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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
King King have just released the official music video for the new single '(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin.'
The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming, fourth studio album Exile & Grace, released by Manhaton Records on Friday the 6th of October.
The single, mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder, Therapy), points to the an album that will deliver more of a punch from King King, putting the ROCK in blues rock; killer songs, performed with passion, by a fist-tight line-up.
"Exile & Grace definitely has a rockier feel and sound to it" says King King’s front man Alan Nimmo.
"We are following our influences from the Classic Rock genre, Bad Company, Whitesnake and Thunder. We really set out to challenge ourselves with this album. We’ve stepped up the quality of song writing and pushed ourselves physically in both performance and delivery!"
The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming, fourth studio album Exile & Grace, released by Manhaton Records on Friday the 6th of October.
The single, mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder, Therapy), points to the an album that will deliver more of a punch from King King, putting the ROCK in blues rock; killer songs, performed with passion, by a fist-tight line-up.
"Exile & Grace definitely has a rockier feel and sound to it" says King King’s front man Alan Nimmo.
"We are following our influences from the Classic Rock genre, Bad Company, Whitesnake and Thunder. We really set out to challenge ourselves with this album. We’ve stepped up the quality of song writing and pushed ourselves physically in both performance and delivery!"
Fans who want to do more than check out the YouTube video can download or stream the new single from iTunes - http://bit.ly/KKLovin which has an official release date of Monday 26th June.
Following the release of Exile & Grace, King King will play their biggest shows to date in support of the album. Tickets for the shows are available from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898 and from: www.thegigcartel.com
Recorded at Superfly Studios, Exile & Grace is the follow up to 2015’s multi-award winning Reaching For The Light.
King King – Exile & Grace dates:
Bath, Forum - Saturday 14th October
Birmingham, Town Hall - Tuesday 17th October
London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire - Wednesday 18th October
Sheffield, Leadmill - Thursday 19th October
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Friday 20th October
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Following the release of Exile & Grace, King King will play their biggest shows to date in support of the album. Tickets for the shows are available from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898 and from: www.thegigcartel.com
Recorded at Superfly Studios, Exile & Grace is the follow up to 2015’s multi-award winning Reaching For The Light.
King King – Exile & Grace dates:
Bath, Forum - Saturday 14th October
Birmingham, Town Hall - Tuesday 17th October
London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire - Wednesday 18th October
Sheffield, Leadmill - Thursday 19th October
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Friday 20th October
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IO Earth, the Birmingham based symphonic progressives with a distinct and powerful sound (and a band who have incorporated everything from dance to ambient to heavy rock in their sonic repertoire, the "IO Earth Sound") will return to the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham for the third time in May 2018 when they present another IO Earth Extravaganza Weekend.
Held over the 5th and 6th of May, the weekend event will include two shows on the first day with a Meet & Greet (at the Pitcher and Piano, Brindley Place) the following day.
The first show on Saturday the 5th of May is a "By Request" performance where IO Earth fans pick the set list (the band’s official Facebook page is the place to see when and where to make any set-list requests.
The second show, later that same day, will be a performance of IO Earth’s forthcoming studio release, Solitude, in its entirety – the band’s fourth album can be pre-ordered now via the band’s PledgeMusic page where you can also buy related merchandise, a double vinyl edition of Solitude, the opportunity to purchase a front row ticket (with sound check access) for both 5th of May shows and a number of "Artist Experience" offers.
Tickets for the Extravaganza Weekend are on sale now via the Crescent Theatre’s website or Box Office:
121 643 5858
Tickets are £33.50 (includes booking fee)
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Saturday 5th May 2018:
IO Earth with the Orchestra of Sound and Emotion
Crescent Theatre (Main House)
Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
Anticipated running time: 3 hours
15:30 - IO Earth ("By Request" show)
20:30 - IO Earth (Solitude) "UK Premier Performance"
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Sunday 6th May 2018:
Meet & Greet at The Pitcher & Piano, Brindley Place
13:00 Onwards
IO Earth – Solitude
The follow-up to their critically acclaimed New World album, Solitude returns to a single disk format and will have a very pronounced theme dealing with the struggles of mental illness and depression.
As always however, while the music may address darker issues, it will also consist of uplifting and beautiful melodies, giving the overall feeling of hope and redemption.
IO Earth’s core consists of the writing and performing duo of Dave Cureton and Adam Gough.
Along with their incredibly gifted band members, they promise another breathtaking project in this, their fourth studio album.
Dave Cureton: Guitars, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Adam Gough: Keyboads, Piano, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Luke Shingler: Soprano Sax, Flute, EWI
Jez King: Violin
Christian Nokes: Bass Guitar
CJ Jerromes: Drums & Percussion
And joining the band for her first IO Earth album:
Rosanna Lefevre: Vocals
www.ioearth.com
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Held over the 5th and 6th of May, the weekend event will include two shows on the first day with a Meet & Greet (at the Pitcher and Piano, Brindley Place) the following day.
The first show on Saturday the 5th of May is a "By Request" performance where IO Earth fans pick the set list (the band’s official Facebook page is the place to see when and where to make any set-list requests.
The second show, later that same day, will be a performance of IO Earth’s forthcoming studio release, Solitude, in its entirety – the band’s fourth album can be pre-ordered now via the band’s PledgeMusic page where you can also buy related merchandise, a double vinyl edition of Solitude, the opportunity to purchase a front row ticket (with sound check access) for both 5th of May shows and a number of "Artist Experience" offers.
Tickets for the Extravaganza Weekend are on sale now via the Crescent Theatre’s website or Box Office:
121 643 5858
Tickets are £33.50 (includes booking fee)
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Saturday 5th May 2018:
IO Earth with the Orchestra of Sound and Emotion
Crescent Theatre (Main House)
Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
Anticipated running time: 3 hours
15:30 - IO Earth ("By Request" show)
20:30 - IO Earth (Solitude) "UK Premier Performance"
IO EARTH Extravaganza Weekend, Sunday 6th May 2018:
Meet & Greet at The Pitcher & Piano, Brindley Place
13:00 Onwards
IO Earth – Solitude
The follow-up to their critically acclaimed New World album, Solitude returns to a single disk format and will have a very pronounced theme dealing with the struggles of mental illness and depression.
As always however, while the music may address darker issues, it will also consist of uplifting and beautiful melodies, giving the overall feeling of hope and redemption.
IO Earth’s core consists of the writing and performing duo of Dave Cureton and Adam Gough.
Along with their incredibly gifted band members, they promise another breathtaking project in this, their fourth studio album.
Dave Cureton: Guitars, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Adam Gough: Keyboads, Piano, Vocals, Orchestration, Programming
Luke Shingler: Soprano Sax, Flute, EWI
Jez King: Violin
Christian Nokes: Bass Guitar
CJ Jerromes: Drums & Percussion
And joining the band for her first IO Earth album:
Rosanna Lefevre: Vocals
www.ioearth.com
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The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival is shaping up to be the best blues-rock based event of the year – and not just because of the quality and quantity of the acts performing in Colne from the 25th to 27th of August (over forty artists on the ticketed main stages alone including King King, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Ian Siegal & Band, the Stevie Nimmo Trio, Jo Harman, Aynsley Lister and Gwyn Ashton, who will be releasing his new album Solo Elektro at the festival).
Aside from the Main Stage acts, there will be other live performances across various venues over all three days, as well as an opportunity to win a Great British Rhythm and Blues "Goodie Bag."
The festival’s "Road Houses" performances offer an intimate setting to hear some of the best new, and established blues and roots musicians showcasing their talents.
Set across nine venues hosting thirty-plus shows over the course of the weekend, featured artists include Jack Hutchinson, Mike Ross, the Mark Pontin Group, and many more. All shows are free.
Buy a ticket to a day (or days) of your choice by Friday 30th June and you will be in with a chance of winning the "Colne Blues Goodie Bag."
The goodie bag includes CDs and merchandise from many of the artists and bands playing at the event, including new album releases, T-shirts, bags, stickers and a tour jacket.
A Joanne Shaw Taylor art print will also be included, donated by the festival artist-in-residence, Pete Marsh.
To be entered into the draw, simply purchase a ticket by midnight on Friday 30th June (current ticket holders will also be entered into the draw).
An online draw will take place on Monday 3rd July, with the Winner notified by email or, if applicable, Facebook.
The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival also nurtures new talent, as festival director Jason Elliott explains: "This event is bursting with talent, some of it as yet undiscovered. We're proud to be showcasing and cultivating such a wide variety of musicianship and to help these musicians - in any small way - achieve, succeed and thrive."
One such example is Alex McKown who, in 2008, was taken backstage at The Muni venue in Colne during the blues festival to meet one of his idols, Walter Trout.
Roll forward nine years to a 20 year old Alex McKown (now a six times finalist in the British Blues Awards) who is appearing on the very same stage as his idol did.
Beyond the above the festival is also planning to have prints of the event posters (by artist Martin Bedford, the Festival’s Design Artist for 2017) for sale, due to the demand for an opportunity to purchase.
Says Martin Bedford "I’ve always thought that if you put effort into a poster, you not only say 'this band/event is worth seeing' but you also show respect to the audience. I hate the type of gigs that put little imagination into promotion, which the promoter doesn’t even attend, that over charge on a crap bar and then bum rush, not only you, but also the band, out of the building to cram in a club night."
You’ll get no argument (and indeed a nod of complete simpatico) from FabricationsHQ there, Martin.
For further information on the festival, including everything from camping accommodation to tickets and fully scheduled line-ups, events and timings, head to the official website: http://www.bluesfestival.co.uk
Aside from the Main Stage acts, there will be other live performances across various venues over all three days, as well as an opportunity to win a Great British Rhythm and Blues "Goodie Bag."
The festival’s "Road Houses" performances offer an intimate setting to hear some of the best new, and established blues and roots musicians showcasing their talents.
Set across nine venues hosting thirty-plus shows over the course of the weekend, featured artists include Jack Hutchinson, Mike Ross, the Mark Pontin Group, and many more. All shows are free.
Buy a ticket to a day (or days) of your choice by Friday 30th June and you will be in with a chance of winning the "Colne Blues Goodie Bag."
The goodie bag includes CDs and merchandise from many of the artists and bands playing at the event, including new album releases, T-shirts, bags, stickers and a tour jacket.
A Joanne Shaw Taylor art print will also be included, donated by the festival artist-in-residence, Pete Marsh.
To be entered into the draw, simply purchase a ticket by midnight on Friday 30th June (current ticket holders will also be entered into the draw).
An online draw will take place on Monday 3rd July, with the Winner notified by email or, if applicable, Facebook.
The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival also nurtures new talent, as festival director Jason Elliott explains: "This event is bursting with talent, some of it as yet undiscovered. We're proud to be showcasing and cultivating such a wide variety of musicianship and to help these musicians - in any small way - achieve, succeed and thrive."
One such example is Alex McKown who, in 2008, was taken backstage at The Muni venue in Colne during the blues festival to meet one of his idols, Walter Trout.
Roll forward nine years to a 20 year old Alex McKown (now a six times finalist in the British Blues Awards) who is appearing on the very same stage as his idol did.
Beyond the above the festival is also planning to have prints of the event posters (by artist Martin Bedford, the Festival’s Design Artist for 2017) for sale, due to the demand for an opportunity to purchase.
Says Martin Bedford "I’ve always thought that if you put effort into a poster, you not only say 'this band/event is worth seeing' but you also show respect to the audience. I hate the type of gigs that put little imagination into promotion, which the promoter doesn’t even attend, that over charge on a crap bar and then bum rush, not only you, but also the band, out of the building to cram in a club night."
You’ll get no argument (and indeed a nod of complete simpatico) from FabricationsHQ there, Martin.
For further information on the festival, including everything from camping accommodation to tickets and fully scheduled line-ups, events and timings, head to the official website: http://www.bluesfestival.co.uk
Main Stage Line-ups:
Hippodrome Theatre, Friday Evening
Tom Attah & The Bad Man Clan; The Lachy Doley Group; Ian Siegal & band
The Muni, Friday Evening
The Revelator Band; Stevie Nimmo Trio; Joanne Shaw Taylor; The Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Session
Hippodrome Theatre, Saturday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Matt Edwards Band; Paddy Maguire Band ft. Jenna Hooson; Miles Gilderdale; Northsyde
The Muni, Saturday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Yoka & The Sugarbeats; Gerry Jablonski Band; Crosscut Saw; The Katie Bradley Band
Tom Attah's Acoustic Blues Showcase, Little Theatre, Saturday Daytime
Mat Walklate & Paolo Fuschi; Lucy Zirins & Company;
TNT (TJ Norton & Tom Attah); Julian Burdock & Danny del Toro; The Delta Ladies
Hippodrome Theatre, Saturday Evening
TJ & The Suitcase; Rob Tognoni; Aynsley Lister
The Muni, Saturday Evening
The Kaz Hawkins Band; Jo Harman; Janiva Magness; The Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Session
Hippodrome Theatre, Sunday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Husky Tones; Will Wilde Band; Walrus (ft Rosco Levee and Mike Ross); Dove & Boweevil
The Muni, Sunday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Elles Bailey; Lisa Mills; Alex McKown Band; Wolfpack
Tom Attah's Acoustic Blues Showcase, Little Theatre, Sunday Daytime
Dale Storr; Jess Gardham; Jack Blackman; The Hailbails; Dave Arcari
Hippodrome Theatre, Sunday Evening
Michael Messer's Mitra; Clay Shelburn; Lucky Peterson
The Muni, Sunday Evening
Gwyn Ashton; John Fairhurst; King King; The Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Session
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Hippodrome Theatre, Friday Evening
Tom Attah & The Bad Man Clan; The Lachy Doley Group; Ian Siegal & band
The Muni, Friday Evening
The Revelator Band; Stevie Nimmo Trio; Joanne Shaw Taylor; The Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Session
Hippodrome Theatre, Saturday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Matt Edwards Band; Paddy Maguire Band ft. Jenna Hooson; Miles Gilderdale; Northsyde
The Muni, Saturday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Yoka & The Sugarbeats; Gerry Jablonski Band; Crosscut Saw; The Katie Bradley Band
Tom Attah's Acoustic Blues Showcase, Little Theatre, Saturday Daytime
Mat Walklate & Paolo Fuschi; Lucy Zirins & Company;
TNT (TJ Norton & Tom Attah); Julian Burdock & Danny del Toro; The Delta Ladies
Hippodrome Theatre, Saturday Evening
TJ & The Suitcase; Rob Tognoni; Aynsley Lister
The Muni, Saturday Evening
The Kaz Hawkins Band; Jo Harman; Janiva Magness; The Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Session
Hippodrome Theatre, Sunday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Husky Tones; Will Wilde Band; Walrus (ft Rosco Levee and Mike Ross); Dove & Boweevil
The Muni, Sunday Daytime
Finalists - Jessica Foxley Unsigned Project; Elles Bailey; Lisa Mills; Alex McKown Band; Wolfpack
Tom Attah's Acoustic Blues Showcase, Little Theatre, Sunday Daytime
Dale Storr; Jess Gardham; Jack Blackman; The Hailbails; Dave Arcari
Hippodrome Theatre, Sunday Evening
Michael Messer's Mitra; Clay Shelburn; Lucky Peterson
The Muni, Sunday Evening
Gwyn Ashton; John Fairhurst; King King; The Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Session
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Gwyn Ashton’s forthcoming Solo Elektro release is a psychedelic, stoner blues rock album with a difference. It was recorded solely by Ashton, 100% live, with guitar, vocal mic, kick drum and octave divider.
The task was set to create a totally honest album, free of any layering of instruments, to achieve the same sound Gwyn Ashton gets at a solo performance - after all, anyone can multitrack dozens of instruments and harmony vocals but not many can pull off this sort of live recording, or so effectively.
Over a period of two weeks, whilst touring Europe, Gwyn Ashton set his mobile studio up in three vacant hotel rooms, two in the Czech Republic and one in England, and recorded Solo Elektro.
Recorded on only four tracks, with no overdubbing of vocals or any other parts, Gwyn Ashton spent days recording one song at a time until the vocals, guitars and kick drum were all in time with each other and the vibe of the songs were at their peaks.
Collaborating with songwriting partner Garry Allen took place over the internet from Allen's home in Melbourne, Australia; the two bounced ideas back and forth until the songs were finished.
Gywn Ashton then took the sound files to MixMasters Studios in Adelaide, South Australia where the album was mixed through an old SSL mixing console, various hardware preamps and graphic equalisers.
The task was set to create a totally honest album, free of any layering of instruments, to achieve the same sound Gwyn Ashton gets at a solo performance - after all, anyone can multitrack dozens of instruments and harmony vocals but not many can pull off this sort of live recording, or so effectively.
Over a period of two weeks, whilst touring Europe, Gwyn Ashton set his mobile studio up in three vacant hotel rooms, two in the Czech Republic and one in England, and recorded Solo Elektro.
Recorded on only four tracks, with no overdubbing of vocals or any other parts, Gwyn Ashton spent days recording one song at a time until the vocals, guitars and kick drum were all in time with each other and the vibe of the songs were at their peaks.
Collaborating with songwriting partner Garry Allen took place over the internet from Allen's home in Melbourne, Australia; the two bounced ideas back and forth until the songs were finished.
Gywn Ashton then took the sound files to MixMasters Studios in Adelaide, South Australia where the album was mixed through an old SSL mixing console, various hardware preamps and graphic equalisers.
Solo Elektro will be released on Fab Tone Records in September; the album should also be available as part of Gwyn Ashton’s appearance at the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne on the 27th of August.
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Pocketful of Stones, the first Hue and Cry (Pat and Greg Kane) record of completely original material since 2012’s Hot Wire, will be released on September 1st 2017.
Pocketful of Stones is the brothers' accumulated creative outpourings and observations from the past four years; the album covers a tumultuous relationship with politics, examines their perspectives of love and parenthood, looks at how reflection in oneself can ultimately lead to appreciating what makes you truly happy, and what the shortcomings of failing to live up to modern societal standards can be.
Hue and Cry have created a significant and deeply affecting album that will appeal to anyone who has an interest in human nature… from the parent, to the activist, to the young and disenfranchised.
As Pat Kane explains, Pocketful Of Stones is "about sensing that time is running out for you to do everything you need and want to do. At this age and stage, you have responsibilities which you have to live up to. If 'half a century has piled up' (as the title track lyrics put it), then you must know something by now."
To celebrate the announcement of Pocketful Of Stones, Hue And Cry have made the title song available.
The track includes lyrics that detail the central theme of the album with what Pat Kane describes as "lots of poetic images… I love the way that Greg has arranged the song as one giant metronome, ticking away."
The song also features the Glasgow String Quartet.
Pocketful of Stones is the brothers' accumulated creative outpourings and observations from the past four years; the album covers a tumultuous relationship with politics, examines their perspectives of love and parenthood, looks at how reflection in oneself can ultimately lead to appreciating what makes you truly happy, and what the shortcomings of failing to live up to modern societal standards can be.
Hue and Cry have created a significant and deeply affecting album that will appeal to anyone who has an interest in human nature… from the parent, to the activist, to the young and disenfranchised.
As Pat Kane explains, Pocketful Of Stones is "about sensing that time is running out for you to do everything you need and want to do. At this age and stage, you have responsibilities which you have to live up to. If 'half a century has piled up' (as the title track lyrics put it), then you must know something by now."
To celebrate the announcement of Pocketful Of Stones, Hue And Cry have made the title song available.
The track includes lyrics that detail the central theme of the album with what Pat Kane describes as "lots of poetic images… I love the way that Greg has arranged the song as one giant metronome, ticking away."
The song also features the Glasgow String Quartet.
Hue & Cry Live Dates 2017
Sat 17th June: Let’s Rock, Leeds – Full band concert
Thur 29TH June: Pizza Express, The Strand, London - Piano and vocals headline concert
Fri 30th June: Pizza Express, The Strand, London - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 1st July: Pizza Express, Birmingham - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sun 2nd July: Pizza Express, Music Room, Maidstone - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 8th July: Lets Rock, Southampton – Full band concert
Sat 15th July: Flashpoint Festival, Leicester– Full band concert
Sun 16th July: Robin 2, Wolverhampton – Full band concert
Fri 25th Aug: Jazz Festival, Rye - Piano and vocals headline concert
Fri 16th Sep: Atkinson Theatre, Southport - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 17th Sep: Unity Works, Wakefield - Piano and vocals headline concert
Pocket Full Of Stones Scottish tour (tickets on sale from June 23rd)
Fri 17th Nov: Fat Sams, Dundee – Full band concert
Sat 18th Nov: Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen – Full band concert
Sun 19th Nov: Beacon Arts centre, Greenock – Full band concert
Fri 24th Nov: Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh – Full band concert
Sat 25th Nov: Town Hall, Hamilton – Full band concert
Hue And Cry caught the public’s attention in the late 80s with a string of chart friendly hits including 'Labour Of Love' and 'Looking For Linda.' Their pop sound was not to last, however; in the 90s they took an experimental turn and demonstrated their abilities to slip in and out of a multitude of styles, including drum 'n' bass, Afrobeat and R&B. After the six albums of exploration, the Kane brothers felt compelled to go their separate ways and pursue individual creative outlets.
The hiatus was short lived, ending in 2005 when the revitalised Kane brothers returned with a modern, matured outlook. 2008’s Open Soul was followed by the seasonal offering Xmasday, 2012’s funk inspired Hot Wire, a reworking of their best selling, Top 10 album Remote entitled Remote: Major To Minor and September Songs, an album of Frank Sinatra covers.
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Sat 17th June: Let’s Rock, Leeds – Full band concert
Thur 29TH June: Pizza Express, The Strand, London - Piano and vocals headline concert
Fri 30th June: Pizza Express, The Strand, London - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 1st July: Pizza Express, Birmingham - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sun 2nd July: Pizza Express, Music Room, Maidstone - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 8th July: Lets Rock, Southampton – Full band concert
Sat 15th July: Flashpoint Festival, Leicester– Full band concert
Sun 16th July: Robin 2, Wolverhampton – Full band concert
Fri 25th Aug: Jazz Festival, Rye - Piano and vocals headline concert
Fri 16th Sep: Atkinson Theatre, Southport - Piano and vocals headline concert
Sat 17th Sep: Unity Works, Wakefield - Piano and vocals headline concert
Pocket Full Of Stones Scottish tour (tickets on sale from June 23rd)
Fri 17th Nov: Fat Sams, Dundee – Full band concert
Sat 18th Nov: Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen – Full band concert
Sun 19th Nov: Beacon Arts centre, Greenock – Full band concert
Fri 24th Nov: Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh – Full band concert
Sat 25th Nov: Town Hall, Hamilton – Full band concert
Hue And Cry caught the public’s attention in the late 80s with a string of chart friendly hits including 'Labour Of Love' and 'Looking For Linda.' Their pop sound was not to last, however; in the 90s they took an experimental turn and demonstrated their abilities to slip in and out of a multitude of styles, including drum 'n' bass, Afrobeat and R&B. After the six albums of exploration, the Kane brothers felt compelled to go their separate ways and pursue individual creative outlets.
The hiatus was short lived, ending in 2005 when the revitalised Kane brothers returned with a modern, matured outlook. 2008’s Open Soul was followed by the seasonal offering Xmasday, 2012’s funk inspired Hot Wire, a reworking of their best selling, Top 10 album Remote entitled Remote: Major To Minor and September Songs, an album of Frank Sinatra covers.
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Solid Entertainments have announced a back to back Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival double for the neighbouring counties of Lancashire and north Yorkshire…
The fifth Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival will take place at Whitby Pavilion on Saturday the 14th October while the very first Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival in Clitheroe will take place at The Grand in Clitheroe on Sunday the 15th of October.
Whether its fish and chips or ice cream; history or culture; vampires or Goths (Bram Stoker’s Dracula was influenced by the author’s stay in Whitby and the town hosts a Goth fringe festival); or a return of blues and rock, Whitby is a beautiful part of the country to partake in any or all of them.
The five confirmed acts, along with the yet-to-be announced headliner, offer six very different but striking bands, mixing legendary names and emerging artists; the results are a six band festival that should appeal to blues, rhythm and rock lovers of all ages and tastes.
The next day the event and bands heads west to Lancashire for the first Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival.
Both festivals will feature a tbc headliner as well as:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remains a highly popular and exciting live rhythm and blues act.
