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Where in the world do I even begin when talking about someone like Steve Cropper, his travels, accomplishments, and musical history? I am certain that there is enough information out there about him to fill up a thick book. He was an accomplished musician, songwriter, producer, and engineer. When our music world lost him on December 3, 2025, he was still involved in doing what he loved, which was creating great music.

He and a special group of fellow musicians were wrapping up the finishing touches on what would be his last project, Watching The Tide. Cropper was actually hospitalized when bandmate, songwriter, and producer Jon Tiven delivered a copy for him to listen to. Tiven said that Cropper phoned him on the night before he passed, telling him how much he loved the recording and how it was the best record he’d ever made. That is an immense statement for someone like Steve Cropper to make.

Let me take you on a brief, condensed journey. Steve Cropper, known as “Colonel” or just “Cropper” to friends, was born in Dora, Missouri, and moved to Memphis at age nine. He received his first guitar at age fourteen. While in Memphis, he was exposed to lots of Black gospel music that was impactful to his playing style. Some of his early guitar-playing influences came from Chuck Berry, Chet Atkins, Lowman Pauling, and Jimmy Reed.

He was an early member of the Royal Spades, which later became The Mar-Keys, who began playing on recording sessions. Cropper later became a founding member of Stax Records’ house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s. His early contributions to major hit recordings as a songwriter or co-songwriter included “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” “Green Onions,” “In the Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood,” and many, many others.

Cropper was also a member of the Blues Brothers Band. He worked with so many major artists that it would be nearly impossible to name them all. He was nominated for seven Grammy Awards and won twice. Rolling Stone ranked him thirty-sixth on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists. He was voted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2010, he was voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. I can best sum up Steve Cropper’s music history and accomplishments by saying, “He’s legit.” Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones said this about him: “Perfect, man.”

Watching The Tide will be the last recording released by Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, unless there are songs secured away that were recorded but never released. Considering Cropper’s vast productivity, it would not surprise me to see that very thing happen. The album title is from lyrics of one of his most popular co-written songs, “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” and the band’s name, Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, is taken from another of Cropper’s co-written songs, “In the Midnight Hour.”

Allow me to plug the band before we talk about the music. The band consists of Steve Cropper (guitar), Jon Tiven (keyboards, bass, vocals), Roger C. Reale (lead vocals), Ana Grosh (vocals), Nioshi Jackson (drums/percussion), and Eddie Gore (keyboards, percussion). This group really does an outstanding job on this album. Also making guest appearances are Eric Clapton, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, and Ronnie Wood.

Watching The Tide is a collection of twelve tracks of masterfully performed and recorded music that serve as a proper send-off for this member of musical majesty.

“Ticket First” is a cut that features more guitar royalty, with Eric Clapton helping out. It’s a bluesy number with some serious guitar playing going on. Roger C. Reale and Ana Grosh provide outstanding vocal performances on this one, too. Reale sings, “If you want to win the prize, you got to get a ticket first.” It’s reported that this song came from a joke Cropper had about a woman who rubs a magic lamp and the genie gives her one wish. Her wish is that she wants to win the lottery. The genie tells her that she has to have a ticket first. I’m thinking maybe she should have just asked for the cash. This one will be one of those tunes that you feel like you should be up and dancing to.

The third song is “My Angels Are Calling,” and Brian May wrote the lyrics for this one from Steve Cropper’s perspective. He also provides the lead vocal and does a super job at it. Billy Gibbons provides some righteous guitar work on this piece, and the result is a jewel being added to Watching The Tide.

The ocean sounds usher in May as he sings, “I’m here to thank you Lord for taking me on board; I been a lucky man.” He continues later with, “but now my angels are calling, my angels are calling me home. My angels are calling to bring me back where I belong.” This song also gets a guest appearance by Billy Gibbons.

I’m just going to speak as plainly as I can. This is a beautiful piece, especially considering the circumstances. It deserves a wide listening audience from those who were Steve Cropper fans and those who knew him personally, as well as new listeners.

“Until Now” features Ronnie Wood providing some killer slide guitar work. It’s a blues rocker for sure, and Roger C. Reale does another great job with the lead vocal here. He sings, “Until now it was hard to get me down. The wind at my back, I was right on time; until now.” He continues by asking, “Who’s gonna come and chase these blues away?” If these are the kind of blues that need chasing away, I hope nobody comes to chase them away.

Track seven on this release is “It’s Gonna Get Worse,” and it’s a funky number that opens with the lyrics, “It’s gonna get worse, before it gets better.” This one has some great groove going on in it. I believe that this song is saying what a lot of us are thinking. I’m hoping and praying that things don’t get worse, but none of us know about tomorrow. “We got to ride out, some stormy weather,” Reale sings, and that may be some great advice.

