Welcome to the 2013 MelRock Awards. Thanks again for reading and the great enthusiasm for these awards each year. For anyone new to this - this is not a vote or a poll; this is my own personal take on the music and news that I covered on MelodicRock.com over the course of 2013.

These are my favourite songs, my favourite albums and whatever else. In listing these artists and also handing out some awards, it is my hope as always that it will help remind folks of some music they missed or help them appreciate some of the artists behind the music for their efforts in 2013. Enjoy the read and do let me know what you think! Rise Up Following up an acclaimed debut is no easy task, but these guys moved from a project to a band with this excellent sophomore release. A tougher, more cohesive album that contained some more stunning melodic rock songs. 2 Harem Scarem Mood Swings II This has to be the best effort at re-recording a classic album/old material by any band yet.

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The guys captured the energy and vibe of the original and still managed to add a few little twists. And the three new songs were as stunning as possibly could be. 3 7th Key I Will Survive A sum of its parts more than individual highlights, but in the end it was everything that folks expected from the highly accomplished pair of Greer and Slamer. A more technical and progressive slice of melodic rock this time around, and so much depth to the production. 4 Degreed We Don't Belong With hardly any promotion and a label that disappeared soon after the release of this album, the Swedish lads still managed to push a genre forward with a highly addictive and memorable set of songs that helps modernize the classic melodic rock sound we all love.

5 The Poodles Tour De Force Proof that a band can still continue to learn and improve, even on their fifth outing. The band struggled with the album prior to this, but stormed back to the forefront of Scandi melodic hard rock here.

6 Magnus Karlsson's FreeFall - Magnus Karlsson's FreeFall - Powerful, passionate and right in your face from start to end! 7 Eden's Curse - Symphony Of Sin - From diversity comes the rewards.and EC storm back with their most melodic work yet. 8 Adriangale - Suckerpunch - Great to have these guys back and.

9 Heaven & Earth - Dig - The return of classic rock - in a truly classic sense. An epic album right out of 1977. 10 The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs - You can teach an old dog new tricks! An inspired pairing of musicians here. /font>11 House Of Shakira - Pay To Play 12 Steve Lukather - Transition 13 Vega - What The Hell 14 Find Me - Wings Of Love 15 Revolution Road - Revolution Road 16 The Theander Expression - Strange Nostalgia 17 John Elefante - On My Way To The Sun 18 Newman - Siren 19 Brett Walker - Straight Jacket Vacation 20 Faith Circus - Turn Up The Band 21 Covered Call - Impact 22 Stryper - No More Hell To Pay 23 Fergie Frederiksen - Any Given Moment 24 Crashdiet - The Savage Playgound 25 Royal Hunt - A Life To Die For 26 N.O.W. - Bohemian Kingdom 27 Burning Rain - Epic Obsession 28 Deep Purple - Now What?! 29 Sparklands - Tomocyclus 30 Jesse Damon - Midnight In The Garden Of Eve 31 Bai Bang - All Around The World 32 Laneslide - Flying High 33 Tainted Nation - F.E.A.R 34 Tom Kiefer - The Way Life Goes 35 FM - Rockville 36 Fate - If Not For The Devil 37 Pretty Maids - Motherland 38 Black Star Riders - All Hell Breaks Loose 39 Coney Hatch - Four 40 Robin Beck - Underneath.

• Harem Scarem - World Gone To Pieces Classic melodic rock. Brilliant, infectious and my most played song of 2013! - Walk Away • Degreed - What If • Harem Scarem - Anarchy • Revolution Road - Shooting Star • W.E.T. - What You Want • 7th Key - I Will Survive • Newman - Feel Her Again • Degreed - Blind Hearted • Revolution Road - Wings Of Hope • Royal Hunt - A Life To Die For • W.E.T. - Broken Wings • John Elefante - On My Way To The Sun • House of Shakira - Bending The Law • Find Me - Dancing To A Broken Heartbeat • Robin Beck - Wrecking Ball • Steve Lukather - Judgement Day • Degreed - Access Denied • House of Shakira - Pay To Play • Adriangale - The Black And Blue • The Theander Experience - Conception Of Life • 7th heaven - We Live Life Young • N.O.W. • Magnus Karlsson's Freefall - Stronger (feat. Tony Harnell) • Steve Lukather - Once Again • Robin Beck - I Swear The Nights • Heaven & Earth - I Don't Know What Love Is • W.E.T.

- Still Believe • Steve Lukather - Right The Wrong • Fergie Frederiksen - How Many Roads • N.O.W. - Strong Enough • Robin Beck - Underneath • Seventh Key - What's Love Supposed To Be • Faith Circus - Tears You've Never Cried • Eden's Curse - Fallen From Grace • Bai Bang - How About Now • John Elefate - This Time • Jesse Damon - Save The World. VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Fergie Frederiksen (R.I.P.) & Brett Walker (R.I.P.) Fergie and Brett win for Vocalists Of The Year not only for their superb albums delivered this year, but for their career spanning influence on the melodic music industry. Both were friends of mine and both will be dearly missed.

Honorable Mentions - Jeff Scott Soto (W.E.T), Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Joe Retta (Heaven & Earth), Robin Ericsson (Degreed), Stefan Berggren (Revolution Road), Nikola Mijic (Eden's Curse), Jamie Rowe (Adriangale). Past Winners: 2012 - Rick Springfield 2011 - Eric Martin 2010 - Marcie Free 2009 - John Elefante 2008 - Arnel Pineda 2007 - Mike Reno 2006 - Pekka Ansio Heino 2005 - Jorn Lande 2004 - Jeff Scott Soto 2003 - Harry Hess. GUITARIST OF THE YEAR: Thorsten Koehne (Eden's Curse) A guitarist who I think is underrated when it comes to handing out praise for their work, so hopefully this recognition will go some way to correcting that. His work on the latest Eden's Curse record is simply stunning as is his efforts on the previous albums. Impossible to replicate!

Honorable Mentions - Stuart Smith (Heaven & Earth), Steve Lukather, Mike Slamer (Seventh Key), Pete Lesperance (Harem Scarem), Magnus Karlsson (FreeFall), Vic Rivera (Adriangale), Stu Marshall (Death Dealer, Empires Of Eden) and Richie Kotzen (The Winery Dogs). Past Winners: 2012 - Eddie Van Halen 2011 - Neal Schon 2010 - Steve Lukather 2009 - Erik Martensson 2008 - Doug Aldrich 2007 - Thorsten Koehne 2006 - Steve Lukather 2005 - Magnus Karlsson DRUMMER OF THE YEAR: Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) A sublime effort on the latest Dream Theater album, giving the band a renewed focus on songwriting and delivering a classic DT album with all the quality and feel of their best work.

Honorable Mentions - Pete Newdeck (Eden's Curse), Richie Onori (Heaven & Earth), Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs), Mats Ericsson (Degreed). Past Winners: 2012 - Alex Van Halen 2011 - Pat Torpey 2010 - Jamie Borger 2009 - Steve West 2008 - The Drum Machine 2007 - Kelly Keagy 2006 - Simon Phillips 2005 - Daniel Flores. BASSIST OF THE YEAR: Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs) Because he's simply amazing! Honorable mentions - Billy Greer (Seventh Key), Paul Logue (Eden's Curse), Chuck Wright (Heaven & Earth). Past Winners: 2012 - Wolfgang Van Halen 2011 - Billy Sheehan 2010 - Nalle Pahlsson 2009 - Bruno Ravel 2008 - Matt Bissonette 2007 - Jack Blades 2006 - Marcel Jacob THE 'ERIC RAGNO' KEYBOARDIST OF THE YEAR AWARD: Eric Ragno (Jesse Damon, Mecca, London, Redrum, Chasing Violets, Rockers For St.

Keyboards is now named the honourary title holder for future Keyboardist Of The Year Awards. So Eric, that means you have to let others have a turn now!

Another awesome year for one of the best guys around. Honorable mentions - Arlan Schierbaum (Heaven & Earth), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Revolution Road, Fergie Frederiksen, Silent Force, AOR, LaValle, Laneslide, Axe), Steve Williams (Eden's Curse). Past Winners: 2012 - Alessandro Del Vecchio 2011 - Eric Ragno 2010 - CJ Vanston 2009 - Darren Wharton 2008 - Eric Ragno 2007 - Eric Ragno.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Alessandro Del Vecchio (Fergie Frederiksen, Revolution Road, Paris, Charming Grace, Code Of Silence) Moving from Keyboardist Of The Year in 2012 to Producer OTY in 2013. And 2014 looks no less busy for the Italian maestro who is putting his stamp on a number of high profile projects - all of which have come up winners so far!

Honorable mentions - Dave Jenkins (Heaven & Earth), Paul Logue (Eden's Curse, Code of Silence), Erik Martensson (W.E.T.), Mike Slamer (Seventh Key), CJ Vanston (Steve Lukather) Past Winners: 2012 - Erik Martensson 2011 - Kevin Shirley 2010 - Steve Lukather, CJ Vanston, Steve MacMillan 2009 - Erik Martensson 2008 - Dennis Ward 2007 - Dennis Ward 2006 - Harry Hess & Pete Lesperance (Harem Scarem) 2005 - Dennis Ward 2004 - Fabrizio V.Zee Grossi 2003 - Tommy Denander. Boston - underdone.

That one word should sum that whole release up. My review was very critical, yet some others called for my 65% to be further reduced by tenfold! I did receive one single email in the album's defence - a lengthy letter outlining all the reasons why my review was too critical and the score too low, but nothing could ever change my mind there.

I'm convinced it will be the final Boston release. Not even the cover art was worthy of the Boston name. Good one Tom! Bret Michaels - if he's got any friends left after that last solo release I'd be surprised. I can't imagine anyone will ever be talked into future 'special guest' slots on any recording projects.

Just get Poison recording again already! FireFest - final fling indeed. Can't say I blame them. Busting your ass to put on a huge event like that with no financial backing or sponsorship and working within a finite pool of bands that folks will pay to see is a hard task. I should know! MRF4 will likely be the last one for a while also - not because it has/will lose money (not so) - but merely because the investment required to bring in bigger names is too much of a risk without corporate backing.

Simple economics. It's a hell of a job to put together, so time for a year off.

I guess we know who won the battle of the Queensryche's! 7th heaven had their own brush with lead singer disease in the form of former Idol contestant Anthony Fedorov. They continue their search for a new long term frontman. Yngwie Malmsteen issued his own version of history with his Relentless memoir, but the Anders Tengner written unofficial one is far better! Note to Jon Bon Jovi - you can run your corporation as you see fit, but don't expect fans to want to buy shares in your corp without question if your MVP isn't there - don't forget what made the corporation what it is today! Is there a silly band name than State Cows? Please no more naming bands with farm animals.

Best speech EVER - Alex Lifeson for the Rush Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame induction -. Worst album title for 2013 - Michael Des Barres - Hot And Sticky Live. And the cover does him no favors either. I often get asked what my favourite albums of past years (before this site) were. So I am beginning to address that by filling in the gaps.

These are pretty simple Top 30 lists of the best (or my favourite at least) albums of that particular year. It was really interesting going back over those years and remembering just what albums came out when and how they stack up against each other now.some 15-20 years later! Amazingly.not too much has changed as far as my tastes and opinions.

Presenting what I call my favourite albums of the year 1991. I often get asked what my favourite albums of past years (before this site) were. So I am beginning to address that by filling in the gaps.

These are pretty simple Top 30 lists of the best (or my favourite at least) albums of that particular year. It was really interesting going back over those years and remembering just what albums came out when and how they stack up against each other now.some 15-20 years later!

Amazingly.not too much has changed as far as my tastes and opinions. Presenting what I call my favourite albums of the year 1993. • Harem Scarem - Mood Swings • Coverdale Page - Coverdale Page • Meatloaf - Bat Out Of Hell 2 • Winger - Pull • Aerosmith - Get A Grip • Crown Of Thorns - Crown Of Thorns • Rush - Counterparts • Poison - Native Tongue • Mark Free - Long Way From Love • Mothers Army - Mothers Army • Riverdogs - Bone • Blue Murder - Nothing But Trouble • Talisman - Genesis • Def Leppard - Retroactive • Henry Lee Summer - Slamdunk • Mr. Big - Bump Ahead • Jeff Paris - Lucky This Time • Vince Neil - Exposed • Robert Plant - Fate Of Nations • Joey C Jones & The Glory Hounds - Joey C Jones & The Glory Hounds • Paul Sabu - In Dreams • Red Dawn - Never Surrender • Shotgun Symphony - Shotgun Symphony • Heart - Desire Walks On • Deep Purple - The Battle Rages On • Freaks Of Nature - Freaks Of Nature • Carl Dixon - One • Magnum - Keep The Nite Lite Burning • Kings Of The Sun - Ressurection • Gotthard - Dial Hard. The major question!! What will be the best albums of 2000? Surely if Journey actually get an album recorded and released, it will be hard to beat.

Same goes for Damn Yankees! And speaking of Night Ranger (sort of), the other guys in the band are all planning releases, so they should register highly in the 2000 best of lists. I have already heard the Danger Danger, so I can safely say that will be on the best of 2000 list. House Of Shakira hopefully will get their album done and signed. That's bound to be solid AOR, as is the new Kevin Chalfant/Josh Ramos project Two Fires. Jim Peterik's world Stage is classic AOR /Midwest pop rock at it's best and on a heavier note, if Impelliteri can get it together, their albums are always a highlight.

The Danny Vaughn album has huge potential, but does he want to record classic AOR or something a little more modern? Signs Of Life could be awesome, especially with Terry Brock back on deck.

