Writer Thinker

Mark Lanegan, Manchester Academy 2, 05/03/2012

2012-03-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

Well, my continuing theme of 'let's write about gigs long after they occurred' is about to get worse as I'm on holiday next week, and have two gigs before I leave, and no time to post. Ah well.

So, Mark Lanegan. I've been listening to him since I heard 'Hit the City' on Kerrang...seven years ago, and he had got me though some of the roughest times of my life. But never seen him in concert, as no only didn't he tour, but when he did tour with SoulSavers (whom also also like, hell, 90% of the songs were covers of his material!), I bought a ticket to go, and it snowed. A lot. Masses. And as it was to a place I had never been to, a long distance from home, well, basically I decided to not go.

So when I heard he was touring (after seeing an ad on the walls on the Academy!) I had to go. Which made a change, as for once my boyfriend didn't know Mr. Lanegan's work, so I introduced him to it. (He loves it by the way).

So we get there, fashionably late as usual, and the place is packed. Not just slightly busy, packed to the rafters. I had no idea what to expect, the stage was simple, with no set, just a microphone and instruments.

He came on stage, last, but there was little fanfare. He didn't introduce himself, just started to sing with that amazing voice. And that was it, just song after song, with a brief intro of the band (which my boyfriend said was incomprehensible) and when he returned from the false encore, a quick, faintly sarcastic 'thanks'.

But it didn't matter. The music was amazing, and although the sound quality occasionally let them down, the majority was crystal clear. It was all very emotional, and I loved it.

They also didn't change the lighting, so no flashing lights etc, but also no decent photos or film. But at least I finally got to see him!

Forget about visuals, I couldn't see myself! There are a couple of clips of him where I put my hand above the crowd, but I just won't do that for long periods as other's can't see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpEkzLIpOsg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiJqkpW0ulg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsThVgQ9JS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7NaLYt-RPI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p04pifNWLo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyOI47cZ9Ig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQJuV5Uhfik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZUciEjSiDk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLEu75GnIVQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7KG1OiF6J8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm5eOyOLNBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ykj_bcreb0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIL0LAuBln0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6EqUEUqgkM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuuS3KM181k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQiiOWvDqQk

Now available at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/georgeebirch

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

Got a Kindle? Get this blog delivered directly to it! UK and USA

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Rammstein, Manchester Evening News Arena (MEN), 1/3/2012

2012-03-06T06:00:00.002-08:00

Nothing like a good, industrial metal gig to get you set up for the year ahead... and Rammstein delivered in spades! In fact, there was so much going on in this gig...I'm not sure I'll remember it all!

To start with, we could see there was a stage in the middle of the arena. Mark told me that apparently they played a couple of songs there, but I couldn't see how they got accross. Then I noticed they were making a channel through the seated and standing fans with a wall of security. Then the lights went down, and they were walking down the steep seating into the center of the arena! The crowd naturally went wild, and being opposite we had quite a good view.

They didn't stop, however, as a large gantry was lowered down for them to walk from the mini stage across to the main stage. It was amazing, and as they got to the main stage, 'Sonne' started.

Although the quality of the video isn't very clear, we could hear every note. I noticed that Till Lindemann was stood very still, when suddenly flames came around him! Which is pretty typical for Rammstein, pyrotechnics the lot of them I think...

The gig certainly wasn't for the faint-hearted as there were plenty of very loud bangs as they continued to entertain us with hit after hit. The set was magnificent, very stark and industrial, but I loved the back-cloth that had a cellular look to it, in fact a lot of the set was very Giger-like. I loved the bunkers either side of the stage...I think they were needed for the support staff.

Other features included Till showering in sparks (which must have looked amazing from the floor) and roasting Christian Lorenz (in a fetching silver gimp suit) in a vat.

About half-way though there was a 'break' and Christian went crow-surfing in a very unsteady inflatable boat (I think the crowd wanted to give him a thrill), and then one of the crew went to the small stage. The rest of Rammstein were then led over the bridge that came down to the small stage, where they played a few songs, during which Till performed a sex act on Till, then rewarded the crowd by getting his Johnson out and, um, 'spraying' the crowd.

After they returned to the main stage, they played 'Engel', and Till came on stage as an angel, shooting flames from his wings.

Their last song, 'Pussy' was about as subtle as the song suggests, but notable as Till rode across the front of the stage on a giant penis, spewing foam (wink, wink) on the first few rows of the crowd.

All in all, they were magnificent, and if you can see them, it's worth the ticket piece. Just expect for there to be some no-very-suggestive suggestive bits.

For a metal band Rammstein can have some really tender songs, and are certainly worth a go. Just wear flame-retardant undies, and don't stand in the spunk zone...

Germans. Subtle to the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t74UARbPuhY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ODVIXYO6Zw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcJ9Glw2W6U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP6FPsx-m0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD8Tl1QquNw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPCsi4okteo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhaaObDB-E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXl8H6Due2U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve8nzJnDuRs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxYJetzyU-k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVlOpLjEu6I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tHd0Omltds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aon5nHsYxz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcUGoZNIaD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XdvXnD5yas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7R5O-DFE_Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf81lm_lTJY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2QJ6b5NO6U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TB-CFDE520

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oij6f-Z-T6g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i82CW5uOo-0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvZpA7FYm0w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rM3TOuNP9A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7uituSQIfs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odbJClIRJvk

Dream Theater, Manchester 02 Apollo, 9/2/2012

2012-02-27T05:05:00.001-08:00

Between being ill and work, this gig was now quite a long time ago...

The band was great, and I loved the set, there were three 'cube' screens hanging over them showing little clips etc, although to be honest the size and shaped often interfered with the images so you couldn't tell what they were...

The crowd were completely mad, apart from sitting in front of the toilet entrance which meant we got to see everyone who needed a piss passing in front of us, they were also very happy to see the band. Each time the lead singer came onto the stage there was a lot of cheering, roaring and fist waving.

Dreamweaver themselves were very good, the sound was excellent, even if the lead vocalist faded a few times and was lost in the music...not his fault I suspect, just poor levels. Still, it was far better quality than Mastodon!

Overall it was a great evening, and very kindly they ended the gig at 10:30, brilliant for a mid-week gig!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDXlUoYYOkE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxE5-vzz-Zs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpNVotB4bAU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uy3Zpt4nsk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzlK3MEFSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQJK1eBMuKk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW-3hAiAheg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzlK3MEFSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQJK1eBMuKk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGZIU4mc_NE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl3dj_JwNC4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlWA7CmSuL0

Mastodon, Manchester Academy, 06/02/2012

2012-02-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

I love Mastodon, and have been to see them before, but just as I was getting to know their music, so I was really looking forward to this gig.

Unfortunately, I was to be disappointed. Now let me get this straight, it wasn't Mastodon's fault. From what I could hear, the music was well played, with enthusiasm and with lots of detail...we just couldn't hear it. There was way too much emphasis on being 'heavy', which resulted in the music getting lost.

Now Mastodon is a heavy group, I agree (in facial hair terms if nothing else!) but they also have a lot of intricacies in their music that I really enjoy. Some pieces were so badly rendered it took until the chorus for me to work out what the song was...

Plus it was sold out, with the inevitable crowds. Eventually we backed off to outside the merchandise stand so I could put my hand over my head to get a view..ish.

