GIG GOER UK

Sons Of Icarus - Six Scottish Tour Dates Announced Commencing March 29th‏

2012-03-01T13:53:00.002+00:00

***NEW YOUNG BRITISH HARD ROCK BAND’S 6 DATE SCOTTISH TOUR FOLLOWS RAVE REVIEWS OF EXPLOSIVE DEBUT EP ‘YOU WANT IT ALL’ ***

Andy Masson - Vocals/Guitar (22)
Steve Balkwill – Guitar (21)
Alex Masson - Bass/Backing Vocals (20)
Mike 'Quilly' Mcquillan – Drums (23)

“The opening title track might sound like the voyaging groove of Soundgarden’s ‘Big Love’ fronted by Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson but there’s so much talent and belief running here you’d swear their Surrey hometown was bordering Louisiana. 7/10”
(Jonathan Selzer’s review of ‘You Want It All EP’ in Metal Hammer’s January 2012 issue)

“This really is an unbelievable debut release and the band show a maturity beyond their relatively tender years. If they carry on in this vein they will surely have a bright future and that can only be a good thing if it produces further releases of this quality. 9/10” www.metal-discovery.com/CD/cd_review_sonsoficarus_youwantitall.htm

Sons Of Icarus, a brand new, young, British, organic, visceral four piece hard rock band, have lined up a Scottish tour in the wake of rave reviews of their debut EP ‘You Want It All’, released in December 2011. Dates are:-

Thur. 29th March PAISLEY - Students Union PA1 2 HB
Fri. 30th March BATHGATE – Dreadnought Rock EH48 1AX
Sat. 31st March GLASGOW – Pivo Pivo G2 6AY
Tues. 3rd April HAMILTON - Students Union, University Of West Scotland ML3 0JB
Thur. 5th April ABERDEEN – The Tunnels AB10 1BF
Fri. 6th April PERTH – The Twa’ Tams PH2 8JR

Sons Of Icarus were formed by vocalist Andy Masson, his bassist brother Alex and drummer Mike ‘Quilly’ Mcquillan at school in Brackley, Northamptonshire, where they got together as a three piece and jammed constantly in a mate’s garage, covering classic AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith songs. Originally named The Fury, the trio moved to Guildford and enrolled at the Academy of Contemporary Music, where they met and recruited guitarist Steve Balkwill. Initially mainly classic rock / blues oriented, they soon incorporated Steve’s stoner rock background (he grew up riffing to Kyuss and Orange Goblin) to develop their own unique brand of full throttle, high octane, straight ahead, JD swilling, grinding hard rock. After beating hundreds of groups to win Marshall Amplifiers’ ‘Ultimate Band Contest’ in December 2010, Sons Of Icarus won major management representation, and, subsequently, opening slots at both 2011’s Download and Sonisphere Festivals. Fired up by explosive support slots around London with the likes of Vintage Trouble, Black Spiders, Rival Sons, Hayseed Dixie, The Answer, and Orange Goblin (Steve’s heroes!), Sons Of Icarus dived into the studio to record the 4 track ‘You Want It All’ EP. The title track, ‘You Want It All’ won national airplay on both BFBS Rocks and the Xfm Rock Show, while the video was championed by Kerrang! TV. The future is most definitely bright for Sons Of Icarus for Sons Of Icarus, who are currently in the studio, putting down the follow-up to ‘You Want It All’.

www.facebook.com/sonsoficarus

Iron Butterfly : Robin 2 Bilston - 27th February 2012

2012-03-01T13:24:00.000+00:00

Formed back in 1967, Iron Butterfly are an American Psychedelic Rock Band
who were making a rare appearance in the UK at The Robin2. With two original members, Lee Dorman on bass and backing vocals and Ron Bushy on drums, the lineup was completed with Martin Gerschwitz on keyboards and vocals {played with The Animals & Meat Loaf) and Charlie Marinkovich onlead guitar and vocals. The band are well known for the monumental LP from 1968 'In A Gadda Da Vida', which charted for 140 weeks with 81 weeks in the top ten. They were truly massive back in the late 60's early 70's.

The ageing rockers took to the stage cheered on by the equally ageing audience. They were very heavy from the outset with the organ adding to their distinctive sound. There was a great version of 'Stone Believer' and I swear I could smell the weed wafting across in this no smoking venue. Another highlight was 'Butterfly Theme' featuring the swirling
keyboards and great guitar work from Charlie.Between. The songs we were treated to were laden with memories from the sixties; stories about touring with 'Yes' amongst them. It was soon time for THAT song. Instantly recognisable by the keyboard intro, the band went into 'In A Gadda Da Vida'. With vocals from Martin Gerschwitz, it had a nice heavy feel. Half way through the song most of the band left the stage leaving Ron Bushy to take centre stage with a fabulous ten minute drum solo. I thoroughly enjoyed the solo and fitted into the context of this memorable song. It went on for nearly twenty minutes; this song had featured on an episode of The Simpsons. A fabulous evening of nostalgia capturing the spirit of the late sixties; I was so glad that I made the effort as this could well be their last tour.

A Celebration of Rory Gallagher's Music - Gerry McAvoy's Band Of Friends Live Dates

2012-02-24T18:38:00.001+00:00

A Celebration of Rory Gallagher's Music

Gerry McAvoy's Band Of Friends Live at The Citadel, St Helens Sat 19th May

There are many tribute bands playing the music of Rory Gallagher some good some not so good but what they are doing is keeping the music of this great musician alive. Rory’s music reached a massive audience from Norway to Spain, from Japan to the USA, Covering all parts of the globe and
producing some of the greatest rock/blues albums of the 60’s 70,s and the 80, s. sadly we lost Rory on June 14th 1995, to his devoted fans and followers this was the ultimate tragedy

The BAND OF FRIENDS is not a tribute to Rory more a celebration of his life and music. The band consists of musicians who played with Rory throughout his career.

GERRY McAVOY (Bass Guitar) played with Rory for 20 years; from 1971 to 1991 and because of this has a great insight into the man and his music. Gerry played on every album Rory ever made. He also wrote a book following his career which was published in 2005. “RIDING SHOTGUN” “ON THE ROAD” its German title. www.ridingshotgun.co.uk. (Deep Joy/Champion Jack Dupree/Rory Gallagher Band/Nine Below Zero)

TED McKENNA (Drums) played with Rory from 1977 to 1981. Ted is a rock drummer’s drummer. He has played with numerous rock legends and has recorded some of the top albums of our time. (Teargas/The Sensational Alex Harvey Band/Rory Gallagher Band Greg Lake/Gary Moore/Michael Schenker Band)

MARCEL SCHERPENZEEL (Guitar) grew up with Rory’s music and Gerry is quoted as saying “This is the closest guitarist to Rory you will ever hear” Marcel still plays with his band Wolfpin. (Wolfpin)

So as you can see this is not a tribute band. This is THE BAND.

Gerry McAvoy's Band Of Friends Live Dates 2012

www.bandoffriends.eu
Thursday 1st March 20.00
The Spirit of 66 (BE)
Place du Martyr 16
84800 Verviers
Tickets 0032(0)87 35 24 24
info@spiritof66.com

Friday 2nd March
Muziekcafe Helmond (NL)
Zuid-Koninginnewal 39
5701 NS
Helmond

Saturday 3rd March
14th International Rory Gallagher Tribute (NL)
Cafe de Zon
Voorstraat 54
Wijk aan Zee
Rory Gallagher.nl
info@rorygallagher.nl

Thursday 15th March
The Gate Arts Centre Cardiff (UK)
Keppoch Street Roath
CF24 3W Cardiff
Tel:0290 483344

Friday 16th March
The Flowerpot Derby (UK)
King Street
Derby
Tickets:0044(0)1332 204955

Saturday 17th March
The Brewery Kendal (UK)
Highgate
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 4HE
Tickets:0044(0)1539 725133

Friday 13th April
La Traverse Cleon (FR)
37 Rue Luis Corvalan
76410 Cleon

Saturday 14th April
Le Bacardi Callac (FR)
ZAC Kerguiniou
22160
Callac

Friday 4th May
Live Club Tante JU Dresden (DE)
An der Schleife 1
D-01099 Dresden
Tel.: +49-(0)351-25 22 555
Dresden

Saturday 5th May
Rock Winterbach (DE)
Lehenbachhalle
Adlerstrasse
Winterbach

Friday 11th May
Kwadendamme Bluesfestival (NL)
Sportpark
Sportweg 9
Kwadendamme

Thursday 17th May
Rock Plaza (UK)
Sevenoaks Kent

Friday 18th May
The Junction (UK)
Cambridge

Saturday 19th May
The Citadel (UK)
St Helens

May 9th-14th
Tour of France
(more info to follow)

Sunday 27th May
Manifesto Hoorn (NL)
Pop- en Cultuurcentrum
Holenweg 14c
1624 PB Hoorn

Monday 28th May
Ribs & Blues Festival Raalte (NL)
Domineeskamp
Raalte

..:: August ::..

Sunday 5th August
Gouvy Jazz & Blues Gouvy (BE)
Ferme de la Madelonne
Sterpigny 4
6670 Gouvy

Wednesday 14th November
The Komedia Brighton (UK)
44-47 Gardener Street
North Laine, Brighton
East Sussex BN1 1UN

Thursday 15th November
TBA (UK)

Friday 16th November
The Robin 2 Wolverhampton (UK)
20-28 Mountpleasant
Bilston
Wolverhampton
WV14 7LJ
Tickets 0044(0)1902 401211

Saturday 17th November
The Cluny Newcastle (UK)
Lime Street,Ouseburn,
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tel:0044(0)191 2304474
Tickets www.cannygigs.com

Friday 23rd November
Hertford Corn Exchange Hertford (UK)
39 Fore Street
Hertford,Herts
Tickets:
0044(0)1992 442992
0044(0)7904 333923

Saturday 24th November
Stairway Glasgow (UK)
95 Union Street
G13TA
Tel:0141 221 1009
Glasgow

The Wailers - Headline UK Tour Dates Announced

2012-02-24T18:17:00.000+00:00

The Wailers are returning to the UK this July for three headline dates including a show at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire.

Together with Bob Marley, the Wailers have sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide. In England alone, they’ve notched up over twenty chart hits, including seven Top 10 entries. Outside of their groundbreaking work with Marley, the Wailers have also played or performed with international acts like Sting, the Fugees, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, and Alpha Blondy, as well as reggae legends such as Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Burning Spear. As the greatest living exponents of Jamaica’s reggae tradition, the Wailers have completed innumerable other tours, playing to an estimated 24 million people across the globe. They have also been the first reggae band to tour new territories on many occasions, including Africa and the Far East.

Their nucleus of The Wailers formed in 1969, when Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh recruited the Barrett brothers - bassist Aston “Family Man” and drummer Carly - from Lee Perry’s Upsetters to play on hits such as Lively Up Yourself, Trenchtown Rock, Duppy Conqueror, and many more besides. Inspired by Rastafari and their ambitions of reaching an international audience, this is the line-up that pioneered roots rock reggae, and signed to Island Records in 1971. Bunny and Peter left two years later.

It was at this point that the in-demand Barrett brothers - whose rhythms also underpinned innumerable seventies’ reggae hits by other acts - assumed the title of Wailers, and backed Marley on the group’s international breakthrough album, Natty Dread. Under Family Man’s musical leadership, they then partnered Bob Marley on the succession of hit singles and albums that made him a global icon, winner of several Lifetime Achievement awards, and Jamaica’s best-loved musical superstar.

The anchor of the band is Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who in addition to being Marley’s most trusted lieutenant, played on countless other classic reggae hits throughout the seventies. The authenticity he brings to the Wailers’ sound is indisputable and yet today’s line-up combines old school know-how with lead vocals from one of Jamaica’s most exciting new singers; Koolant who joined the Wailers soon after his cameo appearance in the film Made In Jamaica.

As enthusiastic audiences have already discovered, Koolant brings his own personal expression to Marley’s songs, revitalizing them for young and old alike. Yet there’s a great deal more to the Wailers than reliving the past. Apart from featuring on a forthcoming Wailers’ album studded with celebrity guest artists, Koolant sings lead vocals on the band’s two latest tracks – one a future lovers’ rock classic called Shining Star, and the other a heartfelt appeal – A Step For Mankind – made on behalf of the World Food Program, co-starring Duane Stephenson.

Both songs stand comparison with the band’s finest work from the past. The Wailers have succeeded in turning a fresh page and led by their charismatic new singer, they’re ready to make history once more. To see The Wailers live:

July 2012

Tuesday 3 Bristol O2 Academy

Wednesday 4 London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Friday 6 Leeds O2 Academy

TICKETS onsale Friday 24 February at 10am

BUY ONLINE: GIGSANDTOURS.COM / BOX OFFICE: 0844 477 2000 / 24HR CC HOTLINE: 0844 811 0051

www.wailers.com

Steve Hackett - Breaking Waves Tour - Picturedome, Holmfirth and Floral Pavillion, New Brighton

2012-02-23T14:02:00.000+00:00

Not happy with reviewing him once, Annular Media headed off to the The Picturedome, Holmfirth and the Floral Pavillion, New Brighton to witness the Breaking Waves Tour in its full glory.

Floral Pavillion, New Brighton 20 Feb 2012

Ex Genesis lead guitarist Steve Hackett has made an incredible impression on classic and progressive rock over the years. With his latest project, he is supported by a stunning 6-piece band consising of the following musicians:

Steve Hackett - Guitar / Vocals
Roger King - Keyboards
Lee Pomeroy - Bass guitar / Chapman Stick
Rob Townsend - Sax and Flute / Vocals
Gary O’Toole - Drums / Vocals
Amanda Lehmann - Guitar / Vocals

The Floral Pavillion, New Brighton is new, big and very impressive. It's imposing nature on the promenade intrigues the passer by to want to discover what lies beyond the facade. Once inside, the venue opens up in all its glory. The groundfloor box office and spacious cafe are spotless, the staff very friendly and the mood laid-back. Upstairs is the bar area where access to the theatre is gained. This bar/break-out area is massive; it could be a venue on it's own. The plush theatre is very well laid out,
seating is comfortable and stage clearly visible from every seat. This is a great venue and rivals anything on the opposite side of the Mersey.

The band came on at 8pm promising to play non-stop for two and a half hours. The broke into four brand new songs; maybe to get them out of the way early was the plan so that they could get the audience to become more interactive later with the more well known songs. Whatever the reason,
these new songs from the album 'Beyond The Shroud' were tight, complex, moody and downright fabulous. Hackett's knack of producing quality music has spanned many years and on the evidence of these songs has certainly maintained his skills.

Looking around, I could see that the audience was made up of quite an age range. Hackett said 'hello' to a twelve year old who was attending his first gig; at the other end of the spectrum, let's just say that I
saw some Werthers Originals being passed around.

The sound quality in the Floral Pavillion was excellent and made the evening even more enjoyable. The band were on form with Rob Townsend appearing to randomly pick up sax, flute, clarinet and just about everything else and pop in a melodic gem in the perfect spot. The rhythm section of Gary O’Toole (drums) and Lee Pomeroy (bass guitar / Chapman stick) was solid throughout; O’Toole even taking on the lead vocals on a couple of songs including 'Carpet Crawlers'. Amanda Lehmann was very competent on guitar; playing some complex leads, filling in the sound and leading the vocals on a few. Roger King was superb on keyboards; catching the mood perfectly as well as producing some quite clever atmospheres.

Hackett himself was immaculate. Soaring guitar breaks, complex melodies and even finding time to have some banter with the audience, he is a true professional. The setlist included some surprises, but all of songs were delivered with a certain mastery. A fantastic evening with some brillaint musicians; all at a fantastic venue.

Setlist
Intro / Loch Lomond
The Phoenix Flown
Prairie Angel
A Place Called Freedom
Golden Age Of Steam
Fire On The Moon
Every Day
Waking To Life
Carpet Crawlers
Firth Of Fifth
Serpentine Song
Shadow Of The hierophant
Till These Eyes
Enter The Night
Acoustic Set
Blood On The Rooftops
Fly On A Windshield
Sleepers
Los Endos

Watcher Of The Skies
Spectral Mornings

The Picturedome, Holmefirth 18 Feb 2012

Tonight it was freezing cold outside but inside this wonderful venue it was warming up nicely as the place filled up. I was looking forward to tonight as it would be only the second time I've seen him; the first was back in 2010. I'm a relative newcomer to Steve Hackett's music, I don't know why it took me so long.

The band kicked off with four songs from the latest album release 'Beyond The Shroud', the opening track being the thumping rock song 'Loch Lomond' which has a great Scottish feel. 'Phoenix Flown and 'Prairie Angel' were followed by the wonderfully catchy 'A Place Called Freedom.' It's very brave to start the evening with four new songs but it worked really well because the music was just outstanding. Next up was 'The 'Golden Age Of Steam' from the album 'Darktown'. 'Fire On The Moon' followed from
Hackett's last masterful album 'Out Of The Tunnels Mouth'. His music crosses so many different emotions and genres; from romantic to scary mystical, far eastern to Progrock....such depth and diversity.

We were then treated to couple of Genesis tracks 'Carpet Crawlers' and 'Firth of Fifth', with Gerry O'Toole on drums doing a brilliant job on vocals.A couple of the songs tonight had references to Peter Pan, the first of which being 'Serpentine Song'. Next up was an old song that the band have started playing again encouraged by Steven Wilson of PorcupineTree, 'Shadow Of The Hierophant' with Amanda Lehmann on lead vocals; astunning prog extravaganza. She also plays a mean guitar.

Hackett then gave us a magical solo acoustic interlude.A couple more Genesis tracks followed, 'Blood On The Rooftops' and 'Fly On A Windshield' with great sax from RobTownsend. The band closed the set with the Genesis instrumental 'Los Endos' from the 'Trick Of The Tail' album. The band had been on stage for nearly two hours creating music of the highest calibre;where did the time go?

For the encore they played the classic 'Watcher Of The Skies', there was no introduction needed; this was music at it's best. To finish off they played 'Spectralmornings'. This band played one of the best gigs I've seen in a long time; it was perfection. The audience gave them a well deserved standing ovation. Long live Prog.

Saint Etienne May 2012 UK Tour‏

2012-02-22T11:26:00.000+00:00

Much loved London trio Saint Etienne are back this spring with their first album in seven years and will embark on a full UK tour in May. An antidote to landfill indie and the R&B-goes-to-Ibiza choking the charts, it's a full on celebration of pop. The album contains a dozen uptempo slices of electro-pop which they have concocted with Richard X.

‘Tonight’ will be the first single from the album and is all about the primal and atavistic pull that all good pop music exerts, about how the unadulterated thrill of a great band or gig can sometimes feel like a hotline straight to your heart.The track is produced by Xenomania lynchpin TIm Powell (Girls Aloud, Kylie, Sugababes), and mixed by Richard X.

The new album will mix perfectly into a new live set with the band's classic hits such as He's On The Phone, Only Love Can Break Your Heart and Nothing Can Stop Us.

May 2012

Tuesday 22nd Sheffield Leadmill*

Wednesday 23rd Glasgow Oran Mor

Thursday 24th Liverpool Kazimer

Friday 25th Cardiff Gate Theatre

Saturday 26th Leamington Spa Assembly*

Monday 28th London Palladium*

*tickets are £18.50 (£28.50/£25.00/£22.50 London) and go onsale Tuesday 21st Feb 2012 @ 9am – www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051

www.saintetienne.com

Teenage Cancer Trust Lineup Announced

2012-02-22T11:14:00.000+00:00

Thursday 29 March to Tuesday 3 April 2012

Tickets on sale 9.30 am Friday 24 February

Teenage Cancer Trust has just announced that Paul McCartney will kick off this year’s shows at the Royal Albert Hall which take place from 29 March to 3 April 2012.

Thursday 29 March Paul McCartney

Friday 30 March Example

Saturday 31 March Pulp

Sunday 1 April Jessie J

Monday 2 April (Comedy) An evening of comedy hosted by Jason Manford plus special guests

Tuesday 3 April Florence + the Machine

One of the most successful singer-song writers in music history, Paul McCartney, will perform for Teenage Cancer Trust on Thursday 29 March. A 15-time Grammy winner and recipient of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards, McCartney’s list of accolades reads like no other. Having changed the world of music forever with The Beatles, McCartney has continued to push boundaries for over 40 years. The start of 2012 has seen Paul release a new album Kisses On The Bottom and tracks from this new record will be performed on this special night.

In an intimate preview of his first UK arena tour in April, Brit nominated artist Example, will headline on Friday 30 March. Example’s Gold selling album, Playing the Shadows, released last year, went straight to number one as well as achieving two number-one singles with Changed the Way You Kiss Me and Stay Awake. This year he will be embarking on a sell out UK arena tour as well as working on his fourth studio album.

