RockArchive Music News

Glimpse Rock Music History at These Two Rockarchive Exhibitions

Rockarchive currently has two exhibitions running, 'Contacts' which is on display at the Lucy Bell Fine Art Photography Gallery & Agency in St. Leonards on Sea. And 'Inside Abbey Road Studios' which is on at the Barbican Music Library. The former features contact sheets that went on to become iconic music photographs. While in the latter Jill Furmanovsky takes us behind the music making magic at Abbey Road.

26th April 2018

Kurt Cobain's Daughter Talks Music Ambitions, Reveals New Song

Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, has revealed her plans to pursue a music career. It comes after she previewed her first original song on the eve of the late Nirvana singer’s death.

13th April 2018

World's First David Bowie Statue Unveiled

A David Bowie statue was recently unveiled in Aylesbury, England, which is the place where Bowie debuted his musical alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. The Buckinghamshire town’s Market Square is now home to what is considered the first statue of the Starman.

7th April 2018

Why Bob Dylan's 'Tangled Up in Blue' is a Modern Masterpiece

Bob Dylan has undoubtedly made many great records in his time. But one of his most celebrated and beloved albums is 'Blood on the Tracks'. The album begins with 'Tangled Up in Blue' and here's a breakdown of why the song is such a classic.

23rd March 2018

Pink Floyd Reveal Limited Edition Record Store Day Release

Record Store Day has become a firm fixture in any vinyl junkie’s calendar. And this year sees a very special release from Pink Floyd. The legendary group will see their debut album 'Piper at the Gates of Dawn' re-released on vinyl. The record will be remastered from the original 1967 mono mix by James Guthrie, Joel Plante and Bernie Grundman.

17th March 2018

The Smiths Are Getting Their Own Graphic Novel

The Smiths are getting their own graphic novel. Called 'Tales of the Smiths: A Graphic Biography' it’s written by Con Chrisoulis and is released by Omnibus Press. It looks like it’s going to be quite an epic read at 494 pages long. And also features an introduction by former drummer with The Smiths (and The Fall) Simon Wolstencroft.

3rd March 2018

Iconic Guitar Company Gibson Are on the Brink of Bankruptcy

Perhaps the most famous guitar manufacturer in the world, Gibson who are based in Nashville and who have given many a rock star an axe to grind, as it were, are on the brink of bankruptcy.

24th February 2018

New Muse Single 'Thought Contagion' is a Politically Charged Synth-laden Epic

New Muse single “Thought Contagion” has dropped and it’s the first new track from the band since “Dig Down”, the standalone single which was released May 2017. Lead singer Matt Bellamy has referred to the sound as “rocking, heavy” and it doesn't disappoint.

17th February 2018

'Elvis Presley: The Searcher' - New HBO Doc Will Focus on His Artistic Evolution

New Elvis Presley Doc Will Look at His Evolution as an Artist

Coming in April 2018, HBO will be airing a new documentary on the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. Titled 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher' the three hour two-film presentation will look at the musician’s artistic journey, as opposed to his legacy as a cultural icon.

10th February 2018

So Long Mark E. Smith, Gone But Never Forgotten

Music fans were united in their grief as news broke that Mark E. Smith, the singular and much-admired singer and only constant member of The Fall, had passed away. Smith died aged 60 on Wednesday 24th January 2018 at his home which was confirmed by his manager Pam Vanders who tweeted, “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith.”

3rd February 2018

New Law Will Protect UK Music Venues From Closure

Over the last decade hundreds of small music venues across the UK have closed. Now, thanks to a new law, they will be protected and their future safeguarded.

25th January 2018

Pink Floyd Exhibition 'Their Mortal Remains' Opens in Rome

The blockbuster V&A Pink Floyd exhibition 'Their Mortal Remains' opens in Rome, allowing visitors to the city’s Museo d'Arte Contemporanea (MACRO) to experience the multi-sensory audiovisual thrills of the band's legacy.

