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The Story of Rock and Roll is a hilarious, irreverent and fascinating trip to a different world, a world of Classic Rock and Heavy Metal where everything is about the music.  James Daubeney was born in the UK in 1966 and grew up in South Africa.  He lived through the glory days of 70’s Rock, the energy of Punk and the fun times of Hair Metal before it gave way to Grunge.  The book is a rollercoaster ride through these times as James takes us through the music, the bands he saw and the bands he played in.

A successful career in engineering and business never blunted his true passion for Rock and Roll and somehow he managed to balance it all.  This book is about music powered by electric guitars, growing up surrounded by it and all the interesting characters that were thereby associated.  James cares deeply about this amazing music and tells the story of his life against the backdrop of what was happening in the Rock ‘n’ Roll universe at the time.  The Story of Rock and Roll is one man’s perspective of the music and has the power to take you back so that you too can remember the good times and the songs that defined the era!

THE TIMELINE

This website is designed for you to experience the songs and the artists that shaped my book The Story of Rock and Roll. Ideally you should read it but you don’t have to, you can soak it all up from the site. If these songs don’t make you feel good then you just don’t get Rock and Roll, or in the words of Billy Connolly “It’s not fucking for you”. I haven’t necessarily chosen the highest quality video’s because that’s not what it is all about. I want to get across the feeling of the times when I first heard these songs. In the early days everything was analogue, it was transistor radio’s, vinyl records, one or two camera angles, lots of trippy hippy effects with lighting and some pretty terrible miming. The video’s included are all here for a reason, some of them should get you covered in goose bumps, some of them may get you putting your hands over your eyes saying ”How did we think this shit was cool”. Every now and again I will put in more than one clip to emphasise a point or show a contrast. The songs are roughly chronological, some are out of place because I found them later and sometimes they fit in with a theme of what was going on in The Story of Rock and Roll at the time. You can view it just going down the timeline or you can look at them a chapter at a time or you can just pick and choose a post of a song you like. The Blog page is right up to date with anything and everything that I am thinking about musically Right Here, Right Now. What should really be doing is getting a beer, putting your feet up, plugging into some decent speakers, turning it up and letting all this Rock and Roll wash over you in one big fat wave of happiness.

The Story Of Rock And Roll Timeline

INTRO

ALEX’S FUNERAL, THE BIG CHILL

ALEX’S FUNERAL, THE BIG CHILL

The Big Chill Alex’s Funeral This may seen out of place in the timeline but I start with it because in the Introduction to The Story of Rock and Roll I use..Read More

1976[RELEASED 1975]

YESTERDAYS HERO, JOHN PAUL YOUNG

YESTERDAYS HERO, JOHN PAUL YOUNG

Yesterdays Hero John Paul Young John Paul Young released Yesterday’s Hero in 1975 and it blew my mind.  I heard it on my little transistor radio and used to wait..Read More

1973[RELEASED 1976]

ROCK ON, DAVID ESSEX

ROCK ON, DAVID ESSEX

Rock On David Essex David Essex had some big hits, he was sort of a teen idol but there was a lot more to him than that. My best friend..Read More

1976[RELEASED 1973]

REVOLUTION, THE BEATLES

REVOLUTION, THE BEATLES

Revolution The Beatles The Beatles were all characters, everyone had their favourite, they were recognisable even by silhouette.  As a kid I liked Paul the best but in later years..Read More

1976[RELEASED 1970]

RICHARD CORY, SIMON AND GARFUNKEL

RICHARD CORY, SIMON AND GARFUNKEL

Simon & Garfunkel Richard Cory Simon and Garfunkel were huge in our household, Mum took these records out at the Benoni Library and we would have two weeks to listen..Read More

1978[RELEASED 1978]

ZX DAN, RADIO RATS

ZX DAN, RADIO RATS

ZX Dan Radio Rats I explain the importance of the Radio Rats in Chapter 1.  They are unsung heroes in my view, they probably had more influence on the SA..Read More

1978[RELEASED 1978]

BIG SHOT, BILLY JOEL

BIG SHOT, BILLY JOEL

Big Shot Billy Joel The first album I ever bought was 52nd Street which is a bit embarrassing considering the way my music taste was heading.  I loved the song..Read More

1978[RELEASED 1973]

ROSALYN, DAVID BOWIE

ROSALYN, DAVID BOWIE

Rosalyn David Bowie ‘Hey Rosalyn’ was track one on the album Pinups, the second album I ever bought.  This time I hit a home run and this was an album..Read More

1978[RELEASED 1973]

ROXANNE, THE POLICE

ROXANNE, THE POLICE

Roxanne The Police Such a special song, those opening Gm F6 Gm Dm7 chords, the bass line, a little laugh and then that unearthly high vocal.  The Police took the..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1979]

SOMEONE’S LOOKING AT YOU, BOOMTOWN RATS

SOMEONE’S LOOKING AT YOU, BOOMTOWN RATS

Someone’s Looking At You Boomtown Rats In the book I explain how I happened to find the Boomtown Rats when I was really shopping for the Police.  This was probably..Read More

