Wyrd Ways Rock Show

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.This week's show, as well as all the usual brand spanking new music and interesting bands I've found while trawling social media, there's an interview with "the sex face of Burlesque" herself, originator of Stripknot (yes, you did read that correctly!), Trixie Blue.  I spoke to her about... hang on... why am I telling you?  Go listen to the interview if you want to hear what we talk about!Anyway... like I mention in the show, I'm looking for more people to chat with for the show.  With this being Pride Month, I'd like to shine more of a spotlight on queer creators within the Rock and Metal scene.  So if you're LGBTQIA+, do something creative, obviously that includes being in a band and are into Rock and Metal, get in touch and we'll have a chat, record it and get your voice heard.  This especially applies to our trans siblings and any sex workers.  With the sort of shite you're having heaped on you at the moment, your voices need to be heard even more.As members of the Metal community, we know what it's like to be "othered" and treated as if we're mentally deficient or need rescuing.  We know we aren't and we don't, so let's band together with others who feel and are being treated the same way or even worse.  At least it isn't illegal in most countries to listen to Metal.  There's far too many where it's illegal to be queer or a sex worker.  That's not right.  Let's try and do something about it, eh?Remember, you can also listen and subscribe to the show on YouTube Podcasts, Google Podcasts (where still available), Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts and wherever else you get your podcasts.  If you subscribe, please leave a review and rate us 5*.  That way we push up the algorhythm and get the music out to more ears.

Before we get going with this week's Wyrd Ways Rock Show, Porcelain Victoria (this week's guest) asked me to pass on her apologies for misgendering Bambie Thug.  They identify as "they/them", not "she/her" as Victoria said during the interview.  No offence meant.So I had a little bit of a fanboy moment when recording this week's show.  I've been listening to Porcelain Victoria's podcast, Behind The Paddle for a while and have learned a lot from it.  I was somewhat shocked when she agreed to talk to me over Zoom about her love of Metal.  I needn't have worried, Victoria was fantastic.  I would love to have her on the show again sometime.  Massive thanks to her for agreeing to the interview.You might be wondering why I've been interviewing non-musicians on The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.  It's a music show, right?  There's a very good reason.  This music we call Metal unites a lot of people from across the world.  Metal is for everyone.  We are a community and we should be looking after our own.  Some of our siblings are being silenced, legislated against (or threatened with it) or being "othered" by society at large, and it's past time we all stepped up and helped.  I'm doing that by listening to them and magnifying their voices by getting them on the show to talk about the thing that unites us all - Metal.  It's a lot harder to "other" someone who shares your tastes.  It also helps us to be reminded that people in marginalized communites like women, POCs, queer people, trans people and sex workers of all types are just as human as we are and deserve to be treated in the same way.I'm using my cis het white guy privilege and my platform, such as it is, to stand up for any of my siblings (as a human being and a dyed-in-the-wool Metalhead) who are being downtrodden by bigots, right wing politicians, TERFs and SWERFs.The rest of the show is the usual mix of high quality brand new Rock and Metal, served just the way you like it with a bit of a chat about the Sexplicit event, run by PDSM I went to last weekend.Shall we...?

This edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show features a special guest star as part of my push to getting more diverse voices and interesting people on the show - fire performer, model, Circus freak, piercer, Paddle Mag Awards winner 2024, Sexual Freedom Awards Finalist 2025, and Alternative Awards nominee 2025, Kitty Von Crypt.  As usual with guests on the show, Kitty also gets to pick some music to play after her interview.  Huge thanks to Kitty for agreeing to have a chat with me.What else have we got for you...?Well, things are Heavier this week than they have been, mostly influenced by my mood (which also explains why I didn't do a show last week - didn't have the mental spoons to do it).  So you can expect a lot of angry music this week.  Which is nice.If any of you are out and about in Manchester on the 17th May and happen to have tickets for Sexplicit: Alt Arousal, I'll see you there.  Feel free to find me and have a chat.  If you're a performer, artist, designer or musician, especially if you are a woman, POC, queer (including our trans siblings) or a sex worker, let's get your voice amplified.  We need to be celebrating diversity and proving that Metal is for everyone.Us outsiders need to stick together.

