The 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' is here and it's jam packed like no other! Ian Haugland, drummer of Swedish rock legends Europe joins Mike to discuss our 50th classic album, Rainbow's 'Rising'.

A union including the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio and Cozy Powell was too much for a young Ian Haugland to resist. Together Ian and Mike explore the impact 'Rising' had not only on themselves but the development of hard rock and heavy metal as a whole!

What unique process did Rainbow use to audition drummers including Cozy Powell?

How did keyboardist Tony Carey react when Ian played him the intro to 'Tarot Woman' on his own radio show?

Is 'Stargazer' the genesis of metal's relationship with fantasy?

PLUS: Enjoy a track from Europe's most recent album 'Walk The Earth'

Oh but there's so much more!

Fans of TV show 'Parks and Recreation' rejoice! Mouse Rat are back!
It's been running over on our Instagram page for nearly a month. After 50 episodes worth of classic albums, the winner of the 50 Album Showdown will be revealed!
AND the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer joining Mike on a future episode of 'My Classic Album' will be announced at the end of the show!

My small way of thanking you all for enjoying 50 episodes of 'My Classic Album'

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'5000 Candles In The Wind (Bye Bye L'il Sebastian)' by Mouse Rat (taken from their upcoming album 'The Awesome Album'. Released on and played with permission from Dualtone Records and Entertainment 720)

'Walk The Earth' by Europe (taken from their 2017 studio album 'Walk The Earth'. Released on and played with permission from Hell & Back Recordings)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

We've been gone too long in the midnight sea but 'My Classic Album' is back for a second season and we can't help but 'Stand Up and Shout' about our first episode!

Mike is joined by former Iron Maiden front man Blaze Bayley who brings with him one of the most celebrated metal albums of all time in Dio's debut 'Holy Diver'. Hear Blaze's incredible story from his days of working in a hotel listening to 'Holy Diver' to touring the world as part of Iron Maiden with Ronnie James Dio in tow! Mike and Blaze also talk about the story of how Ronnie went from leaving Black Sabbath, to recording a debut with the likes of Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell that would be remembered and beloved by metal fans for years to come.

How did Vinny Appice achieve the iconic drum sound on the album?

Who recorded Blaze's favourite cover version of 'Stand Up and Shout'?

Which song on 'Holy Diver' nearly didn't make the album as Ronnie James Dio was intent on destroying the tape?

All this and more will be revealed on this episode of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show:

Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese