Up-Load UK, Gigs News & reviews Press Releases February 2008

29/02/2008	************************************************************************************** THE OUTLINE RELEASE NEW SINGLE 'SLOPPY DRUNK' ON APRIL 7 !! ************************************************************************************** L.A rockers THE OUTLINE release new single 'Sloppy Drunk' on April 7 through 30:30 Recordings; with new album 'You Smash It, We'll Build Around It' due for release in the UK on May 26. Produced by Chris Fudurich (Nada Surf, Finch) it has earned them a position on the roster at Fearless Records (At The Drive In, Plain White T's) in the US. THE OUTLINE came over to the UK at the end of last year, to tour as main support with Aussie rockers Powderfinger. Their legendary stage show has allowed them to perform with a sizable spectrum of acts, including My Chemical Romance, Saosin, Jack's Mannequin, Panic At The Disco, Ben Lee and the 5,6,7,8s. With plans in the pipeline to head our way for a sizeable tour...WATCH THIS SPACE!! http://www.myspace.com/theoutline
27/02/2008	‘Danava are a retro-futuristic voyage into an apocalyptic nightmare world where light is dark and weird is normal.’ – Kerrang! ‘This will blow your mind.’ Metal Hammer ‘Deserves it’s own award for merry insanity.’ – Plan B Following the release of ‘Unonou’ on Kemado records, Portland Oregon’s cosmic rock cadets Danava are to embark on their first ever UK and European tour alongside fellow freaks Witchcraft and Gentlemen’s Pistols this coming April. If epic sludge riffage and cosmically long winding songs is your bag, then Danava will quite rightly show you the goods. Danava will be playing at the following dates throughout April 2008. Thur 10th Apr - Pitz , Milton Keynes Fri 11th Apr - Underworld, London Sat 12th Apr - Sin City, Swansea Sun 13th Apr - Wheyland, Dublin Mon 14th Apr - Aunt Annie's Porterhause, Belfast Tues 15th Apr – Ivory Black’s, Glasgow Wed 16th Apr - Rio, Leeds www.kemado.com www.myspace.com/danava
27/02/2008	ENVY & OTHER SINS SIGN TO A&M RECORDS AND RELEASE ‘HIGHNESS’ ON MARCH 3RD, 2008 “this group of marauding dandies sound like an episode of Blackadder III, directed by Freddie Mercury, produced by Jellyfish and edited by Matt Bellamy” NME “cheeky, catchy, Dexys-meets-Talking Heads huge stomping rock’n’roll” The Fly Forged in the furnaces of Birmingham in 2005, Envy & Other Sins have spent the past two years like many other young bands – writing, recording, touring and working hard for their big break. Then in late 2007 that break arrived in the form of Channel 4’s Mobile Act Unsigned. Envy & Other Sins entered the TV show which was designed by Channel 4 as a competition for bands who write and perform their own music. It provided an amazing platform for new bands to reach a huge, regular audience every week. Having beaten over 1,600 contenders to make it through to the live shows, they were knocked out after a fortnight only to return as a wild card entry several weeks later, voted back in by the fans and judges. The band’s catchy riffs and upbeat pop style won over the show’s audience and resulted in a huge upset, when they unexpectedly beat the favourites to win the series. The winner’s prize? An album deal with A&M Records, the label home to breaking new UK artists such as Duffy, The Courteeners and The Horrors among others. Enter the world of Envy & Other Sins and you will be transported beyond the everyday and into a place where storming pop tunes are delivered with Victorian panache. Drawing inspiration from music, art and old world culture, these troubadours cite everything from Roxy Music to Bob Dylan, Toulouse Lautrec to Renoir as influences. Having already supported the likes of Superfurry Animals, Hard-Fi, Razorlight and Danish prog-rockers Mew as well as playing a slew of festivals, their live show delivers their unique brand of what they like to call ‘furniture rock’. The band are currently in studio working on their debut album, We Leave At Dawn, with renowned producer Danton Supple (Coldplay, The Doves, Starsailor, Kylie Minogue). Highness, the storming pop tune that won them Mobile Act Unsigned and secured E&OS their label deal, will be released on March 3rd. Envy & Other Sins will release Highness on A&M Records on March 3rd with their debut album, We Leave At Dawn, to follow on March 31st. www.envyandothersins.co.uk www.myspace.com/envyandothersins
26/02/2008	PENNYWISE RELEASE NEW ALBUM ON EPITAPH IN EUROPE “Reason To Believe” available on March 24th Pennywise - one of world’s most credible and influential punk bands - will release their new album Reason To Believe through Epitaph in Europe. The album, out on MySpace Records in the United States, will be available in Europe on March 24th. Epitaph Europe will release the album as a standard CD, with a value added DVD. Reason To Believe will also be available in a limited-edition vinyl version with DVD and two bonus tracks, not available in any other format. “Reason To Believe” produced by longtime Pennywise fan and seasoned producer Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Mötorhead, Sum 41), will mark the bands ninth studio album, since their self-titled debut album out on Epitaph Records in 1991. Formed in 1988, the legendary band of vocalist Jim Lindberg, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, bassist Randy Bradbury and drummer Byron McMackin, PENNYWISE inked with Epitaph Records for their eponymous 1991 debut and helped to define the emerging Californian punk scene. Seventeen years later and over three million albums sold worldwide, the punk rock legends are going as strong as ever. For more information please visit: http://www.epitaph.com http://pennywisdom.com/ http://www.myspace.com/pennywise
26/02/2008	******************************************************************************* SLAVES TO GRAVITY ADD EXTRA TOUR DATES TO UK TOUR !! ******************************************************************************* London rockers SLAVES TO GRAVITY have just announced the addition of a number of shows to their full UK tour in April, in support of debut album 'Scatter The Crow' (out March 31), preceded by new single 'Mr Regulator' (out March 17). These new releases follow on from their critically and commercially lauded singles 'Big Red', which hit the UK Rock Charts at #4 and spent 4 weeks in the Top 10, and 'Meantime', which went one better and hit the UK Rock Chart at #3! Mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Feeder etc) and produced by the band themselves, it is armed with monstrous riffs, huge grooving rhythms and battle-cry melodies. Having had TWO Top Five singles in the UK Rock Chart, been tipped as 'Hot Band of 2008' in RockSound, Metal Hammer and Big Cheese Magazines, announced as finalists in the 'Best Breakthrough Artist' category at last years BT Digital Music Awards, having performed a number of groundbreaking shows at last years CMJ Music Festival in New York and are heading out shortly to play at the infamous SXSW festival in Austin, Texas......proof, if proof was needed, that these guys are at the vanguard of a rock renaissance!! Catch them live at one of the following: March Sat 8 London, Purple Turtle April Tues 1 Yeovil, Orange Box Wed 2 Cardiff, Barfly Thurs 3 Leicester, Charlotte Fri 4 Nottingham Rock City Sun 6 Bristol, Louisiana Mon 7 Exeter, Cavern Tues 8 Kingston, Peel Wed 9 Southampton, Joiners Fri 11 Peterbrough, Met. Lounge Sat 12 Tunbridge Wells, Forum Sun 13 Wolverhampton, Little Civic Mon 14 Birmingham, Academy 2 Wed 16 Glasgow, King Tuts Thurs 17 Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire Fri 18 Aberdeen, Kef Sat 19 Dundee, Westport Bar Mon 21 Hull, Lamp Tues 22 Leeds, Cockpit Wed 23 Liverpool, Barfly Thurs 24 Derby, Victoria Inn Sat 26 Stoke, Sugarmill Sun 27 Swindon, 12 Bar Mon 28 London, Borderline Tues 29 Northampton, Soundhaus www.myspace.com/slavestogravityofficial
25/02/2008	******************************************************************************************* STONE GODS DEBUT EP SELLS OUT IN STORES ON DAY OF RELEASE !!! ******************************************************************************************* It's official, British heavy-weight newbies STONE GODS (3/4 of The Darkness!) have had a complete sell-out of their debut EP 'Burn The Witch' on it's first day of release.... TODAY!! The band had this to say: "Well, it's a good job our 'Burn The Witch' EP is available for download. Physical copies have, we've just discovered, already SOLD OUT! Reports of great lines of rockers in tears outside Britain's record emporiums are largely unconfirmed at time of going to press, but we all know it's happening! God, you lot are quick. Well done! Sorry to anyone left a bit disappointed, but thankfully the download version is fully available (http://www.stonegods.co.uk/discography.php) and while it doesn't contain all the caffeine of the physical format, you'll find it's just as tasty as the real thing.
25/02/2008	CONVERGE BACK IN THE UK The iconic pioneers of metalcore – Converge - will kick off their 2008 UK tour on July 13th in London. Since breaking out of the hardcore pack with the savage onslaught of 2001’s Jane Doe, Converge have been the band to watch, pacesetters who have consistently set the next creative level in aggressive music. Their Epitaph debut You Fail Me was named one of 2004’s 10 essential releases in Alternative Press. Steeped in raw emotion, pure adrenaline and brute force No Heroes - the follow up to 2004's You Fail Me - was produced by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou and brilliantly combines the textural sonics of You Fail Me with the brutal assault of Jane Doe; Praising the esteemed foursome, hard rock bible Kerrang! wrote, “There is no other band quite like Converge. Their music is possessed of a clawing desperation, a sense that any moment it can overwhelm the musicians and erupt into all-consuming chaos” And Big Cheese championed the group’s “almost mesmeric power and raw, unbridled oh-my-god-this-is-amazing-ness they imbue in pretty much everyone watching them”. Here are Converge's upcoming tour dates with Integrity and Coliseum: 13-Jul London Underworld UK 14-Jul Nottingham Rock City UK 15-Jul Glasgow Ivory Blacks UK 16-Jul Southampton The Brook UK 17-Jul Sheffield Corporation UK 18-Jul London Underworld UK
25/02/2008	THE ELECTRIC CITY http://www.myspace.com/electriccitymusic 'This band are definitely ones to watch. They sound slick, like they've been playing huge concerts and not bars...' UNCUT The Electric City blend high octane guitars with anthemic vocals to make a truly exciting new noise. Executed with more style, precision and flair than one would expect from such a young band, Dark Skies should see them start to earn the recognition they deserve. Their show stopping live performance has already led to a management deal with the same team behind Kaiser Chiefs, The Cribs and Franz Ferdinand, earnt them various prestigious support slots alongside everyone from Fightstar to The Futureheads, played Benacassim and impressed Roger Daltrey so much that he personally asked them to open for The Who. However, they have also paid their dues on the road, tirelessly taking their notorious transit up and down the country for almost the entirety of the band’s 18 month life span, winning themselves legions of die-hard fans and celebrity admirers. With aggressive guitars reminiscent of Muse and Joy Division sitting comfortably next to stadium sized choruses and taught electro rhythms it’s hardly surprising that The Electric City are currently being tipped for great things. On top of this their active online following has won them a prestigious Myspace “Featured Artist” spot. And with Emma Scott’s single of the week on Kerrang! radio already sorted and a spot coming up on the Levi’s Ones To Watch Tour their meteoric rise looks set only to continue. 8 Feb 2008 19:30 Barrow In Furness, The Canteen 9 Feb 2008 19:00 Sunderland, Independent 10 Feb 2008 17:00 Hartlepool, Escobar 12 Feb 2008 19:00 Liverpool, Academy 2 14 Feb 2008 13:30 Dublin, Spirit 57 15 Feb 2008 20:00 Limerick, Dolans Warehouse 16 Feb 2008 - Nerve Centre Derry, Ireland 17 Feb 2008 - The Limelight, Belfast, Ireland 22 Feb 2008 – Moshulu, Aberdeen 23 Feb 2008 - Studio 24, Edinburgh 24 Feb 2008 - Fat Sams, Dundee 28 Feb 2008 - The Hub, Plymouth 29 Feb 2008 - Concorde 2, Brighton 1 Mar 2008 - Hub, Exeter 2 Mar 2008 - Princess Pavillion, Falmouth 7 Mar 2008 - The Sugar Complex, Margate 8 Mar 2008 - Rock City (Basement), Nottingham 9 Mar 2008 - The Welly, Hull 15 Mar 2008 - Bar Academy, BIRMINGHAM
25/02/2008	THE HIVES REVEAL WINNER OF SINGLE ARTWORK COMPETITION -- THE ELECTRICALLY CHARGED BOY (a.k.a. Russell Leetch from Editors) LATEST TO REMIX THE HIVES SINGLE “WE RULE THE WORLD (T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.)” RELEASED 25TH FEB PRODUCED BY PHARRELL WILLIAMS AND BACKED WITH REMIXES BY NICK ZINNER (YEAH YEAH YEAHS), MATTT HELDER (ARCTIC MONKEYS) & RUSSELL LEETCH (EDITORS) The Hives release the infectious, funky anthem that is “We Rule The World (T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S)” as a single on 25th February 2008 (Polydor). Recorded with hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams in Miami for “The Black and White Album” it is an electrifying collaboration, a meeting of great minds and big ideas, taking The Hives into new sonic terrain. The single will be released digitally and as a Limited 10” Vinyl backed with exclusive remixes: Mattt Helder from Arctic Monkeys shakes up “We Rule The World (T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S)”, as does Russell Leetch from Editors while Nick Zinner from Yeah Yeah Yeahs gets his magic fingers on previous single “Tick Tick Boom with his Post Colonization Mix. SINGLE ARTWORK COMPETITION WINNER: The Hives recently invited fans to submit artwork in a competition for the sleeve of the new single which yielded a hearty response. The band got their heads stuck in to the virtual postbag, whittling down the few hundred entries to a strong shortlist, and then a final favourite featuring first class portraits of the band by one Rowenna Harrison from London. Rowena’s design will adorn the 10” single sleeve and accompany the digital release. The Hives tour in April: 14 April – Norwich, UEA (01603 508 050) 15 April – Newcastle, Academy (0870 771 2000) 16 April – Nottingham, Rockcity (08713 100 000) 17 April – Bristol, Academy (0870 771 2000) 18 April – London, Brixton Academy (0870 771 2000) Tickets £17.50 REGIONAL / £18.50 LONDON Buy from 0844 576 5483 or www.livenation.co.uk (all tickets subject to booking fee) WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEHIVES / WWW.THEHIVESBROADCSATINGSERVICE.COM
22/02/2008	Witch “Paralyzed” March 31, 2008 Tee Pee Records Witch is no “indie metal super-group” or side project. To prescribe such journalistic stigmas would be to underestimate the commitment of Witch’s members. After their self-titled debut in 2006, Witch returned to the studio to work on their sophomore album, “Paralyzed”. The new album, to be released this spring on Tee Pee Records, remains true to the classic heavy rock sound of the first, but has evolved as the band has learned to play to each other’s strengths. The Vermont based band’s new songs highlight the rhythm section of Dave Sweetapple (bass) and J Mascis (drums) who return to their punk roots and attack with a more aggressive tempo. This foundation allows Kyle Thomas (guitar/vocals) to construct wailing vertical melodies of guitar and sinister vocals. Witch has turned out a record that burns with hostility, like the track, Mutated, but also smolders with intensity, like the track Sweet Sue. The collective deviating influences of the group have more presence on this record than the last; experimentation in studio with different tonal effects to obtain a more diverse sound are evidenced in the guitar play of Kyle Thomas over the roaring backbeats provided by Sweetapple and Mascis. It is the time that the band spends not being a band that seems to have allowed their sound to grow. Kyle points out that the band “does not practice and barely ever play shows”. This has allowed the chemistry and music to grow organically and a bit more spontaneously. Live, the music morphs into a beast of its own instead of sounding like a CD on playback. J Mascis mans the kit with a punk like fervor this time around; according to Mascis “I know I'm not the only one who thinks 28" is the right size bass drum.” Kyle decided to adapt his songwriting approach to J’s drum playing. Kyle explained how some of the more punk songs came about, “J plays drums with a lot of energy, so I decided that instead of writing slow songs and having them speed up when we play them live, I should just write faster songs.” At the heart of the album is still the heaviness that dominated the last record, this time though Witch is creating a style more their own. The exciting part Kyle feels for the band and fans is that “they are still developing a sound that fully hasn’t shown itself.” To lay down the initial foundation of the album the band headed out to J’s Bisquiteen Studio in Amherst, MA, final mixing would occur here as well. The bulk of recording was done at Bank Row Studio in Greenfield, MA, with Justin Pizzoferrato, who engineered and co-produced the album with Witch. The band play their first UK show: 05.05.08 Underworld London
22/02/2008	Guillemots – Red Second Studio Album Released March 24th Lead Single ‘Get Over It’, March 17th on Polydor Having spent most of 2007 writing & recording in a converted East London synagogue, Guillemots return on March 24th with possibly the first truly great British pop album of 2008. A masterclass in dynamic, exhilarating pop music, the eleven-song Red adds a distinct edge to their Mercury-nominated sound and follows three must-see taster live shows in Manchester (March 9th), Oxford (March10th)& London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire (March11th). Harder, fatter and more disciplined than their critically acclaimed, gold-selling debut LP ‘Through the Windowpane’, but equally ambitious, Red sounds like nothing else. It’s darker and angrier, but also more beautiful, and the band's knack for melody is matched this time round by an endless cavalcade of inspired beats, bass and loops. Written by all four members of the band - Fyfe Dangerfield, Magrao, Aristazabal Hawkes and Greig Stewart, it was co-produced by the visionary four-piece alongside their longstanding engineer Adam Noble (George Michael, U2 and Paul McCartney). From the jagged string stabs that unleash mutant disco-glam opener ‘Kriss Kross’, to the desolate late-night pulse of final track 'Take Me Home', it’s a tour-de-force that marries Guillemots’ natural melodic flair with a sense of dancefloor abandonment, not heard since Prince’s ‘80s wild pop adventures. Other stand out tracks include the sleazy R'n'B raunch of ‘Big Dog’, the gorgeous perfection of ‘Falling Out Of Reach’, cyber-electro club-classic-in-waiting ‘Last Kiss’ (featuring Arista and Magrao on vocals), the haunting simplicity of ‘Words’ and the tribal electro stomp of first single ‘Get Over It’, released March 17th. “We didn’t want to make Through The Windowpane 2,” says lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield. “That was a softer record. This time around we just wanted to make a bunch of pop songs that punched, instantly.” “To make pop songs that demand your attention, that make you stop in your tracks when they come on the radio, that's our ultimate ambition.” One play of Red suggests that’s exactly what they’ve done. www.guillemots.com www.myspace.com/guillemotsmusic
22/02/2008	Tony Wright (Terrorvision/Laika Dog) steps back into the full glare of the music media with his new band Laika Dog and fantastic new album Mercury. After fronting Terrorvision for fourteen years, one of the most successful bands of the 90's Tony saw that the band were becoming more of a business than a band. Ask for advice and the chances are they thought you said send an invoice. He always remembered why he had joined a band in the first place. The folk that sang along to the songs and danced at the gigs would never let him forget that but the more successful Terrorvison became, the more it took Tony away from being able to connect with the people most important. After a typical incendiary night at the Kerrang! awards Tony woke the next day, simply boarded a train and turned his back on the path he was on and headed for home. “I believe that music is one of those things you either do or you don't. So when Terrorvision played their last gig that didn't mean I had written my last song. I write songs cos' I am inspired to by the angst and things I see and hear around me.” Explains Tony Home was Bradford, Yorkshire where Tony and friends Paddy and Sim spent the days building and repairing dry stone walls. The creative streak took hold again, forming makeshift instruments they formed their own band high upon the moors above the lights of Bradford. Camp fires were lit and alcohol flowed as Tony found the perfect environment to remember why he joined a band. Idea's formed and the band decided to enter warmer climates, form a band and play the tunes they had been inspired to write. The trio met up with Parry a week later and the band of tradesmen formed Laika Dog. A waller, a joiner, an electrician and a labourer. Even if you don't like the tunes Laika Dog were handy to have around. The band recorded a set of songs to take out on the road around the UK and demand for the band to record soon saw them take to the studio and record their first full album Forever and a Day, selling almost 2000 copies just purely after gigs and the smaller rock venues around the UK. Eighteen month later the band return with their 2nd album Mercury and this time Tony Wright’s is treading the path he always wanted. I hope bring out the honesty of rock'n'roll and have a loyal fan base of folk who really were proud to be the folk who get out and discover bands for themselves. – Tony Wright www.myspace.com/laikadogmusic
22/02/2008	SNOOP DOGG RETURNS WITH HIS ALBUM EGO TRIPPIN’ OUT MARCH 17TH AND SINGLE SENSUAL SEDUCTION TO FOLLOW ON MARCH 24TH Shizzle da rizzle, tha Doggfather is back with his ninth studio album Ego Trippin’, set for release on March 17th. Sensual Seduction is set to be the first single release from the album and with its smooth, disco groove is a mere taster of what we can expect from the album. Sensual Seduction, or if you’re over 18, Sexual Erruption sees Snoop flash back to a time when disco ruled, a time when a man could play a melodica keyboard in a three piece white suit and still go home with the all the ladies. On this track, the Dogg continues to do what he does best and push the boundaries of hip-hop, creating a smooth and as the title would suggest, seductive, disco tune with a video to match. And while Snoop stays firmly planted in disco he has enlisted the help of superstar UK house and garage producers, the Wideboys (aka Jim Sullivan & Eddie Craig) to work their magic on some amped up club remixes. Ego Trippin’ is an album all about Snoop making the music he loves to make without worrying about pleasing anyone else. “I just don’t give a f**k right now and I’m gonna do me, ‘cause that’s what I do best!” he explains. Although still under wraps, it’s rumoured to include some 80’s influenced pop tracks; drawing inspiration from Prince, Rick James & George Clinton as well as groove-influenced R&B, and of course a good measure of the gangsta rap cuts that have made Snoop a hip hop icon. If making music and films wasn’t enough, Snoop is also the star of the hugely successful reality TV show, ‘Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood’ on E! where he shows a rare glimpse of his softer side and his family life. The show also includes some very special guests including our very own David Beckham. Sensual Seduction is released on Polydor Records on March 24th with the album Ego Trippin’ out March 17th. www.snoopdogg.com
21/02/2008	5ive HESPERUS TORTUGA RECORDINGS Release Date: March 24th Hesperus, 5ive's new full-length LP, prods and provokes the listener to ascend through a modulated mind muddle, in attempts to exhume the brimming melodic crest slumbering beneath a cyclic miasma of transformative sound. Ben Carr (Guitars) and Charlie Harrold (Drums) after seven years of relative anonymity, have graced us again with both their presence and a picture perfect record, which serves as a frame worthy summation of the band's past impressions and conceptual progression. Produced by Grammy nominee Andrew Schneider (Cave In, Daughters, Scissorfight), these seven tracks will send you silently swaying into a somnambulant state and then abandon you still stirring and stark naked in a roomful of uncomfortable silence. 