Welcome to the new edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show!I know it's been a bit longer than a week since I last made a noise in your ears, but hopefully you'll find this show to have been worth the wait.  Over 2 hours of top quality Rock and Metal with a touch of social commentary.  Yes, I did get angry about something again.  Yes, the Wyrd Ways Rock Show continues to be woke as f*ck and makes no apologies for that.Let's get loud.

This week's Wyrd Ways Rock Show comes at a time when our trans siblings are under attack from TERFs like that woman who wrote the Harry Potter books, the UK Supreme Court and even our Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.  Please, if you are in the UK, write to your MP expressing your disgust at the way this marginalized community is being treated.  This is especially despicable from a Labour government.Getting away from politics and human rights (because trans rights ARE human rights) for a moment, there's nearly 2 hours of brand new, high quality Rock and Metal from established and up-and-coming bands.Turn it up.  The louder we are, the less they can ignore us.

Apologies for the lateness of this "week"'s edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show - I just totally ran out of spoons.  I'm only just now starting to be recovered enough to be doing all the stuff needed to put a show together.If you're wondering why I'm referring to cutlery and what that has to do with anything, click on this link for an explanation.  It explains quite nicely while people like me who have mental health conditions, or people with any kind of chronic illness quite often can't do the things they want to do.Anyway, it's a really varied show this time out (I'm not going to say "week", because... well... it wasn't weekly this time), so there's more than likely going to be something for literally everyone, so long as you like some Rock and Metal in your ears.Shall we get on with it?Remember you can follow me on Instagram, Threads and even TikTok - just click on the links.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.This week's show is packed to the proverbial gunwhales with the usual blend of top quality brand new Rock and Metal, as you'd expect. We’ve got brand-new music from Vanitas and Bloodywood, a taste of Ward XVI’s upcoming album Id3ntity, and a guest appearance from FFDP's Ivan Moody on The Funeral Portrait’s Holy Water.But it’s not just about the music—there’s some serious cause for celebration. Since I recorded the show, the results have come in, and I need to give a huge shoutout to Ember Auburn, Charlotte and Amethyst Allure for smashing it at the You Filthy F*cker pole dance competition at The Hive in Skegness on the 22nd March (that's last night, as I'm writing this), with Ember taking third and Char taking second in the Beginners' category and Amethyst earning the Stripper’s Choice award in Pro.Hit play on the player (or on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or whichever podcast player you use), turn it up, and let’s get to it.

It's been a little more than a week since the last edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show, but there is a reason for that.  I had an anxiety attack at the pole class I attend on Saturday mornings.  That basically meant that Saturday (where I do most of my planning for the new show) was a write-off, with Sunday being mostly about getting my head back together for Monday.The good news is that the Tuesday session (last night, as I write this) was fine.  I was just too tired after getting home at nearly 11pm to finish the uploading and publishing.Talking of pole (and things related), if you're in Manchester on the 17th May, there's an event going on at Rebellion that may well be of interest to you.  PDSM are holding Sxxplicit: Alt Arousal, starting at 5pm.  Tickets are still on sale here and dancer applications are also open (contact PDSM for those).  Metal and hot dancers in a stripper-led, inclusive, sex-positive, LGBTQIA+-friendly environment - what more could you want?Talking of things you might want, entries to Vertex Pole Championships in Liverpool, organised by pole-hero, Enya Torres, are closing on 14th April.  If you're a poledancer and want to be recognized by a jury of your peers, get 'em in!OK... enough of the advertising other people for now (although if it's something I believe in, I'm always willing to advertise it), and on to my own stuff:A little over 2 hours of quality, hot-off-the-presses Rock and Metal, mostly from up-and-coming bands.  Obviously Spiritbox, Bleed From Within, Epica and Cradle Of Filth aren't exactly up-and-coming, but they have got new stuff out.  So there you go... 

