Pied Piper has been told by the man himself that legendary rock DJ Monk is to break a 15-year silence to talk about his involvement in Belfast's only classic rock club night, Paradise City. The hooded one will post an exclusive statement on www.paradisecitybelfast.blogspot.com at midnight on NYE - i.e. the dawn of the new decade, the dawn of Paradise City.
Sunday 27 December 2009
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Schenker gig cancelled
Saturday's Michael Schenker gig at the Ulster Hall has now been cancelled, officially "due to unforeseen circumstances".
Refunds are now available from wherever you bought your tickets.
HED-liners
Nu-metallers (HED)PE are playing the Spring and Airbrake on Friday 12 May. Support comes from Threat Signal, Attila and Gacys Threads.
Take your seats
Saturday night's Michael Schenker gig at the Ulster Hall is an all-seated affair - unless a shed more tickets are shifted between now and then. Support is from our very own Sweet Savage. It will be a real shame if the mad axeman, now reunited with Gary Barden, takes to the stage in front of a half-empty hall, so why not shell out some of whatever shekels you have left and treat yerself to a last minute Chrimbo present.
A limited number of tickets also are available for And So I Watch You From Afar the previous evening.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Slayer for Belfast? And the Crue?
Rumours - and I stress that these are only rumours at this stage - are circulating that Slayer are lining up a Belfast show in late July.
With Kerry, Tom et al already confirmed for Sonisphere, word reaching PP is that it may be a double bill with the awesome Anthrax and at least one other act from the Knebworth bill...
Talk on the grapevine is that another Sonisphere act, the one and only Motley Crue, also are considering Belfast as a warm-up show.
Howlin for a bassist
Local rockers Howlin Widow are urgently looking for a bass player.
A band with their roots very firmly in the classic heavy rock tradition, they have gigging and recording commitments to fulfil and so need a four-stringer pretty damn quick.
All they are asking is talent and dedication. Well, you can’t ask for much more, really.
If you think you fit the bill, contact jasonhendry3@hotmail.co.uk, bigdamnroach@hotmail.com or tombclark1_@hotmail.com. Check out the band’s MySpace site for more info, tracks, etc.
A band with their roots very firmly in the classic heavy rock tradition, they have gigging and recording commitments to fulfil and so need a four-stringer pretty damn quick.
All they are asking is talent and dedication. Well, you can’t ask for much more, really.
If you think you fit the bill, contact jasonhendry3@hotmail.co.uk, bigdamnroach@hotmail.com or tombclark1_@hotmail.com. Check out the band’s MySpace site for more info, tracks, etc.
No tale of woe @ Limelight
And so, all too soon, 2009 winds its weary way into the annals of history – and, wow, what a year it has been, one which proves that the local rock and metal scene is, despite all the contrary prognoses and the ignorance of the mainstream media, alive well and lifting the muthafuggin roof off every venue around.
This point was well proven with the last Rockd of the decade at the good ol’ Limelight, with another darn fine fine collection of bands ripping the place apart and starting the festive season off in style.
Openers Devilmakesthree were well into their stride when I wandered in, and they’re probably as close as Belfast is going to get to a Swedish death metal experience. Good stuff.
The last time I reviewed Sinocence I dismissed them as “metal by numbers”: well, I’m man enough to admit that it was an unfair comment. While they are not the most original band on the planet, they are a hard-working group of lads, playing good old fashioned traditional hard rock – with enthusiasm. 2010 is going to be a huge year for them, especially with a support slot on Blaze Bayley’s UK tour, and I sincerely wish them well.
Which brings us neatly to Eyesclosed – definitely one of the most impressive bands I have seen in the past 12 months. Think The Mission meets Ministry meets Rage Against The Machine. Tight, powerful, great musicianship and a highly charismatic and individual frontman in Hytham.
Fellow Dubliners Two Tales Of Woe hit the stage apace and kept it up, with a blistering set of straight up party metal: I’ve seen these guys described as doom metal, but they’re too fucking happy for that.
And so, another year comes close to its dying and another looms large on the horizon – and its gonna be one helluva ride, what with the mighty Metallica, Machine Head, Pearl Jam and Deep Purple already booked, Motley Crue and a Slayer/Anthrax double bill rumoured to be among those heading our way, and a whole raft of talented local acts gigging their collective arses off, not to mention the launch of Paradise City!
Thursday 10 December 2009
Cork Winterfest
The metal world’s attention turns to the deep south – the deep south of Ireland that is – next weekend, with the fourth annual Cork Winterfest on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December.
Waylander, Sorrowfall and Overoth are the local contingent appearing alongside the likes of Skyforger, Hail of Bullets and Grand Magus at the An Cruiscin Lan.
The Friday evening is being headlined by Latvian folk metal legends Skyforger, returning to Ireland for the first time in four years. They will be ably supported by our own Waylander as well as Old Season, Orpheus (from Waterford), Red Enemy (from Kildare) and Dead Label (winners of the 2009 Crypt Trials All-Ireland Battle of the Bands.
Saturday is the main day, with no fewer than 12 bands taking to the stage, starting with doomsters This Weary Hour. Waterford’s Saviours Of Sin, Ravenage, Cork’s own Five Will Die, Decayor and Dubliners Two Tales Of Woe (who are headlining the Limelight this coming Saturday) take proceedings through into the early evening, and a double bill of Belfast mayhem, courtesy of Overoth and Sorrowfall.
Then it’s Dublin’s turn, with Gaesa and gaelic doom titans Mael Mordha, before Swedish power trio Grand Magus celebrate their signing to Roadrunner and Holland’s Hail of Bullets take the party into the wee small hours.
Weekend tickets cost €55, plus booking fee, from www.corkwinterfest.com, with day tickets also available on the door for €20 for Friday and €40 for Saturday (although, be honest, are you going to go all that way just for one day).
Wouldn’t be an idea to replicate this over consecutive weekends in Cork and Belfast? I’ll plant the seed and see if it grows…
Waylander, Sorrowfall and Overoth are the local contingent appearing alongside the likes of Skyforger, Hail of Bullets and Grand Magus at the An Cruiscin Lan.
The Friday evening is being headlined by Latvian folk metal legends Skyforger, returning to Ireland for the first time in four years. They will be ably supported by our own Waylander as well as Old Season, Orpheus (from Waterford), Red Enemy (from Kildare) and Dead Label (winners of the 2009 Crypt Trials All-Ireland Battle of the Bands.
Saturday is the main day, with no fewer than 12 bands taking to the stage, starting with doomsters This Weary Hour. Waterford’s Saviours Of Sin, Ravenage, Cork’s own Five Will Die, Decayor and Dubliners Two Tales Of Woe (who are headlining the Limelight this coming Saturday) take proceedings through into the early evening, and a double bill of Belfast mayhem, courtesy of Overoth and Sorrowfall.
Then it’s Dublin’s turn, with Gaesa and gaelic doom titans Mael Mordha, before Swedish power trio Grand Magus celebrate their signing to Roadrunner and Holland’s Hail of Bullets take the party into the wee small hours.
Weekend tickets cost €55, plus booking fee, from www.corkwinterfest.com, with day tickets also available on the door for €20 for Friday and €40 for Saturday (although, be honest, are you going to go all that way just for one day).
Wouldn’t be an idea to replicate this over consecutive weekends in Cork and Belfast? I’ll plant the seed and see if it grows…
Watching from afar (or nearby)…
And So I Watch You From Afar - Belfast’s own four piece juggernaut - bring local music back to the Ulster Hall when they headline an all-star, all-local bill on Friday 18 December.
ASIWYFA will be joined at Belfast’s most prestigious rock ‘n’ roll venue by LaFaro, Cashier No9 and Adebisi Shank.
ASIWYFA’s Ulster Hall gig marks the revival of the annual local music Christmas show as spearheaded in the 1970s by the godfather of the Belfast music scene, Terry Hooley and his independent label, Good Vibrations.
Terry told Pied Piper:
“It’s great to see such an exciting and fresh local act headlining the Ulster Hall at Christmas alongside superb supporting acts, LaFaro, Cashier No9 and Adebisi Shank. Local heroes like the Undertones and Rudi used to fill the Ulster Hall and with such a dedicated following, I have no doubt these bands will uphold this tradition!”
Adam Turkington, from the Ulster Hall - which is promoting the show alongside Derry-based record label Smalltown America - added:
“The reopening of the Ulster Hall earlier this year with the ‘Do You Remember the First Time’ gig and ‘Fringe’ programme made us reflect on how important this venue is for Northern Irish music. The local music scene is more exciting than it has been for years and we want to harness the iconic power of this building to showcase the fantastic talent we now have to offer.”
“Each of the bands on this bill demand to be heard on the big stage, just like Rudi and The Moondogs did in the 70s.”
This Ulster Hall Christmas show with a difference marks ASIWYFA’s Belfast return from an extensive UK and Ireland tour. Simultaneously dreamy, hypnotic and apocalyptic, each of their songs is an instrumental masterpiece.
Renowned for their incendiary live performances, ASIWYFA have also been enjoying rave reviews for their eponymous début album, which has been Huw Stephen’s ‘Album of the Week’ on Radio 1, awarded four Ks in Kerrang!, 10 out of 10 from Radio One and was listed in Rock Sound’s Top 50 Albums of 2008.
All this on top of being named ‘Band Of The Year’ by Radio Ulster’s Across The Line, earning a place in Alternative Ulster’s ‘Top Ten Northern Irish Songs of our Lifetime,’ being listed in Rock Sound’s ‘Ones to Watch 2009’ and enjoying glowing reviews from the NME.
Tickets (just £8 when pre-booked) are available from the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Box Offices, by calling 028 9033 4455 and online at www.ulsterhall.co.uk
There is a Credit/Debit card handling charge of £1.00 per ticket for bookings made by telephone. Online bookings attract a charge of just £1.50 per transaction. A fee of 50p per booking is payable for tickets forwarded by post.
Tickets for all events at the Ulster Hall and Belfast Waterfront are now also available from selected Xtra-vision stores across Northern Ireland. Full details are available from box office on 028 9033 4455 or online at www.waterfront.co.uk
ASIWYFA will be joined at Belfast’s most prestigious rock ‘n’ roll venue by LaFaro, Cashier No9 and Adebisi Shank.
ASIWYFA’s Ulster Hall gig marks the revival of the annual local music Christmas show as spearheaded in the 1970s by the godfather of the Belfast music scene, Terry Hooley and his independent label, Good Vibrations.
Terry told Pied Piper:
“It’s great to see such an exciting and fresh local act headlining the Ulster Hall at Christmas alongside superb supporting acts, LaFaro, Cashier No9 and Adebisi Shank. Local heroes like the Undertones and Rudi used to fill the Ulster Hall and with such a dedicated following, I have no doubt these bands will uphold this tradition!”
Adam Turkington, from the Ulster Hall - which is promoting the show alongside Derry-based record label Smalltown America - added:
“The reopening of the Ulster Hall earlier this year with the ‘Do You Remember the First Time’ gig and ‘Fringe’ programme made us reflect on how important this venue is for Northern Irish music. The local music scene is more exciting than it has been for years and we want to harness the iconic power of this building to showcase the fantastic talent we now have to offer.”
“Each of the bands on this bill demand to be heard on the big stage, just like Rudi and The Moondogs did in the 70s.”
This Ulster Hall Christmas show with a difference marks ASIWYFA’s Belfast return from an extensive UK and Ireland tour. Simultaneously dreamy, hypnotic and apocalyptic, each of their songs is an instrumental masterpiece.
Renowned for their incendiary live performances, ASIWYFA have also been enjoying rave reviews for their eponymous début album, which has been Huw Stephen’s ‘Album of the Week’ on Radio 1, awarded four Ks in Kerrang!, 10 out of 10 from Radio One and was listed in Rock Sound’s Top 50 Albums of 2008.
All this on top of being named ‘Band Of The Year’ by Radio Ulster’s Across The Line, earning a place in Alternative Ulster’s ‘Top Ten Northern Irish Songs of our Lifetime,’ being listed in Rock Sound’s ‘Ones to Watch 2009’ and enjoying glowing reviews from the NME.