Danny Bryant – often referred to as a National Blues Treasure, Bryant released his ninth album, title excellent Blood Money, in 2016.
Red Butler – four young people that have amalgamated into a dynamic band, able to generate power and sensitivity in their take on blues-rock! The band’s second album, Nothing to Lose, was released in 2016.
The Rainbreakers – passionate to deliver authenticity, the band have sustained an honest and ever growing following through a relentless desire to perform. Their recent Rise Up EP was met with solid, critical acclaim and is a soulful and psychedelic shift beyond anything they have done prior.
The Blues Issue – a South coast five-piece with an explosive combination of twin guitars, hollerin’ blues harp and a supercharged rhythm section.
Both events will also cater for all food and drink needs; there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
The fifth Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival will take place at Whitby Pavilion on Saturday the 14th October while the very first Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival in Clitheroe will take place at The Grand in Clitheroe on Sunday the 15th of October.
Whether its fish and chips or ice cream; history or culture; vampires or Goths (Bram Stoker’s Dracula was influenced by the author’s stay in Whitby and the town hosts a Goth fringe festival); or a return of blues and rock, Whitby is a beautiful part of the country to partake in any or all of them.
The five confirmed acts, along with the yet-to-be announced headliner, offer six very different but striking bands, mixing legendary names and emerging artists; the results are a six band festival that should appeal to blues, rhythm and rock lovers of all ages and tastes.
The next day the event and bands heads west to Lancashire for the first Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival.
Both festivals will feature a tbc headliner as well as:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remains a highly popular and exciting live rhythm and blues act.
Danny Bryant – often referred to as a National Blues Treasure, Bryant released his ninth album, title excellent Blood Money, in 2016.
Red Butler – four young people that have amalgamated into a dynamic band, able to generate power and sensitivity in their take on blues-rock! The band’s second album, Nothing to Lose, was released in 2016.
The Rainbreakers – passionate to deliver authenticity, the band have sustained an honest and ever growing following through a relentless desire to perform. Their recent Rise Up EP was met with solid, critical acclaim and is a soulful and psychedelic shift beyond anything they have done prior.
The Blues Issue – a South coast five-piece with an explosive combination of twin guitars, hollerin’ blues harp and a supercharged rhythm section.
Both events will also cater for all food and drink needs; there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
Whitby Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival - Saturday 14th October.
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival - Sunday 15th October
The Grand, 8 York Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2DL
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
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Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival - Sunday 15th October
The Grand, 8 York Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2DL
Early Bird tickets are only £23.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/clitheroe/index.html
Doors open 1.30pm; music starts 2pm; event ends 10pm
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Dan Reed will release his new solo album Confessions on Thursday the 14th of September.
To celebrate its release Reed will be performing a set of exclusive Confessions UK Tour solo acoustic concerts in September:
St Pancras Old Church, London - September 14th
Sacred Trinity Church, Manchester - September 15th
The Cluny 2, Newcastle - September 16th
The Greyhound Beeston, Nottinghamshire - September 17th
The first three performances are limited to 150 tickets per show, as they will be filmed and recorded for an intimate, up close and personal DVD (the London and Manchester dates are being held in a chapel and a church).
A special video download link will be sent to all ticket holders of the first three performances; after the tour, the gigs will be available to download in high quality MP4 format.
You can book tickets for the first three, filmed shows from www.ticketsource.co.uk/dan-reed-confessions
Prior to the September shows Dan Reed will be performing solo acoustic shows in the UK at:
Sanders Yard, Whitby, England June 23rd
Dreanought, Bathgate, Scotland (with special guests The King Lot), July 1st
Doll House, Abertillery, Wales, July 7th
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To celebrate its release Reed will be performing a set of exclusive Confessions UK Tour solo acoustic concerts in September:
St Pancras Old Church, London - September 14th
Sacred Trinity Church, Manchester - September 15th
The Cluny 2, Newcastle - September 16th
The Greyhound Beeston, Nottinghamshire - September 17th
The first three performances are limited to 150 tickets per show, as they will be filmed and recorded for an intimate, up close and personal DVD (the London and Manchester dates are being held in a chapel and a church).
A special video download link will be sent to all ticket holders of the first three performances; after the tour, the gigs will be available to download in high quality MP4 format.
You can book tickets for the first three, filmed shows from www.ticketsource.co.uk/dan-reed-confessions
Prior to the September shows Dan Reed will be performing solo acoustic shows in the UK at:
Sanders Yard, Whitby, England June 23rd
Dreanought, Bathgate, Scotland (with special guests The King Lot), July 1st
Doll House, Abertillery, Wales, July 7th
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Following last year’s European tour with Zakk Wylde and his UK tour dates supporting Walter Trout, blues raucous guitarist Jared James Nichols returns to the UK in June and July for a series of club dates, Special Guest supports (to classic rock giants Blue Oyster Cult and UFO) and festival appearances at Ramblin' Man Fair (29th July) and Steelhouse Festival (30th July).
Prior to the UK dates Nichols will be appearing at Hellfest in Clisson, France, on the 17th of June.
To coincide with the Wisconsin born guitarist’s return to the UK, Listenable Records have just released the official music video for 'Last Chance.'
The song, available on digital download from Amazon, is the first track to be lifted from Black Magic, Jared James Nichols second album, released this coming September.
Of the single, a short, sharp and feisty number that’s not so much full-on blues rock as pedal down blues rawk, Nichols says "it’s the hardest-hitting song I've ever written. I completely let it all hang out and went wild! Even the guitar solo is off the wall, blazing fast, and absolutely crazy. I needed to set the bar high for the new record and come out with a bang!"
Prior to the UK dates Nichols will be appearing at Hellfest in Clisson, France, on the 17th of June.
To coincide with the Wisconsin born guitarist’s return to the UK, Listenable Records have just released the official music video for 'Last Chance.'
The song, available on digital download from Amazon, is the first track to be lifted from Black Magic, Jared James Nichols second album, released this coming September.
Of the single, a short, sharp and feisty number that’s not so much full-on blues rock as pedal down blues rawk, Nichols says "it’s the hardest-hitting song I've ever written. I completely let it all hang out and went wild! Even the guitar solo is off the wall, blazing fast, and absolutely crazy. I needed to set the bar high for the new record and come out with a bang!"
'Last Chance' was produced by Tony Perry (son of Aerosmith six-string legend Joe Perry) and Jared James Nichols; it features drummer Aquiles Priester (Angra, WASP, Tony McAlpine) and was mixed by Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax).
The video was directed by Ben Strang c/o Blueprint Motion Pictures.
Hailed as one of the most exciting new blues rock guitarists around, Jared James Nichols is no stranger to UK audiences; in 2015 he embarked on a full European tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd followed by a UK tour supporting the legendary Glenn Hughes.
Nichols gained a lot of new fans with his performances and collected rave reviews from the critics for his debut studio album Old Glory and the Wild Revival and follow-on Highwayman EP, of which FabricationsHQ commented "both album and EP deserve the attention of every fan of vibrant, high-energy, guitar slingin’ blues rock."
The Jared James Nichols power trio band features Nichols (vocals, guitar), Dennis Holm (drums) and and Erik Sandin (drums).
The video was directed by Ben Strang c/o Blueprint Motion Pictures.
Hailed as one of the most exciting new blues rock guitarists around, Jared James Nichols is no stranger to UK audiences; in 2015 he embarked on a full European tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd followed by a UK tour supporting the legendary Glenn Hughes.
Nichols gained a lot of new fans with his performances and collected rave reviews from the critics for his debut studio album Old Glory and the Wild Revival and follow-on Highwayman EP, of which FabricationsHQ commented "both album and EP deserve the attention of every fan of vibrant, high-energy, guitar slingin’ blues rock."
The Jared James Nichols power trio band features Nichols (vocals, guitar), Dennis Holm (drums) and and Erik Sandin (drums).
For further information on Jared James Nichols and the upcoming UK dates, click here
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Birmingham based blues-rock songstress Rebecca Downes is looking to release her third album early next year but even at this early stage in the recording process it’s fair to say Miss Downes is very happy with how it’s all shaping up, as confirmed when FabricationsHQ spoke to the wee lass with the big voice recently…
"The new album takes off where the songs Believe and Sailing On a Pool of Tears (from critically acclaimed second album Believe) left off.
I can't wait to start playing some of the tunes live, they're much harder hitting and some are much darker than before.
I feel like they're truly me and for that reason alone I need to put this album out."
Recognised as a vocal force by critics, her peers and the British Blues Awards (Emerging Talent and Best Female Vocalist in 2016) the abilities of Rebecca Downes and the quality of her top-notch band are not in doubt, but success and the ticket sales an artist deserves on the circuit are never guaranteed.
Rebecca Downes is well aware of the difficulties but is doing everything she can to get herself noticed and heard by a larger, and far wider, audience.
Photo Credit: Neil Hodgson
"Yeah, it ain’t easy but we are putting everything behind this next album.
We should have a major tour support early next year to coincide with its release, Noble PR will be doing promotion and Chris Kimsey is overseeing some of the recording in an advisory capacity.
Chris came to see us at the 100 Club in London and offered his services as he loved us so much! You don't get that often... it's been amazing bouncing songs around with Chris and getting his feedback; he's amazing to work with."
"Talent Will Out" they say but that’s certainly not true in a musical climate where industry has been replaced by business and where marketable commodity runs roughshod over musical creativity.
But if Talent is indeed to get a fair hearing then it sounds like all the evidence you could ever need will be found on album number three from Rebecca Downes and her band...
"This is my big shot, this album; I'll be doing all I can. We’ve just been signed by one of the biggest Euro agencies, which has helped a lot, and there should be a full tour next year. We also have some major interest from a management company in the States, so we shall see where it all goes!"
We shall indeed, but if it was based on spirit, commitment, passion and work ethic Rebecca Downes would be there already, Believe me...
"The new album takes off where the songs Believe and Sailing On a Pool of Tears (from critically acclaimed second album Believe) left off.
I can't wait to start playing some of the tunes live, they're much harder hitting and some are much darker than before.
I feel like they're truly me and for that reason alone I need to put this album out."
Recognised as a vocal force by critics, her peers and the British Blues Awards (Emerging Talent and Best Female Vocalist in 2016) the abilities of Rebecca Downes and the quality of her top-notch band are not in doubt, but success and the ticket sales an artist deserves on the circuit are never guaranteed.
Rebecca Downes is well aware of the difficulties but is doing everything she can to get herself noticed and heard by a larger, and far wider, audience.
Photo Credit: Neil Hodgson
"Yeah, it ain’t easy but we are putting everything behind this next album.
We should have a major tour support early next year to coincide with its release, Noble PR will be doing promotion and Chris Kimsey is overseeing some of the recording in an advisory capacity.
Chris came to see us at the 100 Club in London and offered his services as he loved us so much! You don't get that often... it's been amazing bouncing songs around with Chris and getting his feedback; he's amazing to work with."
"Talent Will Out" they say but that’s certainly not true in a musical climate where industry has been replaced by business and where marketable commodity runs roughshod over musical creativity.
But if Talent is indeed to get a fair hearing then it sounds like all the evidence you could ever need will be found on album number three from Rebecca Downes and her band...
"This is my big shot, this album; I'll be doing all I can. We’ve just been signed by one of the biggest Euro agencies, which has helped a lot, and there should be a full tour next year. We also have some major interest from a management company in the States, so we shall see where it all goes!"
We shall indeed, but if it was based on spirit, commitment, passion and work ethic Rebecca Downes would be there already, Believe me...
Rebecca Downes recent Blues Revue headlining show at the Old Fire Station in Carlisle can be read by clicking here.
FabricationsHQ will be featuring Rebecca Downes in Muirsical Conversation later in the year.
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FabricationsHQ will be featuring Rebecca Downes in Muirsical Conversation later in the year.
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King King, leading lights of the British blues rock scene, are embarking on a short but significant five date tour of the UK this autumn in association with Planet Rock.
The five large hall shows will be the biggest thus far in King King’s already distinguished career; the band will kick off at the Bath Forum on the 14th of October before taking in Birmingham Town Hall, London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, Sheffield Leadmill and closing at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall on 20th October.
General sales tickets will be available from Friday the 16th of June.
The tour is in support of King King’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Exile & Grace, which will be released on Friday the 6th of October.