1978[RELEASED 1978]

DAVY’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN, MANFRED MANN

DAVY’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN, MANFRED MANN

Davy’s On The Road Again Manfred Mann There was something fantastic about this song.  I just loved that simple driving bass line.  I first heard it on the radio and..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1978]

STREET FIGHTING MAN, THE ROLLING STONES

STREET FIGHTING MAN, THE ROLLING STONES

Street Fighting Man The Rolling Stones I got into The Stones a bit late because obviously when they first started making waves I was about 2 years old.  The Stones..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1965]

MY GENERATION, THE WHO

MY GENERATION, THE WHO

My Generation The Who Dave Cooke (RIP) who was in Standard 8 when I was a newboy at Potch gave me an album by The Who.  I am not sure..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1979]

DETROIT ROCK CITY, KISS

DETROIT ROCK CITY, KISS

Detroit Rock City Kiss The book details the importance of Kiss in my life.  They were the first band to turn my world upside down.    The importance of Kiss in..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1977]

WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE, RABBIT

WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE, RABBIT

Working For The People Rabbitt ‘Working for the People’ was on the end of the Kiss Destroyer tape a friend gave me.  Like a doos I thought it was Kiss,..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1978]

JAMIE’S CRYING, VAN HALEN

JAMIE’S CRYING, VAN HALEN

Jamie’s Crying Van Halen Van Halen! Where showmanship meets talent in one giant supernova of brilliance.  For me Van Halen took everything to a new level.  They had the flash..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1978]

BEYOND THE REALMS OF DEATH, JUDAS PRIEST

BEYOND THE REALMS OF DEATH, JUDAS PRIEST

Beyond The Realms Of Death Judas Priest Judas Priest will always be the band that I credit with being the fathers of Heavy Metal.  I love Sabbath and Zeppelin but..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1975]

DEATH ON TWO LEGS, QUEEN

DEATH ON TWO LEGS, QUEEN

Death On Two Legs Queen I was listening to Queen II from around 1976 and it was just the most perfect album ever.  Freddie and Brian in particular were just..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1967]

HEY JOE, JIMI HENDRIX

HEY JOE, JIMI HENDRIX

Hey Joe Jimmi Hendrix I was late into Hendrix as is hilariously detailed in The Story of Rock and Roll.  I didn’t even know who he was in 1979.  Once..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1978]

OPEN INVITATION, SANTANA

OPEN INVITATION, SANTANA

Open Invitation Santana I discovered Santana after a particularly hair raising uitkak from a matric while I was a new boy at Potch Boys High.  The hilarious detail can be..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1977]

HANGING AROUND, THE STRANGLERS

HANGING AROUND, THE STRANGLERS

Hanging Around The Stranglers The Stranglers were my favourite band for about 3 years and they took me down the Punk Rock path opening doors to the Pistols and the..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1977]

BAT OUT OF HELL, MEATLOAF

BAT OUT OF HELL, MEATLOAF

Bat Out Of Hell Meatloaf Bat Out of Hell is a rock classic, it was just one of those special unique albums that artists occasionally pull out of themselves.  It..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1969]

ROCK AND ROLL, LED ZEPPELIN

ROCK AND ROLL, LED ZEPPELIN

Rock And Roll Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin are one of the most influential bands the world has ever seen.  Jimmy Page and Robert Plant set the standard by which future..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1972]

MAMA WEER ALL CRAZEE NOW, SLADE

MAMA WEER ALL CRAZEE NOW, SLADE

Mama Weer All Crazy Slade Slade are highly underrated in my opinion, in their day they were seriously heavy when compared to most of the stuff on Top of the..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1975]

FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE, BAD COMPANY

FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE, BAD COMPANY

Feel Like Makin’ Love Bad Company Out of the ashes of Free came Bad Company. Free had done well but in-fighting and the usual substance abuse issues that plagued most..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1976]

STARGAZER, RAINBOW

STARGAZER, RAINBOW

Stargazer Rainbow The Story of Rock and Roll details how important Rainbow was to me because of my friend Roger’s love for the band.  The fact was that for the..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1973]

BALLROOM BLITZ, THE SWEET

BALLROOM BLITZ, THE SWEET

Ballroom Blitz The Sweet We used to listen to ‘Ballroom Blitz’, ‘Little Willy’ and ‘Wig Wam Bam’ when we kids on the MFP Sprinbok hits compilation albums.  These albums were..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1973]

BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY, PETER FRAMPTON

BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY, PETER FRAMPTON

Baby I Love Your Way Peter Frampton Peter Frampton got huge thanks to Frampton Comes Alive.  The album was everywhere and Frampton became famous for making his guitar talk.  I don’t..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1970]

N.I.B., BLACK SABBATH

N.I.B., BLACK SABBATH

N.I.B Black Sabbath So much has been written and said about Sabbath, sometimes you gotta just shut the fuck up and listen to it again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiY2JsGXrtM&feature=emb_title Formed in Birmingham in..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1973]

BULLFROG BLUES, RORY GALLAGHER

BULLFROG BLUES, RORY GALLAGHER

Bullfrog Blues Rory Gallagher Hard drinking Irish guitar virtuoso, Rory Gallagher really just wanted to play his guitar.  He didn’t have time for stardom or all the rock star trivialities. ..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1973]

ALL THE WAY FROM MEMPHIS, MOTT THE HOOPLE

ALL THE WAY FROM MEMPHIS, MOTT THE HOOPLE

All The Way From Memphis Mott the Hoople There are some bands that just never seem to ‘make it’ but then 10 years on all the bands that are really..Read More

1979[RELEASED 1971]

AQUALUNG, JETHRO TULL

AQUALUNG, JETHRO TULL

Aqualung Jethro Tull For many years I considered Jethro Tull’s Bursting Out Live to be the best live album I had ever heard.  Tull took musicianship and witty live banter..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1976]

DREAMER DECEIVER, JUDAS PRIEST

DREAMER DECEIVER, JUDAS PRIEST

Dream Deceiver Judas Priest Judas Priest are legends, in my view no-one put metal on the map the way Priest did and they kept it alive during the lean years. ..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1977]

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, SEX PISTOLS

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, SEX PISTOLS

God Save the Queen Sex Pistols ”I started the album, volume up full and the opening chord to ‘Anarchy in The UK’ nearly made the welding crack on the burglar..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1977]

WHITE RIOT, THE CLASH

White Riot The Clash

White Riot The Clash The Clash’s third album London Calling was voted the best album of the 80’s and the 8th best album of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. ..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1980]

GOING UNDERGROUND, THE JAM

The Jam

Going Underground The Jam Although classic songs like ‘Eton Rifles’ and ‘Going Underground’ are probably better examples of the Jam in full cry, ‘That’s Entertainment’ was the first track I..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1979]

SUSPECT DEVICE , STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

SUSPECT DEVICE , STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

Suspect Device Stiff Little Fingers ”When I heard Inflammable Material my brain once again exploded.  This album was twice as fast and twice as aggressive as any other punk album..Read More

1981[RELEASED 1981]

SCHOOLBOY, THE ASYLUM KIDS

SCHOOLBOY, THE ASYLUM KIDS

Schoolboy The Asylum Kids Along with Wild Youth and Dog Detachment the Asylum Kids were the SA punk bands that were just kicking it up at the time.  You could..Read More

1977[RELEASED 1981]

TEENAGE LOBOTOMY, RAMONES

Ramones

Teenage Lobotomy Ramones I was very late into the Ramones and the details of how I got into them are covered in The Story of Rock and Roll.  There was..Read More

1981[RELEASED 1978]

RAT TRAP, THE BOOMTOWN RATS

RAT TRAP, THE BOOMTOWN RATS

Rat Trap The Boomtown Rats I have already discussed The Boomtown Rats so I’ll keep this short.  Rat Trap is a fantastic song which I had missed and found it..Read More

1981[RELEASED 1979]

SUNDAY PAPERS, JOE JACKSON

SUNDAY PAPERS, JOE JACKSON

Sunday Papers Joe Jackson Joe Jackson was a real oddity at the time, he was a classically trained musician who won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.  His..Read More

1982[RELEASED 1978]

SULTANS OF SWING, DIRE STRAITS

SULTANS OF SWING, DIRE STRAITS

Sultans Of Swing Dire Straits In The Story of Rock and Roll I talk about Dire Straits a lot and in Chapter 4 it’s all about what a good album..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1983]

DON’T GO AWAY MAD (JUST GO AWAY)

DON’T GO AWAY MAD (JUST GO AWAY)

Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) Motley Crue I discovered Motley Crue in 1983, The Story of Rock and Roll details that experience and the disappointment I felt when..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1980]

THE ACE OF SPADES, MOTORHEAD

THE ACE OF SPADES, MOTORHEAD

The Ace Of Spades Motorhead Motorhead are and will always be an iconic band.  It’s all about Lemmy and that larger than life character that he was.  Lemmy knew everybody..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE, SCORPIONS

ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE, SCORPIONS

Rock You Like A Huricane Scorpions German metal is great, the Scorpions and Rammstein are sure to be the most successful bands the country has ever produced.  Scorpions managed what..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

FAR BEYOND THE SUN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

FAR BEYOND THE SUN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

Far Beyond The Sun Yngwie Malmsteen ”Yngwie Malmsteen was phenomenal.  He came out of obscurity from Stockholm after he sent a tape to Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records who was..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1982]

FAST AS A SHARK, ACCEPT

FAST AS A SHARK, ACCEPT

Fast As A Shark Accept “It started with a sort of Heidi hi ho lo la German folk intro which lasted about four bars before there is a massive sound..Read More

1981[RELEASED 1981]

THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST, IRON MAIDEN

THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST, IRON MAIDEN

The Number Of The Beast Iron Maiden Discovering Iron Maiden is covered in detail in The Story of Rock and Roll.  When I first heard them Paul Di’Anno was on..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1980]