Pulp, the band that defined the sound of a generation with classic albums including His ‘N’ Hers, This is Hardcore and Mercury Music Prize winner Different Class, will perform on Saturday 31 March. Recently awarded the Teenage Cancer Trust Outstanding Contribution to Music NME Award, the original line up (Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Steve Mackey and Mark Webber) will perform some of their greatest hits from the last two decades.

After selling one million records in the UK, 2011 Brit Winner and three time Brit Award nominee for 2012, Jessie J returns to Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall as headliner on Sunday 1 April. Already a global pop phenomenon and international hit songwriter, Jessie's multi octave voice and sky high heels are now earning her a reputation as one of the world's leading live performers. Set list favourites include her number one hit singles ‘Price Tag’ and ‘Domino’ from her platinum selling debut album ‘Who You Are.’

For those that love to belly laugh at outrageous one-liners, unpredictable jokes and quick-witted stories, the multi-award winning and effortlessly entertaining Jason Manford returns to Teenage Cancer Trust’s shows for the third time. He will host an evening of comedy on Monday 2 April. Special guests to be announced soon.

The unsurpassable Florence + the Machine will play an explosive grand finale on Tuesday 3 April. This is an unmissable chance to see Florence + the Machine in the intimate setting of the Royal Albert Hall, whose grand design perfectly complements the band’s huge sound. The Brit Award winner and Grammy nominee’s set will feature hits from one of the best selling albums of 2009 and 2010, Lungs, including Kiss With A Fist and Dog Days Are Over, and Ceremonials, which debuted at number one in October 2011 and has already gone onto sell 1.8 million copies around the world. This will be Florence’s second performance for Teenage Cancer Trust after playing alongside Antony and the Johnsons in 2009.

Teenage Cancer Trust’s longstanding patron and The Who front man, Roger Daltrey CBE, has been the driving force behind these concerts for over a decade. Roger said, “Every year my team and I work really hard to make these concerts for Teenage Cancer Trust something special. This year is no exception and the line up of artists donating their time and talent is incredible, I hope there's something for everyone.

“I’m proud to be a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust. I’ve been involved for nearly 20 years, and this is the twelfth year we’ve staged these shows. I might be a rock star, but I’m also a dad. I know teenagers aren’t children, and they’re certainly not quite adults either. They’re a group all on their own and they need to be recognized as that. The work Teenage Cancer Trust does building hospitals wards that don’t feel like hospitals and bringing these young people with cancer together is invaluable. So to all parents out there, these are your teenagers, support this charity. "

Eleven years of concerts have raised over £14 million for Teenage Cancer Trust, making a real difference to the lives of thousands of young people with cancer. All money raised has helped the charity to build more specialist teenage cancer units in NHS hospitals across the UK, allowing young people to be treated together with others their own age, in an environment suited to their needs.

Tickets, from £25.00 (plus booking fee), will be available from 9.30am on Friday 24 February 2012 and can be purchased from the following outlets:

www.gigsandtours.com 0844 811 0051

www.ticketmaster.co.uk 0844 844 0444

www.royalalberthall.com 0845 401 5030

www.hmvtickets.com 0843 221 0100, and in selected HMV stores

www.teenagecancertrust.org

Support acts will be announced soon, see www.teenagecancertrust.org for details.

This year’s shows are supported by Capital FM, XFM and NME. American Airlines will be providing transatlantic flights for the show’s artists.

Chris Cornell Brings Songbook To UK‏

2012-02-22T10:40:00.000+00:00

Opening dates of June 2012 European Tour Announced

Rock icon Chris Cornell has announced his first headline UK tour dates in over three years. UK audiences will be the first in Europe to get the chance to see Chris perform unplugged, up close and personal.

This much-anticipated ‘Songbook’ tour highlights works from Chris Cornell’s entire catalogue, including songs written for Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog and has already attracted universally positive reviews around the world. As Jim Farber of The New York Daily News observed, “sometimes you don't recognize the full power of a voice until you strip everything away from it.”

Chris Cornell has the ability to connect with listeners like few others of our time. Within this alternative setting, Cornell can easily interact with the audience and share insights about his music. Familiar songs emerge in a new context, showing that great songwriting translates to any idiom. Ranked as "one of the best voices in music history," Cornell has successfully maintained his own unique identity over more than two decades as a multi-Grammy award winning musician, Golden Globe nominee and universally acclaimed singer, songwriter and lyricist.

Praise for ‘Songbook’ in 2011:

“A master class in the fine art of solo performance” – Boston Globe

"His talents as a storyteller and poet come through as loud and clear. ...music has few individuals left who can grab an acoustic guitar alone and make a sold out crowd laugh, cry, feel, and dream.” - Artist Direct

“The intensity of his voice enveloped the room... a night of rare beauty.” – The Australian

“A perfectly guided tour of the nuanced poetry of songwriting led by a cordial host who gripped the focus of his audience.” – Pop Matters

Chris Cornell’s headline UK tour comes to the following venues this June; further dates for mainland Europe will be announced shortly.

SAT 16 JUNE MANCHESTER LOWRY 0843 208 6000

MON 18 JUNE LONDON PALLADIUM 020 7403 3331

TUE 19 JUNE BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL 0121 780 3333

WED 20 JUNE NEWCASTLE CITY HALL 0191 277 8030

TICKETS ON SALE 10.00AM FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY.

Buy online at gigsandtours.com |24 HR CC Hotline: 0844 811 0051

Kanye West and Jay Z Europen 'Watch The Throne' tour dates announced

2012-02-21T10:41:00.000+00:00

AWARDED GRAMMY FOR ‘BEST RAP PERFORMANCE’ FOR ‘OTIS’

"It’s rare that a show of this magnitude lives up to its hype, but Kanye and JAY Z actually managed to exceed it. From the Tron-inspired laser show to the hydraulic-powered stages at either end of the ACC to the pyrotechnics, it was a visual masterpiece. And then, of course, there was the music." -National Post

Tuesday 21st February 2012– After the phenomenal success of their chart topping album WATCH THE THRONE, a 35 date sold out, critically acclaimed North American tour and hot on the heels of their huge success at the 2012 Grammy Awards, winning the award for ‘Best Rap Performance’ (for their track ‘Otis’), superstars Kanye West and JAY Z’s collaboration ‘The Throne’ have today announced that they will be bringing the WATCH THE THRONE tour to Europe in 2012. The European leg will visit arenas in the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. JAY Z and Kanye West WATCH THE THRONE tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 24th February priced at £60.00/£49.50/£39.50 London and £55.00/£47.50 Regional (subject to booking fee) and will be available from http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/jay-z-and-kanye-west-watch-the-throne-tickets?c=pr_ext_watchthethrone_150212

For this project, music icons and pop culture visionaries JAY Z and Kanye West joined their extraordinary talents to form the group ‘THE THRONE’ and released the most anticipated album event of 2011, WATCH THE THRONE. On Monday, August 8th last year, THE THRONE’S extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime, Platinum selling Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam Recordings / Roc Nation album collaboration, WATCH THE THRONE, debuted at number 1 and has garnered several Grammy nominations.

The longtime friends and music innovators inspired each other to new heights with their collaboration on WATCH THE THRONE recorded in person at various locations around the world. Over a year in the making and a truly global affair, the duo recorded in London and Bath in the UK, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Paris, and New York City. The album features production from The RZA, The Neptunes and Kanye’s longtime collaborator Mike Dean. The short list of featured vocals includes Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Curtis Mayfield and Mr. Hudson. The lead track, “OTIS,” brilliantly weaves Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness.”

The production is classic Kanye West soul, with the two MCs trading couplets over a sample manipulated the way only West can. “Sounds so soulful, don’t you agree?” intones JAY Z, and the two launch into a treatise on swagger, claiming their rightful place at the top. Since the track’s release, the flood of praise for the track has been nothing short of deafening. Entertainment Weekly declares the track “the most well-executed rap song of the year.” “Otis” can be streamed at watchthethrone.com/otis.

Both JAY Z and Kanye West have each appeared as guests on the other's stage, and now they come together for never-before-seen performances not only from their collaboration, WATCH THE THRONE but also songs from their classic catalogue.

"This show demonstrated how much can be accomplished with a few small decisions: as on the album, JAY Z and Mr. West worked smart, not big." "The collaboration isn’t merely a power-sharing arrangement or a union of equals but an application to be rap’s greatest duo." – New York Times

"It's a wonder to behold -- and a throne well worth watching." – LA Times

WATCH THE THRONE EUROPEAN 2012 TOUR

MAY 2012

Sunday 20 O2 Arena London

Thursday 24 Zurich Hellenstadion, Switzerland

Saturday 26 Herning Arena, Denmark

Monday 28 Oslo Telenor Arena, Norway

Tuesday 29 Stockholm The Globe, Sweden

JUNE 2012

Friday 1 Paris Bercy, France

Saturday 2 Paris Bercy, France

Sunday 3 Antwerp Sportpaleis, Belgium

Tuesday 5 Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany

Friday 8 Dublin O2 Arena, Ireland

Monday 11 Manchester Arena

Wednesday 13 Birmingham LG Arena

Additional dates to be added

Tickets go on sale 9am on Friday 24th February priced at £60.00/£49.50/£39.50 London and £55.00/£47.50 Regional (subject to booking fee) and are available from http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/jay-z-and-kanye-west-watch-the-throne-tickets?c=pr_ext_watchthethrone_150212

The Charlatans 'Tellin Stories' Live In Its Enirety

2012-02-20T11:22:00.003+00:00

Manchester Show Added Due To Demand

Following December’s announcement that The Charlatans will be performing their celebrated UK number 1 album ‘Tellin’ Stories’ live in its entirety in London and Glasgow, a Manchester show at O2 Apollo show has been added for Friday 1st June due to popular demand.

The critically and commercially acclaimed album features singles ‘North Country Boy’, ‘One To Another’, ‘Tellin Stories’ and ‘How High’. These shows follow their retrospective ‘Some Friendly’ concerts in 2010 and marks 15 years since ‘Tellin’ Stories’ was released.

