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22/05/13 09:59

Bon Jovi struggles for silence on Sambora

Keep the peace: Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi admits he’s struggling to keep his mouth shut over Richie Sambora’s absence from the band.

The guitarist didn’t appear as planned for the current leg of their world tour last month – and the message only arrived at 3.30pm on the first show day in Calgary.

Since then the singer has fielded queries over the situation, saying the pair haven’t fallen out and it’s not about money. Sambora himself has only tweeted two brief comments, the later on saying: “Hey everybody, just want you all to know I’m all good. Thanks for the positive vibes.”

Earlier this week Bon Jovi said he had only spoken to his bandmate once since he was replaced by Phil X, who stood in during Sambora’s 2011 visit to rehab.

Now he tells the Standard: “It’s getting more and more difficult every day to not just say something. Because all I can say is this: it’s for personal reasons.

“He’s been through it before. Fortunately for us the same guy who filled in last time was available this time. If someone chooses not to be here… If The Edge for some reason couldn’t make a U2 show, it would be very difficult to just step in.”

Reflecting on Sambora’s position he says: “You have a choice. You either figure it out, go and grow, not only survive but thrive – or you say, ‘I hate my brother and I’m gonna quit the band.’”

Bon Jovi UK tour 2013

Jun 8: Manchester Etihad Stadium
Jun 9: Birmingham Villa Park
Jun 12: Cardiff City Stadium
Jun 13: Sunderland Stadium Of Light
Jun 15: Dublin Slaine Castle
Jun 16: Isle of Wight Festival
Jul 3: Glasgow Hampden Park
Jul 5: British Summer Time Festival, London

22/05/13 09:15

Alice stage tricks upset Dick Wagner

Bandleader: Dick Wagner

Veteran guitarist and songwriter Dick Wagner has admitted he didn’t enjoy some of the stage tricks he was forced to go along with during his 1970s stint with Alice Cooper.

But that didn’t stop him recruiting his former boss to help with his upcoming album.

Wagner, who appeared alongside guitarist Steve Hunter during Cooper’s Welcome To My Nightmare era, has also worked with Lou Reed, Kiss, Aerosmith, Meat Loaf, Peter Gabriel, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many others.

He tells antiMusic: “Some of the stuff we did with Alice was stupid and silly, and I didn’t enjoy being part of it. Like the chickens or machine guns or something like that – it was just so juvenile. He’s a better talent: more sophisticated than that. I did not agree with all of it; but some of it I thought was spectacular. I really enjoyed myself.”

He feels he didn’t get all the recognition he deserved when he assumed the role of bandleader for Cooper, as he’d previously done for Reed. “I always sort of stepped into that wherever I was playing,” he says. “The same with Alice Cooper. That was difficult with you not getting credit along the way, as much as you maybe should. It’s always difficult. But for me playing is enough; I don’t have to have the limelight like them.”

Wagner admits he and Reed were never close, and believes he was dismissed following 1974 live album Rock’n'Roll Animal because the Velvet Underground icon felt “intimidated” by his band. “Lou and I were not close,” says the guitarist. “We haven’t spoken since. I went to see him once in New York: I went backstage and he left me waiting in the hall and never invited me in. I was sincerely offended by it.”

Meanwhile, though, he’s been collaborating with Cooper again on a series of songs which are set to appear on a concept album about a “rock star serial killer.” Wagner explains: “I got Alice to help me with lyrics on three of them. It’s going to be great.”

He’s recorded a stack of his memoirs in a book, Not Only Women Bleed, named for one of his best-known songs. Those recollections include his experience of selling the track I Love The Dead. “I wrote the music for that song. I was not credited because I sold it to Alice Cooper. I was asked not to be credited because the credit on there would be only Alice Cooper. And as it turned out a lot of the songs are Alice and Bob Ezrin.

“I sold it for $6000 – I needed money at the time, and that’s the story. That’s what it is. All the royalties from I Love the Dead and all the acclaim for the song, I have no part in, but I did write it.

“It’s the music business. You can’t trust anyone to deal with you fairly. You just can’t because they’re not going to do it.”

22/05/13 07:18

O’Keeffe grounded by Airbourne game

Beginner mode: O’Keeffe with Airbourne

Airbourne frontman Joel O’Keefe admits he can’t play his own song in Guitar Hero – and he was bested by his four-year-old nephew when he tried.

His band released new album Black Dog Barking this week, and O’Keefe has taken the opportunity to discuss what his instrument means to him.

Asked to name the worst guitarist he’s ever heard, he tells GuitarTV: “It’s me on Guitar Hero. I can’t fucking play that thing. I’m the shittest at it. I couldn’t play my own song on the thing.

“I went home for Christmas ages ago and one of my cousins was there. He was only four, and he could play not only my song, but all the Guns n’Roses ones, the Metallica ones – and I couldn’t even play my own, which is the easiest of all.”

When it comes to his top influence O’Keeffe cites Rolling Stones icon Keith Richards.  “I watch Keith play guitar and there’s something about his playing, I don’t know what it is, but it’s so cool,” he says. “The notes he picks, the feel, the way he goes down low and his over-the-shoulder thing.

“When I was young it was Angus Young and Keith Richards and I didn’t know which way to go. The riffs like Satisfaction and Jumpin’ Jack Flash – so cool.”

And asked which axe hero he’d most like to meet, the Australian replies: “If I could have a conversation with Hendrix I’d really love to do that. I’d love to figure out what he’s thinking. I know he’s on another planet doing what he does, but I’d like to have a jam with him. I’d do the rhythm – I’d be too nervous to fuck up in front of Hendrix.

“I’d love to talk to him about rock’n'roll – he knew something that none of did, and none of us can figure out.”

22/05/13 07:02

Newsbites: Fogerty talks Creedence reunion

Revival rumour: John Fogerty

John Fogerty is not against reuniting with the surviving members of Creedence Clearwater Revival, despite the negative comments some of the band have made in the past. He says: “I think it’s a possibility in the future. It’s not something I’m actively seeking – but I’m not totally against the idea either. It just seems like I always hear that’s not going to happen.” [Radio.com]

Neal Schon and Steve Perry haven’t spoken since the ex-Journey singer appeared with his bandmates for their Hollywood Walk of Fame induction in 2005, but the guitarist says it’s just a scheduling issue. “I say nice things about him and he says nice things about me,” Schon comments. “I have ultimate respect for the man and the voice he has. I wish him the best, but he haven’t quite gotten around to speaking.” [Something Else Reviews]

Queen guitarist Brian May has slammed TV talent show The Voice. “It’s the dullest, dumbest, most depressing show,” he insists. “Every time I catch a glimpse of young singers busting their guts trying to win somebody’s attention, who’s rudely sitting with their back to them, I feel sick. I hate seeing the great Tom Jones shoehorned into this scenario.”

Hawkwind have announced four UK tour dates in November:
Nov 6: Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
Nov 7: Glasgow ABC
Nov 8: Sheffield Academy
Nov 9: Liverpool Academy

Rush frontman Geddy Lee says the band’s appearance at this year’s Sweden Rock is a “test case” for more festival shows. “We’ll see how this one goes,” he comments. “If we like the end result I think we might start doing more of those, because we can play to more people and shorten the show a little bit, and hit more countries that way. That’s what’s at the back of our minds: maybe we can go to countries we haven’t visited yet.” [Blabbermouth]

Big name producer Nick Raskluinecz has named his top albums of all time. He says: “This is hard because I have three that are tied for the number-one spot. Kiss’ Alive, Ozzy Osbourne’s Randy Rhoads Tribute and Ratt’s Out Of The Cellar. But if I had to pick one for the desert island, it would be Out Of The Cellar. I was in seventh grade and I saw the Round And Round video on MTV. Immediately, I fell in love with the song, and I begged my mom to buy the record for me. I couldn’t stop listening to it. To a kid in Knoxville, Tennessee, living through Hit Parader and Circus magazines, it was absolutely magical.” [MusicRadar]

Festivals audiences are older than ever on average, new research suggests – and it’s all down to money. MSN says 60% of 18-24 year olds can’t afford the costs associated with attending the events, which now averages £423 for a weekend including ticket, accommodation, food and drink. As a result, the average age at Glastonbury is 36 and at Reading and Leeds it’s 35.

The Answer will release their fourth album, New Horizon, on September 30. They tour the UK and Ireland in October, followed by an appearance at Hard Rock Hell in Pwllheli on November 30:
Oct 11: Limelight 2, Belfast
Oct 12: Whelans, Dublin
Oct 17: Academy 3, Manchester
Oct 18: Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
Oct 19: Cockpit, Leeds
Oct 20: Corporation, Sheffield
Oct 22: The Garage, Glasgow
Oct 23: O2 Academy, Newcastle
Oct 24: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Oct 25: Electric Ballroom, London
Oct 26: The Thekla, Bristol
Oct 27: Concorde 2, Brighton

Former White Zombie drummer Phil Buerstatte was found dead at the weekend. While no details have been revealed, his bandmate in Last Crack, Paul Schluter, says: “We are sorry to have to announce that our musical brother Phil Buerstatte has passed away. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and fellow band members. The remaining members of Last Crack are discussing doing a tribute show in Phil’s honour in the coming months.”

The Black Spiders tour the UK in October. They say: “We have been watching you, waiting, our forces growing ever stronger. Now is the time. The time to strike. The time to reclaim that which is ours. The time to stand firm and shout out, this is our land and we claim it in their name.”
Oct 3: Sheffield Corporation
Oct 4: Manchester Club Academy
Oct 5: Newcastle, Northumbria Uni
Oct 6: Glasgow Cathouse
Oct 8: Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Oct 9: Bristol Thekla
Oct 10: Southampton Cellar
Oct 11: London Electric Ballroom

System Of A Down have released a statement playing down comments made by bassist Shavo Odadjian, who suggested the band are being held back from releasing new music by frontman Serj Tankian. Odadjian said: “It’s not us, it’s Serj who doesn’t want to do a new album. I’m ready to release one with someone who wants to be the singer of System, not someone we have to beg to be a part of SYstem. He’s been holding us back for seven years so far.” SOAD have commented: “Shavo posted a few statements that do not reflect the sentiments of the band. They were misleading statements, made during a temporary state of bad judgement on his part alone. Although we have not agreed on a timetable for a new album, we believe that having the four of us do it together is the way to be true to the band and our fans.”

Female tribute outfit Lez Zeppelin tour the UK in June:
Jun 13: Isle Of Wight Festival
Jun 14: London Garage
Jun 15: Holmfirth Picturedrome
Jun 16: Bilston Robin

Dave Davies of The Kinks fame will release a solo album, I Will Be Me, on June 3. The 13-track record is described as a “return to his groundbreaking sound and innovative songwriting.

21/05/13 19:46

Trevor Bolder dead at 62

Trevor Bolder 1950~2013

Long-time Uriah Heep bassist and Spiders From Mars icon Trevor Bolder has died of cancer at the age of 62, it’s been confirmed.

Bolder joined David Bowie’s backing band in 1971, alongside guitarist Mick Ronson – with whom he’d played in The Rats – and drummer Woody Woodmansey. He appeared on the albums Hunky Dory, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, Aladdin Sane and Pin Ups.

He replaced John Wetton in Heep in 1976 and made his recording debut with them on 1977′s Firefly. He also played on Innocent Victim, Fallen Angel and Conquest, before joining Wishbone Ash. In 1983 he returned to Mick Box’s outfit and played on Equator two years later. He’d appeared on every album since, including their most recent outing, 2011′s Into The Wild.

Earlier this year he announced what was hoped to be a temporary absence as a result of surgery. He later told Classic Rock: “I had pancreas cancer so I had to have that removed. Not the entire pancreas; but still, it was bad news. They’ve cut out the bad bit. I’ve had a bit of chemo, got to have that, which I’m doing now, in case there’s anything hanging about. Once that’s done, I should be back to doing what I do for a living.” The band had said he was aiming to be back in action in time for Heep’s appearance at the Download Festival.

A statement from the band reports: “Trevor was an all-time great – one of the outstanding musicians of his generation, and one of the finest and most influential bass players Britain ever produced.

“His long time membership of Uriah Heep brought the band’s music, and Trevor’s virtuosity and enthusiasm, to hundreds of thousands of fans across the world.”

Box adds: “Trevor was a world class bass player, singer and songwriter – and more importantly a world class friend. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and rock fans all over the world. We are all numb to the core.”

Bowie has released a brief statement of his own, saying: “Trevor was a wonderful musician and a major inspiration for whichever band he was working with. But he was foremostly a tremendous guy, a great man.”

21/05/13 14:51

Steve Hyams RIP

Steve Hyams: November 4, 1950 – May 5, 2013

Steve Hyams, who worked briefly with Mott The Hoople as frontman/rhythm guitarist, has passed away aged 62 after battling heart problems for several years.

Hyams joined his first group, Dolls House, in 1971, then went on to become a member of the Samuel Prody Band with Canadian guitarist Bruce Irvine. In 1974 he worked on a solo LP, Mistaken Identities, in America with Wings drummer Denny Seiwell and producer Elliott Mazer then re-recorded the album in England.

Hyams cut six tracks with Mott in 1977, later released as World Cruise. His second solo album, Feather And A Tomahawk, was issued in 1997 and his song I Fall Over, I Fall Down was recorded by Marianne Faithfull. He also fronted the Dig Band and the Steve Hyams Band.

Mott mainman Ian Hunter recalled: “Steve Hyams worked in a record store on the Kings Road – the Chelsea Drug Store – when Mott The Hoople started in 1969. We soon found him to be an astute listener and his taste was faultless. Later on, he got into music and he’s done some seriously good stuff. I would have been really happy if Steve would have taken my place after Mott The Hoople finished in 1974. He was unique. Steve’s one that got away.”

Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople biographer Campbell Devine commented: “Steve was a tremendously talented writer and musician. He was also passionate, humorous and sensitive – a very charming and thoughtful man.”

21/05/13 09:33

Nazareth deny split rumour

Nazareth have shouted down a rumour that they’re about to split up, condemning it as a promoter’s tactic to sell more tickets.

Contrary to the false claim, the Scots veterans are currently working on a new album and have live dates planned in North America, with a set of UK shows confirmed for the end of the year – dates below.

Bassist Pete Agnew says in a statement: “It’s been advertised by a Swedish festival that it will be Nazareth’s last show, and it might be everyone’s last chance to see the band.

“This is a load of rubbish. It won’t be the first time that promoters used these tactics to improve ticket sales – and it won’t be the last.

“I see on Facebook that some of you believed this, and now the rumours start to fly, which only harms the band. As I’ve said before, if any big decision concerning the band is being made it will be announced by us on our website.

“We’re currently recording a new album. We’ll work through May then tour the USA and Canada for two months, after which we’ll return to the studio to complete the project.”

Meanwhile, Naz have appeared in a single with young Scottish rap outfit SHY & DRS, collaborating on a track called Enough Love – view the video below. It’s the result of a recording session in Germany, with the promo shot during a mini-tour that followed, and it’s released on June 3.

Nazareth UK tour

Nov 22: London Islington Assembly Hall
Nov 24: Bilston Robin 2
Nov 27: Ipswich Railway Venue
Nov 29: Hard Rock Hell, Pwllheli
Nov 30: Brighton Concorde 2
Dec 1: Grimsby Yardbirds

21/05/13 09:03

Bennington to stick with STP

More to come: Bennington with STP

Stone Temple Pilots plan to write more music and play more shows with Chester Bennington in place of Scott Weiland.

The band surprised fans at the weekend by appearing on stage in Los Angeles with the Linkin Park singer at the front. They performed a set of classics and also delivered new track Out Of Time, which can be heard below.

Both parties made it clear that Bennington wasn’t leaving Linkin Park – but now the vocalist has confirmed there’s more to come from his STP collaboration.

He tells KROQ: “We couldn’t really plan a tour because we couldn’t let people know what was going on. Now the cat’s out of the bad we’re going to go out, make more music, play more shows and have some fun.”

Bennington continues: “Every band has its own vibe. Stone Temple Pilots has this sexier, more classic rock feel to it; Linkin Park is a very modern, tech-heavy band. I grew up listening to these guys – when the opportunity came up it was a no-brainer.”

Speaking of his first show with the band he says: “I got to use my voice. I got to sing and show my range a little bit. I still got to throw a little scream in here and there, but it’s so different.”

Meanwhile, Weiland – who was fired by STP in February, although he denies it – is touring with his solo band The Wildabouts, performing a set mainly consisting of STP tracks.