Could Big Bad Wolf pull off a Steelhouse Lane and go from a pretty good debut to a sensational follow up? And how about the two Slamer projects - Steelhouse Lane 3 and Slamer/Thompson. Could the new Heartland be as heavy and raw as the demo's played to me?

And the new Westworld album will surly come highly anticipated by all. And don't forget two new albums from Danzi and Lima. A Tongue in cheek look at the year past. Firstly (and sadly.) RIP: Bruce Fairbairn, Cozy Powell, Zero Records, Bareknuckle & the band Thunder. Vocalist Of The Year: Keith Slack - for his work on Steelhouse Lane and on tour with Michael Schenker. Worst Albums of the Year: Lynch Mob, Zimmers Hole, Scorpions, British Rock Symphony (except for Jack and Tommy's tune.), Appetite For Reconstruction.

The 'Survivor' award for BAND NAMING RIGHTS: Saxon - for their sad recent dispute. The 'Japanese Label' one last cash-in award: TIE!

Bryan Adams for his horrible new 'Best Of Me' release, Harem Scarem (or Warner Japan) for 'Ballads' and Queen for the totally unnecessary 'Great Hits 3' release. The Success In Replacement Vocalist Award: Journey The Failure in Replacement Vocalist Award: Van Halen The 'Kiss' Most Money For Least Work Award: Europe - for their upcoming 20 minute reunion gig!

The Biggest Packaging Screw-up: Europe (again) - for one re-release pressing of their Final Countdown single, missing a vitally placed letter 'O'. The Passing Themselves Off As Something They're Not Award: TIE!

Axel Rose for his contempt for fans calling Oh My God a new Guns N Roses single & George Lynch for releasing his rotten new album under the Lynch Mob banner. The About Time Award: Sony Music for releasing the new Toto album in the US 3 months after it's international release. The Just Release The Bloody Thing Award: TIE! Danger Danger (Return Of & Cockroach), Poison (Crack A Smile), John Sykes and Brian McDonald The Welcome Back Award: TIE! Marcie Free, Mitch Malloy & Terry Brock. The Go Away Award:Krokus The Three Musketeers Award: Johnny Lima, Jimmy Lawrence & Danny Danzi. The Bite The Hand That Feeds Award: Beggars & Thieves for announcing in an interview with German magazine 'Melodic Journey' that they hope the Internet will shut down all record labels 'like MTM'.(?!) The Villan of The 90's: MTV Yep, not grunge or Kurt Cobain.MTV for single handedly deciding to pull the rug from under commercial hard rock and replace it over night.

Shame Shame Shame. The Positive Sign Award: VH1 For dedicating time and resources to fine music. Both in terms of developing shows (The List, Storytellers, Where Are The Now) and actually playing new video clips (from the bands that still bother to make them). So 2000 has come and gone.

It has been an interesting year to say the least, with plenty of melodic rock to talk of and plenty that also didn't happen. To start my recap and commentary of the year just past, let's go back to my 1999 wrap up and see if my predictions for 2000 came true! It started with me stating that if the Journey album actually gets released it will be hard to beat.

Well, for those that bought the Japanese release it should indeed feature highly, as it does with me. The rest of you will have to wait for April and your Best of 2001 lists. As for the album itself, it was the best produced album of the year, but should have been with a budget of a quarter of a million dollars. The US version will make it even better and I predict it will be THE album of 2001.

House Of Shakira and Danger Danger both got their albums out finally - both well worth any wait and high on my personal favorites of the year. Chris Impelliteri released his new album, but then promptly dumped Rob Rock who went solo and produced an even better album. Impellitteri is now shackled with original singer Graham Bonnet. Now that will be interesting. Danny Vaughn went for the modern route of the classic melodic rock strains of Tyketto, but it was still a cool effort and the next one will hopefully be even more melodic. The Sign proved to be as good as expected, maybe even better, taking the more adventurous route.

A classic in the making and I look forward to more. Scheduled to be released in 2000 was a new Big Bad Wolf album. That never arrived and still has no ETA. But my hopes for it remain high for 2001. Also due in 2000 was the much anticipated Mike Slamer / Chris Thompson project. Well at least that album is almost done, but don't hold your breath for a release.

I have no idea when it might appear. As good as some of the tunes I have heard are, with the huge Steelhouse Lane style production, the style is just not what I was hoping for and I doubt what most other fans of these artists are looking for. The songs are not overly in an AOR vein. As for a new Steelhouse Lane album - I won't place any money on betting when or if that will happen. For the sake of melodic rock - I hope it does - and this year!

Also in 1999 I made a comment regarding the upcoming Heartland album. No, it wasn't as heavy or as raw as it could have been, but it was still the best effort since the debut.

I would however, love to hear the band go either really raw and heavy, or soften up and record a pure AOR album. Johnny Lima and Danny Danzi worked hard on their new albums, neither made it to the store shelves, but are high on my expectations for best of 2001.

Van Halen anyone? Well.2000 was certainly not their year. I hope 2001 will be. OK, some general thoughts on the year that just was.

The year began with what was easily the worst experience of my website running career. The whole February Van Halen fiasco was a disaster after I was fed and believed some bullshit information. I still believe someone in the VH camp set me up, to gauge public reaction. That I don't think I will ever know for sure!

The fan reaction to the news wasn't pleasant, nor was some of the things written on various message boards. Fair enough to some of it, as the info was crap! But a few did cross the line. One in particular you will see when you read on!

Not to mention that my own message board was hacked into and destroyed! At least that forced through the upgrade of the current board, which is easily much better. Things improved with my follow up reports, but the year ended without a single word from the band. There was word of Eddie's health scare, which again was played down without any real public statement. Listen to the fans guys - let's hear some news soon! There was a few lawsuits going around, with Dennis De Young VS Styx and Lou Gramm VS EMI, not to mention Saxon VS Saxon.the big surprise of the year was Survivor VS Jimi Jamison being settled, only to lead into Survivor VS Survivor the TV show!

House Of Lords VS Michael Guy was thankfully avoided thanks to some good will on both sides of the fence. Tribute albums continued to flow freely.with more on the way, it seems 2001 will continue to feature some good and some crummy ones. Quite a lot was said towards the end of the year about the quality of melodic rock. To be honest, I believe things are looking pretty damn good as far as most releases are concerned. Of course there are always a few Dogs out there, that will always be the case as it has been since the dawn of time. I think the independent AOR labels are aware that fans want an increased production value and that will continue to improve. As far as 2000, it was better than 1999, which was better than 1998, which was better.

I believe things will continue to get better and better, even though I do not believe that things will ever truly be mainstream again. Classic AOR I think is always going to be a cult thing. But as long as the labels we have now continue to put out strong product and continue to improve their product - and we support that - things can only improve.

At least there are some rockers out there that are willing to do this partly just for the love of it! And believe me, if there are any dud releases; send the labels and artists a clear message by not buying it. That is the only way to getter better quality over time. What's in store?

Releases to look out for: If it ever gets here, the US release of Journey's Arrival will be huge, I am also expecting big things from the new Danny Danzi, Bob Catley, Dreamhunter, Von Groove, Hurricane & Johnny Lima albums. The Van Halen album is my number one anticipated release. Eddie and Co know this has to be their best album in years, if not ever, so I am eager as hell to hear any of this. Can you imagine the value of an advance tape?!!

Mike Tramp e-mailed me from Denmark to say his new record was almost done and he believes it could be his best yet, so I am hanging out to hear that - hopefully when he lands back home here March 1! Another big solo record will be Terry Brock's upcoming release. It's more pure AOR than The Sign and should go down a treat.

Snakes In Paradise are hard at work on making their best album ever, that's one to look for, along with new Diving For Pearls and Riverdogs releases! After the sensational debut album from Stranded, their new album is highly anticipated. Jeff Scott Soto's long awaited return in Humanimal should be a killer - mid year is looking good for that.

Let's hope a Night Ranger record can be made, but if not, the march release of Kelly Keagy's solo masterpiece will be more than ample. Wait until you hear these songs!! Other Night Ranger releases include Brad's cool album getting European release and Gary Moon's unreleased work is taking shape to be released Those are also very cool tunes. There will be NO Damn Yankees release:( A new Aerosmith album is upon us, but at this point I have lost much of my interest in the band. I really thought Nine Lives was a little below par. If House Of Lords can get it together, they will be in the Top 5 for the year I am sure.

Same goes with Magum's re-union. As will Zebra and Dare - IF the albums ever get finished!!

One big question that would create a KILLER rock record - will Jack Blades and Neal Schon get together for a project? Who won't make records this year? I unfortunately doubt Survivor will get it together, nor will this line up of Styx - especially if the lawsuit rolls on, same with Foreigner. Rick Springfield plans to write all year, but we won't see a studio album until 2002. We might get a new EFX soundtrack though.

Heaven are still trying to finish their new album, but who knows when that might get release.same goes for the Slamer / Thompson project. MTM may now not release it. Mike Reno solo album anyone? Wouldn't place money on it. And I heard something funny this week.

The webmaster for Boston's site has apparently said that Tom Scholtz is HOPING for a 2001 release!! Oh my God.put me down for July 2002.

12 months from now, let's take another look back and see what happened! Firstly (and sadly.) RIP: Loverboy bass player Scott Smith, Benjamin Orr, Mike & The Mechanics vocalist Paul Young, Ian Dury, NYC drummer John Guido and Harem Scarem, UFO, Portrait Records, Fair Warning. Vocalist Of The Year: Steve Augeri - for both his work on Journey's new album and on tour with the guys. This man deserves a lot of praise for filling an un-fillable void. Runner up - Jorn Lande for the awesome job on Millenium and his solo project and having the guts to work with Yngwie!

The Best Producer Award: Kevin Shirley for the 'spanking' sound of Journey's Arrival CD. Runner up - Ralph Santolla for Millenium and Teer & Roy Z for Rob Halford, Rob Rock & The Tribe Of Gypsies. Worst Albums of the Year: Yngwie Malmsteen, Southfork, The Liberators, Rock Superstars (crappy label's fault), Bigelf, John Farnham, 58, King Prawn. The 'Survivor' award for BAND NAMING RIGHTS: TIE! Frankie Sullivan - winning his own award for suing the TV show for releasing a CD titled Survivor and Styx for their upcoming dispute.

The 'Japanese Label' one last cash-in award: Warner Bros. Japan for the second year running!

Well done guys! They get this award for another year of Harem Scarem releases, with yet more to come! Close runner up - Styx and REO Speedwagon for that awful effort on the Arch Allies release. The 'Journey' Award for Successfully replacing a Vocalist: Van Halen - even though it hasn't been announced or confirmed! The Failure in Replacement Vocalist Award: Impellitteri - for throwing out the great Rob Rock.

The 'Kiss' Award for Most Money Made For Least Amount Of Work: Tribute Albums - For those regulars that pop up on every tribute album released. The Just Release The Bloody Thing Award: TIE! Journey (Arrival USA Version), Danger Danger (Cockroach), Slamer / Thompson and Dare (Belief), Wicked Alliance & Alias 2. The Welcome Back Award: MULTIPLE TIE! House Of Lords, Magnum, Hardline, Tesla, Winger, Drive She Said, Oni Logan & Jeff Scott Soto. The 'Krokus' Go Away Award: Michael Bolton The Donald Trump Award: Goes to Greg Giuffria and his new attire.

One hopes he will alter his appearance for the House Of Lords photo shoot! The Worst Case Of Publicity Award: Rick Springfield for that unfortunate arrest. The Worst Record Label Award: Blue Dolphin Records for having a courier standing by at the studio to pick up master tapes because the band had run over draconian deadlines. The Beat The Bootleggers Award: Marcie Free for making old demo MP3s available from her site. The 'Spinal Tap' Award: UFO for that fabulous UK tour and their added onstage antics. The Best Fan Website Award: VHForums.com - That's my favourite place to cruise and listen to Van Halen fans debate everything and anything.

And last but not least! Dickhead of the Year Award: Pazzo - Who the hell is Pazzo? I wish I knew, but that's the handle he goes. He's a Van Halen fanatic that sent me several e-mails in the early stages of this year. They are so seriously funny, I had to share them with you. I can only hope any of you don't have the misfortune of crossing this clown's path.

E-Mail One: (On discovering there was no update as promised) There isnt shit at your fuckin site. I thought you were full of shit now I know it. Ha ha fuck you. E-Mail Two: (On seeing the Van Halen update) Andrew, Your site was just updated here in MA.

So first I want to apologize to you for thinking you were full of shit. Second I want to apologize for the other stuff I said and I want to thank you for sending me mail when you didnt have to.

The site didnt update until I went to 'lots new in review' and then back to the frontpage. But whatever thats hindsight. Thanks again for your confidence and I'm sorry I blew it with my big mouth and (not that it matters to you ) I will continue to use your site above all others for music news. PaZZO E-Mail Three: (On not liking the update!) Hey Andrew there are a lot of people out there who think your full of shit!!! Your info better be legit or you better start wearing a disguise!!!

Lol or maybe a cup!!! Ha ha You will have to shut down your site if your the piece of shit they are saying you are!!!

I hope for your sake it's legit. Or maybe I don't after what you wrote to me! See ya jerky boy PAZZO E-Mail Four: You little piece of shit! Your a fraud and to think I was dumb enough to actually waist keystrokes mailing your pussy ass. Your site is in trouble now as the major Van Halen and David lee Roth sites are calling you melodi CROCK.com. Your just trying to get extra play on your site by posting rumers. You have no sources asshole, your a punk and I'm the one laughing.

