The Gentle Storm live band unveiled

Anneke van Giersbergen has unveiled the live lineup of The Gentle Storm, her collaborative project with Arjen Lucassen.

And she’s hailed the outfit’s energy after enjoying their first full rehearsal for their 2015 tour in support of debut album The Diary.

She reports: “Ladies and gentlemen, I present Ed Warby, Joost van den Broek, Johan van Stratum, Merel Bechtold and Ferry Duijsens. After our rehearsal there’s only one thing I can say – wow! What a sound and energy! Can’t wait for the upcoming shows.”

Lucassen, who’d originally declined to make any live appearances, will take part in their debut show in Amsterdam on March 26.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.