Watching The Tide is a fitting farewell to Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour as we know them. I’m sure we’ll still be able to enjoy the future efforts of the other musicians featured on this recording, but we’ll only be able to visit the past concerning Cropper.

It is usually here that I recommend going out and catching an artist live. I also usually list concert dates or direct readers to the artist’s social media pages for upcoming concerts. I can’t do that here. However, Steve Cropper has left a treasure trove of past recordings in addition to this one. Allow this album to motivate you to go back and revisit his earlier work. I’m surely going to take my own advice on that.

Until then, I will conclude with lyrics that I intentionally didn’t mention earlier from the track “My Angels Are Calling”: “My angels are calling, they’re calling to take me away. They’re taking me back to my sea on the dock of the bay.”

Rest in peace, Steve Cropper, and thanks for the great music.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Ticket First
– My Angels Are Calling
– Until Now
– It’s Gonna Get Worse

The Big Hit

– My Angels Are Calling

The post Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour: Watching The Tide Review appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

In February 2027, the Swedish ensemble Thrown will embark on a headlining tour over Australia. Support acts on this trek will be Boundaries, 156/Silence and Volatile Ways
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Amon Amarth have premiered a music video for their new single “Eight Legs Of Thunder”. The track will appear on The Allfather Awakens, the band’s upcoming new album due for release on October 2nd 2026 via Metal Blade Records. Watch the video below.
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Hatebreed are unveiling a visualizer for “Fatal Paradox”, the second advance single and title-track off their forthcoming studio album.
Read more…

– August 27th, 2026 –

New Album The Allfather Awakens Out October 2 via Metal Blade Records – Pre-Order / Pre-Save

Credit: Sylwia Makris & Christian Martin Weiss

AMON AMARTH return with “Eight Legs of Thunder,” a steamrolling new anthem inspired by Sleipnir, the legendary eight-legged steed of Oden. Driven by a galloping main riff and a powerful, sing-along chorus, the track charges headlong through Norse mythology while its accompanying video transports the tale into an unexpected new world: a gritty, modern American Western of cowboys, pickup trucks and open roads, with the mythical Sleipnir himself emerging in a surreal dream sequence.

Director Dariusz Szermanowicz enthuses, “With ‘Eight Legs Of Thunder’, together with the band, we wanted to break the traditional metal music video mold once again. We fused the raw, dusty vibe of a modern western with the epic, dark mythology of Oden’s eight-legged steed. It’s a high-octane, cinematic ride packed with cowboy tension, raw action, and a touch of dark humor. We didn’t just want to make a music video-we wanted to deliver a visual knockout.”

“Eight Legs of Thunder” is the final preview ahead of their forthcoming album The Allfather Awakens which sees its release October 2 via Metal Blade Records. The ten-song masterwork marks the beginning of a new world and further cements the legacy of the Swedish metal titan’s spectacularly memorable riffs and unflinching melodic aural power.

As with Amon Amarth‘s previous records, Oden, the Norse “all father” who is a deity of war, wisdom, death, magic, and poetry, is the through-line in Amon Amarth‘s lyrics and artwork. Once again, Oden is the band’s inspiration, but The Allfather Awakens is not a concept album, rather a collection of historically inspired epic tales of conflict and sacrifice for a greater good.

Listen / Share / Playlist “Eight Legs of Thunder” | Watch Music Video

“Eight Legs of Thunder” follows the release of Amon Amarth‘s first-ever acoustic excursion “Upphaf” and epic tale of “Gjallarhorn“. Where the stripped-back “Upphaf” carried the solemnity of an oral history whispered under the shadow of the Allfather, “Gjallarhorn” arrived as a furious Amon Amarth classic. To gain wisdom beyond mortal comprehension, Oden made the ultimate sacrifice – gouging out his own eye and casting it into the Well of Wisdom, Mímisbrunnr, in exchange for cosmic insight and foresight that would shape the fate of gods and men alike. Now, Amon Amarth bring that ancient reckoning to life and they are extending Oden’s offer to you. Those who received the eye know what must be done. Those who did not: seek it out. Sacrifice your sight. Gain your foresight.

Amon Amarth took a new songwriting approach for The Allfather Awakens. The album came to life across two recording sessions, months apart, at producer Jacob Hansen’s studio in Denmark. Amon Amarth began writing songs while touring, rather than waiting until they were off the road. The writing and recording process allowed the musicians to intensely focus on each track, resulting in an album where each song was treated as a single. Guitar-wise, Amon Amarth opted for a slightly less modern approach sonically, moving away from 5150 amps and back to Marshalls. The music was written before the lyrics, setting the tone for the words.