Recorded at Superfly Studios, the band’s follow-up to 2015’s critically acclaimed Reaching For The Light features lead-off single '(She Don’t) Give Me No Lovin,' mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder, Therapy). The song also featured in the set-list of the band's most recent tour dates.
Of the album singer/guitarist Alan Nimmo says "Exile & Grace definitely has a rockier feel and sound to it. We're following our influences from the Classic Rock genre, Bad Company, Whitesnake & Thunder.
We really set out to challenge ourselves with this album. We’ve stepped up the quality of songwriting and pushed ourselves physically in both performance and delivery!"
King King UK Hall dates:
The Forum, Bath – Saturday 14th October
Town Hall, Birmingham – Tuesday 17th October
O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London – Wednesday 18th October
The Leadmill, Sheffield – Thursday 19th October
Queen's Hall, Edinburgh – Friday 20th October
Prior to the October shows, King King will be playing a headline show at the Town Hall in Darvel, East Ayrshire, for the Darvel Music Company (see item directly below).
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The five large hall shows will be the biggest thus far in King King’s already distinguished career; the band will kick off at the Bath Forum on the 14th of October before taking in Birmingham Town Hall, London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, Sheffield Leadmill and closing at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall on 20th October.
General sales tickets will be available from Friday the 16th of June.
The tour is in support of King King’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Exile & Grace, which will be released on Friday the 6th of October.
Recorded at Superfly Studios, the band’s follow-up to 2015’s critically acclaimed Reaching For The Light features lead-off single '(She Don’t) Give Me No Lovin,' mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder, Therapy). The song also featured in the set-list of the band's most recent tour dates.
Of the album singer/guitarist Alan Nimmo says "Exile & Grace definitely has a rockier feel and sound to it. We're following our influences from the Classic Rock genre, Bad Company, Whitesnake & Thunder.
We really set out to challenge ourselves with this album. We’ve stepped up the quality of songwriting and pushed ourselves physically in both performance and delivery!"
King King UK Hall dates:
The Forum, Bath – Saturday 14th October
Town Hall, Birmingham – Tuesday 17th October
O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London – Wednesday 18th October
The Leadmill, Sheffield – Thursday 19th October
Queen's Hall, Edinburgh – Friday 20th October
Prior to the October shows, King King will be playing a headline show at the Town Hall in Darvel, East Ayrshire, for the Darvel Music Company (see item directly below).
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Rumours, I am personally and musically delighted to say, of the death of the Darvel Music Festival, were greatly exaggerated.
Or rather has been resurrected as the Darvel Music Company, the non-profit organisation that was created back in 2008 to promote and organise live music in East Ayrshire.
Ayrshire’s finest, friendliest and best organised music festival of the last decade and more (and one of the best indoor/ weekend music events on the Scottish calendar) was also one of the strongest in its musical diversity, featuring through the years major names such as six-string luminaries Larry Carlton and Martin Taylor and across a vast spread of genres that included Celtic rock, folk/ bluegrass, pop, country, blues and acoustic.
In 2011, with serious cuts to funding (a sign of the recessional times) the tenth Darvel Music Festival looked like being the last Darvel Music Festival, prompting a Feature Article by FabricationsHQ on its history:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/music-town-a-decade-of-the-darvel-music-festival.html
However, for the following five years, through tireless work from festival organisers Neil and Sheila McKenna, the committee, volunteers and contributions from various local bodies, the festival was kept alive in a smaller shape but no less excellent form; the festival finally took its last encore bow in 2016 with one of its best ever:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/darvel-music-festival-xv.html
But Neil McKenna was determined it wouldn’t be the last time the sounds of live music would be heard in what had become the "Music Town" of East Ayrshire and all monies accrued from the last of the festivals, along with pledges, contributions and voluntary donations, have helped realise the goal of retaining live music in the town through the Darvel Music Company.
Or rather has been resurrected as the Darvel Music Company, the non-profit organisation that was created back in 2008 to promote and organise live music in East Ayrshire.
Ayrshire’s finest, friendliest and best organised music festival of the last decade and more (and one of the best indoor/ weekend music events on the Scottish calendar) was also one of the strongest in its musical diversity, featuring through the years major names such as six-string luminaries Larry Carlton and Martin Taylor and across a vast spread of genres that included Celtic rock, folk/ bluegrass, pop, country, blues and acoustic.
In 2011, with serious cuts to funding (a sign of the recessional times) the tenth Darvel Music Festival looked like being the last Darvel Music Festival, prompting a Feature Article by FabricationsHQ on its history:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/music-town-a-decade-of-the-darvel-music-festival.html
However, for the following five years, through tireless work from festival organisers Neil and Sheila McKenna, the committee, volunteers and contributions from various local bodies, the festival was kept alive in a smaller shape but no less excellent form; the festival finally took its last encore bow in 2016 with one of its best ever:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/darvel-music-festival-xv.html
But Neil McKenna was determined it wouldn’t be the last time the sounds of live music would be heard in what had become the "Music Town" of East Ayrshire and all monies accrued from the last of the festivals, along with pledges, contributions and voluntary donations, have helped realise the goal of retaining live music in the town through the Darvel Music Company.
That self same goal materialises later this year with two stand-out shows in Darvel.
First Hamilton Loomis make a welcome return to Darvel on the 22nd of July, having been a mainstay and favourite of the festival over the years.
The Texan's brand of soul-funk blues rock, exceptional guitars skills, sheer exuberance and natural effervescence have made him one of the most entertaining acts on the circuit; it’s a shame he doesn’t play more often or sit higher on the radar in the UK but trust me, if you like your blues soulful and funky and led by a highly engaging front man, you want to be in Darvel on the 22nd of July.
Support is from James Brown is Annie, who got a great reaction from the Darvel crowd when they supported 360° (featuring ex Average White Band member Hamish Stewart) at the 2016 festival.
First Hamilton Loomis make a welcome return to Darvel on the 22nd of July, having been a mainstay and favourite of the festival over the years.
The Texan's brand of soul-funk blues rock, exceptional guitars skills, sheer exuberance and natural effervescence have made him one of the most entertaining acts on the circuit; it’s a shame he doesn’t play more often or sit higher on the radar in the UK but trust me, if you like your blues soulful and funky and led by a highly engaging front man, you want to be in Darvel on the 22nd of July.
Support is from James Brown is Annie, who got a great reaction from the Darvel crowd when they supported 360° (featuring ex Average White Band member Hamish Stewart) at the 2016 festival.
In 2013 an up and coming band by the name of King King, fronted by Glasgow’s Alan Nimmo (one half of the Nimmo Brothers with elder brother Stevie) played Darvel while promoting their excellent second album Standing in the Shadows.
Four years on and King King are firmly established as THE British blues rock outfit on the circuit with multiple British Blues Awards under their blues rockin’ belts, three outstanding studio releases (and an exceptional Live CD/DVD).
Their fourth studio album, Exile & Grace, will be released in October.
Darvel Music Company and FabricationsHQ are therefore delighted to announce and confirm that King King will return to Darvel on the 2nd of September in a show not to be missed by Ayrshire rock fans and blues rock aficionados from far and wide.
Blues based support will be from the excellent Edinburgh act The Rising Souls.
Tickets for both shows go on sale 17th March.
Full information on the Darvel Music Company, the shows and where or how to order tickets, can be found here: http://www.darvelmusiccompany.com/
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Four years on and King King are firmly established as THE British blues rock outfit on the circuit with multiple British Blues Awards under their blues rockin’ belts, three outstanding studio releases (and an exceptional Live CD/DVD).
Their fourth studio album, Exile & Grace, will be released in October.
Darvel Music Company and FabricationsHQ are therefore delighted to announce and confirm that King King will return to Darvel on the 2nd of September in a show not to be missed by Ayrshire rock fans and blues rock aficionados from far and wide.
Blues based support will be from the excellent Edinburgh act The Rising Souls.
Tickets for both shows go on sale 17th March.
Full information on the Darvel Music Company, the shows and where or how to order tickets, can be found here: http://www.darvelmusiccompany.com/
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Not content with having just toured through the UK for a second time, over two legs, and currently undertaking another set of European dates, the Force of Nature that is Sari Schorr and The Engine Room, featuring the unfettered guitar work of Innes Sibun, will be back on the UK road later this year.
The band will undertake further headlining dates in September and November and will be Special Guest on Walter Trout’s UK dates through October.
And that, my blues rockin’ friends, is a double-bill you don’t want to miss).
"Sari Schorr is a force of nature, a meteor, a comet."
Blues Matters
"Sari Schorr has been blessed with a voice not of this world."
Devilsgate Media
"Sari Schorr is part a vocal thread that connects the later female greats – Janis Joplin to Tina Turner to Elkie Brooks to Ann Wilson... and now to Sari Schorr."
FabricationsHQ
Sari Schorr and the Engine Room – Autumn-Winter UK tour dates
Hull, The Fruit. 28th September
Carlisle Blues Rock Festival, 29th September
Poynton Royal British Legion, Bluefunk Club, 1st October
Southampton, The Brook (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 9th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 10th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 11th October
Wrexham, William Aston Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 13th October
Wakefield, Warehouse 23 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 14th October
Preston, Guildhall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 15th October
Bilston, Robin2 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 17th October
Harpenden, Public Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 18the October
Bristol, Bierkeller Theatre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 20th October
Swansea Sin City (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 21st October
Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 22nd October
Laygate South Shields, The Unionist Club, 9th November
Bewdley, St Georges Hall, 10th November
Tenby, Blues Festival, 11th November
Bristol, Louisiana 16th November
Sutton, Boom Boom Blues @ Sutton Utd, 17th November
Winchester, Railway Inn, 18th November
Confirmed UK shows, 2018
Putney, The Half Moon, 16th January
Maidenhead, Norden Arts Centre, Date TBC
Skegness Blues Weekend, 19th January
St Helens, Citadel, 20th January
Nottingham, Village Hall, 13th April
Sheffield, The Academy, 14th April
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The band will undertake further headlining dates in September and November and will be Special Guest on Walter Trout’s UK dates through October.
And that, my blues rockin’ friends, is a double-bill you don’t want to miss).
"Sari Schorr is a force of nature, a meteor, a comet."
Blues Matters
"Sari Schorr has been blessed with a voice not of this world."
Devilsgate Media
"Sari Schorr is part a vocal thread that connects the later female greats – Janis Joplin to Tina Turner to Elkie Brooks to Ann Wilson... and now to Sari Schorr."
FabricationsHQ
Sari Schorr and the Engine Room – Autumn-Winter UK tour dates
Hull, The Fruit. 28th September
Carlisle Blues Rock Festival, 29th September
Poynton Royal British Legion, Bluefunk Club, 1st October
Southampton, The Brook (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 9th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 10th October
London, Under The Bridge (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 11th October
Wrexham, William Aston Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 13th October
Wakefield, Warehouse 23 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 14th October
Preston, Guildhall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 15th October
Bilston, Robin2 (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 17th October
Harpenden, Public Hall (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 18the October
Bristol, Bierkeller Theatre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 20th October
Swansea Sin City (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 21st October
Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre (Special Guest to WALTER TROUT) 22nd October
Laygate South Shields, The Unionist Club, 9th November
Bewdley, St Georges Hall, 10th November
Tenby, Blues Festival, 11th November
Bristol, Louisiana 16th November
Sutton, Boom Boom Blues @ Sutton Utd, 17th November
Winchester, Railway Inn, 18th November
Confirmed UK shows, 2018
Putney, The Half Moon, 16th January
Maidenhead, Norden Arts Centre, Date TBC
Skegness Blues Weekend, 19th January
St Helens, Citadel, 20th January
Nottingham, Village Hall, 13th April
Sheffield, The Academy, 14th April
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Hot on the heels of the recent announcement that Bad Touch will support the Kentucky Headhunters on their forthcoming UK tour through October (see news item further below) the Norfolk based southern styled blues rockers have confirmed their own, follow-on, headline UK tour.
Support will come from Special Guest Mollie Marriott, daughter of former Small Faces and Humble Pie singer/ guitarist, the late Steve Marriott.
Support will come from Special Guest Mollie Marriott, daughter of former Small Faces and Humble Pie singer/ guitarist, the late Steve Marriott.