This week's (oops...) edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show was going to be released before International Women's Day, but unfortunately the number of spoons I had available weren't up to the task.  Especially after the emotional kick in the balls I received midweek.  There's a few more details on my Insta, if you're intrigued, but that's limited to close friends.Anyway, as is sort-of traditional for International Women's Day in these parts, the new edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show is a showcase of women in Metal.  Check out the playlist below.  As I keep saying, time and time again, "female fronted Metal" is NOT A GENRE - it's a lazy label applied by misogynists who can't see past their own noses (since it probably sticks out further than their... no.  We're not going to be bodyshaming).This Women's History Month, play this show especially loud.  I've deliberately not included the likes of Nightwish and Epica (although there is a bit of Symphonic Metal in there... because I do enjoy a bit of Symphonic), but focussed on the newer bands, since that's what The Wyrd Ways Rock Show is all about.While I'm here, I'm also going to plug some woman-led entertainment enterprises I'm very much enjoying/looking forward to - Darkhaus Burlesque, Burning Hell Burlesque and Sxxplicit's pop-up stripper-led strip club nights, run by PDSM.  Check them out and throw your support behind them.  They're trying to make things better and that's something we should all be in favour of.In fact, the only track that may not have female members, rather than being all male, is the final one - that's because it was put in there for Nameless Ghule on Insta, since she likes a bit of Ghost.  She didn't request it, but I know she likes them, and you do stuff like that for people you enjoy the company of (even if it's just online), right?

Welcome once again to The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.This week, as usual, loads of new releases from bands from all over the planet, showing just what a diverse genre Rock and Metal truly is, despite the best efforts of gatekeepers I like to call The Metal Taliban (there's even an article I wrote about that on The Wyrd Ways Rock Show website in the Blog section if you want to have a read).As well as that, I get to play some music for some friends (Chloe, Liz and Nameless) who suggested tracks for this week's show.  Chloe and Liz even introduced me to some new stuff that I will be diving deeper in to.  I kind of feel a little guilty (but not THAT guilty) about chasing Nameless for her request.Anyway, I also have a bit of a rant and if you had any doubt as to my stance on sex work and sex workers, I'm leaving it in no doubt: Sex work is work.  Decrim Now and Proceed Without Caution.  Listen to the show if you want to know more, or DM me and I'll point you in the direction of people who know a lot more than I do and can explain this issues with far better clarity than I can manage.So... this one definitely has a consenting adults only sticker on it!Play it loud

Welcome to the new edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.Apolgies for their being no show last week.  The first week in February is a massively busy (and expensive) one for me - both my wife and my son have birthdays.  So I literally didn't have the headspace or time to do all the necessary work to put a show together.  This week's different.  I've actually had some time this week.Not that this week's not had it's events.  My friend, Katy, has had a tough time recently, all of it coming to a head very recently.  So this show is dedicated to her.On the up-side, I went to see Heavy Metal Burlesque troupe, Darkhaus Burlesque at <em>The Blind Pig</em> in Sowerby Bridge.  And it was fantastic.  They're next playing at <em>The Attic</em> in Leeds on 22nd March with their new <em>Witches &amp; Warlocks</em> show.  Think I'll be going to that.With that in mind, the last few tracks are composed of music Darkhaus used in their <em>Cupid's Revenge</em> show.Turn it up.

Yet again proving Gene Simmons wrong, here's another edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.Seriously, if he was right, I wouldn't be finding so much new stuff to enjoy and play for you.  I'd be stuck to playing the "old favourites", and that's when I'd probably give up.  What keeps me going is all the new stuff that either arrives in my Inbox or I find on Instagram and Bandcamp.  There's loads of quality new music out there, it's just a little harder to find than it was in the late 80's.As always, if you know of any new up-and-coming bands who could do with some more airplay or you're a member of one of those bands, get in touch via the Contact Form on the Wyrd Ways Rock Show website or drop me a message via Instagram, Threads or TikTok

What's in this week's new edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show?  Two hours of quality hot-from-the-studio Rock and Metal.  Except for the opening track.  That's a total classic. Hard to believe it's 35 years oid this year.  OK, make that almost impossible.There's also news about a new pole championship, organised by Rude Studios supremo, Enya Torres.  It'll be taking place in Liverpool in September.  If you want more details, including ticket prices, and more importantly, catgories and entry requirements, go to vertexpole.com.Anyway... let's get on with it.

It's a bit heavier this week.  It's also a bit late.  I know.  I've been somewhat tired the last few days and a bit out of sorts mentally (long-time listeners will know that me and my brain don't get on), so the editing and mixing have been not happening.Something I will mention is that I'm looking at setting up a Discord and a Patreon to make it easier for you to get in touch, ask for songs, tip me off about new bands, and so on.  Depending on the tiers, there'll also be exclusive content.Please rate and follow the show on whatever platform you're listening.  It helps me give the bands I'm showing you a leg up, and that's what this is all about.And just as a reminder: The Wyrd Ways Rock Show is a safe space for women, sex workers and queer people of ALL descriptions.  Trump supporters, TERFs and SWERFs can go f*ck themselves.