Pre-Save / Pre-Order The Allfather Awakens HERE

The Allfather Awakens is yet another step up, introducing previously untried efforts, an impressive and conscious musical and lyrical feat after three decades of band-dom. This autumn, The Allfather Awakens will take physical form on stage as the band unveils an entirely new production inspired by Oden’s legendary Golden Hall, transforming their iconic concert experience into a living extension of the new album. Amon Amarth perform across the U.K. and Europe. See below for a full list of worldwide dates; visit HERE for tickets and more info.

The Allfather Awakens Artwork by Tom Thiel

The Allfather Awakens Tracklist:
01. Gjallarhorn
02. Eight Legs of Thunder
03. Kvasir’s Blood
04. We Rule the Waves
05. Upphaf
06. Die With a War Cry
07. Raven God
08. The Allfather Awakes
09. Oden’s Hunt
10. Ascending Like an Eagle

Amon Amarth Live Dates:
UK:
Oct 09: England – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Oct 10: England – London, Eventim Apollo
Oct 11: England – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
EU:
Oct 13: France – Paris, Zenith
Oct 14: Luxembourg – Esch sur Alzette, Rockhal
Oct 16: Germany – Stuttgart, Schleyer-Halle
Oct 17: Germany – Frankfurt, Festhalle
Oct 18: Belgium – Antwerp, Lotto Hall
Oct 20: Netherlands – Den Bosch, Mainstage
Oct 21: Germany – Hamburg, Sporthalle
Oct 23: Sweden – Gothenburg, Scandinavium
Oct 24: Sweden – Stockholm, Hovet
Oct 26: Finland – Helsinki, Ice Hall
Oct 27: Estonia – Tallin, Unibet Arena
Oct 29: Poland – Gliwice, PreZero Arena Gliwice
Oct 30: Germany – Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena
Oct 31: Germany – Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber Arena
Nov 02: Hungary – Budapest, Barba Negra
Nov 03: Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
Nov 04: Germany – Bamberg, Brose Arena
Nov 06: Czech Republic – Prague, O2 Universum
Nov 07: Germany – Berlin, Velodrom
Nov 08: Germany – Munich, Zenith
Nov 10: Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
Nov 11: Switzerland – Zurich, The Hall
Nov 13: Spain – Barcelona, Sant Jordi Club
Nov 14: Spain – Madrid, Vistalegre
Nov 15: Portugal – Lisbon, Sala Tejo

Amon Amarth Lineup:
Johan Hegg – Vocals
Olavi Mikkonen – Guitar
Johan Söderberg – Guitar
Ted Lundström – Bass
Jocke Wallgren – Drums

More about Amon Amarth and their cultural influence
Over 30 years later, Amon Amarth remains a band of brothers, and that loyalty and unity allow for harmony and a united front that conquers both the stage and record. Frontman Johann Hegg’s powerfully rendered lyrics on The Allfather Awakens‘ on “We Rule The Waves” sum up the band’s unrelenting intent. “From cradle until the grave / As long as the sun sets in the west / We rule the waves / Our restless hearts / Have brought us far / As far as Vinland’s shores / We’ve gone further / Than any man has ever gone before.”

From Amon Amarth‘s 1992 formation in Tumba, Sweden, to the worldwide fame they’ve found in the ensuing years, their lyrical, live and recorded musical legacy speaks for itself. Over the past few years the band have performed globally and alongside legendary acts such as Slayer, Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Pantera in addition to monumental takeovers of Los Angeles’ The Forum and Denver’s historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre to name a few. Across seas, Amon Amarth have headlined multiple major rock and metal fests including an epic performance at Germany’s Wacken in 2024 for 85,000. Elsewhere on UK/European soil, the Viking lords have twice headlined the UK’s storied Bloodstock festival, made four appearances at Download (2008 – 2019), and performed at Summer Breeze eight times (2003 – 2024) – six of them as headliner.

Their rapidly increasing sales and touring numbers, plus pre-release buzz to Amon Amarth‘s 2026 North American tour with Dethklok and Castle Rat, has managed to garner mainstream success without sacrificing either of their constantly evolving creativity or heaviness. Audience demographics run the gamut from pre-teens to 60-somethings, an inclusive metal experience for those who appreciate epic positivity and powerfully inspirational lyrics.

