Mark Dean
I'm a 40+ music fan. Fond mostly of rock and metal - my staple musical food delights. Originally from Northern Ireland, I am now based in the UK-Manchester. I have a hectic musical existence with regular shows and interviews. Been writing freelance for five years now with several international websites. Passionate about what I do, I have been fortunate already to interview many of my all-time musical heroes. My music passion was first created by seeing Status Quo at the tender age of 15. While I still am passionate about my rock and metal, I have found that with age my taste has diversified so that now I am actually dipping into different musical genres and styles for the first time.
Interview: Yngwie Malmsteen – The Maestro Reflects on 40 Years of Shredding and ‘Tokyo Live‘
Interviews
April 15, 2025
Interview: Yngwie Malmsteen – The Maestro Reflects on 40 Years of Shredding and ‘Tokyo Live‘
The incomparable Yngwie Malmsteen is one of the greatest guitarists to ever walk the earth. So, when the chance arises…
BLACKTOP MOJO’s Matt James on Touring the UK, Musical Evolution, and Chasing Dreams – Exclusive Interview
Interviews
April 2, 2025
BLACKTOP MOJO’s Matt James on Touring the UK, Musical Evolution, and Chasing Dreams – Exclusive Interview
Interview with Matt James of Blacktop Mojo – Manchester Rebellion, March 2025 Back in 2017, I did what was probably…
Inside Rock’s Wildest Moments: PAUL RAPPAPORT on Dylan, Pink Floyd, and the Stories Behind ‘Gliders Over Hollywood’ – Exclusive Interview
Interviews
April 1, 2025
Inside Rock’s Wildest Moments: PAUL RAPPAPORT on Dylan, Pink Floyd, and the Stories Behind ‘Gliders Over Hollywood’ – Exclusive Interview
Paul Rappaport on Rock’s Golden Age: Inside Gliders Over Hollywood Few people have had a backstage pass to rock history…
SHAMAN’S HARVEST & BLACKTOP MOJO Ignite Manchester with a Hard Rock Masterclass – Concert Review & Photos
Concert Reviews
March 26, 2025
SHAMAN’S HARVEST & BLACKTOP MOJO Ignite Manchester with a Hard Rock Masterclass – Concert Review & Photos
Shaman’s Harvest: Formed in 1996 in Jefferson City, Missouri, Shaman’s Harvest blends alternative metal, hard rock, and post-grunge influences. The…
ERIC BASS of Shinedown Talks Debut Solo Album I Had A Name, Mental Health, and the Hero’s Journey in an Exclusive Interview
Interviews
February 24, 2025
ERIC BASS of Shinedown Talks Debut Solo Album I Had A Name, Mental Health, and the Hero’s Journey in an Exclusive Interview
Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Eric Bass (Shinedown) is thrilled to announce his debut solo album Eric Bass Presents: I Had…
MAGNUM’s A Passage in Time – A Powerful and Emotional Tribute to Tony Clarkin at Manchester Academy – Concert Review & Photos
Concert Reviews
February 10, 2025
MAGNUM’s A Passage in Time – A Powerful and Emotional Tribute to Tony Clarkin at Manchester Academy – Concert Review & Photos
Magnum was always a band that played Belfast when I was growing up—at a time of political conflict when many…
THIN LIZZY’s Acoustic Sessions – A Nostalgic Tribute Blending Phil Lynott’s Iconic Vocals With New Acoustic Arrangements – Album Review
Album Reviews
January 24, 2025
THIN LIZZY’s Acoustic Sessions – A Nostalgic Tribute Blending Phil Lynott’s Iconic Vocals With New Acoustic Arrangements – Album Review
Thin Lizzy‘s latest release, “Acoustic Sessions,” is a nostalgic yet refreshing journey through the band’s early catalog, reimagined with a…
Into the Heart of Rock: An Exclusive Interview with Josh Hamler of Shaman’s Harvest
Interviews
December 23, 2024
Into the Heart of Rock: An Exclusive Interview with Josh Hamler of Shaman’s Harvest
In the ever-evolving world of rock music, Shaman’s Harvest has consistently pushed boundaries with their powerful sound, soulful lyrics, and…
Chicago & Friends – ‘Live At 55’ AVAILABLE TO STREAM FROM FRIDAY
Press Releases
December 3, 2024
Chicago & Friends – ‘Live At 55’ AVAILABLE TO STREAM FROM FRIDAY
Available To Stream Worldwide Exclusively on StagePlayer+ StagePlayer+: HERE Click here to view “Hard To Say I’m Sorry / Get Away” Chicago &…
Exclusive Interview with Stone Broken at Firevolt Rock Festival 2024
Interviews
August 26, 2024
Exclusive Interview with Stone Broken at Firevolt Rock Festival 2024
Walsall-based rock four-piece Stone Broken celebrate the release of their brand-new single, titled ‘Remedy‘, supported by a short run of…
Unmasked: Inside the Mind of Guitar Icon Ace Frehley – An Exclusive Interview
Interviews
April 10, 2024
Unmasked: Inside the Mind of Guitar Icon Ace Frehley – An Exclusive Interview
Over the years there have been very few musicians that have managed to elude me from getting an interview. Ace…
Interview: Legendary Music Producer TOM WERMAN chats about his book, “Turn It Up!”
Interviews
December 6, 2023
Interview: Legendary Music Producer TOM WERMAN chats about his book, “Turn It Up!”
Growing up in the Boston suburbs, Tom Werman was deeply affected by pop music from a young age. He long…
Festival Review: Stonedead Festival 2023
Festival Reviews
September 8, 2023
Festival Review: Stonedead Festival 2023
Stonedead Festival 2023 was a one-day rock music festival at the Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire, England, on Saturday, August 26th.…
Festival Review: Steelhouse Festival 2023
Festivals
September 1, 2023
Festival Review: Steelhouse Festival 2023
As we trekked up the mountain top of Ebbw Vale, we were ready for an electrifying experience at the Steelhouse…
Festival Review: Firevolt Festival 2023
Festivals
August 31, 2023
Festival Review: Firevolt Festival 2023
The Firevolt Rock Festival held in Stockport, England in 2022 was one of the best small festivals I’ve ever attended.…
Concert Review: Guns N Roses at BST – British Summertime Festival
Concert Reviews
July 10, 2023
Concert Review: Guns N Roses at BST – British Summertime Festival
My history with these legends of rock extends way back into the midst of my musical origins. From buying their…
Concert Review: GOO GOO DOLLS and THOSE DAMN CROWS at Manchester Academy
Concert Reviews
July 10, 2023
Concert Review: GOO GOO DOLLS and THOSE DAMN CROWS at Manchester Academy
The Goo Goo Dolls have an extensive musical legacy but until now our musical paths have never actually crossed. Promoting…
Black Sabbath – Still Live and Still Evil – 40 years on!
Album Reviews
June 25, 2023
Black Sabbath – Still Live and Still Evil – 40 years on!
The ongoing series of Black Sabbath releases continues with the latest edition. This time featuring the live release of Live…
Interview with Paul Gilbert
Interviews
May 28, 2023
Interview with Paul Gilbert
On 7th April 2023, Paul Gilbert released an album celebrating one of heavy metal’s greatest icons when he put out…
Interview with Nigel Glockler – Legendary Drummer of SAXON
Interviews
May 5, 2023
Interview with Nigel Glockler – Legendary Drummer of SAXON
British Heavy Metal legends Saxon unveil the first single, “The Faith Healer”, from upcoming, More Inspirations – set for release…