New date:

FRIDAY 1ST JUNE 2012

MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO

0844 477 7677
Tickets go on sale Friday 24th February @ 9am

There are also a limited number of tickets still available for the dates below, don’t miss out:

FRIDAY 8TH JUNE 2012

LONDON HMV HAMMERSMITH APOLLO

0844 844 4748

SATURDAY 9TH JUNE 2012

GLASGOW BARROWLAND

0844 499 9990

Available at:

0844 811 0051 / 0844 826 2826

http://www.gigsandtours.com/?a=the+charlatans&site=thecharlatans

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

www.gigsinscotland.com

www.thecharlatans.net/tellinstories

Black Breath unveil live shows in support of the new album, Sentenced To Life‏

2012-02-17T19:54:00.002+00:00

With the brand new album winging its way to eager ears across land and sea, Black Breath now announce eagerly anticipated live dates. If that was not newsworthy enough they will be touring with Victims and Tormented for most of the shows, a killer line up I hope you agree!
Here are the dates so far, with more to be announced:

29-03-2012 Baroeg Rotterdam Netherlands w/ Victims, Tormented
30-03-2012 Trix Antwerp Belgium w/ Victims, Tormented
31-03-2012 De Kreun Kortrijk Belgium w/ Victims, Tormented
02-04-2012 The Underworld London w/ Victims, Tormented
03-04-2012 Islington Mill Manchester w/ Victims, Tormented
04-04-2012 Clwb for Ibach Cardiff w/ Victims, Tormented
06-04-2012 Heretic Club Bordeaux France w/ Victims, Tormented
07-04-2012 Mogambo San Sebastian Spain w/ Victims, Tormented
08-04-2012 Sala Caracol Madrid Spain w/ Victims, Tormented
09-04-2012 Razzmatazz 3 Barcelona Spain w/ Victims, Tormented
10-04-2012 La Dynamo Toulouse France w/ Victims, Tormented
11-04-2012 Tap-Tap Schaffhausen Switzerland w/ Victims, Tormented
12-04-2012 Juha West Stuttgart Germany w/ Victims, Tormented
13-04-2012 Roadburn Festival Tilburg Netherlands w/ Voivod
14-04-2012 Ajz Bielefeld Germany w/ Victims, Tormented
15-04-2012 Hafenklang Hamburg Germany w/ Victims, Tormented
16-04-2012 Hemgarden Lund Sweden w/ Victims, Tormented
17-04-2012 Debaser Stockholm Swedenw/ Victims, Tormented
18-04-2012 Revolver Oslo Norway w/ Tormented
19-04-2012 Truckstop Alaska Gothenburg Sweden w/ Tormented
20-04-2012 Templet Lyngby Denmark w/ Tormented, Saviours
21-04-2012 Festsaal Kreuzberg Berlin Germany w/ Christian Mistress,Tormented
22-04-2012 Fzw Dortmund Germany w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented
24-04-2012 Ajz Chemnitz Chemnitz Germany w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented
25-04-2012 Arena Vienna Austria w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented
26-04-2012 Etnoblog Trieste Italy w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented
27-04-2012 Lo-Fi Milan Italy w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented
28-04-2012 Jugendhaus Wangen Wangen Germany w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented
29-04-2012 Lakei Helmond Netherlands w/ Christian Mistress, Tormented

Seattle's barbaric wrecking crew BLACK BREATH have completed their second LP and are preparing to fire it point blank into the public's face this March. The forthcoming new platter, dubbed Sentenced to Life, is the highly-anticipated follow-up to the band's raging 2010 debut album, Heavy Breathing, which blew away fans of both hardcore-fueled rock and roll and crushing Swedish death metal internationally.

Now in 2012, Black Breath's neck-snapping Sentenced To Life projects an even more vile, metallic sonic attack than its predecessor, bearing is a bit less rock and roll swagger and a showcasing more full-on crushing rage. The album is a product of furious creativity jammed into a short span of time, written in the seemingly endless winter after returning from their November 2010 European tour.

Bearing 10 thunderous tracks in under 33 minutes, Sentenced To Life features such smashing Black Breath hits as "Feast of the Damned," "Doomed," "Forced Into Possession," "Home of the Grave" and of course the title anthem "Sentenced to Life." The band once again recorded at God City Studios with Kurt Ballou, and had the finished product mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side. Easily the band's most thunderous recording to date, Black Breath sentence every listener to a life of headbanging after spinning this!

Sentenced To Life will burst into stores and distros for public armament in 26th March 2012.

Christiaan Webb Plays Static Gallery Liverpool Thursday 19 April

2012-02-17T19:25:00.002+00:00

Tickets £7adv from Probe and Ticketline
Support from Joshua Caole

16th April 2012 sees the release of A Man Possessed, the debut solo album by Christiaan Webb that features 11 songs that represent the culmination of a life-altering spiritual journey for Christiaan.

Eldest son of songwriting legend Jimmy Webb (Witchita Lineman, Galveston, By The Time I get To Phoenix), Christiaan ﬁrst came to public attention as part of the Webb Brothers, a band he formed with his younger brother, Justin. In 1998, the demo album Beyond the Biosphere was released to critical acclaim in the U.K. and was quickly picked up by London-based label Easy! Tiger Records. The Webb Brothers then signed with Warner Music and the album Maroon was released to critical and commercial success in 2000. Touring extensively, the brothers built a strong fan base in the UK that continues to this day. 2003 saw the release of the eponymous Webb Brothers album (as well as recruitment of brother James), showcasing the versatility and depth of Christiaan’s songwriting. In 2009, the brothers joined their father to form ‘Jimmy Webb and the Webb Brothers,’ releasing the reﬂective, mature sounding Cottonwood Farm (Proper Music).

Following this collaboration, Christiaan began work on the songs that form A Man Possessed, partly inspired by the writings of Don Miguel Ruiz. “The way this album came about has been a spiritual journey more than anything else,” says Christiaan. “Last year, I read the book The Four Agreements.

It affected me; a Toltec wisdom book had changed my life. This was quite a change for a guy who had been a freewheeling rock-and-roller for 18years.” The album began to take shape in early January 2011, the songs coming in a ﬂash - lyrics, melody and chords, sometimes all in an hour or less. “I had never experienced anything like it. They were coming out so fast and they were some of the best songs I had ever written. I felt like a marionette, my ﬁngers moving to new and unexpected places on the piano. I really did feel like ‘a man possessed.”

With this new, unexpected collection of songs, Christiaan set out ﬁnding the right location to record them. “I reached out to Musicbox Studios in Cardiff, Wales. Mark ‘the bear’ Foley and Andrew ‘Bernie’ Plain have been good friends to the Webb Brothers over the years and had always left their door open to me”. With Bernie (drums), Mark (Bass) and Graham Ryder (Guitars) on board as the newly named ‘The Sweet Lords’, A Man Possessed was recorded in the UK in April 2011.

Produced by Charlie Francis (REM, High Llamas, Turin Brakes), it also features Christiaan’s good friends Romeo Stodart and Angela Gannon from the Magic Numbers and acts from the Cardiff area including Zervas and Pepper, Steve ‘Sweet Baboo’ Black and John ‘Catﬁsh’ Thomas.A Man Possessed features some of Christiaan’s most beguiling melodies to date, with tracks such as ‘Midnight Moon’ recalling his best work with the Webb Brothers. ‘Life Support’ and ‘My Best Intentions’ express the range, power and soul of Christiaan’s melancholy, often spellbinding vocals. “This album is a shout out to my childhood heroes, both living and fallen, who were always in my prayers as I wrote and recorded it: John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel, Elton John, Billy Preston and Jimmy Webb. I would especially like to thank George Harrison, who I believe was my spiritual guide throughout this project. If you are ever possessed by a spirit, I recommend George Harrison.”

'Slow Hearts' the debut EP by Joshua Caole was released in December 2010, he spent most of the following year touring with some ace people such as The Smoke Fairies and Slaid Cleaves in support of it. In January 2012 Joshua recorded his debut album 'Moon Palace' which is due for release on the 16th of April 2012 on Bullo Pill Recordings. He will be touring with Christiaan Webb around this time as well as many other shows of his own.

Beverley Festival Headliners Confirmed

2012-02-17T19:20:00.002+00:00

The headline acts for the prestigious Beverley Festival (Folk, Acoustic, Roots) have now been announced, revealing some of the top names from the British folk, and mainstream music scene. The festival has always managed to provide a top rate programme of artists, with a varied range of musical genres to suit all tastes. 2012 looks set to demonstrate that this success story is to continue.

The festival kicks off on Friday (15th June) with folk-rock legends Steeleye Span with a career that has taken in an astounding six decades, with hit records “All Round My Hat” and “Gaudete”. The band are not just a legendary name in British music but also a link to the classic days of rock and folk music. Contemporaries of the likes of Led Zeppelin and Fairport Convention, they have gone on to change the face of folk music forever, taking it from small clubs and festivals into the world of chart topping albums and international tours

Saturday sees a night of dance with Scottish band quoted as being the “Future of Celtic Dance music” The Peatbog Faeries. Nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Live Act, the band have performed at leading festivals all around the world, and will be returning to Beverley on the Saturday to headline a mid-summer dance night, with support from Denmark’s award winning young band Habadekuk.

The finale night at the festival will see two great bands from two different generations.

Premier rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown will be headlining the main concert. His ‘Very Best Of’ album achieved a Gold Record for a massive 120,000 sales and was on the UK charts for eight weeks staying four weeks in the Top 20. Recently he received MOJO magazine’s coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music Award as well as a much deserved MBE.

He performed on Later With Jools Holland and played his part closing the show at the Concert for George Harrison. At the festival Joe will be bringing his five piece band including his son and record producer Pete Brown, and the musical styles incorporated into his new show break more boundaries and are as unique as the man himself. Packed with timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences this sensational show is a musical journey not to be missed.

For the younger generation, and those young at heart, the Sunday night will finish in style with the young band tipped to be the Mumford and Sons, ahab. Returning to the festival after their huge success at it last year, the band play alternative country music and have received rave reviews across the board. Simon Mayo, of BBC Radio said “ahab is the real deal – top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four-piece harmonies.”

In addition the festival has some of the best American acts around from the UK and overseas with the dynamic Abigail Washburn with Kai Welch and Furnace Mountain visiting from the USA, and UK based The Carrivick Sisters and The Toy Hearts, along with Yorkshire’s very own Tom Townsend Band. Some great blues, bluegrass and country music will be heard over the weekend, with some excellent sessions to join in with.

Other artists include, Martin Carthy, Chumbawamba, Cooper Boyes & Simpson, Henry Priestman, Eduardo Niebla, author of DI Banks series of books as featured on ITV with Stephen Peter Robinson, and poet extraordinaire Ian McMillan and Luke Carver-Goss.

The growing and increasingly popular Area2 Youth programme is also hosting some of this countries top young artists. Run by young people it offers the chance for the rising stars of the future to shine in a festival atmosphere, and encourages young people to get involved and participate in the event.

A wide range of concerts and activities for those attending the event, with a special emphasis on families and children, makes the event a perfect weekend for all. With tickets selling fast and special rates available until the 31st March.

Details and Tickets from: www.beverleyfestival.com / www.facebook.com/BeverleyFolkFestival / 01377 217569

info@beverleyfestival.com

FRI 15th – JUNE 17th JUNE 2012

Special Rates – until 31st March

Weekend Season tickets

Adults with Camping £108

Adults without camping £93

Special rates for - Senior Citizens; Children; Families

Cambridge Folk Festival 2012 - First Names Announced

2012-02-16T06:49:00.002+00:00

26, 27, 28, 29 JULY 2012
CHERRY HINTON HALL GROUNDS

FIRST NAMES ANNOUNCED

Clannad (Sat) Joan Armatrading (Sun) The Proclaimers (Sat)

June Tabor & Oysterband (Fri) Loreena McKennitt (Sun)

Billy Bragg celebrates Woody Guthrie’s 100th Birthday (Thurs)

Nic Jones (Sun)

Europe’s most acclaimed folk festival has revealed some of the first artists confirmed for 2012’s eclectic bill.
Performances include a rare Festival appearance by the original line-up of Irish folk royalty and multi-million album sellers Clannad, leading singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, who has enjoyed success in pop, folk, blues, reggae and jazz genres; ever-popular Scottish icons The Proclaimers, guaranteed to bring the Festival to its feet; a rare Festival appearance by June Tabor & Oysterband, following their acclaimed 2011 collaboration ‘Ragged Kingdom’ and recent multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Award wins; internationally acclaimed Canadian singer and composer Loreena McKennitt, playing an intoxicating blend of Celtic and Middle Eastern sounds; renowned singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg celebrates Woody Guthrie’s 100th Birthday, which falls in mid July; and the first full public performance in 30 years by English folk legend Nic Jones, whose career was cut short by a car accident in 1982. ‘Penguin Eggs’ by Nic Jones is widely recognised as one of the finest folk albums of all time.

More headline names including emerging and contemporary stars will be announced very soon.

Online booking and information: www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk
Phone booking: 01223 357851

Tickets: Full Festival £120; Thursday £19; Friday £41; Saturday £52; Sunday £52. Camping: (Full Festival tickets only, per 2-3 berth tent) Cherry Hinton £52, Coldhams Common £36 (second site).
Online bookings subject to booking fee.

Cambridge Folk Festival is promoted by Cambridge City Council.

NAZARETH: UK ‘Big Dogz’ Tour - March 2012

2012-02-13T07:49:00.004+00:00

Special Guest at BILSTON: DEBORAH BONHAM
Support at Clitheroe, Liverpool, York, Newcastle, Southampton, Derby & Grimsby-
BOWDEN WILLIAMSON BAND ONLY

Out Now
New Nazareth studio album – ‘Big Dogz’ (Edel)
Also available - ‘Naz Box’ (Salvo/USM)

www.nazarethdirect.co.uk

Nazareth are one of the UK’s finest ever classic rock bands. The band are perhaps best known for their breakthrough albums, ‘Razamanazz’ and ‘Loud n Proud’- (both 1973) and their chart-storming singles, ‘Bad Bad Boy’, ‘Broken Down Angel’ , ‘Love Hurts’, ‘My White Bicycle’ and their remarkable adaptation of Joni Mitchell’s ‘This Flight Tonight’. Since then the band have released a steady stream of top-notch albums and retained a steadfast, almost rabid fan base across the world.

Nazareth has sold an impressive over 60 million records in their 40 year music career worldwide for which they count as one of the best known and most successful Scottish bands ever. On their new album ‘Big Dogz’, they have returned to their roots, pure rock music with its rough edges, like it’s straight from the ‘70s. Exactly how rock should sound – and that’s how Nazareth lays it down.

An excellent overview of the bands career is the current sumptuous 4-cd Salvo/Union Square Music release, ‘NAZ BOX’

Said NAZARETH founder member Pete Agnew:Our friends at earMUSIC offered us the opportunity to mark some new territory with this new album and the 'Nazhounds' are delighted to be back among their pack. We're straining at the leash to tour this puppy. We reckon it's bitchin'! So get ready, because from 10th March, the Big Dogz gonna howl!!"

Support for the England portion of the tour (except Bilston) is the Bowden Williamson Band, featuring Animals & Friends guitarist, John Williamson – recently seen across the UK alongside Stax and Blues Brothers legend, Steve Cropper. Special Guest at Bilston is Deborah Bonham

Formed in 1968, Nazareth sprung from the ashes of a semi-professional local band, ‘The Shadettes’, eventually taking their name from the opening line from ‘The Weight’ - the classic song by The Band. Releasing their first album in 1971, the band still features the gravel-voiced DAN McCAFFERTY and bassist PETE AGNEW, alongside lead guitarist JIMMY MURRISON and LEE AGNEW who has more recently taken over the drum stool for so long occupied by the sadly departed DARRELL SWEET.

For their 40th anniversary, Naz decided to record a come-back album. earMUSIC released ‘The Newz’ in 2008, proving once again that Nazareth is fully committed to rock and always satisfy with great songwriting and a fresh sound. The contemporary production brilliantly held true to their roots and really emphasize the extraordinary voice of Dan McCafferty.

‘Big Dogz’ was recorded in Prague and mixed in Basel, produced by guitar player Jimmy Murrison and young Swiss sound-wizard Yann Rouiller, the album has a challenging approach to production. In contrast with rock music’s current tendency to be clean and overproduced in order to be perfect and easily consumed, Nazareth´s album focuses on capturing the dangerous and challenging edge that rock music should have, too often lost in the chase for perfection. For this reason, Nazareth have always truly concentrated on bringing out that dirty, challenging, edginess of real rock; that sound that rock music must have.

Nazareth really manages to be different. On the new album, you’ll find what the band has always portrayed: four guys who live rock, who record together in the same room to show who they really are and what they want.

‘Big Dogz’ is a pure rock diamond, one that is sure to become one of the highest points of their grandiose career and follow the success of past albums like ‘No Mean City’ and ‘Hair Of The Dog’.

Founding member Pete Agnew says: "They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but having recorded the new album 'Big Dogz' I don't agree. We've got some tasty bones here!”

DEBORAH BONHAM: www.deborahbonham.com

BOWDEN-WILLIAMSON BAND:
http://www.reverbnation.com/c./rpk/141592access_code=3013f26e3b6db9ff54b7&rid=2189626

MARCH

SAT 10TH: GLASGOW, Classic Grand, 18 Jamaica Street, G1 4QD 0141 847 0820 7pm Tickets – Tickets Scotland or Chic Box Office 08700 110034 £17.50 +bf www.classicgrand.com

SUN 11TH: INVERNESS, Ironworks, 122b Academy Street IV1 1LX 0871 789 4173 7.30pm Tickets tbc www.ironworksvenue.com

TUES 13TH: DUNDEE, Dexters, 22 Castle Street, Angus DD1 3AF 8pm Tickets tbc 01382 228894

THURS 15TH: CLITHEROE, The Grand, 18 York Street, Lancashire BB7 2DL 01200 421596 Tickets tbc Time tbc http://www.thegrandvenue.co.uk

FRI 16TH: LIVERPOOL, O2 Academy, O2 Academy 2, 11-13 Hotham Street, L3 5UF 7pm £17.50 www.O2academyliverpool.co.uk

SAT 17TH: YORK, The Duchess, Stonebow House, York YO1 7NP £20 +bf (advance) / £22.00 (door) 7.30pm 01904 641 413 www.theduchessyork.co.uk

TUES 20TH: NEWCASTLE ON TYNE, O2 Academy, Westgate Road, NE1 1SW 7pm £17.50 www.O2academynewcastle.co.uk Box office 0844 477 200

WED 21ST: SOUTHAMPTON, The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD www.the-brook.com 023 8055 5366 320 (advance)/ £22.oo (door) Doors 8pm

FRI 23RD: DERBY, Assembly Rooms (Darwin Suite), 8pm £20.oo Standing Only 01332 255800 www.derbylive.co.uk

SAT 24TH: *BILSTON, Robin 2, 2-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 7LJ (with DEBORAH BONHAM only) www.therobin.co.uk 01902 401211 £20 (advance)/ £22.oo (door) Time tbc

SUN 25TH: GRIMSBY, Yardbirds Rock Club, Church Street, Grimsby, N.Lincs DN32 7DD 07771 520374 http://www.myspace.com/yardbirdsrockclub Time tbc Tickets tbc

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival July 6th, 7th and 8th 2012

2012-02-11T14:12:00.000+00:00

The multi award winning Stacey Kent to headline the 6th Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival July 6th, 7th and 8th 2012

www.burtonagnes.com

The Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival returns for its sixth year set in the award winning grounds and Elizabethan Hall of Burton Agnes, East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB. Organised by the Hall’s sax-playing owner, Simon Cunliffe-Lister, the festival runs over three days showcasing some of the UK’s hottest jazz and blues acts in the most stunning and serene of surroundings.

“Possibly the most enjoyable jazz concert I've ever attended.” The Independent

Grammy nominated and multi award winning Stacey Kent, including the British Jazz Award and BBC Jazz Award for 'Best Vocalist', is a sublime singer, rightly famed for her peerless interpretations of the Great American Songbook, but equally adept singing in French or Portuguese. Her beautiful tone and wonderful phrasing bring a fresh beauty to everything she sings and she sings from the soul. She tells us her stories with
faultless phrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice and it is her beautiful version of Hushabye Mountain that has bewitched TV viewers on the recent Dreams Bed campaign. After eight studio albums, her current album Dreamer In Concert is her first live album and the first album that captures her magical onstage persona.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival are delighted to announce that Stacey will headline their festival on the main stage - Saturday 7th July. "Stacey Kent is a revelation. There is nobody singing today who can compare with her. She has the style of the greats, like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. And she sings the words like Nat Cole - clean, clear and almost conversational with perfect phrasing. And that's as good as it gets."

Three-time Oscar-winning songwriter, Jay Livingston

"Devastatingly stylish...a beauty in any circumstances" The Observer

"A delight" The Guardian

More artists are to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Held over three days, with performances both inside the stately Elizabethan Hall and outside in the Hall’s beautiful grounds, the Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues festival presents a varied line up of funk, traditional jazz, hard blues, dreamy vocals and everything in between.

