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Sketches of ForgottenGlory, London (2026)

16/09/2026

Mark St. John occupies a fascinating footnote in 1980s hard rock history. Born Mark Norton, the Los Angeles guitarist had established himself as a respected teacher and technically accomplished player before joining Kiss in 1984, replacing Vinnie Vincent. His principal achievement was Animalize, on which his precise, highly technical playing helped give the album its harder-edged guitar sound. Released in September 1984, the record became a major commercial success, eventually achieving platinum status in the US, while “Heaven’s on Fire” became a memorable MTV hit.

St. John’s tenure was frustratingly brief. Arthritis-related illness severely affected his hands during the subsequent tour, and Bruce Kulick ultimately took over. St. John later formed White Tiger and continued recording, but never regained the profile his remarkable musicianship had promised.

Off the Soundboard: Poughkeepsie, NY 1984, his sole officially released full concert from his brief tour tenure, released in April 2023, remains a fascinating document of what might have been.

11/09/2026

Within the crowded and fiercely competitive world of Led Zeppelin tribute acts, Hindenberg has carved out a premier reputation for elite musicianship and historical accuracy. Emerging from the vibrant New York music scene, the ensemble has long been recognized for its sophisticated approach to the Zeppelin canon, appearing at prestigious East Coast venues and theaters that demand a high level of technical ex*****on.

What distinguishes Hindenberg is its commitment to recreating the "live" aura of Led Zeppelin’s peak years. Eschewing the mere imitation of studio tracks, the band captures the improvisational spirit and raw power of the original quartet. Their performances are characterised by a seamless blend of technical precision and an evident respect for the source material, ensuring that both the thunderous blues-rock and the delicate acoustic nuances are represented with equal fervour.

The band’s professional pedigree is what truly cements its standing within the tribute hierarchy. Featuring seasoned veterans such as Felix Hanemann (founding member of Zebra) and Karl Cochran (noted collaborator with Ace Frehley and Joe Lynn Turner), Hindenberg brings a "musician’s musician" perspective to the stage. This collective experience allows them to navigate the complexities of Jimmy Page’s arrangements and John Bonham’s rhythmic shifts with an ease that few other acts can replicate.

Over the decades, Hindenberg has remained a staple of the Northeast circuit, earning recognition as one of the most faithful and compelling interpreters of Led Zeppelin’s enduring legacy.

02/09/2026

Steven Tyler is one of hard rock’s most recognisable and charismatic frontmen. As the lead singer and principal lyricist of Aerosmith, he helped create classics including Dream On, Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way. His extraordinary vocal range, flamboyant stage presence and partnership with guitarist Joe Perry became central to the band’s identity.

After Aerosmith’s decline in the early 1980s, Tyler played a crucial role in their remarkable comeback, leading to major albums such as Permanent Vacation, Pump and Get a Grip. Aerosmith won four Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tyler also enjoyed success as a solo artist and published his autobiography, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? His enduring influence has secured his place among rock’s greatest frontmen.

27/08/2026

Before Jerusalem Slim, Steve Stevens had already built a formidable reputation as one of hard rock’s most inventive guitarists. Rising to fame through his partnership with Billy Idol, Stevens helped shape the sound of classic albums such as Rebel Yell while also earning a Grammy for the “Top Gun Anthem”. By the end of the 1980s he had launched his own project, Atomic Playboys, and established himself as a respected session musician (e.g., his notable contribution to Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" in 1987).

Jerusalem Slim was formed in 1990 alongside Michael Monroe, Sami Yaffa, drummer Greg Ellis and The Faces keyboardist, Ian McLagan. The band blended glam metal, hard rock and punk influences, releasing one self-titled album in 1992. Although expectations were high, internal musical differences and changing trends in rock music prevented the project from lasting beyond a single record.

After Jerusalem Slim dissolved, Stevens quickly moved into new projects. He joined Vince Neil’s solo band for the Exposed album—where he played both guitar and bass—and later explored instrumental music on acclaimed solo releases such as Flamenco A Go-Go and with supergroup Bozzio Levin Stevens. He later reunited with Billy Idol and continued a long and successful career as both a recording artist and touring guitarist.

26/08/2026

Vinnie Moore is widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists to emerge from the 1980s shred movement, combining breathtaking technique with strong melody and musical expression. After attracting Shrapnel Records executive Mike Varney's attention through Guitar Player magazine, he released the acclaimed instrumental debut Mind's Eye in 1986, establishing himself as a leading figure in neoclassical metal. His solo career has produced a string of respected albums that showcase influences ranging from hard rock and heavy metal to blues and jazz.

Beyond his solo work, Moore toured with Alice Cooper and contributed to the Hey Stoopid album ("Hurricane Years" and "Dirty Dreams") before joining British hard rock legends UFO in 2003. During more than two decades with the band, he played on several studio albums while continuing to record and perform as a solo artist. His outstanding musicianship and dedication have earned him lasting respect from guitarists and rock fans worldwide.

