The third in the series of This Day In Music App is all about Dylan (the other two are Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin). The core of the App is the Dylan daily diary, documenting his gigs, recording sessions, single and album releases, awards and more. There are also notes of every song Dylan recorded between 1962-1974, plus licensed photos. It also plays Dylan music from the user’s iTunes library anmd connects so you can buy tracks not already in the library.

The App also contains a section with over 250 Bob Dylan trivia facts, and separately a quiz where you can test your knowledge on everything related to the man. The quiz gives you a running score out of ten, so you can track your score, then play against yourself or challenge others.

Available as an App for iPhone, iPad and iTouch, get it here. And you can find out more by watching this clip.

Neal Preston – who’s worked with Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Who (one of Preston’s photos of the band is here) and Marc Bolan – is holding a masterclass at the British Music Experience at London’s O2 on that day, from 4-6pm.

Entry is free, but you must send the following info to events@britishmusicexperience.com:

Full name

Postal address

Number of tickets needed (no more than two can be requested)

This is a two-and-half hour tribute show, featuring classic songs from The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd and Meat Loaf.

The dates are all in January:

Fri, 13: Cheltenham Town Hall

Sat. 14: Leicester De Montfort Hall

Sun. 15: Birmingham Town Hall

Tue. 17: Plymouth Pavilions

Wed. 18: Cardiff St. Davids Hall

Fri. 20: Basingstoke Anvil

Sat. 21: Oxford New Theatre

Sun. 22: Shrewsbury Theatre Seven

Mon. 23: London Cadogan Hall

Tue. 24: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Thu. 26: Gateshead Sage

Fri. 27: Aberdeen Music Hall

Sat. 28: Edinburgh Queens Hall

Sun. 29: Norwich Theatre Royal

Go here to enter the competition.

Words: Malcolm Dome

Virgin Steele have often suffered from being seen as Manowar without the bombast and furry pants. But they’ve always been more than that. The reissue of 1988’s Age Of Consent (SPV/Steamhammer) proves that they really did have their own sub-operatic and epic approach, Not many laughs here, but some damn fine music.

From a little earlier, it’s good to have the debut Witch album The Hex Is On (FNA Records) available again. Now called The Hex Is On…And Then Some, not only do we get the original 1984 album of prime, high energy and aggressive LA trash, but also tracks recorded 13 years later, featuring guest appearances from Slash, Steve Stevens and…Keith Emerson. This actually all underlines that cult heroes Witch should always have been a lot bigger. And the more recent stuff is very stylish, mature AOR.

Roxx Gang were never really part of the big hair movement, but were always unfairly dumped into this category. However, the Florida band had the vigour, dynamism and thrust to stand apart, and deserved to be a major force. The three disc set Boxx Of Roxx (FNA Records) proves the point. There’s a CD of previously unreleased stuff, a live CD and a DVD with all their promo videos  Proof of what might have been.

Vega are a British melodic hard rock band who stand apart from most in this vein, because not only do they write melodic songs, but they’ve a significant depth. Debut album Kiss Of Life (Frontiers) shows enough talent and cohesion to suggest a big future awaits.

Royal Blood were being touted as potential players at the start of the 90s. Their melodic hard rock was deemed perfect to make them superstars. Then along came grunge and burst the dreamy bubble. So, 20 years later we finally get to hear the debut album, Thanks Seattle… For Killing My Band And My Dream! (FNA Records). Originally due out in 1992, it features guitar virtuoso Alex Masi and former MSG bassist Rocky Newton. You know what? It sounds impressive. If you can imagine Rival Sons with a bit more Motley or Poison influence, then you’re on the mark. Shame they never got much of a chance all those years ago.

Astrohenge class themselves as metal, but on second album Astrohenge II (Eyes Of Sound), they display something of a penchant for complexity that puts them more firmly towards the progressive bracket. It’s a fun piece of avant-garde extremity, with some fine musicianship. They could become cult heroes very quickly.

Exit International are a Welsh trio with two bassists. They like making a noise on Black Junk (Undergroove), but it’s never atonal or dysfunctional, and the music mighty blare in a jammy fashion. But it has distinct disciple and focus. It almost sounds like early Napalm Death meets Sunn 0))).

Finally a book on Led Zeppelin. There’s hardly a dearth of such books on the market, but Led Zeppelin – Death In The Wind Over Europe 1980 (Tight But Loose) is an exhaustive look at the band’s final tour. It’s been compiled by Dave Lewis, who does an excellent job in bringing together facts and memories.

(An oratorio, in case you didn’t know, is a large musical composition including orchestra, choir and soloists.)

ClassicalRock’s version of Bo Rap was performed in Montreux, Switzerland, during the events honouring the 20th anniversary of the passing of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

The Bo Rap oratorio features members of the Choir Accentus and star baritone Nmon Ford, and – would you believe – incorporates elements of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

ClassicalRock has also recorded versions of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir and Stairway To Heaven, The Who’s Pinball Wizard, and many more.

Head to www.myclassicalrock.com where you can purchase individual tracks – or even download an entire album.

With sales last week of around 3,600 copies, the classic 1971 album is No.166 in the Billboard 200, having previously spent 260 weeks on the chart.

The resurgence is due to the album’s 40th anniversary…and the low price: it’s just $5.99 at Amazon and a mere $6.99 at iTunes.

Zep IV – aka Four Symbols – is the third best-selling album of all time in the US, with cumulative sales of more than 23 million.

Michael Jackson’s Thriller is No.1, followed by The Eagles Greatest Hits 1971-1975.

