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We asked you to share your favourite riffs with us and we’ve now compiled them into a playlist, no surprise here that Black Sabbath’s the king of the castle, with about half of you saying’Into the Void’ is the best riff ever. Listen below, or by finding us on Spotify under ‘orangeamplifiers‘ and give us a follow to be kept in the loop of new playlists. Happy Easter!

Nestled in the Oxford shire hills Truck Festival is a small, friendly festival showcasing the best acts from the alternative and indie genre. Orange sent its artist relations rep Daniel to check out the sights and sounds of this festival and come back with his best things from the festival:

The Site

This was the first time I have graced the Truck Festival site and was struck by its friendly and helpful staff. Not only this but the layout was really easy to navigate, with plenty of room on site without anything feeling too far away. The giant Truck letters that were pretty much bang in the centre of the main arena become a easy meeting point.

The Nest

If you want to find out the best new music then The Nest stage is where to look at Truck Festival, across the weekend it played host to such great new bands as Yonaka, Anteros, and Inhaler. I managed to catch Anteros set which had the tent packed out, the band played tracks from their debut album ‘When we land’. Their mixture of faced paced pop indie songs were the perfect soundtrack in the unusually sunny English weather.

Idles

The band’s set was the first of four sets over the next two days, which include other festivals such as Y Not. The band have had a whirlwind 2 years and it doesn’t seem like it will stop anytime soon, the main stage was packed for their 2 o’clock set. Opening with the bombastic sound of Heel/Heal the band rattled through an hour long set in front of a packed main stage. The band were greeted like hero’s with smoke bombs going off and the crowd singing back every word, the single ‘Danny Nedelko’ was a particular highlight.  

So Many Bands!

Something I was so impressed with was the breadth of bands that were on the bill, especially the different types and size of bands. The Oxford Sympony Orchestra opened up the main stage on the Saturday, the crowd created a circle pit and a chant of ‘cello, cello’ erupted throughout the set. Public Service Broadcasting closed the second stage to a packed crowd and Mr Motivator opened up the Main stage on Sunday! It just shows how much there is to do at Truck Festival, I never thought with Orange I would get to meet Mr Motivator!

The Weather

Being in the U.K. we have got completely used to festivals being a wash out, if you don’t take a full set of water proof equipment then you are going to be in trouble. But no need for Truck Festival, the weather, other than a bit of rain on Saturday morning was bliss, even maybe a little too good. The amount of sunburn seen on Friday from Thursday’s temperatures of 38C was very apparent, most visitors had a lobster pink hue but we shouldn’t complain, give 38C every year for every festival!

Foals

Finally I have to mention Foals headlining on Saturday night, the Oxford locals came home to destroy the main stage. This year has been a big year for the band as they are releasing two albums, ‘Everything not saved will be lost – Part 1’ has been nominated for a Mercury prize and the second part will be released in October. The band open with ‘On the Luna’ from the new album and then proceed to play a career spanning set, which includes old favourites such as ‘Olympic Airways’ and the rarely played ‘Hummer’. It’s a perfect end to the Saturday night and judging by the crowds reaction to the encore with flares and smoke bombs going off Foals have smashed their homecoming!

Question: What if Ghostbusters was like, still about blasting ghosts, but instead of using proton packs they used Orange amps strapped to their backs and the guns were guitars?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. The Ghostbusters are some of my favorite people. They’re all laid back and cool, but at the end of the day they’re action stars, superstars even. They saved the f*cking world. They’re pretty ugly guys but that’s what makes them endearing. I mean, look at country music icon Conway Twitty:

Conway Twitty came from a time when you could be ugly as sin but still be a music superstar. We called it the 70’s. That dude was beating off women with a stick.  

The Ghostbusters have proton packs which, according to the definition I found in my sock drawer, have “the power of 1,000 suns harnessed into a backpack that could potentially malfunction causing the end of the universe as we know it.” That’s a whole lot of power for these men to wield.

In fact, we should fear the Ghostbusters. They’re basically gods. Which is why I don’t understand how a guy like Martin Peck, representing a governmental organization like the EPA, would think it’s even in his wheelhouse to try and tell these guys what to do. Put them on their pedestal and give them their gold medal because nobody is worthy of their greatness.

And so that’s why I think they’re basically the same as Matt Pike.

Hear me out.

The Ghostbusters have technology capable of tearing holes in the space-time continuum. Matt Pike has a wall of Orange amps. That’s pretty much the same thing. Also, the Ghostbusters shoot beams of energy (music) at ghosts (their audience). Then they capture the ghosts (the audience’s attention) and transport them to an otherworldly holding chamber which is essentially purgatory (the merch line).