Tickets (just £8 when pre-booked) are available from the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Box Offices, by calling 028 9033 4455 and online at www.ulsterhall.co.uk
There is a Credit/Debit card handling charge of £1.00 per ticket for bookings made by telephone. Online bookings attract a charge of just £1.50 per transaction. A fee of 50p per booking is payable for tickets forwarded by post.
Tickets for all events at the Ulster Hall and Belfast Waterfront are now also available from selected Xtra-vision stores across Northern Ireland. Full details are available from box office on 028 9033 4455 or online at www.waterfront.co.uk
Wednesday 9 December 2009
2010 gig listings
It may, or may not, be hard to believe, but it is just slightly more than three weeks to the dawn of the second decade of the 21st Century - and what a year 2010 is already shaping up to be.
From the might of Metallica and the legend that is Deep Purple (appearing in Belfast for the first time in their monumental 40-odd year career), to the ever thriving local pub and club scene, it is going to be one helluva party!
Just to give a little taster - and cementing this blog's reputation as one of the primary sources of news on the local rock and metal scenes - I present for your perusal a listing of all the gigs of which Pied Piper is aware from January onwards. Please note, that the information here is as accurate as I have at the moment and the details of some of the gigs still need confirmed: indeed, a few of the gigs have themselves to be confirmed, but I have stayed away from rumour and speculation and stuck to what I can verify to the best of my ability.
Sit back, take a deep breath, a swig of your favourite poison and hang on tight, 'cos the ride starts here...
Wednesday 6 January
Ozzmium
The Front Page – Doors 8pm £TBC
Thursday 7 January
Black Freeway / Arcane Fire / Sinner Falls
Lavery’s Bunker – Doors 8pm £5
Friday 8 January
Sweet Taste
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Saturday 9 January
Sweet Savage / Soundstone / Sweet Taste / Thunderchild
The Pavilion – Doors 8pm £TBC
Wednesday 13 January
The Rupture Dogs / B.O.Y
Auntie Annie’s – Details TBC
Thursday 14 January
Bandwagon
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 14 January
Urban Crime Spree
The Pavilion – Details TBC
Sunday 17 January
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 28 January
Paradise City
Madison’s Basement – Doors 9.30pm £3
Thursday 28 January
Sister Marko
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Friday 29 January
Sister Marko / Third Harvest
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Friday 29 January
Metallitia
Spring and Airbrake – Doors £9pm £11.25
Saturday 30 January
Waylander / Natan / Burial
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £TBC
Saturday 30 January
We Are Resistance / Skruff
QUB Students’ Union – Details TBC
Wednesday 3 February
Marduk / Anaal Nathrakh
The Limelight – Doors 9pm £19
Thursday 4 February
Castero / Awaken Dominion / Existing Threat
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Friday 5 February
Pearl Jem
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £11.25
Saturday 6 February
Anger Management / By Any Means
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £7
Saturday 6 February
Vampires Rock
Belfast Waterfront – Curtain Up 8pm £19 - £25
Saturday 13 February
ZEro poInt zero (+ support TBC)
The Pavilion – Doors 8pm £TBC
Tuesday 16 February
We Are Resistance
Auntie Annie’s – Details TBC
Saturday 20 February
Sweet Taste / Others TBC
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £TBC
Saturday 20 February
AC?DC (+ support TBC)
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £11.25
Sunday 21 February
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 25 February
Paradise City
Madison’s Basement – Doors 9.30pm £3
Friday 26 February
Paradise City – Live
Trucker Diablo / Black Freeway / Circadian
Oh Yeah Music Centre – Doors 6.30pm £3
Saturday 27 February
Interrogate / Others TBC
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £TBC
Monday 1 March
Machine Head / Hatebreed / Bleeding Through / All That Remains
St. George’s Market – Doors 7pm £29
Thursday 4 March
Blaze Bayley / Sinocence
The Limelight – Doors 9pm £16
Saturday 6 March (TBC)
Sweet Savage / Annexe / Den Of Thieves / Ashanti / Triple X
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Sunday 21 March
Skindred (+ support TBC)
The Limelight – Doors 8pm £13
Sunday 21 March
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 25 March
Paradise City
Madison’s Basement – Doors 9.30pm £3
Saturday 27 March
Winger / Stormzone / Worldsend
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £20
Sunday 18 April
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Monday 3 May
Bolt Thrower (+ support TBC)
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £TBC
Tuesday 11 May / Wednesday 12 May
Metallica (+ support TBC)
Odyssey Arena – Doors 6.30pm £49 - £55
Saturday 10 April
Ashanti / Others TBC
Spring and Airbrake – Details TBC
Tuesday 13 April
Airbourne (+ support TBC)
Mandela Hall – Doors 7pm £19
Friday 23 April
Glamour Of The Kill / Yashin
Auntie Annie’s – Doors 9pm £8.50
Saturday 8 May
Distortion Project – Decade of Aggression
Triggerman / Honey For Christ / Interrogate / Sorrowfall / Slo-Matics / Residual Effect / Sincence / Howlin’ Widow / Gacys Threads / Lesshelp / Two Tales Of Woe / Overoth / Condemned / Devilmakesthree / War Iron
The Limelight – Doors 1pm £TBC
Wednesday 23 June
Pearl Jam (+ support TBC)
Odyssey Arena – Doors 6.30pm £TBC
Monday 28 June
Deep Purple (+ support TBC)
Custom House Square – Gates 6pm £38
Saturday 3 July
Trans Belfast
Gacys Threads + more TBC
Belfast Waterfront – Doors 8pm £TBC
From the might of Metallica and the legend that is Deep Purple (appearing in Belfast for the first time in their monumental 40-odd year career), to the ever thriving local pub and club scene, it is going to be one helluva party!
Just to give a little taster - and cementing this blog's reputation as one of the primary sources of news on the local rock and metal scenes - I present for your perusal a listing of all the gigs of which Pied Piper is aware from January onwards. Please note, that the information here is as accurate as I have at the moment and the details of some of the gigs still need confirmed: indeed, a few of the gigs have themselves to be confirmed, but I have stayed away from rumour and speculation and stuck to what I can verify to the best of my ability.
Sit back, take a deep breath, a swig of your favourite poison and hang on tight, 'cos the ride starts here...
Wednesday 6 January
Ozzmium
The Front Page – Doors 8pm £TBC
Thursday 7 January
Black Freeway / Arcane Fire / Sinner Falls
Lavery’s Bunker – Doors 8pm £5
Friday 8 January
Sweet Taste
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Saturday 9 January
Sweet Savage / Soundstone / Sweet Taste / Thunderchild
The Pavilion – Doors 8pm £TBC
Wednesday 13 January
The Rupture Dogs / B.O.Y
Auntie Annie’s – Details TBC
Thursday 14 January
Bandwagon
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 14 January
Urban Crime Spree
The Pavilion – Details TBC
Sunday 17 January
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 28 January
Paradise City
Madison’s Basement – Doors 9.30pm £3
Thursday 28 January
Sister Marko
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Friday 29 January
Sister Marko / Third Harvest
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Friday 29 January
Metallitia
Spring and Airbrake – Doors £9pm £11.25
Saturday 30 January
Waylander / Natan / Burial
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £TBC
Saturday 30 January
We Are Resistance / Skruff
QUB Students’ Union – Details TBC
Wednesday 3 February
Marduk / Anaal Nathrakh
The Limelight – Doors 9pm £19
Thursday 4 February
Castero / Awaken Dominion / Existing Threat
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Friday 5 February
Pearl Jem
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £11.25
Saturday 6 February
Anger Management / By Any Means
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £7
Saturday 6 February
Vampires Rock
Belfast Waterfront – Curtain Up 8pm £19 - £25
Saturday 13 February
ZEro poInt zero (+ support TBC)
The Pavilion – Doors 8pm £TBC
Tuesday 16 February
We Are Resistance
Auntie Annie’s – Details TBC
Saturday 20 February
Sweet Taste / Others TBC
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £TBC
Saturday 20 February
AC?DC (+ support TBC)
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £11.25
Sunday 21 February
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 25 February
Paradise City
Madison’s Basement – Doors 9.30pm £3
Friday 26 February
Paradise City – Live
Trucker Diablo / Black Freeway / Circadian
Oh Yeah Music Centre – Doors 6.30pm £3
Saturday 27 February
Interrogate / Others TBC
The Limelight – Doors 5pm £TBC
Monday 1 March
Machine Head / Hatebreed / Bleeding Through / All That Remains
St. George’s Market – Doors 7pm £29
Thursday 4 March
Blaze Bayley / Sinocence
The Limelight – Doors 9pm £16
Saturday 6 March (TBC)
Sweet Savage / Annexe / Den Of Thieves / Ashanti / Triple X
The Rosetta – Details TBC
Sunday 21 March
Skindred (+ support TBC)
The Limelight – Doors 8pm £13
Sunday 21 March
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Thursday 25 March
Paradise City
Madison’s Basement – Doors 9.30pm £3
Saturday 27 March
Winger / Stormzone / Worldsend
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £20
Sunday 18 April
‘Battle Of The Bands’
Lavery’s Bunker – Details TBC
Monday 3 May
Bolt Thrower (+ support TBC)
Spring and Airbrake – Doors 9pm £TBC
Tuesday 11 May / Wednesday 12 May
Metallica (+ support TBC)
Odyssey Arena – Doors 6.30pm £49 - £55
Saturday 10 April
Ashanti / Others TBC
Spring and Airbrake – Details TBC
Tuesday 13 April
Airbourne (+ support TBC)
Mandela Hall – Doors 7pm £19
Friday 23 April
Glamour Of The Kill / Yashin
Auntie Annie’s – Doors 9pm £8.50
Saturday 8 May
Distortion Project – Decade of Aggression
Triggerman / Honey For Christ / Interrogate / Sorrowfall / Slo-Matics / Residual Effect / Sincence / Howlin’ Widow / Gacys Threads / Lesshelp / Two Tales Of Woe / Overoth / Condemned / Devilmakesthree / War Iron
The Limelight – Doors 1pm £TBC
Wednesday 23 June
Pearl Jam (+ support TBC)
Odyssey Arena – Doors 6.30pm £TBC
Monday 28 June
Deep Purple (+ support TBC)
Custom House Square – Gates 6pm £38
Saturday 3 July
Trans Belfast
Gacys Threads + more TBC
Belfast Waterfront – Doors 8pm £TBC
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Paradise City launch confirmed
It has been confirmed that Paradise City, Belfast's new classic rock club, will launch at Madison's, on Botanic Avenue, on Thursday 28 January. We will downstairs in the hotel's simply rocktastic night club - think the old Rock Bottom meets the Cavern Club! Doors open 9.30pm, and Monk will be delivering a three hour set, from 10pm - 1am. Admission is a mere £3.
Further nights are booked for Thursday 25 February (that's the night before the Paradise City - Live gig at the Oh yeah centre) and again exactly one month later.
Don't forget, Monk will be posting his track listings on the PC Facebook group page in the week before the show, so sign up now to make requests!
Further nights are booked for Thursday 25 February (that's the night before the Paradise City - Live gig at the Oh yeah centre) and again exactly one month later.
Don't forget, Monk will be posting his track listings on the PC Facebook group page in the week before the show, so sign up now to make requests!
Monday 7 December 2009
Pearls of wisdom
Pearl Jam have confirmed Belfast's Odyssey Arena on 23 June as one of a handful of venues and dates for their summer 2010 tour. Tickets cost £41.50 for both seating and standing, and go on sale on Friday (11 December).
It's turning out to be a hard rockin' year next year, and with this blog's companion website, www.myspace.com/piedpiperbelfast, now officially one of the top three on which to keep abreast of the Belfast rock and metal scene, I'll be doing my best to make sure you read it here first.
It's turning out to be a hard rockin' year next year, and with this blog's companion website, www.myspace.com/piedpiperbelfast, now officially one of the top three on which to keep abreast of the Belfast rock and metal scene, I'll be doing my best to make sure you read it here first.