20/05/13 22:28

The Doors icon Ray Manzarek dies of cancer

Ray Manzarek 1939~2013

Iconic Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek has died at the age of 74, it’s been confirmed.

He passed away in a clinic in Germany after having fought cancer of the bile duct for some time. He was surrounded by his family.

Manzarek founded the band with Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger and John Densmore in 1964. They became icons of the psychedelic era, having found the inspiration for their name in a poem by William Blake: “If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.”

A statement from his family says: “Ray passed away today at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife Dorothy and his brothers Rick and James.

“The Doors formed when Ray had a chance encounter on Venice Beach with poet Jim Morrison. LA Woman, Break On Through To The Other Side, The End, Hello, I Love You, and Light My Fire were just some of the band’s groundbreaking songs.

“After Morrison’s death in 1971, Ray went on to become a best-selling author and a Grammy-nominated recording artist in his own right. In 2002, he revitalized his touring career with Doors guitarist and long-time collaborator, Robby Krieger.”

Guitarist Krieger says: “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate. I’m glad to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.”

The Manzarek family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected, would like well-wishers to contribute to the cancer charity StandUp2Cancer.

20/05/13 10:15

Soundgarden announce UK tour

Soundgarden have confirmed they’ll return to the UK and Ireland for four shows in September.

The Seattle icons blasted back into action with last year’s acclaimed album King Animal. And bassist Ben Shepherd says he had no doubt they’d be able to deliver the goods, despite having split in 1997.

He tells the St Louis Post-Dispatch: “Even when we were in the room together meeting about having meetings, it was already back to the same chemistry. There were no worries about us taking the next step and being able to write new songs.”

Of the album he says: “We wanted it to sound like us. The only pressure we put on ourselves was that we make a record that’s on par with our old stuff. I had the utmost faith in the others that we would bring it all the way. There was no way we were going to put out a crappy record that no one cared about.”

Tour tickets go on sale on Friday, May 24.

Soundgarden UK and Ireland tour:

Sep 13: Manchester O2 Apollo
Sep 14: Birmingham Academy
Sep 16: Dublin O2
Sep 18: London O2 Academy Brixton

20/05/13 09:01

Sambora can return to Bon Jovi any time

Man down: Bon Jovi are touring without Sambora, second right

Jon Bon Jovi says the door is open for Richie Sambora to rejoin the band any time he feels ready.

He still won’t discuss what led to the guitarist’s non-appearance at the start of Bon Jovi’s latest world tour leg – but he insists it’s not about money, and the pair haven’t fallen out.

Bon Jovi tells the Mirror: “We were all in Calgary. Richie was going to turn up on show day, but we went the night before because it’s a long flight.

“At 3.30pm on show day the manager said: ‘Guess what?’ He didn’t even have to finish the sentence. Because we had been through it before we performed that night. We couldn’t let down the fans.”

He admits he hasn’t set eyes on his bandmate since that moment. “I talked to him once – once in six weeks and 18 shows. He’s not fired, we didn’t have a fight, it certainly isn’t about money. He can return when he is ready to die every night, the way I walk on stage. No one’s mad, no one’s sad.”

Bon Jovi is still reeling over his teenage daughter’s overdose – Stephanie, 19, was taken to hospital in November after being found unconscious in her college dorm. She faced drugs charges but they were later dropped.

“We went through something that a lot of parents do; many more than I thought,” he says. “I feel it was a terrible tragic lesson of life, but I thank God every day because she is whole. It happened and it has gone. I know people where it was a lot, lot worse. That could have been Stephanie.”

He believes it’s a struggle for parents to understand the environment that surrounds their children, because things are so different today. “There’s a lot of pressure on this generation – a lot of temptation and access and pressures that, just a generation ago, you and I didn’t know about.

“Our world is far more relatable to our parents’ world than the kids’ world. There’s many more pressures on kids: what is this college degree going to do for me, what am I going to be when I grow up, will I be able to accomplish things?”

Bon Jovi tour the UK next month:

Jun 8: Manchester Etihad Stadium
Jun 9: Birmingham Villa Park
Jun 12: Cardiff City Stadium
Jun 13: Sunderland Stadium Of Light
Jun 15: Dublin Slaine Castle
Jun 16: Isle of Wight Festival
Jul 3: Glasgow Hampden Park
Jul 5: British Summer Time Festival, London

20/05/13 08:42

Stone Temple Pilots return… with Chester Bennington

New man: Bennington with STP

Stone Temple Pilots have released a new track, Out Of Time, which features Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington in place of fired frontman Scott Weiland. Hear it below.

STP announced in February that they’d “terminated” Weiland’s contract. But since then, he’s been insisting both that he wasn’t fired and that he can’t be fired, arguing: “I started the band. There’s certain clauses in place that keep that from happening.”

The band unveiled their current lineup and their latest song at LA radio station KROQ’s annual weenie roast over the weekend, taking the crowd by surprise. Bennington later said: “I’ve loved STP since I was 13 years old. When the opportunity came up to so something creative with them I jumped at the chance. The guys in Linkin Park have been incredibly supportive of me undertaking this project while I’ve continued to work on new music with LP.”

Guitarist Dean DeLeo added: “We know Linkin Park will always be his priority, but we thought it would be cool to try something together. We managed to find the time to record a song and we’re all really happy with the result.”

It’s not clear whether the band plan any further activity together.

Meanwhile, Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash recently reported the band haven’t given up on finding a replacement for Weiland after firing him in 2008. “We’ve been very quietly been looking for somebody who’s right for that band,” he said. Slash was first to publicly discuss Weiland’s departure from STP.

20/05/13 07:54

Newsbites: Kiss don’t need Rock Hall

For the fans: Kiss

Paul Stanley says he doesn’t care about whether Kiss are inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame – but like this year’s honourees Rush, he believes it would be a good thing for the band’s fan. Stanley says: “The Hall Of Fame is marketing. You’ve got a bunch of faceless people in a back room who trademark a name that sounds very official. If you’d thought of it first, you would have been the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.” [Huffington Post]

Nine Inch Nails have recruited former member Robin Finck in place of bassist Eric Avery, who bowed out last week, saying he’d been “overwhelmed” by the amount of tour dates the band was amassing. Multi-instrumentalist Finck previously played guitar with Trent Reznor’s outfit, but fellow member Josh Eustis can also play a number of instruments. NIN play the Leeds and Reading festivals in August.

A guitar gifted by John Lennon to Beatles associate ‘Magic Alex’ Mardas has sold at auction for $408,000 – beating the expected price of $300,000. The custom Vox instrument was made in 1966 and can be seen being played by George Harrison in 1967 movie Magical Mystery Tour. Mardas sold it in 2004.

The Sheffield Telegraph is offering a free track from Whitesnake‘s Made In Japan live album to celebrate the band’s UK tour with Journey and Thunder. Download Love Will Set You Free here.

Rob Halford admits the studs on his stage costume can sometimes be dangerous. “I wore that outfit on Americal Idol a few years ago,” says the Judas Priest frontman. “Steven Tyler came over to say hello. Someone says, ‘Let’s do a picture,’ so I put my arm round him. He flinched and pulled away – he’s like, ‘You nearly took my eye out!’” [MTV Hive]

Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse struggled during recording sessions for recent album Now What?! “One of the challenges was trying to make Bob Ezrin happy,” he says. “For me, it isn’t easy. I think he’s used to David Gilmour’s style of ultra-melodic playing and I stick in more technical riffs between any melodic thing I do. He wanted me to sound more melodic and he really pushed it.” But he adds: “It worked. That’s why I was in favour of Bob being involved.” [Ultimate Classic Rock]

The Arts Council England has announced a series of grants for new bands and artists, with a total of £500,000 to be offered in individual amounts of between £5000 and £15,000. Money will be considered for those who have established a following in their local area and who can “provide a clear business case for support.” Find out more via PRS For Music.

Styx bassist Ricky Phillips admits it’s tough to decide whether the band should make a new album. “We continue to write all the time,” he says. “We have a stockpile of three-quarters written stuff. But here’s the frustration: most of the stations that would play a Styx song already have five in their rotation and don’t want any more. We’re not going to get on the radio. It’s a tough pill to swallow.” [Classic Rock Revisited]

Tigertailz are recording a new EP, soon after guitarist Jay Pepper told Classic Rock he wasn’t sure if the band would continue after their latest lineup collapse. Now he reports: “Tailz ain’t over and we rock on. Thanks for keeping the faith and we’ll be seeing you very soon.” Track titles are Bloodsuckerz, Don’t Bite The Hand That Feeds You, The Shoe Collector, One Life, Sleeping With The Enemy and Punched In The Gutz.

Heaven’s Basement will tour the UK in July:
Jul 02: Norwich Waterfront Studio
Jul 03: Milton Keynes Craufurd Arms
Jul 04: Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
Jul 05: Liverpool 02 Academy 2
Jul 06: York Duchess
Jul 07: Glasgow Ivory Blacks
Jul 09: Aberdeen Tunnels
Jul 10: Newcastle Academy 2
Jul 12: Manchester Sound Control
Jul 13: Nass Festival, Bath & West Showground
Jul 16: Exeter Cavern 3
Jul 17: Bournemouth Sound Circus
Jul 18: London 100 Club

18/05/13 00:00

See Big Country in concert for a tenner

Big Country: 10 squid and they’re yours

Big Country play The Forum in London on June 2 – and you can see them there for just £10.

The Scottish legends – now featuring Alarm man Mike Peters on vocals – are currently touring Europe in support of their recently released album The Journey.

The dates culminate with a Sunday-night show at The Forum – and tickets to see them there would normally cost £23.50. But we at Classic Rock have managed to negotiate a special discounted rate of just £10 per ticket (£11.50 including fees).

This will be the last chance to see Big Country in the UK before they head for a three-month tour of North America.

Click here to take advantage of this cut-price offer. But hurry – there are only a limited number of tickets available at the £10 price.

Big Country frontman Mike Peters was faced with the challenge of creating lyrics that matched the spirit of late founder Stuart Adamson when it came to writing for The Journey. The full story is here.

17/05/13 12:13

Phil Chevron in new cancer battle

Health battle: Phil Chevron (Pic: Redadeg)

Pogues guitarist Phil Chevron is battling cancer for the second time – and he’s admitted it will be “lethal” in this case.

He was sidelined from the Pogues and his pioneering punk band, The Radiators From Space, in 2007 after being diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck. In 2011 he was given the all-clear.

But now doctors have confirmed it’s returned after finding another tumour last year – and surgery is impossible due to the associated risks.

A statement says: “In August 2012, Philip and his doctors noticed a new tumour in a position whereby treatment is seriously ill-advised, and would almost certainly cause a stroke or worse.

“The cancer is, in short, inoperable, and will prove fatal in time, though it is at present impossible to measure life expectancy.

“Philip thanks his friends, colleagues, family and management team for their enduring support and hopes to make some contributions before, as he puts it, the cancer becomes ‘lethal’.”

Chevron, 55, formed the Radiators in 1976 and remained with them until they split in 1981. He started playing with the Pogues in 1984 and left ten years later, rejoining when the band returned from hiatus in 2001. Shane MacGowan’s outfit are planning to mark their 30th anniversary this year. Meanwhile, the Radiators, who reformed in 2004, have become a new band known as the Trouble Pilgrims in the guitarist’s absence.

His most recent work has been the writing of theatre music, including commissions from London’s Old Vic and Galway’s Druid.

25/03/13 10:30

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Following her acclaimed guitar performance alongside Annie Lennox at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert in June 2012 and the release of her critically acclaimed third studio album Almost Always Never, British blues rock guitarist, Joanne Shaw Taylor, returns to the UK on Sunday 12th May for an exclusive London concert to record a new live DVD. The concert will take place in the intimate setting of one of London's most famous live music venues, The Borderline.

20/03/13 18:05

The Sweet at Holmfirth

 21 June, Holmfirth Picturedrome

SWEET are a National Treasure, British at the core and a Rock Music Phenomena that has taken every continent by storm for more than four decades. The Golden Thread that links the past through to the present and into the future is Andy Scott. His determination to maintain high standards with the band's musical legacy and touring is legendary.

With the hits Blockbuster, Ball Room Blitz, Fox On The Run & Love Is Like Oxygen The Sweet became one of the biggest bands of the '70s, and were the quintessential glam rockers who brought androgynous looks and crunching guitar pop to the masses.

Read more here

Watch The Sweet on youtube

18/03/13 12:15

KT TUNSTALL at Minack Theatre

Tickets on sale Wednesday 20th March

15/03/13 10:50

Stiff Little Fingers - Rescheduled Preston

Stiff Little Fingers - Rescheduled Preston Show - Sat 18 May

Important Notice - Customers with tickets for the cancelled March 10th date should contact their original point of purchase / ticket agent by Mon 8 April at the very latest in order to arrange either a refund or for rescheduled tickets which can then be collected at the venue box office on the night of Sat 18 May.

13/03/13 12:05

Tracer announce new album EL PISTOLERO

CLICK HERE FOR TOUR DATES

Australia’s award-winning powerhouse rock band TRACER are pleased to announce the long-awaited release of their new studio album "El Pistolero" - released in the UK on Monday 6th May.  The release will be supported by a re-scheduled UK tour that will start at the Sheffield Plug on 8th June, ending at the Isle of Wight Festival on 16th June.    

13/03/13 10:25

Ron Sexsmith on Tour

Ron Sexsmith has announced two new dates in the UK this summer.

17th June Birmingham

20th June Manchester

A Canadian singer-songwriter with deeply sensitive songs with bittersweet melodies and hauntingly romantic ballads, Ron Sexsmith is returning to the UK to perform a series of shows beginning in Birmingham.

More info here.

12/03/13 07:50

Joe Bonamassa Arena Tour

 Following the March 25th release of Joe Bonamassa’s live album and DVD, An Acoustic Evening At The Vienna Opera House, the internationally renowned guitarist will embark on 7-Date UK Arena Tour in September 2013. Tickets go on sale Friday 15th March from the 24 Hour Box office: 0844 478 0898, www.thegigcartel.com.

01/03/13 14:00

JJ Grey & Mofro are back in the UK in July

JJ Grey & Mofro are back in the UK in July

3 Jul Sheffield The Greystones

4 Jul Bury The Met

5 Jul  London The Garage More information here

28/02/13 12:15

Jimmy Cliff Sheffield Gig

Raggae Legend Jimmy Cliff calls in to Sheffield Plug on Monday 24th June, click here for tickets

With a legacy stretching back nearly 50 years, the Honourable Jimmy Cliff is still standing as one of the prime movers and continuing shapers of modern music. With a catalogue that ranks among the most influential in global culture, Cliff remains a forceful voice of power and conscience, creating new music as vital and vibrant as ever. 

24/02/13 12:30

Martin Barre Band, Hit the road again

Jethro Tull guitarist announces new shows for 2013

More information here

Sept

21/02/13 14:05

Unknown Pleasures and Closer A Joy Division Celebration

 15 Apr Holmfirth Picturedrome, more information here

21/02/13 14:00

Alabama 3

Alabama 3 play Holmfirth Picturedrome on Sat 8th June, more information here 

Best known internationally for supplying the theme to the American TV series 'The Sopranos' with their song 'Woke Up This Morning', Alabama 3 have carved a unique niche for themselves which transcends considerations of chart success and runs far deeper than the transitory fame of modern celebrity culture. 

20/02/13 09:05

Billy Bragg announces new tour

Billy Bragg, Winner of The Roots Award 2013 at the BBC Radio2 Folk Awards, releases his first new studio album in five years Tooth & Nail on Cooking Vinyl records on 18th March 2013.

Saturday 30th November, Sheffield City Hall - more information here

14/02/13 08:55

Joe Bonamassa Releaes An Acoustic Evening At The Vienna Opera House

Joe Bonamassa Releaes 'An Acoustic Evening At The Vienna Opera House' On Cd/dvd/blu-ray On March 26th 2013 - more information here

Now available; Borderline Gold tickets. See Joe Bonamassa up close and personal at this intimate and very special show on 26th March, more info here 

14/02/13 08:55

Nerina Pallot releases Valentines Day special

 Nerina Pallot releases Valentine’s Day special

More information here

11/02/13 10:50

Brian May & Kerry Ellis

Bounemouth Pavilion Tues 18th June, tickets on sale Thursday 14th February here

07/02/13 10:30

Planet Rock Sold To Bauer Media

Planet Rock Sold To Bauer Media

04/02/13 10:20

New shows for I Am Kloot

Holmfirth Picturedrome

Friday 26th April

tickets on sale Wednesday 6th February

more info here

Acclaimed Manchester three-piece I Am Kloot release their eagerly awaited new album ‘Let It All In’ on January 21st on their Shepherd Moon label.

