CD Album Reviews

WELCOME …

Depending on where in the world you are reading this

In Thoughts Of You

Billy Fury was the UK’s answer to Elvis, but his career was cut short by odd choices, poor health and wayward management. To begin our 20-page celebration, we look at the pros and the cons of being Billy…

Paradise Regained

As Fury’s Tornados, they backed Billy in the final years of his career. Today they’re back on tour with acclaimed show Halfway To Paradise created in his memory. Guitarist Chris Raynor remembers an icon…

It Only Took 60 Years!

Vince Eager was there at the outset of the Billy Fury story – and he’s right at the centre of it now. Here, he remembers a young man in search of stardom and explains how he finally got to duet with Billy…

Oh, Boy!

What do you do if you’re presented with a guitar by the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation? Rock’n’roll pioneer Charlie Gracie celebrated by performing Buddy’s classic song, Oh, Boy!

Elvis’ 68 Comeback Comes Back!

Elvis Presley’s legendary ‘68 Comeback Special’ is

A Night For Lonnie Donegan

It’s been 14 years since the ‘Rock Island Line’ memorial

Wanda Jackson’s Jett Set

The legendary Wanda Jackson is back in Nashville working

New Memorial For Eddie

A new memorial stone will be unveiled on 30 September

RARE Rock ‘N’ Roll RECORDS

Furious 50s UK rock’n’roll, a pioneering 60s classic, inspirited live gospel, and one of the Fab Four’s rarest long-players…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEATURING Billy Bragg, Ralph McTell, Chas and Dave

Ruen Brothers

Ignore their tender age: Rupert and Henry Stansall – aka Ruen Brothers – have all the hallmarks of vintage Everlys and Roy Orbison, yet still manage to sound entirely fresh

VINTAGE ROCK SUMMER SALE TRY 3 ISSUES FOR £3

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND ENJOY 3 ISSUES FOR £3 IN OUR FANTASTIC SUMMER SALE

Singles & Ep Reviews

Singles in all guises this issue, from picture discs to expansive 10” EPs. Head-turners include Kim Lenz’s first vinyl single for 21 years, 50s heroine Sparkle Moore, unearthed Merseybeat R&B from 1965 and prime rock from Germany and Spain

Vinyl Lp Reviews

With this month’s platters, we serve up a sweet selection of powerhouse vocal talents from the past, red-hot fireworks from the fretboard, and classic treats from Screamin’ Jay, Brenda Lee and the Boogie Man…

Go, Cats, Go!

WILDEST C AT S I N TOWN SUMMER WEEKENDER

THREE LEGENDS OF DOO WOP

It isn’t often that we get to witness three icons of doo-wop’s golden era on these shores, but Tales From The Woods saw fit to redress the balance with a harmonious night to remember

A LIFE INA Rock ‘n’ Roll

Life as a rock’n’roll star in the 60s was more than just sold-out shows and luxury living. Here, our resident rocker Vince Eager reminisces about bassists gone AWOL, escape plans, and being held hostage…

SOUNDTRACK of my life BOB BUTFOY

Best known as the frontman of Jack Rabbit Slim, Bob

Cod a

Dominic Joseph ‘DJ’ Fontana, powerhouse drummer for

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK

Gary US Bonds hit the big time in 1961, kickstarting a career that has spanned nearly 60 years. In anticipation of a headline UK show, Bonds talks big hits, awful movies, superfan Bruce Springsteen and more…

Tiny Dynamite

Wee Willie Harris never had hits, but was a cult hero on the nascent 50s British rock’n’roll scene. As a new book and CD toast his quirky talents, Vintage Rock finds his music is still a reason to be cheerful…

Juke Joint Jumpin’

Once a staple of 50s culture, these days jukeboxes are the domain of retro-lovers and collectors. Brighton Jukebox & Retro Fair reveals a scene thriving on dime machines that often cost thousands…

Classic Album

It was difficult enough for The Crickets to attempt to cut an album without Buddy Holly. It was harder still after their legendary leader tragically died. But when it finally emerged, In Style With The Crickets was a cool classic. Here’s how a band fought folklore… and won

STILL IN STYLE

Jay McDowell of the Musicians Hall Of Fame salutes In Style With The Crickets and tells us how he became a Cricket for a day…

Making Waves

As The Beach Boys unveil their latest collaborative album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,Vintage Rock meets Mike Love and Bruce Johnston to discuss hits, myths and transatlantic rivalry…

Mr soul

Sam Cooke boasted an astounding voice, a superb talent for songwriting and a catalogue crammed full of classics, in a life cut tragically short. Here we present our guide to his Top 20 songs

Rock The Net

Englander Tom Ingram is King Of California when it comes to rockabilly – he’s the man behind the Viva Las Vegas festival in neighbouring Nevada, and also in charge of the expanding Rockabilly-Radio.net. Vintage Rock tunes in…

Wild At Heart

Linda Gail Lewis and Robbie Fulks tell Vintage Rock all about their new raucous rockin’ country duets album, and reveal Jerry Lee Lewis’ love of murderous movies