So as I say, not Mastodon's fault, but frustrating as I love the band. They need to try the Club Academy, much better quality. Or move up to MEN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVrX9cLOW8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uk83gdaauc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEOqrT1GdKU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deoD1cGy1S8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MReoyHorYt8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjsGcWwuds4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFgfk-v0HIA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8G_35jxWHk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaeNUCerX6U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAgQRhh0UEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZvv38FoQK8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFGtSwopf-A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjbaSsSaLeA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB9YTzIlS2M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFbt6P2MSbc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH7M0KIkqao

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcOJ6YwcPU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsr4IpqnKEY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoQmvhJXCpk

Biohazard, Manchester Club Academy, 31/1/2012

2012-02-13T05:28:00.000-08:00

We went to see Biohazard and a band called Suicidal Tenancies. Due to unknown reasons, ST didn't show, so we ended up getting there just before 10.

They did an amazing, storming set that really got the crowd going. I have to say that the sound quality for the gig was top-notch, and the set was excellent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFsVPsG_53U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpi-ZuCWTVg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTH6NkTF2-s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc1xA96K0gE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie9tw4hJ_Ns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz2Sf0n8C4g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvPabcPx0EA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49iFlWxwRU8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idi1YhWaBGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFQvJDGvv3I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfBDhwsrpE0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjfIKlAchRw

***Fun fact!!!!!!!*** The game Resident Evil is called Biohazard in Japan. BUT because of the band, they couldn't use the name, so came up with Resident Evil instead. Ok, now you can go impress your friends!!!!!!!!*

*At which point they will look at you as if you are strange, and say, 'Well, uh, yeah?'

Now available at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/georgeebirch

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

Got a Kindle? Get this blog delivered directly to it! UK and USA

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Clutch and Thin Lizzy, Manchester 02 Apollo, 28/01/2012

2012-01-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

This was the first time I had seen either band, so I was pretty interested to see how they would work out.

Clutch is one of the more unusual bands we listen to, the music is often blues, stoner rock, punk for the early stuff, my boyfriend has described the lead singer (Neil P. Fallon) as sounding like a demented preacher...

The set was underwhelming, but with music like this, who needs flashing lights and all that stuff? The music was raw and uncompromising, with plenty of energy, and Fallon's voice was lovely and strong.

http://www.pro-rock.com/

Thin Lizzy were the opposite end, they came onto stage with a mini-light show, and lots of glitz.I was pretty curious as I remember Phil Lynott singing the originals, so it was interesting to see how Ricky Warwick from The Almighty would fill his shoes.

Well, he did an amazing job. Although he doesn't have quite the same range as Phil, his voice has enough growl and sounds amazingly like Phil did...not that that's always a good thing, but in this case it fitted well. I was never a fan of Thin Lizzy (they 'were just there' as a band, I didn't dislike them, but I didn't seek them out either), so perhaps some fans hate it because he's taken over.

The show was brilliant, with some great light and smoke, plus also glitter puffed out at the audience.

It did give me a question though, when does a band stop being the 'original'? When all the original members are gone? But what if a 'new' member has been in the band for 20+ years? Are they 'enough' to keep the band going? I guess it's like trying to reassemble the Beatles with just Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Technically it's the 'real' band...but...

http://www.thinlizzy.org/home.html

(Apologies for the view, without holding my hands above my head that was as good as I could get)

Clutch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiKxSCSfF-o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P1NG7tI2R0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3m8nNdELXE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYwPKmOdEVI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlwXMOOzGPk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ6vFp-Ijh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZEnj-ugdv4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqTaHim2vi8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsFLBQKp_Rg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8AoIWtlDw0

Thin Lizzy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ4kVd823HA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9mjAAcCTO4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCa73mZ02bQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xf8NICjiXk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqhrmTMMW4E

101** things you can do with a paperback you can't do with a Kindle

2012-01-26T05:49:00.000-08:00

Build shelves*
Swat at a fly*
Read in the bath*
Read in the rain*
Light a fire with* (ironically the Kindle doesn't make good kindling!)
Fend off an attacker*
Research materials when civilization ends (such as Zombie attacks). This is possible with a Kindle, but only if you get in before the servers go down. See also *, but then again, civilization just ended, who cares about the bill!
Create a book page sculpture (like this http://www.guylaramee.com/)
Prop up a wobbly chair *
Stem bleeding
Mop up a spill
Advertise what you are reading to attract that gorgeous bloke who always sits in the coffee shop reading and brooding
Go to the loo with*
Plug a leak*
Stand on to make you taller*
Not make you uncomfortable when you go through customs wondering it they need to know it's there or not, and telling them anyway, then having them stare at you as though you're stood there gibbering in a made-up language.
Use to protect mother's dining table when you're scribbling a note*
Use as a sketch-pad (unless you've got a fancy-pants non-Kindle, you know, the one with the short battery life!)
Create papier-mâché
Stop an elevator*
Read it 300 years later (yeah, I'm sure the technology will last that long...)
Hide things in the pages (unless it's just a note)
Exchange for money (although you can just sell your whole Kindle)
Put on a bookshelf to show off your taste to your friends
Read large format versions (sorry Kindle, you don't do so well)
Clean windows and other items
Flick backwards to find the name of that character three chapters ago (no so easy with the Kindle)
Build a house (in a dry place)*
Pile on you for warmth*
Take a bullet for you (if it's a thick book. Perhaps a hardback. I'm not sure the Kindle would manage)
Survive a two-year old (with tape and drying)
Use it as a hat
Blow your nose with it
Get your partner's attention*
Read with no power
Signal for help, if it's a really shiny cover. Or just set it on fire!
Use as a source of heat and light*
Eat from it*
Cut out pages and post them into your school project (you vandal!)
Survive a handbag (actually, my Kindle has done ok so far, but I love my Kindle, and I look after him and love him and pet him and call him George)
Cost you money once you've bought it (charging!)
Compost it
Use as a tissue* (uncomfortable!)
Insulation (open, put on chest, close jacket. Or in the loft.)
Create a small ransom note with the letters
Create a lampshade

*Technically possible, just very expensive.
** Not actually 101 things. But that's what you say, right? And I did try. But, you know, it was getting late, and I was kind of bored...

Now available at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/georgeebirch

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA)

2012-01-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

I've entered the ABNA award with Loser's Club, so wish me luck!

I have entered competitions before, but only with short stories, this is my first novel to go up there.

For the pitch I've used a combination of information about the novel and me...

Welcome to the Loser's Club. To join you only need one qualification, having nowhere better to go.

Cera is a loser, something she would never admit to the world, but can't help but admit to herself. When she is sent to the Loser's Club by an ex-friend, she soon finds that she's not alone. And that not only do loser's live in the shadows, they live off them too.

Meet the crazy cat lady tortured by local kids, the black widow feasting off her husbands, the music lover who is passionate about nothing else, and all manner of desperate and dangerous loners who congregate at the Loser's Club.

Tales of sex, murder and cats, Loser's Club is a look at the average side of life, that turns out to be anything but.

I've has been writing since I was very small, my first effort being the gigantic (and illustrated) epic, 'Ball with Spots', which is a whopping 10 pages long. I still own one of the only copies left in existence.