Photo: Rob Blackham
"We’re excited to be taking to the road in November with Mollie," says Bad Touch’s lead singer, Stevie Westwood (above, second from left). "Not only is she only a great vocalist in her own right, but she’s also the daughter of the legendary guitarist and singer Steve Marriott. It will be great to have Mollie touring with us. She’s got a killer voice. It’s going to be a lot of fun."
Bad Touch recently released their second studio album Truth Be Told. The album features the single '99%' remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
Mollie Marriott has spent her music career in the wings, having worked mostly as a backing singer with numerous artists including Oasis and her stepfather Joe Brown.
The singer is now embarking on a solo career and recently released the single 'Control,' from forthcoming album Truth is a Wolf.
Bad Touch – November 2017 UK Tour with Special Guest Mollie Marriott
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
Sheffield, Plug - Thursday 9th November
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre - Friday 10th November
Hard Rock Hell Festival (Bad Touch only) - Saturday 11th November
Bristol, Tunnels - Thursday 16th November
Manchester, Ruby Lounge - Friday 17th November
Newcastle, Cluny - Saturday 18th November
Nottingham, Bodega - Sunday 19th November
Glasgow, Stereo - Thursday 23rd November
Leeds, Brudenell - Friday 24th November
Coventry, Empire - Saturday 25th November
London, Islington Academy - Sunday 26th November
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Friday 1st December
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 2nd December
Planet Rockstock - Sunday 3rd December
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"We’re excited to be taking to the road in November with Mollie," says Bad Touch’s lead singer, Stevie Westwood (above, second from left). "Not only is she only a great vocalist in her own right, but she’s also the daughter of the legendary guitarist and singer Steve Marriott. It will be great to have Mollie touring with us. She’s got a killer voice. It’s going to be a lot of fun."
Bad Touch recently released their second studio album Truth Be Told. The album features the single '99%' remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
Mollie Marriott has spent her music career in the wings, having worked mostly as a backing singer with numerous artists including Oasis and her stepfather Joe Brown.
The singer is now embarking on a solo career and recently released the single 'Control,' from forthcoming album Truth is a Wolf.
Bad Touch – November 2017 UK Tour with Special Guest Mollie Marriott
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
Sheffield, Plug - Thursday 9th November
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre - Friday 10th November
Hard Rock Hell Festival (Bad Touch only) - Saturday 11th November
Bristol, Tunnels - Thursday 16th November
Manchester, Ruby Lounge - Friday 17th November
Newcastle, Cluny - Saturday 18th November
Nottingham, Bodega - Sunday 19th November
Glasgow, Stereo - Thursday 23rd November
Leeds, Brudenell - Friday 24th November
Coventry, Empire - Saturday 25th November
London, Islington Academy - Sunday 26th November
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Friday 1st December
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 2nd December
Planet Rockstock - Sunday 3rd December
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Following her critically acclaimed Fire On The Floor UK tour last November, Beth Hart will return to the UK to perform three solo concerts in the beautiful settings of Leeds Town Hall (Monday 30th October), The Forum in Bath (Wednesday 1st November) and Coventry Cathedral (Friday 3rd November).
Tickets are now on general sale, available from the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 871 8819 or via booking at www.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
In 2018 Beth Hart, with full band, will play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in what will be her biggest UK concert of her career; the show will take place on the 4th of May and is already sold out.
"Beth Hart has a blues-rock voice so ballsy, it could pin you to the wall."
The Times
"With Beth Hart, you get a versatile, genre-defying powerhouse of a vocalist and one of the great female singers of our time."
National Rock Review
"You won’t find many other singers who give of themselves, emotionally and vocally, to the degree Beth Hart does. Miss her at your peril."
FabricationsHQ
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Tickets are now on general sale, available from the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 871 8819 or via booking at www.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets
In 2018 Beth Hart, with full band, will play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in what will be her biggest UK concert of her career; the show will take place on the 4th of May and is already sold out.
"Beth Hart has a blues-rock voice so ballsy, it could pin you to the wall."
The Times
"With Beth Hart, you get a versatile, genre-defying powerhouse of a vocalist and one of the great female singers of our time."
National Rock Review
"You won’t find many other singers who give of themselves, emotionally and vocally, to the degree Beth Hart does. Miss her at your peril."
FabricationsHQ
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Following their recent UK tour supporting King King and double-headline Planet Rock Roadstars UK tour with Broken Witt Rebels, Bad Touch will be back out on the UK circuit once again when they support American southern blues rockers the Kentucky Headhunters on their On Safari UK Tour through October.
This will be the second time Bad Touch have toured the UK supporting The Headhunters; they toured together in July of 2016 and the bands got on so well they decided to do it again.
Says Richard Young, guitarist and vocalist of the Kentucky Headhunters – "In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter's and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers. There is a certain charm and charisma between the two bands that transcends to the fans of both bands, on stage and off. We’re proud to announce their return for this year's October UK dates. Simply put, it wouldn't be the same without them."
Country Music Association and Grammy award-winners the Kentucky Headhunters have, according to the RIAA, sold over 11 million albums worldwide; rich in southern rock, the Headhunters’ current album On Safari tips the hat to family and the southern way of life in the USA.
Bad Touch’s latest album, Truth Be Told, recorded at Mwnci Studios in Wales, features the single 99%; it was remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
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This will be the second time Bad Touch have toured the UK supporting The Headhunters; they toured together in July of 2016 and the bands got on so well they decided to do it again.
Says Richard Young, guitarist and vocalist of the Kentucky Headhunters – "In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter's and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers. There is a certain charm and charisma between the two bands that transcends to the fans of both bands, on stage and off. We’re proud to announce their return for this year's October UK dates. Simply put, it wouldn't be the same without them."
Country Music Association and Grammy award-winners the Kentucky Headhunters have, according to the RIAA, sold over 11 million albums worldwide; rich in southern rock, the Headhunters’ current album On Safari tips the hat to family and the southern way of life in the USA.
Bad Touch’s latest album, Truth Be Told, recorded at Mwnci Studios in Wales, features the single 99%; it was remixed for radio by legendary Rolling Stones engineer and co-producer, Chris Kimsey.
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While Solid Entertainments have a number of great summer-month blues festivals lined up again this year (you will find information on them further down this News page) it shouldn’t be forgotten that the winter blues weather can be shaken off by visiting the winter blues music of the Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival, which returns to Ilfracombe Holiday Park over the 10th, 11th & 12th of November.
Following the success of last year’s festival, the 2017 event promises to be even more special, with three great headliners (The Pretty Things, The Blues Band, Snakecharmer) and another sixteen very different, but striking, bands.
The full line-up over the three days is as follows:
Friday 10th November
The Pretty Things – Eddie Martin – Southbound – Mark Pontin Group – Split Whiskers – The Ryk Mead Band
After more than forty-five years of continuous service, The Pretty Things remain a significant and challenging force in rock and roll.
Despite their veteran status, their contemporary relevance, undiminished energy and inspirational commitment inspires emerging generations of new artists and young fans, whilst retaining their devoted, fanatical, core fan base
Saturday 11th November
The Blues Band – Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – Simon McBride – The Joe Anderton Band – Saiichi Sugiyama Band – Backbone Blues Band
What does a great musical tradition demand? Discipline, devotion, passion and love.
Whether it’s Beethoven or B. B. King, Howlin’ Wolf or Handel, it all sounds better garnished with a huge helping of virtuosity and, as importantly, feeling.
When it comes to the Blues, aficionados of the genre can relax when The Blues Band is in their neighbourhood, because they know their music’s in good hands.
Sunday 12th November
Snakecharmer – Crow Black Chicken – Xander and The Peace Pirates – Rainbreakers – Elles Bailey – Albany Down – Grizzly Rhys Morgan
The British melodic blues rock supergroup Snakecharmer, who have just released their excellent new album Second Skin, consist of Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake), Laurie Wisefield (ex Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne), the husky blues voice of Chris Ousey (Heartland) and latest recruit Simon McBride, who Guitar Magazine rank "among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world"
Following the success of last year’s festival, the 2017 event promises to be even more special, with three great headliners (The Pretty Things, The Blues Band, Snakecharmer) and another sixteen very different, but striking, bands.
The full line-up over the three days is as follows:
Friday 10th November
The Pretty Things – Eddie Martin – Southbound – Mark Pontin Group – Split Whiskers – The Ryk Mead Band
After more than forty-five years of continuous service, The Pretty Things remain a significant and challenging force in rock and roll.
Despite their veteran status, their contemporary relevance, undiminished energy and inspirational commitment inspires emerging generations of new artists and young fans, whilst retaining their devoted, fanatical, core fan base
Saturday 11th November
The Blues Band – Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – Simon McBride – The Joe Anderton Band – Saiichi Sugiyama Band – Backbone Blues Band
What does a great musical tradition demand? Discipline, devotion, passion and love.
Whether it’s Beethoven or B. B. King, Howlin’ Wolf or Handel, it all sounds better garnished with a huge helping of virtuosity and, as importantly, feeling.
When it comes to the Blues, aficionados of the genre can relax when The Blues Band is in their neighbourhood, because they know their music’s in good hands.
Sunday 12th November
Snakecharmer – Crow Black Chicken – Xander and The Peace Pirates – Rainbreakers – Elles Bailey – Albany Down – Grizzly Rhys Morgan
The British melodic blues rock supergroup Snakecharmer, who have just released their excellent new album Second Skin, consist of Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake), Laurie Wisefield (ex Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne), the husky blues voice of Chris Ousey (Heartland) and latest recruit Simon McBride, who Guitar Magazine rank "among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world"
As indicated by the line-up of acts above, Ilfracombe festival goers can expect to see and hear top class live performances with sets that incorporate a creative mix of original new material and a few classic numbers that many will remember.
Situated in a beautiful part of the country, the Ilfracombe holiday park has been extensively refurbished by the new owners and with fully furnished apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedroom accommodation, with the addition of two heated indoor pools, a sauna, fully equipped gym, Indian cuisine & takeaway, free WiFi in the Clubhouse, a launderette, bar meals, an on-site store and restaurant.
With accommodation for the weekend being just a short walk away from the music you won’t need to worry about booking that taxi to take you home or to a hotel at the end of each night; also, car parking is free for the weekend.
No need to search for food and drinks on the day either, there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
Don't miss out on Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival 4 on the 10th, 11th and 12th November.
Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
Early Bird tickets, including three nights accommodation, are only £119 per person.
To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
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Situated in a beautiful part of the country, the Ilfracombe holiday park has been extensively refurbished by the new owners and with fully furnished apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedroom accommodation, with the addition of two heated indoor pools, a sauna, fully equipped gym, Indian cuisine & takeaway, free WiFi in the Clubhouse, a launderette, bar meals, an on-site store and restaurant.
With accommodation for the weekend being just a short walk away from the music you won’t need to worry about booking that taxi to take you home or to a hotel at the end of each night; also, car parking is free for the weekend.
No need to search for food and drinks on the day either, there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
Don't miss out on Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival 4 on the 10th, 11th and 12th November.
Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
Early Bird tickets, including three nights accommodation, are only £119 per person.
To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
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Solid Entertainments have announced that the Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival will be returning to Lincoln Drill Hall on Saturday, the 10th of June.
The event will feature headliners Martin & Eliza Carthy, plus five other very special acts.
The full line-up comprises of:
Martin & Eliza Carthy
Michael Chapman
Chris Sherburn, Denny Bartley, Emily Sanders.
Louise Jordan.
Mia and The Moon.
Salutation.
The Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival 2; Saturday 10th June.
Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 1EY
Early Bird Tickets are only £22 (for a limited period); to book, please call 01472 349 222
Or go online at http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30pm; music starts at 2.00pm; event ends at 10.00pm.
The venue will also have a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
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The event will feature headliners Martin & Eliza Carthy, plus five other very special acts.
The full line-up comprises of:
Martin & Eliza Carthy
Michael Chapman
Chris Sherburn, Denny Bartley, Emily Sanders.
Louise Jordan.
Mia and The Moon.
Salutation.
The Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival 2; Saturday 10th June.
Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 1EY
Early Bird Tickets are only £22 (for a limited period); to book, please call 01472 349 222
Or go online at http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30pm; music starts at 2.00pm; event ends at 10.00pm.
The venue will also have a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste.
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Following his recent UK April and May UK tour, noted South African blues singer-guitarist Dan Patlansky will be back on British shores in November as Joanne Shaw Taylor’s special guest for her 2017 UK Tour.
