Smith / Kotzen: Black Light / White Noise Tour 2026

Connoisseurs of refined, riff-driven craftsmanship need no introduction to Adrian Smith, Richie Kotzen, or their remarkable solo careers. Their 2021 debut album was nothing short of a powerful rock masterclass — a showcase of modern rock in which two legendary guitarists delivered an intense blend of ’70s-inspired blues, rock, and R&B, transporting classic sounds firmly into the 21st century. Their new album, Black Light / White Noise, dives even deeper into their shared musical vocabulary, firmly establishing Smith/Kotzen as true masters of their craft.

Richly varied, expertly composed, and brimming with musical flavours that only years of experience can produce, Black Light / White Noise is already being hailed as one of the finest hard rock albums of 2025.

One of the most exciting forces on the modern hard rock scene in recent years, Kris Barras Band bring arena-sized ambition into 2024 with their new album Halo Effect, which debuted at No. 5 on the Official UK Albums Chart, alongside releases from artists such as Beyoncé and Linkin Park. Continuing the heavier direction introduced on Death Valley Paradise — an album that earned the band four tracks on Planet Rock’s A-List — Halo Effect delivers crushing riffs, soaring anthemic choruses, and incendiary technical solos. Upon its release in April 2024, the album hit No. 1 on the UK Download Chart, No. 1 on the Independent Albums Chart, and No. 1 on the Rock & Metal Albums Chart.

Recently signed to legendary independent label Earache Records, Kris Barras Band draw on dark melodic sensibilities and explosive energy admired by fans of Architects, Shinedown, and Alter Bridge. Halo Effect was recorded at Vada Recording Studios in Worcestershire and co-produced by band leader Kris Barras alongside his long-time collaborator Josiah J. Manning. The album also features co-writing contributions from Zac Maloy and Blair Daly (Shinedown, Halestorm, Lynyrd Skynyrd). The current lineup of Kris Barras Band consists of Kris Barras, Josiah J. Manning (guitar), Billy Hammett (drums), and newest member Frazer Kerslake (bass).

Following an almost unbelievable career transformation — from a professional MMA fighter for a decade to a full-time musician — Barras honed his skills on the international blues-rock circuit before becoming the frontman of the supergroup Supersonic Blues Machine, featuring Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Along the way, Kris Barras Band embraced a heavier sonic direction, leading to sold-out tours alongside Black Stone Cherry, The Darkness, and Thunder, and performances at iconic venues such as Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena.