Absolva

**BLAZE BAYLEY**

Metal Hall of Fame inductee BLAZE BAYLEY is a singer/songwriter born 29th May 1963 in Birmingham, England. Having started his professional career in WOLFSBANE (1984), he was elevated to global heights when he joined IRON MAIDEN with whom he released two albums ("X-Factor" and "Virtual XI") and toured worldwide between 1994 and 1999. After leaving IRON MAIDEN, Blaze embarked on a solo career, during which he has released eleven full-length studio albums, plus live albums, live DVDs and compilations. He's also enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the hardest working artists touring around, with a very special connection to his fans.

In 2015 Blaze celebrated the 15th anniversary of his first solo release "Silicon Messiah" and then saw a significant worldwide resurgence of interest in his career, not least with the release of the "Infinite Entanglement" trilogy during the period 2016 to 2018. This was followed up with two live offerings - the albums and DVDs "Live In France" and "Live In Czech" (2019 and 2020 respectively). During these recent years Blaze has toured widely in the UK, Europe, North America and Latin America. He’s become particularly recognised for his unmistakable high energy, no-nonsense, live performances.

Blaze joined DISTURBED onstage at the 2016 Download Festival for a rendition of ‘Baba O’Riley’ by THE WHO.

During the period 2014 to present date, Blaze has worked with a settled line-up for his backing band, from British melodic metal band ABSOLVA - Christopher Appleton (lead guitar), Martin Mcnee (drums) and Karl Schramm (bass) whilst Luke Appleton (rhythm/lead guitar) of ABSOLVA was added from 2021 His band have received critical acclaim for outstanding performances, including Sweden Rock Festival, Rock the Coast (Spain), and Headbangers Open Air (Germany).

In 2021, alongside co-writer/producer Christopher Appleton, Blaze released a new full-length studio album ‘WAR WITHIN ME’. This was roundly praised & many fans have held it up as his best work yet.

Following the pandemic Blaze has successfully returned to touring life, inspired by his fans & successfully completing European tours, UK tours & a host of festival appearances in the summer of 2022. **ABSOLVA**

ABSOLVA is a uniquely explosive British melodic heavy metal band, who in 2022, celebrated their 10th anniversary. Fronted by Chris Appleton, a guitarist carrying the spirit and feel of blues-era GARY MOORE into the metal arena, throwing the thrills and tricks suggestive of a new JOE SATRIANI, whilst projecting his melodic vocals and personality as a masterful & energetic frontman.

Accompanied by brother Luke Appleton, who is an imposing and powerful rhythm guitar player, going on to complement his older brother with some electrifying lead playing and backing vocals. This results in the delightful impact of twin harmony guitars reminiscent of THIN LIZZY at their best.

On drums it’s as if John Bonham decided to put his spirit into the consciousness of Bill Ward, a true heavy rock drummer in the metal genre. Martin Mcnee, often called ‘The Machine’, is the embodiment of the archetypal powerhouse rock/metal drummer, skilfully combining the technical gift with groove and feel.

Completing the bedrock rhythm section is the granite-like toughness of Karl Schramm’s bass playing, very much his own man, but with an undeniable nod to his biggest influence – Steve Harris, the bass playing legend of British metal heroes IRON MAIDEN.

To accompany the outstanding musicianship and performances, Absolva has an enviable catalogue with six studio albums and 2 live, containing riffs, melodies, fretboard theatrics, with the most treasured gift of truly memorable songs.

This is a 14+ event. 14 and 15 year old’s MUST be accompanied by an adult

The Underworld

BLAZE BAYLEY

Absolva

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