CONTENT WARNING: This week;s show contains adult themes and content.Alongside the usual plethora of new music, I stole at least part of the format for this week's show from the Come Curious podcast.  So it's all about looking back on the last year and looking forward to 2025.  I also get to have a bit of a rant about transphobia and whorephobia.  Just to give you a clue, I'm not on the sides of the phobics.  The Wyrd Ways Rock Show is a safe space for women, sex workers and queer people of ALL kinds.  TERFs and SWERFs can go f*ck themselves.

So here it is.The last Wyrd Ways Rock Show of 2024.This one focusses on the bands I discovered in the last 12 months, so may not be what you might have expected.  Then again, with me, what's "the expected"?Thanks for listening during this year and I hope that continues into 2025.

Welcome to what's probably the final Wyrd Ways Rock Show of 2024.Some of you will, no doubt, be glad to know there's no Christmas music in this week's show. As per usual, it's all new music.While I'm here, there's some people who need some help.Studio Sevvven in north London is at risk of closure because their local council don't like kinsksters, sex workers and queers having somewhere safe to do what they do. The council have decided to change the goalposts and are saying the studio needs a different type of licence than the one they have. They need money to pay a lawyer to put the council straight and more money to apply for the correct licence. Here's the link to the GoFundMe.Some of you may be wondering what this has to do with the Metal community. Well, aside from the fact that some of us are in the kink, sex worker and queer communities, there's the issue of councils going after people who aren't doing anything illegal for "moral" reasons, usually hand-in-hand with extreme right wing politics. It has to stop and we need to be part of stopping it by standing up for our fellow outsiders. Because that's what we are in the Metal community - we're outsiders, and thanks to Rob Halford and others, a bit part of our aesthetic comes from kink. OK, we don't get it in the neck as badly as the queer and sex-worker communities especially do, but somebody's got to start fighting back, and it might as well be us.

This is an unusual situation, isn't it? Two Wyrd Ways Rock Shows, two weeks in a row?! Is it a sign of The End Times?!With the political situation in the US, it might just be that.Anyway, continuing the policy of getting more women and marginalized communities onto the show (so long as they're making good music), there's loads of new stuff about to pour out of your earphones, or whatever it is you're listening on.This week's show was helped into being by all the PRs who send me music to play to you, the members of Vanitas, the ComeCurious podcast and the Instagram and OF presences of @hoopsydaisy, @MercedesValentine, @Raven_alternative and @AliceLovegood.

Not done one of these since July, and it's now November.  Oops.Been a busy few months at Castle Wyrd Ways.  That's why there's been a big delay.  You've listened to the interviews I did at at Stonedead, right?Anyway.  As usual, there's loads of new stuff, including tracks from Celavi, Grand Magus and loads of others.  You can see it in the tracklisting on the Wyrd Ways Rock Show website.There's another reason I got this finished this weekend.  Anger.  Anger at what's happened in America.  How can over half the voting population of the country be so damned stupid, racist, homophobic and just plain wrong?  I suppose this is what happens when the religious fundies kicked out of Europe create their own country.So as from now, The Wyrd Ways Rock Show is going to be platforming women, sex workers and members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.  We are Metal.  We are the outsiders and outsiders have to stick together.  If you voted for Trump, I don't want you listening to my show anymore.  You spread hate?  You're not welcome here.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show.This month (although I may try to get another one out this month before Stonedead), we’re bringing you a solid lineup of new music from across the metal spectrum. As always, we’re keeping it real – mistakes, verbal hiccups, and all.  But not literally hiccups this time out.We’ve got fresh tracks from experienced heads like Deep Purple, Powerwolf, Flotsam and Jetsam and Anvil and emerging talent, namely Defences, Alt Blk Era, Scene Queen and Soulfracture, showcasing the diversity of today’s metal scene. Expect about two hours of hard-hitting tunes that’ll keep your Mosh Buffer working overtime.So turn it up and enjoy another round of The Wyrd Ways Rock Show – where the music does the talking. Except when I’m doing it.