Monday 30 November 2009
Metallica 'in the round'
According to seating plans posted on TicketMaster tonight, Metallica's gig at Belfast's Odyssey Arena will be an 'in the round' affair. Tickets are priced at £49 - £55 and on sale at 9am on Thursday.
Metallica Belfast bound
Finally, the mighty Metallica have confirmed their first Belfast appearance in almost two decades.
They play the Odyssey on 11 May, Metal Hammer confirmed this morning.
So far, this is their only UK date announced for 2010, so tickets will be in absolutely HUGE demand when they go on sale this coming Thursday (3 December).
Sunday 29 November 2009
Belfast IS Paradise City
Paradise City is Belfast's new classic rock club, and it is launching at the end of January, all things being equal.
The club is the brainchild of legendary DJ Monk, who is stepping out of the darkness of retirement and back into the limelight after a 15 year sabbatical, and his PR sidekick Phil Allely, who convinced the hooded one to flex his fingers on the decks once more.
The club's policy will be classic and old school, with the emphasis on the period between the late 60s and the early 90s, although Monk has promised to play some modern stuff as well (but only if he can bothered, he says).
A permanent venue has yet to be confirmed, and more details will be announced in due course, through the club's blog, www.paradisecitybelfast.blogspot.com, through Northern Ireland's only heavy metal PR company, Pied Piper, at www.myspace.com/piedpiperbelfast and through the club's Facebook page, where Monk's set lists will be published a few days before each show and where requests can be posted.
Meanwhile, the club already is venturing into the live arena, with the aptly named 'Paradise City - Live' at the Oh Yeah centre in the Cathedral Quarter on Friday 26 February. The first rock gig to be staged as part of the annual Guinness Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, it will be headlined by Trucker Diablo, supported by Black Freeway and Circadian. It will be a 14+ show, with strictly no alcohol and tickets will be a mere £3.
Monk is keeping quiet on whether or not he will make a guest appearance, but watch this space for updates.
Monk is keeping quiet on whether or not he will make a guest appearance, but watch this space for updates.
Sunday 22 November 2009
Calling all demons
The latest triumvirate of bands to rock the Limelight once again reflected the very healthy depth and diversity of the music scene hear in our wee country.
Newry five piece Ozzmium opened proceedings in fine style, with an efficient and appreciated set which displayed some fine Pantera-inspired shredding. The band obviously have an eye for marketing as well, using bookmarks as flyers for their deuubt EP, 'Chaos Is Fair'.
"We are By All Means and we're gonna play some hardcore" just about summed up what came next, as that's exactly what we got - a tight, enjoyable set of retro-HC a la Suicidal Tendencies. Highlight, however, was the bass player wandering to the bar, not once but twice, mid-set - first to down a Jager and second time to hand a mate a tenner to get a round in for the band (which they proceeded to down on stage, of course). Nice one.
Cursed Sun obviously are a band with a following, as the Limelight was almost full by the time they hit the stage. Well, they didn't exactly hit it, as there set looked cursed from the start, as the sound engineer left the band standing on the brightly lit stage for what seemed like an eternity, then had to use his mobile to see the lighting desk and finally had to go up and fix the smoke machine!
When things finally got under way, CS at first struck me as a band who can't make up their minds as to what genre they fit into - death metal mixed with hardcore vocals and traditional metal guitar work: maybe they just re-invented one of their own, but, what the fuck, the mix worked.
'Into The Eyes Of Choas' was the first big song of the set, it's doom intro quickly moving into classic Exodus-inspired speed territory. This is metal played the way it is supposed to be played - fast, loud, proud, from the heart to the heart and taking no muthafucking prisoners.
All too soon the boys had come to the end of their set, closing with the epic 'Demoncaller' from their new EP, 'As Seen Through The Eyes Of The Dead', the release of which this gigged marked - and I for one will be back for more.
Once again, well done James and keep 'er lit.
Newry five piece Ozzmium opened proceedings in fine style, with an efficient and appreciated set which displayed some fine Pantera-inspired shredding. The band obviously have an eye for marketing as well, using bookmarks as flyers for their deuubt EP, 'Chaos Is Fair'.
"We are By All Means and we're gonna play some hardcore" just about summed up what came next, as that's exactly what we got - a tight, enjoyable set of retro-HC a la Suicidal Tendencies. Highlight, however, was the bass player wandering to the bar, not once but twice, mid-set - first to down a Jager and second time to hand a mate a tenner to get a round in for the band (which they proceeded to down on stage, of course). Nice one.
Cursed Sun obviously are a band with a following, as the Limelight was almost full by the time they hit the stage. Well, they didn't exactly hit it, as there set looked cursed from the start, as the sound engineer left the band standing on the brightly lit stage for what seemed like an eternity, then had to use his mobile to see the lighting desk and finally had to go up and fix the smoke machine!
When things finally got under way, CS at first struck me as a band who can't make up their minds as to what genre they fit into - death metal mixed with hardcore vocals and traditional metal guitar work: maybe they just re-invented one of their own, but, what the fuck, the mix worked.
'Into The Eyes Of Choas' was the first big song of the set, it's doom intro quickly moving into classic Exodus-inspired speed territory. This is metal played the way it is supposed to be played - fast, loud, proud, from the heart to the heart and taking no muthafucking prisoners.
All too soon the boys had come to the end of their set, closing with the epic 'Demoncaller' from their new EP, 'As Seen Through The Eyes Of The Dead', the release of which this gigged marked - and I for one will be back for more.
Once again, well done James and keep 'er lit.
Thursday 19 November 2009
Songwriters Festival goes all Metal!
Trucker Diablo have been confirmed as the headliners for the first ever rock gig to be staged as part of the annual Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival at the end of February. The gig will most likely be at the Oh Yeah Music Centre down in the Cathedral Quarter and will be on the Friday night (that's the 26th). Two other acts have to be confirmed and full details will be announced soon. It's a brave move for the festival organisers, as they never have featured bands before, just singer-songwriters, never mind rock bands!
Sunday 15 November 2009
Hope in a desert of despair
After near on a quarter of a century in the putrid worlds that are the media and music businesses, I am often driven to distraction and despair – the latter feeling most often directed at the former industry and its overall apathy toward what is good about the other.
Take The Distortion Project as a prime example. Almost single-handedly James and his small team have been flying the flag for the local metal scene, through their weekly gigs at first Katy Dalys and now the more substantial Limelight, and the occasional bigger name act, such as Amon Amarth and soon Marduk and Bolt Thrower. Yet nary a word in the local, so-called music press to recognise his tireless effort, pain and reward. In my own small way, through this blog, I am always happy to help redress the balance.
By the time I made it to the Limelight yestereve, 99 Miles Of Bad Road already had hit the stage, and impressed with their straight ahead, no nonsense, “let’s just have a good time” feelgood metal. I can say exactly the same about Niyah Sky, a group who I had been wanting to catch up with for some time and who commanded the stage with their own tight, evisceral brand of party rock.
Sandwiched between these two fine acts were the mighty Kesus, about whom I will be brutally honest and say I had not heard of until I saw their name on the flyers. Describing their sound as ‘desert metal’ , the quartet delivered a sandstorm of a set. Frontman Fanjo must be one of the tallest in the business, and he is possessed of a big voice to match, while guitarist T delivered some tempestuous riffs backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of bassist Harbo and drummer MJ.
Unfortunately, due to another appointment, I had to leave shortly after Speedking hit the stage, but in the couple of songs I heard the Monaghan riffmasters impressed me with their brand of traditional hard rock, and I will make a point of trying to catch up with them the next time they play this dirty ol’ town.
Amid despair there is always hope, and as long as James and The Distortion Project keep delivering quality gigs like this, hope in the local metal scene will spring eternal. Now, what’s the News Letter’s address till I go knock their so-called music writer’s bollocks in?
Take The Distortion Project as a prime example. Almost single-handedly James and his small team have been flying the flag for the local metal scene, through their weekly gigs at first Katy Dalys and now the more substantial Limelight, and the occasional bigger name act, such as Amon Amarth and soon Marduk and Bolt Thrower. Yet nary a word in the local, so-called music press to recognise his tireless effort, pain and reward. In my own small way, through this blog, I am always happy to help redress the balance.
By the time I made it to the Limelight yestereve, 99 Miles Of Bad Road already had hit the stage, and impressed with their straight ahead, no nonsense, “let’s just have a good time” feelgood metal. I can say exactly the same about Niyah Sky, a group who I had been wanting to catch up with for some time and who commanded the stage with their own tight, evisceral brand of party rock.
Sandwiched between these two fine acts were the mighty Kesus, about whom I will be brutally honest and say I had not heard of until I saw their name on the flyers. Describing their sound as ‘desert metal’ , the quartet delivered a sandstorm of a set. Frontman Fanjo must be one of the tallest in the business, and he is possessed of a big voice to match, while guitarist T delivered some tempestuous riffs backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of bassist Harbo and drummer MJ.
Unfortunately, due to another appointment, I had to leave shortly after Speedking hit the stage, but in the couple of songs I heard the Monaghan riffmasters impressed me with their brand of traditional hard rock, and I will make a point of trying to catch up with them the next time they play this dirty ol’ town.
Amid despair there is always hope, and as long as James and The Distortion Project keep delivering quality gigs like this, hope in the local metal scene will spring eternal. Now, what’s the News Letter’s address till I go knock their so-called music writer’s bollocks in?
Friday 13 November 2009
The Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission (of which Pied Piper was a founder member) has folded, following a split in the board. Full details at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8358073.stm.
Thursday 12 November 2009
Ricky goes truckin'
Congratulations to Trucker Diablo on securing a guest slot on their forthcoming debut album, '18 Wheels Of Fury', by none other than Ricky Warwick. The guys currently are in pre-production for said opus, and have posted some live demos on their MySpace site, which are sounding fucking awesome! All things being equal, the album is due early in 2010. Looking forward to it.
Sunday 25 October 2009
Sorrow falls on Limelight
All too often, anticipation results in disappointment, but I am glad to report that this rule was broken when I finally caught up with the beast that is Sorrowfall on their return to the live arena yesterday.
After six months off the scene, the new look quartet stormed the stage of the Limelight, mixing new tracks with a trio of ‘oldies’ from their 2006 debut album, ‘Prayers Of The Faithless’. The result was a very tight, powerful performance which fully showcased the talents of new bassist/vocalist Sam Best in particular.
Of the new material, I was particularly impressed by ‘The Lonely God’ and the techno-thrash of the mighty ‘Monolith’, which saw the band make much use of harmonies to add another dimension to their sound.
This was confident late 80s/early 90s inspired thrash delivered with panache and passion. I anticipate catching up with Sorrowfall again soon.
A quick word about openers Circadian, added to this RockD bill at the last minute. The power trio cemented their reputation as one of the most promising up and coming young bands on the scene at the moment, belying their youth with a growing confidence that bodes well for their future development.
Alex has a powerful voice, which really came across the improved sound at the Limelight, and perhaps my only criticism is that Eoghan or Joel need to step up to the mic a bit between songs to give them a bit of a focal point (for those of you who don’t know the band, Alex is also the drummer). Having said that, they have come on leaps and bounds since I first saw them at Auntie Annie’s a couple of months back, and are growing in stature, thanks mainly to the expert tutelage of a certain Paul McMordie, who seems to be singlehandedly transforming and developing Norn Iron’s metal scene.
After six months off the scene, the new look quartet stormed the stage of the Limelight, mixing new tracks with a trio of ‘oldies’ from their 2006 debut album, ‘Prayers Of The Faithless’. The result was a very tight, powerful performance which fully showcased the talents of new bassist/vocalist Sam Best in particular.
Of the new material, I was particularly impressed by ‘The Lonely God’ and the techno-thrash of the mighty ‘Monolith’, which saw the band make much use of harmonies to add another dimension to their sound.
This was confident late 80s/early 90s inspired thrash delivered with panache and passion. I anticipate catching up with Sorrowfall again soon.
A quick word about openers Circadian, added to this RockD bill at the last minute. The power trio cemented their reputation as one of the most promising up and coming young bands on the scene at the moment, belying their youth with a growing confidence that bodes well for their future development.
Alex has a powerful voice, which really came across the improved sound at the Limelight, and perhaps my only criticism is that Eoghan or Joel need to step up to the mic a bit between songs to give them a bit of a focal point (for those of you who don’t know the band, Alex is also the drummer). Having said that, they have come on leaps and bounds since I first saw them at Auntie Annie’s a couple of months back, and are growing in stature, thanks mainly to the expert tutelage of a certain Paul McMordie, who seems to be singlehandedly transforming and developing Norn Iron’s metal scene.
Friday 23 October 2009
Turning back the years
Pied Piper is involved in the development of a new monthly classic rock club night, under the name of 'Paradise City', which is hoping to launch sometime around early February. The emphasis will be very strongly on classic rock and metal, from 1969 through to about 1995 (although some more recent stuff and new releases will also find their way on to the set lists). We're still negotiating with venues re dates, etc., but we'll keep you posted through this blog, the Paradise City blog (www.paradisecitybelfast.blogspot.com), Facebook and MySpace.
Return of the mad axe man
The enigmatic Michael Schenker will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself when he returns to the stage of the Ulster Hall on Saturday 19 December.
The last time Der Schenk graced the stage of The Grand Dame of Bedford Street, way back in August 1986, marking the debut his then latest project, the McAuley Schenker Group, it (nearly?) marked the demise of one of his trademark Flying Vs.
I was backstage with support act Rogue Male at the time, making light work of their rather large rider, when we heard an almighty kerfuffle from the backstage area. Rushing (ok, staggering) to the scene, we saw Mikey boy’s roadcrew running around like someone had lit a Hallowe’en sparkler in their leiderhosen. Apparently, he had leaned out over the front row, holding said white V aloft for his adoring legions to touch – when some crafty bugger only went and swiped the thing from his grasp!
Here, stories diverge: some say the instrument was hastily retrieved, while others say it came back in pieces. I have a half-drunken memory of bits of what looked like a guitar lying around in the corridors a few minutes later – which would have explained the fireworks-filled trousers!
Maybe someone who was there that night can give me the definitive answer…
Seriously, it’s hard to believe that Der Schenker has been around for almost four decades, having first appeared in 1970 at the age of 15 alongside brother Rudolf in Der Scorpions. They released one album, ‘Lonesome Crow’ before Michael upped and left to join up with UFO in 1973. In fact, upping and leaving became nearly as much of a trademark as that Flying V, as the famously temperamental Schenker walked out of studios, tours and shows and in and out of bands more often than a revolving door over the next three decades.
Michael Schenker returns to the Ulster Hall after a 23 year absence (not from Belfast, but from the UH, for all you pedants), on Saturday 19 December. Tickets are a mere £18, with support from our very own Sweet Savage (hey, Ramie, don’t you owe me a beer? Or is it the other way round?).
The last time Der Schenk graced the stage of The Grand Dame of Bedford Street, way back in August 1986, marking the debut his then latest project, the McAuley Schenker Group, it (nearly?) marked the demise of one of his trademark Flying Vs.
I was backstage with support act Rogue Male at the time, making light work of their rather large rider, when we heard an almighty kerfuffle from the backstage area. Rushing (ok, staggering) to the scene, we saw Mikey boy’s roadcrew running around like someone had lit a Hallowe’en sparkler in their leiderhosen. Apparently, he had leaned out over the front row, holding said white V aloft for his adoring legions to touch – when some crafty bugger only went and swiped the thing from his grasp!
Here, stories diverge: some say the instrument was hastily retrieved, while others say it came back in pieces. I have a half-drunken memory of bits of what looked like a guitar lying around in the corridors a few minutes later – which would have explained the fireworks-filled trousers!
Maybe someone who was there that night can give me the definitive answer…
Seriously, it’s hard to believe that Der Schenker has been around for almost four decades, having first appeared in 1970 at the age of 15 alongside brother Rudolf in Der Scorpions. They released one album, ‘Lonesome Crow’ before Michael upped and left to join up with UFO in 1973. In fact, upping and leaving became nearly as much of a trademark as that Flying V, as the famously temperamental Schenker walked out of studios, tours and shows and in and out of bands more often than a revolving door over the next three decades.
Michael Schenker returns to the Ulster Hall after a 23 year absence (not from Belfast, but from the UH, for all you pedants), on Saturday 19 December. Tickets are a mere £18, with support from our very own Sweet Savage (hey, Ramie, don’t you owe me a beer? Or is it the other way round?).
Sorrow falls on Limelight
Up and coming young thrashers Sorrowfall headline the latest RockD gig at Belfast's Limelight tomorrow. I was really impressed by their debut album and have been looking forward to checking them out live for quite some time. Tickets are a mere £3.50 and doors are at 5pm (Sorrowfall on about 8).
Sunday 13 September 2009
Screaming in an empty room
September Cross / Trucker Diablo / Common Bred Trigger - Rockd @ The Limelight, Saturday 12 September
I’ve been in and around the music business in this dirty ol’ town, on and off, for coming on a quarter of a century, and, I tell you, it often is a hard graft. Belfast is home to some of the most talented people on the planet, but sometimes it seems that no matter how loud you scream this fact from the rooftops, you might as well lock yourself in a padded cell and mumble quietly to yourself in the corner for all that people seem to listen.
My most recent foray into the darkness of the Limelight on a Saturday afternoon was yet further evidence of this: week after week the good folk at the Distortion Project knock their melts in bringing some of the finest rock and metal acts around to the venues historic stage – and for what? If my counting is right, about £100 in door receipts. It must be disheartening, not just for them, but for the bands as well – in this case, Common Bred Trigger, Trucker Diablo and September Cross.
CBT are visibly nervous (even faced with a virtually empty room), particularly vocalist/guitarist Karl. Their Nirvana/Pearl Jam inspired garage grunge sound is nevertheless tight and effective, boosted by big Anty’s doom-fused bass playing.
The name Trucker Diablo suggests Suvern good ol’ boys, and that is what this tight quartet deliver: ZZ Top-inspired blues metal fused with 21st century post-power-thrash sensibilities, a band soaked in whiskey and wimmin delivering ‘Black Rose’ era Lizzy a la Black Label Society, with attitude. Just a pity their blues-infused power rawk again was delivered to a ‘crowd’ of around 20 people.
September Cross are another outfit specialising in classic rock, this time from the more traditional metal school side of the house: sort of new wave of new wave of Belfast heavy metal, if that makes sense. ‘Insanity’ displayed their heavy early period Megadeth influence while ‘Devil Behind Blues Eyes’ introduced a similarly early Maiden vibe. An enjoyable romp.
More next week with Gacy’s Threads, By Any Means and Hero In Error. Let’s hope for a bigger crowd.
My most recent foray into the darkness of the Limelight on a Saturday afternoon was yet further evidence of this: week after week the good folk at the Distortion Project knock their melts in bringing some of the finest rock and metal acts around to the venues historic stage – and for what? If my counting is right, about £100 in door receipts. It must be disheartening, not just for them, but for the bands as well – in this case, Common Bred Trigger, Trucker Diablo and September Cross.
CBT are visibly nervous (even faced with a virtually empty room), particularly vocalist/guitarist Karl. Their Nirvana/Pearl Jam inspired garage grunge sound is nevertheless tight and effective, boosted by big Anty’s doom-fused bass playing.
The name Trucker Diablo suggests Suvern good ol’ boys, and that is what this tight quartet deliver: ZZ Top-inspired blues metal fused with 21st century post-power-thrash sensibilities, a band soaked in whiskey and wimmin delivering ‘Black Rose’ era Lizzy a la Black Label Society, with attitude. Just a pity their blues-infused power rawk again was delivered to a ‘crowd’ of around 20 people.
September Cross are another outfit specialising in classic rock, this time from the more traditional metal school side of the house: sort of new wave of new wave of Belfast heavy metal, if that makes sense. ‘Insanity’ displayed their heavy early period Megadeth influence while ‘Devil Behind Blues Eyes’ introduced a similarly early Maiden vibe. An enjoyable romp.
More next week with Gacy’s Threads, By Any Means and Hero In Error. Let’s hope for a bigger crowd.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Metal-Attic-a
Escape Fail / Circadian / These Cities Surrender / Valkaine @ Auntie Annie’s
It’s Tuesday, night, it’s early September, it’s Belfast, and it’s upstairs in the only bar left in what was once the city’s entertainment heartland – the Golden Mile.
It’s also the first night of the ‘Weld’ tour, taking four different young up-and-coming metal bands around a series of small venues to get up and close and personal with their prospective audiences: in this case, unfortunately, a half-empty room made up of mums, dads, girlfriends and the other bands.
First up are Valkaine – opening the bill by virtue of a holler as to who soundchecked last? Their slow burning opener is full of promise – tight riffs, good steady rhythms, they get the basics right: they remind me of a young Sweet Savage, without Ramie’s madness.
Next up are high energy schoolboy hardcore high tops These Cities Surrender – their hair just long enough to maybe just about pass the school bell muster, they nonetheless headbang their way through a reasonable mix of accomplished covers and promising original material. Again, they get the basics right, but they definitely need more stage experience to give them more confidence, especially vocalist Jack, who kept turning his back to the albeit small but appreciative audience.
Circadian, by total contrast, ooze confidence from every pore of their rock ‘n’ roll bodies. Another young band, they ripped through an all too short set of classic heads-down riffage blended with prog rock sensibilities and pomp stadia pretensions: sort of Black Crowes meets Porcupine Tree meets The Answer with a healthy dose of Circadian thrown in. A very tight outfit with a very bright future.
Headliners Escape Fails bring things to a suitably rowdy finish, with short, sharp hardcore shots to the midriff, reminding me of Life Of Agony in their heyday. The only downside is the brevity of their set, perhaps mitigated by the fact that, counting the bar staff, there were only about two dozen people still in the room – and it was just about midnight!
I’ve already rehearsed my arguments about Belfast metal audiences – complaining about not having any good bands and then not supporting some of the rather fine exponents of the craft that we have labouring away on nights like this – so I’m not going to go over them again. But I would like to say one thing: Auntie Annie’s is one of those venues with a reputation for having an awful sound – tonight it was excellent.
It’s Tuesday, night, it’s early September, it’s Belfast, and it’s upstairs in the only bar left in what was once the city’s entertainment heartland – the Golden Mile.
It’s also the first night of the ‘Weld’ tour, taking four different young up-and-coming metal bands around a series of small venues to get up and close and personal with their prospective audiences: in this case, unfortunately, a half-empty room made up of mums, dads, girlfriends and the other bands.
First up are Valkaine – opening the bill by virtue of a holler as to who soundchecked last? Their slow burning opener is full of promise – tight riffs, good steady rhythms, they get the basics right: they remind me of a young Sweet Savage, without Ramie’s madness.
Next up are high energy schoolboy hardcore high tops These Cities Surrender – their hair just long enough to maybe just about pass the school bell muster, they nonetheless headbang their way through a reasonable mix of accomplished covers and promising original material. Again, they get the basics right, but they definitely need more stage experience to give them more confidence, especially vocalist Jack, who kept turning his back to the albeit small but appreciative audience.
Circadian, by total contrast, ooze confidence from every pore of their rock ‘n’ roll bodies. Another young band, they ripped through an all too short set of classic heads-down riffage blended with prog rock sensibilities and pomp stadia pretensions: sort of Black Crowes meets Porcupine Tree meets The Answer with a healthy dose of Circadian thrown in. A very tight outfit with a very bright future.
Headliners Escape Fails bring things to a suitably rowdy finish, with short, sharp hardcore shots to the midriff, reminding me of Life Of Agony in their heyday. The only downside is the brevity of their set, perhaps mitigated by the fact that, counting the bar staff, there were only about two dozen people still in the room – and it was just about midnight!
I’ve already rehearsed my arguments about Belfast metal audiences – complaining about not having any good bands and then not supporting some of the rather fine exponents of the craft that we have labouring away on nights like this – so I’m not going to go over them again. But I would like to say one thing: Auntie Annie’s is one of those venues with a reputation for having an awful sound – tonight it was excellent.
swegony
Monday 7 September 2009
Metallers fail to escape the Attic
Four of our wee country’s rising heavy metal bands will literally be ‘Up In The Attic’ tomorrow evening (Tuesday 8 September), on the first night of a combined tour of Norn Iron.
Escape Fails, Valkaine, Circadian and These Cities Surrender are appearing upstairs at Auntie Annie’s, with doors opening at 9pm and admission a mere £3 for the four bands.
Describing their sound as ‘faggotcore’, These Cities Surrender are four friends who came together as a band in February 2009 and recently recorded their debut EP, ‘We Are Forever’, which is released on 19 September.Circadian are a three-piece with the rather unusual (these days) combination of a drumming vocalist (or should that be singing drummer), who combine traditional power metal with prog influences – following the back road from Pink Floyd to Porcupine Tree, via Iron Maiden and Saxon.
Valkaine are another four-piece, based in Newtownards, where they formed in the summer of 2008. In January past, they recorded a five-track EP in Shabby Road Studios, mixed and mastered by Dave McCullough, which is available at gigs.
Headliners Escape Fails seem to be the most experienced of the bunch. Formed in September 2006, they describe themselves as "purveyors of post-hardcore", and earlier this year released their debut album, 'Love, Blood, Family, You', which they hope will help to cement their place as a force on the Irish scene. This haggard ol’ hack must admit to not having heard of any this quartet of acts until a few weeks ago, and I’ve only heard a few snippets on their respective Myspace sites, so I’m looking forward to checking them out tomorrow evening. See you at the bar, fellow metalheads.
Escape Fails, Valkaine, Circadian and These Cities Surrender are appearing upstairs at Auntie Annie’s, with doors opening at 9pm and admission a mere £3 for the four bands.
Describing their sound as ‘faggotcore’, These Cities Surrender are four friends who came together as a band in February 2009 and recently recorded their debut EP, ‘We Are Forever’, which is released on 19 September.Circadian are a three-piece with the rather unusual (these days) combination of a drumming vocalist (or should that be singing drummer), who combine traditional power metal with prog influences – following the back road from Pink Floyd to Porcupine Tree, via Iron Maiden and Saxon.
Valkaine are another four-piece, based in Newtownards, where they formed in the summer of 2008. In January past, they recorded a five-track EP in Shabby Road Studios, mixed and mastered by Dave McCullough, which is available at gigs.
Headliners Escape Fails seem to be the most experienced of the bunch. Formed in September 2006, they describe themselves as "purveyors of post-hardcore", and earlier this year released their debut album, 'Love, Blood, Family, You', which they hope will help to cement their place as a force on the Irish scene. This haggard ol’ hack must admit to not having heard of any this quartet of acts until a few weeks ago, and I’ve only heard a few snippets on their respective Myspace sites, so I’m looking forward to checking them out tomorrow evening. See you at the bar, fellow metalheads.
Friday 4 September 2009
Thursday 3 September 2009
Gary Moore for Belfast return?
Pied Piper understands that some very serious moves are afoot to bring Gary Moore home to Belfast for the first time in almost 20 years. Although Gazza has turned his back on rock to concentrate on da blooze, this undoubtedly is good news for Belshaft geetar freaks starved of his talent for far too long. It's still very early days, and it definitely won't be on his forthcoming English tour, scheduled for November: it looks more likely to be around this time next year, with the Ulster Hall the most likely venue. Watch this space, because I have been assured of one thing - you WILL read it here first!
Y&T - told you so!
As exclusively predicted by PP back in July, San Francisco heavy metal legends Y&T have been confirmed to play Belfast's Spring and Airbrake on Monday 5 October. Support is from StormZone (not Keel as per rest of the UK tour). Although not listed on either TicketMaster or GetUrTicket, the gig is on the official Y&T site and the CDC Leisure site, and tickets are on sale at Katy Daly's - £16.50.
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Hairspray heaven!
With Steel Panther plunging the lows of the big hair metal days of the 80s, now comes the news that one of the leading proponents of the genre and the era, Ron Keel, is Belfast-bound! He is believed to be lined up as support for the legendary Y&T, who are reported to be lining up a Spring and Airbrake gig later this year. Watch this space...
Monday 20 July 2009
Switch on to the Urban Voodoo Machine
The one, the only, the highly distinctive Urban Voodoo Machine are bringing their unique brand of 'Bourbon Soaked Gypsy Blues Bop 'n' Stroll', and its accompanying Tokyo Hotel live show, to Belfast's very own Black Box on Sunday 27 September. More to follow...
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Belfast’s anti-cultural icons showcased at Waterfront
Anti’ - an exhibition paying homage to ten of Belfast’s most influential cultural icons - has opened at Belfast Waterfront as part of the trans 09 festival.
‘Anti’ documents the icons - people, places, songs, clubs and nights - that helped shape Belfast’s cultural heritage. Many of the icons originate from the Seventies and Eighties and are rooted in a level of ‘Anti’-establishment feeling that had a particular resonance.
People were invited to submit their own personal icons for the exhibition - those which they identified as having an impact on their lives and our wider cultural heritage. ‘Anti’ is an installation which reflects their collective voice.
The ten ‘Anti’ icons selected for the exhibition are:
Terri Hooley, the ‘godfather’ of Ulster punk;
the Undertones’ anthem, ‘Teenage Kicks’;
the DJ and composer David Holmes;
Fastfude, the online resource for the Northern Ireland music scene;
‘Across The Line’, BBC Radio Ulster’s programme dedicated to the local music scene;
Giros, the iconic punk / rock band venue;
‘The night the Clash didn't play’;
Therapy? - one of Ulster’s most successful punk rock bands;
‘A Little Solidarity’, a series of groundbreaking gigs by mostly unsigned bands; and
Rudi, one of Ulster’s most influential punk rock bands.
The ‘Anti’ icons have been displayed on toilet walls to reflect the gritty reality of the context in which they existed.
The often bleak setting young people in Belfast found themselves in, particularly during the height of the ‘troubles,’ meant that many threw themselves enthusiastically into the music scene and if that scene embodied a rejection of the status quo, then all the better. ‘Anti’ portrays this alternative culture, ensuring that when people look at the cultural heritage of Belfast they get more than ‘two tribes.’
Adam Turkington, Belfast Waterfront’s Arts and Community Coordinator and organiser of ‘Anti’, told Pied Piper:
“Belfast is steeped in culture. But we often fail to appreciate the full importance, magnitude and impact of the city’s popular music heritage - particularly that which has its roots in the ‘darker’ days of our recent history.
“This exhibition shows that there has always been a much more positive, creative and optimistic side to this great city.”
‘Anti’ is on display at Belfast Waterfront until Friday 31 July.
‘Anti’ is part of trans 09, Belfast’s summer festival which, until 31 July, is showcasing the cream of emerging contemporary arts talent from across Ireland, the United Kingdom and overseas. Full details of all trans events are listed in the trans 09 brochure and online at www.transbelfast.com
‘Anti’ documents the icons - people, places, songs, clubs and nights - that helped shape Belfast’s cultural heritage. Many of the icons originate from the Seventies and Eighties and are rooted in a level of ‘Anti’-establishment feeling that had a particular resonance.
People were invited to submit their own personal icons for the exhibition - those which they identified as having an impact on their lives and our wider cultural heritage. ‘Anti’ is an installation which reflects their collective voice.
The ten ‘Anti’ icons selected for the exhibition are:
Terri Hooley, the ‘godfather’ of Ulster punk;
the Undertones’ anthem, ‘Teenage Kicks’;
the DJ and composer David Holmes;
Fastfude, the online resource for the Northern Ireland music scene;
‘Across The Line’, BBC Radio Ulster’s programme dedicated to the local music scene;
Giros, the iconic punk / rock band venue;
‘The night the Clash didn't play’;
Therapy? - one of Ulster’s most successful punk rock bands;
‘A Little Solidarity’, a series of groundbreaking gigs by mostly unsigned bands; and
Rudi, one of Ulster’s most influential punk rock bands.
The ‘Anti’ icons have been displayed on toilet walls to reflect the gritty reality of the context in which they existed.
The often bleak setting young people in Belfast found themselves in, particularly during the height of the ‘troubles,’ meant that many threw themselves enthusiastically into the music scene and if that scene embodied a rejection of the status quo, then all the better. ‘Anti’ portrays this alternative culture, ensuring that when people look at the cultural heritage of Belfast they get more than ‘two tribes.’
Adam Turkington, Belfast Waterfront’s Arts and Community Coordinator and organiser of ‘Anti’, told Pied Piper:
“Belfast is steeped in culture. But we often fail to appreciate the full importance, magnitude and impact of the city’s popular music heritage - particularly that which has its roots in the ‘darker’ days of our recent history.
“This exhibition shows that there has always been a much more positive, creative and optimistic side to this great city.”
‘Anti’ is on display at Belfast Waterfront until Friday 31 July.
‘Anti’ is part of trans 09, Belfast’s summer festival which, until 31 July, is showcasing the cream of emerging contemporary arts talent from across Ireland, the United Kingdom and overseas. Full details of all trans events are listed in the trans 09 brochure and online at www.transbelfast.com
Friday 3 July 2009
Metal on the Waterfront
Heavy metal is poised to take over the iconic Belfast Waterfront on Friday 10 July.
'Metal in the Afternoon' features four up-and-coming metal outfits - Escape Fails, Valkaine, Circadian and Silver Cord. Starting at 3pm. Tickets are £6.
The gig is being staged as part of trans:mission, a three day music festival-within-a-festival - i.e. trans 09. Further details from http://www.transbelfast.com/.
'Metal in the Afternoon' features four up-and-coming metal outfits - Escape Fails, Valkaine, Circadian and Silver Cord. Starting at 3pm. Tickets are £6.
The gig is being staged as part of trans:mission, a three day music festival-within-a-festival - i.e. trans 09. Further details from http://www.transbelfast.com/.
Thursday 2 July 2009
As promised - Amy 'Lita' Dumas interview
Amy Dumas - better known to many as high-flying, risk-taking (and, frankly, gorgeous) Lita from the WWE is currently touring in the UK and Ireland with her punk-rock band The Luchagors.
The tour comes to Auntie Annie’s on Wednesday 8 July. Tickets cost £12 and are available at the door.
Pied Piper caught up with the tattooed – and very media shy – lady, ahead of her visit.
The tour comes to Auntie Annie’s on Wednesday 8 July. Tickets cost £12 and are available at the door.
Pied Piper caught up with the tattooed – and very media shy – lady, ahead of her visit.
PP: Hi Amy - what you are doing with yourself these days?
Amy: My schedule is much more relaxing. I must admit I enjoy it. I have a radio show on Project96-1 here in Atlanta I do on Sunday nights. It's a one-hour punk show, I love doing it. The last Saturday of every month I am involved with the Silver Scream Spook Show at the Plaza theater in Atlanta. It is a live improv-comedy show with elements of a variety show, vaudeville, and old style spook shows. It is a lot of fun to do. Also, I am always doing stuff with my band as well, even if we aren't on the road, we are at the rehearsal space and dreaming up future possibilities for the band.
PP: It’s been a few years since you left wrestling, do you ever miss it?
Amy: No, I don't miss it. Maybe if I didn't do any other form of entertaining in front of a live audience I would miss it, but I still get my fill of being an entertainer, just not in the ring.
PP: You have been working on your music career and even independently produced your debut album with The Luchagors. How has the music industry treated you, did your past career and high profile help or hinder your progress?
Amy: I would say the music industry has completely ignored us. It is very hard to switch forms of entertainment without some company or lable behind you. I would say may past career has been a catch 22. It has made for somewhat of an instant international fan base, but music people seem to be turned off. Until they see us live, that is.
PP: What inspires your music?
Amy: I would say day to day life can inspire me lyrically, but musically, I grew up on 80's and 90's punk and hardcore. The guys had more of a rock background, Jay, our bass player grew up on similar music. Band wise I would say 7 Seconds, Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks, Lunachicks, X, as well as The Ramones, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy.
PP: Can I ask what your fondest memories of being a full time wrestler are?
Amy: I would say the time before I broke my neck, when I still felt invincible.
