Steve Blacknell

Presenter, broadcaster music critic

At a time when the endless dearth of tribute bands are strangling the music business, it’s so refreshing to see an emerging band stuffed with style and pure energy bidding for attention.

Birthrite are a Black Country rock band with a difference, and although they may be no spring chickens they display a power and an energy that will make those younger outfits sit up and listen!

At just sixty six years old – theatrical lead singer Erazamus Voss embodies the spirit and vision of Steampunk whilst giving a blatant nod to the Pistols et al .

The similarly aged band motor along at a frenetic pace.

The music is brash and unforgiving -yet laced with a bevy of tunes that stick long in the memory.

To see them “live” is an experience not to be missed,

So watch out – they’ve claimed their Birthrite so now it’s your turn!

Steve Blacknell started in promotions and A&R working for the likes of ABC, Decca and Chrysalis promoting acts such as The Moody Blues, Leo Sayer, Jethro Tull and Steely Dan. In 1980 he joined Jive Records and signed A Flock of Seagulls. In 1982 he made the heady leap into TV – hosting the BBC’s pop/fashion flagship show Riverside, became a regular music correspondent on BBC Breakfast Time and was Europe’s inaugural Video Jockey. He was a regular at Radio 1 hosting In Concert and also hosted The Old Grey Whistle Test on a number of occasions. 

‘You Need Birthrite’ is available to purchase – here