The dates supporting Joanne Shaw Taylor follow the aforementioned April and May headline dates; the shows featured Ash Wilson as special guest, a musician who may well be heading for a number of Best Newcomer in British blues rock awards.
Prior, Dan Patlansky toured the UK in 2016 as King King’s special guest; he also toured the UK and Europe in 2015 as Joe Satriani’s special guest.
All of which means it’s the up and up for Dan Patlansky, who is making a serious mark in the UK and Europe through not just those heralded performances but stellar album releases.
After a run of six strong albums, including the EMI/ Blue Note release True Blues (2004) and the primarily acoustic Wooden Thoughts (2013), Dear Silence Thieves (2014), his first album to be issued in the UK, was met by critical acclaim; it spawned the Planet Rock playlist hits 'Backbite' and 'Fetch Your Spade.'
The follow-up, Introvertigo, featuring 'Stop the Messin', 'Heartbeat' and 'Sonnova Faith' was voted #1 Blues Rock Album of 2016 by the American music website Blues Rock Review.
The dates supporting Joanne Shaw Taylor follow the aforementioned April and May headline dates; the shows featured Ash Wilson as special guest, a musician who may well be heading for a number of Best Newcomer in British blues rock awards.
Prior, Dan Patlansky toured the UK in 2016 as King King’s special guest; he also toured the UK and Europe in 2015 as Joe Satriani’s special guest.
All of which means it’s the up and up for Dan Patlansky, who is making a serious mark in the UK and Europe through not just those heralded performances but stellar album releases.
After a run of six strong albums, including the EMI/ Blue Note release True Blues (2004) and the primarily acoustic Wooden Thoughts (2013), Dear Silence Thieves (2014), his first album to be issued in the UK, was met by critical acclaim; it spawned the Planet Rock playlist hits 'Backbite' and 'Fetch Your Spade.'
The follow-up, Introvertigo, featuring 'Stop the Messin', 'Heartbeat' and 'Sonnova Faith' was voted #1 Blues Rock Album of 2016 by the American music website Blues Rock Review.
As a player and performer, Dan Patlansky is also no stranger to awards or accolades – he was voted Male Artist of the Year 2015 by Blues & Soul Magazine, No. 4 of 10 Best Rock Guitarists in the World by Total Guitar Magazine in December 2015 and one of the Top 20 Blues Rock Artists by Blues Magazine.
In February 2016, he received a nomination for Best International Solo Artist for the Planet Rock Radio Rocks Awards. He was rated second in the category of Top 5 Overseas Artist of the Year by the British Blues Awards in September 2016.
"With an exceptional performance like this, it is only going to be a matter of time before Dan Patlansky is playing much bigger venues."
– Manchester Rocks
"Dear Silence Thieves was Patlansky’s breakout, Introvertigo shows he’s right up there with Joe Bonamassa for modern day blues rock supremacy."
– Blues Rock Review
"On record Dan Patlansky is quite superb but on stage, with a capacity crowd in his pocket from the off, he takes it to another level."
– Music News
"Majestic, scintillating jaw-dropping good."
– Bluesdoodles
"After honing his blues club craft across South Africa for a number of years and releasing a collection of notable, earlier albums, Dan Patlansky now stands favourably against any blues rock performer you care to mention."
– FabricationsHQ
Dan Patlansky, on tour in the UK with Joanne Shaw Taylor, November 2017:
Gateshead, Sage (November 7th)
Cambridge, Corn Exchange (November 9th)
Manchester, Bridgewater Hall (November 10th)
Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall (November 12th)
Bristol, Colston Hall (May November 14th)
London, Royal Festival Hall (November 15th)
Birmingham, Symphony Hall (November 20th)
24 Hour Box Office – 0844 478 0898
Book Online – www.thegigcartel.com; http://danpatlansky.com/shows
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In February 2016, he received a nomination for Best International Solo Artist for the Planet Rock Radio Rocks Awards. He was rated second in the category of Top 5 Overseas Artist of the Year by the British Blues Awards in September 2016.
"With an exceptional performance like this, it is only going to be a matter of time before Dan Patlansky is playing much bigger venues."
– Manchester Rocks
"Dear Silence Thieves was Patlansky’s breakout, Introvertigo shows he’s right up there with Joe Bonamassa for modern day blues rock supremacy."
– Blues Rock Review
"On record Dan Patlansky is quite superb but on stage, with a capacity crowd in his pocket from the off, he takes it to another level."
– Music News
"Majestic, scintillating jaw-dropping good."
– Bluesdoodles
"After honing his blues club craft across South Africa for a number of years and releasing a collection of notable, earlier albums, Dan Patlansky now stands favourably against any blues rock performer you care to mention."
– FabricationsHQ
Dan Patlansky, on tour in the UK with Joanne Shaw Taylor, November 2017:
Gateshead, Sage (November 7th)
Cambridge, Corn Exchange (November 9th)
Manchester, Bridgewater Hall (November 10th)
Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall (November 12th)
Bristol, Colston Hall (May November 14th)
London, Royal Festival Hall (November 15th)
Birmingham, Symphony Hall (November 20th)
24 Hour Box Office – 0844 478 0898
Book Online – www.thegigcartel.com; http://danpatlansky.com/shows
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It’s been quite the five years for Wilko Johnson and 2017 is going to cap it all off as a very special half decade or so...
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Wilko Johnson Band and is also, come July, the distinctive and highly individualistic guitarist’s 70th Birthday.
More significantly however Wilko Johnson will play a 30th anniversary / 70th birthday celebration concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, 26th September.
The concert is all the more noteworthy given the chop-chord styled guitarist is, to use his own tongue-in-black-humour-cheek line "supposed to be dead!"
(Johnson was diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer; in 2013 however, through a second opinion and life-saving surgery, he was alive, well and cancer-free).
Having been reborn, in a close to literal sense, Wilko Johnson, in collaboration with Roger Daltrey, delivered the hit album Going photo: Leif Laaksonen
Back Home in 2014, reaching #3 in the UK charts.
The album also featured Norman Watt-Roy, Dylan Howe, Steve Weston and Mick Talbot.
2015 then saw the release of the documentary The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson, which explored Johnson’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and subsequent, remarkable recovery.
The film was well received across the big screen and BBC 4 (earning a Kermode award in 2016).
Wilko Johnson’s memoir, Don’t You Leave Me Here, was published in the Spring of 2016.
And now, in September, Wilko Johnson will perform with his rhythm section of Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and ex Blockhead drummer (and son of guitarist Steve Howe) Dylan Howe, in the company of a Royal Albert Hall full of fans, family, friends and Special Guests performer John Cooper Clarke.
Tickets are on sale now, from the outlets as highlighted below.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Wilko Johnson Band and is also, come July, the distinctive and highly individualistic guitarist’s 70th Birthday.
More significantly however Wilko Johnson will play a 30th anniversary / 70th birthday celebration concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, 26th September.
The concert is all the more noteworthy given the chop-chord styled guitarist is, to use his own tongue-in-black-humour-cheek line "supposed to be dead!"
(Johnson was diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer; in 2013 however, through a second opinion and life-saving surgery, he was alive, well and cancer-free).
Having been reborn, in a close to literal sense, Wilko Johnson, in collaboration with Roger Daltrey, delivered the hit album Going photo: Leif Laaksonen
Back Home in 2014, reaching #3 in the UK charts.
The album also featured Norman Watt-Roy, Dylan Howe, Steve Weston and Mick Talbot.
2015 then saw the release of the documentary The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson, which explored Johnson’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and subsequent, remarkable recovery.
The film was well received across the big screen and BBC 4 (earning a Kermode award in 2016).
Wilko Johnson’s memoir, Don’t You Leave Me Here, was published in the Spring of 2016.
And now, in September, Wilko Johnson will perform with his rhythm section of Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and ex Blockhead drummer (and son of guitarist Steve Howe) Dylan Howe, in the company of a Royal Albert Hall full of fans, family, friends and Special Guests performer John Cooper Clarke.
Tickets are on sale now, from the outlets as highlighted below.
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Nine Miles South, who mix grungy heavy rock with blues and country, caught the attention of FabricationsHQ across 2016 with their self-titled 3 track EP, follow up single 'Bones' and an excellent live set north of the border in support to progressive metallers Dorje.
The Guildford based quartet were also cited as a FabricationsHQ one-to-watch choice in 2016 – new single 'White Lines' certainly is certainly helping to prove they are just that.
The track, with accompanying video, is described by the band as "a song about how making bad decisions can leave you losing everyone and everything."
As the title suggests and the lyric and mini-movie video reinforce, it’s also the story of how drink and drug-culture life choices are, invariably, the wrong choices.
From an understated southern country guitar line intro, 'White Lines' picks up and kicks up into a higher gear of rock, blues and country with heavy rock melodies.
It is, put simply, Nine Miles South.
The Guildford based quartet were also cited as a FabricationsHQ one-to-watch choice in 2016 – new single 'White Lines' certainly is certainly helping to prove they are just that.
The track, with accompanying video, is described by the band as "a song about how making bad decisions can leave you losing everyone and everything."
As the title suggests and the lyric and mini-movie video reinforce, it’s also the story of how drink and drug-culture life choices are, invariably, the wrong choices.
From an understated southern country guitar line intro, 'White Lines' picks up and kicks up into a higher gear of rock, blues and country with heavy rock melodies.
It is, put simply, Nine Miles South.
Nine Miles South: Seb Mikkelsen - vocals, guitars, Jon Antony- guitar, backing vocals, Andy Sleigh - bass, backing vocals, David Wilson - drums.
Website: http://www.ninemilessouth.com
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Website: http://www.ninemilessouth.com
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Solid Entertainments, the promotional power behind some of the best UK blues rock events you’re likely to see, hear or attend, have announced a blues-based back to back weekend's worth of music with the Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival on Saturday the 17th of June at the Gala Theatre, followed by the Cleethorpes Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival at Pleasure Island on Sunday the 18th June.
Both events return for the seventh time and both will feature the same acts -- Dr Feelgood headline a transatlantic flavoured line up of artists who are split across an amp driven Main Street Stage and the more serene, Blues Cafe Acoustic Stage.
Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world.
The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity, which immediately went to the number one position in the UK charts.
The band also enjoyed global success with a string of hit singles including 'Roxette,' 'Back in the Night,' 'Milk and Alcohol,' 'Down at the Doctors,' 'She Does it Right' and 'See You Later Alligator' (which gave the group their first gold record).
The Main Street Stages of both festivals will also host:
Aynsley Lister: when explosive natural ability collides with fiery, emotionally charged compositions, the result is Aynsley Lister; his latest studio album, Eyes Wide Open, was heralded as one of the finest blues rock releases of 2016.
"Tthe numbers crackle with passion and energy or burst from the speakers with soulful purpose; the songs on Eyes Wide Open also offer more shades of blue than a Dulux colour chart."
FabricationsHQ
Kyla Brox: Kyla's voice remains a stunning example of the soul singer's art: turning up the heat by degrees, lulling and charming before unleashing emotional catharsis, and blurring the distinction between pleasure and pain like the soul greats of old.
Kyla Brox is without doubt the most authentic UK blues and soul singers of her generation.
Debbie Bond: singer, guitar player and songwriter Debbie Bond has been paying her dues in the Alabama backwoods for over 30 years. Influenced by the famed sounds of Muscleshoals, her impressive musical story includes years of performing with older traditional Alabama blues musicians, yet her sound is contemporary and original, incorporating soul, blues, and jazz.
Albany Down: blues rock and roll, mixed with a twist of rhythm & blues and jazz-funk, all delivered through incredibly strong songs, lingering melodies and great playing, as heard on outstanding third album The Outer Reach, which is "nothing less than a tour de force of contemporary blues rock power complemented by a little R&B light and shade."
FabricationsHQ
Brian Rawson Band: mixing original material with blues covers, this Glasgow-based contemporary blues rock band have appeared at a number of Blues festivals throughout the UK and Ireland.
Both events return for the seventh time and both will feature the same acts -- Dr Feelgood headline a transatlantic flavoured line up of artists who are split across an amp driven Main Street Stage and the more serene, Blues Cafe Acoustic Stage.
Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world.
The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity, which immediately went to the number one position in the UK charts.