PP: Would you ever make a return to the ring, perhaps for one last match or storyline?
Amy: Sure, I have never ruled out a brief run, or a match. Just not a full time schedule again.
PP: So, now us British and Irish fans can look forward to seeing and hearing The Luchagors over the coming week or so, are you looking forward to the gigs and what can we expect from a live Luchagors show?
Amy: Well, definitely high energy, and anything goes. We don't plan a lot in our shows. Not even the set list. We just feel it out and make sure everyone has fun. I must admit, we put ourselves at the top of that list, though. But usually if we are having fun up there- you guys will, too.
PP: Do you find the life on the road any easier in a band than when you were wrestling?
Amy: Travelling with the band is completely different. Alone time is hard to get. We are usually piled into one room, but we chose that life. It's fun. Jay has fixed his snoring so that rules! With wrestling, there can be too much alone time, a lot of driving and a lot of hotel rooms alone.
PP: What’s next for yourself and The Luchagors?
Amy: We really want to concentrate on getting out a new album, so we will start writing and demoing that soon. Look out for it.
We certainly will – just as we’ll look out for you lot down the front come the 8th of July!
We certainly will – just as we’ll look out for you lot down the front come the 8th of July!
Former WWE Diva Lucha-goes on tour!
Known to wrestling fans as Lita in the WWE - or as Miss Congeniality in ECW - Amy Dumas had a remarkable career in the industry during the period between 1999 and 2007.
Her alignment with popular The Hardy Boyz saw her emerge as a role model for teenage girls across the globe. Her tattoos, attitude, ability and funky attire appealed to millions.
Her subsequent fall from grace, and eventual departure from the WWE was less favourable however. After a real-life affair between her and upper mid-carder Edge spoiled her relationship with Matt Hardy and spilled over onto WWE TV, Amy saw her onscreen character become a much hated sexed-up hanger on, simply there as trimming for Edge’s meteoric rise as the Rated R Superstar we know today.
Her alignment with popular The Hardy Boyz saw her emerge as a role model for teenage girls across the globe. Her tattoos, attitude, ability and funky attire appealed to millions.
Her subsequent fall from grace, and eventual departure from the WWE was less favourable however. After a real-life affair between her and upper mid-carder Edge spoiled her relationship with Matt Hardy and spilled over onto WWE TV, Amy saw her onscreen character become a much hated sexed-up hanger on, simply there as trimming for Edge’s meteoric rise as the Rated R Superstar we know today.
Like the recently departed Vickie Guererro, Dumas saw her farewell from the company as a huge letdown, going out with a similar embarrassing incident as poor Vickie, hers courtesy of tag team Cryme Time. Although the four time women’s champ has returned on occasion to WWE screens, she is now retired from the ring – and she is very reticent to talk about those eight years of her life, as can be seen in the soon-to-be-posted interview with The Pied Piper.
Guererro should however take notice of how Amy used her departure to her advantage and has fared well in her ‘future endeavours’ (as the WWE put it). Pursuing her interests in music and singing, Amy and her boyfriend Shane Morton formed punk-rock band The Luchagorz in 2006, independently releasing their debut album in 2007 and have found themselves an in-demand act, playing around the US, Mexico. Now they are about to embark on a debut UK/Ireland tour this July and August , which brings them to Belfast’s Auntie Annie's Porterhouse on Wednesday 8 July. Tickets cost £12 and are available at the door.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Lita (lucha)gorz Belfast
Latino-inspired punks Los Luchagorz - fronted by ex-WWE diva Lita - play Belfast's Auntie Annie's Porterhouse on Tuesday (that's the 8th of July fuckwitz). Tix are £12 and not selling - get down and give the tattoo'd lady your support, or I've a feeling she's gonna come looking for us! Exclusive Pied Piper interview with the luvverly Lita to follow soon...
Thursday 11 June 2009
Tesla open European tour in Belfast
More than 2000 years ago, one Julius Caesar famously proclaimed that he had came, he had seen and he had conquered.
Roll the clock forward to 11 June 2009 and five guys from Sacramento can proudly claim that they came to Belfast, they played and they most definitely fucking conquered.
Quite simply, Tesla's long-awaited return to our fair city was, quite simply, AWESOME. As I predicted in my earlier blog, it was most definitely worth the wait.Some 22 years ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting Jeff Keith and his merry band of rock'n'roll urban cowboys. Tonight, it was a greater pleasure to renew that acquaintance. 1987 may be more years ago than many of us can, or care to, remember, but it was just like it was yesterday.From the opening chord of 'Forever More' to the dying cadence of 'Cumin Atcha Live', this was a lesson in how to deliver an absolutely brilliant and blistering rock set, balancing powerful new material with classic tracks and beautiful acoustic interludes.Highlights? 'Modern Day Cowboy', of course, and a brilliant 'L'il Susie', with 'I Wanna Live' close behind.A little over two decades ago, Tesla came close to ripping the roof off the Ulster Hall. Tonight, only the three floors of offices above prevented them trying it at the Spring and Airbrake. Methinks, based on reaction of tonight's sold out crowd, they should be trying it again soon at the former venue again in the not too distant future...
Roll the clock forward to 11 June 2009 and five guys from Sacramento can proudly claim that they came to Belfast, they played and they most definitely fucking conquered.
Quite simply, Tesla's long-awaited return to our fair city was, quite simply, AWESOME. As I predicted in my earlier blog, it was most definitely worth the wait.Some 22 years ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting Jeff Keith and his merry band of rock'n'roll urban cowboys. Tonight, it was a greater pleasure to renew that acquaintance. 1987 may be more years ago than many of us can, or care to, remember, but it was just like it was yesterday.From the opening chord of 'Forever More' to the dying cadence of 'Cumin Atcha Live', this was a lesson in how to deliver an absolutely brilliant and blistering rock set, balancing powerful new material with classic tracks and beautiful acoustic interludes.Highlights? 'Modern Day Cowboy', of course, and a brilliant 'L'il Susie', with 'I Wanna Live' close behind.A little over two decades ago, Tesla came close to ripping the roof off the Ulster Hall. Tonight, only the three floors of offices above prevented them trying it at the Spring and Airbrake. Methinks, based on reaction of tonight's sold out crowd, they should be trying it again soon at the former venue again in the not too distant future...
Thursday 4 June 2009
When the kids are united...
Punk legends Sham 69 are to play the Empire Music Hall on Saturday 4 July. Tickets are £11.50. Support by Shame Academy.
Wednesday 13 May 2009
I know this ain't Belfast shit but WTF - Dimmu Borgir: Comic Book Heroes
Terminal Press and Nuclear Blast Records have teamed up for one of the most brutal comics of the year with "Dimmu Borgir: Dark Fortress."
This is the first in a series of books influenced by the lyrical, artistic and musical concepts from Nuclear Blast’s polarizing roster of bands translated into the comic medium by the creative teams at Terminal Press.
Three reluctant men are chosen to quest to the Dark Fortress in a desperate attempt to protect their land from a growing evil. Despite a legend warning that the harsh land built upon lava fields is actually the gateway to Hell, they make their way across the treacherous path, encountering horrors, madness and death along the way.
The three men will either survive the journey and learn the secret behind the legend of the Dark Fortress, or meet a most gruesome demise.
"Dimmu Borgir: Dark Fortress" utilizes the artistic vision and lyrical themes of the biggest Black Metal band in the world, DIMMU BORGIR, to create a powerful and thought-provoking fantasy horror comic book.
"I am artistically influenced and more passionate about metal music than any other genre or medium” says Terminal Press publisher and writer Brian Ferrara.
“This is a project that I have always wanted to do and have thought about for years. I wanted to bring metal bands into comics in a way that would do them justice. These are books for fans of the bands, but they will also be able to stand on their own."
"Dimmu Borgir: Dark Fortress" is written by Brian Ferrara (Silent Assassin, Debbie Does Dallas), with art by Narek Gevorgian (Silent Assassin, Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Here).
A "Dimmu Borgir: Dark Fortress" preview book containing original artwork and pin-ups created specifically for this edition will be available through TerminalPress.com.
"Dimmu Borgir: Dark Fortress" will be available later this year from Terminal Press.
A promo image is available at http://www.terminalpress.com/images/news/TP_DIMMU_PROMO_01.jpg
Monday 11 May 2009
WTF Motorhead
A little research has found that we're being charged 50% more than anyone else on the rest of the UK tour - £38 as opposed to £25 elsewhere. Promoters MCD have obviously converted what they're charging in Euros for Dublin straight to sterling. Sorry, Mr Desmond, it doesn't work that way... Don't rip off the Belfast fans who have stood by you for the past 30 years.
Motorhead ticket prices
Tickets for Motorhead's Ulster Hall gig are now on sale. At 38 notes they are a tad steep, to be polite about it. The Ulster Hall doesn't use TicketMaster, so tickets can be bought from the box office in Bedford Street, or that at the Waterfront - or your local ExtraVision! Check www.ulsterhall.co.uk for details.
Sunday 10 May 2009
Welcome back Motorhead
The legendary Lemmy and the mighty Motorhead return to Belfast on November 9, on the opening night of their already announced 16-date UK tour. It's at the Ulster Hall - where they last played five years ago. That was an awesome show, especially as PP and his snapper mate Murph had unprecedented backstage access and watched most of the show from behind the stage in the choir seats - a great vantage point to watch a truly professional metal act at work, and also to watch the audience's reaction (that was when Belfast 'metal' crowds knew how to fucking enjoy themselves - see my rant elsewhere on this blog and on http://www.belfastmetalheadsreunited.blogspot.com/).
BTW classic rock fans, the legendary Deep Purple also are to head our way, and also to the Ulster Hall, around the same time. Methinks it might be November 8...
BTW classic rock fans, the legendary Deep Purple also are to head our way, and also to the Ulster Hall, around the same time. Methinks it might be November 8...
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Doro Pesch - Metal Goddess
There is simply no doubt about it (and I am not accepting any arguments to the contrary) – Doro Pesch is, quite simply, the sexiest fucking woman in rock!
To find out why I know this, read my review of her Mandela Hall concert at www.myspace.com/piedpiperbelfast.
To find out why I know this, read my review of her Mandela Hall concert at www.myspace.com/piedpiperbelfast.
Sunday 26 April 2009
Sweet Savage album delayed
The Pied Piper has learned that the long-awaited new album from Belfast's own Sweet Savage will have to wait a bit longer before it sees the light of day.
Entitled 'Warbird', I have it on excellent authority that the original June release for the Simon McBride-produced opus will be pushed back.
The album now will surface in July at the earliest - although it may be pushed back still further, until September.
The boys previewed a handful of the songs, including the title track and the excellent 'Regenerator', during their short opening stint for the mighty Saxon at Mandela Hall earlier this evening. Ramie was in great form, proving once again that he is a truly under-rated frontman.
Entitled 'Warbird', I have it on excellent authority that the original June release for the Simon McBride-produced opus will be pushed back.
The album now will surface in July at the earliest - although it may be pushed back still further, until September.
The boys previewed a handful of the songs, including the title track and the excellent 'Regenerator', during their short opening stint for the mighty Saxon at Mandela Hall earlier this evening. Ramie was in great form, proving once again that he is a truly under-rated frontman.
Friday 24 April 2009
Belfast Music Exhibition - Online Video Report
The Belfast Telegraph website has a great report on the official opening of the Belfast Music Exhibition at the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Check it out at http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/tv/belfast-music-exhibition-14279685.html
Thursday 23 April 2009
Keeping Bad Company - Again!
X-COM - Formerly known as BAD COMPANY
After a sell out show in the Empire last May bank holiday weekend, Bad Company are back are back by popular demand, under the new name of X-Com!
Mick Ralphs (Guitars)
Prolific guitarist and multi hit songwriter Mick Ralphs was one of the founding members of Mott The Hoople and, along with Paul Rogers, the founding member of Bad Company.
Mick’s composition "Can't Get Enough" became an immediate hit and pushed the group's 1974 debut album to number one in the US and onto become an an international hit. In 1975, “Straight Shooter” gave the group another US no.1 album. The album also spawned two hit singles, "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" and the slower "Feel Like Makin' Love" both written and co-written by Mick Ralphs respectively.
