Thunder are known as one of the most popular and long-lasting British hard rock bands of the last 25 years, and they are set to release two previously unheard live albums on January 26, 2024, via the earMUSIC label.
The first in the pair, “Live At Islington Academy,” captures the band from South London during the touring cycle of their eighth studio album, ‘Robert Johnson’s Tombstone’. The quintet had already completed an extensive circuit of the UK in support of the record when they were contacted by Planet Rock Radio (UK) about the possibility of performing a set in front of a live audience at the station’s first annual Christmas party. As fun lovers, how could Thunder say “no”?
Only 800 lucky fans had the chance to see Thunder perform at the Planet Rock Christmas party on December 19, 2006. Organized by Rob Birnie and Mark Jeeves, the event was a huge success as the band delivered a breathtaking performance dominated by golden classics like ‘River Of Pain’, ‘Low Life In High Places’, ‘You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down’, ‘Love Walked In’, ‘Backstreet Symphony’, and ‘I Love You More Than Rock ‘N’ Roll’, followed by an energetic and sweaty encore of the hit single ‘Dirty Love’.
“As far as I remember, no one in the audience seemed to have any idea that we were going to the party, let alone that we were going to perform, so everyone was very surprised when we got on stage”, says frontman Danny Bowes. “It was terribly hot inside, freezing outside, and we worked really hard. Some of those present must have caught a cold on the way home”.
The second live album, “Live At Leeds,” was a more official affair, recorded nine years later, on March 3, 2015, as part of a three-date tour in support of ‘Wonder Days’, one of Thunder’s best studio albums. In the pages of Classic Rock magazine, the late, great journalist Malcolm Dome declared: “’Wonder Days’ is a huge reminder that class is both timeless and incandescent”.
The resulting tour was shorter than the band’s traditional walks, as it marked the first steps of public rehabilitation for Ben Matthews, the rhythm guitarist and keyboardist who was recovering from throat cancer. As expected, these shows were emotionally charged for both the band and the audience.
“My most important memory of that night at Leeds’ First Direct Arena was mainly the expression on Benny’s face when the audience reacted to his return”, smiles guitarist Luke Morley, who describes the first stage of his band as “very satisfying”.
A set of 16 songs delivered a load of hits.