5ive, longstanding purveyor of the recently popularized metallic twosome, has, with Hesperus, generated a centripetal force to be reckoned with. Track Listing: 1. Gulls (4:09) 2. Big Sea (7:30) 3. Kettle Cove (2:50) 4. Heel (2:08) 5. Polar 78 (7:25) 6. News I (8:31) 7. News II (12:14) www.tortugarecordings.com AUDIO BOOK! EUGENE S. ROBINSON "FIGHT : Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ass-Kicking but Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked for Asking" HYDRA HEAD Release Date: March 24th Our man Eugene Robinson-you know him as the dude who choked you out at the Oxbow show-has been threatening to write a fight book for some time now, and the good folks at HarperCollins finally told him to put his mouth where their money was. The result is FIGHT: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Ass-Kicking But Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked For Asking, a black-eyed, split-lipped, bloody-knuckled journey into the black heart of the fistic arts-from Ultimate Fighting, underground fight clubs and kickboxing to soccer hooliganism, vicious "rock n' roll" prison-cell combat, and good old-fashioned bar brawls. Finding its genesis in a series of articles Robinson penned for Grappling magazine (for which he stepped into the ring with pros like Cesar Gracie and Darrell Gholar-and lost), Vice ("-eVice Guide To Fighting") and a 2005 feature in the L.A. Weekly entitled "Anytime, Anywhere," FIGHT also details Robinson's decades of fight experience both in and outside the ring (and occasionally onstage while performing with the almighty Oxbow). A martial arts expert himself-he's trained extensively in Kenpo karate, Muay -ai boxing, wrestling and Brazilian jujitsu-Robinson pulls no punches as he delineates the whys and wherefores of spinning backfists, roundhouse kicks and rear naked chokes, not to mention the broken jaws, ruptured tendons and abrupt losses of consciousness that go along with them. The best part is that Hydra Head managed to convince him (actually, it didn't take much convincing) to record an audio version of FIGHT for release on 2xCD. The tapes he sent HH play out like Ray Liotta's voiceover from Goodfellas transposed across a series of merciless, technically proficient beatings-only without all the messy coke scenes and, like, antipasto. Come get some. C'mon, it's Eugene, on CD talking about fighting. What more do you need? It's also got a bonus track that is not available in the book version. It is about the weirdest fight Eugene has ever been in, and lost. It's a cautionary tale for all of us. Don't call it a Spoken Word CD, it's an Audio Book. www.hydrahead.org
20/02/2008	ELBOW ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ The New Album, 17th March 2008 Elbow return in March with their fourth studio album, ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’. Recorded by the band at their own facility within Salford’s Blueprint Studios, The Elbow Room, and produced by keyboard player, Craig Potter, the album is the follow up to 2005’s universally acclaimed ‘Leaders Of The Free World’. The album also sees the band start a new relationship with Fiction Records. The lyrical core of ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ sees Guy Garvey address the key questions of life. Thus, over the 11 tracks the big themes of love and loss become the central focus of an album that sees Elbow, a band universally recognised for their musical ability and innovation, stretch their sonic template further than ever before. With band members now fathers of young children this is an unashamedly grown up record from a band that can rightfully claim status as elder statesmen of the UK music scene. In a climate where the track could be regarded as king this is also very much an album, designed and envisaged to be listened to as a whole. Elbow’s progress to this point has been less than smooth, the band being together since 1991 and, as has been documented, suffering a false start to their career before a succession of rapturously received independent EP’s in the form of ‘Noisebox’, ‘Newborn’ and ‘Any Day Now’ led to the release of debut album ‘Asleep In The Back’ (and subsequent Mercury and Brit nominations) in 2001. A band keen to consistently challenge their listeners both lyrically and musically, Elbow’s progress from that point has seen them switch genres and accommodate overtly political and emotionally bare lyricism across their formidable back catalogue. ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ continues in that tradition. So we move from the sparse electronic of ‘Starlings’ through the flamenco influenced ‘The Bones Of You’ to the Zepellinesque rock of first single ‘Grounds For Divorce where Garvey’s gallows humour shines in the opening couplet of ‘I’ve been working on a cocktail / Called grounds for divorce’. Album centrepiece, ‘The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver’ melds Elbow’s musical ability to create epic heartfelt soundtracks with Guy’s knack of making the personal universal, telling the story of a boastful tower crane operator revealing the inner misery of his life in a discussion of the hollow centre of many outwardly successful lives. Elbow’s ability to deliver a knock out ballad is, as with previous albums, very much in evidence on the gorgeous ‘Mirrorball’ and the sunny cousin to ‘Asleep In The Back’s ‘Any Day Now’ that is ‘One Day Like This’. ‘The Fix’ denotes a substantial change of mood, being the first duet on an Elbow album, Richard Hawley joining Guy for a Bacharach like story of two hustlers planning their rosy future. ‘Friend Of Ours’ closes the album in a tribute to the ‘Seldom Seen Kid’ of the title, Bryan Glancy, Manchester songwriter and sadly missed friend of Elbow who died in 2007 with a delicacy and honesty that is a consistent hallmark of the band. ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ is released by Fiction Records on 17th March 2008. www.elbow.co.uk
20/02/2008	THE HIGHER GUITARIST QUITS BAND Epitaph records The Higher have parted ways with their guitarist and founding member Tom Oakes. The band will still be coming to the UK in April for their debut tour with Elliot Minor. They have released the statement below: THE HIGHER regrets to inform everyone that due to personal and creative issues, Tom Oakes has decided to take leave from the band. We wish him the best in his future projects. THE HIGHER will continue on and will perform at all dates posted. THE HIGHER wishes to thank all their fans for their understanding, support and love during this time and hopes to see you on tour. ”To all of you, I want to thank all of you for what you have done for this band. I am personally shaken about this, but not destroyed. The band is very adamant about continuing on and I have nothing but the most faith in the world that they will not only continue, but succeed. If any of you have any questions, I am available to speak further. thank you all again and look forward to a successful 2008!” Tom Oakes www.myspace.com/thehigher
20/02/2008	Van Morrison ‘Keep It Simple’ released March 17 2008 on Exile Productions/ Polydor Records FIRST ALBUM OF ALL NEW MATERIAL IN TWO YEARS London – on March 17, Exile Productions/Polydor Records will proudly release Keep It Simple, the new album from Van Morrison. Keep It Simple is Morrison’s first album of new material since 2005, and the first in several years in which he penned all 11 songs specifically for one album. In the interim the legendary artist had a year that may be unprecedented for any living artist, having released three separate collections of his hits, with the latest, Still On Top entering the UK charts at #2 and selling platinum, proving the ongoing appetite for his unrivaled work. Van Morrison’s music has always incorporated the widely varied influences he heard and absorbed since his childhood days on the streets of Belfast - long before the bands of his youth and his initial breakthrough with Them. On Keep It Simple, Morrison honours all those varied influences - jazz, folk, blues, Celtic, country, soul and gospel (even making uniquely innovative use of the ukulele) - at times melding them all together at once in his own signature sound. “I felt I had something to say with these songs…” he explains. There is a definite theme that recurs throughout the album, especially in the title track. In keeping with that idea, Keep It Simple does not boast the big horns or string arrangements of some of Morrison’s previous work. What it does feature are gorgeous songs rich with emotion, depth and beauty. As on the poignant “Soul,” where Morrison repeats the chorus, as if to subtly remind us that, “Soul is a feeling, a feeling deep within. Soul is not the colour of your skin.” Morrison explains his approach with the track “Entrainment” - “Entrainment is when you connect with the music… Entrainment is really what I’m getting at in the music…It’s kind of when you’re in the present moment – you’re here – with no past or future.” Whether it’s the easy country gospel of “Song of Home” or the bluesy swing of “How Can A Poor Boy,” throughout Keep It Simple Morrison exudes a wisdom gained through five decades of making groundbreaking music. Few artists have successfully recorded in as many genres of music as Van Morrison, and even fewer have remained as relevant for as long (only Ray Charles, with whom Van collaborated, comes to mind). Morrison has done so by constantly moving forward and never sitting still. On the heels of a series of "Best Of" releases, this record starts fresh with what could well be a record full of all new classics.
20/02/2008	TOUR NEWS**TOUR NEWS**TOUR NEWS Marc Almond Adds Extra Wilton’s Date Due to overwhelming demand Marc Almond will perform an additional show at Wilton’s Music Hall in London on 4th May 2008. These 6-dates will feature Almond performing “An Evening of Sin Songs, Torch & Romance”. Marc says “When I sing at Wilton’s I feel the spirit of its music hall history and it inspires my performance. Wilton’s feels like a musical home to me.” Judging from the rave-reviews he received for his 2007 shows in this, the world’s last surviving grand music hall, the audience are in for a special treat: “He had them eating out of his hand” (The Times); “Almond is in fine voice…” (The Guardian); and “In the magnificently dilapidated Wilton’s, Almond found the perfect setting for an emotion-drenched comeback” (The Mail on Sunday). Marc will be joined by special guests Little Annie, whose CD “Bad Pianos” has just been released. Other guests include Baby Dee whose new album “Safe Inside the Day” is receiving critical acclaim. Dee is a regular collaborator with Marc and, as well as performing her own songs, will be playing as part of Marc’s band for the Wilton’s shows. Marc will also be joined by Neal Whitmore (guitar and Musical Director) and Martin Watkins on piano. Booking Details:- Dates: 28th April, 29th April, 1st May, 2nd May, 3rd May and 4th May (extra date) Tickets: £32.50 (booking fees charged on all tickets)?Allocated seating? Main Box Office: 0844 847 2256 (this is 24hr booking line) or www.ticketweb.co.uk Further scheduled appearances by Marc this year include:- 21st April: guest appearance at Current 93 concert at London Queen Elizabeth Hall 16th May: special guest at the Daphne Du Maurier Festival in Fowey Cornwall. Tickets go on sale 1st March. 7th June: De Le Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
20/02/2008	************************************************************************************* NOT ADVISED'S DEBUT SINGLE AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW !!! ************************************************************************************* Pop-punk-rockers NOT ADVISED release debut single 'You're The Designers, We're The Deciders' next Monday (Feb 25) through Melodramatic Records, however it's available to pre-order NOW !! Simply text the word 'DESIGN' to 78789 and a download code will be provided. Texts cost £1.50 and 2 downloads are available per phone. Produced by Larry Hibbitt of Hundred Reasons and mixed by Drew Griffiths (Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Iron Maiden), 'You're The Designers, We're The Deciders' has been received with great critical acclaim; chosen by the Radio One Rock Shows Daniel P Carter as his 'Unsigned Band of the Week', Alex Zane reckons it "will seriously shift some units!", it's had numerous plays on Kerrang Radio and XFM's Rockshow and the accompanying video can be seen on all good music channels!! The guys are currently on an extensive and sold out UK tour throughout Feb in support of the new single, which is available on Itunes and 7-Digital (text mechanic). The band won the Nokia 'Rock Up & Play' competition in '06, which won them the chance to play at the Isle of Wight Festival; at which they impressed the organisers so much they invited them to play at the Reading Festival! Then last year they won the highly sought-after opening slot to a sell-out crowd in the Portsmouth Guildhall on the illustrious Taste Of Chaos tour, playing alongside The Used, Rise Against, Aiden, Gallows and The Blackout. Catch them live at one of the following !! 19 Feb Portsmouth Alma 21 Feb Rayleigh The Mill 22 Feb Llandrindod Wells Montpellier Hotel 23 Feb Scunthorpe Lincoln Imp 28 Feb Southampton Joiners 29 Feb Alton Community Centre 01 Mar St Agnes The Driftwood Spars 03 Mar Birmingham Actress & Bishop 04 Mar Liverpool The Magnet 05 Mar Leeds Subculture 06 Mar York The Junction 07 Mar Cheltenham Two Pigs 27 Mar Redhill Harlequin Theatre www.myspace.com/notadvised
20/02/2008	THE HIGHER UK TOUR WITH ELLIOT MINOR APRIL 2008 “…irresistible.” Q “The Higher are here to get the party started” Big Cheese “…a must-have.” Flipside “irresistible charm” Kerrang! “…catchier than bird flu and more addictive then crack.” New Noise “Clearly craftsmen of the highest order” Hi-Fi News “They could well have the legs to produce something special.” Alternative Ulster Las Vegas’s The Higher will finally make it over to the UK as main support to Elliot Minor in April 2008. This will be the bands first time on UK soil which will take them on an 8 day tour ending at the London Astoria. Originally formed in Las Vegas back in 2002, The Higher released their sophomore album and debut for Epitaph records, ‘On Fire’ (Mike Green-Paramore, The Matches) earlier this year. Full tour dates below: Friday 4th April – Birmingham Sanctuary - 0121 246 1010 Saturday 5th April –Leeds Met University - 0113 244 1703 Sunday 6th April – Newcastle Academy - 0191 260 2020 Monday 7th April – Glasgow Garage - 0141 332 1120 Wednesday 9th April – Manchester Academy 2 - 0161 275 2930 Thursday 10th April – Norwich Waterfront - 01603 508050 Friday 11th April – Cardiff University - 0292 078 1458 Saturday 12th April – London Astoria - 020 7344 0044 All shows are 14+ bar Newcastle which is all ages. Under 14s must be accompanied by adult) Door are 7pm at all venues bar Newcastle & London 6pm Tickets- £12.50 London/£11.00 Regionally www.thehigher.com / www.myspace.com/thehigher
20/02/2008	SUBVERSE “Let us pray that the legacy of Subverse will continue.” Metal Hammer “An all ages institution that rarely fails to impress.” Kerrang! “Subverse shows are always fucking great, I wish there was something like this when I was a kid!” – Tom Lacey, Ghost of a Thousand. CRY FOR SILENCE – OUTL4W - GLAMOUR OF THE KILL SHIBBY – THE MORNING AFTER With 8 years of live experience behind them, and a debut album through Visible Noise in March, CRY FOR SILENCE are certainly ones to watch in 2008. Haunting melodies, fists-in-the-air beatdowns, and sheer heaviness have been their trademark since their birth in Summer 2000. Uncompromising and passionate stage shows have seen them share stages greats such as SEPULTURA, FFAF, and THE HAUNTED to name a few…! Punk Rock whipper snappers OUTL4W have been brought up on a diet of classic old school punk, ranging from GBH, 999 to the Exploited and with an average age of just 15, they already have over 250 ferocious shows under their studded belts. They have been blasting their punk gospel all over the British media with Radio One live sessions, appearances on Zane Lowe’s show and coverage in Kerrang!, NME and even The Times! Straight off the back of the Kerrang! Most Wanted Tour and currently recording new material GLAMOUR OF THE KILL’s self confessed ‘80s Power Pop metal’, infectious guitar thrashing modern metal sound (often likened to megastars Bullet For My Valentine) will whisk you off your feet, leaving you wanting more… more… MORE! Kent boys SHIBBY bring anthemic pop punk to the hallowed Subverse stage, rife with chunky guitar riffs and catchy choruses. Their energetic shows, killer melodies and all out kick you in the balls sound will leave you gagging for more. ‘An incredibly gifted new band.’ Kerrang! Radio. Wailing 80’s throwbacks? Think again… The Morning After may enjoy the old school look of painted on, stonewash denim, high tops and cut off jackets but their mixture of current heavy metal and the monolithic sounds of two decades ago, make an extremely pleasing aural casserole. Thriving on being OTT they really are putting the ROCK in rockstar! Banging toons will be supplied by none other than Kerrang’s Introducing Editor Katie Parsons! http://www.myspace.com/subverseclub
20/02/2008	BRYAN ADAMS Canadian legend returns for 11th studio album, new single and unique tour reaching 11 countries in 11 days Bryan Adams storms back with his 11th studio album, entitled ‘11’ on March 17th through Polydor Records, packed full of unmistakeable rockers and signature ballads. The lead single ‘I Thought I’d Seen Everything’ is a Bryan Adams classic in the making - a rocky, mid-tempo track that has already gone onto radio playlists on both side of the Atlantic. The track is out now and available to download for free from hmv.com. ‘11’ was recorded largely in hotel rooms and backstage dressing rooms around the world during the past two years and feature the return of his long time collaborator Jim Vallance on three cuts. The Adams/Vallance partnership was responsible for many of Bryan’s classic hits including ‘Heaven’,’ Summer of 69’ and ‘Run To You.’ From the uplifting ‘Broken Wings’ to the sultry ‘Mysterious Ways’ to the anthem-like ‘Something To Believe In’ [that’s boasts a chorus that should fill stadiums across the world], Bryan’s 11th recording of original material is yet another milestone in a career that has spanned two and a half decades. Whether it is the plaintive guitar solo in ‘Oxygen’ or the reflective strains of ‘I Ain’t Losin’ The Fight,’ the songs hold the listener and transport them, underscoring once again why Adams is in such demand as a songwriter and concert performer. 11 is destined to bring new live favourites to the stage that would easily sit alongside Adam’s extensive catalogue of greatest hits. In support of the release of the album, Adams will be putting on a unique ‘11 concerts, 11 cities’ tour, taking in 11 different countries in just 11 days. The intimate shows at some spectacular venues will see Bryan perform an acoustic set, on stage, with just his guitar and harmonica. The London show will be on 11th March at St James Church in Piccadilly. To coincide with the album and tour, an exhibition of Bryan Adams photographs will be held at London’s historic National Portrait Gallery, entitled ‘Modern Muses’. The full list of dates for the ’11 Dates, 11 Cities’ tour in March are as follow: 7th Lisbon Maxime 8th Barcelona Espacio Movistar 9th Milan Theatre Metropol 10th Hamburg St Pauli Theatre 11th London St James Church 12th Paris Reservoir 13th Amsterdam De Koepelkerk 14th Brussels Vaudeville 15th Zurich Kaufletien Festaal 16th Vienna Birdland 17th Copenhagen Pakhus 11 www.bryanadams.com
20/02/2008	CHILDLINE ROCKS KILMARTIN Proud to sponsor CHILDLINE ROCKS announces addition of ROGER DALTREY to Line-Up IndigO2 Concert to Celebrate 21 years of ChildLine ROGER DALTREY has today confirmed he will perform in aid of ChildLine at their first ever charity rock-concert, which already features a world-class rock line-up, on 13th March at IndigO2. In addition to legendary frontman of The Who, fans will be rocked by:- ? Marillion ? The Zombies ? Russ Ballard (Argent) ? Brian Bennett, OBE (The Shadows) ? Fish ? Thunder ? Ian Paice (Deep Purple) ? Glenn Hughes (Black Sabbath/ Deep Purple) ChildLine Rocks are expecting to be announcing the addition of further VERY SPECIAL GUESTS imminently. Sponsored by Kilmartin and hosted by Radio 2’s “Whispering” Bob Harris, ChildLine Rocks aims to raise a six-figure sum for ChildLine. Special VIP packages are available at ChildLine Rocks, including a pre-show reception, a chance to meet some of the artists and a live auction. VIP’s will be able to bid for tickets on the famous Flight 666 piloted by Bruce Dickinson for a trip to see Iron Maiden play live in Lisbon and be personally escorted by Bruce on a backstage tour. There will be guitars donated by Noel Gallagher and Status Quo, a Gibson guitar signed by all the artists appearing at ChildLine Rocks, a Led Zeppelin plaque and other top rock prizes. Those not lucky enough to hold a VIP ticket can still enter a postal bid for a "money can't buy" auction prize, which will be entered at the live auction on the night.1 Thunder’s Luke Morley says: “The billing for ChildLine’s first rock concert is nothing short of rock solid. Together we’re going to make it a night to remember for rock music fans everywhere. “When you buy your ticket you’ll know you’re helping to raising money so that children have someone to listen to them, and a safe place to go for help and advice”. Tickets are priced at £50 for a standing balcony ticket, £65 for standing elsewhere, £75 for seated and £200 for VIP. (all tickets subject to booking fee) Doors open at 7pm. VIP pre-show begins at 6.30pm. Ticket Booking: For more information or to book a ticket or VIP package www.childlinerocks.co.uk or Telephone 0844 844 0002 Auction: To place a bid in the auction please email Charlotte Lock on charlotte.lock@nspcc.org.uk - All advance bids must be returned by midnight on Monday 10th March. ChildLine Rocks in conjunction with Classic Rock Magazine. *ChildLine 20 Board ChildLine Rocks is spearheaded by the ChildLine 20 Board, a group of people dedicated to helping ChildLine raise funds and awareness. For more information, please telephone Charlotte Lock on 020 7825 7463 ChildLine: ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people, with trained volunteer counsellors available to comfort, advise and protect. In February 2006, ChildLine formally joined with the NSPCC in a move that will ensure even stronger services and a more influential voice for children of all ages. The ChildLine service, now one of the NSPCC’s listening services, still has the same well known telephone number – 0800 1111 – and children and young people can still call 24 hours a day and receive the same crucial service.
18/02/2008	:::: PUNK ROCK BOAT RIDE ABOARD BRISTOL THEKLA:::: :::Metal fraternity step out in style to support new Bristol Rock School::: ::FREE show March 30th featuring; The Ghost Of A Thousand, The Plight, Hexes:: Three of the UK's finest up and coming bands have been confirmed for an exclusive show with a difference.it's free, it's on board a ship and it's a launch party for The Bristol Institute Of Modern Music. Brighton hardcore mobsters and Kerrang favourites The Ghost Of A Thousand, Leeds maniacs The Plight and heavyweight newcomers Hexes are set to play a completely free gig on board Bristol ship venue the Thekla on March 30th. Ghost Of A Thousand will be airing brand new 'never heard before' material from their as yet untitled second album as well as offering one lucky fan the chance to win VIP tickets to every Ghost Of A Thousand gig for a year! The show will also see editors of Total Guitar Magazine, Rhythm Magazine as well as DJs from Kerrang Radio and the Radio One Rock Show in attendance looking for new talent. So find your sea legs and bring your demos and get your music heard at what promises to be one of the most blistering shows of the year! There will be collection points to drop CDs into upon arrival at the show. Mark Clayden (Pitchshifter/This Is Menace) BIMM College Manager and event organiser said, "This is going to be one big party, we have some awesome bands on board. BIMM has always supported up and coming music and we know there are some amazing bands out there who need to be heard by the industry so bring your demos to the show." The gig is in support of the Bristol Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) which opens its doors in the heart of the city in September 2008. The college has an impressive line up of tutors who are highly experienced professional musicians whom have sold millions of albums signed to major and independent record labels, had chart hits, toured the world and have placed music into film, television and video games including players from: 'A', Reef, Hundred Reasons, Rooster, Biomechanical, Malakai, ex Prodigy, The Crimea, Skunk Anansie, Pitchshifter, This Is Menace and Snow Patrol. The college runs courses for musicians who are serious about a career in the music including: certificates, diplomas, professional diplomas and a Foundation Degree* in bass, guitar, drums, vocals and song writing. Core areas of the courses include: Technical Development, Session Styles, Aural Skills, Notation, Pre Production, The Music Industry, Music In Context Music Performance and Process, Styles & Technique, Advanced Musicianship, Business Studies, Gig Preparation, Live Performance Workshop, Theory and Sight Reading. Students will use state-of-the-art equipment endorsed by the world's biggest bands the professional vintage and modern backline includes: Mesa Boogie, Cornford, Laney, Marshall, Vox, Fender, Line 6, Ashdown, Ampeg, Peavey, Warwick, Hiwatt, Orange, Yamaha, DW, Roland. (*Subject to validation) LISTINGS INFO: FREE SHOW-Bristol Thekla Sunday March 30th, Doors 7pm, 14+ (bring ID) The Ghost Of A Thousand, The Plight, Hexes Please note, as this is a FREE SHOW it's first come, first served Thekla, The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB CONTACT & WEB Call: 0117 929 3301 Email: office@theklabristol.co.uk info@bimm.co.uk www.bimm.co.uk www.myspace.com/theklabristol www.myspace.com/theghostofathousand www.myspace.com/theplight www.myspace.com/hexes