I also read, possibly far more than is healthy for a normal mortal.

The next stage isn't until late February, so we'll see if I get though.

You can read more at http://www.amazon.com/b?node=332264011

VNV Nation, Manchester Academy, 6/1/2012

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Another strange gig, but then again VNV Nation are a strange band. They are a mix of dance and Goth, which meant mostly a very dark clothed audience, but with the odd neon-clad youngster.

The audience were also a mix of old and young as the band has been running for a long time now. The band members are also on the um...mature side, so it was all very eclectic,

The music itself has an odd mix of bouncy tunes with very somber and meaningful lyrics, making the whole gig an even more surreal experience!

All in all though, they were excellent, the music was clear and recognizable, and from the heat being generated by the audience (and the moshing carrying all the way to the back) I think they entertained all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_V_skD_nzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GrwtS4pcvA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNkDaieApks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQXIN12O7Ys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvuzYnYqSbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oaw5GR2pBY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j9rD4I6Gdc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im_4XTo0r4Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv-1QpY_a2o

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

14 Belmont Street

2012-01-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine ended up living in what she described as a haunted house. She did experience some weired things, and managed to get a few of them on tape. I have to admit that I used quite a few of the things she described in my book Writer, although naturally I exaggerated them! The house was very strange because it was a rental, and was fully furnished. All she knows is that the owners moved away, but she found quite a few personal things around the house.

One of the oddest was a clothing dummy (with no head) that was being stored in the garage, but kept making it's way into the house. I suspect her boyfriend on this one, he knew she was a bit freaked out so would leave it for her in strange places. There was also a matching wig that was the same as her hair colour, making her even more upset with it!

She would hear a lot of noises at night, things like crying, furniture being moved, that sort of thing. Occasionally she would feel there was someone else in the house, even though she knew her boyfriend was away for work (which is when most of these things happened). It happened so often she started to keep her camera next to her bed so she could tape anything that happened, although due to her computer malfunctioning since she was in the house, she's found it difficult to give me a copy of everything. The computer was odd because it would revert back to a previous set of settings, like a different wallpaper etc, and files added would not be there, no even in the recycle bin, then she'd log on again and everything would be OK.

The electrics were very unpredictable, the lights would go out, even though none of the fuses had tripped. They had it looked at several times, but the electrician could never find a fault, and of course it was all working OK.
They even tried some kind of filter on the camera to see if they could find a ghosty or two, but there wasn't anything on the screen.

She left after a year, I don't know honestly how she stuck it out, but has continued to have computer problems since then. I told her she should reinstall Windows (sounds like a dodgy version to me!) but she won't because she's still convinced some of the movies she took will re-appear on it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC77oo2IZcI

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Gigiquette

2012-01-06T04:56:00.000-08:00

I think it's about time a gig etiquette was set up. I for one are a little tired by the manners of some of the gig goers out there...

If you want to take photos: no flash.
Do not hold a camera above your head unless there is non-one behind you. If you have to, make it quick, please don't film an entire song.
try not to have a bright screen glaring out at all times.
Don't film the whole gig. Enjoy it!
No hats. If you must wear a hat, take it of when the band starts.
Do not talk if you don't like the song that is currently on. I realise that I am stood at the back of the venue, but it's not because I'm not a fan, it's because I don't like getting trampled. I have paid a lot of money to listen to the artist on stage, and quite simply you are rude to talk as they perform. If you must be such an animal, please return to the bar.
Do not have a family/friend reunion in the back of the gig. I do not want to be distracted by you cuddling/talking/squealing.
No alcohol. This is related to:
Drunken dancing. OK, but if I have to duck one more time to avoid your flailing arms I'm going to have to stick out my leg and trip you.
No bellowing during the song. Again, you like them, we get it. Shut up.
No singing along. I paid to hear them, not you. Or at least get the words right.
No staggering against me and telling me you love me. Thanks, but I have a boyfriend, and your breaths stinks. I also like my shoes un-vomited on, thanks.
If we're all sitting, stay seated. I have paid for my ticket and would rather not have to stand just because you want a better view.
No moving once the band is on. Seriously, what is it with all the people leaving and returning? I thought you wanted to see these guys!
No dissing the support act. OK, so you don't like them. Do I have to listen to the stream of abuse coming out of your mouth while I try to enjoy them?
No throwing glasses. Please. I hate going home smelling of beer because you're a tool.
For the band: no fake encores. Ever. Just stop it, and let your ego go, dudes.
No tall people. Damn, that's me...

Duran Duran, Manchester Evening News Arena, 16/12/2011

2011-12-19T02:58:00.000-08:00

This gig had been delayed since June due to voice issues, so it was with relief that the gig actually went ahead. We'd been told to expect a lot of middle-aged women waving knickers at the stage during this gig, fortunately although the place was crammed with women and men, they were of my age (I'm not middle-aged am I???) and there were no voluminous panties being flung at the stage. Which is perhaps a good thing as we were quite a distance away!

The event was being filmed, which is perhaps why it took so long for them to get on stage, but when they go there, they did an excellent set of both new and 'classic' tracks. Most people stood up, but as this is the fourth gig in a week for us, we decided to sit, which is why occasionally the view gets obscured. I also had to hide the camera from the security who were taking an interest in people filming the gig... plus also the amount of ladies that got up and went past us...either then needed incontinence pants, or they should cut down on the alcohol intake...

They had quite an interesting feature, well two if you count the girders that had lights on them (for the filming???), they had several faces projected onto large plastic faces over the stage. Naturally it was the band, plus the lady singer who came in for some of the tracks. She had an amazing voice by the way. It was a nice touch, plus they also got the crowd involved by getting one girl to introduce Simon Le Bon and also another to start The Reflex (I think...). He also sported a very dodgy beard.

I haven't listened to the band since the '80's, in fact I didn't really listen to them then either, but of course I knew the songs pretty well. They did a great job of getting the audience up and moving, and it was a great evening out!

Oh, and we got out of the car park really quickly, which is good as the MEN is a pain...

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/duran-duran/2011/manchester-evening-news-arena-manchester-england-33d1106d.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNWnbsR5ZhM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeI4tW64XPM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ziRVq06HFw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_78-MvXA2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atz5OPMkqNk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRU8QSm6vH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoLqwZSED80

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRnzibJa2JQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYd7GI6D0Yc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NokKe_Kf24o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMt5ruWn1FI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTSTReHewdk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf2-om2qI1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTSgbECTPao

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cfn2W8q7JA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJs6ulXOMEM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37qrro1NL1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0BsXScaxsQ

Marillion, Manchester Academy, 12/12/2011

2011-12-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Marillion is another band I do not know well, but was introduced to by my boyfriend, who is a very big fan!

We arrived just on time to see the band. I was blown away by the performance, Steve Hogarth has an amazing voice that just soared though every song. He was quite the showman too, acting out some of the lyrics in a way that was amusing as well as moving.

He also tried a little carol near the end, with an amusing bit of banter I had to capture!