CRAZY TRAIN, OZZY OSBOURNE

CRAZY TRAIN, OZZY OSBOURNE

Crazy Train Ozzy Osbourne ”Back at school for another term and there was serious shit going down.  Ozzy had been thrown out of Sabbath and had started his own band. ..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1980]

HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH

HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH

Heaven And Hell Black Sabbath Ronnie James Dio (RIP) in Black Sabbath was amazing.  No-one could really imagine how it would sound and in many ways the line-up was written..Read More

1981[RELEASED 1981]

BRINGING ON THE HEARTBREAK, DEF LEPPARD

BRINGING ON THE HEARTBREAK, DEF LEPPARD

Bringing On The Heartbreak Def Leppard There are better videos than this one, its about as ’80s cheesy as you can get but as I explain in The Story of..Read More

1977[RELEASED 1977

LIGHTS OUT, UFO

LIGHTS OUT, UFO

Lights Out UFO This may seen out of place in the timeline but I start with it because in the Introduction to The Story of Rock and Roll I use it to..Read More

1980[RELEASED 1980]

BACK IN BLACK, ACDC

ACDC Back in Black

Back In Black ACDC We thought ACDC were finished after Bon Scott died, no-one anticipated just how massive the band would become with Brian Johnson on vocals.  Back in Black..Read More

1982[RELEASED 1982]

ATLANTIC CITY, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

ATLANTIC CITY, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Atlantic City Bruce Springsteen I put this song up and it all just came crashing back the way I remembered it. It’s amazing how 35 years later I can still..Read More

1982[RELEASED 1982]

UNDEFEATED, LITTLE STEVEN

UNDEFEATED, LITTLE STEVEN

Undefeated Little Steven I may have fucked this up, when I found this video I was a bit taken aback to see the dude with the white Mohican playing guitar. ..Read More

1982[RELEASED 1972]

HELPLESS, NEIL YOUNG

HELPLESS, NEIL YOUNG

Helpless Neil Young Neil Young is a legend for me.  There are many who can’t stand him but I find him one of the most amazing artists ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2z7LXpAX3Q&feature=emb_title I’ll..Read More

19821982 [RELEASED 1970]

I WONDER, RODRIGUEZ

I WONDER, RODRIGUEZ

I Wonder Rodriguez There isn’t any good old footage of Rodriguez in his hey day that I could find.  The reason is pretty simple as I explain in the book,..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

IT SAYS HERE, BILLY BRAGG

IT SAYS HERE, BILLY BRAGG

It Says Here Billy Bragg Not a lot of people I know even really know about Billy Bragg, I discovered him in about 1984 and was immediately hooked on his..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1983]

CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE, QUIET RIOT

CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE, QUIET RIOT

Cum On Feel The Noise Quiet Riot I got hold of Quiet Riot in early 1983 and it was the start of some golden years of metal.  Their cover of..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

TURN UP THE RADIO, AUTOGRAPH

TURN UP THE RADIO, AUTOGRAPH

Turn Up The Radio Autograph I got into this band while I was in Hornet, it was one of those songs that we were all trying to subliminally replicate.  Songs..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1982]

YOU GOT LUCKY, TOM PETTY

YOU GOT LUCKY, TOM PETTY

You Got Lucky Tom Petty Tom Petty had been around for a long time, His breakthrough album Damn the Torpedoes was released in 1979 and he was a great favourite..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1973]

FREE BIRD, LYNRYD SKYNYRD

FREE BIRD, LYNRYD SKYNYRD

Free Bird Lynryd Skynyrd Skynyrd were really a 70’s band and the matrics at school were listening to them when I first went to Potch.  It was only after I..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1983]

GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN, ZZ TOP

GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN, ZZ TOP

Gimme All Your Lovin ZZ Top ZZ Top are probably the least likely band to suddenly become international superstars after being around since 1969 and not really getting anywhere.  While..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1982]

HURTS SO GOOD, JOHN COUGAR

HURTS SO GOOD, JOHN COUGAR

Hurts So Good John Cougar John Cougar never wanted to be called John Cougar he wanted to be called by his real name John Mellencamp.  The record company didn’t want..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

I WANNA BE SOMEBODY, W.A.S.P.

I WANNA BE SOMEBODY, W.A.S.P.

I Wanna Be Somebody W.A.S.P. W.A.S.P. were designed to shock, their whole image was such that it was going to cause controversy.  The buzz saw blades and the blood and..Read More

1988[RELEASED 1987]

FALL OF ROME, JAMES REYNE

FALL OF ROME, JAMES REYNE

Fall Of Rome James Reyne I heard the video for ‘fall of Rome’ when I walked past the TV when Pop Shop which became Fast Forward was on .  I’d..Read More

1986[RELEASED 1984]

WORKING CLASS MAN, JIMMY BARNES

WORKING CLASS MAN, JIMMY BARNES

Working Class Man Jimmy Barnes Jimmy Barnes was another discovery thanks to the record reviews in Scope magazine.  Scope was the closet thing you could get to porn in apartheid..Read More

1986[RELEASED 1980]