“Tis the musical equivalent of a Sunday stroll through the grounds of a stately home… you won't find more beautifully serene surroundings this side of Woodstock for such an experience” All Gigs - Festival review
The main stage on the lawn hosts the festival’s headline acts. With rolling fields behind and pristine woodland to the side, you couldn’t ask for a more stunning setting for some of the UK’s top Jazz and Blues artists to perform. Inside the Hall, intimate acoustic performances mix with original Elizabethan carvings and French Impressionist art to create an inimitable festival experience.

On Friday and Saturday evening the Wolds Top beer tent plays host to the Beverley Arts Trust’s late night sessions of folk, jazz and rhythm ‘n’ blues.Local food and drink feature heavily at the festival. At the tea tent and food lawn, festivalgoers can indulge in home-baked treats, barbecued local meats, freshly prepared curries, and salads grown in the neighbouring walled garden. In the beer tent award winning Wold Top beer is on tap, brewed just five miles away from the festival site.

A campsite in the field adjacent to the Hall offers welcome hot showers and panoramic views of the Yorkshire Wolds for those wishing to pitch a tent for a night or the whole weekend.Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival welcomes families of all ages with its safe, easy-going vibe. There is plenty on offer for children including a Children’s Corner with play area, 15 acres of magical gardens to explore including a walled garden with maze, jungle garden and giant games and a woodland walk with forest creatures to find. Free face painting and balloon artistry caps off the entertainment.

Built between 1598 and 1610 by Sir Henry Griffith, Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan stately home that has stayed within the Cunliffe-Lister family for more than four hundred years. Fifteen generations have filled the Hall with treasures, from magnificent carvings commissioned when the Hall was built to French impressionist paintings, contemporary furniture, tapestries and other modern artwork in recent years.

The charm of the house is that it is clearly a loved and lived in home and visitors are welcomed openly by the family in joining them to spend many enjoyable hours at Burton Agnes Hall.

Burton Agnes Hall ranks among the finest, and best presented, houses in England. It is the perfect English house, embodying the climax of the final great age of domestic architecture’Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust, journalist and author of England's Thousand Best Houses

2012 Festival Tickets info:

Weekend Advance Ticket

Friday 6pm – midnight, Saturday 11am – midnight, Sunday 11am – 6pm

£40 before 1st June / £50 after 31st May (Concessions £38 / £48)

Concessions: OAP’s, Season ticket holders, students, children 12-15 years

Children under 12: FREE with an adult

Day Ticket: Saturday 11am – midnight

£30 before 1st June / £35 after 31st May (Concessions £28 / £32)

Day Ticket: Sunday 11am – 6pm

£25 before 1st June / £30 after 31st May (Concessions £23 / £28)

Evening Ticket: Friday 6 pm – midnight or Saturday 6pm – midnight

£20 EACH DAY before 1st June / £25 EACH DAY after 31st May (Concessions £18 / £23)

Camping Voucher: Camping open Friday 3pm – Monday noon

£30 before 1st July / £35 after 31st May

Available online at www.burtonagnes.com and from the Festival Ticket Office Tel: 01262 490 324

Or Visit Burton Agnes Hall and its courtyard shops

Rock n Blues Festival 2012 Butlins , Skegness

2012-02-11T13:43:00.003+00:00

“What the XXXX is Butlins ?” So asked Dee Snider, after Twisted Sisters opening number back in 2008 (at the inaugural Hard Rock Hell) in Minehead. I shall tell you what Butlins is. It is an excellent venue, for a weekends entertainment, every January with an array of Rock and Blues bands over a three day period, with good accommodation, and superb food. A win win situation. With a favoured eye toward Blues on the main stage, there is a good selection of Rock on offer in “Reds” next door.

Friday 27 Jan
To begin our tour de force, we opted to watch former Argent guitarist John Verity on the main stage. The set consisted mainly of classic rock and blues numbers including Hoochie Coochie Man, Rocky Mountain Way, Cocaine, Purple Haze and Old Time Rock n Roll. An excellent opening act, the John Verity Band set us up nicely for the legends that are Ten Years After.

What a big disappointment. I had been expecting TYA to be the band of the festival, and greeted their entrance with suitable applause and enthusiasm. Alas, ten minutes in, a prolonged drum solo followed shortly after by a sales pitch for Cds and tshirts was a sign of things to come. In full flow they sounded very together and a great unit, but dogged by a poor sound on vocals (speakers blown evidently), I along with most of the audience were getting restless. With no rendition of their better known material ( I’m Going Home, Hear Me Calling) they suddenly upped and disappeared, “just like that”.

Toward the tail end of TYA, I popped next door to witness one number from Roger Chapman (Shadow on the Wall ) The place was rocking, and seemed so much more energetic, but then after what had gone before (TYA) on the main stage, it didn’t take much.

So... we moved into “Reds” for our final band of the night. Selecting “Reds”, as much for atmosphere, as the band scheduled. Alas this meant missing Chantel McGregor yet again, but if this Virgil and his thingamajig’s where not up to much, we could always return to main stage. That was to prove unnecessary.

Thank God for Virgil and the Accelerators ! Hailing originally from South Africa this power trio still in teens or thereabout, are akin to a 2012 reincarnation of Cream, influenced by Clapton, Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. They are Virgil McMahon (Guitars), Gabriel McMahon (Drums) and Jack Timmis (Bass/vocals). Their set included tracks from the debut album “The Radium” (Which sold well along with t shirts, post gig) and many a classic rock/blues number , including “Are You Experienced”. Over the years I have seen many a renowned guitarist, Randy California, Alvin Lee, Robin Trower, Jimmy Page etc, etc. It has been a long, long time since I have been so impressed as I was with not only Virgil, but the Accelerators as well. Band of the weekend.

Saturday 28 Jan
Following a browse around the Butlins site in glorious winter sunshine, I popped into the Blues stage (main stage) shortly after noon to witness the opening of Steve Rodgers solo set. Warmly embraced by a reasonably sized audience, Steve’s competent and laid back delivery was just what was required as hangovers and aging rockers attempted to greet the day ahead. Alas, and apologies, I headed to our apartment (note... apartment, not chalet ), to watch a movie and make Zzzs.

It almost seems unfair to say, with Deborah Bonham you know what you are going to get. But what you do get is an excellent set from one of the UKs best rock and blues vocalists. Special mention must go to her, often overshadowed band, but never under rated, perfectly complimenting Deborah’s vocals. “Killing Fields”, “ The Old Hyde” and Zeps “Rock n Roll” were highlights of a most acceptable show.
Next up, I was faced with a dilemma. Argent or The Animals ? Fortunately, Argent where due on stage about 15 minutes prior to the Animals, so I could gauge accordingly.

Looking remarkably fresh faced and keen, all four original members of Argent took to the stage amid enthusiastic embrace. However, for this member of the assembled throng, the slightly self indulgent and overly postured delivery, specifically from Rod Argent, during first 20 mins or so, was a tad irritating, hence my wife and I headed for the main stage. ( My friend remained, a long time Argent aficionado who informed me as gig progressed so did the enjoyment, with God Gave Rock n Roll, Hold Your Head Up, Since You’ve Been Gone etc keeping all present suitably appreciative ).
Meanwhile, my wife and I were enjoying an admittedly standard, but most acceptable set from the Animals. Having seen John Steel, Mickey Gallagher and bass/vocalist Peter Barton three times in two years, I cannot get enough. The music of the Animals is simply wonderful, and despite almost always finishing in a clichéd singalong at times, I’ll always come back for more.

So a second, but minor, dilemma. Never a great fan of Wishbone Ash, my colleague in crime, is. However, he in turn isn’t a big Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash fan, so we crept into the main hall packed to the rafters to give Larry Miller (The Larry Miller Band) a chance.

“Its Miller Time” announced our soon to be hero, dressed in a jacket akin to Jimi Hendrix or is that Adam Ant? Larry Miller stormed into a superb heavy blues performance that along with his wonderful personality sent everyone back to their accommodation with ears and hears a buzzing. Red House, Delilah (see You Tube), Blues Man etc. Look out for Larry, yeah, Larry... he’s a mate now, or he feels like one, on tour now. Fantastic.

Sunday 29th Jan
Spent a jolly morning on the water slides, revisiting a long lost youthful enthusiasm, as I tried to get to the steps ahead of anyone else, though I ached a bit later on. A laid back pint or two in Sun and Moon bar was followed by a walk on the beach. Alas, this was at the cost of missing Gerry McEvoy’s Band of Friends, ex members of Rory Gallagher.... I heard they were wonderful. I must try harder.
Final night. Skinny Molly opened proceedings in Reds. This meant missing The Hamsters farewell gig in the main room, but the queue for that had started about 2 hours earlier. Skinny Molly inevitably finished with Freebird, but provided all with a very enjoyable array of Southern rock preceding their finale.

FM always bemused me. Well received and highly acclaimed, it speaks volumes when I realised I had seen them back in the 90’s at Buckley, but forgot. They are talented, no doubt. They are enthusiastic. But something is missing to hold one attention for long, they seem to lack a stage presence. I apologise to those who follow the band, but, sorry it just seems bland and a tad tiresome.

Popped into the main stage to catch a little of a band I saw several times in their hay day, Doctor Feelgood. The audience was huge, the atmosphere hot ,and the place bouncing. The music.... err, forgive me... awful ! Now I hasten to add, I suspect I may be in a minority of one here. I asked a few punters at the urinals what they thought of the band. “ Great”, “Awesome”, Fantastic” came their response... as I stood, somewhat bemused. I was present for two classics “ Roxette” and “Milk & Alcohol”, but to me, from where I stood, mediocre at best.

One band left. I was looking forward to Swedish girl band Crucified Barbara, as I have always been a sucker for female rockers since seeing the Runaways open Erics in Liverpool and similarly Girlschool, Suzi Q, and Hysterica. I wasn’t expecting much, but to all intent and purpose CB where the only metal band on this year’s line up. They delivered. No more, no less. Looking good, not great, the highlight was a rendition of Motorhead’s Killed By Death. Not the worst way to end a most enjoyable weekend.
And that was Butlins 2012.
See you there in 2013.

Myke Crombleholme

Mothership : Pacific Road Arts Centre 3rd February 2012

2012-02-06T10:26:00.000+00:00

Two years ago I swore that I'd stop going to see bands that covered other's songs. Many evenings cringing at endless efforts to make 'Alright Now' sound interesting just became boring and before it drove me to slashing my wrists, I decided the best plan would be to just avoid that sort of thing all together.