The fans were amazing throughout, I overheard an impassioned conversation about live albums in the ladies, and there wasn't any talking at all. The cheers and clapping after each song went on for far longer than I have ever seen of with any band, astonishing.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/marillion/2011/manchester-academy-manchester-england-53d11b21.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYeTHWfVG8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or_htcBNlpQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI_HqfSsNmM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ9iMfyU_UA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBk6x8CvaKs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POMGyJWaLPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7gvDEPdTqI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFDk-5f15iY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vwL1d4Axe8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPdTldGmE2s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YYnP2Yn2ew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZnZRVIKo98

dragoncity publishing

Steel Panther, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Manchester Evening News Arena (MEN), 13/12/2011

2011-12-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

First off, I'm not a big Motely or Leppard fan. I don't remember Motely at all, but I do remember some of Leppard's stuff. Just never quite got into either.

However Steel Panther, well, they're old friends. http://writerthinker.blogspot.com/2011/06/guilty-pleasures-2.html.

Steel Panther

So I was really looking froward to seeing them, especially as they are touring in March, just when we will be in Edinburgh meeting a new addition to the family...and going to a horror film festival. Multi-tasking? Yeah.

And I wasn't disappointed, they were brilliant. The music was lively and fun (and sexist) and they kept in character, Lexxi Foxxx was grooming at every opportunity. They are a spoof band, and they do have very evil lyrics, but the show was amazing, the quality of the music played was top-notch, and each song clearly and well delivered. The banter between songs could get a little strained at times, but mostly it was funny, in keeping with the band, and well delivered. Long live da Pather!

And I'd love to see them with the money for a huge set...

Oh, and there was a lot of spandex and long wigs in the audience. Not quite sure which band they were all dressed up for...

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/steel-panther/2011/manchester-evening-news-arena-manchester-england-43d11f8b.html

Motley Crue

After not too long a break, da Crue were up. The stage set was amazing, the drummer was sat in a giant wheel, so I was waiting for the drum solo knowing he was going for a ride! They had brilliant pyrotechnics, and the light show was fantastic. During Girls, Girls, Girls, a photo of Justin Bieber showed in the photos of ladies!

And what photos. As I enjoyed the music it occurred to me just how much of this music is about sex and women, and how Steel Panther may take it to the crudest point, but in reality they are just simply taking the subtleties out of the music, and saying what the other bands didn't dare say! And also the other bands wanted air play...

And yes, the drummer went for a ride. I caught it all on film, but I left off where he called up a member of the audience and sent her on it as well. I have to say that is the first drum solo I have ever enjoyed, brilliant!

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/motley-crue/2011/manchester-evening-news-arena-manchester-england-5bd11f94.html

Def Leppard

Def Leppard were headlining, and got a massive response. The stage was amazing, all lit up. Actually the set change from Crue was fast, they had the big wheel to take down, and it came down with very little delay.

All in all they did a great job, and my camera lost battery power at the end, so no more film or photos, sorry. The music was well delivered, and they did a great show.

Oh, yeah, We were seated, with a good view. But when Leppard came on, the guy in front of me decided to sit on the top of the back of his chair. So my view went. Now if I had done the same, everyone behind me would have had to stand...as I could lean without obstructing anyone, I did.I try my best not to film and obstruct people, or if I move I try to not get in people's way, but this was darn right ignorant. There was a woman beside him who did the same, so I can only think he thought it was ok. But she was wrong too...

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/motley-crue/2011/manchester-evening-news-arena-manchester-england-5bd11f94.html

Steel Panther

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F19vg-1piaY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV-445NOgoU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ3agmYUnBw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTOdSqyNwZU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnFKbsEUEhc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt4x3mfS4TQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5KwRZBy5O4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrP4UIg8qD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpC3YzjHvgo

Motley Crue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtLGPxESpDU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPV2yiK1oB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_ioNNczkBw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG0GuI_vTfA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn_sSnVoTG0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZxSVdfNYw4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoC0K0VnIrk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw9aokh9nk0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySnvUz-aNWs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcDXFfk-JrQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pncndMEGOI8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWWrl8FcHVo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hWUGgc47d4

Def Leppard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDEfXo7MIj

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnNQrekJNA4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oODJPi3Mqz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeECJmmYT-o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDx7lfzQ16M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2LznVUXlgA

Bad!

Hawkwind, Manchester Academy, 10/12/2011

2011-12-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

Hawkwind is one of those bands we've only just got into, so as a consequence we weren't quite sure what to expect.

We didn't expect there to be naked dancing ladies (as I understand there were in the past) and we weer almost right...

Hawkwind do space rock, so we were greeted with silver gimp suits with what we assumed were ladies. They gyrated well to the music, adding a bit of atmosphere to the intricate music. The costume changes came thick and fast, a space alien/devil, strange Indian style headdresses, more gimp suits and stilts, multi-legged creatures (which is my favorite photo, the light caught the costume and gave it 'eyes', see below).

They had a backdrop with images on, some were quite strange, and there was a lot of spaceships! But overall it suited the music very well. The music itself was complex, with long songs, but it was played very well. Lyrics are hard to come by with their music, mostly it's about the playing, and they could be a little thin can difficult to hear. However, the music was engaging, and flew by.

We loved the gig, and will certainly try more of their albums.

I'm trying out a new camera by the way, which has auto-focus, so if it goes out of focus for a while, just give it a moment to reset!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLx81pXDIuA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvIpLN5Gq9M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAXf2S6vdLo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hEt_6vUZTc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Joy34t5aI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2odZYcZA68U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbMvJydJTaE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0gyKPz2CZg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO7x557wLWc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It0yEd2IxME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEry0Vgdp34

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH8sea9ygkU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyo2C0WsCHM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKlOfKi_hkA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEnPsgUl2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LZLBOoBg7E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86IrzaIMuWo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxlVMD4gU-4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li-60uyYdQE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CcNW2M_Gjw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EhL8dX43gM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa7JdnCFU9Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knt8xDnung8

Get out of debt free

2011-12-07T09:12:00.001-08:00

Now let me get this straight first off, I'm not a debt counselor, I'm not qualified to give advice. But I do have experience in these matters.

If you do have so much debt that you are at risk of legal action\losing your house and so on, this post is not for you. Go to a debt charity for help, or at the very least talk to your bank to restructure your loans.

However, if you've just struggling to cope with your debt and you want a magic wand to wave and it's all gone...well this post isn't for you either. But it does have advice that got me out of debt.

Ok, about my situation. I had a wage of £25k, and a debt of £18k. How did I get to this position? Credit cards. Depression. Car loans. A lethal combination that left me with enough money to scrape together to live each month, but nothing left for the luxuries. To go to my brother's wedding? Credit card. I hadn't had a holiday since then, and that had been five years before. I was still paying off that wedding trip as well.

So I was faced with trying to make headway on this debt. I hadn't had a pay rise for 5 years either...which made the situation worse as the cost of living increased. I had got a loan out to cover the cost, this is far better than just a credit card as at the time I saved around 10% in interest costs.

So I had to do desperate things. I had to look at my accounts.

I actually produced detailed accounts at the time that listed all my outgoings and in comings, so it was easy to see where the first cuts could be made.

First out: magazine subscription. I was a little tired of the magazine anyway, so that wasn't too bad.

Next: charity donations. By this time I was donating about £15 a month. Not much, but that and the magazine led to £30 being spare in the budget. That immediately got added to my pay off the debts fund.