Robert Hart (Vocals)
Robert Hart fronted and toured with Bad Company for four years. He also co-wrote two of the band's albums, “Company of Strangers” and “Stories Told & Untold”.
Kenny Jones, former drummer of Faces / Small Faces and, more recently, The Who, insists that Robert is one of the best singers in the business.“He’s got one of the most amazing voices I’ve ever heard. I’ve been in bands with the likes of Steve Marriott, Rod Stewart, Roger Daltrey and Paul Rodgers and Robert has a voice right up there with them”.
Robert was signed to Island Records in the 1980s and writing and co-writing several projects including the soundtrack for the Whoopi Goldberg film, The Burglar. Robert’s band, The Distance, gained success in a worldwide market with particularly high sales in Japan.
After leaving the band he moved to Atlantic Records as a solo artist, releasing his first album, Cries and Whispers. He then became the first English artist to be signed by Disney-owned Hollywood Records and worked with Russ Ballard on Robert’s self-titled album, “Robert Hart”, which charted in more than 18 countries.
It was while touring following the release of the album that Robert was approached by Mick Ralphs and asked whether he would be interested in fronting Bad Company.Robert has also fronted Company of Strangers with ex Whitesnake members and is also frontman with the Jones Gang which he formed with former Who drummer, Kenny Jones. The Jones Gang had a US number 1 hit with the track “Angel” which was co-written by Robert. It stayed at no.1 for 12 weeks.
Dave Colwell (Guitars)
Dave is the longest ever serving 'lead guitarist' to have performed throughout the history of Bad Company, appearing on nearly every one of their recorded albums. He has been a member of a multitude of world-class rock bands including Humble Pie, The Jones Gang, The Quireboys, FM and ASAP (with Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden).
He co-wrote several tracks on the Bad Company albums, “Company Of Strangers” and “Stories Told and Untold”. Dave also wrote the song “Reach Out”, performed by Iron Maiden and was used as a B-side on the “Wasted Years” single. He produced the Humble Pie “Back on Track” album and wrote seven of the ten tracks featured on it.
Jaz Lochrie (Bass)
Jaz had a springboard success with eighties white-soul band Go West. A high profile session career ensued followed by a move to Japan to form Psychedelix with Cher resulting in four albums. He toured with Pete Townsend, Alice Cooper and Roger Daltrey efore being approached by Paul Rodgers to tour and record with Bad Company / Paul Rogers which he did from 1995. Jaz played bass on the Merchants of Cool tour with Bad Company and on the live DVD and album, Merchants Of Cool. He also plays bass on the hit musical, Mama Mia and also on the movie soundtrack!
Harry James (Drums)
Known also for his work with Thunder and Magnum, Harry is one of the most respected drummers on the rock circuit. Harry has contributed to work with Don Airey, Russ Ballard, Graham Bonnet, Shadowman and Paul Young. In 2006 he played with The Ian Gillan Band at The Royal Albert Hall.
Empire Music Hall
Saturday 2nd MayDoors 8.30pm£15.50
After a sell out show in the Empire last May bank holiday weekend, Bad Company are back are back by popular demand, under the new name of X-Com!
Mick Ralphs (Guitars)
Prolific guitarist and multi hit songwriter Mick Ralphs was one of the founding members of Mott The Hoople and, along with Paul Rogers, the founding member of Bad Company.
Mick’s composition "Can't Get Enough" became an immediate hit and pushed the group's 1974 debut album to number one in the US and onto become an an international hit. In 1975, “Straight Shooter” gave the group another US no.1 album. The album also spawned two hit singles, "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" and the slower "Feel Like Makin' Love" both written and co-written by Mick Ralphs respectively.
Robert Hart (Vocals)
Robert Hart fronted and toured with Bad Company for four years. He also co-wrote two of the band's albums, “Company of Strangers” and “Stories Told & Untold”.
Kenny Jones, former drummer of Faces / Small Faces and, more recently, The Who, insists that Robert is one of the best singers in the business.“He’s got one of the most amazing voices I’ve ever heard. I’ve been in bands with the likes of Steve Marriott, Rod Stewart, Roger Daltrey and Paul Rodgers and Robert has a voice right up there with them”.
Robert was signed to Island Records in the 1980s and writing and co-writing several projects including the soundtrack for the Whoopi Goldberg film, The Burglar. Robert’s band, The Distance, gained success in a worldwide market with particularly high sales in Japan.
After leaving the band he moved to Atlantic Records as a solo artist, releasing his first album, Cries and Whispers. He then became the first English artist to be signed by Disney-owned Hollywood Records and worked with Russ Ballard on Robert’s self-titled album, “Robert Hart”, which charted in more than 18 countries.
It was while touring following the release of the album that Robert was approached by Mick Ralphs and asked whether he would be interested in fronting Bad Company.Robert has also fronted Company of Strangers with ex Whitesnake members and is also frontman with the Jones Gang which he formed with former Who drummer, Kenny Jones. The Jones Gang had a US number 1 hit with the track “Angel” which was co-written by Robert. It stayed at no.1 for 12 weeks.
Dave Colwell (Guitars)
Dave is the longest ever serving 'lead guitarist' to have performed throughout the history of Bad Company, appearing on nearly every one of their recorded albums. He has been a member of a multitude of world-class rock bands including Humble Pie, The Jones Gang, The Quireboys, FM and ASAP (with Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden).
He co-wrote several tracks on the Bad Company albums, “Company Of Strangers” and “Stories Told and Untold”. Dave also wrote the song “Reach Out”, performed by Iron Maiden and was used as a B-side on the “Wasted Years” single. He produced the Humble Pie “Back on Track” album and wrote seven of the ten tracks featured on it.
Jaz Lochrie (Bass)
Jaz had a springboard success with eighties white-soul band Go West. A high profile session career ensued followed by a move to Japan to form Psychedelix with Cher resulting in four albums. He toured with Pete Townsend, Alice Cooper and Roger Daltrey efore being approached by Paul Rodgers to tour and record with Bad Company / Paul Rogers which he did from 1995. Jaz played bass on the Merchants of Cool tour with Bad Company and on the live DVD and album, Merchants Of Cool. He also plays bass on the hit musical, Mama Mia and also on the movie soundtrack!
Harry James (Drums)
Known also for his work with Thunder and Magnum, Harry is one of the most respected drummers on the rock circuit. Harry has contributed to work with Don Airey, Russ Ballard, Graham Bonnet, Shadowman and Paul Young. In 2006 he played with The Ian Gillan Band at The Royal Albert Hall.
Empire Music Hall
Saturday 2nd MayDoors 8.30pm£15.50
Wednesday 22 April 2009
‘Flight 666’ – A Journey Somewhere Back In Time
The road movie to end all road movies – and all done by air!
Iron Maiden’s first venture onto celluloid (outside promo videos, of course) documents the first leg of last year’s epic ‘Somewhere Back In Time’ where the legends literally attempted to reach the parts other metal bands have never reached before... and naturally succeeded.
I’ll admit to not being the biggest Irons fan in the world: yeah, I do have most of their albums and a couple of DVDs and they are a band for whom I’ve always had the utmost respect - for always sticking to what they believe in – bombastic, straight ahead British metal without pandering to media hype or commercial pressures.
‘Flight 666’ has definitely cemented this respect in concrete – and then some.
In short, it is a fantastic film – one that has been some 30 years in the making... and worth the wait.
At the outset, it is very firmly pointed out that Steve Harris et al are extremely private individuals. This most definitely comes across in this fine documentary.
They always have been extremely honest, especially in their dealings with their fans, and this also comes across, just as they also have very tightly controlled the access they give the media to their inner sanctum (mainly due, as again comes across, to the firm but fair guiding hand of long time manager Rod Smallwood).
Obviously, the movie has a lot of flaws (there is a heavy emphasis on the family values surrounding the band, but do these guys never fight like real families?) – and it is obvious that the band did keep a tight rein on the documentary crew – but it nevertheless is a rare treat: an invaluable glimpse behind the scenes of the biggest rock ‘n’ roll behemoth this planet has ever seen (and ever will!).
There a number of memorable aspects to ‘Flight 666’ that differentiate both this movie and Iron Maiden from the norm of both of their respective artforms – the genuine, self-deprecating humour of all concerned (especially Nicko McBrain), the genuine love of the music they perform, their determination to always put on the best show possible (witness the Australian shows where half the band and crew come down with Delhi belly) – and their utmost respect for their fans.
And the DVD is definitely going to be fun: there’s gotta be at least a million hours of out-takes and 20 concert performances to spare!
Iron Maiden’s first venture onto celluloid (outside promo videos, of course) documents the first leg of last year’s epic ‘Somewhere Back In Time’ where the legends literally attempted to reach the parts other metal bands have never reached before... and naturally succeeded.
I’ll admit to not being the biggest Irons fan in the world: yeah, I do have most of their albums and a couple of DVDs and they are a band for whom I’ve always had the utmost respect - for always sticking to what they believe in – bombastic, straight ahead British metal without pandering to media hype or commercial pressures.
‘Flight 666’ has definitely cemented this respect in concrete – and then some.
In short, it is a fantastic film – one that has been some 30 years in the making... and worth the wait.
At the outset, it is very firmly pointed out that Steve Harris et al are extremely private individuals. This most definitely comes across in this fine documentary.
They always have been extremely honest, especially in their dealings with their fans, and this also comes across, just as they also have very tightly controlled the access they give the media to their inner sanctum (mainly due, as again comes across, to the firm but fair guiding hand of long time manager Rod Smallwood).
Obviously, the movie has a lot of flaws (there is a heavy emphasis on the family values surrounding the band, but do these guys never fight like real families?) – and it is obvious that the band did keep a tight rein on the documentary crew – but it nevertheless is a rare treat: an invaluable glimpse behind the scenes of the biggest rock ‘n’ roll behemoth this planet has ever seen (and ever will!).
There a number of memorable aspects to ‘Flight 666’ that differentiate both this movie and Iron Maiden from the norm of both of their respective artforms – the genuine, self-deprecating humour of all concerned (especially Nicko McBrain), the genuine love of the music they perform, their determination to always put on the best show possible (witness the Australian shows where half the band and crew come down with Delhi belly) – and their utmost respect for their fans.
And the DVD is definitely going to be fun: there’s gotta be at least a million hours of out-takes and 20 concert performances to spare!
The mechanics of time
It was one of those rare Friday afternoons in Belfast in the latter half of the 80s – the sun was actually shining. But, I still have very warm memories of that day for very different reasons.
It was 28 August 1987 and I was sitting in the bar of the Europa Hotel (surprise, surprise I hear from those who know me well). I was a 21-year old rising (well, so I thought) rock hack and I was sitting round a table with five tanned Californians.
They were a band by the name of Tesla. They were different from all the big hair ponces cluttering up the rock charts and airwaves at the time. Very different. For a start, their hair was real: not a whiff of Elnett or extensions in sight. And they could play. Boy, could they play!
Their debut album, ‘Mechanical Resonance’, had been released six months earlier to huge critical and fan acclaim. I myself had described it as “straightforwardly brilliant”, “a masterpiece” and “sheer delight”. It was all the more remarkable because, in that over-produced, producer-manipulated era, it was recorded virtually live.
This particular lunchtime was their first foray across the Atlantic, as support to Def Leppard (did I mention producer manipulation yet?), who were embarking on their first full-scale UK tour since drummer Rick Allen had lost his arm in a car crash. We’ll not go into all that, because it is a road well-travelled (if you’ll forgive the pun).
For Tesla, it was a daunting task – but one they were really looking forward to. They were remarkably relaxed as we chatted, had a few drinks and a bite of lunch (while da Lepps’ female fans tried to break in the Europa’s windows, as Joe Elliott was sitting at the same table! Talk about making my ego feel good when I walked outside later.).
Then it all nearly went so wrong. The band were due to do a signing a session at what was once Golden Discs in Castle Place – except nobody knew where they were supposed to be going. Nobody except your friendly neighbourhood rock hack and his faithful photographer sidekick, that was. So, we bundled the band into a couple of convenient taxis and roared off in the general direction of the city centre.