Hang it up your done. Last time you chump! (Ranked In Order) • Mr. (Ranked In Order) • Kelly Keagy - The Journey • Mr. Big - Wake Up • Rubber - Forgive • Urban Tale - One Day (I'll Make You Mine) • Giant - You Will Be Mine • John Waite - Thinking About You • Kelly Keagy - Time Passes • Mr. Big - Shine • Seventh Key - Forsaken • Kick - Inhibition • Kelly Keagy - I'm Still Here • Mr.

Big - Lost In America • Giant - Don't Leave Me In Love • Bob Catley - City Walls • Kelly Keagy - The Moon • Rubber - Hopeless • Danger Danger (Paul Laine) - Don't Break My Heart Again • Dogface - I Will Be There • Hush - Don't Say Goodnight • Urban Tale - The Devil In Me • Mr. Big - Mary Goes Round • Urban Tale - King Of Hearts • Terry Brock - I Wanna Love Someone • Heaven & Earth - World's Apart • Under Suspicion - End Of The Game • Henry Lee Summer - Prime Of Life • Dare - Silent Thunder • Journey - World Gone Wild • Ten - Scarlet And The Grey. 2001 has come and gone in a flash - unbelievable. The last couple of months of 2001 will for me be remembered for the time that I finally began work on this site full time. Until now I have been in catch up mode, with several things still to do and a better design to be worked on.

That will come in 2002. But most importantly, I would like to thank each and every visitor to this site for coming here and more so to each and every person that e-mailed me any form of support or encouragement over the course of the year. Those positive vibes go a long way. Thanks also to those that made a donation via the PayPal link. Words are not enough - but thank you!

Thanks also to my dedicated sponsors and the artists and labels that find this site a worthy place to be featured. Ok, enough of the sentiment. Before I talk a bit about 2001 I will reflect a little. This time last year I wrote a passage of text, detailing what I was looking forward to in 2001. Let's take a look at that and see what came true and what didn't. Well, Journey's Arrival did eventually get a US release, but here in Australia we are still waiting.thanks for nothing Sony Music. As far as US sales went, it was disappointing to say the least.

The album came and went in a flash, although Trial By Fire didn't fare much better chart wise - but it did sell twice as much. What went wrong?

Nah.how about the 6 month delay between the Japanese and US release? I would be curious to see what the Japanese export figures were - even though officially you couldn't import it. Mmm.no store I know of didn't have it!! I went on to say that I was expecting big things from Danny Danzi, Bob Catley, Dreamhunter, Von Groove, Hurricane & Johnny Lima albums. Well, I got about a 50% success rate on that. Danny and Johnny are STILL crafting their next releases, working like busy little hobbits continually improving what is bound to be 2 of the best releases for 2002. Dreamhunter had the songs and attitude, but failed on the production quality.

Better luck next time guys. Slamer/Thompson also didn't live up to my expectations, especially given the immense talent of both involved. However, Hurricane turned out as hoped - darker and heavier - but quality for sure and Bob Catley's album was his usual high standard, completing a trilogy of releases with songwriter Gary Hughes. Von Groove had their Z Records studio debut and maintained their high standard with an enjoyable release. Last year I was also silly enough to think that Van Halen might release something. I should have known!

But the rumours continued to fly and the CIA secrecy around the band continued unabated. It was confirmed that 3 songs are in the can from sessions midway through 2000.can anyone send me a copy?!!

Mike Tramp thought his new album was his best ever and I agree, but due to things taking longer to come together, it'll have to wait until this time next year to make my Best Of list. Of the other releases due I spoke of, Snakes In Paradise, Riverdogs, Diving For Pearls, Stranded, Night Ranger, House Of Lords, Hardline, Zebra, Magnum and the Mike Reno solo album all failed to materialize, although several are already scheduled for the first half of 2002. My anticipation of the above remains high, although a couple may still be on the wait list come December 2002. Jeff Scott Soto's long awaited return in Humanimal was indeed killer as I hoped, but again, it will be the 2002 best of lists that will feature this release. On my 'Who won't make records this year?' List was Styx and Foreigner. But things look brighter for Styx, but Lou Gramm remains on the AWOL list.

There were predictions that Boston's new album would appear. I said no.I was right! I actually said I would bet on a July 2002 release - I'll stick to that. That out of the way - what else happened in 2001? Well, the year will be dominated by the events of Sept. 11 and the worldwide ramifications. We will all grow stronger in resolve out of those events and my thoughts and best wishes go to those that were effected by it.

Musically there were a few surprises. Big's record was a monster, recording a very commercial, yet guitar driven record that (thanks to Richie Zito) sounds like a million bucks. Mind you - their public split with Billy Sheehan was disappointing.

Especially in the wake of such a fine album. We still don't know what exactly went on, but I hope the band find some way to continue.

And still the album remains unreleased outside of Japan!!!!!!!! Mecca have recorded a timeless melodic rock record, something I have been playing since I got it, several months back now. I suggest that it will be high on many personal Best Of 2002 lists. Urban Tale proved on of the other big surprises - recording an album of such pure Journey-ish AOR that others should take note. Especially take note of how good the production quality of the album is.

It was great to see Giant's return and their album is (I think), excellent. A few noted that it wasn't as strong as their glory days - well of course not! These tracks didn't make those albums, but provide a strong platform for the band to return more permanently. And they had better!! I expect to see them at the 2002 Gods festival and I expect a new studio album. Dann and David - you can tease the fans, so commit to a record soon please!

2001 saw the Nu-Breed take a stand, but in the end it really didn't amount to too much. Marvelous 3 split, Mars Electric split, the Tories split and Neve and several others are label-less. If this sound was to make any break thru's 2001 should have been their year. I was disappointed, I was hoping for more. 2002 will have to produce something huge to get the genre going again, otherwise melodic fans will have to wait for something else to strike at mainstream. Australia's great Nu Breed/pop hope Invertigo are now 2 months over die for their US release, with no sign of being scheduled.who knows what's going on there, but have the label lost faith, or have the band been acting like idiots?

Yngwie managed to get himself in to trouble with two high profile incidents, and there is more, but read on through the 2001 Awards for details! A sometimes serious (sometimes not) look at the year just past: Firstly (and sadly.) RIP: It was an unfortunately big year for losses in the melodic rock and pop world in general. Among those that departed our world this year were: Starship/VOCR guitarist Erik Torjesen, Van Stephenson, Stuart Adamson (Big Country), Chuck Schuldiner (Death), George Harrison, Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Jude Wilder (wife of rocker Michael Monroe), John Lee Hooker, Joey Ramone, Aussie Icon Shirley Strachan (Skyhooks), Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman. Band Wise: RIP Great White, The Tories, Marvelous 3, Mr. Big (TBC!), The Angels.

On a lighter note: The Elvis Presley Almost RIP Award: Street Legal's Bjorn Boge for surviving a horrific bus crash while on tour. The 'WWF' Worst Stunt While Performing Live Award: Rick Springfield for falling on his ass from a great height during a performance of his EFX Alive stage show. Lucky to walk away with only a broken arm. The 'Yngwie J Egosteen' Award For Best Backstage Antics: Yngwie J Malmsteen taking the award unanimously for his backstage punch up with Millenium's Jorn Lande, which in turn saw several dates on his tour cancelled while singer and drummer were replaced. The 'UFO' Award For Best Onstage Antics: Yngwie J Malmsteen (again) for telling his South American crowd to go fuck themselves, when they displayed a less than favourable response to his drawn out playing of the American Anthem. The 'Ted Nugent' Wild Man Of Borneo Award: Michael Schenker for that less than impressive new look. The ZZ Top fan club would not be impressed.

Neither am I! The 'Mutt Lange' Production Award For Slowest Album Recording Process: *TIE* Danny Danzi & Johnny Lima - both perfectionists and both continue to work on their new albums! Good luck gentlemen, we're here when you're ready! The 'ELO' Will They Turn Up If We Play Award: Axel Rose who thinks that people will actually pay $250 to see him, the one original member left, play live with a guy who wears a KFC bucket on his head.

Or did the Bucket guy have a breakdown? I can't remember. The Back From The Dead Award: *TIE* - Push, Harem Scarem, Mickey Thomas, Michael Sembello, Rembrandts (Danny & Phil together) & Duran Duran nice to see you all back guys! The 'Sony Music' When Is A Label Not A Label Award: Portrait Records who have, despite denying it, all but evaporated. But they did release 3 albums in 2001 - all re-issues. The Worst Case Of Mislabelling Award: King Kobra for trying to make a 'comeback' with a new line up and a sound totally alien to their original style & David Glenn Eisley for a solo album that should have mostly been credited to Giuffria. The 'Frankie Sullivan' Lawsuits-Are-Us Award: Metallica for suing anyone that looked sideways at them - including a furniture store, a tyre manufacturing firm, Napster and a few others.

The Best Case Of Telling It Like It Is Award: Herbie Herbert - Journey's ex-manager who spilt the beans on the band's behind-closed-doors agreements. The 'Holy Masquerading Impostors Batman' Award: Blue Tears - well not really Blue Tears, but the individual in America's south, who has been pretending he is Gregg Fulkerson. Thankfully Gregg e-mailed me to set it straight.

The Joint 'Yngwie J Malmsteen/Michael Schenker' Disappearing Band Members Award: *TIE* Vinny Burns (Ten), John Sepetys (Hair Of The Dog), Matthew Gerrard (Von Groove) Vocalist Of The Year: Jorn Lande - Definitely Europe's, but possibly also the world's best and most diversely talented singer. In 2001, Jorn released a killer solo record, finished up work ont he yet to be released Millenium cover's record, sang on Beyond Twilight's new album and also the raved about second epic prog rock album by Ark. And in between time, he managed to staty on tour with Yngwie, before it all ended backstage in a very rock n roll punchup. What could he possibly do in 2002 to top that?!! The Best Producer Award: Richie Zito for the fabulous job with Mr. Honourable mentions to Anders Theander (Urban Tale), Martin Kronlund (Dogface), Harry & Pete (Rubber), Tommy Newton for his various production and mixing work & Mike Slamer (Seventh Key).

Worst Albums of the Year: Always popular - King Kobra, Horakane, Val Halla, Robert Sweet, 707. The 'Survivor' award for BAND NAMING RIGHTS: Little River Band - who's complicated set up is bound to carry them into 2002's headlines. The 'Japanese Label' one last cash-in award: BMG America - will you guys stop already with the Rick Springfield and Hall & Oates compilations???

The 'Kiss' Award for Most Money Made For Least Amount Of Work: Kiss - who else! Now there's even a Kiss casket to die in after you shell out for their box set and can't afford to eat. The Just Release The Bloody Thing Award: *TIE!* Van Halen (release anything - we don't care how finished it is anymore!!), Millenium's Covers Album (C'Mon Ralph!!), Sammy Hagar - Greatest Hits Live, Damn Yankees 3 and from last year - still Wicked Alliance & Alias 2. The Most Likely To Release A Live Album in 2002 Award: *TIE* Mr. Big, Dream Theater, Kiss & Styx - what are the odds?!! The Worst Record Label Award: *TIE* Massacre Records, SPV & Noise Records who between them failed to reply to a single e-mail sent by me to them in the whole 12 month period of 2001. The Best Record Label Award: Frontiers Records / Now & Then Productions - Can't go past this label partnership that has supplied us with Kelly Keagy, Urban Tale, Terry Brock, Giant, Seventh Key, Bob Catley, Hurricane, Heaven & Earth, Ten and Jorn Lande.

Well done guys.The competition for 2002 will be greater than ever - already anticipating the results from all labels. The Best MelodicRock.com Noticeboard Username for 2001 Award: *TIE* Melv Smellpaisley & Ferrari Sparklepants - I have nothing to add to that! The Beat The Bootleggers Award: Chris Thompson for making both his classic, but deleted, 80's solo album's available for MP3 download from his website.

The Best Fan Website Award: VHForums.com - again - where else can one lurk for some intelligent VH related discussion? And last but not least! Dickhead of the Year Award: We'll call him BP. I don't want to giveaway this guy's full name here, as I am not that kind of person. But I will show you a few funny extracts from a few e-mails from him.

No one is perfect, but BP likes to point out parts my reviews he doesn't agree with, plus comment on the% marks when they don't match his opinion. I have always been happy to take points on board when sent to me, but I think in this case we are dealing with someone who has a severe personality disorder.

I might add that BP claims he writes for a rock magazine.must be a great magazine, no one I know has heard of him! BP's E-Mail Highlights 2001: '.Then, you gave Demon 80% and Warrant 81% You got to be kidding me Andy. That basically tells me everything about you. How can you dishonor a band like Demon with a lower grade than one of the most pathetic bands ever lived in Warrant?

'Last but not the least, how about that ass licking review of Mike Tramp´s new CD Andrew? Right on mister!!!! Yeah right, like that was not expected from a guy like you.Merry Christmas Mike Tramp. At least you can count on your buddy Andrew in wet and dry he-he.'

I did like the length on the short reviews. Why don´t you stick to that length all the time instead of rambling on with reviews long like novels? Don´t you realize how tiredsome that is and who cares about that percentage info below the actual review anyway? Just a few tips for your site.' 'NOTE For some reason, you have a very limited taste and that is pretty annoying. Then you went on and rave about really cheesy stuff like Michael Monroe, who can't sing, Poison and Tuff, who can't play, and Tuff, not to mention Tiffany, who just plain out suck.

The reason for that is because you like cheesy stuff.' 'I listened to the new Neal Schon album 'Voice' and I was blown away. But what happen? Yes of course, Mr. Andrew gives the album a 79%, while he rates mediocre albums like 'Beyond The Thunder' and the double CD (which is so awful I forgot the name of it) Schon did above Voice. On top of that, Mr. Andrew gives crap bands such as Mr.