The band also enjoyed global success with a string of hit singles including 'Roxette,' 'Back in the Night,' 'Milk and Alcohol,' 'Down at the Doctors,' 'She Does it Right' and 'See You Later Alligator' (which gave the group their first gold record).
The Main Street Stages of both festivals will also host:
Aynsley Lister: when explosive natural ability collides with fiery, emotionally charged compositions, the result is Aynsley Lister; his latest studio album, Eyes Wide Open, was heralded as one of the finest blues rock releases of 2016.
"Tthe numbers crackle with passion and energy or burst from the speakers with soulful purpose; the songs on Eyes Wide Open also offer more shades of blue than a Dulux colour chart."
FabricationsHQ
Kyla Brox: Kyla's voice remains a stunning example of the soul singer's art: turning up the heat by degrees, lulling and charming before unleashing emotional catharsis, and blurring the distinction between pleasure and pain like the soul greats of old.
Kyla Brox is without doubt the most authentic UK blues and soul singers of her generation.
Debbie Bond: singer, guitar player and songwriter Debbie Bond has been paying her dues in the Alabama backwoods for over 30 years. Influenced by the famed sounds of Muscleshoals, her impressive musical story includes years of performing with older traditional Alabama blues musicians, yet her sound is contemporary and original, incorporating soul, blues, and jazz.
Albany Down: blues rock and roll, mixed with a twist of rhythm & blues and jazz-funk, all delivered through incredibly strong songs, lingering melodies and great playing, as heard on outstanding third album The Outer Reach, which is "nothing less than a tour de force of contemporary blues rock power complemented by a little R&B light and shade."
FabricationsHQ
Brian Rawson Band: mixing original material with blues covers, this Glasgow-based contemporary blues rock band have appeared at a number of Blues festivals throughout the UK and Ireland.
The Blues Cafe Acoustic Stages of both events will host:
Husky Tones: a punky blues style flavours the rawness, simplicity and emotion of the Husky Tones live, delivered by drummer-singer Victoria Bourne and guitarist Chris Harper.
Mike Ross: fuzzed up, fierce and a full frontal fiery attack coupled with sexy smooth slidin' southern soul from this Northern force of nature; Mike and his band cut up sharp and fast like a revved up Allman Brothers Band.
Mike "Dr Blue" Mckeon: once reviewed as "the bastard son of Tom Waits and Howling’ Wolf" (which remains his favourite description) this Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury regular also spends a lot of time touring in Australia and New Zealand with his stand-up comedian wife.
His latest album Silent Man is due for release later this year.
AJK James: playing Welsh blues and singing songs about time travel and the sea, his hobbies include transactional physics, growing beards and eating. What’s not to like!
George Shovlin and the Radars: the band, re-invigorated by a break in their career, are back with a hunger, excitement and ambition! Since reforming, the band have played live on a number of digital blues radio programmes and regularly feature in the IBBA monthly Top-Fifty charts.
The new album, Unconditionally Live, was released in February 2016.
The Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 7, Saturday 17th June
Gala Theatre, 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA
Early Bird tickets £26.00 (for a limited period); to book, call 01472 349 222 or go online at:
http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival, visit: http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open 1.30 p.m. Music starts 2.00 p.m. Event ends at 10.00 p.m.
The Cleethorpes Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 7, Sunday 18th June
Pleasure Island, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire DN35 0PL
Early Bird tickets £26.00 (for a limited period); to book, call 01472 349 222 or go online at:
http://www.cleethorpesbluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival, visit: http://www.cleethorpesbluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 p.m. Music starts at 2.00 p.m. Event ends at 10.00 p.m.
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Husky Tones: a punky blues style flavours the rawness, simplicity and emotion of the Husky Tones live, delivered by drummer-singer Victoria Bourne and guitarist Chris Harper.
Mike Ross: fuzzed up, fierce and a full frontal fiery attack coupled with sexy smooth slidin' southern soul from this Northern force of nature; Mike and his band cut up sharp and fast like a revved up Allman Brothers Band.
Mike "Dr Blue" Mckeon: once reviewed as "the bastard son of Tom Waits and Howling’ Wolf" (which remains his favourite description) this Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury regular also spends a lot of time touring in Australia and New Zealand with his stand-up comedian wife.
His latest album Silent Man is due for release later this year.
AJK James: playing Welsh blues and singing songs about time travel and the sea, his hobbies include transactional physics, growing beards and eating. What’s not to like!
George Shovlin and the Radars: the band, re-invigorated by a break in their career, are back with a hunger, excitement and ambition! Since reforming, the band have played live on a number of digital blues radio programmes and regularly feature in the IBBA monthly Top-Fifty charts.
The new album, Unconditionally Live, was released in February 2016.
The Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 7, Saturday 17th June
Gala Theatre, 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA
Early Bird tickets £26.00 (for a limited period); to book, call 01472 349 222 or go online at:
http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival, visit: http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open 1.30 p.m. Music starts 2.00 p.m. Event ends at 10.00 p.m.
The Cleethorpes Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 7, Sunday 18th June
Pleasure Island, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire DN35 0PL
Early Bird tickets £26.00 (for a limited period); to book, call 01472 349 222 or go online at:
http://www.cleethorpesbluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival, visit: http://www.cleethorpesbluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 p.m. Music starts at 2.00 p.m. Event ends at 10.00 p.m.
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Good news for Michael Schenker’s UK and European fans...
The Michael Schenker Fest (classic M.S.G shows) will be heading to Europe and the UK in October and November; the shows reunite the original three M.S.G. vocalists, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).
The UK dates take place at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (Thursday 2nd November), the O2 Academy, Sheffield (Friday 3rd November), the O2 Ritz, Manchester (Saturday 4th November) and Hull City Hall (Sunday 5th November).
FabricationsHQ’s Feature Review of the Michael Schenker Fest, Live in Tokyo CD-DVD release can be found here: http://www.fabricationshq.com/michael-schenker-fest-live.html
Tickets for the Hull City Hall concert are on sale now with tickets for the London, Sheffield and Manchester shows on sale to the general public from 10am on Monday 20th March
(O2 Priority customers can take advantage of their pre-sale which started at 12 noon on Friday 17th March).
Says Michael Schenker of the shows: "It’s a miracle that after all these years, a tour like this will take place with the original band members of M.S.G. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. It's an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the 80s performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982.
"Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members including Gary Barden, Chris Glen and Ted McKenna being part of it, and to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann again as well, is pretty awesome!"
For more information on the show and the tour: www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/michaelschenker/schenkerfest-uktour.htm
The Michael Schenker Fest (classic M.S.G shows) will be heading to Europe and the UK in October and November; the shows reunite the original three M.S.G. vocalists, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).
The UK dates take place at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (Thursday 2nd November), the O2 Academy, Sheffield (Friday 3rd November), the O2 Ritz, Manchester (Saturday 4th November) and Hull City Hall (Sunday 5th November).
FabricationsHQ’s Feature Review of the Michael Schenker Fest, Live in Tokyo CD-DVD release can be found here: http://www.fabricationshq.com/michael-schenker-fest-live.html
Tickets for the Hull City Hall concert are on sale now with tickets for the London, Sheffield and Manchester shows on sale to the general public from 10am on Monday 20th March
(O2 Priority customers can take advantage of their pre-sale which started at 12 noon on Friday 17th March).
Says Michael Schenker of the shows: "It’s a miracle that after all these years, a tour like this will take place with the original band members of M.S.G. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. It's an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the 80s performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982.
"Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members including Gary Barden, Chris Glen and Ted McKenna being part of it, and to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann again as well, is pretty awesome!"
For more information on the show and the tour: www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/michaelschenker/schenkerfest-uktour.htm
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I'm not exactly a fully paid up member of the Metallica brigade nor their biggest fan, so I wouldn't be running to be first in the queue anyway, but the latest variation on the Meet 'n' Greet Platinum VIP Limited Invitational whatever-the-hell-we're-calling-it-this-week "Experience" theme just happens to be the Metallically shining ones, so...
Pricing arguments are just that; they will be debated until the TicketMaster and Live Nation yearly profits come in.
As regards Metallica, the going rate for the upcoming UK dates (certainly at the Glasgow Hydro Arena) is £56 to £96, assuming the secondary sellers and touts don't get in for their four and five times the price killing.
You might think that's a bargain, fair or over-priced – you pays yer money (or not) you takes yer choice.
But as regards this latest "VIP" malarkey...?
It's been way beyond taking the piss – and the hard earned money – out of the fans pockets for a long time now.
Seems these bands all tend to forget who they owe their touring, music making, bill paying and fairly privileged lives to, and who put them in beer and burgers, in the first place.
In the case of Metallica, running four "Experience" options, they max out with the "Hardwired Experience" package – only $2499 per pop on the US dates, kids, and "limited to 12 fans per show."
12. Because your chosen God forbid you spread yourselves too thin and have to shake the hand of every fan who worships you or helped put you where you are.
I hope Metallica play a blinder and I hope the fans enjoy the "experience" – but FabricationsHQ will be at a club gig somewhere else, doing my damndest to promote or write about a cracking little band who deserve to be heard on a far bigger stage, while the biggest names and uber-acts discuss the contents of the next Platinum VIP offer.
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Pricing arguments are just that; they will be debated until the TicketMaster and Live Nation yearly profits come in.
As regards Metallica, the going rate for the upcoming UK dates (certainly at the Glasgow Hydro Arena) is £56 to £96, assuming the secondary sellers and touts don't get in for their four and five times the price killing.
You might think that's a bargain, fair or over-priced – you pays yer money (or not) you takes yer choice.
But as regards this latest "VIP" malarkey...?
It's been way beyond taking the piss – and the hard earned money – out of the fans pockets for a long time now.
Seems these bands all tend to forget who they owe their touring, music making, bill paying and fairly privileged lives to, and who put them in beer and burgers, in the first place.
In the case of Metallica, running four "Experience" options, they max out with the "Hardwired Experience" package – only $2499 per pop on the US dates, kids, and "limited to 12 fans per show."
12. Because your chosen God forbid you spread yourselves too thin and have to shake the hand of every fan who worships you or helped put you where you are.
I hope Metallica play a blinder and I hope the fans enjoy the "experience" – but FabricationsHQ will be at a club gig somewhere else, doing my damndest to promote or write about a cracking little band who deserve to be heard on a far bigger stage, while the biggest names and uber-acts discuss the contents of the next Platinum VIP offer.
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Four dates of the highly anticipated (it says here) Bros six-date reunion tour cancelled? Surely not. Can't be true.
After all, we are talking about what was hyped, when announced, as "the biggest reunion in pop history." (yes, really).
I assume the same media monkey that came up with that doozie also wrote that the cancellations (with refunds to be organised, not rescheduled dates, tellingly) were due to "logistical circumstances beyond their control."
photo: Ian West/PA
Aye. Right.
Karma Kancellations for having the audacity, arrogance and egos to book arenas and not testing the shiny pop waters of the theatres, first boys.
Best remember when you were, you were, real famous, Luke and Matt... and stick to your respective day jobs of acting and Las Vegas residencies.
Oh, and loved this particular dual reply comment on the cancellation announcement...
Arn
Luke's not a bad Hollywood actor - stick to what you are best at.
Mrs lopsided
Neither was the chimp (sic) with Clint Eastwood.
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After all, we are talking about what was hyped, when announced, as "the biggest reunion in pop history." (yes, really).
I assume the same media monkey that came up with that doozie also wrote that the cancellations (with refunds to be organised, not rescheduled dates, tellingly) were due to "logistical circumstances beyond their control."
photo: Ian West/PA
Aye. Right.
Karma Kancellations for having the audacity, arrogance and egos to book arenas and not testing the shiny pop waters of the theatres, first boys.
Best remember when you were, you were, real famous, Luke and Matt... and stick to your respective day jobs of acting and Las Vegas residencies.
Oh, and loved this particular dual reply comment on the cancellation announcement...
Arn
Luke's not a bad Hollywood actor - stick to what you are best at.
Mrs lopsided
Neither was the chimp (sic) with Clint Eastwood.
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Albany Down, whose 2016 album The Outer Reach was given the FabricationsHQ award for Best Blues Rock Based Album of the Year, were recently announced as semi-finalists in the 2016 International Songwriting Competition for 'Feeding the Flame,' the opening song on The Outer Reach.