CHEAP WINE, COLD CHISEL

CHEAP WINE, COLD CHISEL

Cheap Wine Cold Chisel Cold Chisel was Jimmy Barnes first band and I only got into them quite a few years later.  They were massive in Aussie and basically nowhere..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1983]

JUMP IN THE FIRE, METALLICA

Jump in the Fire Metallica

Jump In The Fire Metallica I discuss the first time I heard Metallica in some detail in The Story of Rock and Roll.  The fact of the matter is that..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

ACES HIGH, IRON MAIDEN

ACES HIGH, IRON MAIDEN

Aces High Iron Maiden Iron Maiden were on a roll by 1984, Bruce Dickenson was firmly entrenched in the band and they had completed the mammoth World Slavery Tour which..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH, JUDAS PRIEST

DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH, JUDAS PRIEST

Defenders Of The Faith Judas Priest Defenders of the Faith was an incredible album.  It raised the bar for all metal bands.  It was amazing then that after such a strong..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

ANIMALIZE, KISS

ANIMALIZE, KISS

Animalize Kiss By the end of the ’70’s and into the 80’s Kiss had lost the plot.  They were still making an album a year which is amazing to think..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

1984, VAN HALEN

1984, VAN HALEN

1984 Van Halen When Van Halen put out 1984 ‘Jump’ was a huge hit, to be honest I wasn’t impressed, I didn’t like the keyboards and it seemed to have..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

PERFECT STRANGERS, DEEP PURPLE

PERFECT STRANGERS, DEEP PURPLE

Perfect Strangers Deep Purple Deep Purple are one of the Classic UK Rock bands of all time.  They had it all, huge musical talent with Lord and Blackmore and a..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

THE PRICE, TWISTED SISTER

THE PRICE, TWISTED SISTER

The Price Twisted Sister Twisted Sister had to go to the UK to get discovered, for some reason although they were huge on the live circuit the record companies were..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

ROUND AND ROUND, RATT

ROUND AND ROUND, RATT

Round And Round Ratt All preening and poncy, Ratt epitomised the vanity and pomp of hair metal.  Bands like Ratt and Poison had so much make-up and spandex that the..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

LIFE GOES ON, POISON

LIFE GOES ON, POISON

Life Goes On Poison On the other side of things Venom were coming.  They released their debut album Welcome to Hell in 1981 and they really played the whole Satanic..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

LIVE 1985!, VENOM

LIVE 1985!, VENOM

Live 1985! Venom On the other side of things Venom were coming.  They released their debut album Welcome to Hell in 1981 and they really played the whole Satanic thing..Read More

1981[RELEASED 1980]

747 STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, SAXON

747 STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, SAXON

747 Strangers In The Night Saxon Saxon are a British institution.  Along with iron Maiden they spearheaded the New Wave of British Heavy metal.  They never rose to the heights..Read More

1982[RELEASED 1982]

DON’T IT MAKE YA FEEL, HEADPINS

DON’T IT MAKE YA FEEL, HEADPINS

Don’t It Make Ya Feel HeadPins The Headpins formed in Canada and released two multiplatinum selling albums.  The impression that Darby Mills made on 16 year old school boys cannot..Read More

1983[RELEASED 1983]

FAITHFULLY, JOURNEY

FAITHFULLY, JOURNEY

Faithfully Journey Journey were huge in the US, they epitomised stadium rock.  They hit a golden era between 1978 and 1983 when they released, in quick succession, Infinity, Evolution, Departure,..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1982]

DON’T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME, NIGHT RANGER

DON’T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME, NIGHT RANGER

Don’t Tell Me You Love Me Night Ranger Night ranger had a huge hit with Sister Christian.  I wasn’t smitten though, it was a bit light for me at the..Read More

1984[RELEASED 1984]

TAKE HOLD OF THE FLAME, QUEENSRYCHE

TAKE HOLD OF THE FLAME, QUEENSRYCHE

Take Hold Of The Flame Queensryche Queensryche came out of Washington in the early 80’s and the release of their album The Warning heralded their arrival as a band to..Read More

1986[RELEASED 1986]

YANKEE ROSE, DAVE LEE ROTH

David Lee Roth

Yankee Rose Dave lee Roth Dave Lee Roth is a legend.  When I was growing up he was the first front man that I saw who was just larger than..Read More

1986[RELEASED 1986]

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, BON JOVI

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, BON JOVI

Wanted Dead Or Alive Bon Jovi I don’t give Bon Jovi more than a passing mention in The Story of Rock and Roll and it’s not because I didn’t like..Read More

1987[RELEASED 1987]

DREAM WARRIORS, DOKKEN

DREAM WARRIORS, DOKKEN

Dream Warriors Dokken Dokken were a completely dysfunctional band, they could not get on at all.  They made some great music but I could always feel that lack of cohesion..Read More

1987[RELEASED 1987]

SWEET CHILD O’ MINE, GUNS N’ROSES

SWEET CHILD O’ MINE, GUNS N’ROSES

Sweet Child O’ Mine Guns n’ Roses This may seen out of place in the timeline but I start with it because in the Introduction to The Story of Rock and..Read More