01/02/13 11:40

The Undertones to play Wolverhampton

The Undertones to play Wolverhampton 

25 May Wolverhampton Slade Rooms; more info here

Formed in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1975, The Undertones became renowned for combining lyrical invention and musical flair with intelligent simplicity. Their anthemic Teenage Kicks, much loved by John Peel, was one of the most influential songs of the post-punk era. Reformed in 1999 without the influential Feargal Sharkey, they are still pumping out their classics hits with some new material.

31/01/13 08:50

Congratualtions to LAU winners

Congratualtions to LAU winners, Best Group BBC Folk Awards 2013.

See the results here 

LAU play Holmfirth Folk Festival on Friday 10th May, more info here

30/01/13 07:15

Karl Wallingers World Party

Karl Wallingers World Party announces Holmfirth show.

Sunday 28th April more info here

World Party came into being in 1986 as the solo project of former Waterboys keyboard player Karl Wallinger, carrying the torch for intelligent pop and outstanding live musicianship. The group has amassed five critically acclaimed albums so far, including the Grammy nominated Goodbye Jumbo, (Wallinger's take on Carl Jung) which won the first ever Q Magazine "Album of the Year" award in 1990, and a series of hit singles, most notably "She's the One", written after the death of Wallinger's mother, and subsequently recorded by Robbie Williams, earning Williams a No.1 and Brit Award.

29/01/13 09:30

Heaven 17 announce new show

 Saturday 3rd August Holmfirth Picturedrome, more info here

28/01/13 08:15

Dreadzone talk about their 20th anniversary year

soundspheremag.com talk to Dreadzone Greg Roberts, drummer and founding member of Dreadzone, just as the band go in to their 20th anniversary year. Read the article here

Dreadzone play Holmfirth Picturedrome on Friday 12th April, more information here

24/01/13 13:00

Tommy Emmanuel & Martin Taylor Album News

Tommy Emmanuel & Martin Taylor

On Monday 4th March, world-renowned Australian “fingerstyle” acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, CGP, and Britain’s Martin Taylor, MBE, will release their highly anticipated collaboration album “The Colonel & The Governor” on Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings. 

The album coincides with a UK tour of the same name; which starts in Belfast on 2nd March. Full details for the album and tour can be found here.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:112

The acoustic duet album stemmed from a simple idea: find songs that Tommy and Martin love and come up with arrangements that could allow both of them to, as Tommy Emmanuel says, “fly their own our kites,” and have some fun playing together in the process.

Track Listing
1.        I Won’t Last A Day Without You
2.         Jersey Bounce
3.         Bernie’s Tune
4.         A Smooth One
5.         True
6.         Heat Wave
7.         One Day
8.         Lullaby of Birdland
9.         The Nearness of You
10.       Down at Cocomos
11.       The Fair Haired Child
12.       Secret Love
13.       Wonderful Baby
14.       I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

24/01/13 12:40

Southside Johnny May Dates

Southside Johnny & The Ashbury Jukes will be performing on
Thurs 2nd May Salisbury City Hall
Fri   3rd May Bury St Edmunds The Apex Arts Centre

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
“I've always wanted to be a Juke…and I still do .” (Jon Bon Jovi) “There's one thing I've always wanted to do,” Southside Johnny confesses, “and that is to sing.” And he has been doing just that for over a third of a century.
 In a business where success is defined as getting a second single and longevity measured in nano-seconds, just surviving for thirty-plus years is a rare accomplishment. But Johnny and the Jukes have not just survived, they have flourished: over thirty albums, several EPs and a box set; thousands of live performances around the globe; a legion of dedicated and enthusiastic fans; dozens of classic songs; a record— HEARTS OF STONE —that Rolling Stone called one of the "top 100 albums of the 70's and 80's"; and the story continues as the band releases its newest studio album, PILLS AND AMMO, full of new material that is already getting rave reviews from fans.
 
While still tinged with the exuberant rhythm and blues feel that is the Jukes'trademark, and loaded with the driving sound of the legendary Jukes horn section, this new CD has a sharper, guitar-oriented, rock and roll feel to it. A harder edge for harder times. But, as always, the sheer joy of making music is obvious throughout PILLS AND AMMO. Tunes like "Umbrella in My Drink" with guest vocals by Gary Bonds; "Keep on Movin'" a homage to Jerry Lee Lewis and the early rockabilly sound; and "One More Night to Rock" all place the band in
 their classic, jubilant "let's play all night" mood. And the band has never sounded better.
 

To Johnny, it's just what he does. "I grew up on music. We listened to Billie Holiday, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters and Big Joe Turner. My parents loved music, the louder the better." Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Southside's fascination for the club scene started early. "My father played in bands for years, and my mother actually went into labor with me at some seedy New Jersey club.
 I guess some things were just meant to be." Singing and playing in a number of blues and R&B bands at the now legendary Upstage Club, often joined by pals Bruce Springsteen, "Miami Steve" Van Zandt, and Garry Tallent, Johnny worked at making "meant to be" into "is." It wasn't easy. "We played for years on the shore, but it wasn't until Bruce hit with 'Born to Run' that these A&R guys would drive to Asbury Park to see what was happening."
 

Southside (so nicknamed because of his bent toward the Blues sounds of the Southside of Chicago) and his band, eventually called the Asbury Jukes, worked on growing their reputation as a dynamic live band through the late 60's and early 70's. "We built a big band, a home for lots of musicians, horns and all: sure we called it Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, but it was really just a bunch of guys getting crazy on stage." Then, in 1975, they signed with CBS/Epic Records,

Watch Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes on
http://pop.youtube.com/watch?v=XJLo5EkU7Lo

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:11

21/01/13 21:15

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel return to Holmfirth Picturedrome Fri 16th August

Holmfirth favourite and much-loved British rocker Steve Harley and his band Cockney Rebel have been touring consistently for over 30 years, and shows no sign of slowing down. A prolific songwriter and renowned lyricist, Steve's set list is packed with all his big songs; 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Soft', 'Here Comes The Sun', 'Mr. Raffles (Man, It Was Mean)', 'Sebastian', and of course the smash hit, 'Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)' which still guarantees a feel-good highlight at every show. Advanced tickets always recommended for this show.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/gigs/gig:1998

21/01/13 20:50

Robben Ford adds second London Show

Robben Ford adds second London Show due to popular demand.

Planet Rock have an exclusive presale this week for the best seats in the house, tune in here

Robben Ford 'A musician's musician' with an illustrious career which began in the 1970s playing Blues in San Fransisco Bay, USA. With a string of Grammy nominations to his name and voted in the top 100 guitarists of the century, he is particularly known for his blues playing, but is equally at home in a wide variety of musical contexts.

21/01/13 13:00

Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor, New Album

Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor will release their highly anticipated collaboration album - “The Colonel & The Governor”

21/01/13 12:50

Paul Weller And Bruce Foxton

 Paul Weller And Bruce Foxton Jam Without Rick Buckler

20/01/13 11:45

Joe Bonamassa Dominating iTunes Blues Chart

 Joe Bonamassa Dominating iTunes Blues Chart

Now available; Borderline Gold tickets. See Joe Bonamassa up close and personal at this intimate and very special show on 26th Feb, more info here 

20/01/13 11:35

Nerina Pallot is releasing a new EP

 Nerina Pallot is releasing a new EP and going on tour

20/01/13 11:30

Levellers announce Holmfirth show

Levellers announce a new show in Holmfirth

They play The Picturedrome on Sunday 30th June

More infor here

18/01/13 16:00

Robert Vincent Announces Tour Supports

Robert Vincent will be supporting Justin Currie & also Simon Mcbride

on the following dates

15th Feb Stamford Corn Exchange  supporting Justin Currie
16th Feb Newbury Arlington Arts Centre   supporting Justin Currie
17th Feb Sale Waterside Arts Centre   supporting Justin Currie
19th Feb Leeds City Varities  supporting Justin Currie
23rd Feb Bridport Electric Palace  supporting Justin Currie
24th Feb Bromsgrove Artrix  supporting Justin Currie
25th Feb Bath Komedia   supporting Justin Currie
26th Feb Sheffield City Hall   supporting Justin Currie
14th Mar Glasgow O2 ABC   supporting Simon Mcbride
19th Mar Norwich Arts Centre  supporting Simon Mcbride
22nd Mar The Tunnels  supporting Simon Mcbride

If there’s a lot of half-finished, vaguely unsatisfying music around - songs that say nothing to you about your life - then maybe it’s because the people who make it haven’t lived much of a life themselves. Not so in the case of Vincent, he’s a searingly honest Liverpool singer-songwriter whose mix of folk, rock and country has him described as a Mersey Van Morrison.
 
"A future star” is how BBC Radio 2 DJ Janice Long describes singer Robert Vincent.  His music is the heartbeat of the new Liverpool music scene and now he’s emerging as one of the UK’s most talented singer-songwriters. 

Robert’s debut album “Life In Easy Steps” is released on January 28th
Watch Robert Vincent on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNApJy-oUyc
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:403

18/01/13 15:00

John Lees Barclay James Harvest UK Date Announced

Barclay James Harvest are pleased to Announce a Show in Autumn at 
The Picturedrome Holmfirth Sat 16th November

The Barclay James Harvest was finally fully formed in 1967 and were progressive and experimental from day one, utilising orchestral ensembles and breaking away from standard methods of songwriting, just as The Beatles had done on their groundbreaking 'Sgt Pepper' album. From the '70s through to the '80s, they enjoyed wide commercial success, earning them a place in the prog hall of fame and numerous worldwide tours. Founder member John Lees  continues to tour with his five piece band.
 
http://www.bjharvest.co.uk/
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:85

18/01/13 10:55

Wilko Johnson, the farewell tour

Wilko Johnson, guitarist and founding member of Dr. Feelgood, will perform four farewell concerts in the UK during March 2013.

The news follows last week’s official statement on Wilko’s Facebook  page that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas and has chosen not to undergo chemotherapy. 

17/01/13 14:05

Jon Windle to open for Sharon Shannon

Local singer songwriter Jon Windle formerly of Indie chart toppers Little Man Tate strips back to his acoustic guitar to play old and news songs how they were written.

Windle will open for Sharon Shannon at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday 21st February.

More info here

17/01/13 12:55

Billy Bragg announces release of new album Tooth & Nail

 Billy Bragg has announced the release of his first new album in five years.

17/01/13 10:35

Nerina Pallot Announces Tour Supports

Nerina Pallot will be joined by

David Ford at Arlington Arts Centre Fri 8th Feb

Tristan Mackay at Stockton The Arc Sat 16th Feb

Torch song pop singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot announces a solo UK tour for the New Year. February 2013 will see the Brit and Ivor Novello nominated singer take a brief hiatus from writing a recording her 5th album to grace some beautiful UK venues with her songs on her 'Lonely Valentine Club' tour . Anyone who has seen Nerina Pallot will tell you that she is one of the most engaging live female artists in the UK today, a secret and unique talent. If you’re feeling sad and lonely - or if you simply love hearing exquisitely crafted pop songs beautifully sung and played in intimate venues.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/gigs/gig:1904

 David Ford
 7 years into his career as a full time recording and touring musician, David Ford will release his fourth solo album ‘Charge’ in March 2013 and in the time honoured tradition of the troubadour he will tour the backside off of it throughout the UK, Ireland and the USA between March and June 2013.
 
The album, which has been co-produced by New York based studio wizard James Brown (who is more usually to be found making Grammy winning albums with the likes of Foo Fighters), will be the third to be self-released on David’s own label. 
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:145

Tristan Mackay
Tristan Mackay is already making an impact on the music scene following the recent release of his debut album Out Along The Wire. The album went straight to no.1 on the iTunes Blues album chart above such revered artists as Joe Bonamassa, BB King and Eric Clapton. Tristan is now touring the UK with his five piece band to promote the album and his second single Last Love which was released at the beginning of May.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:362

17/01/13 08:30

Steve Lukather Right the Wrong from Transition 2013 exclusive stream

 Toto’s Steve Lukather returns with Transition, perhaps his most confessional, hardest-rocking solo album ever, on January 21, 2013 from Mascot Records. Check out an exclusive stream of its first single “Right the Wrong” here!

Lukather plays London's o2 Islington Academy on Friday 29th March more info here

17/01/13 08:20

Stiff Little Fingers, working on new record due for release later this year.

 PUNK survivors Stiff Little Fingers, inspired by pioneers like the Sex Pistols and The Clash, they were formed in Belfast in 1977.

13/01/13 20:20

Joe Bonamassa makes it into both guitar player and guitar world 2013

Joe Bonamassa makes it into both guitar player and guitar world 2013 readers polls

read here

10/01/13 20:05

Steve Howe Departs From Asia

 Steve Howe Departs From Asia

Steve Howe to step down

News taken from http://stevehowe.com/sh_news.html

ASIA announces that guitarist Steve Howe has relinquished his position in the band, in order to concentrate fully on his work on other projects. Steve said, "Myself and the band wish to thank their fans for the enthusiasm shown during the original members’ reunion. I will continue with Yes, and with my trio and solo guitar work. I wish my friends continued success".

In 2006 the original band reunited for a tour of USA, which was followed by four world tours and several continental tours. The reunited band has played over 300 shows and released three new studio albums, three DVDs and a number of live albums. The track ‘An Extraordinary Life’, from 2008’s album ‘Phoenix’ was chosen as the theme music for America’s Got Talent.

ASIA formed as a supergroup of stunning pedigrees, bringing together songwriter, lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton [King Crimson, UK], keyboardist Geoff Downes [Yes, The Buggles], drummer extraordinaire Carl Palmer [ELP] and Steve Howe [Yes]. Their self-titled debut album was the biggest selling album in the world in 1982 and monopolized the Number 1 slot in the Billboard charts for 9 weeks. The album is still in the top 3 Geffen sales of all time, with Guns ’n’ Roses and Whitesnake! With tracks like mega-hit ‘Heat Of The Moment’, ASIA helped to create the MTV phenomenon. The band’s work perfected the use of videos that encompassed stories and messages, examples being the work for ‘Wildest Dreams’, , ‘Only Time Will Tell’, ‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes’ and ‘Don’t Cry’. ‘Heat Of The Moment’ is still a radio fixture and has been in top TV and films including ‘40 Year Old Virgin’, ‘South Park’, ‘Cold Case’, ‘The Matador’ and countless others.

The end of Steve’s time with the band marks the start of a new chapter for ASIA and a further announcement regarding new personnel, 2013 live appearances and new material is forthcoming.

09/01/13 22:15

Toto's Steve Lukather

 Toto's Steve Lukather has set a January 21st UK release date for his seventh solo album Transition.

To support the effort, Lukather will launch a European tour in March, which includes a concert at London Islington o2 Academy on the 29th March.  BUY TICKETS HERE

09/01/13 16:00

WILKO JOHNSON IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

 WILKO JOHNSON – IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

08/01/13 11:25

Joe Bonamassa finds his groove

Joe Bonamassa finds his groove with Rock Candy Funk Party album

Rock Candy Funk Party will release their debut jazz-funk album “We Want Groove” on the Provogue Records label on Monday January 28.  RCFP is comprised of world renowned musicians including album producer Tal Bergman (drums), Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Ron DeJesus (guitar), Mike Merritt (bass) and Renato Neto (keyboards). The album will be released as a 2-disc set (CD & DVD), and on double gatefold vinyl.  With its classic ’70s /‘80s jazz-funk, Rock Candy Funk Party <http://www.rockcandyfunkparty.com>  delivers a sound that’s as celebratory as the name suggests.  

03/01/13 20:25

Joe Bonamassa - production holds released

Tickets for all four venues will be released on Monday, available exclusively through Planet Rock.

28/12/12 14:35

New Model Army.Sheffield

New Model Army return to Sheffield Plug Sat 11th May

New Model Army are an English rock band. They have been variously classified as a punk band, post-punk, folk rock, indie rock, gothic rock, rock noir and even metal amongst others.
 
New Model Army's earliest material on their debut album Vengeance (1984) could probably with some justification be regarded as modern punk, albeit more melodic than the works of many of their classic counterparts.
 
