At the tail end of March, Thunder released a brand new live set ‘Stage,' which featured hits from right across the band’s career - includes fan-favourite classics like ‘Backstreet Symphony’, ‘Low Life In High Places’ and ‘Love Walked In.'
But the release also brought things up to date with and bringing things right up to date with tracks from the 2017 Top 3 UK Chart Album title track Rip It Up’ and ‘She Likes The Cocaine’.
The music was captured live at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena.
“The Rip It Up album was so well received, it was no surprise the tour was brilliant too. We decided to include a Cardiff Motorpoint Arena show on the tour, purely because it was so good when we played there with Journey & Whitesnake in 2013.
"Capturing it as well turned out to be one of our better decisions, because the resulting film and album are a shining example of an organic “coming together” of fans and a band. We’ve released a few live recordings over the years, but this is most definitely up there with the best of them. We're extremely pleased with it,” the band said.
Since forming in 1989, Thunder have established themselves at the top table of UK rock, notching up 20 Top 50 singles and two Gold albums.
The band’s sound is a timeless marriage of unforgettable melodies and sheer rock power, and they are unbeatable live.
Next month the band return to the spiritual home of rock, Donington Park, to play the Download Festival.
Danny Bowes talks Total MK through his Download experience's past, and the band's plans for the rest of 2018...
How special is it to be returning to Download - the British home of rock and metal?
It’s always great to play at Download.
It’s the scene of our big break way back in 1990, when it was called Monsters Of Rock, and it kicked right off from there, so we always get misty eyed when we think of it.
What can the Download faithful expect from your set?
Mr Copping told me he wants all the big Thunder tunes, so we’ll be going for the throat, which means there will be no pissing about.
How will you spend the rest of your time on the site?
Usually it involves some negotiation of the conditions, namely trying to stay as dry as possible whilst diving from interview to interview.
It’s always a good day for catching up with our friends in the industry and other bands, but it’s mostly talking cobblers to be honest.
Anyone else on the bill you'll be keen to check out?
I’ll definitely be watching Black Stone Cherry and GnR, as they’re on after us.
How many others I get to see will depend on how many interviews I have to do, and how wet I am.
What three festival essentials should Download ticket-holders be sure to pack before heading to the site?
1. Heavy duty plastic bags.
2. Some form of 100% waterproof bag to keep some dry socks in (this is one of the best feelings in the world).
3. A sense of humour.
And festivals aside, what's going on with Thunder in 2018?
We just released a great live album and film called Stage, and we’re playing a few other shows in the summer but not too many, as we want to concentrate our efforts on the next studio album.
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