1988[RELEASED 1988]

DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU GOT (UNTIL IT’S GONE), CINDERELLA

DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU GOT (UNTIL IT’S GONE), CINDERELLA

Don’t Know What You Got (Until It’s Gone) Cinderella Cinderella were great at the time, they had some cool stuff but they didn’t really have the charisma of some of..Read More

1989[RELEASED 1989]

LOVE SONG, TESLA

LOVE SONG, TESLA

Love Song Tesla Tesla were part of the hair metal scene just by virtue of being around at the time.  The Stranglers had the same problem with being considered punk..Read More

1989[RELEASED 1989]

I REMEMBER YOU, SKID ROW

Skid Row

I Remember You Skid Row Skid Row were probably my favourite hair metal band.  They were a lot heavier than the other guys and the combination of the twin guitars..Read More

1990[RELEASED 1990]

UNCLE TOM’S CABIN, WARRANT

UNCLE TOM’S CABIN, WARRANT

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Warrant Warrant were the prototypical 80’s hair metal band.  They had it all – the look, all bright colours and make-up, the big hair and pretty faces..Read More

1988[RELEASED 1988]

CAN I PLAY WITH MADNESS, IRON MAIDEN

CAN I PLAY WITH MADNESS, IRON MAIDEN

Can I Play With Madness Iron Maiden The release of Seventh Son of a Seventh Son showed me that Maiden were not just going to churn out the same fucking..Read More

1988[RELEASED 1988]

PAINKILLER, JUDAS PRIEST

PAINKILLER, JUDAS PRIEST

Painkiller Judas Priest Priest released Ram It Down in 1988 at the same time as Maiden released Seventh Son.  I was over the moon about getting these two albums but..Read More

1988[RELEASED 1988]

SOUTH OF HEAVEN, SLAYER

SOUTH OF HEAVEN, SLAYER

South Of Heaven Slayer I confess that when I first heard Slayer I didn’t get it.  Reign In Blood was just too fast and too atonal, basically too shouty.  I..Read More

1990[RELEASED 1990]

HANGER 18, MEGADETH

HANGER 18, MEGADETH

Hangar 18 Megadeth Megadeth are pound for pound a better band than Metallica.  They have released consistently high quality albums for over 30 years.  In my opinion there has never..Read More

1990[RELEASED 1990]

COWBOYS FROM HELL, PANTERA

COWBOYS FROM HELL, PANTERA

Cowboys From Hell Pantera Nothing could compare with the power and aggression of Pantera.  When Cowboys From Hell came out in 1990 they literally saved metal.  Dime and Vinnie were..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

ENTER SANDMAN, METALLICA

ENTER SANDMAN, METALLICA

Enter Sandman Metallica This may seen out of place in the timeline but I start with it because in the Introduction to The Story of Rock and Roll I use it to..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

NOVEMBER RAIN, GUNS ‘N’ ROSES

NOVEMBER RAIN, GUNS ‘N’ ROSES

November Rain Guns ‘n Roses People, and rightly so, will hail Appetite For Destruction as one of the greatest Rock albums of all time.  Personally I enjoyed the Use Your..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

THE ROAD TO NOWHERE, OZZY OSBOURNE

THE ROAD TO NOWHERE, OZZY OSBOURNE

The Road To Nowhere Ozzy Osbourne Without a doubt one of the strongest albums Ozzy has ever made.  In my view largely as a result of Zakk Wylde.  Once again..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT, NIRVANA

SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT, NIRVANA

Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana Nirvana were impossible to ignore, one day they just arrived on our radio’s.  It was like an alien spaceship had landed.  One day they were..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

ALIVE, PEARL JAM

ALIVE, PEARL JAM

Alive Pearl Jam Pearl Jam were great, more than any other band at the time they symbolised the whole Seattle vibe and the type of kids who couldn’t identify with..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

RUSTY CAGE, SOUND GARDEN

RUSTY CAGE, SOUND GARDEN

Rusty Cage Sound Garden Sound Garden put out some really good stuff, their sound started to morph into something other than grunge in the later albums and it started to..Read More

1992[RELEASED 1992]

ROOSTER, ALICE IN CHAINS

ROOSTER, ALICE IN CHAINS

Rooster Alice in Chains One of my favorite albums the Grunge years.  Dust is simply put an absolutely perfect album in space and time.  Just like Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard..Read More

1991[RELEASED 1991]

ONE, U2

ONE, U2

One U2 If this seems a bit out of place here then bear with me because it was ahuge release in 1991 which was such a good year for music..Read More

1993[RELEASED 1993]

MAMA TEQUILA, CIRCUS OF POWER

MAMA TEQUILA, CIRCUS OF POWER

Mama Tequila Circus of Power Circus of power was a Vas discovery, Vas and I were good mates and the details can all be found in The Story of Rock..Read More

1993[RELEASED 1993]

CRAZY, AEROSMITH

CRAZY, AEROSMITH

Crazy Aerosmith Aerosmith are one of the USA’s true great rock bands, they have seen it all and done it all.  I always kind of had them down in my..Read More

1996[RELEASED 1996]

REFUSE/RESIST, SEPULTURA

REFUSE/RESIST, SEPULTURA

Refuse/Resist Sepultura Sepultura were awesome, like Machinehead they were building on that powerbase that had started with the success Pantera were having and they were one of a handful of..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

TRIGGER INSIDE, THERAPY?