Through the years, however, New Model Army have experimented with a great number of musical styles and nurtured numerous different inspirations. As a rock band they generally stand out of the crowd having a greater emphasis on the rhythm section, which often contains references to R&B. Their music is often regarded as intense, angry, and powerful, some might even say militant. However their repertoire is much wider and more subtle than that and also includes quieter, more emotive and softer material often performed acoustically. Thus it would be inaccurate to simply classify them as any of these genres. Rather one should recognise them for what they really are: a very versatile underground cult rock band with many different musical roots. They have toured and recorded constantly for over 26 years and continue to do so and are considered a seminal influence by many contemporary younger rock bands.[citation needed]
 
Their lyrics are always very poetic, but still manage to express political and humanitarian messages. Songs like "51st State" (lyrics written by Ashley Cartwright of 'The Shakes' earned the band cult status in movements against American imperialism, but made it more difficult for the band to tour the US. The contradiction and search for deeper truths explored in New Model Army's lyrics stem from lyricist Justin Sullivan's deeply religious (Quaker) and literary upbringing.
Lyrically Justin Sullivan has had a very close relationship with British artist, novelist, and poet Joolz Denby, who is often credited as a consultant or Muse and sometimes even co-writer. She is also responsible for the characteristic artwork on their covers, merchandise, t-shirts etc. The Arts Council/Yorkshire Museums & Galleries international touring exhibition of Denby's artworks for NMA and their memorabilia is entitled with some accuracy 'One Family, One Tribe - The art & Artefacts Of New Model Army', and is unique in its presentation of the art of a working rock band.
As a music group, New Model Army also stand out because they tend to see themselves as an organisation rather than a business as the name of their homepage, www.newmodelarmy.org, signifies.

Watch New Model Army on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ydV3poTqI

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:135

28/12/12 12:55

The Wonderstuff are back!

The Wonderstuff will be prforming at Holmfirth Picturedrome Sat 6th April 2013.

The Wonder Stuff officially formed on March 19th 1986 in an area of the Midlands known as The Black Country. Their first EP, 'A Wonderful Day', was released on the band’s own Far Out Recording Company and financed by Rob Jones (aka The Bass Thing, the band’s original bassist) after a fortuitous win on the Football Pools.  Although this release had only a small impact on a loyal following it did bring the band to the attention of Polygram Publishing who helped finance the band’s second release 'Unbearable', a UK Indie Chart Number One single. Whether it was this early commercial success, or the incalculable number of live shows the band were apt to perform during 1987, they were quickly signed to Polydor Records at the end of that year.
 
Touring being the band’s main activity they recorded their debut album, 'The Eight Legged Groove Machine' over a period of twenty eight days in 1988, taking time off from support tours with Big Country, Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction and Pop Will Eat Itself among others.
 
Although it took a further three single releases to reach the Official British Top 40, The Wonder Stuff regularly graced the covers of New Musical Express, Melody Maker & Sounds – the three essential music weeklies of the day. It was here that the arrogant, self-confident manner of vocalist/guitarist Miles Hunt, began to make something of himself beyond the sneering lyrical content of the band’s songs, a personality known well to thousands of fans that had seen them live.
 
 
 
During 1989 the band added North America & Europe to their touring schedule, picking up an international fan base before returning to the UK to record their second album 'HUP'. This album showed a genuine development from their previous twin guitar buzz signature sound, aided & abetted by multi-instrumentalist Martin Bell who would become a mainstay in The Wonder Stuff’s future sound.
 
All three single releases in 1989 were Top 20 Hits in the UK and each successive tour saw the band playing larger venues to capacity audiences, but commercial success couldn’t save the band from internal difficulties and in December ’89 Rob Jones left the band.  He was replaced in the Spring of 1990 by an old friend, Paul Clifford, who was quickly thrown into a busy touring schedule as the band played support to The Mission in both Europe and North America.
 
The Wonder Stuff released only one single in 1990 - a song recorded prior to Rob Jones departure from the band, 'Circlesquare' which once again achieved Top 20 status in the UK.
 
Despite the line up changes, 1991 saw the band go from strength to strength. Their third album, 'Never Loved Elvis', produced four hit singles, including a collaboration with Kirsty MacColl on the song ‘Welcome To The Cheap Seats’ and the band’s first Top 5 hit with ‘The Size Of A Cow’.
 
Having already appeared at both Reading & Glastonbury festivals in previous years, The Wonder Stuff staged their very own open-air event, The Big Day Out, to coincide with the album’s release at Walsall’s 22,000 capacity Bescot Stadium.  The event's name was inspired by hit television show ‘Vic Reeves’ Big Night Out’ and Vic Reeves himself compered the day’s events. Vic would later ask the band to return the favour by being his backing band on 'Dizzy', a track he was recording for an album that he planned to release later in the year - upon it's release in October 1991, the track reached Number One in the Official UK Singles Charts.
 
Touring took up most of 1992’s calendar for The Wonder Stuff, including a headlining spot at The Reading Festival, their only visits to Australia & Japan and several North American tours, both headlining and in support of Siouxsie & The Banshees.
1993 saw the release of the band’s fourth album, 'Construction For The Modern Idiot', and although the critics were not entirely convinced by this record the fans did not waver. More hit singles and longer tours in larger venues carried them through into 1994 when they were booked to headline Stratford-Upon-Avon's Phoenix Festival. It came as some surprise then that only weeks before their appearance at the festival, they announced their split.  Hunt would later go on to say that the commercial success of The Wonder Stuff had taken much of the enjoyment out of being in the band and that he felt they had little else left to do.
 
With The Wonder Stuff consigned to the history books, Miles went on to front his own show on MTV Europe, '120 Minutes', before taking advice from no less than Paul Weller himself in abandoning a career in television and returning to the music industry with new group Vent 414, alongside Morgan Nicholls of Senseless Things and Pete Howard of EAT.  The trio (briefly enlarged to a four-piece with the temporary enrolment of The Cult's Billy Duffy) released two singles and one album before begin discarded by Polydor Records.
Meanwhile, the other former members of The Wonder Stuff pulled in another Eat member, frontman Ange Dolittle, for their new group We Know Where You Live.  After almost two years together, two EP's and a shedload of gigs up and down the British Isles, they too called it a day in the Autumn of 1996.
With everyone going off into other areas of the industry, well away from the labours of rehearsing, recording and performing live, it was Miles who eventually hooked back up with Malc Treece in 1998 when the two of them embarked on a holiday-cum-acoustic tour of the UK and USA.  This began a new career in the chapter of The Wonder Stuff as they performed a range of material from their lengthy careers including new songs, Wonder Stuff material and Vent 414 tracks.  Since then, Hunt has regularly split his time between his solo work and that of The Wonder Stuff's, with seven solo albums released to date and another in the pipeline.
Almost six years after the date of their final performance at the Phoenix Festival the group announced plans to reform, albeit with Stuart Quinell taking over bass duties in place of Paul Clifford, resulting in a sell-out five night residency at London’s Kentish Town Forum. In the three years that followed, the group would go on to play a handful of dates and festivals around the UK before, at the end of 2003, disagreements within the group once again saw a major fall-out within the ranks resulting in Hunt and Treece renewing the line-up of the group with Radical Dance Faction’s Mark McCarthy on bass and Love In Reverse’s Andres Karu on drums for the release of a new Wonder Stuff album 'Escape From Rubbish Island'.
Undaunted by the grievances of former members, Miles, Malc, Andres and Mark went on to tour both the UK and North America throughout 2005 and in 2006 released a sixth Wonder Stuff studio album, 'Suspended By Stars', featuring new member, Erica Nockalls on violin.
Since the end of 2006, Miles and Erica have combined The Wonder Stuff’s touring and recording schedule with their own acoustic work of Miles and Erica.  With a live album and two studio albums now under their belt, the duo regularly tour the length and breadth of the UK, playing to both smaller audiences and large festival crowds alike supplying a mix of tracks from Hunt's entire career, alongside inter-song banter and some explanations into the stories behind the songs.
2008 saw the group celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of their debut album, 'The Eight Legged Groove Machine' with two concerts in Birmingham and London where they performed the album, in it’s entirety, along with a selection of other tracks from their illustrious recording career.  Further dates were added in May 2009 and an album was also released of the new line-up re-recording the original album.
 
In June 2009, the group headlined the Avalon Stage at the Glastonbury Festival, one of a number of festival appearances at which the group would appear during the year.  December 2009 saw the group return to their original stomping ground with a very special homecoming show at the 02 Academy in Birmingham to perform their HUP album in it's entirety which was recorded for release early in 2010 along with a full studio re-recording of their classic 1989 album.
 
2010 was another busy year with more live dates planned for Miles and Erica along with some new dates and material as part of the Shared project.  The Wonder Stuff themselves toured the UK during April and May performing the HUP album as well as appearing at a handful of festivals in the Summer also.  In November 2010, drummer Andres Karu left the group to pursue other interests paving the way for former Pop Will Eat Itself drummer to bring history full-circle buy joining the group in Dre's place.
 
In 2011, The Wonder Stuff will be touring with The Levellers as part of their Levelling The Land anniversary tour which will culminate at London's Brixton Academy exactly 25 years to the day that the group originally formed.

Watch The Wonder Stuff on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1egoyuCrwM
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:284

21/12/12 16:25

Buzzcocks News

we are pleased to announce the Buzzcocks will be

performing at Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Thurs 4th April 2013.

One of the great British punk bands from the '70s, whose hits included 'Ever Fallen In Love' and 'Orgasm Addict', featuring original members Pete Shelley and Steve Diggles.
 
They are regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock.They achieved commercial success with singles that fused pop craftsmanship with rapid-fire punk energy. These singles were collected on Singles Going Steady, described by critic Ned Raggett as a "punk masterpiece" The widely covered "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)" remains one of their best-known songs.
 
The name "Buzzcocks" was chosen by Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley after reading the headline "it's the buzz, cocks!" in a review of the TV series Rock Follies in Time Out magazine.
 

http://www.buzzcocks.com/

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:116

21/12/12 10:00

LEZ ZEPPELIN - All Girls - All Zeppelin

LEZ ZEPPELIN - All Girls - All Zeppelin

18/12/12 12:50

Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds

Ade Edmondson is bringing his Bad Shepherds back to FALMOUTH PAVILION ON 23RD NOVEMBER and
Holmfirth Picturedrome Fri 6th Dec 2013.Tickets now on sale.
Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds play punk songs on folk instruments. Not as a gag, but because they really like the noise. They think the songs are better than people remember. They love folk instruments. It works. They do songs by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, Sham 69, The Undertones, The Ramones, The Buzzcocks, The Specials, Talking Heads, Squeeze and others, even Kraftwerk! Alright, they're not all punk, but they come from roughly the same era. They've mostly given the songs a kind of Celtic feel, and they've stuck in the odd reel and jig here and there. But occasionally they just thrash! They've always thought the excitement of a reel taking off is the nearest thing to the excitement of watching punk live in the 70's.

World-renowned Troy Donockley plays the ethereal uillean pipes and the bouzouki with Andy Dinan on the fiddle, the three of them now form the core of the band with occasional guest musicians. Adrian plays the Mandolin.

London Calling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoztyNasXzE <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoztyNasXzE
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:46

14/12/12 08:50

ASIA Cancels tour

 ASIA Cancels tour

13/12/12 11:00

Duke Special

Duke Special will be performing at Barnsley Civic Theatre Sat 9t March

Duke Special is an artist aptly named. Dynamic, musically ambitious & bracingly eccentric, with his inimitable style and lush musicality. Hailing from Belfast with a sound that is self-confessed “hobo-chic”, Duke Special - AKA the endlessly inventive Peter Wilson - is once heard, never forgotten. Blissfully at home in his own alluring genre of beautifully bruised romanticism, Duke Special inhabits a world unlike any other - a world filled with vaudeville-esque sensibility, sing-a-longs and addictive melodies

Duke Special’s immense creative talents have seen him involved in projects as diverse as writing the theme tune for Sesame Tree (the Northern Ireland edition of Sesame Street where he also got to sing with The Muppets) to writing the music for and appearing in Deborah Warner’s critically acclaimed 2009 production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children at London’s National Theatre. He then recorded an album of the twelve songs from the play, which was to form part of his ambitious project for 2010 - the release of a 3 CD box-set, The Stage, A Book & The Silver Screen. This box-set also included a 5-track EP Called Huckleberry Finn, the first ever recording of an unfinished musical written by Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson based on the Mark Twain classic, and the album The Silent World of Hector Mann, featuring 12 songs based on The Book of Illusions by contemporary American author Paul Auster.

In 2011, he presented a TV documentary for RTE in Ireland on the life and times of 50s megastar Ruby Murray. This was broadcast in January, and accompanied by 2 orchestral concerts in Dublin and Cork, showcasing Duke’s interpretations of Ruby’s songs. He also released a charity single of recordings of 3 of Duke’s favourite Ruby songs, donating all the profits to the Irish charity Depaul Ireland (www.depaulireland.org).

The next exciting and ambitious project was a show commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for their exhibition on the photographers Stieglitz, Steichen, and Strand. Duke was invited to write a series of original songs based on the inspirational photographs featured in the exhibition, which he has said is artistically one of the most exciting things he has ever done. He then performed the songs to a backdrop of the photographs, accompanied by members of the Orchestre de Chambre Miniature, a string quartet founded by violinist Olivier Manchon from Clare and the Reasons.
Duke then brought this show to life again in the autumn in Belfast, Dublin and London in a show entitled “Under The Dark Cloth”. He also went into the studio with the RTE Concert Orchestra to record an album of these songs, which was released on 31st October.

The start of 2012 sees Duke going back into the studio, this time to start recording his next album, due for release in the summer, before embarking on more live dates to introduce the new songs to the world.

Duke Special is a fervent performer who harks back to a pre-rock ’n’ roll era, with dashes of Gershwin and orchestral swing, all tinged with a Northern Irish lilt and poetic lyrics that could feature in a modern-day fairytale; the perfect balance of old and new - boasting the appeal of a three-minute pop song with the incessant charm of an old-school music hall.

11/12/12 15:30

Dreadzone News

Dreadzone will be performing at Holmfirth Picturedrome Fri 12th April 2013.tckets now on sale
Dreadzone, the fervently followed British institution and original pioneers of UK bass culture released ‘The Good The Bad And The Dread’ - a compendium of their excellent musical story so far in May.
Still going strong after eighteen years, Dreadzone have carved a large niche and cult following.  Hit records, critical acclaim and a huge, devoted fan base are theirs, due in part to their utterly storming live shows. The all-killer-no-filler 16 tracks collate the many highlights of ‘the Zone’s’ output to date - a coherent and still fresh-sounding body of work.
Dreadzone deal in accessible yet credible club sounds with pop nous, referencing everyone from Woody Guthrie and Max Romeo to John Holt and classic films. They also like to wander into uncharted territory, melding Celtic, Jamaican and Asian influences to their riddims and samples, thus turning out unique, quirky gems like ‘Captain Dread’ and ‘Little Britain’. The latter track is available here in its more rare vocal incarnation, which wasn’t featured on the album Second Light (the instrumental was). Their dubwise beats and bottom end, often adorned with the unmistakably dulcet tones of Earl Sixteen are a product of the cut-and-paste magpie nature of the ever-morphing world of dance music. Other collaborators who’ve passed through the house of dread include cultural figurehead Don Letts, Melanie Blatt and Alison Goldfrapp.
Dreadzone originators Greg Dread and Leo Williams are the drum and bass respectively in the seminal post-punk-electro-pop band Big Audio Dynamite. Tim Bran was also a founding father, still involved in shaping the Dread sound. Dreadzone was born from the duo’s shared love for reggae, ska, dub, dancehall, hip hop, breakbeats and the burgeoning electronic music scene of the time.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:285

11/12/12 15:10

Caravan Tour Jan 2013

CARAVAN, the quintessential precursors to the British progressive rock music movement, start their 10-date UK tour on January 8, 2013 at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Very special guest on all dates is Garron Frith. Tickets for the tour are available from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898, www.eventim.co.uk <http://www.eventim.co.uk/Tickets.html?.

The tour sees Caravan celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the most important prog albums of all time; For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night.  Led by founding member and chief songwriter Pye Hastings, Caravan will also perform songs from the album In The Land Of Grey And Pink, plus other classics from their colourful career.

Originally formed in 1968, Caravan were at the heart of the 1970s burgeoning Canterbury progressive rock movement. The current line-up features Pye Hastings (1968 founding member: guitar, lead vocals), Geoffrey Richardson (joined 1972: viola, guitar, flute, vocals), Jan Schelhaas (keyboards), Jim Leverton (bass, vocals) and Mark Walker (drums, percussion). 
London Queen Elizabeth Hall (Jan 8)
Cambridge Junction (Jan 9)
Wolverhampton Robin (Jan 10)
Sage Gateshead (Jan 12)
Edinburgh Queen’s Hall (Jan 13) 
Salford Lowry (Jan 14)
Bridport Electric Palace (Jan 16)
Bath Komedia (Jan 17)
Tavistock The Wharf (Jan 18)
Falmouth Princess Pavilion (Jan 19)
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:305

10/12/12 18:55

The Men They Couldnt Hang News!

