It's that time of year again and what a year it has been, and now it's time to start publishing our writers' Best Of 2017s and on 31st December we'll be publishing the end result, one winner from each category. Here's Johnny's Best Of 2017s...
BEST BAND: INGLORIOUS
After the massive tsunami of excitement with their monster self-titled debut album, Inglorious have done the business again with another killer record, 'Inglorious II', which was followed by a highly successful headline tour. The arenas may still be a few albums away, but in the meantime you can enjoy seeing them up close and personal.
2. IRON MAIDEN
The Iron Maiden juggernaut continued to roll in style during 2017 with the mammoth 'The Book Of Souls World Tour' and with the release of the accompanying live double album 'The Book Of Souls – The Live Chapter'.
3. DEEP PURPLE
A band still madly in love with the album format returned with 'InFinite' and produced some of their finest tunes since the 'Perfect Strangers' album back in 1984.
BEST NEW BAND: SAMARKIND
Ireland hasn't had much to shout about in recent years when it comes to genuine top quality rock acts, however, with the emergence of blues rockers Samarkind that has well and truly changed. So you'd better put their mind blowing self-titled debut album at the top of your Christmas wish list and make it your New Year resolution to get on board with this band.
BEST FESTIVAL: RAMBLIN' MAN FAIR
Although this years line-up wasn't as strong as the previous two it's still the go-to festival for hardcore lovers of Classic Rock music.
BEST GIG: IRON MAIDEN, 3ARENA, DUBLIN, 6th MAY
My son Ryan's first ever concert, a very special night - no more words needed from me, really!
2. ALICE COOPER, OLYMPIC THEATRE, DUBLIN, 8th NOVEMBER
The King Of Shock Rock's stage show always provides an exhilarating evening's entertainment.
3. THUNDER: VICAR ST, DUBLIN, 30th MARCH
After making a blistering return with the 'Rip It Up' album, Thunder reaffirmed their live reputation with jaw dropping performances on a hugely successful UK/Ireland tour.
BEST ALBUM: SAMARKIND - 'SAMARKIND'
I always counted Tesla's 'Mechanical Resonance' as the finest debut album I've ever heard, but Dublin based blues rockers Samarkind have more than challenged that. From the opening track, 'Black Rain' to closer 'Blue Mountain', this album will riddle you with goose-bumps.
2. INGLORIOUS - 'INGLORIOUS II'
Following the mass attention the band received from their debut album, including the infamous glowing reference from Brian May, all eyes were on Inglorious to see if they could they come up with the goods again. Well they made a mass mockery of the so called 'second album syndrome' theory with another whopper. Tracks like 'I Don't Need Your Loving' and 'Read All About It' are serious indicators of a band hell bent on going all the way.
3. GUN – 'FAVOURITE PLEASURES'
2012s 'Break The Silence' and 2015s 'Frantic' were decent albums but Scots Rockers Gun have properly found their bite again with the all killer 'Favourite Pleasures'. Top tuneage like 'She Knows' and the thumping title track are just two gems that announce a band reborn.
BEST VIDEO: 'ACCEPT' - THE RISE OF CHAOS'
2. INGLORIOUS - 'I DON'T NEED YOUR LOVING'
3. SAMARKIND - 'SUN STROKE HEART'
LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2018
Def Leppard's much rumoured UK/Ireland 'Hysteria' anniversary shows, the long overdue return of Canadian Metal legends Anvil to Dublin as well as Whitesnake's first studio album of original material since 2011's 'Forevermore'.