Words: Malcolm Dome

Kate Bush is a unique artist. You never quite know what to expect from her albums. New one 50 Words For Snow (Fish People/EMI) is once more a challenging mix of the ethereal, the spiritual and the downright strange. Some might regard it as rather self-indulgent. But that’s what la Bush has always been able to do, namely exactly what she wants, how she wants. And it’s a triumph.

Chris Cornell gets acoustic on us with Song Book (Universal). This is his first solo live album, and showcases both his stuff as well as Soundgarden material. Oh, and there are covers of Led Zeppelin’s Thank You, plus John Lennon’s Imagine. This is all done so well, and perfectly captures the man’s vocal charms and depth. If you’re a Cornell/Soundgarden fan, this is a must.

Savatage never really recovered from the death of guitarist Criss in 1993. So, Ghost In The Ruin – A Tribute To Criss Oliva (earMUSIC) should have been a chance to hear what he could do live. But drawn from several shows between 1987 and 1990, it is something of a hotch potch that doesn’t really do justice to the band or the guitarist, when both were in their pomp. There are some stunning moments, but not enough of them.

Magnum celebrate 10 years on the SPV label with something of a strange compilation. Evolution sees them remixing, and even partially re-recording, 10 tracks. Still, it is enjoyable stuff, even if the originals are mostly better. And there are two new songs, both of which are very strong in the Magnum style and offer real hope that the next album will be a cracker.

Superchief might be from Des Moines, but they’ve little in common with those famed DM metalheads Slipknot. As proven on the album Corporate Dynamite (Brolester) is a surging collaboration of The Allman Brothers, Clutch, Motorhead and Scissorfight. The band have convincing redneck groove, but combine this with a real edge. Startlingly surprising success.

The initial two Deep Purple line-ups are featured on BBC Sessions 1968-1970 (EMI). And it’s interesting to see how the band developed. The first CD showcases Mk 1, with their most distinct psychedelic approach, although as Ritchie Blackmore’s role becomes more pronounced as things develop. The second CD sees Mk 2 taking heavier direction – and we all know how important that would prove to be for rock music in general.

AFM Records celebrate their 15^th anniversary with a three CD compilation called 15 Years Metal Addiction, spanning those years. As you might expect, it’s a real lucky dip affair, both in terms of quality and style. But if you fancy the idea of roaming about from thrash to power metal, via gothic metal and alt. metal, then you might fancy a quick forage. Best here are U.D.O., Doro, Onslaught and Masterplan, but there are others who deserve to be heard.

Two interesting reissues from Robin Trower on the Repertoirte label, Both Another Days Blues (from 2005) and What Lies Beneath (2009) show the man’s deep love for great blues, as he delivers his trademark guitar licks. He’s imaginative and dynamic as ever, and remains a towering yet undervalued talent. Both of these are fine albums, if the Trower style is your bag.

Finally, Nickelback never cease to stir up negative feelings. Well, Here And Now (Roadrunner) won’t suddenly win over the sceptics. It’s more of the same pop-rock from the Canadians. If you approach this album with an open mind you will enjoy what they do, although it’s far from essential and really isn’t as good as their early releases.

The Gallery, based in Greenwich, have commissioned eight original prints, each representing one song on the album.  These will be shown from November 17-24.

There are a limited number of 200 posters of each print available to buy. They’re signed and numbered by the artist. You can pre-order these at www.thefloodgallery.com

To find out more about Led Zeppelin, click through to the Classic Rock Archive, with 13 years of articles, interviews and reviews.

The foursome of vocalist Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, bassist Mani and drummer Reni are to play Heaton Park in Manchester on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30. Tickets go on sale from 9am on Friday, October 21.

Although part of the 90s Manchester scene, the band were more obviously rock-oriented than almost any of their peers. They were majorly influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds and the 60s psychedelic era. And their second album, 1994’s Second Coming, was very favourably compared at the time to Led Zeppelin.

Jimi Hendrix

Was he really kidnapped by the Mafia? Or was it a set-up by his manager Mike Jeffery? Inside a weird period in late 1969.

Leslie West

He’s one of rock’s great survivors – but nothing could have prepared him for events two months ago when he lost a leg. Exclusive new interview!

Pink Floyd

Venice, July 1989. It was supposed to be just another Floyd extravaganza. No one expected blackmail, broken promises, and a scandal that brought down the Venice city council.

Guns N’ Roses

It’s 1988, and GN’R are at the height of their infamy. Izzy Stradlin’s obsession with a ‘missing’ million dollars leads to a rumble in the New Orleans jungle…

Alice Cooper

The booze was starting to kill Alice, so at the height of his powers,  his wife and manager checked him into an asylum – little knowing it would inspire perhaps his most personal work.

From The Inside

Peter Grant

He managed Led Zeppelin and helped them conquer the world. But in the end he paid a heavy price.

Johnny Winter

Deranged bandmates. Mysterious demises. Narrowly escaping death. Shafted by managers… And that’s not even half of it. The amazing true story of blues rock’s unluckiest man.

Jason Becker

In 1990 he was one of the world’s hottest guitarists. Today he can’t walk, talk or move any part of his body other than an eyelid – but he’s still making music.

PLUS!

Chickenfoot

That ‘difficult second album’ looked like it would be a breeze. Then tragedy cast a dark shadow over the recording.

Hawkwind

Cosmic capers and the recording of their spaced-out masterpiece  In Seach Of Space.

Lenny Kravitz

Written on a paper bag while he was high, and not considered by him to have hit potential, Are You Gonna Go My Way enabled Lenny to stop using public transport.

Candice Night

Ritchie Blackmore’s missus strikes out on her own, and explains how she likes to keep things medieval.

There’s also a free CD (cover below).

All this and so much more in the hot new issue of Classic Rock. Out now!