Showing posts with label John Lawton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Lawton. Show all posts

8/08/2023

Celebrating The Life Of John Lawton, Former Uriah Heep & Lucifer’s Friend Vocalist, Double CD Released August 4, 2023

While with Uriah Heep John featured on the Albums Firefly, Innocent Victim & Fallen Angel. But with Lucifer’s Friend he recorded more than 14 Albums between 1969 & 2019. John passed away suddenly on the 29th June 2021.

During his many decades on the stage John has sung variations of Blues, Rock, Prog. and Classic. From sentimental Ballads to heavy Rock, his extraordinary vocal diversity made him outstanding, his distinctive voice always recognizable!

This 2 CD Anthology features a variety of 33 songs with different music styles, reflecting John’s diversity and musical career, following his journey through the times! Starting with the 70s up to 2015, highlighting his remarkable vocals, but also to emphasize the astonishing talents of his fellow musicians involved in this tribute!

This lavish digipack which has been compiled by John’s wife Iris, includes some rarities only recently discovered, also a previously unreleased live duet between John and Bernie Shaw and some trivial out–takes to add a lighthearted element….

All artist’s royalties will be donated to “The British Heart Foundation” for the research into “Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm”.

Celebrating The Life of John Lawton is OUT NOW via the links below:
Amazon CD: https://geni.us/CelebratingJLcd
Apple Music: https://geni.us/CelebratingJLam

Cherry Red Records:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/john-lawton-celebrating-the-life-of-john-lawton-2cd/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

11/13/2016

Rock Legends Lucifer's Friend Release First New Studio Album “Too Late To Hate” In Three Decades! OUT NOW!


London, UK - Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, rock legends Lucifer's Friend have released their new studio album titled “Too Late To Hate”! This is the band's first true NEW STUDIO ALBUM since 1981!

Lucifer's Friend reformed in 2015 and since then has been playing high profile festival concerts such as the HEADLINE act on 4 Sound Stage the SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL and at the ROCK OF AGES and LORELEY festivals too. The band features core original members John Lawton (ex-URIAH HEEP), Peter Hesslein and Dieter Horns along with long term members Jogi Wichmann and Stephan Eggert.

“ 'Too Late To Hate'....the new studio album, was recorded off the back of our 'comeback' performance at the Sweden Rock Festival. The impetus we gained after recording 4 new studio tracks for the 'Awakening' album was what we needed. Plus the feedback from the 'Live At Sweden Rock Festival' CD, brought about a feeling that we could take on some 'unfinished business'... Lucifer's Friend has been over the years, mostly encamped in the studio recording material that has stood the test of time... However the new studio album 'Too Late To Hate' with 12 original tracks is a sign that we are still very capable of producing good material and bringing it live on stage.” - John Lawton.

Lucifer's Friend formed in 1970 with their influential and groundbreaking self-titled album, famous among connoisseurs of 70's hard rock. Its heavy and majestic overtones made it a pioneer release in rock music.

The group went on to release six albums in that decade. In 1976 Lucifer's Friend suffered a hard blow when British vocalist John Lawton joined Uriah Heep. The band broke up in 1982 and briefly reformed in 1994 as Lucifer's Friend 2 for the album “Sumo Grip”. Now Lucifer's Friend is back, after 30 years with their highly anticipated new album “Too Late To Hate”!

To purchase Lucifer's Friend “Too Late To Hate”:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/Mh7Aqyr
iTunes: http://geni.us/TBrCA

Official Website: www.lucifersfriend.com
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucifersFriendOfficial

Lucifer’s Friend is exclusively represented by QEDG Management management@qedg.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

7/13/2016

Rare Albums By GUNHILL feat. John Lawton “Nightheat / One Over The Eight” Now Re-Released and OUT NOW!


London, UK - GUNHILL is a band from the 90's which featured JOHN LAWTON, the former lead singer of URIAH HEEP. This twofer collects together the cassette / fan club ONLY release ONE OVER THE EIGHT and the long since out of print and VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE to find second album NIGHTHEAT!

Both discs feature bonus tracks with the intention of making this set the COMPREHENSIVE collection of all the Gunhill studio recordings!

