Spike (born as Jonathan Gray in Newcastle upon Tyne sometimes also known as Spike Gray, is an English Rock frontman, songwriter and vocalist most famous for his times with The Quireboys with whom he has released nine successful studio albums to date. Spikes latest solo album titled "100% Pure Frankie Miller" featuring Ronnie Wood  (Rolling Stones), Andy Fraser & Simon Kirke (Free), Ian Hunter( Mott the Hoople), Bonnie Tyler is a salute to one of his heroes glaswegian singer songwriter Frankie Miller. Release date 8th Sept 2014.

Every time vocalist Spike self-confidently informs his enthusiastic audience We're the Quireboys ... and this is Rock n Roll everyone present has a pretty clear idea where this musical journey is about to lead. For fifteen years, the Quireboys have been synonymous with hand-made rock music, spiced with edgy riffs, driving rhythms and their frontmans unique voice.

The Quireboys

2014 marks a turning point in The Quireboys career. It s hard to believe that the Quireboys have been doing their Gypsy Styled Rock n Roll for 30 years now. Since the early days when Mrs Osbourne held the reins, The Quireboys have played in front of millions of rockers worldwide as well as selling the same over the last 7 studio albums. They ve played nearly every major festival worldwide, supported Guns n Roses, The Rolling Stones & Bon Jovi on major events, collected more air miles than Branson and have very recently, finished their 8th studio album which is sounding nothing short of incredible. It may have taken a few years in the making, but when you hear this stunning new production, you will be engaging with a new generation of The Quireboys, who have taken all their old school Rock n Roll values and evolved it, into this new modern sound, which has only been described as stunning. Thirty years down the line and it's time to celebrate a golden age of music with the ultimate party band. In 2014 the Quireboys continue to fuse retro-fuelled hooks with rock n roll evolution: new album Black Eyed Sons is the perfect soundtrack to your summer.

Spike - '100% Pure Frankie Miller' (Cargo Records)CD Reviews Written by Dom Daley   Thursday, 25 September 2014 03:00

It didn't take long to throw my hand in the air for a chance at reviewing this bad boy for several reasons. One, I love Frankie Miller and have all his albums. Two, I love Spike and have all his albums too. Three, I love Ronnie Wood and.... look, you get the gist of this. I won't admit to owning all of Bonnie Tyler's albums, though. Honest.

'Brooklyn Bridge' is smouldering and Spike is in mighty fine voice. Let's get one thing straight early on, Frankie Miller had one of the finest voices for singing bluesy barroom rock and roll, released a plethora of great songs and, in my humble opinion, was more consistent that Rod the Mod, and Frankie never did a shit album or an American Songbook of shite.

Sadly I don't have a list of who played what and where but 'Cocaine' brings out the best in Spike and the honking piano is fantastic. 'I'm Losing You' is about as good as balladeering gets and is a real heartbreaker that was made for Spike to croon over.

You can dry your eyes because up next is the smokey barroom stomp of 'Intensive Care'. Who said rock and roll was dead? Pfft, they clearly haven't listened to this bad boy - it reeks of late nights, bourbon and a whole lot of lady troubles.

Next up is the duet that had to happen at some point and now the planets have aligned it warms my heart to hear 'Fortune'. Spike is pushed to the limit by the golden pipes of Ms. Tyler and this has number one in forty-seven countries written all over it but, alas, sadly it won't ever happen, or at least I don't think it will, but I'm glad it's happened, wonderful.

The jig is up for a lot of people who said that Spike and his day job with the Quireboys were Faces copies because those with a bit more suss always had him as more of a Frankie fan than Rod and it's those who will be in for a real treat when they get their ears wrapped around this album and the sheer quality of the work contained within. Sure, the playing is sympathetic and fitting but it's the vocal delivery that is truly outstanding and shines a light on a real British treasure that is Frankie Miller.  

I guess the hope here is people delve a bit into the back catalogue - say 'Falling In Love' or 'Easy Money' or one of the recent compilations lovingly put together like the Chrysalis set - but one thing you won't find is the tracks on offer here. The passion and love that is obviously poured into this record is awesome.

From 'Brooklyn Bridge' to the finale of 'Bottle Of Whisky' this album is worthy of the title all killer and no filler. Spike has done Frankie Miller proud with his work here and has showcased what a talent he is. There isn't one single weak link here and the only trick that has been missed is the bonus disc where Spike takes on the more well known tunes like 'Darlin' but you can't have everything I guess.

A late night album of impeccable taste and quality. Quite simply stunning!