The Men They Couldnt Hang will be Special Guest Support for Stiff Little Fingers  at

Preston 53 Degrees    Sun 10th March

Plug Sheffield             Tues 12th March  Are         

The Men They Couldnt Hang
`The Men They Couldn't Hang came together in 1984 to perform at the alternative music festival in Camden town alongside the legendary Pogues and the Boot Hill Foot-Tappers. Paul Simmonds, Philip 'Swill' Odgers and his brother Jon, veterans of the Southampton based pop-punk band 'Catch 22', met Pogues roadie Stefan Cush whilst busking in Shepherds Bush in London. Their early line up was Stefan Cush (Vocals, Guitar), Paul Simmonds (Guitar, Bouzouki, and Keyboards), Philip Odgers (Vocals, Guitar, Tin Whistle, and Melodica), Jon Odgers (Drums, Percussion) and Shanne Bradley (Bass, Flute). Championed by the late John Peel their first single, a cover of Eric Bogle's 'Green Fields of France' (1984), became a big hit on the UK Indie charts and a staple of Peel’s festive 50. Their first album, "Night of a Thousand Candles", was released in 1985. It includes the singles 'Ironmasters' and 'Greenback Dollar'.  Signing for MCA the following year, they recorded their second album, "How Green Is the Valley", produced by Mick Glossop.  Included on this album are the singles 'Gold Rush', 'Shirt of Blue' and 'Ghosts of Cable Street'.
 In 1987 Shanne Bradley left the band and was replaced by Ricky McGuire, famous for touring with punk legends the UK Subs at the tender age of 17. With their third release in 1988, "Waiting for Bonaparte", The Men They Couldn't Hang were starting to achieve recognition across Europe for their political comment and raucous live shows.
 One year later, they followed up the success of "Waiting for Bonaparte" with their fourth album, "Silvertown". In 1989 they played to over 250,000 people in Estonia as communism started to crumble and followed this with an unforgettable Reading Festival appearance.  At the height of their career, TMTCH recorded the brilliant "Domino Club" (1990) produced by Pat Collier however, this was to be their last studio album for a while as in early 1991, after a blistering farewell tour the band called it a day.
The split didn’t last long as the band were invited by Vince Power to appear at his 10th anniversary celebrations for the Mean Fiddler venue in London and the band performed occasional gigs including a fantastic 2 ½ hour 10th anniversary gig of their own in 1994.
 By 1996 much to the delight of their fans, TMTCH reunited permanently. They returned with a new power and excitement to their music. "Never Born to Follow" is an excellent work which includes the single, 'The Eye'. Shortly after this, they released the "Six Pack EP" (1997), followed by their 'Best Of' collections, "Majestic Grill" and "The Mud, The Blood And The Beer" (both 1998). In 2003 the band released the self-produced album “The Cherry Red Jukebox" to much critical acclaim and this was followed by the Pat Collier produced “Devil on the Wind” in 2009 featuring long-time associate Bobby Valentino on fiddle and introducing Tom Spencer of the YoYos and the Loyalties fame, son of musician and author the late John B Spencer on banjo. The band spent much of 2010 and 11 touring this across the U.K. and Europe including festival appearances alongside The Levellers and headlining a roots festival in Slovenia.
2012 saw the release of an album from Stefan Cush’s new band, “the Feral Family” and Paul Simmonds was recording and touring with renowned roots singer Naomi Bedford as well as numerous live dates for TMTCH. The latter including appearances at Mike Peter’s “The Gathering”, and festival appearances alongside Billy Bragg and Adam Ant to name but a few. They headlined the 10th anniversary commemoration of Joe Strummer’s Acton Town Hall show which also featured a special guest appearance by Hard Fi.
2013 will see the release in March of Swill’s anticipated solo album produced by the legendary Mick Glossop, as well as appearances at several festivals, including the Folkpunkrock festival in Berlin in February. They are very pleased to be supporting Stiff Little Fingers on their UK tour in March, which will be a great prelude to TMTCH’s 30th anniversary in 2014.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:55

05/12/12 08:15

Michael Schenker News

Rock guitarist Michael Schenker has added London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire concert
on Friday May 31st to his 2013 UK Temple of Rock Tour.
Tickets for the London concert goes on sale today from
www.thegigcartel.com and 0844 478 0898.
see here for more details
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:168

28/11/12 11:35

Lee Scratch Perry new show

 Lee Scratch Perry, Holmfirth Picturedrome - Friday 15th Feb

Tickets on sale Monday 3rd Dec HERE

 "Im an artist, a musician, a magician, a writer, a singer; Im everything. My name is Lee from the African jungle, originally from West Africa. I'm a man from somewhere else, but my origin is from Africa, straight to Jamaica through reincarnation; reborn in Jamaica..."

Lee "Scratch" Perry (born Rainford Hugh Perry, on March 20, 1936, in Kendal, Jamaica) is a Grammy award-winning reggae and dub artist, who has been highly influential in the development and acceptance of reggae and dub music in Jamaica and overseas. He employs numerous pseudonyms, such as "Pipecock Jaxxon" and "The Upsetter". Arguably the first creatively driven, "artist-producer" in modern recorded music, Lee "Scratch" Perry occupies the highest level of music making - standing comfortably next to pioneers like George Martin, Phil Spector, and Brian Wilson.

27/11/12 17:15

New shows for Half Man Half Biscuit

Half Man Half Biscuit, often "HMHB", is a UK rock band from Birkenhead, active since the mid-1980s, known for satirical, sardonic, and sometimes surreal songs. The group is Nigel Blackwell (lead vocals, guitar), Neil Crossley (bass), Ken Hancock (lead guitar), and Carl Henry (drums). Throughout their career they have been signed to Probe Plus records.

New shows announce;

7th June Glasgow O2 ABC

27/11/12 09:30

Stiff Little Fingers, 2013 Dates

* SPECIAL GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

26/11/12 15:50

Tommy Emmanuel Wins Best Guitarist

Emmanuel takes top spot, followed by Andy McKee in second place
ACOUSTIC WEEK: Tommy Emmanuel was the clear winner in MusicRadar's recent 'best guitarist in the world' poll.

The poll, which was held over the course of Acoustic Week, MusicRadar's celebration of all things unplugged, saw a huge amount of votes for Emmanuel who ended up with more than double the votes of Andy McKee, who finished in second place.

With an enormous 36.46% of the vote, Emmanuel's mastery of the acoustic guitar proved a huge hit with MusicRadar readers, with Youtube sensation Andy McKee claiming 7.64%.

The likes of Joe Bonamassa, Kaki King, Richard Thompson, Martin Simpson and many, many more also featured in the results.

Here's a little reminder of why Tommy Emmanuel remains so highly regarded:
http://youtu.be/S33tWZqXhnk

see full UK March 2013 tour details here:
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:112

23/11/12 10:45

Seth Lakeman returns to Sheffield

Seth Lakeman, Saturday 24th May. Sheffield City Hall Ballroom. 

More info here

Celebrated folk-inspired singer-songwriter and virtuoso fiddler Seth Lakeman has released six albums including 2005’s Mercury-nominated Kitty Jay and his latest album, Tales from the Barrel House which confirms Seth’s innate knack for writing both foot-stomping, sing-along songs and more tender, thoughtful ballads. His fiddle and tenor guitar playing is often breathtaking and Seth's trademark, soaring vocals are at the forefront of this album, as beguiling and haunting as ever. 

21/11/12 11:20

Standard tickets for Joe Bonamassa London March 2013 SOLD OUT

 Standard tickets for Joe Bonamassa’s four highly anticipated London March 2013 concerts have now completely SOLD OUT. Only a limited number of VIP tickets remain for fans wanting to catch the world’s hottest guitarist on this historic run of dates.  

21/11/12 08:35

Wilko Johnson shows cancelled

Due to illness, the following WIlko shows have been cancelled.

20/11/12 10:40

Levellers announce Baths Hall

Levellers play Baths Hall, Scunthorpe on Saturday 18th May 2013, for tickets click here

 "The Levellers album to silence the critics and repay the faithful 

20/11/12 10:40

Robben Ford, new tour & new album

 Robben Ford 

19/11/12 09:35

Inspiral Carpets News

Inspiral Carpets Holmfirth Picturedrome Sat 30th March 2013

Following a summer of festival appearances Inspiral Carpets have announced that they are performing their debut album ‘Life’ for the first time in its entirety, in March on a full UK tour. The album has been re-mastered and will be accompanied by the long awaited DVD version of their legendary G-Mex performance ‘21790’. ‘Life’ was released in 1990 and reached number 2 in the UK album charts.

Recently Inspiral Carpets released their first material in 15 years with single ‘You’re So Good For Me’. March 2012 saw reinstated founder member, Stephen Holt tour the UK with the band for the first time in 24 years. In May the band were special guests on the Happy Mondays’ tour which was their first tour together with their original line up including a show at Manchester Arena.

Throughout 2012 the band continued to play live at several festivals over the summer culminating with a live televised performance at Old Trafford cricket ground in September during the England versus South Africa T/20 cricket match.

Apart from performing ‘Life’ in full expect a set which defined Inspiral Carpets as one of the most important British bands of their generation.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:323

14/11/12 13:10

Tracer Win Best New Band Award

Australian rock band TRACER won “Best New Band” at last night’s Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards
<http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/classic-rock-roll-of-honour-winners-revealed-2/> .
Held at the London Roundhouse, lead singer and guitarist Michael Brown was flown in from Adelaide,
 Australia to accept the award on behalf of the band.

Tracer’s “Best New Band” win follows the news of their forthcoming April 2013 UK tour.

“I’m absolutely stoked about winning the Classic Rock Award for Best New Band,” says Brown.
 “It still blows my mind that we are creating and playing music we love and people are responding to it and we’re getting awards for it!” 

Tracer start recording their second album with producer
Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Silverchair, Cold Chisel), at his studio in Malibu later this month. 
The album will be released by Mascot Records in March 2013, and will dovetail their UK tour in April. 

Tracer’s 2013 UK Tour starts Tuesday 9 April.  Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office: 0844 478 0898,  <http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:342> .
 They play London Scala (April 9), Bristol Tunnels (April 10), York Fibbers (April 11), Sheffield Plug (April 12) and Glasgow o2 ABC (April 13).

In 2011, Tracer came to prominence in the UK when they released their debut album Spaces In Between ,
 which spawned three radio singles on Planet Rock, including the song Too Much <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpv2DYrE5eo&feature=player_embedded> .
The band includes Michael Brown (guitar, vocals), Andre Wise (drums), and Pat Saracino (bass).
They’ve received praise from UK rock magazines including
Classic Rock (New Band of the Month), Total Guitar, Metal Hammer, and Guitarist. 
Their promo video for the Too Much
 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpv2DYrE5eo&feature=player_embedded> single has amassed 100,000 YouTube hits.

12/11/12 10:10

Fish, announces new tour for 2013

 Fish, the former Marillion frontman, has confirmed a brand new solo tour, taking place at venues across the UK in May 2013.

08/11/12 17:55

Ian Hunter Acoustic Shows 2013

IAN HUNTER 2013 Dates

Ian Hunter will be performing 5 UK dates in spring 2013 at the following
Sun    17th  March  Stamford Corn Exchange
Tues   19th  March  Sale Waterside Arts Centre
Wed   20th  March  Sheffield Memorial Hall
Tues   26th  March  Stockton The Arc
Wed   27th  March  Leeds City Varieties

Rare Ian Hunter acoustic show with guests Andy York (John Mellencamp) and Dave Rowe (Johnny Cash).  
 
Ian Hunter & Mott The Hoople recorded four crazed but critically-acclaimed
 and highly influential albums for Island Records and possessed enormous live prowess,
 but poor record sales led to a temporary split and a move to CBS/Columbia.
 With David Bowie's 'All The Young Dudes' as the launchpad,
Mott The Hoople hit superstar status between 1972 and 1974 - seven hit singles,
 four chart albums (including 'Mott' - still regarded as a seventies' classic);
 they were the first rock band to sell out a week
 of Broadway concerts in New York's theatreland,
 and Ian wrote his universally acclaimed book, Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star.
Mott reunited for five nights at London’s prestigious Hammersmith Apollo in 2009
 and were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards
 from Mojo and Classic Rock magazines respectively.

Ian has been cited as a major inspiration and reference point for numerous bands
 including the Clash, Kiss, Def Leppard, REM, Motley Crue, Blur and Oasis.
 Hunter's influence has remained incalculable; accompanied on stage by Ian Astbury of The Cult,
 Axl Rose and Slash, Roger Daltrey, Meat Loaf and Bryan Adams amongst others (and at their request),
 there are now over 50 different cover versions of Ian's songs from artists as diverse as Great White,
The Presidents of the United States of America, Status Quo, Blue Oyster Cult, Bonnie Tyler,
Barry Manilow, The Pointer Sisters, Willie Nelson,
 Thunder and The Monkees - further evidence, surely, that he is one of our greatest-ever songwriters.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:350

07/11/12 12:00

David Ford announced new album and March tour

David Ford – New Album ‘Charge’ & UK Tour March & April 2013

More info here

06/11/12 18:35

Simon Mcbride 2013 Dates

Simon McBride 2013 Dates

Mcbride is heading across the U.K next year in spring.
  5 dates include
Sat    16th March The Met Bury
Sun   17th March Picturedrome Holmfirth
Tues  19th March Arts Centre Norwich
Thurs 21st March The Haunt Brighton

Friday 22nd March The Tunnels Bristol

get tickets here
http://www.eventim.co.uk/simon-mcbride-Tickets-holmfirth.html?affiliate=GCL&fun=evdetail&doc=evdetailb&key=834229$2484138&xtmc=&xtcr=1

“McBride is now among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world.” GUITARIST MAGAZINE

Predicted to be the next Irish blues guitar hero in the footsteps of Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore,
former Young Guitarist of the Year McBride has undeniable guitar artistry combined
with a fine voice and a real knack for creating memorable hooks and great melodies.

His latest CD Crossing The Line is a fiery amalgam  of guitar skills,
songcraft and character-soaked vocals, spinning tales of girls,
gambling and corporate avarice.
Recorded in Northern Ireland and The USA, mixing of the album was placed in
the experienced hands of New York-based Peter Denenberg,
the veteran producer and engineer whose CV takes in everyone from Deep Purple to the
Spin Doctors and Robert Cray. Industry critics reckon this is the album that truly
delivers on McBride’s potential and kicks out a chair at the top table of the Blues-rock genre.
 This is the sound of a world-class talent.

“Hugely accomplished.” MOJO

"Ireland has a knack of throwing up diamonds, of which McBride most definitely is one... this boy's going places." HIFI+

http://www.simonmcbride.net

http:// www.facebook.com/SimonMcBrideGuitarist

http://www.youtube.com/SimonMcbrideTV
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:277

02/11/12 16:45

Michael Schenker announces Temple of Rock

 inakustik is pleased to announce the December 3rd release of Michael Schenker’s “Temple of Rock: Live in Europe” that will be released on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and as a Limited Deluxe Edition containing all 3 formats. This essential live rock’n’roll release includes songs performed live in Tilburg, The Netherlands in May 2012, and at London’s High Voltage Festival in 2011.

28/10/12 20:20

Nerina Pallot adds three new shows

Nerina Pallot adds two new shows for  next year

8 Feb Newbury Arlington Arts

16 Feb Stockton ARC

16 May Cornwall Minack Theatre

Torch song pop singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot announces a solo UK tour for the New Year. February 2013 will see the Brit and Ivor Novello nominated singer take a brief hiatus from writing a recording her 5th album to grace some beautiful UK venues with her songs on her 'Lonely Valentine Club' tour . Anyone who has seen Nerina Pallot will tell you that she is one of the most engaging live female artists in the UK today, a secret and unique talent. If you’re feeling sad and lonely - or if you simply love hearing exquisitely crafted pop songs beautifully sung and played in intimate venues, make a date with Nerina's Lonely Valentine Club below.