20/08/2026

Jan Kuehnemund was one of the pioneering female guitarists of the 1980s hard rock and glam metal scene. Best known as the founder and driving force behind Vixen, she formed the group in Minnesota before relocating to Los Angeles in pursuit of wider success. With a sharp melodic style and powerful stage presence, Kuehnemund helped Vixen become one of the few all-female bands to break into the male-dominated glam metal world.

Vixen achieved major success with their 1988 self-titled debut and the follow-up Rev It Up, producing MTV favourites such as “Edge of a Broken Heart”, co-written by Richard Marx, and “Cryin’”. The band toured alongside giants including Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Deep Purple and Kiss.

In the 2000s, Kuehnemund revived Vixen and released new music, eventually mending fences with the "classic" 1980s lineup for a planned full-scale reunion tour. Tragically, the project was cut short when she was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy for women in rock and metal.

19/08/2026

Following the breakup of Stryper in the early 1990s, guitarist Oz Fox formed the Christian hard rock side project Sin Dizzy with former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines in 1995.

The band emerged during the grunge era, inspired by "Against the Law" era's heavier direction, but with a distinctly 1990s edge. Sin Dizzy combined heavy riffs, melodic hooks and faith-based lyrics with a more modern alternative metal sound influenced by bands such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.

Sin Dizzy released one album, He’s Not Dead, in 1998. Fox stepped forward not only as guitarist but also as lead vocalist and songwriter, showing a different creative side from his flashy Stryper work. He also gave fellow guitarist Bobby MacNeil plenty of room to shine.

The album is a bit of a hybrid. Interestingly, the last four tracks on the record were actually songs Oz Fox had written and demoed for a potential Stryper album following Against the Law. When Michael Sweet left, those songs were repurposed for Sin Dizzy.

The group built a loyal following among Christian metal fans and performed several American festival dates, including a notable Cabo Rojo appearance in Puerto Rico where Michael Sweet joined them on stage. This specific performance is credited with thawing the relationship between the members, leading directly to the first Stryper Expo in 2000 and the full reunion in 2003.

Although the project ended when Stryper reunited in 2003, Sin Dizzy remains an interesting chapter in Oz Fox’s career and a respected cult favourite within Christian metal circles.

13/08/2026

Ritchie Blackmore is one of the most influential guitarists in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. A founding member of Deep Purple in 1968, he helped create the band's powerful, classically influenced sound, contributing to landmark albums including Deep Purple in Rock, Machine Head and Made in Japan. His instantly recognisable riff to ‘Smoke on the Water’ remains one of rock's most celebrated guitar moments.

In 1975, Blackmore formed Rainbow, initially working with Ronnie James Dio and producing the highly regarded Rising and Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll. He later returned to Deep Purple for the successful Perfect Strangers era. Since 1997, Blackmore has explored Renaissance and folk music with Blackmore's Night. His adventurous playing, distinctive tone and willingness to challenge convention have secured his place among rock's true pioneers.

12/08/2026

Mick Sweda built his reputation as one of the most distinctive guitarists to emerge from the late-1980s hard rock scene. He first gained attention with the Los Angeles band King Kobra, appearing on the albums Ready to Strike and Thrill of a Lifetime, where his melodic playing and sharp songwriting stood out alongside the band’s polished arena-rock sound.

Sweda achieved his greatest commercial success as a founding member of BulletBoys. Their 1988 self-titled debut became a major success, powered by the hit single “Smooth Up in Ya,” their celebrated cover of the O'Jays “For the Love of Money,” and Sweda’s energetic guitar work, which blended bluesy riffs with flashy metal technique. Beyond performing, he also contributed heavily as a songwriter.

Although often associated with glam metal, Sweda’s style drew deeply from classic hard rock and blues influences, giving his playing a lasting appeal among rock guitar fans.

06/08/2026

Allen Collins was one of the defining guitarists of Southern rock, best known for helping shape the twin and triple-guitar sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1952, he joined the group in its earliest days and became a key songwriter behind classics including Free Bird and That Smell. His fiery playing, full of speed, melody and emotion, helped turn Skynyrd into one of the biggest American rock bands of the 1970s.

Collins survived the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager, Dean Kilpatrick and both pilots, but the trauma stayed with him for the rest of his life. He later performed with the Rossington Collins Band and the Allen Collins Band. The sudden death of his wife, Kathy, due to a miscarriage complication in 1980 further exacerbated his condition before a 1986 car accident left him paralysed.

Despite his struggles, he remained involved with Skynyrd’s reunion as musical director. Collins died from pneumonia complications in 1990 at just 37 years old, leaving behind a towering legacy in Southern rock.

Sketches of ForgottenGlory

16/09/2026

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26/08/2026

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