This re-release has been prepared with the full input of JOHN LAWTON personally and has had a 2016 remaster.

“These two CDs are part of my musical history when I played together with some fine musicians, some quite young and some a bit more experienced. It was an opportunity to cover some tracks that I look back on as really great songs and a few original tracks that have stood the test of time.” - John Lawton

Amazon 2 CD set: http://geni.us/bRI2uzB
One Over The Eight on iTunes: http://geni.us/Q00UXvr
Nightheat on iTunes: http://geni.us/PYNQ

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Rare Albums By GUNHILL feat. John Lawton “Nightheat / One Over The Eight” Now Re-Released and OUT NOW!


London, UK - GUNHILL is a band from the 90's which featured JOHN LAWTON, the former lead singer of URIAH HEEP. This twofer collects together the cassette / fan club ONLY release ONE OVER THE EIGHT and the long since out of print and VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE to find second album NIGHTHEAT!

Both discs feature bonus tracks with the intention of making this set the COMPREHENSIVE collection of all the Gunhill studio recordings!

This re-release has been prepared with the full input of JOHN LAWTON personally and has had a 2016 remaster.

“These two CDs are part of my musical history when I played together with some fine musicians, some quite young and some a bit more experienced. It was an opportunity to cover some tracks that I look back on as really great songs and a few original tracks that have stood the test of time.” - John Lawton

Amazon 2 CD set: http://geni.us/bRI2uzB
One Over The Eight on iTunes: http://geni.us/Q00UXvr
Nightheat on iTunes: http://geni.us/PYNQ

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

11/07/2014

Rock Legends LUCIFER’S FRIEND Reform for 2015 Dates and New Material!


London, UK - Lucifer's Friend's self-titled debut of 1970 is a famous album among connoisseurs of 70's hard rock. Its heavy and majestic overtones made it a pioneer release of progressive rock genre.

Lucifer's Friend continued to create classic albums, especially the three subsequent ones – of which no two sound alike.

In 1976 Lucifer's Friend suffered a hard blow when British vocalist John Lawton jumped ship for none other than Uriah Heep. The band broke up in 1982. The band briefly reformed in 1994 for their ninth album “Sumo Grip”. Now they're back, after 20 years, literally by the fans' request…

The band will also be releasing a compilation, AWAKENING, which also includes new original material, via Cherry Red Records in March 2015. At this stage, the CD is available to pre-order via the Cherry Red website ONLY and all fans placing an order prior to the release date will receive an exclusive signed item.

Exclusive Pre-Order Link: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4914

The band will be playing Sweden Rock Festival and the reformation is expected to be one of the most extraordinary highlights of 2015!  The band is receiving a variety of offers from around the world and look forward to playing their greatest hits and new material to fans!

Peter Hesslein said: “Over the years I have been asked many times, by all sorts of people, regarding a re-union / re-formation of Lucifer's Friend. As there are currently several international bands releasing cover versions of our old songs and in particular creating a "Hype" about Lucifer's Friend amongst the skateboarder's world-wide, we thought that before it really is too late, to give our fans, especially the younger ones, a chance to experience a part of the founder members of Hard Rock...“

Dieter Horns added: “When I received the first call regarding a re-union of Lucifer's Friend, on the spot I was wide awake and electrified. In recent decades we often discussed the possibility of a restart, made ​​contact with studios and record companies, but now it should finally come true.”

John Lawton then added: “The reformation of Lucifer's Friend has been a long time coming, but we all feel that the time is right…To get back together with the guys with whom I had worked together for so many years and recorded albums that have in many respects stood the test of time, is for me, an upcoming highlight. We’re joined by Yogi Wichman on keyboards, who played on our last album Sumo Grip, but unfortunately the original drummer Addi Rietenbach died many years ago, so we will be introducing drummer Stephan Eggart into the band line-up…”

Official Website: www.lucifersfriend.com

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucifersFriendOfficial

Lucifer’s Friend is exclusively represented by QEDG Management management@qedg.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Rock Legends LUCIFER’S FRIEND Reform for 2015 Dates and New Material!


