WITH THE WORLD devolving into a sweltering casserole of low attention spans and ever-fickle attitudes for what some call “legacy acts,” it’s becoming harder and harder to create, let alone support, new music. But that’s no matter to Seventies glam titans Angel.
Since their triumphant return to the studio, 2019’s Risen, the group has done its part to carry the torch and keep it burning bright. And so, when the news came that Angel were at work again, their fanbase was excited. If the early returns are any indication, Angel’s latest offering, Once Upon a Time, is yet another glimmering affair, laced with slick solos, soaring vocals and cohesive instrumentation.
Still, the pitfalls of the modern era remain. When asked if those issues weigh on him, guitarist Punky Meadows says, “Angel fans are fierce. They’re so loyal. Everybody knows records are hard to sell nowadays. But look, I’m a guitar player; I’ve never worried about what’s popular. But our record company was worried about having so many songs. They said, ‘Punky, why don’t you lose some of these songs?’ I said, ‘I can’t do that. I might be dead next year. It’s all got to come out now.’ We decided to keep all the songs and make it an experience. We can’t worry about selling CDs. All we can do is make a good record and hope the fans are into it as much as we are.”
As he prepares to hit the road, Punky Meadows had a chat with Guitar World to recount the origins of Once Upon a Time, dig into his gear and offer his musings on Angel’s second act.
What can you tell me about Angel’s new record, Once Upon a Time?
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Guitar World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Guitar World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KIM THAYIL
The mighty Soundgarden guitarist looks back on his most iconic riffs and solos, as well as the gear and tunings that guided him deep into the creative superunknown
ANDY BELL
The U.K. shoegaze pioneer discusses the recording of Ride's classic Nineties albums and his 10 years as a member of Oasis
MARC FORD
The respected SoCal guitarist explains why he chose the Black Crowes over Guns N' Roses - and how the Crowes' internal friction helped make them a compelling alternative to grunge
BRIAN VANDER ARK
Determined as he moves out of the shadow of his past, the guitarist recounts the origins of the Verve Pipe and the recording of a definitive Nineties anthem, \"The Freshmen\"
VERNON REID
From Vivid to Time's Up to Stain: How Vernon Reid's expressionist shredding juiced Living Colour through the grunge era
ART ALEXAKIS
The tenacious Everclear frontman/guitarist discusses the music, moments and \"dangerous\" amps that changed his life and maybe ours - in the Nineties and beyond
DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
The retro designs, digital innovations and misfit toys that defined guitar gear and technology in the Nineties
IT'S ALL A BLUR...
The rise and fall of Britpop, the Nineties' other massive, guitar-based movement
NEVERMIND NEVERMIND!
10 overlooked rock albums from the Nineties that are worth a second listen
A GRUNGY GUITAR GUIDE TO THE '90S
Guitar World