To coincide with an extensive UK/European tour, Smith/Kotzen have added two previously Japanese-only tracks to the digital release of their well-received ‘Black Light/White Noise’ album. The duo share impressive rock credentials: Adrian Smith is best known as a member of UK Metal legends Iron Maiden, but has often released music outside the band, including the short-lived ‘ASAP’ album way back in 1989, while Richie Kotzen has enjoyed a successful solo career while still finding time for stints in Poison, Mr Big and The Winery Dogs. More about the duo, their album and the tour follows:

In recent weeks, many artists have been forced to cancel tour dates, big and small, as the financial demands on us all prove insurmountable. Unfortunately, a night out at a gig is a special occasion and rarely, if ever, inexpensive. Ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett is bucking the trend with his Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo Tour as 10 shows of the 16-date UK tour in October are SOLD OUT with limited ticket availability for the remaining shows. More about the tour, Steve Hackett and the announcement of special guests follow:

The press release claims The Hot Damn! are effervescent, and that seems to be a very accurate description of a band that is the musical equivalent of a well-shaken bottle of pop primed to explode. With a string of ultra-catchy tunes delivered with infectious enthusiasm, fine playing and spot-on vocal harmonies, their debut album ‘Dancing on the Milky Way’, set for Friday 27th September 2024, via Fat Earth Records, should be on your musical radar. The Hot Damn! also have a new deal in place with global booking agency Echelon Talent so 2024 looks like being a busy year. To coincide with the headline tour announcement (full details below), check out an acoustic take on fan favourite ‘Loud and Clear’.