But it wasn't enough. Next I looked at my spending. The most obvious one was Boots, I would go there and spend £100 a month on creams and so on. So I looked at what I was buying, and started to switch to cheaper creams, soaps, stopped buying luxury bath washes, swapped my salt scrub at £8 a tub for cooking salt at 40p a bag. I got it down to under £50, then later under £20. I now spend about £10 a month, but don't feel I'm missing out.

Now £80 a month into the pay off my debts fund.

Next, food. I looked at portion sizes. I mean seriously, in this country we eat far too much food as it is. I had already cut down my spending when I lost weight, (http://writerthinker.blogspot.com/2011/09/diets-dont-work.html) but I bought sensibly, planning each meal, and only buying enough food for those meals.

I would bulk buy when offers came on, but on a strict set of rules:
1. I must have money to pay for it.
2. I must use it on a regular basis.
3. I must not buy more than I can use.

Actually, I still do all this now. In fact, I recently realized I was paying nearly £4 for a bottle of shampoo. I tried the Sainsbury's own brand apple shampoo at about 76p a bottle, and it worked so well I stopped buying the expensive brand.

Part of the problem is that we've been conditioned into thinking we need the expensive brands for everything, and anything less expensive is 'cheap crap'. We've all been fooled into thinking that these brands will make us better people, will make our lives complete. They don't. I spend money on expensive things only where I feel that the quality is important, and not where the brand is important.

So that's perhaps £180 a month now.

I was also very careful with my clothes shopping. As I had lost a lot of weight I tended to splurge on clothes, until I realized I was ending up giving away things I had never worn. So now I only buy something I really need. I go to the outlet places and shop in sales, but never at the first frenzy of sales as I think you buy things because they are cheap, not because you like them. I buy quality, and make things last, I re-dye clothing and mend things where I can.

So perhaps you're thinking, 'Well that's not me, I don't do those things!' So what do you do?

If you buy lunch every day, try making it yourself.

Don't get a coffee every day. Have it as a treat once a week. Or get an americano rather than a latte.

Don't go to the company vending machine. They make money off your snacking! If you must snack, buy a multipack of chocolate\crisps, or take a packet of biscuits in. If will power is an issue, only take as many as you need for one day.

If you smoke, have one less a day.

And if you think that's all rubbish, then do the sums.

Lunch: £5 per day. £25 a week. £100 a month. £1200 a year (assuming you work all the time!) I did that sum...so made my lunch and saved myself a lot of money.

Let's say a coffee is £2 a shot. That could be £480 a year.

Cigarettes: 30p each. Again, same calculation. Just one less a day is £100+

You just have to remind yourself that these measures are just for the debt paying off period. I was saving a good three hundred extra a month towards paying off my debt, and each time I payed off a chunk, felt satisfaction that more was gone.

I actually got lucky in that my grandma died (not so good...) and I was left a little money, and I could get some additional contract work.

I also changed jobs and went up a pay scale. Instead of thinking, 'oh good, more money to spend', I payed off more money, and kept my spending as low as before.

And once the debt was gone...instead of going back to spending, I used the money I had spare now to save like crazy. I was shocked how quickly the money built up, and now have a nice nest-egg.

However, I won't go back to my overspending ways!

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Defenders of the Faith: Rise to Remain, Ghost, and In Flames Manchester Academy, 04/12/2011

2011-12-06T05:13:00.001-08:00

An unusual gig for us, as we didn't actually want to see the headliners, Trivium.

Instead we saw...

Rise to Remain, or 'Son of Bruce'

We've been listening to these guys for a while now, and they have started to worm their way into my affections. The lead singer is the son of Bruce Dickinson, and I have to admit he has the same showmanship and a very good voice. We missed the first 10 minutes due to Manchester traffic and rain, but what we did see was very impressive, and he appeared to be working the crowd well.

Ghost
I was really looking forward to Ghost as they are a recent band we've been trying. For their appearance you would expect roaring lyrics, it's surprisingly melodic and clear. First to appear were the monks (guitar, drum players etc). They are all fully hooded, and the only view you get of them is a tiny slit in the face mask (should try black muslin, would solve that problem in a jiffy!

Then the lead singer came on stage, looking like a bishop (with sparkles) and fully made up. They never appear without the costumes apparently...the detail was brilliant, he had one of those incense things they flap around, and on his hat is a cross upside down. The music was excellent, and we enjoyed the whole act.

Oh, and the singer spoke with a French accent even though I think they are Scandinavian...

In Flames

Finally to In Flames. I have listened to them for a while, but never seen them live, so it was an excellent chance.

Despite a storming set I was really disappointed by the sound, the lead singer was barely audible at times, it seemed as though they had jacked everything up to the max, and it meant the quality of sound just wasn't there. Please! We like it loud, but we like to hear the actual music too!

Rise to Remain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLipdOxL9Jk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3lYa8UbSmU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCyI63mSkhc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGP-OARxeA

Ghost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaYUiG6Ib_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uml5jYMb3xE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAEyOCvwBNE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lcWIzHxws4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2nS-7tiPMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_iyU7OSyp0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9EVB65lMeo

In Flames
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h1hEtvXe0c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MffrlXoA95U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXf8Tow4iqY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3CeDv6vilM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CzKGx18oWU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJyMCG_4dIw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ1cNuwubTo

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Uriah Heap, Homefirth Picturedrome, 02/12/2011

2011-12-06T05:01:00.001-08:00

Uriah Heap are one of the great bands that you've probably never hear of despite them being around since...well, as far as I'm concerned, year dot!

Their music is rock, but it really hasn't dated at all, it's still very classic, amazing music.

We were in the Homefirth Picturedrome (Homefirth is where they shot Last of the Summer Wine), which is a charming but strange venue. I don't know if they were mid-way through refurbishment or what, but the majority of the place was gorgeously decorated, they had added an extra level to complete the balcony, but yet the toilet I went to was is a horrible state, half finished (no door handle, let alone a lock!) and, well, unclean. There were more pubes on that seat...so enough of that!

Naturally when they came on stage there was a lot of excitement, and it was well rewarded. Not only was the band clearly enjoying themselves, the music was clear, well delivered, and with lots of energy. They were truly entertaining, and played a lot of crowd pleasers, even getting ladies up on stage for the second-to-last song.

The quality of the sound and levels were amazing, and overall it was a fantastic evening!

Even the tons of rain on the way home didn't bring down our high!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJd96z5VhSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY23Vl_DEIg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao6D-AYIiQ8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSI254bU_Mw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPHaRXuBMnY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JuCFVMMhZE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHQaec9ST5Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px6Ttd3FEFM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iRo04hOQSc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52bqC6bqu8A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNKwGqCc-J8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwTUyXtWv5g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hokh1Ydgvg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MkoxCk7Hds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD5R1-hMoYY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk3BfZVB4ng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igLMhr_9vlg

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Michael Monroe and Wednesday 13 at Leeds 02, 29/11/2011

2011-12-01T05:42:00.001-08:00

I have to admit that I hadn't heard of Michael Monroe before this gig, I haven't really heard Hanoi Rocks, so was a bit in the dark.We listened to some of his stuff before the gig, and I did start to warm to it.

However, I wasn't prepared for the show.

