FIGHTSTAR

Be Human Deluxe Edition CD/DVD + Tour

Search & Destroy – 1 March 2010

“ … A huge- hearted, earnest, wonderfully over the top album … proof once again that more is most definitely more …” KERRANG
“ … Be Human shows a new credibility for Charlie Simpson’s grown-up band …” THE SUN

2009 was a hugely successful year for FIGHTSTAR. They had a Top 20 album with their third record, BE HUMAN, played two sold out headline tours which included Shepherds Bush Empire in November, appeared at T4 on the Beach, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the iTunes festival, as well as having four singles play listed at Radio 1.  Their MySpace site has racked up 2.2 million profile views and the band drew huge crowds at the Download and Reading and Leeds festivals. 

The recording of BE HUMAN was self-funded and saw the band collaborating with renowned arranger Audrey Riley (Coldplay, Muse), featuring a 22-piece string section recorded at George Martin’s legendary Air Studios. Released in April 2009, the album became their most successful release to date. 

Now, as a thanks to their fans and to tie in with their forthcoming UK tour, the MTV Presents show at Dingwalls on 4 March, and an appearance on Channel 5’s Gadget Show, the band will be releasing a CD/DVD deluxe version of the album limited to 5,000 copies. 

BE HUMAN deluxe limited edition will have all new artwork, includes FIVE new tracks plus a live DVD entitled FIGHTSTAR: UNPLUGGED AT THE PICTUREDROME, and is set to be released on 1 March 2010. 

The extra tracks are:

A CITY ON FIRE (the physical launch of the band’s recent single)
28K RESOLUTION
ITS BLOOD IS BLACK
MVUA NYEUSI
BATTLEFIELD (a Jordin Sparks cover, recorded for Jo Whiley’s Live Lounge last year and which made it to the semi finals in the competition for best cover version over Christmas)

The live DVD, FIGHTSTAR: UNPLUGGED AT THE PICTUREDROME, was filmed on 13 December 2009 at Northampton’s Picture Drome venue. The songs featured are:

PALAHNIUK’S LAUGHTER
99
THE ENGLISH WAY
OUR LAST COMMON ANCESTOR
SLEEP WELL TONIGHT
BATTLEFIELD (Jordin Sparks cover)
VINCENT (Don McLean cover)
CROSS OUT THE STARS

The DVD also features videos for the singles THE ENGLISH WAY, MERCURY SUMMER, NEVER CHANGE and A CITY ON FIRE, as well as exclusive behind the scenes footage and interviews.

FIGHTSTAR set out on another UK tour as follows:

FEBRUARY

Mon      08           CARDIFF                               Millennium Music Hall
Tue        09           BRIGHTON                          Concorde 2
Wed      10           WOLVERHAMPTON        Wulfrun Hall
Fri           12           SHEFFIELD                           Corporation
Sat          13           EDINBURGH                       Studio 24
Sun        14           LIVERPOOL                         Academy 2
Tue        16           NORWICH                           Waterfront
Wed      17           LONDON                              Heaven

www.myspace.com/fightstarmusic or www.fightstarmusic.com

Metal fans use the force to make Heavy Metal a UK religion
Thousands of metallers ‘convert’ in effort to follow Jedi into 2011 census

Thousands of rock fans have already promised to convert to the UK’s latest faith, as they join a fast-growing internet campaign to see Heavy Metal recognised as a religion in the 2011 census.
 
Following an internet campaign before the 2001 census, 390,000 UK residents listed Jedi – the fictional Star Wars creed as their religion, making it the UK’s fourth largest. Now, Heavy Metal enthusiasts are looking to follow the trailblazing Jedi’s into the 2011 census.
 
Whilst the Office of National Statistics pointed out that Jedi’s inclusion in census results did not mean official recognition, it was given its own census code and sat alongside Church of England, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu as a religion.
 
Despite kicking off less than a week ago, the campaign launched by Metal Hammer – the UK’s best-selling Heavy Metal magazine - has already attracted nearly 10,000 followers to its Facebook group.  As interest continues to grow with press enquiries from across the globe, high profile supporters are coming forward to back the campaign. Biff Byford, the legendary Saxon frontman was first to show support and will become Heavy Metal’s “World Metal Peace Ambassador” if the campaign proves successful.
 