More info here

23/10/12 20:25

Clannad Announces New Show 2013

We are pleased to announce Clannad will be performing at The Baths Hall Scunthorpe Tues 12th March 2013

The original Celtic music artist
In a career spanning four decades, Clannad have made music that entwines the traditional
and the modern, the past and the future. With their haunting songs, mesmerizing vocals, and
captivating sound the group has sold over 15 million records worldwide.
Clannad has won many prestigious awards over the years, including Billboard’s “World Song of
the Year” in 1992, a Grammy for “Best New Age Album” in 1999, and they have been the
recipients of two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” at home in Ireland.
The acclaimed Irish group consists of family members who began by drawing inspiration from
their home in the remote northwest coast of Ireland. Sister Enya Brennan played keyboards for
two of their early albums before leaving to pursue her own highly successful solo career.
“Theme from Harry’s Game” was their first big break, topping the charts in Europe and also
being used in an American advertising campaign for Volkswagen. They also created the music
for the highly popular television series ‘Robin Of Sherwood’, had music featured in movies such
as ‘Last of The Mohicans’ and ‘Patriot Games’, and recorded ‘In A Lifetime’ which features a
duet with U2’s Bono.
For this close-knit group, their musical journey is both remarkable in its personal accomplishment
and historic in its contributions to Irish culture. It is indeed fascinating to consider that what today
is so widely regarded as Celtic music was first called "Clannad music."
http://www.clannad.ie
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:394

22/10/12 12:55

Joe Bonamassa to make recording history

Joe Bonamassa to make recording history at 4 London venues

Joe Bonamassa, the world’s premiere guitarist, will perform four exclusive London concerts during March 2013. Each concert will be specially filmed for DVD and will feature never-before performed live tracks. The four London concerts will chronicle Joe’s atmospheric rise from the intimate club atmosphere of The Borderline, to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. The live in-concert DVDs will be released during fall 2013.

20/10/12 17:30

Ian Siegal New Date Added

Ian Siegal will be live in Newbury Fri 10th May next year at Arlington Arts Centre

Contemporary blues album of the year
BLUES MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEE 2012

Male Vocalist of the Year
BRITSH BLUES AWARDS 2012 & 2011

Acoustic Artist of The Year
BRITISH BLUES AWARDS 2012

“Awash with wit, lust and distraction…..the cleverest writer and most
magnetic performer of Blues in the UK”. 
MOJO magazine

“A national treasure.”
CLASSIC ROCK magazine

The UK’s Leading Contemporary Blues Artist
When Ian Siegal was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the contemporary album category,
 it was the first time ever for a British artist in this category.
The Blues Music Awards – made annually in Memphis TN – are the blues Grammys.
This followed a series of awards in the UK, and the accolades continue. Following his most recent CD – Candy Store Kid, recorded in the hill country of North Mississippi –
Classic Rock magazine described Siegal as a “national treasure.”
It has been said that had Siegal been around in the sixties he would today be accorded the same reverence as artists such as Van Morrison and Joe Cocker.
 Instead, he is a child of the seventies who dropped out of art college in the late eighties to go busking in Germany.
From the streets of Berlin Siegal progressed to clubs around Nottingham, then to London and ultimately to major stages around Europe.
Siegal’s forte is playing to an audience. He takes command of the stage in a way very few artists alive today can match.
Sweat, humour, passionate guitar playing and a soul-infused voice big enough to fell trees have combined to win him an ever-growing following of fans.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:44

17/10/12 20:40

The Alarm. New Album News

Mancester Academy Sat 16th March

A brand new album 'Vinyl' on Cherry Red Records. The album also provides the
soundtrack for much anticipated feature film 'Vinyl' starring Phil Daniels
(Quadrophenia / Blur), Keith Allen, Perry Benson and Jamie Blackley (Snow
White and the Huntsman) which will be released in cinemas nationwide from
March 15th. The Alarm begin a UK tour on February 28th performing songs from
the new album alongside other long standing Alarm classic's.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:120

17/10/12 15:25

Joe Bonamassa production seats released for sale for the Royal Albert Hall concert

12/10/12 08:45

Sharon Shannon musical fingertips

 The accordionist from Ireland has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the much-maligned accordion 'cool' in her home country.  Renowned for her collaborations, not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres - Hip-Hop, Cajun, Country, Classical and Rap.

See Sharon at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday 21st February, Buy TIckets here

09/10/12 14:05

Australian rock band TRACER return to the UK for 4 concerts

Following their rapturously received headline tour in October 2012, and recent Best New Band nomination at the 2012 Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, Australian rock band TRACER return to the UK for 4 concerts in April 2013. The tour will coincide with the follow-up to their debut album Spaces In Between.

08/10/12 08:20

From The Jam, Greatest Hits

 In 1977 The Jam released their debut album 'In the City', almost immediately they hit a nerve with the youth of the time. The Jam became one of the biggest selling bands in British history.

05/10/12 16:45

Blues legend Johnny Winter

Blues as we know it today wouldn't be the same without Johnny Winter. The masterful guitarist from Texas taught the genre how to rock. Dozens of albums - collaborations with Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan and, of course, his brother Edgar amongst them - speak not only of a career, but an entire life in the sign of the Blues. The Grammy-awarded icon has probably never sounded better than today.

05/10/12 14:00

Joanne Shaw Taylor Back in the UK Now!

Joanne Shaw Taylor will be embarking on her 2012 UK Tour. see below
Thurs  11th  Oct Bristol    Tunnels
Fri       12th  Oct    Tavistock    Wharf
Sat      13th Oct    Falmouth    Pavilion
Sun      14th Oct    Poole    Mr Kyps  
Tue      16th Oct    London    Leicester Square Theatre  
Fri        19th Oct    Brighton    The Haunt
Sat       20th Oct    Norwich    Arts Centre
Sun      21st Oct    Sale    Waterside   
Tue      23rd Oct    York   Duchess
Wed    24th Oct    Newcastle    Cluny   
Fri       26th Oct    Glasgow    Abc
Sat      27th    Stockton    Arc     
Sun     28th Oct    Nottingham    Rescue Rooms
Originally discovered by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart as a guitar prodigy at the age of 16,
Joanne will perform music from her new album,
as well as dipping into songs from her first two critically acclaimed albums - White Sugar (2009) and Diamonds in the Dirt (2010).
For two years consecutively, 2010 and 2011, Joanne was voted "Best British Female Vocalist of the Year" at the British Blues Awards.
Joanne is fast becoming a major force on the international blues rock music circuit.
Hailed by Classic Rock magazine,
Joanne also received a Best New Artist Debut nomination at the British Blues Awards for her debut album White Sugar.

 The new album was produced by legendary record producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon, ... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Patty Griffin) in Austin.
 "Mike McCarthy comes from a very different musical background from me," says Joanne.
 "He pushed me out of my comfort zone, while allowing me to explore and embrace new territories whilst remaining true to who I am.
I never thought when I started on this journey I would ever get to work with such an amazing array of musicians.
I've been a fan of JJ, David and Billy for many years and their performances on this album are exceptional."
 The album features David Garza (keyboards), Billy White (bass, guitar) and J.J. Johnson (drums).
Garza has worked with Juliana Hatfield, Blues Traveler and Fiona Apple.
Billy White has played with the Heartless Bastards and Craig Finn. J.J. Johnson has played drums for John Mayer.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:265
www.joanneshawtaylor.com
Watch Joanne Shaw Taylor on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvHA-dY0K-o

Tour Support  from the brilliant Tristan Mackay
Tristan Mackay is already making an impact on the music scene following the recent release of his debut album Out Along The Wire.
 The album went straight to no.1 on the iTunes Blues album chart above such revered artists as Joe Bonamassa, BB King and Eric Clapton.
 Tristan is now touring the UK with his five piece band to promote the album and his second single Last Love which was released at the beginning of May.
"Mackay is a mixture of James Morrison style vocals and John Mayer style music,
 with a gentle vocal that matches some of his sparse arrangements superbly. Don't Let Me In's opening chords further betray his love of 'Slowhand',
 in a late night ballad that could be a cousin of Wonderful Tonight." Music News
Watch Tristan Mackay on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-i-y71Bx9c
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:362
 

04/10/12 11:35

10cc's Graham Gouldman & Friends

 10cc's Graham Gouldman & Friends, announce April tour

03/10/12 15:05

Hugh Cornwell starts his UK

 Hugh Cornwell starts his UK tour this evening at the Carlisle Brickyard. The concerts will be divided into two sets, the first will feature his brand new studio album ‘TOTEM AND TABOO’, and the second will see Hugh playing The Stranglers’ seminal 1977 second album ‘NO MORE HEROES’ in its entirety, with keyboards added to the lineup. 

03/10/12 10:05

Simon Mcbride new dates

02/10/12 11:50

Uriah Heep 2013

In their 70s heyday this big, loud and brash progressive heavy metal band, became one of the UK's most popular exports. Since the debut 'Very 'eavy, Very 'umble' was released in 1970 almost thirty musicians have worked with this constantly touring band. This group are an album making machine and still possess the ability to surprise and innovate.

23 Feb, Manchester Royal Northern College of Music

24 Feb Tavistock Wharf

28 Feb, Stockton ARC

More info here 

01/10/12 18:10

Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor

 Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor are pleased to announce “The Colonel & The Governor UK Tour 2013”. A forthcoming collaborative acoustic album of the same name is scheduled for UK release in February 2013. The 16-date tour, which sees both guitarists playing together and separately, starts March 7 at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury.

30/09/12 11:20

Mark Thomas at The Minack

Mark Thomas appears on 17th May 2013, tickets on sale now

28/09/12 08:40

Brian May & Kerry Ellis, announce intimate shows

KERRY ELLIS & BRIAN MAY

27/09/12 08:40

Ruby Turner to play Salford Lowry

Ruby Turner is renowned for hits such as 'If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)', 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and the No 1 hit single in the US R'n'B chart 'Its Gonna Be Alright'. To date, she has released eight albums, and guested on releases for the likes of Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Jools Holland. This amazing singer/songwriter is blessed with a voice to die for and whether performing jazz, soul or r'n'b. In addition to her solo singing career, Ruby is an accomplished actress on TV, film, and West End stage.

25/09/12 12:30

Tracer News Check Check

Australian rock band TRACER start their “Spaces In Between” UK tour on Wednesday September 26th at the Slade Rooms in Wolverhampton with special guests Virgil and the Accelerators.
 
Nominated as Best New Band at this year’s Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, Tracer will be head to LA at the end of the year to record their next album with producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Silverchair, Cold Chisel).  For the full online announcement and new photos, see here www.thegigcartel.com

The band recently replaced their bassist Leigh Brown with newest member, Pat Saracino. Says Tracer’s drummer, Andre Wise, “We'd like to thank Leigh Brown for his tireless efforts and massive contribution to the band. Leigh recently decided his musical journey with Tracer has come to end.”
 
During the upcoming UK tour, Tracer will perform special acoustic sessions with Kerrang! Radio in Birmingham on October 26th, Real Radio XS in Manchester on October 27th, and Real Radio XS in Glasgow on October 29th.
 
Tickets for Tracer’s 10-date UK tour dates can be ordered from the 24 hour box office number 0844 478 0898, www.thegigcartel.com . + www.eventim.co.uk/Tickets

Wolverhampton Slade Rooms (Sept 26)
Manchester Academy (Sept 27)
Newcastle Cluny (Sept 28)
Glasgow ABC (Sept 29)
Leeds Cockpit (Sept 30)
Nottingham Rescue Rooms (Oct 3)
Bath Komedia (Oct 4)
Gloucester Guildhall (Oct 5)
Poole Mr Kyps (Oct 6)
Brighton The Haunt (Oct 7)
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:342 Tracer
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:321 Virgil & The Accelerators

24/09/12 07:30

Eric Johnson, announces new tour.

Eric Johnson, the celebrated American electric guitarist, hailed by Joe Bonamassa as “one of the greatest guitar players of all time,” returns to the UK in 2013 for a tour that kicks off at the London o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday 3rd April. 

20/09/12 10:20

BCC's ONLY UK SHOW CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

 BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION’S ONLY UK SHOW CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES 

19/09/12 09:25

Blues In The Bay Festival 2012

Headliners Walter Trout and Mick Ralphs are joined by Larry Miller , Joanne Shaw Taylor , Oli Brown and many more

Tickets 01326 211222 , Eventim and Seetickets

19/09/12 09:25

Fisherman's Friends added to Minack Sessions 2013

The Fisherman join Midge Ure and Nerina Pallot at this stunning venue

19/09/12 07:40

Download your new free mp3 from Black Country Communion

 Download your new free mp3 from Black Country Communion.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW

 THE SAVIOURS OF CLASSIC ROCK RECONVENE FOR ONE UK SHOW ONLY!

16/09/12 16:20

Black Country Communion announce new show

 THE SAVIOURS OF CLASSIC ROCK RECONVENE FOR ONE UK SHOW ONLY!

12/09/12 15:45

Eddi Reader Tour Supports

Eddi Reader has confirmed State Of The Union and Iain Morrison to Support her on Tour

Sun-21-Oct          Exeter    Corn Exchange               Support Iain Morrison 
Thur-25-Oct         Kings Lynn   Arts Centre               Support Iain Morrison
Fri-26-Oct            Newark    Regent                          Support Iain Morrison
Sat-27-Oct           Barnsley  Civic                              Support Iain Morrison                                
Mon-29-Oct         Runcorn Brindley                           Support Iain Morrison
Wed-31-Oct         Salford    Lowry                             Support Iain Morrison
Thur-01-Nov         Hebden Bridge  Picture House     Support Iain Morrison
Fri-02-Nov           Barrow In Furness  Forum             Support Iain Morrison
Tue-06-Nov          Harrogate Royal Hall                    Support State Of The Union      
Wed-07-Nov        Durham    Gala                              Support State Of The Union

State Of The Union   http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:381
  
Iain Morrison http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:382

Eddi Reader was brought into the limelight with Fairground Attraction and their single ‘Perfect’ and parent album First of a
Million Kisses which both topped the British charts.  However, it has been her subsequent solo albums which signalled her increasing ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them all very much her own.  From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi brings to joyous life all forms of song and what sets Reader apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance;  her ability not only to move the listener but to connect her experience to that of her audience.  Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music.  She has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:24

12/09/12 14:00

Walter Trout Oct UK Tour

Walter Trout Is Back in the UK in October

Following the release of his highly acclaimed studio album “Blues for the Modern Daze”, Walter Trout will embark on a  tour of the UK in October 2012.

Walter Trout UK Tour Dates:

Thurs October 4th - Dunfermline Carnegie
Fri October 5th - Holmfirth Picturedrome
Sat October 13th - Falmouth Blues In The Bay Festival

Released in the UK by Provogue Records, critics have hailed “Modern Daze” as one of the most exciting blues albums of the year. Tracks were played on Planet Rock, the UK’s leading classic rock radio station, for 14 consecutive weeks. Guitarist Magazine gave the album 5 stars, while Classic Rock’s Blues magazine said, “Modern Daze is a superior blues album, dripping with integrity, full of smoking grooves, ripping solos and great songs."
Formerly the guitarist with Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Trout’s latest album sees him return to his blues roots. Joe Bonamassa recently cited Trout as one of greatest guitarists of his generation. .
 

 http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:50

11/09/12 07:50

UFO New Dates

UFO have confirmed

Thurs 28th Feb Holmfirth Picturedrome &

Sat 2nd March  Preston 53 Degrees

Thurs 21st Feb Bath Komedia

Classic Rock Heaven...hard rockin', hard drinkin' - and regularly hard fightin' - true Rock legends whose anthems Doctor Doctor, Only You Can Rock Me and Lights Out and many more ruled a generations rock clubs. Fronted by the inimitable vocals of Phil Mogg, and featuring other original band members Paul Raymond and Andy Parker, plus American guitar hero Vinnie Moore.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:70

10/09/12 15:25

Courtney Pine Shows Announced

Courtney Pine has announced 2 shows in March 2013.... being

Fri 1st      March Holmfirth Picturedrome

Sat 2nd    March Sale Waterside

World famous saxophonist fusing hip-hop jazz and groove; one of the most exciting and talented performers around. Credited with transforming the face of contemporary British Jazz, Courtney Pine is revered across the world for his innovative style and love of playing live. ‘The UK’s most important jazz instrumentalist.’ - Observer
Watch Courtney Pine on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6To8EYx9bwc
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:170

10/09/12 13:05

The South Extra Date Added

Extra Date-due to public demand
Sun 9th Dec Holmfirth Picturedrome TICKETS NOW ON SALE
After 20 years, ten studio albums, five greatest hits compilations, thirty-four chart singles, 15 million record sales worldwide and performing in front of millions of fans, when time was called on The Beautiful South in 2008, not everyone was ready to leave the party.  Dave Hemingway and Ali Wheeler, lead singers with the band - along with departed songwriter Paul Heaton – were having too much fun to get out the pipe and slippers, and so The South was formed. Joining the duo were fellow mainstays from the original band: keyboard wizard Damon Butcher and the potent horn section of Gaz Birtles and Tony Robinson that brought so much to the live shows.  Armed with a sensational back catalogue of hits such as ‘Song For Whoever’, ‘Perfect Ten’, ‘Rotterdam’, ‘Don't Marry Her’, ‘You Keep It All In’, ‘Old Red Eyes Is Back’ and many others, there is a long way to go on this particular road.