This guy is totally insane/a great showman. Seriously. He looks like someone's granny, but rocks harder than I've seen from a lot of modern bands. He leapt up and down the stage like a maniac, twirled his mic stand, strangled himself with the mic cord...and generally gave a fantastic, entertaining show. His performance on stage was clearly meant for a larger space, he at one time knocked another mic off it's stand and how he didn't brain anyone on stage I won't know. He also kept getting completely tangled up with the mic cord and stand, but still sang (missing about three words that I could make out) and generally appeared to enjoy every moment. I know I did! He also got down into the pit in front of the stage several times. I think he's got a lifelong fan of me...

It's just a shame the place was so empty! Never have I seen the O2 so devoid of people, I think if we had all squished together we wouldn't have filled even 1/8th of the venue, so we practically had front row positions. Except my camera was confiscated a the door, so I used my rather rubbish phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2caoAi3UbdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whVMRtAVSQ0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reWiAuWgXeY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLngqW9VQ0g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOlJNmIJo1k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGNru2bZrX8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_kjT9i0PTI

Next up was Wednesday 13. Now I'll confess to having seen them before, and listened to the Murder Dolls album, but I'm not a fan. The gig seemed to go very well, although he didn't seem to get the crowd going as well as Mr. Munroe. The song choice went down well, although due to the lack of people it was very difficult to get a loud noise from audience participation, there simply wasn't enough people in the venue.

I don't know what it is about Wednesday 13 that I don't like, I think it may be because unlike Mr. Munroe and acts like Alice Cooper, I find the songs tend to blend into one another, and the themed songs a but childish. Ah well, the act was still very professional considering the audience size.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m63ONeGAmQU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUes6WeEnS0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWyyhZzxYwE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8ZqKkYoi0w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXLijCkJxyU

Spires: Bradford Rio's 25/11/2011

2011-11-26T02:47:00.001-08:00

We had a strange and wonderful experience last night at a gig for the band Spires, amoungst others. Bradford Rio's is one of those tiny venues that would probably take a hundred...if half the audience stood on the other half. The bands have to walk past you to get to the stage (when you walk in, you walk past the stage!) and you're often having to avoid equipment lying around, or move aside for the band!

Spires were the band we were looking for, Mark has discovered they were playing and decided to give them a listen to, and soon after bought their excellent album (and t-shirt), Spiral of Ascension. I would personally say that Spires are the bastard love child of Mastadon and Opeth...but I don't want to belittle their contribution to the Prog Metal scene, as their style is very distinctive. With melodic tunes, excellent singing and the occasional 'roar'! part, they are a very satisfying and diverting listen. Normally I'm not so keen in the roar parts of the song (I like to hear the lyrics so I can sing along!) in Spires' case the roar sections fit the music beautifully, rather than just being inserted because they are expected to be there.

All in all Spires are an intelligent, complex and exciting listen (buy! Buy! Buy now!). And we love 'em.

But first up were a few bands. Now normally we would avoid opening acts, but we arrived at 9...and we still had three bands to go. The first up was Indigo (I think) with a lot of 12 year olds on stage. Not sure how metal they were, but the lead singer had the voice of a 50-a-day 45 year old. Quite amazing. I didn't catch the second band's name (sorry!) but they were very good, and there was some fun banter. The next band was Incassum, with a very pretty lead singer (I want her body! Ok...not for anything dirty...I mean I would have loved to be that slim...ah well, too many years...too much chocolate) who was tiny, and had a quite startling voice. You can watch their video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u8_uav6898

Spires

Then finally at 11:10pm, Spires. Hurrah! We moved further into the room as like a totally lazy sod I'd had a sit-down at the bar, so we wanted a better view. By this time I estimate there were perhaps three other people in the audience who weren't in a band that had played, what a shame, because we were in for a real treat.

They started with the amazing 'The Infinite Descent' which is just stunning and gorgeous. Then the lead singer, Paul Sadler, said that as there weren't too many people, they would go really proggy, and do their longest tracks. so we got to hear, live, Spiral of Ascension (my fave), then Broken Hourglass (Mark's fave).

My god were they good! Ok, so there wasn't too many people, but it didn't matter because the performance was just as good as I can imagine they would be to an audience of thousands. They were professional, sharp, and it contained as many layers as the CD, and was just as absorbing to listen to. If you want to get in on a band of the future, listen to these guys, because they deserve to be huge. We loved every minute.

Just before Broken Hourglass he thanked the audience for staying so late (some kids had left earlier, their loss!), then pointed at us, and said 'And don't think you two have gone unnoticed!'

Well, we both stared at each other, open-eyed. I know I got all hot, it was such a great thing to say! We both had a little smile, then they launched into the next song.

Once it was over I wanted to get a t-shirt, so we hung around. We spoke to the lead singer of Incassum for a while (who's lovely, it was worth chatting to her), then spoke to the manager to get a t-shirt. He went out of his way to help us despite the late hour (I'm wearing the t-shirt now, it fits perfectly, thanks!). He thanked us again, and we shook hands with the bass player, Alex Jolley, and the drummer, Chris Barnard (Paul Sadler and Cuthbert were on stage packing up) and they both thanked us again. I regret now not getting their autographs. Darn.

Then it was home, and a nice cup-of-tea!

I think it was such a shame there was a poor turn out, because honestly all the bands were great, but I have to say that Spires were just a miracle. We enjoyed every note, the only shame being that the set was shorter than we would have liked (nothing short of the full album would have been long enough!) but having said that we left satisfied and on a high.

Mark said that in 20 (cough) + years of gigging, it was the first acknowledgement from the stage he had ever had!

So if you want to see a band before they get too big to be approachable, go see this amazing band now, because I don't think they'll be in small venues for much longer.

(Yes, that is the main exit/entrance visible in the back of the picture...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwRsk3lFcUU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45HE9Mbhx4I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXk2hZwIm_8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXupp-Gw3fE

Read their blog: http://truecultheavymetal.com/blog1.php/features-2/spires-tour-blog/

Website: http://spiresband.co.uk/

Please, please support this band, as they are brilliant!

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/spires/2011/bradford-rio-bradford-england-5bd13b0c.html

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Motorhead, Manchester 02 Apollo, 18/11/2011

2011-11-25T07:53:00.001-08:00

I'm a new convert to Motorhead, I have listened to 'Ace of Spades' for years, but until my boyfriend, that was as far as I had got. So with a quick refresher of his back-catalogue, as well as the new stuff, we were off!

The band first on was the Anti-Nowhere League. Seemed ok, quite punky, and the first song we walked into involved a lot of f**king! As we sat down a 'gentleman' sat next me me, taking over my space with both his legs and his...smell. Dear god. Thankfully when the band left, so did he, not to return. But people kept coming and going the whole evening, making us stand, and blocking the view. The people behind us left before the end...wonder why...

Just before Motorhead came on, this large family came and sat beside us. Not really having noticed who had left I ignored them until the woman asked me how many had been sat next to me. unsure what she meant I replied two...turned out they were seat-jackers! They were literally going around looking for empty seats to take over! Of course the owners of he seats returned (not Mr. Smelly) and they all moved back a row (where the other people went I'm not sure??? to stand???). The adult male of the group was a pain, shouting all the time, and standing up to show his approval at the set list. I'm sure the folks behind him appreciated his enthusiasm as he blocked their view...