Their cultural influence cannot be overstated. To wit: The Row. The consensus is that the legendary “Viking row” by audience members first began during the 2009 Amon Amarth set at Bloodstock. Fans get on the ground and, in unison, imitate rowing an invisible longship in a powerfully unifying experience. With the 2022 release of the single and video “Put Your Back into the Oar,” Hegg said, “we thought it was a good idea to write a song about The Row! This one is for you, the fans, wherever you are-and may Oden guide you as you row to your destiny in uncharted seas!“

Over the years the phenomenon has spread to other artist’s’ concerts and global events including 2026 World Cup audiences – but thanks to video footage, it’s safe to say Amon Amarth audiences began the now-iconic trend. Last month, Hegg spoke to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK about the The Row‘s origin, read the interview HERE.

Amon Amarth | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X | YouTube

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(written by Islander) In early 2020 we hosted the premiere of a thought-provoking debut EP by the Berlin-based band Pyre of Descent. Later that same year they released another EP (Love’s Sombre Death), and now they have a debut album named Albedo that’s headed for release by two labels and the band this coming September. […]

The post AN NCS PREMIERE: PYRE OF DESCENT — “LOVE’S SOMBRE DEATH” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

Next month, woolly Cincinnati underground rockers the Drin will release I Lost My Way For Centuries, their absolutely massive new 23-song, 74-minute album. It’s a beautiful example of blown-out maximalism on a DIY budget, and it’s going to knock a lot of people sideways when they get to hear it in its totality. We already posted lead single “Haven’t Lived It Yet,” and now they’ve also shared “Prophets Of Doom,” a towering riff-rock stomp with some extremely cool harmonica honks in the mix. More basement bands should try to sound like Deep Purple. Check it out below.

The post The Drin – “Prophets Of Doom” appeared first on Stereogum.

Mud Teeth carries the history of the Cuban underground, was constructed in Switzerland and received its final sonic treatment in Uruguay. SECTARIUM will release the nine-track album digitally on October 9, 2026. It follows Ad Infernum from 2023 and marks the band’s first full-length recording with Doomslayer on guitar and vocals, joining founding member Oliva. […]

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With their new single “Eight Legs of Thunder,” Amon Amarth unleash the next anthem from their upcoming album The Allfather Awakens Inspired by Sleipnir, Oden’s (Note: Oden is the Swedish form of the name Odin and is deliberately spelled this way here) legendary eight-legged steed, and driven by a galloping riff and a powerful chorus,… Continue Reading →

CINDERELLA frontman Tom Keifer has broken his silence on the vocal injury that forced him off the road, thanking fans for their support less than a month after the final three dates of his 2026 solo tour were scrapped when he “completely” lost his singing voice to what was described as a severe vocal muscle strain.

Tom addressed the situation directly in a Wednesday, Aug. 26 post on social media, writing, “I can’t express how much your kind words, prayers and well wishes have meant to me over the past few weeks following my vocal injury.

“The injury I sustained requires an extended period of rest, with no singing before being reevaluated. I’m taking things one day at a time and will keep you updated.

“Many thanks to everyone for an amazing tour this year,” he continued. “While the cancellation of the last 3 shows due to my injury was not quite the note we were hoping to end on, #keiferband 2026 was an incredible tour thanks to the energy and enthusiasm you all brought to every show.

“The prayers and encouragement are greatly appreciated and your comments have been truly uplifting… I am determined to -RISE+ and overcome.

“Much love to all”.

The scrapped shows included a July 30 date at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pa., an Aug. 1 festival slot at Rock The Dam in Beaver Dam, Ky., and a previously rescheduled Aug. 3 gig at Warehouse Live Midtown in Houston — itself a makeup date for a June 27 show Tom postponed minutes before stage time due to “sudden illness.”

When the cancellations first broke on July 29, Tom‘s manager, Tim Heyne of Union Entertainment Group, issued a statement on social media: “Unfortunately, Tom Keifer has suffered a severe vocal muscle strain/injury resulting in complete loss of singing voice, forcing the cancellation of the last three upcoming shows of the Keiferband‘s 2026 concert tour. Please contact the venues or ticket services for refunds.

“Canceling any show is the last thing Tom ever wants to see happen. He loves performing for you all and makes every effort to ensure his voice is the best it can be for every show.”

Tom fronted Cinderella on every one of the band’s studio releases, starting with 1986’s Night Songs and 1988’s Long Cold Winter. Two more albums followed before Tom developed vocal paresis, the grunge era hit and the band’s record deal dried up.

Cinderella hasn’t put out new music since 1994’s Still Climbing, though the band reunited for scattered live dates starting in 2010. It has stayed largely dormant in recent years as Tom has poured his energy into solo work.

Back in March 2022, Tom admitted he was “not prepared” for the 2021 death of Cinderella guitarist Jeff LaBar, who was found dead by his wife inside his Nashville apartment in July 2021 at age 58.

The post TOM KEIFER Breaks Silence On Tour-Ending Vocal Injury: “I’m Taking Things One Day At A Time” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.