I knew the band were popular, because the vibe leading up to the gig had been phenomenal. But nothing prepared even me for what we met – a seething sea of humanity, as literally hundreds of rockers tried to squeeze into the store. With no security, it took us ten minutes to fight our way through the crowd to the front door of the store!
Later that night, and the following one, Tesla were ‘Cumin’ Atcha Live’ – and came as close as they were going to be allowed to get to blowing Def Leppard off the stage. The fans were chanting their names and singing their songs: there were Tesla flags hanging from the balcony, and their T-shirts were flying out the doors. As I wrote in my column a few weeks later, when the boys left Belfast “their smiles would have stretched from here to their home town of Sacramento and back … twice!”
It was one of my favourite days in more than 20 years working in and around the music business. One of those days that makes the whole dirty business worthwhile.
The band went on to produce what to me, and many other rock fans of my ilk, is one of THE seminal albums of the period, ‘Five Man Acoustical Jam’ – a live album that did exactly what it said on the cover, and captured the essence of MTV’s new ‘Unplugged’ generation.
In the early 1990s, Tesla proved they did indeed have something in common with their California contemporaries: they imploded, and not prettily.
However, the band have now exploded back on the scene, marking their return with 2007’s ‘Real To Reel’, a double set of covers of hard rock classics. Their most recent album, ‘Forever More’, was released in last year - and has just been reissued in classic vinyl, a harkening back to the halcyon days of the music and a band now back at the top of their game.
The same hysteria is unlikely to greet Brian Wheat and his band of rock ’n’ roll travellers when they return to Belfast in June, but I for one am at the head of the queue for tickets. It has been a long road from the Belfast of 1987 to that of 2009, but it has been one worth travelling.
Tesla headline the Spring and Airbrake on Thursday 11 June. They then play Dublin 02, with Journey, Whitesnake and Def Leppard, on Saturday 13 June, and the Download Festival at Donington on Sunday 14 June.
It was 28 August 1987 and I was sitting in the bar of the Europa Hotel (surprise, surprise I hear from those who know me well). I was a 21-year old rising (well, so I thought) rock hack and I was sitting round a table with five tanned Californians.
They were a band by the name of Tesla. They were different from all the big hair ponces cluttering up the rock charts and airwaves at the time. Very different. For a start, their hair was real: not a whiff of Elnett or extensions in sight. And they could play. Boy, could they play!
Their debut album, ‘Mechanical Resonance’, had been released six months earlier to huge critical and fan acclaim. I myself had described it as “straightforwardly brilliant”, “a masterpiece” and “sheer delight”. It was all the more remarkable because, in that over-produced, producer-manipulated era, it was recorded virtually live.
This particular lunchtime was their first foray across the Atlantic, as support to Def Leppard (did I mention producer manipulation yet?), who were embarking on their first full-scale UK tour since drummer Rick Allen had lost his arm in a car crash. We’ll not go into all that, because it is a road well-travelled (if you’ll forgive the pun).
For Tesla, it was a daunting task – but one they were really looking forward to. They were remarkably relaxed as we chatted, had a few drinks and a bite of lunch (while da Lepps’ female fans tried to break in the Europa’s windows, as Joe Elliott was sitting at the same table! Talk about making my ego feel good when I walked outside later.).
Then it all nearly went so wrong. The band were due to do a signing a session at what was once Golden Discs in Castle Place – except nobody knew where they were supposed to be going. Nobody except your friendly neighbourhood rock hack and his faithful photographer sidekick, that was. So, we bundled the band into a couple of convenient taxis and roared off in the general direction of the city centre.
I knew the band were popular, because the vibe leading up to the gig had been phenomenal. But nothing prepared even me for what we met – a seething sea of humanity, as literally hundreds of rockers tried to squeeze into the store. With no security, it took us ten minutes to fight our way through the crowd to the front door of the store!
Later that night, and the following one, Tesla were ‘Cumin’ Atcha Live’ – and came as close as they were going to be allowed to get to blowing Def Leppard off the stage. The fans were chanting their names and singing their songs: there were Tesla flags hanging from the balcony, and their T-shirts were flying out the doors. As I wrote in my column a few weeks later, when the boys left Belfast “their smiles would have stretched from here to their home town of Sacramento and back … twice!”
It was one of my favourite days in more than 20 years working in and around the music business. One of those days that makes the whole dirty business worthwhile.
The band went on to produce what to me, and many other rock fans of my ilk, is one of THE seminal albums of the period, ‘Five Man Acoustical Jam’ – a live album that did exactly what it said on the cover, and captured the essence of MTV’s new ‘Unplugged’ generation.
In the early 1990s, Tesla proved they did indeed have something in common with their California contemporaries: they imploded, and not prettily.
However, the band have now exploded back on the scene, marking their return with 2007’s ‘Real To Reel’, a double set of covers of hard rock classics. Their most recent album, ‘Forever More’, was released in last year - and has just been reissued in classic vinyl, a harkening back to the halcyon days of the music and a band now back at the top of their game.
The same hysteria is unlikely to greet Brian Wheat and his band of rock ’n’ roll travellers when they return to Belfast in June, but I for one am at the head of the queue for tickets. It has been a long road from the Belfast of 1987 to that of 2009, but it has been one worth travelling.
Tesla headline the Spring and Airbrake on Thursday 11 June. They then play Dublin 02, with Journey, Whitesnake and Def Leppard, on Saturday 13 June, and the Download Festival at Donington on Sunday 14 June.
Belfast Music Exhibition - Opens 22 April
A new exhibition, telling the story of Northern Ireland’s rich musical heritage, has opened in Belfast city centre.
The Belfast Music Exhibition, at the Oh Yeah music centre, in Gordon Street, takes visitors on a unique journey - from Ruby Murray to Snow Patrol, by way of Stiff Little Fingers, Dana and Clodagh Rogers, via The Undertones, The Divine Comedy, Nadine Coyle and Henry McCullough.
The exhibition tells the story of the glorious achievements and diverse musical talents that Northern Ireland has produced over the years, and have helped heap international acclaim on the province.
A series of story boards plot the history of the Northern Ireland music scene from folk music to Snow Patrol, while audio-visual displays showcases performances by the likes of Them, The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers and Ruby Murray, and a ‘Legends’ wall hails the great achievers in local music.
The exhibition also features a wide range of diverse and unique memorabilia from the local music business and the personalities involved in it – including platinum discs, badges, vintage stage gear, lyric sheets, film footage, ticket stubs and backstage passes.
Among the highlights are rare articles from The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers, the Fender guitar on which Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol wrote ‘Run’ and ‘Chasing Cars’, artefacts from the historic Maritime Hotel – and the dress worn by Dana when she won the Eurovision Song Contest in March 1970.
Other exhibits include:
the sequined jacket that Henry McCullough wore on tour with Paul McCartney and Wings;
a guitar belonging to Andy Cairns from Therapy?, that was smashed on stage at the Mandela Hall, Belfast, in 1992;
gold, silver and platinum discs celebrating the achievements of Snow Patrol, Ash and David Holmes;
punk jackets and boots, as work by The Outcasts;
autographs of Ruby Murray, The Undertones, Horslips and Them;
a vintage street sign of Cyprus Avenue, made famous in a Van Morrison song;
rare records from Phil Coulter, Stiff Little Fingers, The Undertones and more;
David McWilliams’ first guitar;
Sam Mahood’s old stage silks from the days of the Maritime Hotel, and membership cards from the club.
Following an appeal back in February for memorabilia, new material continues to arrive at the Oh Yeah centre on a daily basis, which will help to ensure that the content of the exhibition continually changes.
This is one of a series of new music tourism initiatives to celebrate Belfast’s rich musical heritage. Internationally, cultural tourism is developing into one of the fastest-growing and most sustainable aspects of the tourism industry, and recent research shows that 21 per cent of potential visitors are inspired to choose a destination because of the music of that country.
We are aiming to capitalize on this by promoting Belfast’s reputation as the birthplace of great music and making our music scene more accessible to visitors.
Based on leading case studies, from Nashville to Liverpool’s music tourism strategies, these new music tourism initiatives also include the weekly Belfast Music Tour, the new website belfastmusic.org, an MP3 tour, and showcasing our music talent in the international marketplace. Belfast’s music receives high international praise and our latest generation of musicians are playing a crucial role in revitalising the city.
If nurtured in the right way, they have the ability to make Belfast truly competitive on the global stage.
The Belfast Music Exhibition is at the Oh Yeah music centre, which is located in a former bonded whiskey warehouse in Gordon Street, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. It covers 14,500 square feet over three floors, and features a performance space, a drop-in area, office units, a privately-run recording studio and exhibition space.
For more information on the exhibition, the Belfast Music Tour, extensive gig listings, mp3 downloads, podcasts, exclusive interviews and much more, visit www.belfastmusic.org
The Belfast Music Exhibition, at the Oh Yeah music centre, in Gordon Street, takes visitors on a unique journey - from Ruby Murray to Snow Patrol, by way of Stiff Little Fingers, Dana and Clodagh Rogers, via The Undertones, The Divine Comedy, Nadine Coyle and Henry McCullough.
The exhibition tells the story of the glorious achievements and diverse musical talents that Northern Ireland has produced over the years, and have helped heap international acclaim on the province.
A series of story boards plot the history of the Northern Ireland music scene from folk music to Snow Patrol, while audio-visual displays showcases performances by the likes of Them, The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers and Ruby Murray, and a ‘Legends’ wall hails the great achievers in local music.
The exhibition also features a wide range of diverse and unique memorabilia from the local music business and the personalities involved in it – including platinum discs, badges, vintage stage gear, lyric sheets, film footage, ticket stubs and backstage passes.
Among the highlights are rare articles from The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers, the Fender guitar on which Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol wrote ‘Run’ and ‘Chasing Cars’, artefacts from the historic Maritime Hotel – and the dress worn by Dana when she won the Eurovision Song Contest in March 1970.
Other exhibits include:
the sequined jacket that Henry McCullough wore on tour with Paul McCartney and Wings;
a guitar belonging to Andy Cairns from Therapy?, that was smashed on stage at the Mandela Hall, Belfast, in 1992;
gold, silver and platinum discs celebrating the achievements of Snow Patrol, Ash and David Holmes;
punk jackets and boots, as work by The Outcasts;
autographs of Ruby Murray, The Undertones, Horslips and Them;
a vintage street sign of Cyprus Avenue, made famous in a Van Morrison song;
rare records from Phil Coulter, Stiff Little Fingers, The Undertones and more;
David McWilliams’ first guitar;
Sam Mahood’s old stage silks from the days of the Maritime Hotel, and membership cards from the club.
Following an appeal back in February for memorabilia, new material continues to arrive at the Oh Yeah centre on a daily basis, which will help to ensure that the content of the exhibition continually changes.
This is one of a series of new music tourism initiatives to celebrate Belfast’s rich musical heritage. Internationally, cultural tourism is developing into one of the fastest-growing and most sustainable aspects of the tourism industry, and recent research shows that 21 per cent of potential visitors are inspired to choose a destination because of the music of that country.
We are aiming to capitalize on this by promoting Belfast’s reputation as the birthplace of great music and making our music scene more accessible to visitors.
Based on leading case studies, from Nashville to Liverpool’s music tourism strategies, these new music tourism initiatives also include the weekly Belfast Music Tour, the new website belfastmusic.org, an MP3 tour, and showcasing our music talent in the international marketplace. Belfast’s music receives high international praise and our latest generation of musicians are playing a crucial role in revitalising the city.
If nurtured in the right way, they have the ability to make Belfast truly competitive on the global stage.
The Belfast Music Exhibition is at the Oh Yeah music centre, which is located in a former bonded whiskey warehouse in Gordon Street, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. It covers 14,500 square feet over three floors, and features a performance space, a drop-in area, office units, a privately-run recording studio and exhibition space.
For more information on the exhibition, the Belfast Music Tour, extensive gig listings, mp3 downloads, podcasts, exclusive interviews and much more, visit www.belfastmusic.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)