Big (was is 99%?) and Danger Danger 100%. You are aware of the fact that it was because of crap like Danger Danger, Poison and Warrant that Nirvana and Pearl Jam plagued the charts during the entire 1990s aren´t you? By the way, do not sit and speculate what other Journey fans would think about the Voice CD.' There's plenty more, but that'll do for now!

• Snakes In Paradise - Dangerous Love • Def Leppard - Torn To Shreds • Hughes Turner Project - On The Ledge • Harem Scarem - You Ruined Everything • Mike Tramp - Mr. 2002 was an interesting year. On a personal note it was the single most amazing year in my life - I got married, Cathy got pregnant and then went through a really tough few months, little Nicholas was born and then it was over!

Thanks to everyone that e-mailed or posted well-wishes. It was fantastic fun to read and shows what a great community of people we have here. So what could 2003 come up with to top that? Professionally speaking, it was the first year of working on this site full time - which presented new challenges and a few problems, but also a lot of big positives. The site re-design was finally completed, but needed an immediate overhaul as some parts just didn't work in practice. Some more tweaking in 2003 is expected.

I also dropped a few changes along the way, as I want to concentrate on the core elements of the site. That will be the aim in 2003 too - more news, reviews, soundbytes and interviews. That core of the site is the most important and that's where my energy will be going.

That and the MR-X Members area! Thanks to all those that have shown their belief in the site by joining that area - I hope to continue bringing you all cool exclusives throughout 2003. Traffic continued to rise to the site over the course of the year - currently the site is getting nearly 250,000 frontpage hits a month. Melodic rock ain't dead yet! The site Noticeboard continues to be an interesting area of the site.

I get countless e-mails and messages from melodic rock fans saying that they appreciate the ability to be able to post and talk with like minded individuals and many have also picked up new music thanks to others posting their thoughts on recent purchases. For that reason alone it remains a vital part of the site. But the fact that it's an open forum means there are a few problems. The board gets abused regularly by those looking to push their own agenda and that is one thing I am going to do my best to eliminate once and for all during 2003. I hate deleting posts, as it sometimes leads to people crying fowl, but the reality is that the majority want to enjoy the board for what it is and would like it to be a bullshit free zone. That's the plan!

I didn't want to roll out the usual we have to work together clique's, but.the scene does not need fragments working against the better good of the community as a whole. I hope to do my part to bridge gaps and solve problems during this year and into the next. One other story is worth mentioning for a laugh. I was asked by a band's management to present a unofficially 'leaked' full-length MP3 by them on the frontpage, which I did. I unfortunately let slip somewhere where that directive came from, which was promptly posted over at the band's official website message board.

It then hit the fan and the song was later removed quietly. The band's forum was also later closed down and I haven't heard from the band or their management company since. Live and learn I guess.no more agreeing to hair-brained ideas. So that's enough site and scene crap.how about the music?

What happened in 2002? The bad news is that there really weren't too many scandals to make fun of. Hopefully ego's will be bigger in 2003 to ensure a few more laughs. 2002 was the best year for music that I have seen since doing this site. I had more trouble compiling the Best Of lists this year than any year previous and that suggests that there is more great music out there.

Naturally there is some shit, or below average releases - but that's ok. The higher the quality of the rest of the CD releases in the market place, the less the shitty titles will sell and become unviable for release.

Kurt Torster will love this - but I have to confess that nu-breed rock made a major impact in 2002. It was only last year when I said that nu-breed would have to produce something huge to get the genre going again, otherwise melodic fans will have to wait for something else to strike at mainstream. It seems 2002 saw that very thing happen with some monster releases and a ton of new names enter the fray. Now I don't believe many of these made huge chart impacts, but the fact that the music is being made, sounds great and some of it released on major labels is at least keeping the flame alive. The year's biggest seller was Avril Lavigne, who's spunky debut album continues to sell by the truck load. Hopefully those that dig that album - new and old fans - will look for more along those lines and that in turn will lead them online and right into our lair. So nu-breed came back with a hit, but what about classic melodic rock and AOR.

No such luck as far as any major label interest - but I don't expect that anyway. What I did see in 2002 was a further increase in the quality of releases from the melodic rock labels. There was also several new arrives on the label front. All of them seem to have their own little flair and I wish them all the best of luck.

Things are certainly more active and interesting then they were back in 1994-97. Now & Then were the only label at one stage and now look at it! One thing is for sure - all labels need our support for them to continue to prosper, improve and offer an outlet for our favourite artists to continue to record our favourite music.

Don't think I mean blind enthusiasm - there will be some releases that are not up to the standard of others. But whether it's pure AOR, melodic rock, hard rock, progressive or metal - support your favourite artists! 2002 - Predictions from last year. One of my favorite things to do over the last few years has been to predict what the year ahead holds. I'll do it again a little bit further down the page, but right now I guess it's time to see just how close I got it with my 2002 predictions from last year's awards page. My first prediction was that it would be an even more colorful year than 2001 was.

Well, it was better musically, but scandals were way down. Disappointingly so! Yngwie's only negative publicity came from a lame 12 year old tape recording and UFO didn't even attempt a tour.

Axl Rose really was the only major twat of the year, so let's hope there are a few more scandals in the coming 12 months. First were my hot tips for albums to watch for in 2002. A few hits and a couple of misses. Mecca, Mike Tramp and Harem Scarem all nailed it, with albums that would make any best of list in any year. Heartland also released their best effort yet, with a great production featured. Now, if they add the anthem style choruses of a Journey album, there would be no stopping them. I also mentioned Baron as one to watch.

They delivered a good album, but it hasn't lived up to it's promise over the 12 months and in hindsight, could have been more consistent. Magnum's comeback album was for me, also disappointing. Below average songs and a really programmed feel to it. High hopes for the next one. I know some will disagree with that assessment though. What about the other 2002 predicted highlights? Albums that turned out winners as hoped/expected: Def Leppard, Westworld, Street Talk, Cornerstone, Adriangale, Frontline, Goo Goo Dolls, Rain, Hughes/Turner.

Now, of these albums, Def Leppard and Westworld really pleased me. The Leps got a bit of stick for being all soft and not rocking enough, but those ignoring this album really are doing themselves out of some of the finest adult pop/rock songs available.

Tony Harnell proved he still has a monster voice, with the band's most commercial and fabulous album yet. Adriangale was well received, but I still think it could have been beefier. The Goo Goo Dolls showed they still write some of the finest nu-breed out there, but for the love of God, kill the vocals from Robby. Albums that received a mixed response: Rush (some love it, some hate it.I'm in-between), Hardline (love it/hate it.I think it's cool, but it could have been even better), Dokken (I like it, but they didn't use Norum to their advantage) and Bon Jovi (better than Crush, but relatively boring in the end). Bombs: Boston's 8 year trek to release new material failed to inspire most. It feature some killer songs, but just isn't a very cohesive album. Toto's covers album was met with similar mixed responses.

Dogface forgot to write any choruses, so their much anticipated follow up didn't go too well. The biggest disappointments from the 2002 predictions: Boston, Toto and Dogface. I predicted Harem Scarem would spark debate with their new release and sure enough it did - combining the best elements of their classic sound and those closer to their recent Rubber work.

For me, releases like these are what bridges the gap between fans of the old and the new. It will be interesting to hear what the next album will bring. Some anticipated albums that didn't make it out: Duran Duran, Mickey Thomas, Raine, Stranded, Norway, Lynch/Pilson, Burning Rain and Drive She Said! Also promised for 2002 that didn't show - House Of Lords, Tesla and the possibility of a Night Ranger album.

Three possible classics, three strikes! Now, I copped some flack for predicting that Tesla wouldn't get their new studio album out in 2002. Sure enough, it didn't happen, so those that mailed can e-mail apologies now! Who else did I say won't make records in 2002? Van Halen - Correct; Foreigner - Correct; Meatloaf - Correct and Survivor - Correct; Skid Row - Correct!

What else transpired? Westworld released a classic album that saw them get some major press coverage, including praise in the widely circulated LA Weekly, but they remain an independent artist in the US - but so is Journey now, so who cares? As long as we support the artists, the music will continue. Be nice though if mainstream media gave a little more credit where due. 2002 saw a few events take place that you couldn't have predicted.

How about Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth touring together? Strange stuff indeed. It was from all accounts a great tour, but the B.S. Back and forth between the guys to generate publicity was kind of sad. So to was Roth's refusal to jam with Sammy for the encore each night. That would have been something to see. Michael Anthony joined Sammy on stage and also talked up new of a VH release, but alas, nothing ever eventuated.

In fact the Van Halen fiasco sunk further into a farce, with the band left without any support staff or a record label and remain without a singer. What was hardest to swallow was the complete lack of any kind of statement or update from the VH camp.

Sure, Eddie told us he was healthy again in a 2 line statement, but otherwise the dwindling legion of VH fans (me included) were left sucking our thumbs. For each month that passes there are less people that care. Hagar released a new album - which, even though it was rough as guts, was pretty good again. I hear that he's pretty upset with the lack of label support for it and it not willing to record anything else unless a good deal is in place prior. Can't blame Sammy for think that, but he has just joined the ranks of most other classic rock artists out there.

Yngwie made the headlines again - this time for going nuts at a woman some 15 years ago. How sad that something like that should surface now. His new studio was pretty good though, making up for last year's release. Too late for Spitfire though, who after re-releasing all his back catalogue last year, weren't interested in the new album. Def Leppard released their new album X, which came as a pleasant surprise to me and won some favorable reviews. But alas, the record label could give two shits and the album has sunk without much fanfare.

The guys played a few US dates, but with little push behind them, it wasn't surprising to see the album slip from the charts. But, I'm ever hopeful, it's a classic and rather commercial album, so there isn't any reason why it can't be a sleeper, just like Hysteria was. Of course, some fans accused the guys of selling out and going soft. Cried of selling out to outside influences also – but check the album credits people – there are only 2 songs on the whole album written outside the band.

Those dissing the album for being too soft are missing some classic melodic rock songs. Bon Jovi released their new album – again preaching their worth as a hard rock band and talking up the album. But on arrival it's chock full of ballads again.

A major let downbut at least it was better than Crush. Whitesnake are back together - well Coverdale's band are at least - with an all new line-up, aside from drummer Tommy Aldridge.

Should be good to hear, although I can't help but be disappointed that John Sykes and Coverdale couldn't reach terms on a new union. Guns N Roses made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. With only half a tour completed, that being with an out of shape singer who was the only original band member means that there is a lot of work to be done to make the band's next album a success. Jorn Lande confused everyone by leaving-joining-leaving Millenium, also dropped his own solo band, left Ark and joined Masterplan. Could 2003 get any more complex?

Another with a string of bad press behind him was Motley Crue vocalist Vince Neil. He stumbled blindly through 2002, abusing a crowd of his own fans, punching one guy out and apparently even his girlfriend most recently. Sebastian Bach made a dick of himself on UK TV and threw a friend of mine out of his tour bus, threatening him with his life after he pulled out a promo of the new Skid Row single.

Kiss are still going.sometimes without Ace, sometimes without Peter.occasionally without both. Paul Stanley made the most bizarre claim of the year, giving in principle support to a Kiss line up without any original members! Sony Music sent out copies of the new Pearl Jam album glued into Discman's, but I still got a copy off the net! Gotthard split with their long-time producer/writing partner Chris Von Rohr.

The result of that will be heard shortly, with the release of their new album. MTM Music released a press release urging people to buy, not copy. It seems CDR copying is really heavily eating into all label profits. Fair call - personally, if I like an album, I want everything, original art, original CD etc. However, the answer does not lie with CD copy protection. On more than one occasion this year I was left without the ability to listen/review and feature soundbytes of an artist, due to having bought a protected CD. I can't sit at this PC and listen to it, or write a review, as the CD-Row won't recognize the disc and I can't format any MP3 soundbytes for you all to sample.

People won't buy unless they can sample, so who's the winner here? As I said earlier - Nu-breed made an impact - with some great music released by Avril Lavigne, Butch Walker, Simple Plan, SR-71, TaxiRide, matchbox twenty, Goo Goo Dolls. A few melodic rockers went nu-ish, with Eric Martin's album a rocking surprise and Alfonzetti's new album quite modern. Eric was well received, but Alfonzetti seems to have failed to excite.

Shame - I think he's a cleaver writer and the album does contain some great tunes. Honeymoon Suite's is it too - and again I think there were some great tunes there, but the fact the album is now available in 3 formats and two titles could have confused the public. Just one version next time please. There were some great pure AOR releases - Mecca being the standout as far as I'm concerned. Both albums Shy and their singer Tony Mills were solid, as were AOR releases by Frontline (always reliable), Crown Of Thorns (back in form), Snakes In Paradise (brilliant blues rock AOR?), Street Talk, Jaded Heart, AOR, Biloxi, Poley/Pichler and the double of Harlan Cage and 101 South. Sad thing is - not all of them worked commercially. I know for a fact 101 South/Harlan Cage's Roger Scott Craig can't see another album happening anytime soon.

That's too bad - again, more great music going begging. Some classic melodic rock releases in the shape of Harem Scarem, Westworld, Mike Tramp, Jeff Scott Soto, Heartland, Adriangale and Def Leppard appeared - all worthy of reaching Top 10 lists everywhere. Hard rock fans weren't left out either - high quality records from Humanimal, Hardline, Cornerstone, Hughes/Turner, LA Guns, Talon, Mollo/Martin and Dio meant that there really was something for all hard music fans. 2003 looks great for fans of hard music.

Already there are indications that it could be as good as 2002 for variety and quality and possibly even better. AOR fans have some hot new albums to look forward to. I have already heard the huge On The Rise debut and the new Jim Jidhed. Both will be hard to beat for pure AOR brilliance and prove that great AOR is still being made.