TRIGGER INSIDE, THERAPY?

Trigger Inside Therapy? Therapy? Released Troublegum in 1994 and it was a big album for them.  It had a lot of hooks but it was seriously aggressive and had a..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

LIGHTNING CRASHES, LIVE

LIGHTNING CRASHES, LIVE

Lightning Crashes Live Throwing Copper was a massive album.  Live seemed to come out of nowhere and then there was this amazing album which started with an opening track where..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

CLOSER, NIN

CLOSER, NIN

Closer NIN Trent razor and Nine Inch Nails almost signify the mid 90’s in my mind.  It was a strange period and it almost felt like everyone had run out..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

LOVE IS STRONG, THE ROLLING STONES

LOVE IS STRONG, THE ROLLING STONES

Love Is Strong The Rolling Stones The Stones were back in 1994 with a stunning new album Voodoo Lounge.  This was a real return to form and resulted in a..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

DAVIDIAN, MACHINEHEAD

Davidian by Machinehead

Davidian Machinehead Machinehead were a serious kick up the arse for everyone.  This band were really heavy and the debut album Burn My Eyes was a monster.  I think Machinehead..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

A TOUT LE MONDE, MEGADETH

A TOUT LE MONDE, MEGADETH

A Tout Le Monde Megadeth I have nothing bad to say about Megadeth, they have consistently put out great music for the best part of 30 years.  Youthanasia, which was..Read More

1994[RELEASED 1994]

JAGGED LITTLE PILL, ALANIS MORISSETTE

JAGGED LITTLE PILL, ALANIS MORISSETTE

Jagged Little Pill Alanis Morissette Not my cup of tea but this song was a tour de force when it was released and was the catalyst for a whole lot..Read More

1995[RELEASED 1995]

ELECTRIC HEAD PT1, WHITE ZOMBIE ASTROCREEP 2000

ELECTRIC HEAD PT1, WHITE ZOMBIE ASTROCREEP 2000

Electric Head PT1 White Zombie Astrocreep 2000 White Zombie wasn’t the sort of band I would normally like because it was a bit, for want of a better word ”dance-y”. ..Read More

1995[RELEASED 1995]

SOME MIGHT SAY, OASIS

SOME MIGHT SAY, OASIS

Some Might Say Oasis Brit Rock became the new big hope for the UK in the mid 90’s.  Oasis basically tapped into that vein of sulky short haired rebellious UK..Read More

1997[RELEASED 1997]

HORISONTAAL, VALIANT SWART

HORISONTAAL, VALIANT SWART

Horisontaal Valiant Swart This may seen out of place in the timeline but I start with it because in the Introduction to The Story of Rock and Roll I use it to..Read More

1997[RELEASED 1997]

BABY MURDERED ME, SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS

BABY MURDERED ME, SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS

Baby Murdered Me Springbok Nude Girls The Nudies were the best band in the country by a mile for a few years.  We used to watch them at places like..Read More

2000[RELEASED 2000]

GASOLINE, SEETHER

GASOLINE, SEETHER

Gasoline Seether Saron Gas came blasting out of Jo’burg in about May 1999 and it was quite obvious very quickly that they were way to big for South Africa.  They..Read More

2004[RELEASED 2002]

SINGLE, 12TH AVENUE

Mark Haze

Single 12th Avenue When I met 12th Avenue they were just a bunch of lighties playing at the Whammy bar and local bars in Tableview like Breakers and that pool..Read More

2008[RELEASED 2004]

RECONCILIATION DAY, KOOS KOMBUIS

RECONCILIATION DAY, KOOS KOMBUIS

Reconciliation Day Koos Kombuis I first saw Koos at Wingerstok in about 1997, he played a blistering show with a full band and it was as energetic as it gets. ..Read More

2003[RELEASED 1997]

GOEIE NAG GENERAAL, PIET BOTHA AND JACKHAMMER

GOEIE NAG GENERAAL, PIET BOTHA AND JACKHAMMER

Goeie Nag Generaal Piet Botha and Jackhammer This may seen out of place in the timeline but I start with it because in the Introduction to The Story of Rock and..Read More

2004[RELEASED 2004]

TEVREDE, FOKOFPOLISIEKAR

TEVREDE, FOKOFPOLISIEKAR

Tevrede Fokofpolisiekar The most influential band in South Africa is how I would describe Fokofpolisiekar.  The impact they had on teenagers and specifically white Afrikaans teenagers is massive, as could..Read More

2008[RELEASED 2008]

SAFE AS HOUSES, AKING

SAFE AS HOUSES, AKING

Safe As Houses Aking This came a bit later chronologically, as explained in The Story of Rock and Roll once we got into SA music in a big way we never stopped..Read More

2013[RELEASED 2013]