See? Doesn’t that make sense?

It doesn’t? You’re upset you even started reading this opinion piece? Fine, no worries. The whole point of this was to show a picture of a Ghostbuster with an Orange cab strapped to his back.

Yeah, that’s pretty badass.

With Christmas coming up we’ve put together list of ideas for what to get the zest lovin’ citrus slinger in your life. Alternatively, enter our #WishGranted competition and you might just get your hands on one of them for free..

Crush Mini

The Orange Crush Mini is designed to give you classic Orange tone in a small, lightweight package. Whether you’re jamming in your bedroom or warning up backstage, the Crush Mini is the perfect companion.

Wireless Crest Edition Headphones

Our wireless Crest Edition Headphones last for up to 27 hours on a single charge, and has a built in microphone for video/phone calls, along with support for Google Assistant & Apple Siri.

Terror Stamp & Cable

For years, our Terror series amps have proven that the biggest sounds can come in the tiniest packages. Taking our pocket-sized powerhouse concept one step further, we’ve brought you the Terror Stamp. Packing all of the punch of the minuscule Micro Terror and Micro Dark amps into an even smaller pedal format, this Valve/Solid State hybrid amp brings 20 Watts of killer Orange tone right onto your pedalboard.

The Terror Stamp Cable is a 20ft speaker cable. Perfect for giving you extra range from your speaker cabinet when used on a pedal board.

Coffee Mug

Want some Orange heritage in your caffeinated beverage? Add some decibels to your drinks receptacle with the Orange Coffee Mug!

FS 1 Mini

Our heavy duty footswitches are perfect for all of your Orange switching needs! The FS1 mini comes with a sticker sheet and has a a smooth action footswitch.

Crush Cables

Orange Crush Cables are manufactured using the finest components available, including the highest grade oxygen-free copper for optimum signal clarity and articulation.

Crest T-Shirt

The Re-Stoned, by Rodinaat Photo.

This logo is found on all our ‘Pics Only’ amps from the 1970s to the present day and features artwork used in our first Orange Records leaflet. Celebrate the Orange heritage in style!

OMEC Teleport

The OMEC Teleport interface is a universal connection device (IOS, Android, Mac, PC) without any specific drivers or software requirements. The Teleport allows you to convert analog audio signals to digital, to be processed with the many apps and software available, and digital audio signals to analog to be reproduced through mixers, D.I. boxes, amplifiers, etc. 

Chocolate Fountain Mini Stack

If your certain someone’s got a sweet tooth.

Rockerverb 100 MKIII

Nick Johnston by Grant Cooper

If you REALLY love someone, get them a Rockerverb.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Celebrating Jimi’s life and legacy on the 50th anniversary of his death, we’ve asked you to share your favourite Jimi jams with us for a Jimi playlist. Listen below, and find us and follow us on Spotify under ‘orangeamplifiers.

Help Orange Amps Find Rare 1970s Effect Pedals

Orange Amplification manufactured the popular Phazer, Sustain and Distortion pedals at their UK Bexleyheath factory between 1977 to 1979. Probably one of the coolest things around at the time, these first ever Orange effects pedals are now very rare.

After seeing Orange users share images of various pedals, fans over at Orange’s Facebook page have requested Orange reissue these. During the COVID-19, like many people, Orange has been doing some housework; decluttering, sorting out, tidying up, clearing out. Mick Dines, who has been with the company since the early 70s, found the original, tea stained, schematics for the Phazer, Sustain and Distortion pedals and passed those onto the company’s current designer, Ade Emsley. However Orange have not been able to find the actual physical pedals and need help to get these reissues right.

The company is looking to reissue the iconic 1970’s pedals, with upgraded internals, but they need to find examples of the actual pedals to gather information about the exact size and dimensions of the original pedals and learn from the owners what made this special to them.

Is there anyone out there who owns and still uses a much loved 1970’s Orange Amps’ Phazer, Sustain or Distortion effect pedals? If yes, please contact Orange via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or email them through their website https://orangeamps.com/contact/. Orange would love to talk to you.

Bill Ward by Colin Fuller

We’re all probably going bat shit crazy at the moments, and while we’ve been catering for our string playing friends in the form of practice amps to play at home, we can only imagine what our drummer compadres are going through, locked up and most of them unable to play as, let’s face it, drums aren’t exactly welcome in densely populated areas and cities. So, to shine a light on our drummer friends who are currently held up at home with an abundance of excess energy, we decided to ask a few drummers to share some of the songs that inspired them to start playing.