Lec Zorn Project is pure Survivor style 80's AOR, as is the new Josh Ramos project Ramos and the excellent new Departure album. Ambition (Thom Griffin, Joe Vana) looks like being Mecca's sequel, and could also rank as one of the best AOR albums of 2003.

And don't rule out Jim Peterik's project in progress, which sounds like it will be right up there. Mike Tramp is even more enthusiastic about this new album then the last.

It's being mixed in Berlin right now, so I hope to have a copy by the end of the month at the latest! So what else do melodic rock and AOR fans have to look forward to? How about new albums from Styx, Mark Spiro, Dare, Bob Catley, Alliance, Drive She Said, First Shot, Diving For Pearls, Khymera, Gotthard, Pride, Radioactive, Hugo, Mickey Thomas, Michael Sembello, House Of Lords, Heart, Meatloaf, Harem Scarem, Brian McDonald, Firehouse, House Of Shakira, Vaughn and Glen Burtnik. And I couldn't go any further without predicting Rick Springfield's new album will be an absolute classic. Rick describes the new demos as '.3 minute angry rock songs.' - yeah, baby, yeah. Nu-breed fans have their own range of hit titles to look forward to.

Atenzia Records are embracing this format without forgetting classic melodic rock, which I think is a great thing to do - not to mention an intelligent balanced approach. They have 40ft Ringo to kick things off - a great album - but I hope the widespread circulation of the band's great demo's will not hurt sales of the finished product. They also have Mitch Malloy's new project Fluid Sol, which sees Mitch crossing over to the nu-side. Add new comers Sweet Water and Melodine - no word on these guys yet, but they sound promising. Watch these releases!

And don't forget Paul Laine's new band - from the demo's I heard (over the phone!), this will be a nu-monster! Atenzia are also behind the new Mars Electric album. Now & Then will offer us Harry Hess' solo debut, which from what I have heard will be a power pop monster. The three demos I heard were instantly catchy and even more pop than Rubber. There will be another Harem Scarem album recorded soon - the guys bound to differ things again a little - that should be out late 2003 and a major highlight! The band's drummer Creighton Doane has his own solo album planned - another power pop styled release, which should be another worthy highlight. Other nu-breed to watch for - Everclear, Avril Lavigne (late 2003.if it gets done in time), Kick, Vertical Horizon, Supermint, Colin Blades and former Candlebox singer Kevin Martin.

Coming out of Australia will be Red Circle, a band that you will be hearing more of in the future and hopefully Square One - another bright hope - will complete their debut album. Just to the side of AOR and nu-breed, are the pure pop releases. And there are a couple of them due in 2003. None bigger than a new Nelson album, which better get released! How about Duran Duran's reformed comeback album? Or Fleetwood Mac?

Hall & Oates are back in February and if their last album is anything to go by, this will be another great slice of mature pop rock. Raine might also surprise pop rock fans and also watch for new albums by Bob Segar, Bryan Adams, U2 and Inxs. For those that like it hard and heavy, 2003 has more for you also. Watch for new albums by Lynch/Pilson, AC/DC, Zebra, Seven Wishes, Damned Nation, Talisman, Black Label Society, Autograph, Thunder, Queensryche, Guns N Roses, Britny Fox, Skid Row, Leif Johansen, Tesla, Hodson, Glenn Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, HTP, Von Groove, Gary Hughes, Ten, Anthrax, Metallica, TNT (EP) and Masterplan.

So you've read through the 2002 Summary and seen what became of my predictions from last year - what's going to happen in 2003? (No this is not news - it's just some crystal ball gazing.) - The Guns N Roses album will get postponed again and if released, won't be until late 2003 at the earliest. 2003 tour dates will be a similar disaster to 2002. - The Slash and fellow ex-Gunners album will get better reviews than Gunners themselves.

- Skid Row won't find a label for their new album (unless Spitfire step in), will release it themselves (finally) and will re-unite with Sebastian Bach for the summer of 2004. - Judas Priest will start talking with Rob Halford again.

- Eddie Van Halen will do a few more guest spots, but come no closer to talking about the band, or getting a new singer. No new VH in 2003. - Sony will release another Toto compilation.

- BMG will release another Rick Springfield compilation. - A new nu-breed band will break through for a US #1 album. - Boston will only play a few select dates - no big tour. - Metallica's album will under-achieve. - The biggest melodic rock tours of 2003 will be the Meatloaf, Whitesnake and Styx tours. - Biggest tour of all: Duran Duran - Sammy Hagar will release some sort of new album / Van Halen won't. - Bobby Kimball will release a new solo album / Toto won't.

- Jim Peterik will release a new album / Survivor won't. - House Of Lords will finally release their new album / Bourgeois Pigs won't. - Bobby Barth will release an album / Axe won't. - Kelly Keagy will release a new studio album / Night Ranger won't. - Dare: even money on whether the album will be released this year or next! - Planet Us will not tour (just a hunch) 2003's Best Albums?

AOR - On The Rise, Jim Jidhed, Ambition, Jim Peterik, Departure. Urban Tale already qualifies.

Melodic Rock - Rick Springfield, Harem Scarem, Diving For Pearls, Dare, Mike Tramp, House Of Lords, Pride, Styx, Alliance, Hugo, Glen Burtnik, Brian McDonald, House Of Shakira. Unruly Child already qualifies. Nu-Breed - Harry Hess, 40ft Ringo, Sweet Water, Melodine, Paul Laine, Kick. Hard Rock - Talisman, Masterplan, Glenn Hughes, HTP, Thunder, Lynch/Pilson, Tesla, TNT (EP) Pop - Hall & Oates, Inxs, Nelson Albums that might not make the December 31 deadline (for whatever reasons): Mickey Thomas, Michael Sembello, Firehouse, Guns N Roses, Creighton Doane, Avril Lavigne.

Just before I finish this wrap up - what about the labels themselves? What are they looking forward to in 2002? I thought I would find out! Mario Lehmann - MTM MUSIC 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year?

HUGHES TURNER PROJECT, 2. HUGHES TURNER PROJECT Live, 3. RONDINELLI, 4. STREET TALK, 5. WICKED SENSATION 2 - Your favourite releases of the year?

STREET TALK, 3. WICKED SENSATION, 4. HUGHES TURNER PROJECT 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? SNOWY WHITE - Restless, 2. PETER GREEN - Best Of, 3.

MAURO GIULIANI - Concerto A.dur op. 30 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! HUGHES TURNER PROJECT - Vol 2 Khalil Turk - ESCAPE MUSIC 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? 1-Heartland, 2-Grand Illusion, 3-FURY, 4-Total Stranger, 5-Sugarcreek 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? Heartland 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? BBMAK Santana 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!!?

Phantoms Opera, Shadowman, Aftermath, Newman Mario - FRONTIERS RECORDS 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? Harem Scarem Weight Of The World, Hardline II, Journey Red 13, Mecca S/t, Mollo / Martin The Cage 2 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? No favourite from our label & I love them all! 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? Def Leppard X, Taxiride Garage Mahal, Westworld Cyberdreams, Hughes/Turner HTP, Matchbox Twenty More Than You Think You Are, Goo Goo Dolls Gutterflower; Jars Of Clay The Eleventh Hour & I may forget some though.

4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! Some of them have not been announced yet so I won t make any name. Out of the ones announced I d say a quest between Ambition and House Of Lords (yes this one WILL be out in 2003!!!). Serafino - FRONTIERS RECORDS Your favourite releases of the year? For myself Hardline was a special one as we have worked so hard on this and the result has been very positive. Other personal favourites include Mecca and Jeff Scott Soto. Journey has been a dream come true and I hope to do more for them in the future!

3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? Def Leppard 'X'; Pink, Westworld, Jennifer Paige, Hughes / Turner 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!!

Activation Coda Asphalt 2 Urban Gt Samsung S more. As Mario said I am SURE this year will be the one for House Of Lords return. We hope all the work and inputs we have made on this one will be really well received.

We have about 4 or 5 new amazing signings to shoot, but this will be revealed very soon after the Christmas holidays. One nice exclusive I can give you is the signing of the brand new Glen Hughes album to be released in June 2003 on Frontiers Records. Glen promised to deliver a kick-ass melodic hard rock album so we are all hopeful he can be out big ace this year. All details to be announced soon! I also wish to mention a few other upcoming great releases such as the newcomers On The Rise, Talisman, Zion and Khymera. I hope our releases made everyone rock during 2002 and be sure we'll give you a lot of good times in the coming year as well!!!! Mark Ashton - NOW & THEN RECORDS 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year?

I guess Mario already answered this one! 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? Harem Scarem, Mecca, Last Tribe, Jeff Scott Soto, Pulse and I thought Lost Weekend really stepped up a level with their album.

They will continue to grow and should be given a chance by more people. 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label?

Faith Hill, Spock`s Beard, Loud & Clear, Threshold, Westworld, Taxiride, Grand Illusion, Disturbed, Star One, Seven and The Sun. Others worthy of note were Venice, Meniketti, Shy and Highway 9. Oh and Audiovent was good, but not as good as Harem Scarem.so there, Surfpunk!:-) 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! We`ve got some great albums lined up for 2003.

The new Ken Tamplin album is simply melodic hard rock perfection with powerful AC/DC like rhythms and huge Whitesnake/House Of Lords choruses plus a list of guitarists to die for. Harry Hess` solo album will please most Harem Scarem fans plus those who were more accepting of the Rubber era and a lot of nu-breed/Jellyfish fans. Gary Hughes` 'Once And Future King' opus will finally be released and all I can say is that the material is stunning.It`s the first time new Ten guitarist Chris Francis will have been heard within a `song` context on record and he does not disappoint. Bob Catley`s new album will please all his existing fan base and maybe even open up a new audience as Paul Hodson`s material retains the elements we all loved on his first thre solo albums whilst adding a classic rock (a la Dio/Rainbow) feel in places. The same can be said of the Hodson album which will be one of the big surprises of 2003 along with the brilliant debut album from Spanish sensations Nexx.

Their 'Colours' album is a joy to behold from start to finish and truly lives up to the potential shown to everyone who has seen them perform live. The production is clear and crisp, the performances even better than we imagined (especially considering most of the band had never been in a `real` studio before) and the songs are as good as any other band out there whilst not sounding particularly like anyone else. If AOR has a future then it`s bands like Nexx who could supply it as long as people give them a chance. Another act worth giving a chance is Burns Blue, featuring Vinny Burns (Dare/Ten) and Sam Blue (YaYa/Ultravox). They have just been putting down the rhythm tracks for their debut album, 'What If', with Pete Jupp (Wildlife/FM/So!) and Bob Skeat ( Wildlife/So!/Wishbone Ash).

The album is really coming to life now and it will definitely surprise quite a few people. There are some pure AOR/Melodic ROck tracks as one would expect but there are definite influences from Aerosmith/AC/DC in the rhythm section and Tom Petty/Paul Gilbert in the song structures.

The material sounds lik eit will really work well in the live setting and as long as people are willing to approach it with an open mind and not expect some rehashed Dare/Ten songs then this will be in many top tens of the year. 2003 will also see the release of Johnny Lima`s long awaited new album, 'Made In California'. OK, he`s taken a long time to record this one but he`s been a tad busy with his personal life (the small matters of getting married, having/bringing up a baby and moving house!) and it will be worth the wait.

The songs are as catchy as ever but this time the sonic quality will match the material. We also aim to release several albums featuring Ralph Santolla in the coming year. As well as the Millenium covers album, we hope to release a new album from the band (for which the music is already written) and a new Eyewitness album (for which everything is written and it`s simply a matter of scheduling the recording).

Towards the Autumn of the year there will be a new Harem Scarem album, which we plan to take the band up a notch with. 'Weight Of The World' was a huge critical and commercial success for the label and the next album will be even more so, we are confident. Some other new artists to watch out for in 2003 are Hysteria (some of you will have seen them at The Gods and been impressed with their amazing musicianship and quality songwriting) and Livesay who are a great band from the U.S.

With progressive hard rock pomposity meets Leatherwolf/Impelliterri guitarwork meets Y&T style melodic rock choruses. These guys will make a big splash this coming year. 'I also think that Escape should be highly commended on the Tribute to Boston that they released. It was obviously lovingly put together with great performances and a love of the music at heart.

Probably the best tribute album so far.' Bruce Mee / NOW & THEN Your favourite releases of the year? Harem Scarem, Talon, Mecca, Pulse, Lost Weekend Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? Loud & Clear, Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, Jaded Heart, Avantasia What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! Gary Hughes - King Arthur project, Ten album - with new guitarist, Burns/Blue - amazing stuff.

Fair Warning meets FM/Dare, Harem Scarem new album, Bob Catley new album (with Paul Hodson writing the songs), Kane Roberts solo album (follow up to 'Saints & Sinners', with Desmond Child, Kip Winger, Steve Vai etc), Saracen new album 'RED SKY' (reformed after 20 years. Epic rock!!), Gods DVD releases Hopefully, another Gods festival at some point!! Mark Alger - Z RECORDS 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? Westwolrd, Shy, Silent Rage, Humanimal and 21 Guns where our top albums. 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? I think it would be unfair to answer this question as I believe in all of our acts hence why I signed them;o) 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? 1] Sammy Hagar - Not For Sale, 2] Valentine - Believing is seeing, 3] Def Leppard - X, 4] Pretty Maids - Planet Panic 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!!

We have many things that are yet to be announced, but I guess the new releases from TNT, LRT and Prophet will shake a few trees. 2003 will be a fantastic year for the label we are already confident of that fact. John Kivel - KIVEL RECORDS 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? ADRIANGALE 'ReProgram', TNA 'Finger On The Trigger', RAIN 'House Of Dreams', BARON 'Love Valley', FUNNY MONEY 'S/T' 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? ADRIANGALE 'ReProgram' BARON 'Love Valley' Rain 'House of Dreams' 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? JSS 'Prism', DAMNED NATION 'Grand Design', HAREM SCAREM 'w.o.w', Butch Walker, D2 'C-Roach', there are so many! We will just leave it with that!

4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! The most anticipated release right now without a doubt would have to be, PYN SIREN!!!! The response on the two MP3s that you made available to your site visitors has been overwhelming.

We wanted to end the year with it, but due to the manufacturing delays we will kick of the NEW year with this great release instead of ending the past one with it. We are also very much looking fwd to NO MORE JOHNNY, DAMN CHEETAH(Finally ready for release!!!) As well as a few others we arent ready to announce just yet. You can also expect some NEW things from Adriangale in the new year as well. To all the labels, magazines,websites, web dwellers, stores and bands.Heres to a great new year Dane Spencer - SONG HAUS MUSIC 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? 1.1.speedway blvd, 2.Brad Love-Through Another Door, 3.Airborne-The Dig, 4. Daniel Ash-Foolish Thing Desire, 5.

Silver Condor-Trouble at Home 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? Tie: Airborne-The Dig, Brad Love-Through Another Door 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? Beck-Sea Changes, 2. Queens of the Stoneage-Songs for the deaf, 3. Chris Robinson-New Earth Mud. 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!!

Ken Tamplin-Wake the Nations, 2. New Machine-S/T Shawn C. Lane - FASTLANE RECORDS 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? Zinny J Zan/The Erotics/The Bang Gang/Electric Magic Sideshow/Needle Park. 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? Zinny J Zan 'City Boy Blues' and Needle Park 'C'mon Get Real' stand-out.

3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? Butch Walker 'Left Of Self Centered'/Eric Martin 'Going Sane'/LA Guns 'Waking The Dead'/Gemini 5 's/t'/ 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! Mars Needs Women were extremely anticipating due to the extremely talented frontman Shawn Mars and his incredible knack for hooky/melodic rock songs. As well as Romeo's Dead and the Babylon Bombs.

Philadelphia's Midnight Angel are also a stand-out band in the hard rock vein. And a early spring release of Castle Blak 'Glamour And Damnation'.and much more planned from FastLane Records for 2003 as well. Tom Mathers - PERRIS RECORDS 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? George Lynch 2. Pretty Boy Floyd 3. Bruce Kulick 4.

Every Mother's Nightmare 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? Too many to name 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? Giant III, Broken Teeth 'Guilty Pleasure', Shameless 'Splashed' 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! More great music that people can enjoy!!! Pretty Boy Floyd, EMN, Roxx Gang, Hollywood Hairspray II, etc.

Ryan - METAL MAYHEM 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? TWENTY 4 SEVEN, ST. JAMES, KENNY MCGEE, JULLIET, MINDSET 7 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? KENNY MCGEE-ST, JULLIET-PASSION, MINDSET7-BLUR 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label? DEF LEPPARD-X, CROWN OF THORNS-KHARMA, ADRIANGALE-REPROGRAM, HAREM SCAREM-WEIGHT OF THE WORLD, FRONTLINE-AGAINST THE WORLD.

4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! SECRET SMILE-INTO THE NIGHT, TURBIN-THREAT-CON-DELTA, 7 HOURS LATER, SNAKERYDER Lasse - LION MUSIC 1 - What were your label's best selling releases of the year? Richie Kotzen - Slow, Mike Terrana - Shadows of the Past, James Byrd - Anthem, Star Queen - Faithbringer, Chris Poland - Return to Metaliopolis 2002 2 - Your favourite releases of the year? Jason Becker Tribute vol II 3 - Favorite releases of the year that were NOT on your label?

The last Dream Theater album 4 - What you are most anticipating from your label scheduled for 2003!! New releases from Empire, Winterlong, Section A; Mattsson, Condition Red. Bill Chavis - CHAVIS RECORDS Our top sellers are 1. Cry Havoc, 2. Ivory Tower My favorite release for none other then our first is Mystery Bloom.

For other releases I liked AdrianGale - ReProgram, Julliet, Nightengale. We anticpate a bigger presence in the indie industry, more releases and to become a biggr player in the melodic scene.

1 Pride Of Lions Pride Of Lions This was a line-ball decision. Harem scored the only perfect 100 this year, with POL next in line with a 99. But come the end of the year, I felt that overall, this album gave me and many fans the best enjoyment and value for money in 2003.

It was a fan pleaser, and really showed that traditional AOR/melodic rock can be a force, if done well. 2 Harem Scarem Higher A perfect 100 score for a perfect album. Another classy effort, filled with songwriting brilliance, proving that melodic rock can still sound classic while moving in a forward direction. I found this album to be a cool alternative to the more traditional approach by Pride Of Lions. Chock full of anthems and big choruses, Harem can do no wrong in my book. Except maybe make an album that runs a bit longer!

3 Waltham Permission To Build This year's best new band on the scene and also this year's best nu/modern rockers, even though the real vibe of the album is just an updated version of classic melodic rock a la Rick Springfield. A band that really believes in what they are doing and playing. Great melodies, great choruses, great fun - these boys will be huge! 4 On The Rise On The Rise OTR are another new band that made a spectacular debut in 2003, but have recently split. That casts a bit of a cloud over their achievements, releasing one of the best AOR debut's in recent years, which is full to the brim with breezy, feel good pop/rock anthems. 5 Bob Catley When Empires Burn Another veteran of the melodic scene made his best ever solo album this year.

Bob's album was brilliant in every way - from the production, to the song style and delivery. The force behind the music was Paul Hodson, who deserves equal credit. The magic of the album is completed with a flawless performance by all. Firstly - the RIP list: 2003 was one of the worst years for losing those valuable to the music world.

Not only that, but nearly 100 fans died in the Station Club Fire in Rhode Island. RIP 2003 - Each and every soul lost in the Station Fire on February 20, 2003 including Jeff Radar and Ty Longley. Bruce Waibel (Firehouse), Graham Bonnet's Dad - Lou, Michael Kamen, Tony Thompson (Power Station, The Distance, Chic), Guy Speranza (Riot), Steve Hoffman, JD Kimball (Omen), Robert Palmer, Shawn lane, Johnny Cash, Warren Zevon, Ado Makita (Sony Japan A&R), Greg Guidry, Erik Brann (Iron Butterfly), Bobby Thompson (Ozzy Tour Manager), John Purdell (Producer, Lou Gramm, Rick Springfield, Session Musician), Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix), Maurice Gibb and Matt Moffitt. 2003 was a challenging year to say the least. A number of curve balls were thrown during the year and one can only hope 2004 is a smoother ride for all. Musically speaking 2003 was an underachieving year.

There were of course some great albums released - that list is reflected above. But most of the big-gun releases for 2003 failed to materialize, or were disappointing. Some of those big releases have vanished altogether, but the majority have been bumped to 2004, so if this year materializes as planned, then it will be the best year for melodic rock since I started this site. 2002 currently holds that title.

I'll get to all the music for 2003 and 2004 shortly. There's a lot to get through. First, let's take a look at some of the events of 2003 and how they affected the scene as a whole and this site. 2003 was the hardest year I have experienced in dealing with this site and everything that entails. Keeping the site alive was harder than ever.

Several other factors caused difficulties through the year. The most upsetting was the February Rhode Island, Station Fire disaster, where nearly 100 dedicated rock n rollers lost their lives. The fire, at a Great White show, was something that affected everyone involved in this tight knit community of fans and is something that I still can't believe.

To try and write about it nearly 1 year on is no easier than it was on the day of the tragedy, which saw hits to my site top an all time record, as fans worldwide tuned in for updates. I've spent the year promoting the Station Family Fund, which continues to raise money for the families of those affected by the tragedy.

Don't forget them and never forget the souls of those who perished. That fire indirectly affected this site, as Great White's record label ( Knight Records) were at the time a sponsor of the site.

Naturally their attention was diverted elsewhere after the fire, but I thank them for their time with the site. As far as other extraordinary occurrences go, the biggie for the year was the whole Z Records circus. I have never seen anything like the events that followed a number of artists coming out against their own label and doubt I ever will again. In January, a group of Z Records artists put out a press release, raising their concerns over numerous questionable business practices and failed obligations. The artists were led by Tommy Denander and Marcel Jacob, but joined also by members of Humanimal, Great King Rat, Human Race, Eclipse, Southpaw, Damned Nation, Amaze Me, Snakes In Paradise, plus Pontus Norgren and Ricky Delin.

I initially tried to stay out of the argument. I thought it best that the situation was dealt with by the label and the artists themselves, but agreed to leave the Noticeboard free as a forum for debate. My initial reservations about doing this were soon realized, as the forum quickly descended into mass chaos. Some of the debate was healthy and needed, but much of it wasn't any better than a playground fight.

Some 1800 posts relating to the Z Records debate were posted, with the arguments continuing for some months! But the Noticeboard debate did serve some purpose, as several other artists joined in with similar complaints. Several magazines such as Powerplay, Sweden Rock Magazine and Rock It! Joined in to say none of them deal with Z any longer. Over the course of the time that followed the initial burst of publicity, other artists voiced their concerns.

The list of above artists weren't the only ones to leave Z in 2003. Over the course of the year Danny Danzi, Phil Naro, Danny Vaughn, Shiva, Seven Wishes and Shy all left the label. At the time Z Records were a sponsor of this site as they were over the last few years.

I was really disappointed that the label chose the path of inaction. Following the release of the artists' statement, I thought the label should have made some effort to rectify the problems publically, through some sort of defense or explination. That didn't happen and with that and a few other factors in mind, I chose to cut my formal ties with the label. What else happened in 2003? I released my first ever CD - MelodicRock.com Volume 1 'Revealed & Revisited'. It was another idea to keep the site alive and running!

The work that went into putting that together gave me a new insight into another area of the industry I work in, not to mention being a huge learning curve. I made a few mistakes, plus there's a few typos in the booklet which was disappointing, but like I said - lessons learnt. I'm still really proud of the end result and really hope I can keep it going as a series.

But the amount of work needed to get it done and ready for release means it won't be a regular thing, that's for sure. I must again thank the artists who said yes and followed that through to be included. There are many others that paid lip service to the idea, but never followed through. Hopefully you will see them on Volume 2 or 3! For the record - I sold about 800 copies of the CD. Unlike most record labels, I am not scared to share those stats with you.

Moving on.Let's talk about the scene itself. Things continued in 2003 pretty much as they have been for the last couple of years. CD Burning remains a problem, with MTM Music coming out with a statement asking fans not to. Good for them. Frontiers Records have started adding extra content to that of the musical content on their major releases, with Vertigo an example of what they are trying to do - adding a video and interview footage to the CD release to encourage purchase of an original copy. Well done again, I hope it works. I think other labels may follow suit.

There remains the never ending question of how many releases = too many releases? That remains a hard question to answer. My belief has always been that market forces will dictate that. If the releases are good, they should theoretically sell and if they are not, they won't. But there is always the question over whether some of the more deserving releases get the promotion they deserve.

The labels concerned do their best, but hungry melodic rock fans seem content to devour what's on offer each month then move on to the next 'in waiting' release. Music these days seems to have a short promotional lifespan. One example I can think of - Harem Scarem's fabulous Higher didn't seem to create the buzz Weight Of The World did, despite being even more traditionally melodic in style.

The Gods 2003 was another awesome event, but the foot traffic didn't match that of the anniversary show the year before. That was expected and the show didn't disappoint, but fuck me people - an event of this type in any other genre of music would have sold out 2 days after it was announced. Where else would you find - anywhere in the world - an event that runs 2 days with 15 bands playing the greatest selection of music, all for the price of a slab of beer? I'd love to see something like The Gods in the USA, but can't see how it will ever happen.

Classic Rock Magazine in the UK put together a horrid review of the Festival. The truth is that it was nothing short of an embarrassment to the magazine and the 'writer' sent to attend. The review was full of inaccuracies and left out most of the bands that appeared over the weekend and was used as another tool for Classic Rock to take the piss out of the melodic music scene. But no amount of protesting or e-mail writing will change those guy's view of the scene, which is too bad, as there are readers out there that want such coverage and deserve to have it included without prejudice. Talking of touring, on the way to The Gods, I saw the Journey, Styx & REO Speedwagon show in LA.

That tour did great business and was attended by many classic rockers in the US. Pity these bands can't lower their requirements to do a European tour. Yes, they make great money in the USA, but a venture into Europe is long overdue and some of these bands (and others) would be wise to pay some respect to their European fans, as these are the guys that are still buying their records. The LA show was at the huge Staples Center Arena and was chock full of fans of all three bands, singing along, waving hands and clapping for more. Sadly though, I think I was the only one standing while Journey played Higher Place and Styx played their couple of new tunes.

Some asshole in front yelled out for Styx to play something he knew. What ignorance. But he was not alone.

The band were selling copies of Cyclorama in the merch area, but the classic T's were what was being snapped up by all. So here's an idea.with the cost of a concert ticket these days seemingly not stopping 30,000 LA area fans showing up for a show, why not increase (or incorporate) the price of the ticket to include a copy of the performing band's new CD? With each ticket comes a copy of a new release, which fans can then take home and actually play and realize that new material has actually been recorded after 1985. What's more, get Soundscan to somehow accredit these sales and via them, a band could logically achieve a charting album, which in turn would place pressure on retailers to carry the title and programmers to play it! With such a concept in place, Styx's Cyclorama could have been a #1 record last summer. And it IS possible - check it out!