Heavy Metal was born 40 years ago, when Birmingham band Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut album.  The scene developed, with the release followed by bands like Judas Priest, Saxon, Motorhead and the almighty Brit Award winners Iron Maiden. Creating a genre of music, a community and a way of life, Heavy Metal is amongst the UK’s most significant cultural exports of the 20th century.
 
2009 was a highly significant year for the genre, with new annual metal festival Sonisphere coming to Knebworth Park and winning “Best New Festival” at the UK Festival awards, and US Rap-Metal band Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name Of” taking Xmas Number One, the most prestigious chart position in the UK’s music calendar.
 
Now, with metal bands like Iron Maiden (who headline this year’s Sonsiphere festival) and US favourites Metallica playing to sold-out stadiums across the world it has become a global phenomenon for millions of fans.

 
Alexander Milas, Editor of Metal Hammer said:
 
“Like a lot of good ideas, this one came about in a pub and the response online has been overwhelming.  It only reinforces the belief that Heavy Metal remains strong in its UK birthplace and across the globe.   If the Jedi can do it, then we can too.  Our only requirement to join our campaign is that you listen to heavy metal, our commandment: everything louder than everyone else.”
 
To join the campaign, please visit - http://www.facebook.com/heavymetal2011census

The New Cities on tour in the UK….NOW!

Hailing from Trois-Rivières (that’s “three rivers” to you and me), a small town halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, The New Cities are currently on tour in the UK.  Blending the timeless tastiness of classic synth-pop to the intensity and dynamics of modern pop rock and the irrefutable rump mobilization of the recent dance-rock insurgence, The New Cities are primed to bring their own form of urban renewal to the music scene. 

Influenced initially by Death From Above (1979) and the Faint, the band has since developed their own unique hybrid sound. After they released their eponymous EP  they hooked up with Greig Nori (Sum 41) who produced their debut album “Lost In City Lights” due for release later this year.  The whole affair was mixed by Dave “Rave” Ogilvie, a man with Marilyn Manson, David Bowie, Skinny Puppy, Tool and Nine Inch Nails on his sprawling list of credits. “We were trying to find someone who could mix electronics and rock,” says synth player Nick Denis. “Not everyone knows how to do that. This guy does.”

The title track from the album “Lost In City Lights” has already been featured on “Gossip Girl” and The New Cities are already itching for what comes next. Their high-voltage live shows have already made a mark on the Canadian concert circuit, but the band’s vision is wider than that. Denis reflects on the uncertainties of many of their fellow francophones in Quebec, even those who choose to sing in English. “There’s a mentality where you don’t feel like you can take it out of Quebec. You always feel like it’s more of a dream than a possibility.” No such limitations exist for The New Cities - “We made it really clear that we love to play in Canada, but it’s always good to know you can go further.” 

The band has already made one visit to the UK, and are now on tour supporting Twenty Twenty, on the following dates:

January 2010

Thursday 21st                 02 Academy 2, Liverpool

Friday 22nd                     02 Academy 2, Sheffield

Saturday 23rd                 02 Academy, Newcastle

Monday 25th                   02 ABC 2, Glasgow

Tuesday 26th                  02 Academy 2, Birmingham

Thursday 28th                 02 Academy, Oxford

Saturday 30th                 02 Academy, Islington

February

Monday 1st                    CLWB Ifor Bach, Cardiff

Tuesday 2nd                   Roadhouse, Manchester

Thursday 4th                   Scopitone Club, Paris

Wed 24 Feb - Club Revolution  - Peterborough
Thurs 25 - The Hop - Wakefield
Fri 26 Feb - Kico Club - Bolton
Tues 2 Mar - O2 Academy - Bristol
Fri 5 Mar - Rock City - Nottingham
Sat 6 Mar - Night Owls - Cheltenham
Sun 7 Feb - Little Civic - Wolverhampton
Tues 9 Mar - Musician - Leicester
Wed 10 Mar - O2 Academy - Birmingham
Thurs 11 Mar - Engine Rooms - Brighton
Fri 12 Mar - The Forum - Hatfield University Of Hartfordshire
Sat 13 Mar - O2 Academy - Oxford

THE SPECIALS

The Specials 30th Anniversary tour in 2009 was a jubilant, celebratory event which saw fans old and new enjoy one of the UK’s finest bands coming together to play music as relevant and exciting as when they started out in 1979.  Reviews were ecstatic, with The Telegraph declaring “they are simply one of the greatest live bands this island has ever produced” and the NME calling the shows “staggeringly life affirming”.  