Massive thanks to Joey Castillo of The Bronx, Tomas Järmyr of Motorpsycho, Michael Amster of Nebula & Mondo Generator, Tom Marsh of Haggard Cat, Ken Pustelnik of The Groundhogs, Adam Bulgasem of Dommengang & Black Mountain, Thomas DiBendetto of Sacri Monti, Robby Staebler of All Them Witches, Rich Noakes of Derelics and Marco Ninni of Swedish Death Candy for contributing. Full playlist & artist overview of who picked which song below.

Joey Castillo, The Bronx, formerly of QOTSA

Circle Jerks – Red Tape
Motörhead – Motörhead
DEVO – Satisfaction
Led Zeppelin – Misty Mountain Hop
Fear – Camarillo

Tomas Järmyr, Motorpsycho

Meshuggga – Spasm
Cult of Luna – Finland
The Dillinger Escape Plan – 43% Burnt
Switchblade – 19:30
Tool – Schism

Michael Amster, Nebula & Mondo Generator

The Melvins – Honey Bucket 
Thin Lizzy – Massacre (LIVE) 
Poison Idea – Deep Sleep
Black Flag – The Bars (Live ’84-Live) 
Russian Circles – 309 

Ken Pustelnik, The Groundhogs

When asked about his top 5, Ken had this to say:

“This is tricky since I’ve spent my entire career trying to avoid listening to “just” the drumming for its merit alone. Why have I done that? Simply because I have attempted not to be influenced by other players so that I can preserve any natural originality in my own playing. Saying all that, here are 5 songs I have enjoyed today.”

The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again
Mahavishnu Orchestra – Meeting of the Spirits
King Crimson – Starless (Live with 3 drummers)
Spirit – Fresh Garbage
Santana – Soul Sacrifice
Dave Brubeck – Take Five

Tom Marsh, Haggard Cat

Issac Hayes – Run Fay Run
The Mars Volta – Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)
The Locust – Hot Tubs Full Of Brand New Fuel
Zach Hill – Face Tat
Lightning Bolt – 2 Towers 

Adam Bulgasem, Dommengang & Black Mountain

CAN – Pinch
The Police – Next to You
Mahavishnu Orchestra – One Word
Slayer – Jesus Saves
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme, PT, III

Thomas Dibendetto, Sacri Monti

Colosseum – The Kettle
Mahavishnu Orchestra – Vital Transformation
Dust – Chasin’ Ladies
Captain Beyond – Mesmerization Eclipse
Beck, Bogart, Appice – Lady

Robby Staebler, All Them Witches

Pink Floyd – Echoes
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
Sun Ra – Dance of the Cosmos Aliens
Bill Frisell – Big Shoe
Miles Davis ‘Agharta’ full album

Rich Noakes, Derelics

Jimi Hendrix – Fire live at Woodstock (It has to be the Woodstock version) 
Jeff Beck – Led Boots
Dhaffer Youssef – Odd Elegy 
Mars Volta – Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra – Dirt and blood 

Marco Ninni, Swedish Death Candy

Black Sabbath – War Pigs
Deep Purple – Speed King
Queens of the Stone Age – Sick Sick Sick
Sleep – Dragonaut
The Claypool Lennon Delirium – Boomerang Baby

Follow us on Spotify for monthly playlists.

Aaaaalright then, time for another Ramble On. This one’s been particularly hard to write, seeing as I’ve been self isolation with my cat for a whole month, and I’m severely lacking in the human interaction and social stimulation. I’ve always thought that if I was stuck somewhere with nothing to do, my creativity would blossom, lyrics and words would roll outta my head, into my hands and onto paper, I’d create from what was around me and learn new skills, but man, was I wrong. One month into solitary confinement and my creativity and focus is at an all time low, and me trying to fill this page with something meaningful and interesting seems like a battle bigger than the global one we’re all currently fighting.

So, instead of me forcing down a handful of bummed out paragraphs lacking in inspiration, I’m gonna share my current top 10 songs, my lockdown favourites.

Titanic – One Night in Eagle Rock

Titanic’s an old Norwegian band my Dad just told me about, and they rip – perfect if you’re into the Uriah Heep / Deep Purple heavy organ kinda vibe.

Flower Travellin’ Band – Shadows of Lost Days

I’m already seeing a pattern here, another heavy organ beauty; Shadows of Lost Days’ by Flower Travellin’ Band.

Tim Buckley – Get on Top

A bit of feel good funk with Tim Buckley’s ‘Get on Top’ – my cat sees me dance around to this on my own on a daily basis.

Funkadelic – Standing on the verge of getting it on

What would we do without George Clinton in a time of international crisis?

Cher – I Walk on Gilded Splinters

There’s a lot more to Cher than her 1998 hit single ‘Believe’, which I absolutely hate, so do dig deeper if that’s all you know, as you’ve been missing out. Her cover of Dr. John’s ‘Walk on Gilded Splinters’ is proof enough on it’s own.

Black Sabbath – Swinging the Chain

Absolute banger from ‘Never Say Die’ with Bill Ward killing it on vocals.

Blue Cheer – Black Sun

Can’t have the lockdown blues without Blue Cheer’s ‘Black Sun’.

Granicus – Taste of Love

Perfect sleaze from the lost days of Granicus – recorded in 1974, released in 2010.

Goliath – Dead Drunk Screamin’

More sleaze: Dead Drunk Screamin’ (that will be all of us soon…) from Goliath’s ‘Hot Rock & Thunder’ album.

Budgie – Breadfan

Budgie’s ‘Breadfan’ is a classic – the kinda song you turn up loud and drink beer to.

Our fourth ‘How I got into playing’ post where we as part of our ‘Learn the Orange Way’ campaign, offer free guitar lessons for all Orange users (more on that here), and share a series of quotes from some of our artists on why how they got into playing.

Anthony Meier, Sacri Monti & Radio Moscow

Photo by Emily Power via The Jonesing Jams

A lot of the people I grew up jamming with is really fucking good at the guitar, so I decided to look into playing the bass as I’m influenced a lot by it rhythmically and I’ve always appreciated good bass players. I started playing it more myself and realised how much fun it was and stuck with it. We used to have jam sessions three or four times a week when I was younger, and when we started Sacri Monti I bass was what I wanted to play.

Shaun Cooper, Taking Back Sunday

My parents introduced me to rock ’n’ roll music when I was a little kid, and I remember hearing The Beatles and I just connected immediately – hearing John Lennon’s voice was just like ‘Ok, I get this, and I really like it.’ My mum would always sing around the house and play a little bit of piano and my dad plays the accordion – you can’t really rock out with an accordion, although Dropkick Murphys figured out how to do. I guess people in my family were always into music and would play at least a little bit. I started playing bass when I was 12 years old, and I dont know what it was or why, but I just fell in love with it.

Devin Holt, Pallbearer

The first band I ever fell in love with was Nirvana. I remember reading about Kurt early on, and discovered that he’d loved both the Beatles and Black Sabbath. So I checked them out, and ended up sharing his admiration for both. It was around this time that I first picked up a guitar, and it’s been a wild ride since then.

Space, Black Futures

Our third ‘How I got into playing’ post where we as part of our ‘Learn the Orange Way’ campaign, offer free guitar lessons for all Orange users (more on that here), and share a series of quotes from some of our artists on why how they got into playing.

Marcus King, The Marcus King Band

I first started playing when I was about 3 or 4, and I’ve been playing professionally since I was about 11. I was really inspired by guitar players such as Clapton, Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn from a young age, another early discovery was The Allman Brothers Band, as well as The Marshall Tucker Band and a bunch of other great Southern bands. Later on, I got really intrigued by “the frontman”, and artists such as James Brown, Otis Redding  and Aretha Franklin – anyone who had that certain attitude would really speak to me. What really changed the game for me was when I started studying jazz theory, and discovering Miles Davis and John Coltrane was really life changing to me, a clear game changer.

Steve Bello

I heard Led Zeppelin when I was four years old, thanks to my aunt, not that she was aware of it at the time. My grandfather was a jazz guitarist way back when, so while I liked that there was a guitar player in the house, I wanted to play heavy rock from the start. Grew up listening to Zep, Queen, Aerosmith, Kiss. Started learning guitar at age 9 but didn’t take it seriously until I saw Ritchie Blackmore on MTV smashing his guitar, and seeing videos of Jimi Hendrix lighting his Strat on fire. Both of those moments made me think “I have to play guitar for life!”

Becky Blomfield, Milk Teeth

I grew up surrounded by music and the people playing it, my grandmother played and my dad played the saxophone. It was something I just naturally gravitated towards from a very young age, and it didn’t go away. I think you either have it in you or you dont, and for me it was just something I stuck with.