One of the biggest mail reactions I got in 2003 was from a story about an Asia gig in Minneapolis, with the Lec Zorn Project making their live debut as support act. Only 40 odd people turned up to the gig and it seems most of them e-mailed, including the band, management, the gig organizer and more. Asia were in the midst of playing a series of low profile 'lounge room' gigs, so they were unfazed and put on a professional show for those in attendance. Lec Zorn however, didn't have a good day, with his hired singer Casey Michaels half drunk and reading lyrics off cue sheets stuck to the floor. And Lec also stopped and re-started one song 3 separate times after the piped in intro was missed by Michaels. That didn't go down well with the crowd - at least not with those that e-mailed in. Oh well, everyone has their Spinal Tap moment, so I hope for Lec that his moment is now out of the way.

The other was The Darkness. I've got nothing against these guys, but the saddest things about them is that they attracted more passion (both for and against) during the year than any other melodic/AOR release. They are taking the piss - no matter what anyone says - and I don't think they will last any length in time. Now, I don't have anything against them, I think they are a lot of fun and good to get drunk to. But they won't save rock n roll. Not with a vocalist like that! It's a pity the best bands within this scene cannot get the same chance at the publicity The Darkness get.

There is something else I have to get off my chest. Press Releases. As a journalist, I have to deal with them on a daily basis. They get sent by labels, bands, PR people, fans, street team members, managers – you name it.

That's great – but seriously – they should all be required to pass through quality control procedures before continuing on to their destinations! Some of these items that arrive in my in-box are simply unprintable! They either make no sense, or are written in pigeon English, are factually incorrect (with errors, overstatements or just flat out lies!) and then there are the ones that arrived without any punctuation!

Oh, and I can't forget the ones that mention the artist's name 25 times – as if you are going to forget who you are reading about! I make reference to the fact some of the press releases are in pigeon English. I get many statements from non-English speaking countries. But some of the worst offenders are from the USA! What's their excuse?!

I spent far too long already correcting and re-writing press releases in order to make them good enough to be able to feature and be understood. Basically, if companies want to look as professional as possible, then some form of improvement in what is currently being sent out to media worldwide! Ok, rant over.

Music Musings of 2003: There were far too many tribute records released again - none of them near classic, with the barrel well and truly bled dry for artists worthy of such tributes. Those not yet paid tribute to that deserve it include Rick Springfield, Night Ranger, Mr. Big (oh, wait - they did that themselves) and David Cassidy (ok, so that one wasn't serious). Coming in 2004 - at least 2 maybe even 3 Journey tributes and God knows who else. Disappointments - musically speaking - of 2003: The new Meatloaf album didn't live up to expectations. Just what was he thinking doing a rap song?

And has Bon Jovi totally lost contact with reality? What the hell were they thinking while recording This Left Feels Right? That album has sunk quicker than the Great Kat comeback and is currently being flogged via late night TV in the States. In Australia there wasn't even any press done for it. A bad sign in a previously solid market for the band.

The album has sold half of what Bounce did, which sold half that of Crush. Styx had possibly the worst excuse for live album in a long time via the horrible Sanctuary Records cash-in compile 21st Century Live. Bonfire went modern and underachieved.

Now, after everything that so many bands have done before them, why would ANY classic melodic/hard rock band contemplate going modern in this day and age? Stick to what you are best at folks, it will work to your advantage in the long run. Take a listen to the new Jaded Heart soundbytes. This is what folks want.

Britny Fox released their long awaited album - again with an updated sound that didn't suit. What a horrible comeback. Too bad, as the live album before it showed real spark. Same again for Metallica.when a producer ( Bob Rock) has to come out and actually explain why a record sounds the way it does, it means the public didn't get it. Sales figures prove that point. Diamond David Lee Roth released a record with character, but the vast majority didn't warm to it. MSG released an album which continues their downward trend.

A few other disappointing albums - Pat Benatar, Queensryche, Ensign, Jani Lane, Wild Horses, Pain & Passion and Kenny Loggins. Best Re-Issues of 2003: Awesome to see Virginia Wolf available on CD, but Wounded Bird really need to take a look at their packaging/quality control. Several booklet errors spoil the release.

The label also released Streets, Airrace and Holland during the year. Escape Music did the best job of re-issues in 2003 - some fine releases with packaging to match. Included in their output was Statetrooper, FM, Zon, Orphan and Body Electric. Majestic Rock came up with Heavy Pettin and Black N Blue re-issues, but could use some better artwork transfers. Otherwise the releases were cool. MTM Classix was born, so expect more competition to re-issues in 2004. Nothing announced from Van Halen, but the year was still filled with enough rumors and strange happenings to keep most amused!

The most amusing was Eddie's bizarre appearance at NAMM in January. His late entry and dishelved appearance, as well as his behavior, had some really questioning his sanity! Then there was the surprise interview by Dwyer & Michaels at the other end of the year - Ed was no clearer, but still entertaining. Don't forget the whole story surrounding Limp Dogshitz frontman Fred Durst explaining that Eddie had auditioned for his band some time back. Not so, Eddie just jammed and left his gear behind and later couldn't get it back.

Legend has it that he apparently turned up with a gun to finally retrieve it! And lastly, Eddie's only other public appearance was for a DVD shoot for Leslie West's Mountain. Sadly Ed vetoed his appearance making the final DVD cut. I'm looking forward to more in 2004! The Journey tour was a smash success (so it wasn't all bad), but Neal Schon's vision for Planet Us failed to materialize after Sammy Hagar decided Van Halen was his best meal ticket back to glory days. Fans also patiently await a solo Best Of album, which John Kalodner wants to release, and his completed solo instrumental album Eye On You. I hope to catch up with Neal soon.

SR-71 dumped their line-up again. The band only features 1 original member, Mitch Allan, but at least their new single hinted at a return to their more melodic debut. Icon's Danny Wexler returned to recording duty with the project Thieves In The Temple. I believe it's now defunct, but who knows. Getting information out of those involved was impossible, as was actually getting a copy of the album. Like many in the past, once the press release has been printed and album plugged, there is suddenly no reply to e-mails and no promo copy of the album ever arrives. Pulse continued to confuse fans by swapping their new lead singer for their original singer and starting work on their second album again, which had been initially scrapped to start work on a new album with the new singer, but was scrapped when he was fired.

And original singer Simon is also working on a solo album. Krokus were the surprise packet of the year, with a thoroughly enjoyable classic hard rock album. Another example of giving the fans what they want.

Bands take note! Play to the fans you still have - don't go looking for new fans in areas you won't find them. Play your best classic rock and new fans will come. Stage Dolls and TNT both scored big hits in their native country with new best of compilations via Universal. Now only if their labels put the same effort into their new albums! Mail order company Melody Boulevard announced a 20CD+ box set of Westcoast favourites, but the project has since vanished due to some issues regarding track inclusion and artist permissions etc.

No surprise there! FM decided they couldn't be called FM and will go under the name The Ladder. Watch for that release in 2004! Speaking of ladders, Harlan Cage's Roger Scott Craig fell off his and landed himself in hospital for an extended stay. It was a year of 'signs'. Urban Tale started the ball rolling with Signs Of Times.

Newman modernized it with Signs Of The Modern Times, Pride wanted Signs Of Purity, while TNT we asking Give Me A Sign. Section A borrowed Van Halen's The Seventh Sign and don't forget Ensign! However, 2003 saw no sign of The Sign. They'll be back in 2004! Gene Simmons re-launched Simmons Records, but is yet to announce a signing. Aside from his own solo album that is.

He also pulled production of his Tongue Magazine, which really was only a 100 page advert for Kiss merchandise. But the band did hit Melbourne for a special Symphony show, which was a treat to see. Pity much of their released performance was recorded the night before without an audience present.

Queensryche welcomed back Chris DeGarmo, put out the usual 'this is our best album in years hype', then said Degarmo really didn't do so much on the album and won't tour - then released another average album. Aussie nu-breeders Invertigo lost their vocalist, but vowed to go on, before admitting defeat and splitting. Michael Schenker finally gave away his involvement in UFO.

He agreed to relinquish the rights to the name and continues on his merry way. Def Leppard's potential #1 smash hit Long Long Way To Go was ignored by most and was only released as a single in the UK. The band's US label couldn't be assed and promotion of the great X album faded before it started. Doug Aldrich issued a press release to state his commitment to Dio and how he can't wait to record a new studio album, before announcing he was quitting Dio to join Whitesnake. Warren DeMartini replaced Doug, only to be squeezed out in favor of Craig Goldy - who at last count was still the band's guitarist.

Meanwhile former Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell says Ronnie James Dio was a horrid human being in an interview for DefLeppard.com. Adriangale's Eddie Campbell quits the band to join another label as a solo artist. He hasn't been heard from since. But things in the AG camp may not be much better. Will there be a third album? The band's in-the-can live album should appear sometime later this year.

One of the biggest laughs for the year occurred when the entire line-up of Circle II Circle quit, leaving frontman Zakk Stevens to make nicey nice and proudly boast it was business as usual. He toured with a new line-up in Europe, but met with some less than favorable reviews. It seems the band were not getting paid by management for their time or work on tour, forced to pay out of their own pocket to remain on the road. Circle II Circle weren't the only band to suffer meltdowns.

Nothing tops that of Stratovarius frontman Timo Tolkki, who posted a very moving message on his message board about internal band troubles and his many mental problems. The posts resulted in half the band leaving and Timo himself having to hire security to protect him from angry fans. And Royal Hunt has lost Steen Mogensen and Jacob Kjaer from their line-up, leaving only John West and Andre Andersen in the band. Also - The Angels have reformed - twice (two line-ups!) - how sad is that? Jon Stevens quits Inxs without making an album in over 3 years at the helm. Styx loses Glen Burtnik, but replaces him with Ricky Phillips and word has it that Jizzy is out of Ratt. Time will tell on that one.

Mike Tramp started putting White Lion back together, but apparently Vito wants nothing to do with it. Sony Music lose their resident A&R legend John Kalodner to Sanctuary Music. I'm hoping 2004 sees some interesting projects emerge from that. News of David Glenn Eisley's Dr. Dave's Maths CD got a great response when I posted it.

The CD is the times table done musically for kids. Now that's a long way down from Giuffria and Dirty White Boy. Maybe Sebastian Bach should get a copy of David's CD. His new band, the Bach Tight 5 features only 4 guys. None of which can play if live reviews are anything to go. Steve Lukather found a unique way of attracting worldwide attention to Toto, by announcing that David Paich was unavailable to tour because he was about to undergo a sex change. When media worldwide asked for interviews and the trans-gender lobby contacted the band to congratulate them, he knew things had gone too far!

What happened to the proposed Blue Murder re-union? The band were set for a re-union, but as all things John Sykes, nothing has come of it and no news updates. My bet is don't count on anything in 2004.I hope I'm wrong, as I love that classic original album.

LRB decided to reform as BSG, but the current holder of the rights to the name LRB lodged a court paper protesting that BSG couldn't promote themselves as BSG, featuring the original members of LRB. The dispute continues! Kiss claimed another Gold record for their Kiss Symphony record, but the fact is it shipped Gold, but has only sold a quarter of the number needed to be officially awarded that Gold status. Nice bit of PR boys! While contemplating what to do with their finished record, Nelson start hocking various bits of odd memorabilia at impressive prices via E-Bay and then finished off the year by releasing a new 16 minute doco-DVD priced at a mere $25US! That's $1.56 per minute entertainment.

Motley Crue's Vince Neil and Nikki Sixx spent most of the year contradicting each other on possible details of a band reunion in 2004, 2005 or not at all. I'm hearing not at all. Quiet Riot split at the end of the year, bowing out with a new DVD release. That's the news and events of 2003. How about the actual music released and what was predicted for the year some 12 months back?

Let's take a look at the music, releases and artists of 2003. First to my favourite part of each year's summary - the predictions for the year ahead. Let's take a look at what I predicted for 2003 when I wrote up the 2002 awards last December/January.

- The Guns N Roses album will get postponed again and if released, won't be until late 2003 at the earliest. 2003 tour dates will be a similar disaster to 2002. It did get postponed and has yet to see the light of day and who knows if it will even in 2004 or ever! - The Slash and fellow ex-Gunners album will get better reviews than Gunners themselves. Well, it will come true, but as neither were released, we'll have to move this one to 2004's predictions!

- Skid Row won't find a label for their new album (unless Spitfire step in), will release it themselves (finally) and will re-unite with Sebastian Bach for the summer of 2004. Partial credit for this one - The Skid's didn't find a label in the US (they licensed it to SPV for Europe) and eventually released the album themselves, but as yet, no sign of Sebastian returning to the fold. And to be honest, I now don't think he will anytime soon. - Judas Priest will start talking with Rob Halford again. Despite getting denials from management denying such plans on Jan 25, Jan 28, Feb 3, Feb 11 and March 11, the band finally got a grip on reality and announced the return of Rob on July 12!

- Eddie Van Halen will do a few more guest spots, but come no closer to talking about the band, or getting a new singer. No new VH in 2003 Another partial credit. There was certainly no VH in 2003 in any form, but Eddie did make a couple of appearances - on the Lukather Christmas album and a rather strange cameo at NAMM in January and that bizarre radio interview in November. - Sony will release another Toto compilation. Ok, so that was an easy one. - BMG will release another Rick Springfield compilation.

Again, an obvious choice:) - A new nu-breed band will break through for a US #1 album. Sadly, no such luck. I really thought 2002 was a strong year for nu-breed acts, but 2003 hasn't been so kind. There remains a major opening for such a band to come from nowhere, maybe Waltham can do it in 2004?

- Boston will only play a few select dates - no big tour. Bombed out on this one.while it wasn't the biggest tour event of the year by a long shot, it was bigger and longer than I thought it would be! - Metallica's album will under-achieve.