The International Songwriting Competition is the world’s most prestigious, and largest (some 16,000 entries from all over the world in 2016) songwriting competition, but it’s not the band’s first success with the IRC.
In 2014 the band won the 2013 International Songwriting Competition for 'You Ain't Coming Home' from second album Not Over Yet; the song continues to be the band’s most popular, was played by Paul Jones on his BBC Radio 2 show and has over 47,000 hits on Youtube.
'Feeding the Flame' was also a double winner for Best Rock Song and Best Music Video (directed by Andrew Merlino) at the 2016 UK Songwriting Contest; In 2010 Albany Down were winners of the International Acoustic Award for the song 'Without You.'
The International Songwriting Competition is the world’s most prestigious, and largest (some 16,000 entries from all over the world in 2016) songwriting competition, but it’s not the band’s first success with the IRC.
In 2014 the band won the 2013 International Songwriting Competition for 'You Ain't Coming Home' from second album Not Over Yet; the song continues to be the band’s most popular, was played by Paul Jones on his BBC Radio 2 show and has over 47,000 hits on Youtube.
'Feeding the Flame' was also a double winner for Best Rock Song and Best Music Video (directed by Andrew Merlino) at the 2016 UK Songwriting Contest; In 2010 Albany Down were winners of the International Acoustic Award for the song 'Without You.'
"Feeding the Flame is a powerhouse rock number that features front man Paul Muir in full voice, guitarist Paul Turley in full cry and bassist Billy Dedman and drummer Donna Peters supplying the rhythmic power.
It should be illegal to be this punchy, edgy, symphonic and melodic in one four minute song."
FabricationsHQ
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It should be illegal to be this punchy, edgy, symphonic and melodic in one four minute song."
FabricationsHQ
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REWIND, the world’s biggest 80s music festival, returns in 2017 with three across the country events during July and August 2017.
Tickets for all three festivals are now on sale from the official website: rewindfestival.com.
REWIND SCOTLAND returns for its seventh year at Scone Palace, Perth from Friday the 21st of July to Sunday the 23rd.
There will be performances from The Human League and Billy Ocean alongside debuts from Tom Robinson, The Undertones, The Trevor Horn Band, Junior Marvin’s Wailers, Musical Youth and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel.
Jaki Graham, Joy Division’s Peter Hook, Owen Paul, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Claudia Bracken and Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory will all be appearing with Martin Ware’s super-group British Electric Foundation.
Level 42, Belinda Carlisle, Heather Small, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Chesney Hawkes, Tepa, The Real Thing, Soul II Soul, Kim Wilde, Nick Heyward, Jason Donovan and Dr & The Medics complete the Scottish line-up.
REWIND NORTH is back for its fourth year, at Capes Thorne Hall, Cheshire from Friday the 4th of August until Sunday the 6th.
There will be featured performances from New York’s Village People and Sister Sledge, as well as rockers Status Quo, with Rewind North festival debuts for Tom Robinson, Altered Images, The Trevor Horn Band (+Special Guest), The Blockheads, Hugh Cornwell, The Orchestra, Junior Marvin’s Wailers, Captain Sensible, Johnny Hates Jazz, British Electric Foundation (with Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Jaki Graham, Owen Paul, Claudia Bracken and The Farm’s Peter Hooton). Level 42, Kim Wilde, Peter Hook & the Light, Roland Gift, Dr & The Medics, Belinda Carlisle, Toyah, Nick Heyward and Tepa complete the Rewind North weekend line-up.
REWIND SOUTH at Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames will be on its ninth outing, from Friday the 18th of August until Sunday the 20th of August.
The South festival welcomes Gloria Gaynor, the Village People and Status Quo to the main stage, and there will be Rewind South debut appearances from Big Country, Tom Robinson, and Sugar hill Gang (feat. Grandmaster Melee Me & Scorpio’s Furious 5), Musical Youth and Junior Marvin’s Wailers.
Kim Appleby, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Jilted John, and Rosella will perform with the British Electric Foundation alongside Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory.
There’s also a festival first from the West-End show Thriller Live and performances from Level 42, Nik Kershaw, Nick Heyward, Dr & The Medics, Imagination (feat. Lee John), Midge Urea, Kim Wilde, Belinda Carlisle, The South, Go West, The Christians and Ex-Katrina and The Waves complete the weekend of 80s acts.
For the full details of all three REWIND Festival line-ups, click here
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Tickets for all three festivals are now on sale from the official website: rewindfestival.com.
REWIND SCOTLAND returns for its seventh year at Scone Palace, Perth from Friday the 21st of July to Sunday the 23rd.
There will be performances from The Human League and Billy Ocean alongside debuts from Tom Robinson, The Undertones, The Trevor Horn Band, Junior Marvin’s Wailers, Musical Youth and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel.
Jaki Graham, Joy Division’s Peter Hook, Owen Paul, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Claudia Bracken and Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory will all be appearing with Martin Ware’s super-group British Electric Foundation.
Level 42, Belinda Carlisle, Heather Small, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Chesney Hawkes, Tepa, The Real Thing, Soul II Soul, Kim Wilde, Nick Heyward, Jason Donovan and Dr & The Medics complete the Scottish line-up.
REWIND NORTH is back for its fourth year, at Capes Thorne Hall, Cheshire from Friday the 4th of August until Sunday the 6th.
There will be featured performances from New York’s Village People and Sister Sledge, as well as rockers Status Quo, with Rewind North festival debuts for Tom Robinson, Altered Images, The Trevor Horn Band (+Special Guest), The Blockheads, Hugh Cornwell, The Orchestra, Junior Marvin’s Wailers, Captain Sensible, Johnny Hates Jazz, British Electric Foundation (with Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Jaki Graham, Owen Paul, Claudia Bracken and The Farm’s Peter Hooton). Level 42, Kim Wilde, Peter Hook & the Light, Roland Gift, Dr & The Medics, Belinda Carlisle, Toyah, Nick Heyward and Tepa complete the Rewind North weekend line-up.
REWIND SOUTH at Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames will be on its ninth outing, from Friday the 18th of August until Sunday the 20th of August.
The South festival welcomes Gloria Gaynor, the Village People and Status Quo to the main stage, and there will be Rewind South debut appearances from Big Country, Tom Robinson, and Sugar hill Gang (feat. Grandmaster Melee Me & Scorpio’s Furious 5), Musical Youth and Junior Marvin’s Wailers.
Kim Appleby, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, Jilted John, and Rosella will perform with the British Electric Foundation alongside Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory.
There’s also a festival first from the West-End show Thriller Live and performances from Level 42, Nik Kershaw, Nick Heyward, Dr & The Medics, Imagination (feat. Lee John), Midge Urea, Kim Wilde, Belinda Carlisle, The South, Go West, The Christians and Ex-Katrina and The Waves complete the weekend of 80s acts.
For the full details of all three REWIND Festival line-ups, click here
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2017 marks not just 40 years of Canadian prog rockers SAGA but also, as confirmed by front man Michael Sadler in his recent announcement on behalf of the band, their "Final Chapter" (a somewhat fitting title given that some of their best and most memorable songs are culled from the sixteen numbers that make up the sequence of conceptual Chapter tracks that were spread across twenty-five years and multiple albums).
The band will cease operations at the end of what is expected to be a busy touring year - Michael Sadler also confirmed the band would be trying to see as many of the fans as possible in 2017 by making "every effort to visit new territories" and there will be a special one-off performance on the 2018 Cruise to the Edge prog-sail).
In terms of overall sales and success SAGA were never destined to make the same impact as fellow Canadians Rush (although considering the pond in which they swam worldwide album sales of eight million plus isn’t too shabby), but they were worth a listen on every one of their twenty-one studio albums; from the more experimental to the melodic rock orientated, they were always solid and, at times, progceptional.
Many fans may question, or bemoan, the decision to stop, but credit to them for going out on a still popular, quality new material high (last album, 2014's Sagacity, was one of their strongest ever), as opposed to the bands that become brands (just one member away from licensing the name) or basing their twilight years on greatest hits tours or rerecorded classics.
Thanks for the melodic prog memories, boys; I guess when your Time's Up, your Time's Up...
The band will cease operations at the end of what is expected to be a busy touring year - Michael Sadler also confirmed the band would be trying to see as many of the fans as possible in 2017 by making "every effort to visit new territories" and there will be a special one-off performance on the 2018 Cruise to the Edge prog-sail).
In terms of overall sales and success SAGA were never destined to make the same impact as fellow Canadians Rush (although considering the pond in which they swam worldwide album sales of eight million plus isn’t too shabby), but they were worth a listen on every one of their twenty-one studio albums; from the more experimental to the melodic rock orientated, they were always solid and, at times, progceptional.
Many fans may question, or bemoan, the decision to stop, but credit to them for going out on a still popular, quality new material high (last album, 2014's Sagacity, was one of their strongest ever), as opposed to the bands that become brands (just one member away from licensing the name) or basing their twilight years on greatest hits tours or rerecorded classics.
Thanks for the melodic prog memories, boys; I guess when your Time's Up, your Time's Up...
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The perennially sharp dressed men of ZZ Top have added a fourth date to their recently announced trio of UK shows taking place in the summer of 2017.
The band, as part of The Tonnage Tour: Metric Edition, will now play the Manchester O2 Apollo on Tuesday the 25th July before moving on to previously confirmed shows in Glasgow (O2 Academy, Wednesday 26th), Dublin (3Arena, Friday 28th) and the Ramblin’ Man Fair at Mote Park in Maidstone (Saturday 29th/ Sunday 30th – which day ZZ Top will play at the festival is still to be confirmed).
Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
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The band, as part of The Tonnage Tour: Metric Edition, will now play the Manchester O2 Apollo on Tuesday the 25th July before moving on to previously confirmed shows in Glasgow (O2 Academy, Wednesday 26th), Dublin (3Arena, Friday 28th) and the Ramblin’ Man Fair at Mote Park in Maidstone (Saturday 29th/ Sunday 30th – which day ZZ Top will play at the festival is still to be confirmed).
Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
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Alice Cooper will perform his first headline tour of the UK in five years when he plays five arena dates in November 2017.
The shows will be at Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London with support from The Mission and The Tubes.
The dates will dovetail with Alice Cooper’s new studio album, which features writing input from original Alice Cooper Band members Mike Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith.
The album is being recorded with long time Alice Cooper producer Bob Ezrin.
Tickets are on sale now.
Alice Cooper UK Arena dates, November 2017:
Leeds, First Direct Arena - Saturday 11th; Glasgow, The SSE Hydro – Sunday 12th
Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena – Tuesday 14th; Manchester, The Manchester Arena – Wednesday 15th
London, The SSE Arena, Wembley – Thursday 16th
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The shows will be at Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London with support from The Mission and The Tubes.
The dates will dovetail with Alice Cooper’s new studio album, which features writing input from original Alice Cooper Band members Mike Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith.
The album is being recorded with long time Alice Cooper producer Bob Ezrin.
Tickets are on sale now.
Alice Cooper UK Arena dates, November 2017:
Leeds, First Direct Arena - Saturday 11th; Glasgow, The SSE Hydro – Sunday 12th
Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena – Tuesday 14th; Manchester, The Manchester Arena – Wednesday 15th
London, The SSE Arena, Wembley – Thursday 16th
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will make their only UK (and indeed European) appearance as part of their 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2017 as headliners at the British Summer Time Hyde Park event on Sunday, the 9th of July.
It’s the band’s first show in the UK since their Isle of Wight Festival performance and the two Royal Albert Hall gigs of 2012.
Tom Petty will be joined by Stevie Nicks as Special Guest at the Sunday event (that’s ‘Stop Dragging My Heart Around’ taken care of then); indie folk act The Lumineers will also be performing.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers join announced thus far British Summer Time Hyde Park headliners Phil Collins (30th June), Green Day (1st July), Justin Bieber (2nd July and no, me neither) and Kings of Leon (6th July).
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It’s the band’s first show in the UK since their Isle of Wight Festival performance and the two Royal Albert Hall gigs of 2012.
Tom Petty will be joined by Stevie Nicks as Special Guest at the Sunday event (that’s ‘Stop Dragging My Heart Around’ taken care of then); indie folk act The Lumineers will also be performing.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers join announced thus far British Summer Time Hyde Park headliners Phil Collins (30th June), Green Day (1st July), Justin Bieber (2nd July and no, me neither) and Kings of Leon (6th July).
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
