National Album Day: Amused To Death by Roger Waters

I remember sifting through my father’s album collection as a teenager and the cover of Roger Waters‘ Amused to Death immediately caught my attention. A decade ago, album covers had so much importance and careful attention was placed on providing listeners with a complete audio visual experience.

Needless to say covers were crucially valued in their ability to capture audience intrigue. To me – the photograph of a chimpanzee watching Stanley Kubrik‘s 2001: A Space Odyssey was wonderfully bizarre and I couldn’t wait to hear its contents.

But aside from it’s visual appeal, this album was the single-most influential album of my lifetime. Musically, it was the beginning of a journey into the stranger, darker, heavier side of the art form. Often fans of this style might attribute their passion to Black Sabbath or other classic heavy metal bands but, to me, Roger Waters was producing the darkest content in the industry.

With its odd soundscapes and intermittent ‘noises’ disguised as music – the album explored social and political themes that challenged moments in history. Not only did it cause me to listen, it caused me to think, and perhaps that’s why I am a journalist today.

Amused To Death, Roger Waters, 1992. Chosen by journalist Lilen Pautasso.

Bon Jovi Announce Long-Awaited Global Return With ‘Forever Tour’ — Including London, Dublin & Edinburgh Dates

Global rock icons Bon Jovi are set to make their long-awaited return to the road with the announcement of their 2026 Forever Tour — a series of monumental concerts that will see the band perform across New York, Edinburgh, Dublin, and London, marking their first full-scale live performances in years.

The Nocturnal Affair Return To The UK With Wednesday 13 And The SoapGirls

Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair are set to return to the UK this November, joining Wednesday 13 and The SoapGirls on the Mid Death Crisis UK Tour. Following their triumphant summer run alongside Wednesday 13, Drowning Pool and Max Cavalera’s NAILBOMB, the band are back to deliver their haunting brand of “dark rock” to British audiences once again.

Everyone Says Hi @ O2 Academy Brixton (Kalpesh Patel)

Everyone Says Hi Return With Infectious New Single ‘Communication’ + Announce December Headline Shows

Everyone Says Hi — the new project led by ex-Kaiser Chiefs songwriter and drummer Nick Hodgson — are back with their...

Architects Give London’s O2 Arena So Much More Than Whiplash

The O2 Arena is dark. A rumble transforms into what sounds like an air raid siren. Bass drones stab through, in time with bars of light above and below the stage. Shimmers appear further back, casting shadows. Electro beats kick in. Suddenly, just for a moment, the lights and sound cut out; a deep breath before the synths of Elegy begin. Spotlights hit Sam Carter as he starts to sing, the rest of the stage still murky.

Wayne Kramer of MC5/MC50 @ The O2 Arena (Kalpesh Patel)

MC50 Announce Explosive Live Album ‘10 MORE’ – Out December 5th

Legendary Detroit rock pioneers MC50 – the modern incarnation of the MC5, led by the late founding guitarist Wayne Kramer – have announced a brand-new live album, 10 MORE, set for release on 5th December. The record captures the unrelenting power and political punch of the band’s acclaimed 2018 world tour, which reignited the revolutionary energy that first made the MC5 one of rock’s most radical and influential forces.

EMF @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Adrian Hextall)

EMF, Jesus Jones & Bis Bring Britpop Energy Back To O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

It was a full-on ‘90s Brit legends night at West London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, with three bands who made their mark during the decade proving they’ve still got plenty of spark left. Throw in a few special guests and a crowd that was up for it from the first note, and you’ve got one of those nights that remind you just how much fun live music can be.

Wyatt Flores @ Roundhouse (Henry Finnegan / @finneganfoto)

Wyatt Flores Brings Honest Heart And Sharp Style To London’s Roundhouse

On a crisp October night at London’s Roundhouse, Wyatt Flores stepped onto the stage to a roaring crowd, his name echoing around the vaulted room with a force that surprised even him. Supporting 49 Winchester on their UK run, the Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter might technically have been the opener, but from the reaction that greeted him, it was clear many had come just as much for Wyatt.

49 Winchester @ Roundhouse (Henry Finnegan / @finneganfoto)

From Russell County To Camden Town: 49 Winchester’s Triumphant Roundhouse Performance

Virginia’s 49 Winchester transformed Camden’s Roundhouse into a celebration of straight-from-the-heart Americana. Early in the set, frontman Isaac Gibson acknowledged to the audience that this was the band’s first sold-out night on the tour and the response from the crowd made clear how much the moment meant to everyone in the room.