Yep, the sales dived, the critics and the fans mostly hated it and last I heard, Metallica were disappointed in this. One of the year's worst releases. - The biggest melodic rock tours of 2003 will be the Meatloaf, Whitesnake and Styx tours. Well, the Whitesnake tour did great business and the Styx tour with Journey and REO was huge, so credit for those.the Meatloaf tour was so big, but is still going on doing decent business. - Biggest tour of all: Duran Duran I wouldn't call it the biggest of the year as predicted, but what dates the guys have played have met with great reviews and an amazing response! - Sammy Hagar will release some sort of new album / Van Halen won't. Sammy released his live album with Mikey guesting and Van Halen released zip!

- Bobby Kimball will release a new solo album / Toto won't. No luck on this one.while there was no Toto album, Bobby's album also remains 'in the works.' - Jim Peterik will release a new album / Survivor won't. Jim released the wonderful Pride Of Lions album while Survivor only managed a few live dates. - House Of Lords will finally release their new album / Bourgeois Pigs won't.

Arrgh.who would be silly enough put money on the HOL album being released?! Well, it's finally coming out in March, so that's some good news. The BP album however will never happen. Just where is Michael Guy these days? - Bobby Barth will release an album / Axe won't. Bobby's still working on it - does that count?

- Kelly Keagy will release a new studio album / Night Ranger won't. Correct for Night Ranger, but also nothing from Kelly. - Dare: even money on whether the album will be released this year or next! Glad I didn't bet the house on this one.no sign of the album. - Planet Us will not tour (just a hunch) Correct and for all intents and purposes, the project is now dead. So they were the predictions!

What about my additional general ramblings about what albums to look out for and expect good things from? We had better take a look at that too then.as if I don't, you'll only look back and e-mail me about it! On The Rise and Jim Jidhed impressed most as expected, both feature prominently in my own best of 2003 lists. The Lec Zorn Project album failed to materialize. Several factors contributed to the delay. I think Lec has learnt a lot from the issues that have arisen during the preparation of this album. Hopefully fans of early 80's keyboard AOR will have something to enjoy later this year.

The Ramos album was very enjoyable, some of Josh Ramos' best work to date. The new Departure album surprised me and many others. It took a serious Journeyesque twist and featured some great 80's AOR.

Ambition and the new Mecca album were two of the year's most high-profile MIA's. Ambition will never happen - sorry folks. Why is not an issue I'm going to get into. I'm not that more confident for Mecca. The band's frontman and spokesperson Joe Vana has disappeared (again). He has been tied up dealing with personal and family problems, so I wish him the best. But I haven't heard a single word from Joe since his last announcement, which is a disappointment, considering that Joe was a good friend.

Jim Peterik followed-up his work on the debut Mecca album with his return to full time melodic rock writing and recording with Pride Of Lions. Classic fans of Jim and Survivor could not have asked for more. Singer Toby Hitchcock was a great find and with a little extra warmth to his voice (through getting out there and playing live), he will be hard to beat on future albums. Harem Scarem released another perfect combination of AOR and melodic rock with a slight modern twist. I still get e-mails from people just discovering this classic band. Mike Tramp's new album didn't blow me away as did his last. It just wasn't as intense or as well recorded, but remained enjoyable and did please fans.

As predicted, new albums from Styx, Mark Spiro, Bob Catley, Drive She Said, Khymera, Gotthard, Pride, Radioactive, Harem Scarem, Brian McDonald, Firehouse also pleased fans. Michael Sembello's album wasn't so fortunate.

Sadly the label were unable to have their vision of a Sembello rock album come to light and a European release of his own US released archive material album with a few bonus tracks was what eventuated. Michael then blew off all interviews including mine, so we will never know why this was the case. He wasn't the only lad to blow off an interview with me. Khymera's Steve Walsh did the same. And I wasn't alone.the couple of interviews he did do were pretty cringe worthy - I don't expect to here Steve's name involved in any other projects anytime soon. Rick Springfield's new album was not surprisingly pushed to 2004 and we are still waiting to hear the results.

I fear for the sales results, as there has been zero promotion of the album outside the RS fan club/street team and no press interviews conducted! 40ft Ringo put out one of the year's catchiest records, but caught a little flack for not varying the album enough from the widely circulated demos. Paul Laine's will be a nu-monster I said.true enough - Shugaazer's debut is a fine cross between melodic rock and modern rock. Mars Electric and Harry Hess did well with their individual releases, Harry further adding to his tag as a genius songwriter.

Vertical Horizon released a solid effort, but failed to make any commercial ground in the US. Blame the label for that one. Colin Blades released a wonderful pop/rock debut album, which gives his dad a run for his money. Not for fans of the rocking stuff. The long awaited Kick album is yet to be released.

In fact, it's yet to be signed, which is a fact I find hard to swallow. The EP was brilliant. Is a label finally about to snap these guys up? Still coming out of Australia will be Red Circle and Square One - 2004 please guys.

The new Nelson album was a huge disappointment and it hasn't even been released!!! The guys announced a track listing and offered sound samples mid-year, but the advance in their sound isn't there and the album is unfortunately set to include re-recordings of several already released songs.

Sorry guys, this is not the way to go. And fan feedback seemed to agree with that. The masterpiece Life deserves a proper sequel. What will they do in 2004 and will the album actually get released? Duran Duran's reformed comeback album is another for 2004, as is new albums by Bob Segar, Bryan Adams, U2 Hall & Oates proved they are again the smoothest middle aged men in pop and Fleetwood Mac underachieved, but received some positive reviews. What of some other albums that didn't materialize?

No one would put money on a date for the new Guns N Roses album. 2003 passed without a sign. Dare's Darren Wharton postponed the release of their new album and most recently wrote and recorded more songs for it. It's no secret the guy is a perfectionist, so one has high hopes for a release by Christmas this year! Hugo has just finished his new album, with more work added to that too. Diving For Pearls - well, it's just about to move to the mixing stage - I am assured that it will be out mid-year!

Raine's new album also failed to appear. I'm not sure where to start with these guys. They really have done themselves no favors and will basically have to start all over again when ready to release something. Their debut is long gone and the public is now well confused as to their intentions with style, their name and when something might actually be finished. The guys made a gutsy decision to play this year's Gods, but the album that was finished at the time is yet to appear and I have now learnt it has been scrapped in favor of new material that is still modern, but heavier and a little more melodic.

It's time to get it done guys! The House Of Lords album was a challenge for all involved, but it's done, 100% ready and will be released in March. Will the 4 year wait be worth it? I'm not sure to be honest, that's a huge expectation to fulfill.

But it will certainly be great to hear new material from the boys. I am disappointed Gregg Giuffria chose not to be involved at the last minute. I am wondering where the Leif Johansen Life project is? It seems to have dropped off the Z Records release schedule. That's enough of the re-capping and reminiscing.let's move to The Awards and to 2004. Vocalist Of The Year: Harry Hess - Harem Scarem's frontman had a very good year one would have to say.

There was his debut solo album Just Another Day, then the Harem retro release The Early Years and the fab new album Higher. Plus guest appearances on Eric Martin's album, plus a lead vocal on Once And Future King 2 and with Jack Frost. Not bad at all for one year! The Best Producer Award: Tommy Denander.

The man was everywhere in 2003 - his own Radioactive album sounded a million bucks, but there was also the great Jim Jidhed album and pal Sayit's album that he produced. And there was also Spin Gallery, which is done, but out soon. Not to mention several other guest spots. Well done Tommy. The 'Kiss 'I'm Going To Bang Bang You, I'll Shoot You Down With My Love Gun' Best Use of Sexual Lyrics' Award: Eric Martin for the lyric 'I'll show you Mr Toad's Wild Ride' in What's The Worst That Could Happen. The 'Somebody Get Me A Spin Doctor' Award For Best Piece Of Self-Serving BS PR: Fred Durst for trying to convince the public (via MTV) that Eddie Van Halen auditioned for that vacant guitarist's role in Limp Bizkit.

The 'Great Kat' Award For Best Escaping Of Reality in 2003: Stratovarius' Timo Tolkki who has taken a leave of absence and hasn't given any indication when he will be back! The 'Kerrang Worshiping Current Trends Whilst Ignoring The Facts' Award: Rolling Stone Magazine for their horrendous Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time article. The 'Dead, Jail or Rock N Roll (Jail Option) for Worst Change In Career Decision' Award: Michael Morales, who will spend the next couple of years wishing he didn't get into blackmail and politics. The 'Guns N Roses Most Changes To The Scheduled Release Date' Award: Cheap Trick for their Special One album. I think there was only 9 or 10 changes in the planned date. At least it got released, which is more than GNR can boast! The 'Announced But Never Seen Again Disappearing Albums' Award: *TIE* Chrissy Steele, Ambition, Leif Johansson, Raine and Bobby Barth.

The 'Wiggles Big Red Car - This Is Better Paying Than Doing Melodic Rock' Award: David Glenn Eisley for his move into the children's CD market! The 'Jani Lane Drunk Best On Stage Antics' Award 2003: Jani Lane (of course), Vince Neil (several times) and Sebastian Bach. All were reported DOS during 2003 - shame on you folks! The 'Marcie Free Welcome To The Club' Award: Toto's David Paich - if Steve Lukather was to be believed! The 'Not Very Rock N Roll Way To Cause Grievous Bodily Harm To Oneself' Award: Ronnie James Dio for cutting off his thumb in a freak gardening accident. The 'Worst Case Of Bad Timing' Award: Gregg Giuffria - the day before a press release announcing a new solo album was due, Gregg's studio burns down in a Las Vegas fire.

The 'Spinal Tap Drummer's Worst Case Of Spontaneous Combustion' Award: Poison's Tour Semi - it bursts into flames on route to a show! All their gear was lost. The Welcome Back in 2003 Award: *TIE* Europe, Hugo, 220 Volt, Rhino Bucket, McQueen Street, 1927, Go West, Moxy, Daniel McMaster, The Hooters, Bulletboys, Lionsheart, The Romantics. The Please Go Away Again Award: Kenny Loggins. The Just Finish & Release The Bloody Thing Already Award: *TIE* Millenium - again! This year's the year Ralph!

Guns N Roses - goes without saying and how about that Robin Beck album? Due in 2006 Award: Bryan Adams - Where is he and what has he been doing with this record? The Screw What The Readers Want Award: Classic Rock Magazine for their continued piss-take of all things AOR. The 'Kiss' Award For Best Non-Involvement in Recording One's Own Album: Michael Schenker - for not even turning up to the studio to record some of his solos. The job then went to Night Ranger's Jeff Watson. The 'Mutt Lange' Production Award For Slowest Album Recording Process: Inxs - 3 years, one single. The 'Frankie Sullivan' Lawsuits-Are-Us Award: Boston's Tom Scholz for suing his own record label (again), unhappy with their promotion resulting in another underachieving album.

The 'Japanese Label' one last cash-in award. Sanctuary - hands down winner for their awful Styx live release and several other cash-in compilations from the likes of Eddie Money and UFO. The Most Likely To Release A Live Album in 2004 Award: Iron Maiden, Meatloaf, Thunder, Nelson, Dream Theater - Just some guesses!

Those nominated last year - Styx, Bruce Springsteen, Dio, Kiss, Goo Goo Dolls & Yngwie Malmsteen. Styx sure did, so did Kiss, Bruce did a DVD, nothing from the Goo's and Yngwie held off until Feb 2004, so I wasn't far off! The Best MelodicRock.com Noticeboard Username for 2003 Award: Justin Hawkins' One Good Tooth Runners up: HandsomeDick, Portnoys Tiny Tadger & Bighair_in_the_works. The Beat The Bootleggers Award: Tony Carey for his updated website release of the unreleased Planet P material. The Best Website Award: VHForums.com of course.winners again.

Haven't found a site that comes close. And last but not least! Dickhead of the Year Award: The Dickhead Of The Year Award is one of the most popular awards. The last couple of winners have been clear winners, but this year there were sadly more candidates than I would have hoped for! Several people came under consideration for Dickhead of 2003. MSG singer Chris Logan was a candidate after delivering several e-mails detailing his displeasure with my MSG review.

Then there was Wild Horses singer John Levesque who was also unhappy with my review. But when I suggested I put his point of view on my newsdesk, he attempted a recovery, suggesting his son had sent the e-mail as a joke. Then there was the owner of a record label in the USA who was again most upset that I had killed off the sales of both the label's new titles because of bad reviews. But he wasn't alone in e-mailing.no one likes a bad review. What can I say? Release a bad album, get a bad review.

There's an easy fix for that problem. Then there is the Noticeboard pain-in-the-ass of 2003 - definitely a strong contender for overall DH of The Year. This year it was the posts by Mister Sister and Tommy Gunn that gave me and most readers the shits. Funny then that these two people are actually the same person. It beats me why someone would waste so much time posting away. The truth is they are just pushing their own agenda, whatever that may be, and don't have the balls to e-mail me about it.

I should be used to it! John Waite was another strong contender. He had his webgirl e-mail me a cease and desist message for the Jesse Harms track I was to feature on the MelodicRock.com CD. No balls to do it himself.it was Jesse's demo (co-written with John and featuring his vocal), but it didn't suit him to have the track featured, gain him some positive PR and also help out the site.

But to the announcement you have all been waiting for! The Winner of Dickhead Of The Year 2003 is the individual that offered me a substantial amount of money to keep the message board offline during a period in which this individual was being discussed at length! Most of the high-impact releases of 2003 were bumped to 2004, which is going to make this year sweet, but add in a bunch of other albums due and I think this will truly be the best year out of the last 10. So what's on offer for all? Let's take a look.