19th January 2018

David Bowie Book Club Launched By His Son

Fans of David Bowie and those who like a good read should be happy with the news that Bowie’s son, director and filmmaker Duncan Jones, is launching a book club in the musician’s honour.

6th January 2018

Super Rare Vinyl Copies of Prince’s 'Black Album' Have Resurfaced

Prince’s 'Black Album' is considered one of the rarest vinyl records on the planet. But recently, miraculously, several sealed copies have resurfaced. What makes the news more interesting is that these newly discovered records are thought to be ones that should have been destroyed.

16th December 2017

Listen to Long Lost Paul McCartney Christmas Album 'Unforgettable'

The season of merriment, overindulgence, Xmas party regrets and mulled everything is upon us. And with it comes the seemingly endless parade of Christmas songs. Songs which you’ve heard endless time before and probably never want to again, depending on your Scrooge factor. However, one Christmas record you likely haven’t heard is one Paul McCartney made all the way back in 1965.

9th December 2017

Eric Clapton To Play Hyde Park in Summer 2018

Eric Clapton will be a headline artist for the BST Festival in Hyde Park, London next year on July 8, 2018. The gig will be the former Yardbirds guitarist's only UK festival date and will see him joined on stage by Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood and Gary Clark Jr.

2nd December 2017

Morgan Howell's Work Celebrates the Art of the 7" Single

The 7” single was for many who grew up in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s all part of the teenage musical experience. But while 45s may now be a thing of the past, its format and the paper sleeves that contained them are celebrated by British artist Morgan Howell.

24th November 2017

Understanding Pink Floyd's Classic Album 'Wish You Were Here'

Pink Floyd’s 1975 album 'Wish You Were Here' is an undisputed rock classic. With cover art designed by the legendary Hipgnosis—two businessmen shaking hands, one of them on fire—it explored themes surrounding fame, absence, greed, ambition, the music business, and featured a homage to departed founding member Syd Barrett. A new video by Polyphonic looks at what makes it such a brilliant, yet melancholic album.

19th November 2017

Jack White Says New Solo Album is 'Practically Done'

Jack White is working on what he describes as a “bizarre” new solo album which he aims to release early in 2018. It will follow on from the former White Stripes last solo work which was called Lazaretto and was out in 2014. White confirmed he had been working on a new record back in July when his record company Third Man Records posted two pictures to Twitter. One image was taken in Los Angeles and the other in New York with both captioned “Jack White recording songs for his third solo album.”

14th November 2017

Good News! Loud Music Doesn't Lead to Permanent Hearing Damage

The old adage goes that if it’s too loud you’re too old. But, while many young people enjoy listening to raucous live music from a favoured band or blasting out a curated tracklist on headphones, there’s always been the concern that loud music leads to hearing loss. However, a recently published study suggests otherwise.

7th November 2017

Roger Daltrey Heads Out on Mini US Tour, Confirms Memoir Release Date

The Who’s Roger Daltrey is embarking on a mini tour in America, which kicks off in Clearwater, Florida. He also recently confirmed the release date of his long-awaited autobiography.

3rd November 2017

Bob Dylan Pays Tribute to Tom Petty By Covering 'Learning To Fly'

Bob Dylan has paid tribute to his friend and fellow Traveling Wilbury the late Tom Petty by covering the iconic musician’s 1991 single “Learning To Fly”. Dylan played the track at a concert in Colorado as an encore on October 21, a day after what would have been Tom Petty’s 67th birthday.

29th October 2017

Listen to Noel Gallagher's New Single "Holy Mountain"

Noel Gallagher and his band the High Flying Birds have released their new single “Holy Mountain” taken from their upcoming album 'Who Built the Moon?'. The song features Paul Weller on organ and is produced by David Holmes.

24th October 2017

The White Stripes Get Cassette Tape Release, Jack White Authors Kids' Book

The Whites Stripes have reissued their first three albums, 'The White Stripes', 'De Stijl' and 'White Blood Cells', on cassette tape. It will be the first time they will appear on this retro music format, familiar to many who grew up in the 1980s.