Also, right in front of me was Mr. I'm Wearing a Hat Because I;m Alternative. It didn't get in my way too much, or I would have asked him to take it off, but it was rude. Right at the front was a guy with several kids who were quite disruptive as they kept getting up and leaving. One was no more than 7, and he stood up leaning over the balcony a lot. I'm sure the people behind him also enjoyed that view! The little *tyke* also saw some prat throw a cup from the balcony and through this was great, and started to throw whatever he could find. His father did nothing to stop him, and laughed! So if you got a cup of water dumped on you, the kid was to blame. Terrible manners.

Motorhead stormed through a great set. There were little effects etc, and a drum solo...but overall the performance was brilliant. The crowd loved it, there was a great atmosphere which just occasionally bordered on the chaotic and nutty. At the end Lemmy told the audience that it was their last song, and they booed...he told them not to worry, if they made enough noise they'd come back for more...ah, lovely. the false encore time. Ah well, at least I knew the words to 'Ace of Spades'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxsdfoD2QBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7j3Ol2g7EA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfXs8skMYk4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtG3TpSUCgU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-KqneOy_pc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g956X8REvIY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shH_WcpQwnA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTSa8IDK8Wo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnYJHqxuB6s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXf-gWvpHiY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw3znj4Aj2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-ZGtAGLTmU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWRkFG3iKko

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZzCRXXlz0Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OScWUePVFkc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d42Yc3DHeM

Day of the Dead 5, Leeds International Film Festival 12/11/11

2011-11-14T04:28:00.001-08:00

Busy weekend!

Ok, so the second Day of the Dead (DOTD) for me. I have to start by bitching about the lack of Return of the Dead (sob) and that there were only 4 films this year, I can only assume that the recession has screwed up a lot of things, this being one of them. Ahh well.

Overall we enjoyed the day, as usual the staff were great, and the venue, the newly refurbished Leeds City Varieties was charming and clean, a lovely setting for a day of horror.

Masks 3/5
The first film up was Masks. This is a homage to Susperia, and was very much of a 1970's vein, even down to the credits. Basically the film is about what people will do to get fame... http://shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=19040
Overall the film was pretty good. However, it lacked a certain something, and I'm not too sure what that was. There was a bit of gore, but it just wasn't creepy enough. However, it moved along well and was a good enough story to keep me entertained (no clock-watching), but I don't think I would watch it again.

I think it was in German... I do have a tendency to read the text and 'hear' it as though the actors had spoken the line in English!
http://marschall-arts.com/Website/Willkommen.html

After that were three shorts that were well worth watching.

Decapoda Shock 4/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o49tBYTrSFE

Which was a seriously strange and funny movie. Spaceman is sent on a mission...and returns...a crab.

I won't spoil it for you, but apart from the slightly hokey crab mask (I thought it was more lobster?) it was a great tale, well told, and a lovely twist.

Although it was seriously Kill Bill meets Finding Nemo!

Dead on Time 5/5
This was hilarious, and a funny, engaging film. A couple are stranded in the desert, and try to find help...encountering more than they bargained for!

The first twist on this is at the credits. But I can't say more. Except that this was Groundhog Day meets Reservoir Dogs, and is really worth watching. Her boyfriend has a clue in the name of Lazaros... Brilliant!!!!

Would buy on DVD!

I think you can view it here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFYnS_smHi8

The Backwater Gospel 5/5
This is a gorgeous animation that reminded me of the Gorillaz band, and a lot of Stephen King's Dark Tower series.

It's a post apocalyptic scene, where the Reaper is coming to town. And when the Reaper comes, someone dies. Religion is horrific, a sign at the back of the church asks you to Fear in Lord.

Magic, and I loved the silhouette massacre at the end, pure classy, wonderful imaginative work.

And the coffin credits at the end...fab!

Would buy on DVD!

You can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVkDrIacHJM

Marianne 3/5
Marianne was the second feature. Again, this was another good movie, but it lacked something to bring it out of the ordinary.

This is a Swedish movie, and very gorgeously shot, with a solid plot and good performances. But what I felt it lacked was scares...not gore, but good old fashioned jump out of your seats moment, like The Grudge. It needed more threat than it had, I didn't feel the guy was in danger. They needed to bring the creature out of the bedroom, and into other places, to increase the feeling of peril. We also got the 'twist' really early on.

Fatal Attraction meets The Grudge for this one.

But having said that, it is an excellent watch, and I can recommend it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL9P_elnlp8

Exit Humanity 3.5/5
This is a zombie movie with a difference, it's set just after the American Civil War.
This was very good, we enjoyed the different setting, although I didn't enjoy the general who pops up part way through the film, it felt a bit trite, to be honest, and I think it could have been better with a more original central piece.

I'm trying to ignore the 'is that leather jacket really authentic?' thoughts I had throughout the movie, and the very modern looking boots he was wearing, because I suspect they didn't have a large budget. I suspect this as expensive effects and events were rendered very well in animation, I can see that with a larger budget the director would have created a feast of visuals, but instead had to compromise with good animations that fitted in really well, and didn't spoil the fell of the movie, the action, or the 'spell' a good movie creates.

This was the only English movie of the lot. Oh, and we gave it a 3 and a 4 so we could give it an overall score of 3.5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2mW29jT2C8

Next was a short that I really enjoyed,

Employee of the Month 5/5
In these times of strife it's nice to know that the supernatural comminuity is also suffering from unemployment... this is very, very funny, well thought out, and with brilliant little touches. My favorite was the zombie, but seriously, any would do.

Would buy on DVD!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnkEMzlY29w

Juan of the Dead 3.5/5
The last movie was Juan of the Dead. This was the movie I was most looking forward to, and unfortunately it didn't quite come up to scratch. Although it was funny, and again another movie that was very watchable, I just don't think there was the characterization there to really drive the movie forward.

I think some of the jokes also didn't work as well because of the cultural differences. However, the effects were good, the idea was very sound, and it was a very watchable and enjoyable movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaUIvY3BVQc

So overall a good time was had by us...but the shorts shone out from the four not quite so magnificent movies, but still all worth a try. They are better than the usual tripe you get in the big cinemas!

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Opeth, Manchester Academy, 11/11/2011

2011-11-14T03:08:00.001-08:00

I love Opeth, although I have to admit I'm a really recent convert to their music, mostly because of the latest album, 'Heritage'. I love their complex, intricate music that is also quite simple in many ways.

So I was really excited to get to see them last Friday.

The music was amazing, crystal clear, and Mikael Åkerfeldt has the most amazing voice that made every song soar. The lights show with the band was just amazing, nothing fancy, but is was so well thought out that it made every song just that little more exciting. Especially 'The Devil's Orchard', when he sang 'God is Dead' he was illuminated alone on the stage, stunning. The backdrop was the Heritage album cover, giving an eerie effect as giant faces peered down at the band.

In between songs Mikael Åkerfeldt was brilliant, very funny! He talked about Kiss (The band, which means piss in Swedish apparently!) a lot, which got a lot of laughs, and told little stories and jokes. Brilliant entertainer, and made the gig a lot of fun between the serious business of music. His English is excellent, as well.

There was a drum solo, not my favorite part of any gig, but the skill of the drummer was breathtaking.