London, UK - Lucifer's Friend's self-titled debut of 1970 is a famous album among connoisseurs of 70's hard rock. Its heavy and majestic overtones made it a pioneer release of progressive rock genre.

Lucifer's Friend continued to create classic albums, especially the three subsequent ones – of which no two sound alike.

In 1976 Lucifer's Friend suffered a hard blow when British vocalist John Lawton jumped ship for none other than Uriah Heep. The band broke up in 1982. The band briefly reformed in 1994 for their ninth album “Sumo Grip”. Now they're back, after 20 years, literally by the fans' request…

The band will also be releasing a compilation, AWAKENING, which also includes new original material, via Cherry Red Records in March 2015. At this stage, the CD is available to pre-order via the Cherry Red website ONLY and all fans placing an order prior to the release date will receive an exclusive signed item.

Exclusive Pre-Order Link: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4914

The band will be playing Sweden Rock Festival and the reformation is expected to be one of the most extraordinary highlights of 2015!  The band is receiving a variety of offers from around the world and look forward to playing their greatest hits and new material to fans!

Peter Hesslein said: “Over the years I have been asked many times, by all sorts of people, regarding a re-union / re-formation of Lucifer's Friend. As there are currently several international bands releasing cover versions of our old songs and in particular creating a "Hype" about Lucifer's Friend amongst the skateboarder's world-wide, we thought that before it really is too late, to give our fans, especially the younger ones, a chance to experience a part of the founder members of Hard Rock...“

Dieter Horns added: “When I received the first call regarding a re-union of Lucifer's Friend, on the spot I was wide awake and electrified. In recent decades we often discussed the possibility of a restart, made ​​contact with studios and record companies, but now it should finally come true.”

John Lawton then added: “The reformation of Lucifer's Friend has been a long time coming, but we all feel that the time is right…To get back together with the guys with whom I had worked together for so many years and recorded albums that have in many respects stood the test of time, is for me, an upcoming highlight. We’re joined by Yogi Wichman on keyboards, who played on our last album Sumo Grip, but unfortunately the original drummer Addi Rietenbach died many years ago, so we will be introducing drummer Stephan Eggart into the band line-up…”

Official Website: www.lucifersfriend.com

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucifersFriendOfficial

Lucifer’s Friend is exclusively represented by QEDG Management management@qedg.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

5/27/2014

All-Star Concept Album Featuring Drum Legend Simon Phillips, Toto's Joseph Williams, and Ex-Uriah Heep Member John Lawton Now Available!


Asheville, NC - Possibly the most anticipated new release of 2014, My Kind O' Lovin' featuring drum legend Simon Phillips, Toto's Joseph Williams, and Ex-Uriah Heep/Lucifer's Friend's John Lawton, is now available! Released on the heels of 2012's hit album The Power Of Mind, featuring John Lawton, My Kind O' Lovin' is another innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, and as of very recently European Citizen of the Year (2013) Dr. Milen Vrabevski. This next charity project of his is dedicated to young talents in EU.

Says Milen, “I allowed myself to play acoustic guitar in just the title song this time. Nothing else. The team was just too good for my level. Happy they liked the pieces. Many thanks to the guys I started this project with, and worked on the arrangements: Ivo Stefanov and Svurry, and to the whole all star band for their devotion.”

Pulling up a chair at Classic Rock Revisited’s Best Releases 2012 with Intelligent Music Project I, The Power of Mind producer Milen Vrabevski is setting a high standard of expectations with his Intelligent Music Project II, My Kind O' Lovin'. The producer's next charity project goes to support education programs for talented kids. Milen was awarded European Citizen of the Year 2013 (by the EU Parliament), and a Member of the Clinton Global Initiative.

My Kind O' Lovin' features a colorful, multifarious and formidable listening experience with hints of melodic hard rock and early prog, featuring the fabulous Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who, Mike Oldfield, Protocol II etc.) on drums & percussion - brilliantly bringing out the chemistry of this unpredictable format of vintage vocals from John Lawton (ex-Uriah Heep) and Joseph Williams (Toto). Strong melodies and acoustic patterns with impressive vocals of undiminished power - this hefty emotional pool comes across in a very melodic way featuring great lead guitar and spacious orchestral flourishes.

The author translates to the audience his own experience & vision about everyday life topics in an easy manner, focusing on essential values – solid ground to step on to having a meaningful life.

Says Milen, “The message of the album is what I, as an author, would prefer to raise my kids with. Frustration, constant criticism, and judging people leads to nowhere. Therefore, we present essential things about love, friendship, our own environment we should invest in, getting into substantial initiatives, knowing happiness through serving the others, not limiting our minds with prejudice while seeking togetherness, understanding our life is in our hands, finishing off with the principle that it's good to wake up knowing what follows is a great day, in which fame does not matter, and ego's domination is retrograde, and you enjoy to live for the others, doing things not because of the result, but because you love to be that way.”

Watch the official My Kind O' Lovin' promotional video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwavFSqjV7w&feature=youtu.be

Stand out tracks:

“Get Into Real” - if there is a song from this side act that connects the dots with some of William's Toto-related cuts, this is it, but with hints of Led Zep to Asia nuances.

“Happiness”- a track so cool it deserves a trip around the world. You can take a magic trip through the positive messages of the album via Simple Game, Things We Can’t Do, Love Song to the rockin' No One Can Deny It, Time To Move Along and other pieces on this hit collection.

“Conclusion” - a 6-minute summary of the composer’s key approaches throughout the album and presents the audience with the magnificent culmination of the super group Phillips-Lawton-Williams, the front-men format of Intelligent Music Project II.

Recording sessions for drums (Simon Phillips) and vocals (Joseph Williams) took place at Simon Phillips' Phantom Recordings studio. Producer and composer Vrabevski was provided full creative input by Simon Philips in developing the course of compositions and musical ideas. Says Milen, “We recorded all drums and percussion, and Joe's vocal parts at Simon's recording studio in LA. Simon devotedly played the role of our music co-producer there too. Now he's been kind enough to take part in finalizing all mixes of MKL tracks.”

Simon Phillips is an iconic English drummer and producer. He is also a prolific session drummer, and has played with such well known music artists as The Who, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck, Tears for Fears, Mike Oldfield, Pete Townshend, the late Gary Moore and many others.

Working on this project with Milen Vrabevski was so much fun and I find his enthusiasm for music is so uplifting.” - Simon Phillips

Joseph Williams was part of four Toto albums – Fahrenheit (1986), The Seventh One (1988), Toto XX (1988) and Falling in Between (2006). He has since re-joined the touring edition of Toto for a series of shows across Europe and Japan.

Milen was such a joy to work with .. Truly a warm and bright gentleman. It's rare thing these days to work with such happy, enthusiastic talented people ... I had a ball!!” - Joseph Williams

John Lawton, who split with Uriah Heep in 1979, was featured on the albums Innocent Victim (1977), Firefly (1977), Fallen Angel (1978) and Live ’79 and is considered the best singer around the British heavy progressive rock institution. After recording the conceptual album The Power Of Mind, Intelligent Music Project I, he joins the super group with Phillips and Williams in the second project of Bulgarian producer and composer Milen Vrabevski – My Kind O' Lovin'.

“My Kind O' Lovin'....Intelligent Music Project II....was for me an absolute pleasure to sing, the melodies flowing out of Milen Vrabevski's head seem to be endless. The album differs a lot from The Power Of Mind, not only in that there are guest artist's in the caliber of Joseph Williams and Simon Phillips both of Toto fame but some searing guitar work from a little known Bulgarian axe man known only to me as Sverri. I spent 2 weeks laying down lead & backing vocals in Intelligent Music's new studio in Sofia / Bulgaria and believe me it wasn't hard work, not when the music is this good.” - John Lawton

To purchase My Kind O' Lovin':
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kind-Lovin-Intelligent-Music-Project/dp/B00JAD115Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400675463&sr=8-1&keywords=my+kind+o%27+lovin%27
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/my-kind-o-lovin-feat.-joseph/id880550938

For more information: www.mykindoflovin.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com