19th October 2017

Roger Waters 'Us + Them' Tour Coming to BST Festival in Hyde Park

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters will be a headline artist for the BST Festival in Hyde Park, London next year on July 6, 2018. The gig will be the first time that Waters has brought his ongoing 'Us + Them' tour to the UK. And will be his first performance in the UK since the release of his latest album 'Is This The Life We Really Want?'

11th October 2017

'My Name is Prince' Exhibition to Open at the O2

The many iconic outfits worn by beloved musician Prince (aka Prince Rogers Nelson) are coming to London for the exhibition My Name is Prince. The show, which opens on 27 October at The O2, will be the first time garments like The Purple One’s ruffled white shirt and glossy purple coat will be leaving his private estate in Minnesota, known as Paisley Park, since his death on 21st April 2016.

6th October 2017

A Deep Dive into the Unique Way Flea Plays Bass

The Red Hot Chili Peppers emerged from the Los Angeles 1980s punk scene. And, along with helping bring that sound into the mainstream, they also brought the funk too. And that came in the form of their bassist Flea. YouTuber Polyphonic takes an in-depth look at Flea’s career and his incredible talent as a bassist.

6th October 2017

Liam Gallagher Releases Debt Solo Album Which He'll Be Touring in November

Liam Gallagher, former lead singer of Oasis, releases his much anticipated debut solo album 'As You Were'. The record has been met with praise from both the music critics and fans who have hailed it a "modern classic".

6th October 2017

U2 Joshua Tree Tour Continues, New Album Out in December

U2 are one of the biggest and most successful bands in the world, pulling in sellout crowds at stadiums and arenas across the globe. In fact they’re on the road at the moment with their Joshua Tree 2017 Tour, which commemorates 30 years since they released their classic album, 'The Joshua Tree.'

3rd October 2017

National Portrait Gallery Will Host Landmark Michael Jackson Exhibition

Michael Jackson’s influence on music is undisputed, but what about his impact on contemporary art? A major exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery next year, called 'Michael Jackson: On the Wall', will look at the King of Pop's influence on contemporary art.

28th September 2017

'Mercy On Me' is a Nick Cave Graphic Novel Biography

Fact and fiction are blurred in a new graphic novel biography about Nick Cave. Called 'Mercy On Me' it's by renowned German cartoonist and graphic designer Reinhard Kleist.

23rd September 2017

The Pretenders Are Back on Tour, Hynde Signs to BMG for Songwriting Catalogue

Chrissie Hynde is back on tour with her band The Pretenders at the end of September. Formed back in 1978 off the back of the New Wave movement the rock and rollers had a gig at the Royal Albert Hall back in April, a one-off event where they ran through some favs from their back catalogue along with songs from their 12th studio album, 'Alone'—which was their first release in eight years and was produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.

19th September 2017

New Film 'Melody Makers' Explores Barrie Wentzell's Iconic Rock Photography

New documentary 'Melody Makers' from Canadian filmmaker Leslie Ann Coles looks at the rock magazine's 1960s and 70s heyday, talking with its contributors and focusing on the work of its chief photographer Barrie Wentzell.

17th September 2017

Kurt Cobain Was Also an Accomplished Visual Artist and Painter

Kurt Cobain needs no introduction as a musician who, along with his hugely influential band Nirvana, turned grunge into a global phenomenon back in the 1990s. What you might not be so aware of is that, along with leaving behind his musical legacy, he also left behind numerous artworks too.

11th September 2017

'David Gilmour Live at Pompeii' at Cinemas for One Night Only

In 1972 Pink Floyd recorded Live at Pompeii, their legendary concert performed in the Roman Amphitheatre at the historic site. Now 45 years later is the release of 'David Gilmour Live at Pompeii.'

9th September 2017

Dr. Feelgood Are Returning to Essex

Dr. Feelgood are to return to their old stomping ground this month. The band are heading back to Essex for a gig at Chelmsford. Although the current incarnation of the R&B pub rock group features none of the original members, they formed in 1971 in Canvey Island, Essex.

6th September 2017