18/02/2008	CHILDLINE ROCKS Indigo2 Concert to Celebrate 21 years of ChildLine Charity *Rock solid line up for ChildLine 20’s first concert www.childlinerocks.co.uk / 02ticketmaster 0844 844 0002 Thursday 13 March 2008 from 7pm. Indig02 – the intimate live music venue next to the Arena under the O2 roof.** A fantastic line-up of rock giants, between them responsible for more than a hundred million record sales, will share the limelight to raise money for ChildLine. ChildLine Rocks legendary performers will storm the stage at indig02 on 13th March 2008, in a one-off, world class classic rock line-up. Sponsored by Kilmartin and hosted by Radio 2’s “Whispering” Bob Harris, described by ‘Radio Times’ as ‘one of the greats of contemporary music broadcasting’, ChildLine Rocks aims to raise a six figure sum for ChildLine. Special VIP packages are available at ChildLine Rocks, including a pre-show reception, a chance to meet some of the artists and a live auction. VIP’s will be able to bid for tickets on the famous Flight 666 piloted by Bruce Dickinson for a trip to see Iron Maiden play live in Lisbon and be personally escorted by Bruce on a backstage tour. There will be guitars donated by Noel Gallagher and Status Quo, a Gibson guitar signed by all the artists appearing at ChildLine Rocks, a Led Zeppelin plaque and other top rock prizes. Those not lucky enough to hold a VIP ticket can still enter a postal bid for a "money can't buy" auction prize, which will be entered at the live auction on the night.1 The billing includes: Marillion: Currently locked down in the country at their Buckinghamshire studio, recording their fifteenth album, a double CD to be released later this year, singer Steve "h" Hogarth, guitarist Steve Rothery and bassist Pete Trewavas will be breaking off from the sessions to perform a special acoustic set for ChildLine Rocks. "We wholeheartedly support Childline and, to be honest, we'd do anything for Bob Harris anyway." The Zombies: Acknowledged by Courtney Love, Badly Drawn Boy, Paul Weller, the Foo Fighters and the Magic Numbers as one of the most influential British bands of all time, they were responsible for international hits ‘She’s Not There’ and ‘Time Of The Season’ and for the ground-breaking album ‘Odessey & Oracle’. Russ Ballard: Formerly lead singer with Argent, who hit the charts in the early 70’s with ‘Hold Your Head Up’ and ‘God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You’, Russ also made his name as a successful writer (‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ for Rainbow and ‘Liar’ for Three Dog Night’) Russ will be performing live for the first time in over thirty years, joining the Zombies on stage for a unique performance for ChildLine Rocks. Brian Bennett, OBE: Revered and multi-award-winning percussionist and original drummer for Cliff Richard & the Shadows, he also wrote many of their hits. He is the recipient of three Ivor Novello Awards and a Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and has been working recently with Brian May. Fish: Charismatic and uncompromising, Fish boasts a prolific 25 year career as a writer, actor and vocalist, launched in the eighties with the phenomenal success of Marillion (‘Kayleigh’, ‘Lavender’ and ‘Incommunicado’) and continued through his solo albums, the latest of which ‘13th Star’ has just been released. Thunder: One of the great British rock acts, Thunder have toured the world extensively since 1989 and released a huge body of records. In all, they’ve scored 18 top 40 UK singles and 8 top 40 albums, including ‘Laughing On Judgement Day’ (No.2/1992) and ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (No. 5/1995). They have won awards galore, including Best Rock Vocalist (Danny Bowes – Burrn Magazine Japan) and Best Live Rock Act (Kerrang Magazine). Ian Paice: Deep Purple’s drummer since he joined the band (age 19) in 1968. Armed with a dazzlingly fast and influential technique, Ian has also worked with Paice, Ashton & Lord, Gary Moore, Whitesnake and with Paul McCartney on the ‘Run Devil Run’ album in 1999. Glenn Hughes: Ex-Deep Purple vocalist, bass player and songwriter, Glenn is unique. No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style, blending hard rock, soul and funk. The KLF famously described him as ‘The Voice of Rock’ after his performance for their mega-hit ‘What Time Is Love’. Thunder’s Luke Morley says: “The billing for ChildLine’s first rock concert is nothing short of rock solid. Together we’re going to make it a night to remember for rock music fans everywhere. “When you buy your ticket you’ll know you’re helping to raising money so that children have someone to listen to them, and a safe place to go for help and advice”. + SPECIAL GUESTS To Be Confirmed Tickets are priced at £50 for a standing balcony ticket, £65 for standing elsewhere, £125 for seated and £200 for VIP. (all tickets subject to booking fee) Doors open at 7pm. VIP pre-show begins at 6.30pm. Ticket Booking: For more information or to book a ticket or VIP package www.childlinerocks.co.uk or Telephone 0844 844 0002 Auction: To place a bid in the auction please email Charlotte Lock on charlotte.lock@nspcc.org.uk - All advance bids must be returned by midnight on Monday 10th March. ChildLine Rocks in conjunction with Classic Rock Magazine. *ChildLine 20 Board ChildLine Rocks is spearheaded by the ChildLine 20 Board, a group of people dedicated to helping ChildLine raise funds and awareness. For more information, please telephone Charlotte Lock on 020 7825 7463 ChildLine: ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people, with trained volunteer counsellors available to comfort, advise and protect. In February 2006, ChildLine formally joined with the NSPCC in a move that will ensure even stronger services and a more influential voice for children of all ages. The ChildLine service, now one of the NSPCC’s listening services, still has the same well known telephone number – 0800 1111 – and children and young people can still call 24 hours a day and receive the same crucial service.
18/02/2008	UK rockers Brigade are currently touring the UK in preparation for the release of their brand new album 'Come Morning We Fight'. The album is due for release in May. It will be preceded by the 'Pilot' single. The album was produced Chris Sheldon. Current tourdates: mon 18-Feb-08 Cambridge The Graduate tue 19-Feb-08 Winchester The Railway Inn wed 20-Feb-08 RADIO SESSION AT ABBEY ROAD thu 21-Feb-08 Hitchin Club 85 fri 22-Feb-08 Peterborough Met Lounge sat 23-Feb-08 Coventry Kasbah (Club night) mon 25-Feb-08 Tamworth The Palace wed 27-Feb-08 Milton Keynes Zachs thu 28-Feb-08 Trowbridge Terry's Club fri 29-Feb-08 Mexborough Mexborough Civic sat 1-Mar-08 Inverness Ironworks sun 2-Mar-08 Dundee The Westport Bar
18/02/2008	Dr. Slaggleberry release their latest self titled 4 track EP via Crash Records / Universal Digital. The riotous gang of four hail from in Oxford &Bucks and the present line up has been together just over a year and are about to embark on a mass of UK dates to promote the latest release. Having been described as Math Metal to Jazzcore to Progressive rock, the band take to the road to help the UK make up their own mind. They have the madness of Rolo Tomassi with a twist of Fantomas holding a rusty razor blade to the throat of Primus, while the chili peppers hang from the gallows…. these guys will show you a thing or two about math jazzcore metal! Jimmy Evil Dr Slaggleberry sounds like an experimental jazz/metal fusion, full of complex riffs and phrases, fastly paced passages, disjointed like a Picasso painting but with some astonishing sounds. MK News www.myspace.com/drslaggleberry
18/02/2008	THE WOLFMEN: NEEDLE IN THE CAMEL'S EYE OUT 14 APRIL ON DAMAGED GOODS The Wolfmen follow-up Two Eyes, the NUMBER ONE smash on the BBC Asian Network chart from November 2007 with a brand new single, a delicious collision of glam-rock and punk-rock - Needle In The Camel's Eye - and news of a debut album. The band is formed of Marco Pirroni (Siouxsie & The Banshees/Adam & The Ants/Sinead O'Connor) and Chris Constantinou (Adam Ant/Jackie Onassid/Iggy Pop). But as RADIO 1's Bobby Friction says, "They've got pedigree, a full-on pedigree. I've been playing them on Radio 1 but - you know what? - f* pedigree, they're an amazing band and they're going to take you somewhere else musically..." Needle In The Camel's Eye is mixed by Alan Moulder (THE KILLERS, U2, ARCTIC MONKEYS, Smashing Pumpkins) and is taken from The Wolfmen's highly anticipated debut album - due in June 2008 - which follows a string of acclaimed vinyl/download-only releases, all of which have quickly sold out their limited edition 1000-only runs, winning rave reviews including: "Marco and Chris do growing old disgracefully moves with style. With thumping Suicide-alike beatbox and glam-rockabilly guitars, the A-side is exuberant filth..." -- MOJO "Is (Marco & Chris') music as necessary in 2006 as it was nearly 30 years ago? In a word, yes. In more words, too f*ing right it is." -- BBC.co.uk Needle... is a cover of classic BRIAN ENO, from his first post-Roxy Music solo album - 1973's Here Come The Warm Jets - described recently by Paul Morley as "The only Eno record of it's kind, and the only record of it's kind... Pumped up with hammy Roxy feeling, Eno as half man, half theorist, or half genius, half pervert."
18/02/2008	DREAM THEATER COLLECT THEIR GREATEST HIT (…& 21 other pretty cool songs) The Acclaimed Band’s First-Ever Best-Of Compilation Spans 14 Years of Progressive Hard Rock and Includes Rare Edits and B-Sides Features Three New Remixes by Kevin Shirley of “Pull Me Under,” “Take The Time” and “Another Day” Two-Disc Set Available April 1 After recently celebrating the band’s 20-year anniversary, Dream Theater returns with its first-ever best-of collection. Spanning 1991-2005, the two-disc set contains rare single edits, B-sides and a trio of new remixes that spotlight that band’s nonpareil musicianship, complex arrangements and amazing songwriting. Dream Theater’s GREATEST HIT (…& 21 other pretty songs) will be available from April 1. Referring to Dream Theater’s first and only major radio hit, “Pull Me Under,” the compilation’s tongue-in-cheek title is a testament not only to the band’s sense of humor but also highlights the acclaimed New York-based quintet’s ability to make music and cultivate a legion of fans on its own terms, without help from radio or MTV. The collection features more than two hours of progressive hard rock from James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar/vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums/vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards). The collection contains three newly remixed versions of tracks from Dream Theater’s breakout 1992 album, Images And Words: the aforementioned “Pull Me Under” as well as “Take The Time” and “Another Day.” Portnoy says this album presented the perfect opportunity to give the songs a bit of a facelift. “The original mixes always sounded a bit ’80s’ to me, so we had our good friend and longtime mixer Kevin Shirley give the tracks a bit of an update to sound more like the rest of the Dream Theater catalog. The songs remain the same (no pun intended—Kevin just mixed that album as well), but there are little nuances in the tracks that I forgot were originally there, and it’s very cool to hear them again.” The collection’s 22 songs are split evenly between two discs, which are divided into “The Dark Side” (the metallic) and “The Light Side” (the melodic). Filled with some of the band’s most sinister sounds, the first disc lives up to the billing of “The Dark Side.” Longtime fans will appreciate the abundance of alternative versions of classic tracks, including single edits of “Lie,” “Home,” and “Misunderstood.” Disc One concludes with two tracks from the band’s 2005 album Octavarium: “The Root Of All Evil” and “Sacrificed Sons.” The second disc, “The Light Side,” spotlights the band’s melodic side and features an alternate mix of “Through Her Eyes,” a single edit of “Solitary Shell” and “To Live Forever,” a 1994 B-side from the U.K.-only single of “Lie.” A grassroots phenomenon for 20 years, Dream Theater continues to record studio albums acclaimed for award-winning musicianship as well as artistic vision. To meet the demands of a demanding global fan base, the band also maintains an active touring schedule that regularly includes sold-out performances around the world. Dream Theater has currently been on the road since June 2007, traveling the globe in support of their latest studio album Systematic Chaos. Their world tour will conclude with a final run throughout North America in May as they premiere their “Progressive Nation” package tour with Opeth, Between The Buried And Me, and 3 supporting. DREAM THEATER’S GREATEST HIT (…& 21 other pretty cool songs) Track Listing Disc 1 1. “Pull Me Under” (2007 Remix) 2. “Take The Time” (2007 Remix) 3. “Lie” (Single Edit) 4. “Peruvian Skies” 5. “Home” (Single Edit) 6. “Misunderstood” (Single Edit) 7. “The Test That Stumped Them All” 8. “As I Am” 9. “Endless Sacrifice” 10. “The Root Of All Evil” 11. “Sacrificed Sons” Disc 2 1. “Another Day” (2007 Remix) 2. “To Live Forever” 3. “Lifting Shadows Off A Dream” 4. “The Silent Man” 5. “Hollow Years” 6. “Through Her Eyes” (Alternate Album Mix) 7. “The Spirit Carries On” 8. “Solitary Shell” (Single Edit) 9. “I Walk Beside You” 10. “The Answer Lies Within” 11. “Disappear”
18/02/2008	SPARKADIA Release single number 2 - “Too Much To Do”/”The Plague” Cat number: ARK 010DL Guardian Guide – Single of the Week “Sparkadia’s debut single is a really great song. It’s an ADD version of Peter Bjorn and John’s ‘Young Folks’ but with spooky, witchy backing vocals and masses of reverb” Sparkadia are set to release their second single, following on from “Animals”, which picked up some great reactions both in the UK and their homeland Australia. Now “Too Much to Do”, released on March 17th ‘08 on Ark Recordings, confirms their dark pop sensibilities, that blend the crystalline vocals of mainman Alex Burnett with guitars that rampage around like drunk Mexicans, resplendent melodies, and a filmic production quality. The B-side is a Scott Walker track – “The Plague” originally released in 1967, and will be available as a download only. The band are currently on tour as main support to Jimmy Eat World, (Brixton Academy 18 Feb) and have just confirmed two shows with Vampire Weekend. (Oxford 23 Feb, Brighton 24 Feb), plus their own headline show at the Metro on Feb 27th. Formed around the nucleus of 24 year old Alex Burnett (vocals, guitar) and Dave Hall (drums), Sparkadia became a reality with the addition of Nick Rabone (bass) and Tiffany Preece (keyboards, guitar, vocals). Alex’s musical tutelage began at an early age, his Scottish grandparents brought a love of traditional music, an Uncle involved in the production of West End Musicals (Hair, Rocky Horror Show) adding a sense of theatre – neither obvious influences but a love of music was assured. A diet of Scott Walker, Lee Hazelwood, The Pretenders, Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello all helped form the intelligent, thoughtful pop sound of Sparkadia. Sparkadia’s first demo got an immediate response, the fledgling band was adopted by Sydney scenesters and music fans resulting in a blur of gigs and performances at late night house parties. Earlier this year Sparkadia released a collection of demos as an EP to an incredible response. Their first single release in Australia was ‘Morning Light’ which thanks to tremendous support at Triple J (the XFM of Australia) saw 32,000 listeners download the song – the most downloaded track of the station’s website ever. 2000 copies of the single on CD sold out instantly. This great reaction brought Sparkadia to the attention of Ark Recordings who signed the band and brought them over to London’s Miloco Studios to record their debut album with uber-producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode etc) at the controls. The result is ‘Postcards’ due for UK release Summer 08. Full list of dates are below: February 08: Sunday 17 Southampton – Guildhall (with Jimmy Eat World) Monday 18 London - Brixton Academy (with Jimmy Eat World) Tuesday 19 Birmingham – Academy (with Jimmy Eat World) Wed 20 Manchester – Academy (with Jimmy Eat World) Friday 22 Leeds - University (refectory) (with Jimmy Eat World) Saturday 23 Oxford Academy (with Vampire Weekend) Sunday 24 Brighton Audio (with Vampire Weekend) Thursday 27 The Metro, London (Headline Show) Check out the band here: www.sparkadia.com or here: www.myspace.com/sparkadia or www.myspace.com/arkrecordings
18/02/2008	TIMBALAND RELEASES SCREAM FEATURING KERI HILSON & NICOLE SCHERZINGER ON MARCH 10TH Timbaland took the honours for the biggest selling singles artist of 2007 with combined sales of The Way I Are, Apologize, Give It To Me and Ayo Technology (which he had a writing credit on) exceeding 1 million units. So what better way to kick off 2008 than with another smash hit single from his double-platinum selling album Shock Value. Scream is another killer R&B pop track from Timbaland that blends laid back beats with crunchy rock guitar riffs. The track features vocals from emerging artist Keri Hilson – a member of writing and production group The Clutch who have worked with artists including Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Ciara and Pussycat Doll – and solo artist Nicole Scherzinger. The seductive track is matched by an equally steamy video complete with ladies clad in spandex and balaclavas plus fast cars and bank heists. Timbaland has been nominated for Best International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards this year as well as five Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Best Dance Recording, Best Rap Song and Producer of the Year. He has had two UK #1 singles with Give It To Me and The Way I Are, three #1 TV airplay singles with Give It To Me, The Way I Are and Apologise and three top 10 national radio airplay singles. There is no doubt that 2007 was a huge year for this immensely talented artist, producer and performer but it’s looking like 2008 could be even bigger. Scream featuring Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger is set for release on Polydor Records on March 10th. Shock Value is out now. www.timbalandmusic.com
15/02/2008	WHITESNAKE Release date confirmed new studio album and co-headline