Curiosity brought me to see Mothership in Birkenhead. I've seen many (many!) covers and tribute bands over the years but not one of them who solely did Zeppelin songs. I thought this ambitious and I was intrigued to see just how the band would fare with such a varied catalogue to choose from.

The venue was the perfectly formed, and under imminent threat of closure, Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead. I have seen quite a lot of bands here; it is a fantastic venue, with good sound, lighting and friendly staff (the beer isn't bad either).

With no support band, Mothership came on stage early and promised a set of over two hours. Quite a good crowd had braved the cold and expectation was high. The band launched into their set. What followed was a mountain of nostalgia spanning the Zeppelin releases and chronicling the good and the best of what they were all about. Heavy blues, interdispersed with rock (and folk); it was all there. I was surprised to hear 'Custard Pie', not that this is a bad song, more that it is not one of the more 'popular' Zeppelin songs (I've always liked it though). The guitar and bass were solid from the off and the vocals improved after a quiet start as the set moved on. The sound was unfortunately not perfect; walking around the venue I found that there were pockets where it was distorted and others were it was just not loud enough. Apart from that (and the mid-set hiccup with the acoustic instruments, the band gave a very solid performance.

Not restricted by the studio versions of songs, Crilly and company, dipped into the live recordings to interpret some of the classics. I loved the version of 'Black Dog' and the virtuoso pieces of 'The Lemon Song' and .Heartbreaker'. The delivery of 'Since I've Been Loving You' was excellent and brought back memories of learning to play this note for note over a very long weekend.

Unexpected songs included 'Immigrant Song' and 'Going to California', though these too were delivered expertly; the rhythm section giving a solid backbone to the meanderings of guitar and vocals. The ambitious 'Kashmir' was a success; competent, moody and driving, the audience could only wallow in the layers of sound. Yes, the inevitable were included. 'Whole Lotta Love' went down a storm and 'Stairway To Heaven' was done with panache.

Overall, Mothership nailed it. A very enjoyable set of classic rock, delivered with great competence and more than just jogging the memory of a very appreciative audience.. A Led Zeppelin tribute? Yes, and a damn good one at that. I must start looking at some more tribute bands.....

Argent : Robin 2, Bilston 2nd February 2101

2012-02-05T11:14:00.000+00:00

Argent were formed over 40 years ago and the four original members have reformed for a short, and possibly their last, outing in this format. I remember listening to Argent albums whilst back at school, which was a seriously long time ago. I was looking forward to this gig as I only saw part of the set when the played High Voltage back in 2010.

They opened the night with 'It's Only Money Pt1 & Pt2' featuring a superb Hammond organ solo from Rod. Then we were treated to the lesser known songs such as 'Celebration' and 'Keep on Rollin’', which both sounded fresh, heavy and downright proggy. ‘Be Free' and 'Sweet Mary' from the 'Ring of Hands' LP followed. Some of the songs were being played for the first time live on the night, we were privileged indeed. It was great to hear stories from the seventies as each of the songs were introduced. We heard how Rod Argent had his first Rolls Royce at the age of 17, financed from the royalties of 'She's Not There'; which was a top ten hit for the Zombies in the USA. Then they played a blinding version of 'Liar' which was a massive hit for Three Dog Night ,again in the USA. Next up was 'I Don't Believe In Miracles', a Russ Ballard song which was a big hit for Colin Blunstone; here Russ joined Rod Argent on keyboards one. One starts to realise that Russ Ballard has written some great songs for other artists as you recognise the intro of 'Since You've Been Gone' which was a massive hit for Rainbow back in 1979. They saved their biggest hit till the end. 'Hold Your Head Up'; a magnificent rendition with the audience singing their hearts out.

For the inevitable encore they came back and played the unforgettable anthem that is 'God Gave Rock 'n Roll To You' which was written back in 1973 and better known to a younger generation as a Kiss song. Argent as a band were sounding and looking good; entertaining the crowd with so many classic songs......Brilliant

Chickenfoot : Manchester Academy1 12th January 2012

2012-01-15T14:20:00.000+00:00

I was looking forward to, for what was for me, the first gig of 2012 ,Chickenfoot promoting their latest second album...Chickenfoot III. Chickenfoot is an American supergroup consisting of Sam Hagar and Michael Anthony, both former members of Van Halen, solo guitarist JoeSatriani and on drums Kenny Arnoff for this tour as Chad Smith had other commitments with The Chili Peppers.

A packed sell-out show at The Manchester Academy, as they are only playing two UK shows on this leg of their European tour; a rare visit to this country by Hagar. Joe Satriani came on stage to play the intro of 'Lighten Up' and was joined by the rest of the band. So much energy from the outset.Two more tracks followed from the new album; 'Alright' and the rockin 'Bigfoot'.

The songs sound so good live. Wow, this is undoubtedly a real supergroup in action; loud, heavy and clearly enjoying themselves.They played most of the tracks from the latest album, one of the many highlights being 'Three And A Half Letters' which touchingly deals with unemployment in the USA. 'Down The Drain' is anothe rterrific song which turned into an awesome jam session with each membe rof the band taking their turn in the spotlight.They slowed things down with the powerful rock ballad 'Come Closer' and they finished off the set with 'Future In The Past' with Sam Hagar strapping on his Les Paul showing us he can play a mean guitar. Of course there's an encore as no ones going anywhere. 'Oh Yeah' was the band's response and the evening closed with a fantastic cover of Hendrix's 'Foxy Lady'.

This was one hell of a Rock n Roll show; they deserve to be called a supergroup. Hopefully they'll return to play some festivals this summer......don't miss them.

Deaf School . Pacific Road, Birkenhead. 23rd December 2011

2011-12-28T12:42:00.003+00:00

Inevitably, what was my last gig of 2011, and possibly the last concert ever at the excellent Pacific Road venue in Birkenhead (although I understand some gigs may take place before April) was a triumph. Deaf School took to the stage to a surprisingly less than sell out audience in confident and festive mood. From the off, Bette Bright , Enrico Cadillac, Cliff Hanger, The Rev.Max Ripple et al performed an embracing and engaging set from start to finish, the audience was both won over, and more importantly, engaged with the band. After all its Friday, its Christmas, and its Deaf School playing in their backyard.

Both Deaf School aficionados, and first timers, embraced a wonderful evening of Deaf Schools classic expressive style. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Punk, Lounge , Art, how do you describe Liverpools favourites from the 1970s punk era ? All the favourites included, “Taxi”, Rock Ferry”, “2nd Honeymoon”, “Hi Jo Hi”, a brief appearance of Suggs, Bettes husband of near 30 years, added to a most satisfying end to my concert going of 2011.

Two encores were demanded, and duly enjoyed, before a rendition of “Jingle Bells” brought proceedings to a close. My last sighting of Deaf School was way back in 1976 at another long lost Birkenhead venue, “Mr Digbys”, hopefuly, this is not the end of the Pacific Road as a concert venue, but we shall see. .... if it deems to be so...“What a Way To End It All” !!!

Myke Crombleholme

Hawklords : Academy, Liverpool 13th October 2011

2011-10-21T08:33:00.003+01:00

Hawklords may be an off-shoot of the actual band but technically they ARE Hawkwind these days, with only surviving original member Dave Brock on his own course and seemingly short on links to the past. Indeed the fact that you find such a core mix of key ex-members from over 40 plus years is a testament to just how much validity they have to claim that heritage.

Nik Turner, Alan Davey, Harvey Bainbridge, Steve Swindells, Jerry Richards, Danny Thompson and the delightful mess that is Ron Tree have all made significant contributions to the heady history of this most beloved of space rock bands, none more so than Nik Turner who (love him or hate him) embodies the spirit of the original line-up more than any other. Alan Davey and Harvey Bainbridge are key ex-members who helped develop the band thorough several different era’s and styles so there is no doubt that they have all the knowing ingredients to make your trip a pleasant one.

Their gig in Liverpool the previous year focused on the legendary Space Ritual tour / album so I was intrigued as to what would be offered this time around. This was also the opening night of a 14 date UK tour so most people would be second guessing as to what was in store; would Nik Turner resemble an alien on roller skates? Would Ron Tree even make it?!

These questions were answered immediately as the band took to the stage and after some initial pre-amble ripped into the Robert Calvert era classic ‘Death Trap’, the ageless Nik Turner looking rather cool and very together it has to be said, tooting away merrily on his sax and acting as unofficial conductor for this Hawkestra. Ron Tree on the other hand took a while to settle down as he waded through his pile of lyrics (he later cried wolf and blamed someone else for messing them up), causing laughter from the band and audience alike, a loveable guy but he must be a nightmare to manage!

They then raised the bar further as a pulsating ‘You Shouldn’t Do That’ had everyone dancing, bordering on the hypnotic it conjured images of a bygone age and only the absence of Stacia reminded you this was 2011 and not 1972. After such a together opening it was a shame when the set veered off course to slightly more obscure and less engaging numbers and some first night rustiness began to creep in, but as the band and indeed audience were in such good spirits this mattered little. 'Robot', 'Psi Power' and 'Quark Strangeness & Charm' gave fans of the Calvert-era plenty to be happy about whilst earlier material was visitied, 'Master Of The Universe' in particular getting everyone going.

Adrian Shaw was sharing bass duties with Alan Davey tonight so that I was fortunate enough to have a quick word with himm, what a pleasant and genuine guy (special mention to Mr Davey for his band Gunslinger and debut album ‘Earthquake in E Minor’, a quite superb piece of work and highly recommended, the album Motorhead wish they had made!).

Steve Swindell’s much loved classic ‘Shot Down in the Night’ also made an appearance, giving Jerry Richards the spotlight for some fantastic liquid guitar runs. The band would no doubt have played on, but due to the venue’s 11pm curfew the Hawkship was forced to end it’s flight thru space for the evening, Jerry Richards neatly summing up by saying “25 years in 5 minutes” and it ended with a definite version of ‘25 years’.

All in all this was a great gig, a few minor stumbles here and there but on the whole a very rewarding experience and it begs the question: will Hawlords outlive it’s maker? On this evidence you’d better believe it!

Glen Bridge

Kscope Present - A Night At The Union Chapel

2011-10-05T08:19:00.000+01:00

The Union Chapel is a listed church and a music venue located in Islington, North London; a fine example of Victorian gothic architecture, perfect and breathtaking setting for the music celebration presented by the successful Kscope label. Kscope is dedicated to artists in the post progressive genre, so this evening promised to be very interesting indeed.
‘Nosound’ from Italy kicked off the evening with ‘Fading Silently’ and it seemed a bit of a nervous start. After overcoming a slight technical hitch, the duo played a beautifully laid back ambient set which really suited the surroundings; a good start to the evening.
Next up were ‘Engineers’ comprising of Simon Phipps and Mark Peters playing acoustic guitars. They started the set with ‘Forgiveness’ which came over as a very laid back folky tune and the duo reminded me of a very young Simon and Garfunkel. The closing number for this very short set was ‘Home’ which was the first song they’d written in their bedroom and was released as a single back in 2004.