However, what really bugged me about this gig was that during the quieter songs, people near the back were talking. A lot. Or being rowdy as they had had waaaayyyy too much to drink. I mean come on people. You wanna drink and talk? Save £18 each and go to a bar. You're bored by this song? Go to the bar. You don't like Opeth? Sod off and leave the people who want to enjoy the music to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuPTXaX45h4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxod8XjPbTs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4479qnL0Ns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJsvffP5Wbw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U4Q3VKB4Ro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARanNbddZ7s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7LlVNZG6hc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zRxAecrJiA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMeFXOf7IEQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaXnsTgKddg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6N_yL1yfJE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzABuGbEeAw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWaiHX-a1Ko

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlnF0Zyi_ww

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apciWDZeYiY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSGJfA8v6zY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=991NowGOZGU

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/opeth/2011/manchester-academy-manchester-england-5bd187f8.html

Silent Clowns

2011-11-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to see Paul Merton's Silent Clowns at the Leeds Town Hall.

http://www.leedsfilm.com/films/paul-mertons-silent-clowns/

I can remember watching black and white comedy movies as a child on BBC2...there wasn't much in the way of bright, shiny children's TV, so we would watch Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd (with an irritating theme tune added) and all the greats without really understanding the history, they were just amusing things to watch.

So it was with great excitement we went to see Paul Merton. We'd seen a couple of his programs on TV, but obviously this wasn't as in depth, we'd hear a bit about the movie, then watch either a clip, or in some cases the whole thing. There was a live band playing in time with the movie, which was exciting as I've only ever watched them on the TV with a commentary or music. Although I have to admit they did such a flawless job I forgot about them being live, and had to keep reminding myself.

The last film was Harold Lloyd's Safety Last! which is the famous one where he hangs off the clock. Never having seen the film in it's entirety before, I was really quite taken into the tale (although I think he needed to dump his shallow fiance), and actually experienced vertigo while watching the scenes of him climbing the building...

All in all it was an excellent evening, and we both really enjoyed it.

Ironically we've been watching some of Laurel and Hardy's movies on DVD, and enjoying them very much. It's a shame that perhaps some of these delightful films will start to be enjoyed by the few as TV will never show them again.

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing

Damnation festival, Leeds

2011-11-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.damnationfestival.co.uk/

Spent Saturday at the Damnation festival in Leeds University, and had a great time! We started off with a lunch at Sam's Chop House, which is a great restaurant that sells British food. I Can highly recommend it because it isn't fancy potions or pub food, it's hearty portions that are made with care, and a little touch of sophistication. Plus the one in Leeds is gorgeous, it's a lovely historical building they have outfitted sympathetically.

We got to the festival at just before 3:30, a little early, so we decided to give CONAN a try on the Zero Tolerance Stage. Well, we could hear them, but due to the way it's built, not see them! So we returned to what was to become our home, the Jagermeister Stage.

We were supposed to be seeing DECAPITATED, but on the way between stages, we found a notice to say that they had cancelled. WE were puzzled, and as we were both in matching Decapitated t-shirts (awww, sweet!) a little pissed off (though not at the band). That did change our plans a bit, as we were going to stay until after their performance, and ended up going early.

So we went to see ILLUMINATUS, and look at the list to work out what to do. Illumiatus are a Manchester band I believe, and started off really well with heavy, but melodic metal. Right up my street! Regretfully the set got a little average, storming it up for the last couple of songs, but they were pretty good. Although they haven't persuaded us to buy an album, we'd certainly go see them again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tj9N0WcpUI

Then was the inevitable breakdown and set-up for the next band, TURISAS. We had a quick walk around, then came back to a very full venue.

Turisas are great, they are 'Viking metal' for want of another term, kind of folky with a violinist on stage (he had the most amazing instrument...the violin...). IT was so packed my photos are pretty awful, but you can see they are in 'Viking' outfits (well, Roman/Metal/Biker in my mind) with red and black body paint. They stormed through the set, I'm not familiar with their stuff so couldn't sing along, but that didn't stop the audience! There was a real feeling of joy during their set, and plastic weapons were being waved with pride (spoiling a few good images, creating others!).

Overall I would have been happy to see much more of them. Terrific, entertaining stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EjuFBf-Nk0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5zTAYMywl4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhG-YTaB3z8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxsE4hjAsP8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqcMQxbOMKA

Quick coffee and a slice of apple pie from the coffee stand outside (very civilised, seriously, every gig needs one!) then back in for EVILE. Oh, and a word of advice, if you need the loo, go straight after a set ends. Seriously, when I came out the queue...huge!

Evile are a Huddersfield band, so local to us, and we've seen them before, and have their albums. The music is great, and although the crowd were a little lukewarm to start with, they soon warmed up and filled out. Evile did a terrific set full of energy and we really enjoyed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4RSgUadc60

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YCfuKZMX1Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk0j-_McfRU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycjqcxfae3s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5RbdeJf9NY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfGgDThbKFY

Just before the next band, we were wandering around the merchandise section and found out why Decapitated hadn't made it, they had been involved in the Polish air crash that had happened a few days before!
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165587

This is the one where the plane had to land with no landing gear, but no-one was hurt. I can't blame the band for not appearing, I do wonder if their gear was in the hold of the plane, and could have been damaged. Oh well. It was also four years to the day since they were in a devastating coach crash that killed one member of the band, and hurt another so badly he still hasn't recovered. So of course we were both agog with shock, and felt very sorry for the band, but it could have been so much worse.

We also bought a Bastard of the Skies cd to add to our collection (of 1).

Next up was GRAND MAGUS. Another great band I'm not that familier with, but I realy loved their music, it was again quite intricate stuff, but good and heavy. They did a brilliant set, and the crowd really enjoyed it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HORM6AsLmBk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PdH0mTPRqw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glmsMzgTtxg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naKAWlKt8AY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oqDSJHGCz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eioUDhG1Rsw

Finally (for us) was GODFLESH. Mark had heard a lot about this band and really wanted to see them, but hadn't quite got around to getting their albums yet. Apparently the band sort of exists now, but most of the material they played was from the early 80's...and hypnotic. It was so strange because I could pick out NIN, dance music, Killing Joke, all kinds of bands in one heavy package. I really enjoyed their set, it was mostly instrumental with some shouty lyrics (I didn't like those as much). It was the kind of music that frees my brain, and I actually had a terrific idea for a little short movie I'm planning while I was listening, so I wrote it down! Yeah, I'm strange...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9AGDC1jbwc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlRGPGG4HF8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjAJfJJ3Vt4

The Damnation festival is great if you love metal, but the organisers I think were having trouble selling tickets, I guess it's the financial times, although the place seemed really busy, so perhaps people left it until the last minute to buy.

One nice thing about a festival like this is the variety of bands. The sets are short, but that's good as if you don't like the band that's on, just wait a few minutes! Or go to another stage...get a drink..a coffee!

So support your local festival, especially niche ones like this, because they really need it at the moment.

Now available at Amazon:

*Hangman: An unflinching look at what happens when suicide invades people's lives, and the damage it does.
*Loser's Club: A novel about cats, murder, love and not love, envy, hate, and above all, losers.
*Tube Life: Join Angel as she tries to navigate life, love and the London Underground.
*Writer: Explore the dark recesses of a writer's mind, where horror is never far from reality.

GeorgeEBirch.com
dragoncity publishing