The band played 33 sold out shows in the UK to over 140,000 fans as well as playing several festivals and dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan and now the show has been captured on film for release in March 2010.   Featuring all the classic tracks ‘Too Much Too Young’, ‘Do The Dog’, ‘Gangsters’ and many more the film was shot at the bands Wolverhampton Civic Hall show on 10th November 2009 by director Lindy Heymann.   The DVD also features exclusive footage from backstage, rehearsals and interviews with fans explaining what the band and the gigs mean to them from many of the shows.   

An edited version of the live show will be previewed on Sky Arts on 6th February.

The Specials – 30th Anniversary Tour DVD will be available from 1st March 2010 via the bands website www.thespecials.com, live set list below:

DO THE DOG                                             

DAWNING OF A NEW ERA

GANGSTERS                                                          

IT’S UP TO YOU

MONKEY MAN                                          

RAT RACE

HEY LITTLE RICH GIRL                           

BLANK EXPRESSION

DOESN'T MAKE IT ALRIGHT                               

STUPID MARRIAGE

CONCRETE JUNGLE                                             

FRIDAY NIGHT / SATURDAY MORNING

STEREOTYPE                                             

MAN AT C&A

MESSAGE TO YOU                                    

DO NOTHING

LITTLE BITCH                                           

NITE KLUB

TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG                         

LONGSHOT / LIQUIDATOR / MOONSTOMP

ENJOY YOURSELF                                    

GHOST TOWN

GUNS OF NAVARONE                              

YOU'RE WONDERING NOW

SYLOSIS TO SUPPORT FEAR FACTORY

British Thrashers SYLOSIS have been confirmed as main support to FEAR FACTORY on their upcoming UK tour.
 
Says guitarist Josh Middleton:
 
‘We’re really excited to be going on tour with Fear Factory. It’ll be cool to see Dino back on stage with Burton. Gene Hoglan is also one of our heros so it’ll be awesome to share some beers’

Catch SYLOSIS supporting FEAR FACTORY at the following shows in February 2010:
 
Tue 16             MANCHESTER                  ACADEMY 2                                             www.seetickets.com
Wed 17            WOLVERHAMPTON           WULFRUN HALL                                       www.seetickets.com
Thu 18             GLASGOW                      GARAGE                                                  www.seetickets.com
Fri 19              LONDON                          ELECTRIC BALLROOM                              www.seetickets.com

SYLOSIS have also recently announced a headline tour, catch them at the following shows:

FEBRUARY
Tue 23             READING                           FACE BAR                                                    0118 956 8188
Wed 24            LIVERPOOL                        BARFLY                                                        0844 847 2424
Thu 25             LEEDS                               RIOS                                                           0844 414 2182
Fri 26              COLCHESTER                      THE TWIST                                                  01206 562453
Sat 27              HIGH WYCOMBE                THE WHITE HORSE                                       01494 527672
Sun 28             CARDIFF                            BARFLY                                                       0844 847 2424
 
MARCH
Tue 02             WINCHESTER                      RAILWAY INN                                              0844 477 1000
Wed 03            YORK                                 THE DUCHESS                                             0844 477 1000
Thu 04             MIDDLESBOROUGH             THE CROWN                                                0870 264 3333
Fri 05              GLASGOW                           CLASSIC GRAND                                          0141 847 0820
Sat 06              CREWE                               THE BOX                                                     0871 230 0010
Sun 07             BRISTOL                             THE CROFT                                                  0117 987 4144
Tue 09             DERBY                                 VICTORIA INN                                             01332 740 091
Wed 10            DONCASTER                        VINTAGE ROCK BAR                                     0844 414 2182
Thu 11             MANCHESTER                      SUB 61                                                        0870 264 3333
Sat 13              HITCHIN                             CLUB 85                                                      01462 434 801
Sun 14             PETERBOROUGH                 MET LOUNGE                                                01733 571 616
 
Available from: seetickets.com • kililive.com & usual outlets

The album “conclusion of an age” out now on nuclear blast
 
www.myspace.com/sylosis

"Good evening Los Angeles, we're Flogging Molly and this is what we do." Those were the first words from singer Dave King on the evening of September 12, 2009, when Flogging Molly took the stage at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. For a man who twelve years prior was playing at the helm of what was arguably a local bar band, headlining the Greek Theatre was surely a crowning achievement for him and his six compatriots. 

Born at an Irish pub called Molly Malone's on Hollywood's Fairfax Blvd, Flogging Molly rose from relative obscurity through years of hard work and relentless touring, blending traditional Irish folk instrumentation with heartfelt punk rock. Never lacking for confidence and swagger, the band respectfully declined to accept an award from the LA Weekly in 1998 for 'best bar band', as they had much bigger dreams and aspirations than that title conveyed. Remarkably enough, only weeks before the Greek Theatre show, Flogging Molly was awarded an official Gold record plaque from the RIAA for their 2002 release, Drunken Lullabies. 500,000 units sold in this day and age is no small feat for any act, and once again it is a testament to the band's foresight and evidence of the impact of their music on the throngs of fans that they play in front of each year. 

LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE is both a DVD and double CD of Flogging Molly's amazing performance in all its glory. Directed by Kevin Custer, LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE is a must have for all Flogging Molly fans and a uniquely special introduction for those music fans that have yet to experience Flogging Molly's uniquely powerful show first hand. Playing songs from all of their albums throughout their ninety minute set, Flogging Molly has never looked or sounded better, as the event was shot with 8 high definition cameras including a jib crane and the audio was mixed by Grammy award winning engineer Ryan Hewitt, who co-produced the band's recent release 'Float'. 

LIVE AT THE GREEK THEATRE will be in stores on March 2nd, 2010 and also includes interviews and candid backstage bonus features. This is the ultimate All Access pass into the world of Flogging Molly at a truly legendary Los Angeles venue, and in addition to the DVD of the performance and two audio CDs the package includes a booklet with amazing photos from the entire night

PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY

‘GOING TO THE CASINO’ (TOMORROW NIGHT) FREE DOWLOAD FOR JANUARY 2010

Australia is shipping us more musical goodness thanks to Philadelphia Grand Jury. Two childhood friends, Berkfinger and MC Bad Genius, add some 20 years and one observes a strange, tedious and sometimes very complicated relationship that always manages to somehow end up in a smart and ruff pop song.

Berkfinger hadn't seen Bad Genius for going on 6 years when one day last year the curious bearded fellow just strolled into one of his solo shows with a bass and plugged himself right back into the singer's life. From there, these two childhood buddies - and a rotating ensemble of drummers - have been writing, recording and touring their own indie punk soul hits around the country and winning fans everywhere they go.

2009 was a busy year for The Philly Jays. Yet even amidst relentless touring they managed to squeeze out a self-produced, self-engineered and self-released hit EP on their own label called Normal People Making Hits, which remained in the top 10 of the independent charts for months after its Australian release.  Similarly on the release their debut album ‘Hope Is For Hopers’, which went to number 1 on the charts.

Live is where the band really capture their audience. They don’t need a good PA, a crowd of their own or even a drummer of their own to turn every head by the end of their action packed, show-stealing set. Drum Media even cited them as "a band you must see before you die" .

Going To The Casino (Tomorrow Night) is a fantastic example of their rock n roll assault, which The Philly Jay’s will be giving away to anyone who wants it! Head over to the myspace to check out the song, if you want to host it then get in touch!

The band will be at SXSW festival in March before dates in the UK this May 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/philadelphiagrandjury

MONO

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 2010

 (Conspiracy Records)

www.mono-jpn.com

Following the release of 2009’s critically-acclaimed ‘Hmyn Of The Immortal Wind’ album, instrumental Japanese post-rock legends Mono are set to return to the UK this coming March for the following dates.

Wed 17/03/2010	Sco	Glasgow	Oran Mor
Mon 15/03/2010	Uk	London	The Scala
Tue 16/03/2010	Uk	Birmingham	The Asylum
Thu 18/03/2010	Uk	Leeds	Brudenell Social Club

After touring almost non-stop for five years, the band hibernated for over a year to focus solely on writing Hymn... The result is their most thoughtful and eclectic album to date. Written and arranged with a hopeful, romantic narrative in mind, the songs string together like chapters in an epic love story. The music is naturally majestic, with MONO’s trademark wall of noise crashing beautifully against the largest chamber orchestra the band has ever enlisted. The instrumentation is vast, incorporating strings, flutes, organ, piano, glockenspiel and tympani into their standard face melting set-up.

Recorded to analog tape with long-time friend and producer Steve Albini, there is an intimacy captured here that is at once beautiful and a little terrifying. The creaking of old wooden chairs as the orchestra rocks in their seats (both literally and figuratively), puckered lips rolling along flutes, and even the conductor’s opening cue can be heard during the hauntingly quiet opening moments.

PENDULUM

UNVEIL EAGERLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM ‘IMMERSION’ WITH EXCLUSIVE ALBUM PREVIEW DJ SET AT EAR STORM NIGHT AT LONDON’S MATTER NIGHT-CLUB ON JANUARY 22ND

www.pendulum.com

“A COMPLETE AURAL ASSAULT” (NME)

“PHENOMENAL DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE” (KERRANG!)

“FUSING JUNGLE’S CRUNCHING DRUMS AND LOW ENDED FREQUENCIES WITH ROCK’S WALL OF GUITARS AND STADIUM SIZED ENERGY” (MIXMAG)

With over a million album sales to their name already, Pendulum’s upcoming album ‘Immersion’ is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2010. Following recent dub-plate support from the likes of Andy C, Friction and Sub Focus the first significant tantalising taster of the new material will be provided when Pendulum play an Album Preview DJ set at their Ear Storm night at London’s Matter night-club on January 22nd.

The event highlights two unique experiences: a new technologically advanced DJ set performed by the original trio Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, Paul Harding and MC Ben Mount, synced with jaw-dropping visuals provided by The Pixel Addicts AND the first chance for fans to be blown away by the new material that pushes Pendulum’s sound into scintillating new boundaries.

This will be the first in a series of shows to be curated by the band, Ear Storm’s outstanding line-up features Zane Lowe, Sub Focus, Hervé, Sinden, Noisia, Nero and many more. For more info and tickets (£15) visit www.matterlondon.com for those that can’t attend, the entire set will be streamed LIVE via Pendulum’s web-site www.pendulum.com

The band are also heading out in May for the Immersion tour, including a date at Wembley Arena in London. The full list of dates is:

17th - Ulster Hall, Belfast

18th - Olympia, Dublin

20th - Corn Exchange, Edinburgh

21st - Empress Ballroom, Blackpool

22nd - Brighton Centre, Brighton

26th - O2 Academy, Birmingham

28th - Wembley Arena, London

29th - International Arena, Cardiff

30th - Pavillions, Plymouth

21st - Oasis Centre, Swindon

FAKE PROBLEMS RETURN TO THE UK

NEW ALBUM DUE SUMMER 2010!

(Side One Dummy Records)

www.myspace.com/fakeproblems | www.twitter.com/fakeproblems | www.youtube.com/fakeproblems

Fake Problems are set to return to the UK in April 2010 following their appearance at the 2009 READING and LEEDS festival and their support slot to FRANK TURNER this past October. The band had a busy 2009 touring with the likes Murder By Death, Thursday, Dillinger Escape Plan and William Elliot Whitmore and will busier than ever in 2010. 

Fake Problems will be playing 11 UK shows in April leading them to an exclusive mainland appearance at the 2010 Groezrock festival with Bad Religion, AFI, Hatebreed, Sum 41 and many more.

2010 will also see the release of a new Fake Problems album which should be recorded before the guys leave for their next UK tour. Fake Problems have organically reinvented their sound and successfully redefined who they are as musicians and human beings with each musical step they have made. Be on the lookout for one of the most anticipated release of 2010!

12-Apr UK Norwich - Water Rats

13-Apr UK Bristol - Thekla

14-Apr UK Birmingham - O2 Academy 3

15-Apr UK London - Barfly

16-Apr UK Oxford - Bullingdon

17-Apr UK Manchester - Roadhouse

18-Apr UK Glasgow -  O2 ABC 2

19-Apr UK Newcastle - The Cluny

20-Apr UK Nottingham - Rock City Basement

21-Apr UK Leeds - The Cockpit

22-Apr UK Portsmouth - Wedgewood rooms

23-Apr BE  Meerhourt - Groezrock Festival 2010