Pantheon - Podcasts for Music Lovers Metal mayhem ROC: Tailgunner — Bones on Midnight Blitz, Working With KK Downing, and Touring Momentum
Feb 6, 2026
Tom Hewson (Bones), UK heavy metal vocalist and frontman of Tailgunner. He talks about making the second album Midnight Blitz and working with K.K. Downing as producer. He recalls opening the No Life ’Til Leather Metallica tribute and how touring tightened the band. He also revisits discovering 80s metal and preparing to play major festivals this summer.
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Attention To Tiny Details Elevated The Record
- KK focused on detail, insisting every note and second counts in the studio.
- Tom learned to balance his raw instincts with KK's considered approach to tighten performances.
From Airbnb Demo To Fully Funded Second Album
- Tom wrote the debut album alone in 10 days in an Airbnb with no budget.
- For the second album they had toured 100+ shows, a real budget, and a proper producer to expand their sound.
Let Touring Inform Songwriting Needs
- Use road experience to identify songwriting gaps by playing many shows and noting what the set lacks.
- Then write to fill those needs so the record works live and connects with audiences.