, Joe Bonamassa and Dream Theater (pictured). Remember just go here to sign up for FREE membership where you can get discounts on selected gigs and merchandise! And if you are not currently on our e-mail circulation list then please send us your details in the contact box below!

Following the recent release of his self-titled solo debut album, veteran Punk and Blues guitarist Gary ‘Guitar’ Lammin (Track Of The Day) has his second and final London in-store appearances today at 4pm at All Ages Records at 27 Pratt Street, Camden. Known first and foremost as a Punk Rocker, who has collaborated with the likes of Joe Strummer, Public Image’s Jah Wobble and Generation X’s Mark Laff, and built a cult following as leader of Punk-Blues trio The Bermondsey Joyriders, Lammin dealt listeners a curveball with his sublime and surprising first solo offering.

'Second Skin”', due to be released on Friday 12th May, is the hotly anticipated second effort from super group Snakecharmer (Vid Of The Day). Slightly harder edged compared to their debut, but with roots still firmly planted in Bad Company, early Whitesnake and a hint of late 70's AOR, this new record sounds strong, passionate, rocking and Blues-laden. The band was originally founded in 2011 by former Whitesnake members guitarist Micky Moody and bass guitarist Neil Murray along with guitarist Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash), drummer Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), keyboardist Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) and vocalist Chris Ousey (Heartland). In 2016, Moody left the band and was replaced by Irish born Simon McBride on lead guitar. Snakecharmer embark on an eleven date UK tour which begins a week before the release of their new album.

"Sumo Cyco are a Punk Metal band from Toronto, Canada. Lead singer Sever (formerly solo artist: Skye Sweetnam) is an achingly pretty provocateur whose attire doesn't leave much to the imagination. The girl next door, if you live near Anne Summers. And who during the course of a hot and heavy night was in competition with the drummer to strip down to wear the least amount of clothing. Compulsive viewing that I can attest to. If you want to see who wins, go see them for yourself." Read the whole of Mother's Devilskin, Sumo Cyco and Eva Plays Dead gig review from last Wednesday at Camden's Underworld here plus check out John Bull's amazing new photo gallery here.

"Thunder are one of those bands that have been far less commercially successful than they should have been. Which only goes to show that there is no justice in this world. From their early beginning in 1989, Thunder rose out of the ashes of Terraplane with their hugely successful debut album 'Back Street Symphony' which earned them a slot on the 1990 Monsters of Rock festival at Donnington. But whilst following albums were successful, the band never got the mainstream attention that they deserved. Which is a shame because they are a class act. However, Thunder did build a loyal fanbase through constant album releases and touring which remain as steadfast and devoted today as any band could wish for. But through the years the mighty Thunder have announced more than once that their current tour would be their last. Thankfully they kept coming back for more." Read the whole of Mother's Thunder gig review from Tuesday at London's Hammersmith Apollo here plus check out today's Vid Of The Day.

The Blues Club Podcast Track Of The Day returns today with another two hours of non-stop Best in Blues with More Music and Less Chat, featuring New Releases, Classic Tracks, UK Independent Blues Broadcasters Association Presenters' Picks and much more. Music this week Includes tracks from The Johnny Max Band, Frankie Miller, John Mayall Blues, Catfish, Lachy Doley, Teresa Watson Band, Marcus Malone, Big Wolf Band, Adrianna Marie and Her Roomful of All-Stars, Mr. Sipp "The Mississippi Blues Child", The Rainbreakers (pictured), The Blues Spiders, Mick Simpson, Peter Karp, Malaya Blue, Geoff Achison, Mick McConnell, Sean Chambers, Van Morrison, The King's Parade, Haymarket Riot, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Imelda May, Brad Curtis and The Some x 6 Band, SmithNThompson, Lazy Eye Band, Valerie McKnight, B. B. & The Blues Shacks and more.

"Devilskin are back at the Underworld again - I saw them there last year with the excellent Skarlett Riot in support. Devilskin is a four-piece Alternative Metal band from Hamilton, New Zealand, formed in June 2010. And it would appear that at least half of the audience are fellow Kiwi's following their homeys around the globe. I would if I were a Kiwi. Fronted by the black leather clad Jennie Skulander, Jennie has a powerful voice that ranges from whispers to full bellowing roar. Yes she's beautiful, yes she's dressed like a sexy dominatrix, but it's the voice you notice first. Sporting red beards Nail (lead guitar) and Paul Martin (bass, backing vocals) provide the power and the melody behind the vocal delights of Skulander whilst Paul's son Nic Martin excels on the drums. Nail, playing a Gibson Les Paul through twin Marshal JTM stacks, won fame in NZ playing lead for the popular Waikato band Chuganaut who won the NZ Battle of the Bands and the World Battle Of The Bands in 2004." Read the whole of Mother's Devilskin, Sumo Cyco and Eva Plays Dead gig review from last Wednesday at Camden's Underworld here.

Manowar founding member Ross The Boss returns to the UK at London's Underworld tonight for a seven gig tour that ends a week later at the Craufurd Arms, Wolverton, near Milton Keynes. Celebrating the band he is fondly remembered for and most importantly, reprising some of the majestic riffs he penned back in the bands formative years, his new line-up includes vocalist Marc Lopes, one-time Manowar drummer Kenny “Rhino” Earl and bass player Mike LePond of Symphony X. Each night promises to be a special evening, in all senses of the word. It’s aptly entitled the “The Discipline Of Steel Tour” and who are we to argue? After this tour, this line up will then enter the studio to finish work on a new record. The band’s first official recording, a storming version of Manowar favourite 'Blood Of My Enemies' is now available on Itunes and Spotify, which is as grand as they come!

2014 WRC Best International award winners Blackberry Smoke proved at a packed London Roundhouse on Tuesday night that they have still got what it takes in the Southern Rock department! Now two further albums down the line, namely 'Holding All The Roses' and 'Like An Arrow', their distinct dueling guitars/keyboards sound they traffic sent the Smoke faithful home happy on their way back to Chalk Farm station. With great support from fellow Atlanta based band Biters (pictured) and a review to come - check out today's photo gallery here plus a new Blackberry Smoke vid (Track Of The Day).

North London became part of the Confederacy the last time we saw Blackberry Smoke at Islington's O2 Academy three years ago - so much so that they they walked away with our 2014 WRC Best International award! So two albums later, namely 'Holding All The Roses' and 'Like An Arrow', did we once again surrender to the brilliance of this Southern Rockin' band at London's Roundhouse last night? Anyway watch out for a review and more pics shortly - but in the meantime please check out today's Vid Of The Day!

This Summer the inaugural boutique festival Hope & Glory is taking over Liverpool’s city centre, hosting an array of live music and entertainment across the weekend of the 5th and 6th of August. 70-piece orchestra Hacienda Classical will be closing the festival on Sunday, Manchester band James have now been confirmed as the Saturday night headliners and will be joined on The Great Exhibition Stage by Razorlight, The Fratellis, Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon, The View, Embrace and many more. Starsailor will close Saturday nights mayhem on the Wonders Of The Age Stage with the likes of Lucy Spraggan, Dave McCabbe (Zutons) with Ian Skelly (The Coral), The Seahorses lead singer Chris Helme, The Ordinary Boys and more playing throughout day. On Sunday, Haçienda Classiçal will be joined by special guests Shaun Ryder and Bez from the Happy Mondays with Tim Booth from James also now featuring, whilst Ocean Colour Scene will also now be playing The Great Exhibition Stage alongside Tom Chaplin (Keane), Lightning Seeds and musical troubadours Public Service Broadcasting.

This week's Route 66 Track Of The Day showcases tracks that feature the spoken voice including classic Rock tracks from Iron Maiden and Aerosmith plus the Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper. Host Rory Auskerry also plays tracks from Joe Satriani, J.J. Cale, Thunder (pictured), Guns N' Roses, Pink Floyd and more.