MOREGLOED, VAN COKE KARTEL

MOREGLOED, VAN COKE KARTEL

Moregloed Van Coke Kartel The other half of FPK started Van Coke Kartel and obviously I loved them from day one but I have to say that at the outset..Read More

2002[RELEASED 2002]

PINBALL MAP, IN FLAMES

PINBALL MAP, IN FLAMES

Pinball Map In Flames In Flames are known to me and my friends as ”Johnny’s Gift”, you’ll have to read The Story of Rock and Roll to find out why..Read More

2004[RELEASED 2002]

MISS YOU, HATE YOU, JOE BONAMASSA

MISS YOU, HATE YOU, JOE BONAMASSA

Miss You, Hate You Joe Bonamassa Joe Bonamassa is a phenomenal guitarist, he has almost single handily put the blues back on the map.  He has to one of the..Read More

1997[RELEASED 1997]

MY OWN PRISON, CREED

MY OWN PRISON, CREED

My Own Prison Creed Coming out in 1997 Creed got extremely popular very quickly.  They were clearly a cut above everyone else and it was really down to song writing. ..Read More

1997[RELEASED 1997]

MONKEY WRENCH, THE FOO FIGHTERS

MONKEY WRENCH, THE FOO FIGHTERS

Monkey Wrench The Foo Fighters The Foo Fighters have become one of the greatest rock acts in the world.  They have a load of haters for some reason but to..Read More

1997[RELEASED 1997]

SUGAR, SYSTEM OF A DOWN

SUGAR, SYSTEM OF A DOWN

Sugar Stuart Sevastos / CC BY. System of a Down System of a Down are a very special band. Sometimes there is a chemistry between band members that makes them..Read More

1999[RELEASED 1999]

LIT UP, BUCKCHERRY

LIT UP, BUCKCHERRY

Lit Up Buckcherry At the end of the 20th century there was a bit of a good time party rock is dead feel. The Nu Metal thing was starting to..Read More

2000[RELEASED 2000]

THE SICKNESS, DISTURBED

THE SICKNESS, DISTURBED

The Sickness Disturbed Metal had hit a bit of a low patch at the turn of the century, grunge killed off hair metal but then when grunge kind of ate..Read More

2001[RELEASED 2001]

BODIES, DROWNING POOL

BODIES, DROWNING POOL

Bodies Drowning Pool You could make a case for one hit wonder here.  Drowning Pool were good but they weren’t ever going to reach the heights that the ‘A’ level..Read More

2001[RELEASED 2001]

IOWA, SLIPKNOT

IOWA, SLIPKNOT

Iowa Slipknot Suddenly the 21st century seemed to come alive and there was nothing like Slipknot to announce this metal renaissance.  I’ll be honest here and say that I didn’t..Read More

2001[RELEASED 2001]

FEUER FREI, RAMMSTEIN

FEUER FREI, RAMMSTEIN

Feuerfrei Rammstein Rammstein will always be a big favourite of mine, they are just so different to everyone else.  Somehow they manage to make it really heavy but still have..Read More

2002[RELEASED 2002]

GET INSIDE, STONE SOUR

GET INSIDE, STONE SOUR

Get Inside Stone Sour Slipknot burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s and were widely considered a gimmick band by many.  They managed to dispel this perception through hard..Read More

2003[RELEASED 2003]

BEAST AND THE HARLOT, AVENGED SEVENFOLD

BEAST AND THE HARLOT, AVENGED SEVENFOLD

Beast And The Harlot Avenged Sevenfold It’s weird how many haters this band have.  I keep thinking that the guys who hate them must just not understand guitar at all. ..Read More

2004[RELEASED 2004]

AMERICAN IDIOT, GREEN DAY

AMERICAN IDIOT, GREEN DAY

American Idiot Green Day I got Dookie when it came out but it wasn’t really big with anyone else I was hanging with.  Green Day put out a couple of albums that..Read More

2004[RELEASED 2004]

FALL TO PIECES, VELVET REVOLVER

FALL TO PIECES, VELVET REVOLVER

Fall To Pieces Velvet Revolver Out of the collapse of Guns ‘n’ Roses briefly came Velvet Revolver.  With both Slash, Duff and Matt in the band they put out a..Read More

2005[RELEASED 2005]

MY APOCALYPSE, ARCH ENEMY

MY APOCALYPSE, ARCH ENEMY

My Apocalypse Arch Enemy Arch Enemy are a really great band, the first thing that floored most people was the fact that the inhuman gutteral death vocal was actually being..Read More

2004RELEASED 2004

THE MOTHER LODE, MASTODON

THE MOTHER LODE, MASTODON

The Mother Lode Mastodon I got into Mastodon in 2004 when they released their monstorpiece Leviathan. The album received critical acclaim with magazines like Kerrang and Metal Hammer punting it..Read More

2010[RELEASED 2008]

THE ’59 SOUND, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM

THE ’59 SOUND, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM

The ’59 Sound The Gaslight Anthem The Gaslight Anthem are an incredible band, I explain how I found them in The Story of Rock and Roll but if you haven’t..Read More