After the break it was ‘Bruce Soord’ who represented a very stripped down ‘Pineapple Thief ’, the first band to be signed to Kscope. The band have been around since 1999 and have released eight albums so far. Bruce played the first song that the band ever recorded ‘One More Step Away’ and was joined onstage by a young lady for backing vocals. This was another short but very passionate set delivered by Bruce finishing off with ‘I Will Light Up Your Eyes’.
‘Anathema’ the headliners were next. Hailing from Liverpool, Anathema was formed back in 1990 as a Doom/Death Metal band and tonight they were represented on stage by Danny and Vincent Cavanagh and Lee Douglas. They’ve come a long way since the doom metal days to working with an orchestra on the last two albums. Tonight’s acoustic set was kicked off with ‘Kingdom’ which is one of the old songs reworked on the latest album ’Falling Deeper’, which was recorded with full orchestra. Danny was the one man band looping the back beats using the acoustic guitar and playing the upright piano as well as acoustic guitar. Last years album of the year ‘We’re Here Because We’re Here’ is represented by ‘Thin Air’ and ‘Dreaming Light’ and both sound dreamingly beautiful. Lee Douglas takes on the lead vocal for ‘A Natural Disaster’ which is such a powerful moving piece, her voice was made for this song. The congregation gathered here tonight were simply loving the next song ‘Flying’ and were up on their feet singing along. They finished off the short set with ‘Fragile Dreams’ from the 1998 Alternative 4 album. It was over far too quickly, no encore but the crowd went home more than satisfied. Anathema have been around for 20 years and are still very much on the way up; creative, imaginative, powerful, dark, confident and beautiful; I just love them.
This was a fantastic evening showcasing a few of the acts on the Kscope label…it would be nice to see a follow up electric evening.
Arthur Hughes

Headstock Festival

2011-09-21T07:59:00.002+01:00

This was the second annual Headstock festival to be staged, held on the sprawling landscape of a former coal mining community on the outskirts of Mansfield and generously given a big bunch of government and lottery funded cash in an effort to regenerate the local area; both for the current residents and also the surrounding countryside. The festival aims to generate even further monies for this most worthy of causes and if we can have a big weekend party all the better! With support from the BBC in the form of a recently aired TV documentary and a concerted publicity push, they got a great crowd over the weekend and despite its relative size and with its heart in the right place the occasion gave music fans a great opportunity to wallow in some old school nostalgia and to check out a large gene pool of emerging new talent.

We arrived Friday evening and the site was a frenzy of hammers, saws, nails and spray paint, The weather was Crowded House territory; in other words 'four seasons in one day' Over the following two days it went from biblical downpours to 73 degrees in the shade; 'changable' as it's laughingly known. Come dinnertime on Saturday the site was turned into a funky little explosion of colour and noise. Amongst the musical highlights were local band 25 Past The Kkank who got everybody in a state of heightened danceyness; I just loved the frontman’s catchphrase 'sweating taters'. Playing as their name suggests, high energy ska with a heavy side order of rap and rock, they won everybody over, especially when they were joined by a gang of gaudily undressed can-can girls. One of the more bizarre sights was a speed dating stall with the splendidly attired Doris and Iris. Despite our pleas we were disqualified on grounds of age; I feel a court case coming on.

We met the hilarious 'Charlotte' on a nick nack stall, whose gripes and moans had us in stitches. At one point a customer asked 'have you an old bag?', Charlotte pointed to me and said 'yeah he's there'; bitch!. We took in the folk rockness of The Tree Top Flyers, very nice melodic west coastesque vibe, followed by a set from the incredibly boisterous Rage Against The Machinisms of Danananaykroyd. They were presumably sponsored by Red Bull; so much energy it was frightening (and all power to them for playing through a monsoon based weather event).

Over in the Muzika marquee things took on a decidedly piratical bent with the appearance of bunch of loonies called Seas Of Mirth. Every tune was a pirate based knees up, they even presided over an audience tug of war competition at the front of the stage; what's not to like? We witnessed some amazing musicianship over on the BBC introducing stage with the acoustic jazz folk of Maniere Des Bohemiens. It was at this point that I was assailed by the pub 'landlady' with her feather duster; she gave me a right old seeing to! It was then time for beer and a chick pea curry with potatoes followed by a game of Connect Four. We then took in a set from veteran On U Sound veterans African Headcharge; mucho cool dub vibes permeated the site, we felt the love (which made a change from rain running down your neck).

Headliners Echo & The Bunnymen turned in a short fiery set as the full moon hovered above the stage, Bathed in purple backlight they played a fabulous ‘greatest hits package’. 'The Cutter', an epic 'Over The Wall', 'Silver', 'Rescue'; absolutely brilliant, and Mac still has the charisma and that voice... and to be able to see them this close was an added bonus; knockout.

Dancing, more beer, some rain, a night under some very cold stars, then it's time for Sundays cavalcade of ‘blink and you'll miss ‘em’ acts. My notes read ‘Breadchasers, great; Ferocious Dog, great; The Lighning Seeds,even greater’. We missed CW Stoneking due to falling asleep in the kid zone; and STILL didn’t get a date.

Right, can we do this all again next year please? It's on my doorstep, no map reading skills involved and the beer is cheap; oh and can we have Dreadzone next time?

John Haylock

Live : Wilko Johnson and very special guest Ian Siegal

2011-09-15T09:48:00.001+01:00

ABS AGENCY & www.thegigcartel.com presents
WILKO JOHNSON + Very special guest Ian Siegal

Wilko Johnson, the phenomenal guitarist and founding member of Dr. Feelgood, who has influenced everyone from Joe Strummer and Mick Jones to Steve Albini, will embark on a nationwide UK tour throughout September and October 2011. Very special guest on all UK dates will be the award-winning blues singer Ian Siegal and his band.

The tour kicks off at the Edinburgh Caves on Thursday 15th September. Tickets go on sale on Friday 15th April at 9am and can be ordered by calling the 24 Hour Box Office on: 0871 230 1101 or book online at: www.seetickets.com.

In addition to pioneering Dr. Feelgood’s distinctive mid-seventies, pre-punk British R&B sound, in 1980 Johnson went on to play guitar for Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Today, Johnson’s solo band features Blockheads’ Norman Watt-Roy (bass guitar), and Dylan Howe (drums).

In 2009 Johnson featured in Julien Temple's "Oil City Confidential"; a fascinating feature length documentary about Dr. Feelgood. The film received many accolades including the MOJO Vision Award at the MOJO Honours List 2010.

Dr. Feelgood originally formed in 1971 as a British pub rock band who hailed from Canvey Island, Essex. Their name derived from a slang term for heroin or for a doctor who was willing to overprescribe drugs. It is also a reference to a 1962 record by the American blues pianist and singer Willie Perryman (also known as "Piano Red") called "Dr Feel-Good", which Perryman originally recorded under the name of Dr Feelgood & The Interns.

Dr. Feelgood’s distinctive British R&B sound was centered on Wilko Johnson’s choppy guitar style. The original band line-up also included singer Lee Brilleaux, and the rhythm section of John B. Sparks (aka "Sparko") on bass guitar and John Martin (aka "The Big Figure") on drums.

Dr. Feelgood was known primarily for their high energy live performances, although studio albums like Down by the Jetty (1974) and Malpractice (1975) were also incredibly popular. Their 1976 breakthrough live album, Stupidity reached No.1 in the Official UK Album Chart. When the band released their fourth album, Sneakin’ Suspicion (1977), Johnson left the group to pursue a solo career.

Edinburgh The Caves
Thursday 15th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box Office: 0871 230 1101
www.thecavesedinburgh.com
8-12 Niddry Street South, Edinburgh, EH1 1NS

Glasgow O2 ABC
Friday 16th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 6:30pm
Box Office: 0844 477 2000
www.o2abcglasgow.co.uk
300 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JA

Aberdeen The Lemon Tree
Saturday 17th September
Tickets £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box Office: 01224 641122
www.boxofficeaberdeen.com
5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT

Newcastle O2 Academy
Sunday 18th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box office: 0844 477 2000
www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk
Westgate Road, Newcastle on Tyne, NE1 1SW

Sheffield O2 Academy
Thursday 22nd September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box Office: 0844 477 2000
www.o2academysheffield.co.uk
37-43 Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PN

Kendal Brewery Arts Centre
Friday 23rd September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:30pm
Box Office: 01539 725133
www.breweryarts.co.uk
Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Holmfirth Picturedrome
Saturday 24th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:30pm
Box Office: 0871 230 1101
www.picturedrome.net
Market Walk, Holmfirth, HD9 7DA

Leicester O2 Academy
Sunday 25th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box Office: 0844 477 2000
www.o2academyleicester.co.uk
University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH

Bilston The Robin
Thursday 29th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:30pm
Box Office: 01902 401211
www.therobin.co.uk
20-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston, Wolverhampton, WV14 7LJ

London Islington O2 Academy
Friday 30th September
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box Office: 0844 477 2000
www.o2academyislington.co.uk
N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield Street, Islington, N1 0PS

Manchester Academy
Saturday 1st October
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:30pm
Box Office: 0161 832 1111
www.manchesteracademy.net
University of Manchester Student’s Union, Oxford Road, M13 9PR

Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Sunday 2nd October
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 7:00pm
Box Office: 0845 413 4444
www.rescuerooms.com
Masonic Place, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5JT

Gloucester Guildhall
Thursday 6th October
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 8:00pm
Box Office: 01452 503050
www.gloucester.gov.uk
23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1 NS

Falmouth Princess Pavilion
Friday 7th October
Tickets: £20, Stage Time: 4:00pm / Blues in the Bay Festival
Box Office: 01326 211 222
www.carrickleisureservices.org.uk
Melvill Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4AR

Exeter Phoenix
Saturday 8th October
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 8:00pm
Box Office: 01392 667 080
www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Bardninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS

Brighton Komedia
Sunday 9th October
Tickets: £17.50, Doors: 8:00pm
Box Office: 0845 2938480
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
22 Westgate Street, Brighton, BN1 1NS

www.wilkojohnson.org

www.iansiegal.info