This band has history and pedigree. Dave Hemingway’s musical career stretches back into the Eighties.  He became a founder member of The Beautiful South after the demise of The Housemartins, who had enjoyed a sustained purple patch and many hits before calling it a day in 1988. Whilst bassist Norman Cook went on to become superstar DJ Fat Boy Slim, Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway proceeded to form the new band in December 1988.  Right from the off, The Beautiful South seemed to defy the normal logic associated with pop bands, not least for the fact that they stayed together for 20 years.

Over the life of the band, they produced many self-penned hits and had several number one albums – they scored their only number one single with the Dave Hemingway / Briana Corrigan duet ‘A Little Time’. A globally successful band, members of The South have performed these songs in front of hordes of fans from Hull to Houston.  They love the material and know what will keep the fans happy.

Now with The South marking the next step in these musicians’ careers, the band are starting to add in exciting new songs to their repertoire. Competition for space in a set-list packed with so many hits is fierce, but the quality of some of the new material is such that the songs have slotted right in – and the fans’ reaction has been amazing.

The South certainly have history. But the future looks bright...
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:143

07/09/12 13:05

Scritti Politti Live

Scritti Politti will be performing Live at Holmfirth Picturedrome Thurs 18th Oct

Formed '77 in Leeds by Cardiff-born Green Gartside.
From left-wing-inspired post-punk to more mainstream '80s pop mid 1980s, the band enjoyed significant chart success here and in the USA.
Gartside later took the name into the realms of hiphop, working with rapper Mos Def among others. Although their success can mainly be noted in the 1980s, Scritti Politti are now performing once again.
Watch Scritti Politti on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-8qE1dF8Dc
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:378

07/09/12 08:20

Joanne Shaw Taylor on tour with special guest

Following her acclaimed performance alongside Annie Lennox at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert in June, blues rock guitarist and singer/songwriter, Joanne Shaw Taylor, will release her new studio album “Almost Always Never” on Monday September 17th, and will follow this with a nationwide October UK tour with very special guest Tristan Mackay.

Says Classic Rock magazine of the new album, “Fresh from an angel-wing cameo (with Annie Lennox) at the Diamond Jubliee Concert – falling to earth in style, on a tracklisting that explores a pile-up of car-crash relationships via some enjoyably feral fretwork... out verdict is clear: a brilliant return.”  The Blues Magazine says of the new album – “Moving to America has brought out the best for the Birmingham-born guitarist’s third album all of which is bursting with catchy riffs and superbly constructed guitar solos.”

Born and raised in the Black Country, Joanne was first discovered by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) as a 16-year-old guitar prodigy. Now, one of the hottest young names in British Blues, Joanne’s  UK tour will see her performing new tracks from Almost Always Never, alongside songs from her two previous albums - White Sugar (2009) and Diamonds in the Dirt (2010).

In 2010 and 2011, Joanne was voted “Best British Female Vocalist” at the British Blues Awards. Her new album is produced in Austin, Texas by the legendary Mike McCarthy (Spoon, ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Patty Griffin), features David Garza (keyboards), Billy White (bass, guitar) and J.J. Johnson (drums). Previously, Garza has worked with the Fiona Apple, Juliana Hatfield, and Blues Traveller, while J.J. Johnson has played with John Mayer.
Tristan Mackay’s self recorded and released his first two EPs “Tales From A Bedroom Orchestra” and “Live From The Lounge” to critical acclaim. His song ‘The Wine And Me’ was featured in the Channel 4’s “Skins.”  Another of the songs from his first EP, “Be All That You Can Be” was featured by Aled Jones on BBC Radio 2’s “Good Morning Sunday.” Earlier this year he released his debut album “Out Along The Wire.”
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:265

Tristan Mackay is already making an impact on the music scene following the recent release of his debut album Out Along The Wire. The album went straight to no.1 on the iTunes Blues album chart above such revered artists as Joe Bonamassa, BB King and Eric Clapton. Tristan is now touring the UK with his five piece band to promote the album and his second single Last Love which was released at the beginning of May.
 
"Mackay is a mixture of James Morrison style vocals and John Mayer style music, with a gentle vocal that matches some of his sparse arrangements superbly. Don't Let Me In's opening chords further betray his love of 'Slowhand', in a late night ballad that could be a cousin of Wonderful Tonight." Music News
Watch Tristan Mackay on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-i-y71Bx9c

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:362

07/09/12 07:25

John Wheeler previews new video

Music video for the single, "Deeper In Debt," a sneak preview from the upcoming solo album by John Wheeler. John is hitherto best known as the frontman of Rockgrass band, Hayseed Dixie. 

Deeper In  Debt

06/09/12 14:50

Midge Ure hits the road

MIDGE URE
Midge Ure has shape shifted his way through the UK music scene for 35+ years. From prototype boy band with Slik, through electronic pioneer with Visage, rock guitarist with Thin Lizzy, chart topper with Ultravox to charity fund raiser with Band Aid.
Catch his very special intimate solo show

15 May Exeter, Phoenix
16 May Minack Theatre
17 May Bath Komedia
23 May Sheffield City Hall
24 May Sale Waterside
25 May Stockton ARC
29 May Harrogate Theatre
30 May Lincoln Drill Hall

BUY TICKETS NOW

06/09/12 09:00

TRACER U.K Tour Starts 26th Sept Wolverhampton

30/08/12 11:35

Black Country Communion announce new album

 Black Country Communion the Anglo-American rock group comprising vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, release their third album, ‘Afterglow’, via Mascot Records on Monday October 29th.

29/08/12 10:40

Red Hot Chilli Pipers Show

Red Hot Chilli Pipers Buxton Opera House Sat 23rd Feb
Winners of the Prime Time BBC One show 'When Will I Be Famous' ...blistering Rock Bagpipes ( BAG ROCK ) that astounded the viewers and critics! Putting a modern spin on incredible piping, astounding drumming and hot rock guitars with an emphasis on showing off and putting on a show guaranteed to amaze any audience; The Red Hot Chilli Pipers really are a genuinely unique experience. A completely mental and utterly un-missable, totally memorable feelgood night out.

For more info redhotchillipipers.co.uk  <http://www.redhotchillipipers.co.uk/>  media / pr (bio / images)

See the Red Hot Chilli Pipers at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YdkolAEHj4
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:345

29/08/12 10:10

Chas & Dave Good Friday Easter Special

Chas & Dave will be performing a Good Friday Easter Special Show at Holmfirth Picturedrome March 29th

Dave has decided to come out of retirement due to demand by their fans. The show will be the whole history of Chas & Dave.

The first half of 30 minutes duration will consist of Chas & Dave's pub set ending with 'Gertcha' in 1979. The start of their success. The second half will feature all their hits since then.

Chas & Dave began writing and performing songs together in 1972, having been friends since the early sixties.

They reached the top twenty in 1979 with 'Gertcha', which became a nationwide catchphrase.  This was followed by 'The Sideboard Song (Got My Beer In My Sideboard Here)'. In 1980 they hit the charts with 'Rabbit', which reached No. 8 in the charts and a No. 2 record in 1982 'Ain't No Pleasing You'.   This was followed by further hits 'Margate' & 'London Girls'. In 1986 they had a top six record with 'Snooker Loopy'.

They have also written title songs for TV shows ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘Only Fools & Horses’ 

Chas ‘n’ Dave are great musicians and know how to give an audience a good time. They have gained a cult audience of both young and old and due to public demand they are about to be seen   together on stage once more.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:376

25/08/12 09:35

Midge Ure new South West dates

Midge plays The Minack on 16th May 2013 as part of the Minack Sessions concerts

17/08/12 20:35

Tracer on Real Radio

Tracer on Real Radio

Australian power metal rock trio featured.

For more info click here 

12/08/12 05:10

Justin Currie Announces New Tour

Justin Currie embarks on his UK Tour Feb 2013. HisTour Dates include
Feb 15th - Stamford Corn Exchange
Feb 16th - Newbury Arlington Arts Centre
Feb 17th - Sale Waterside Arts Centre
Feb 19th - Leeds City Varieties
Feb 20th - Whitley Bay Playhouse
Feb 21st - Kendal Brewery Arts
Feb 23rd - Bridport Electric Palace
Feb 24th - Bromsgrove Artrix Arts Centre
Feb 25th - Bath Komedia
Feb 26th - Sheffield Memorial Hall
Scottish singer/songwriter, most famous for his role as founder member and front man of  Del Amitri. Currently working as a successful solo artist, Justin Currie's music is dominated by strong imagery and storytelling, powerful yet understated vocals and a sound that, whilst firmly rooted in nineties pop-rock, translates beautifully into modern, urban ballads. With influences from Nick Cave, Crowded House and Mark Lanegan, his music is hauntingly dark, yet refreshingly uplifting.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:207

30/07/12 15:40

Michael Schenker Temple of Rock 2013

 Due to the critical acclaim Michael Schenker received on his 2012 UK tour, the legendary guitarist will return with his classic rock band Temple of Rock on a 12-date UK tour in April 2013. The tour starts at the ARC, Stockton on Tees on Tuesday 9th April. Tickets go on sale Monday July 30th from HERE

27/07/12 11:15

Nerina Pallot for Minack Sessions

Nerina will play on 15th May 2013, tickets are on sale now , don't miss this exclusive appearance

25/07/12 14:45

Robin Trower 2 New Shows

Robin Trower Uk Tour 2013 Dates

Thurs 28th Feb Rescue Rooms Nottingham

Sat       9th March Guildhall Gloucester

Thurs 21st March Islington 02 Academy

Fri      22nd March Phoenix Exeter

Thurs 28th March ARC Stockton On Tees

Fri      29th March Waterside Arts Centre Sale

Sat     30th March Picturedrom Holmfirth

Robin Trower has been heralded as one of the most influential Guitar players to come out of the British Blues Rock scene. Though other names may come to mind, none have the "signature sound and style" of the man who was tagged by the press with the nickname of "The White Hendrix" back in the 70's. Robin was in the audience during a performance by Jimi Hendrix those many years back, and he readily admits that the Experience changed his approach to the guitar. It is obvious to anyone who ever listened to Robin's music that he has taken the ethereal sound that Jimi first introduced to the world, and created his own unique way of expressing himself through the guitar. The result is a unique style of music all his own - NOT an imitation of Jimi at all, and a career of considerable merit.

Robin is known for his incredible talent as a guitar player and his inspirational style of soloing, coaxing sounds from his Strat that seem to emanate from beyond this world. To be among those who have experienced Robin performing live is to be forever changed by this masterful Artist as he takes you along with him on one musical masterpiece after another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0d1HilfLxA
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:187

24/07/12 12:00

Showaddywaddy UK Dates

Showaddywaddy will be performing 3 shows in 2013

Sat 2nd March Holmfirth Picturedrome

Fri 5th April      Aberdeen Lemon Tree

Sat 6th April     Glenrothes Rothe Hall

As if the band's amazing success through 4 decades were not enough,
here now, well into the 21st Century the demand for these legendary
performers is every bit as strong. Surely a testament to their outstanding
reputation as live artists.

From 2009 thru 2012 the band performed a series of unique concerts across
the UK under the title of "An Evening Of Rock & Roll With Showaddywaddy".
The gigs featured the band delving into their formative years, along with
selected songs from The Sun Album in an exclusive opening set, followed by
a stirring second half full of the band's many hit singles.
On the back of these hugely successful concerts, and after massive public
demand, the band will again be touring with a brand new show in 2013, with
an expanded line-up to perform "The Greatest Hits".
The show will feature 2 drummers for the first time since the glam days of
the 70's, and promises to be an adrenaline fuelled nostalgic treat.

The band's track record and versatility are without question - concerts,
corporate conventions, festivals, universities, colleges, clubs & private
functions the world over still clamour to book the remarkable SHOWADDYWADDY!
After 38 incredible years, rock & roll music is truly alive and kicking in
the hands of this amazing band.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:372

18/07/12 10:45

Hugh Cornwell New Album Artwork & Tracklisting Unveiled

HUGH CORNWELL has unveiled the artwork and track listing for his forthcoming studio album TOTEM AND TABOO which is released in the UK on MONDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER through Cadiz Music. Recorded at Electrical Audio Studios, Chicago, the new album was engineered and mixed by STEVE ALBINI (Nirvana, PJ Harvey, Pixies).
 
Track Listing:

1.    Totem And Taboo
2.    The Face
3.    I Want One Of Those
4.    Stuck In Daily Mail Land
5.    Bad Vibrations
6.    God Is  Woman
7.    Love Me Slender
8.    Gods, Guns And Gays
9.    A Street Names Carroll
10.  In The Dead of The Night

“This was the last song I wrote for the album,” says Cornwell about the title track Totem And Taboo. “It’s become one of my favourites. A hint of Rebel Rebel with some Marc Bolan glam thrown in.  I’ve always liked songs with marching 4’s on the snare, and that’s what it is supposed to be, a rallying call for like-minded souls.”
 
Cornwell was the original guitarist, singer, and main songwriter of the British punk rock band The Stranglers. He’s enjoyed massive UK and European success with 10 hit albums and 21 Top Forty hit singles including Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Always the Sun, (Get A) Grip (On Yourself), Nice N Sleazy, Duchess and No Mercy.
 
A nationwide October UK tour will see Cornwell perform the Totem And Taboo album in its entirety, followed by The Stranglers’ seminal 1977 album No More Heroes performed in its entirety. Tickets: 0844 478 0898. Book Online: www.thegigcartel.com
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:117

18/07/12 10:30

Tristan Mackay joins Joanne Shaw Taylor on Tour

Tristan Mackay will be supporting Joanne Shaw Taylor on Tour on her forth coming tour see below

Thurs    11th  Oct Bristol    Tunnels
Fri        12th  Oct    Tavistock    Wharf
Sat       13th Oct    Falmouth    Pavilion
Sun      14th Oct    Poole    Mr Kyps  
Tue      16th Oct    London    Leicester Square Theatre  
Fri        19th Oct    Brighton    The Haunt
Sat       20th Oct    Norwich    Arts Centre
Sun      21st Oct    Sale    Waterside   
Tue      23rd Oct    York   Duchess
Wed     24th Oct    Newcastle    Cluny   
Fri        26th Oct    Glasgow    Abc
Sat       27th    Stockton    Arc     
Sun      28th Oct    Nottingham    Rescue Rooms

Tristan Mackay
Tristan Mackay is already making an impact on the music scene following the recent release of his debut album Out Along The Wire. The album went straight to no.1 on the iTunes Blues album chart above such revered artists as Joe Bonamassa, BB King and Eric Clapton. Tristan is now touring the UK with his five piece band to promote the album and his second single Last Love which was released at the beginning of May.
 
"Mackay is a mixture of James Morrison style vocals and John Mayer style music, with a gentle vocal that matches some of his sparse arrangements superbly. Don't Let Me In's opening chords further betray his love of 'Slowhand', in a late night ballad that could be a cousin of Wonderful Tonight." Music News
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:362
Watch Tristan Mackay on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-i-y71Bx9c
 

18/07/12 09:45

David Ford News

David Ford will be supporting JJ Grey & Mofro on teir forthcoming UK Tour.see below for details

Wed    7th Nov  Mr Kyps, Poole
Thurs  8th NovTunnels, Bristol
Fri       9th Nov Academy Islington
Sat     10th Nov Academy Manchester
Sun    11th Nov Haunt, Brighton
In March 2011 it was ten years since the 22 year old David Ford gave up his job at Our Price Records in Eastbourne and became a full time musician and songwriter. To mark this, mostly ignored anniversary, Ford set about writing and publishing a book "I Choose This - how to nearly make it in the music industry" which tells how, through a simple refusal to ever accept defeat, he has survived and paid all his bills without ever troubling the mainstream or doing more than fingertip the hem of success.
 
However, his determination and undoubted talent, means he can now, in 2011, sell out significant dates across the UK, the USA and Canada.
 
His recent US tour saw him driving himself and his complex and mostly self made set of equipment from Boston to Austin via his beloved Philadelphia & New York, through tornado torn Memphis and sun drenched Dallas, to play sold out shows to his devoted American fanbase, many of whom drove for hours to get to their nearest performance.
 
Prior to heading to the States and by way of launching his book in the UK, Ford set about doing a 'reading & singing' UK tour in April, selling out shows and delighting his audience with his witty and idiosyncratic sense of self deprecation coupled to that steely self belief that has kept him moving forward all these years.
 
The first 1500 copies of the book sold out in 4 weeks. The book has initially only been available from Ford's merchandise website and at his gigs but the plan is now to find a mainstream publisher and see if it can't find a wider audience. 
The summer of 2011 will see Ford mixing his soon to be released 'Live in New York City - May 2011' mini album and preparing for a "dirty stripped down three piece rock n roll" tour of the UK in September.
These forthcoming UK dates will see Ford debut-ing new songs and reworking some of his older material within the exciting discipline of the classic 'electric guitar, bass and drums turned up really loud' format.
Never one to artistically stand still or deliver the same show year after year, this forthcoming UK tour will be something different again from David Ford; a fitting way for him to start his second decade as a full time working musician and songwriter.
Sunday Times London –     Album of the Year
 Guardian -                         5 out of 5 – live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
 Word Magazine -               Album of the Year

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:145

18/07/12 09:10

JJ Grey & Mofro Added Date

JJ Grey & Mofro have added The Haunt Brighton Sun 11th Nov full tour below

Wed   7th Nov  Mr Kyps, Poole 
Thurs 8th NovTunnels, Bristol
Fri      9th Nov Academy Islington
Sat    10th Nov Academy Manchester
Sun   11th Nov Haunt, Brighton

Singing with a passion and fervor directly influenced by the classic soul heroes, JJ Grey has written and recorded five albums of original songs steeped in the rhythm & blues, rock, and country soul of his native backwoods home outside Jacksonville, Florida. Grey comes from a long tradition of Southern storytellers and, in that spirit, he fills his songs with details that are at once vivid, personal and universal. After a decade of hard touring, he still spends eight months of the year on the road, bringing his music to a loyal, ever-growing, worldwide fanbase.
Q Mag. 4/5 **** "Grey’s blues’n’soul seems tilled from the same soil as The Black Crowes, found near a crossroads between Southern rock and Memphis soul.”
Mojo 4/5**** “JJ could be breaking out with this album for Alligator. Cut in the same retro studio Grey’s been using for many years, “Georgia Warhorse” makes an immediate impact with every track dipping back into the swamp for inspiration.”
Uncut 4/5**** “With a voice as tough & gritty as the lumberyard he used to work in, Grey’s take on Southern boogie, swamp rock, soul & R’n’B is proudly old fashioned with echoes of Tony Joe White.  Superb”.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:286

18/07/12 09:00

Ian Siegal & The Mississippi Mudbloods

Ian Siegal & The Mississippi Mudbloods will be at The Waterside Arts Centre Sale Sun 11th Nov
UK’s premier contemporary bluesman collaborates with leading lights of the new Mississippi blues scene.
In a dream team of the best contemporary blues talent, there is sure to be a place for the guys who make up the Mississippi Mudbloods, the collective title for this transatlantic collaboration that cooks up a powerful brew of hill country blues and southern rock.
Ian Siegal is arguably the most respected and creative British exponent of the blues since the sixties. In 2009 he was the first non-American to take the no.1 slot in Mojo magazine’s review of blues albums. This year he became the first Brit to be nominated for Best Contemporary Blues album in the BMAs (Blues Music Awards), in effect, the Grammys of the blues. He also has British Blues Awards for best band and male artist.

Cody Dickinson and Luther Dickinson hail from Coldwater, Mississippi and are the driving force behind the Grammy-nominated North Mississippi Allstars, a personal favourite of Robert Plant with whom they toured. Drummer Cody is also a respected record producer and founder member of Hill Country Revue; while Luther, who also plays with The Black Crowes, is widely regarded as one of the finest slide and roots guitarists working today. Wherever these brothers go energy follows!
The band’s debut tour in July was greeted by rave reviews and their show in Bury was broadcast on BBC Radio2 as part of a feature on the London and Manchester Bluesfest. Now they return to promote a new album Candy Store Kid (release Oct 15), recorded at the legendary Zebra Ranch near Memphis.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:359

16/07/12 21:40

Wishbone Ash,Holmfirth

Wisbone Ash will be back at The Picturedrome Holmfirth Fir 2nd Nov

Legendary British band WISHBONE ASH, pioneers of the twin-guitar rock that
influenced groups from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden return with original member
Andy Powell (lead guitar,vocals) and band members Bob Skeat(bass), Muddy
Manningen(guitar) and Joe Crabtree (drums).
The band who have been touring for 40 years will be performing iconic tracks
from their multi-million selling albums such as The King Will Come, Throw
Down The Sword and Blowin' Free, as well as material from their new album,
Elegant Stealth.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:29

05/07/12 07:25

Frank Vignola,York

Mind Blowing Acoustic Guitarist Frank Vignola will be performing at The Duchess York Oct 10th

Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world's top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his "Five Most Admired Guitar List" for the Wall Street Journal. Vignola's jaw-dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him "one of the brightest...stars of the guitar".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo9vX7kZeb4
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:222

04/07/12 12:40

John Wheeler of Hayseed Dixie

 Holmfirth Picturedrome Sat 1st Dec

Rare solo show by Hayseed Dixie's poop worshipping fiddler and front-man John Wheeler. Expect a twisted mix of Hayseed Dixie songs, solo material and questionable hill-billy road tales of fortune and misfortune.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:371

04/07/12 09:15

Beth Orton Sheffield

Beth Orton will be appearing in Sheffiled Tues 27th Nov at Memorial Hall

BIOG
Elizabeth Caroline Orton, commonly known as Beth Orton, is a BRIT Award–winning English singer-songwriter. Known for her "folktronica" sound, which mixes elements of folk and electronica, she was initially recognised for her collaborations with William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers in the mid 1990s — but these were not Orton's first recordings. She released a solo album, Superpinkymandy, in 1993. Since the album was only released in Japan, it went largely unnoticed by international audiences. Her second solo album, Trailer Park, garnered much critical acclaim in 1996. With the release of the albums Central Reservation (1999) and the 2002 UK top 10 album Daybreaker, Beth developed a devoted fan base. On her 2006 release, Comfort of Strangers, she has moved towards a more folk-based sound and away from the electronic sound of past albums.

American films and television programmes such as Felicity, How to Deal, Charmed, Dawson's Creek, Vanilla Sky and Grey's Anatomy have featured her music and provided her with exposure to an American mainstream audience.
Born in East Dereham, Norfolk, on 14th December 1970, she then moved to Norwich where she was then raised on a pig farm. In 1985 she moved to East London. Her father, an architectural draughtsman, left her mother, an artist and political activist, when Beth was eleven, she lived with her mother and her two brothers. Her father died shortly afterwards. In 1989 after the death of her mother from cancer Beth travelled to Thailand, where she resided with Buddhist nuns. Beth was late onto the music scene having previously worked as a waitress at Pizza Hut and even owned her own catering company. She was more interested in acting during her early career, having enrolled at the Anna Scher Theatre School, and she spent some time touring ‘Une Saison en Enfer’ playing Rimbaud's lover with a fringe theatre company throughout the UK, Russia and Ukraine.

Her first contribution in music came when she met William Orbit at a London nightclub, when he tried to borrow a cigarette from her. They began a relationship shortly after, and he invited her to do some spoken word for his current Strange Cargo project, but she drunkenly decided to sing also. Possibly the best-known work from that time is "Water from a Vine Leaf", which she co-wrote and which was released as a limited-edition single. As a duet called Spill, William Orbit and Beth released a cover version of John Martyn's "Don't Wanna Know 'Bout Evil", this was the first song that they recorded together, initially released in Japan, it was re-released in the UK in 1997.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:253

03/07/12 11:45

Stiff Little Fingers + Spear Of Destiny,Holmfirth

Stiff Little Fingers + Spear Of Destiny will be permoning at Holmfirth Picturedrome Sat 10t Nov

Classic Double Bill featuring the legendary SLF & Spear of Destiny

One of Belfast's most important and influential bands, Stiff Little Fingers live shows have become the stuff of legend, fusing biting punk'd up guitar rock with infectiously pure melodies.  

Special guest support Kirk Brandon & Spear Of Destiny, strident post punk anthems.

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:41

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:66

03/07/12 11:00

Steve Cropper News

Steve Cropper + The Animals & Friends will be performing at Holmfirth Picturedrome Fri 1st Feb

STEVE CROPPER
Steve Cropper is a musical legend.
If Yankee Stadium is “the house that Babe Ruth built,” Stax Records is “the house that Booker T, and the MG’s built.” Integral to that potent combination is MG guitarist extraordinaire Steve Cropper.
Yes, Steve Cropper is a musical legend!
As a guitarist, A & R man, engineer, producer, songwriting partner of Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd and a dozen others and founding member of both Booker T. and the MG’s and The Mar-Keys, Steve Cropper was literally involved in every single record issued by Stax Records from the autumn of 1961 through year end 1970. Such credits assure Cropper of an honored place in the soul music hall of fame.
As co-writer of (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, Knock on Wood and In the Midnight Hour, Steve Cropper is in line for immortality.
Perhaps the ultimate testament to Steve Cropper’s immense contribution to popular music over the last four decades was his ranking by Mojo Magazine as the number two guitarist of all-time (Jimi Hendrix was number one). And in 2003, Rolling Stone magazine readers voted him among the Top 100 Guitar Players of all-time.
As impressive as that is, Steve Cropper’s legacy as a solo artist, member of Booker T. and the MG’s and the Blues Brothers, session musician and producer are far from complete. Steve Cropper loves playing 2013 will see him at the best!
All the hits performed including
House Of The Rising Sun, Green Onions, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, Time Is Tight, It’s My Life, Dock Of The Bay, Bring It On Home To Me, Hip Hug Her, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, Soul Man, I’m Crying, In The Midnight Hour, Baby Let Me Take You Home, 6345789, Don’t Bring Me Down, Knock On Wood, Inside Looking Out, Boom Boom and many more.

ANIMALS AND FRIENDS
In 1957 John Steel and Eric Burdon formed what was later to be The Animals.
John Steel has worked constantly since the late 1950’s. The Original Animals split in 1966 but reformed again in the 1970’s to record a new Album. They got together again in the 1980’s and embarked on a mammoth 12 month world tour. In the 1990’s the band was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Since 1993 John Steel has spearheaded a new band performing all the classic hits. He is joined on stage by fellow 1965 Animal veteran, Mick Gallagher who replaced Alan Price on the eve of a Scandinavian tour. Mickey’s credits also include The Clash, Paul McCartney, Peter Frampton, Roger Daltrey and The Blockheads. The line-up also consists of Peter Barton on Bass and Vocals. Pete has been working with John since the early 1990’s, previous to that Peter was bass player with Wayne Fontana as one of The Mindbenders. Danny Handley completes the current line-up. Danny’s credits include Spencer Davis, Ric Lee (Ten Years After) and Bobby Elliott of The Hollies.
Over the last two decades John Steel and the band has completed countless successful tours around the world. The band has released several new CD’s along with new DVD’s.
The band still performs to packed houses around the world.
Now in his 70’s John Steel continues to perform with the passion and energy that he has always had.
Without doubt one of the great British pioneers of Blues and Rock.
All the hits performed including
House Of The Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, It’s My Life, Bring It On Home To Me, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, I’m Crying, Baby Let Me Take You Home, Don’t Bring Me Down, Inside Looking Out, Boom Boom and many more.  
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:369

03/07/12 10:35

Show Of Hands 2013

Show Of Hands will be performing at Holmfirth Folk Festival Sat 11th May 2013

Show of Hands are undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music - England's finest and most popular roots duo and something of a "people's band".

"Formidable operators in the roots arena. A class act"
The Independent
"Voted Best Duo and the Best Original Song"
2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Knightley, who writes most of their inspired material and Beer, a dazzling multi instrumentalist, have built up a huge following which has seen them sell out the Royal Albert Hall three times, headline major festivals from Glastonbury to WOMAD and playing all over the world, from Europe to America, Australia and India. Voted Best Live Act by the public at the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the jury is still out on just what kind of music they play. A genre defying mix of rock, roots, blues, country and trad, and often influenced by the music of other countries, it is played out on an array of instruments from slide guitar to fiddle, mandolin to South American cuatro.
At the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Steve and Phil received a prestigious double accolade when they were named ‘Best Duo’ and also clinched the ‘Best Original Song’ award for Steve’s punchy ‘Arrogance Ignorance and Greed’ title track which has gone on to be one of the most acclaimed – and continually topical! – songs in the SoH repertoire.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:179

25/06/12 10:35

JJ Grey & Mofro News just In

Wed    7th Nov Mr Kypes Poole

Thurs   8th Nov The Tunnels Bristol

Fri        9th Nov 02 Academy Islingtton

Sat      10th Nov 02 Academy Manchester

Singing with a passion and fervor directly influenced by the classic soul heroes, JJ Grey has written and recorded five albums of original songs steeped in the rhythm & blues, rock, and country soul of his native backwoods home outside Jacksonville, Florida. Grey comes from a long tradition of Southern storytellers and, in that spirit, he fills his songs with details that are at once vivid, personal and universal. After a decade of hard touring, he still spends eight months of the year on the road, bringing his music to a loyal, ever-growing, worldwide fanbase.

Q Mag. 4/5 **** "Grey’s blues’n’soul seems tilled from the same soil as The Black Crowes, found near a crossroads between Southern rock and Memphis soul.”

Mojo 4/5**** “JJ could be breaking out with this album for Alligator. Cut in the same retro studio Grey’s been using for many years, “Georgia Warhorse” makes an immediate impact with every track dipping back into the swamp for inspiration.”

Uncut 4/5**** “With a voice as tough & gritty as the lumberyard he used to work in, Grey’s take on Southern boogie, swamp rock, soul & R’n’B is proudly old fashioned with echoes of Tony Joe White.  Superb”.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:286

21/06/12 09:00

Caravan UK Tour

Caravan's 40th anniversary tour of "For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night
8th Jan London, Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre
9th Jan Cambridge The Junction
10th Jan Bilston Robin 2
12th Jan Gateshead The Sage
13th Jan Edinburgh,The Queens Hall
14th Jan Salford The Lowry
16th Jan Electric Palace
17th Jan Bath Komedia
18th Jan Tavistock The Wharf
19th Jan Falmouth Princess Pavilion
CARAVAN, the quintessential precursors to the British progressive rock music movement, have announced a very special 10-date UK tour that kicks off on 8th January 2013 at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, at London’s Southbank Centre. Very special guest on all dates is Garron Frith.

The tour will see Caravan celebrate the 40th Anniversary of what many critics regard to be one of the most influential British prog albums of all time; 1973’s “For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night”.  Tickets go on sale Monday 18th June from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898,http://www.eventim.co.uk/Tickets.html?affiliate=EUK&fun=search&action=search&doc=search%2Fsearch&detailadoc=erdetaila&detailbdoc=evdetailb&kudoc=artist&sort_by=score&sort_direction=desc&fuzzy=yes&suchbegriff=caravan .

Caravan, comprising original founding member and chief songwriter Pye Hastings (guitar, lead vocals) will perform a number of songs from their aforementioned critically acclaimed 4th album.  The concerts will also showcase songs from the album “In The Land Of Grey And Pink”, plus other classics spanning their dazzling career.
Caravan are considered to be one of the most formidable acts to emerge from the '60s progressive rock scene. Originally formed in 1968, Caravan were at the heart of the 1970s burgeoning Canterbury rock movement.  They produced their own brand of “superior pop music, full of taste, craftsmanship and hard work” (NME) and packed venues worldwide. 
The current line-up features Pye Hastings (1968 founding member: guitar, lead vocals), Geoffrey Richardson (joined 1972: viola, guitar, flute, vocals), Jan Schelhaas (keyboards), Jim Leverton (bass, vocals) and Mark Walker (drums, percussion). 
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:305

21/06/12 08:20

Steve Lukather Only UK Date!

Steve Lukather will be performing only one UK date at Islington 02 Academy Fri 29th March 2013

Only UK date for Guitarist and vocalist, acclaimed session musician and founding father of American soft rockers Toto.Steve Lukather has consistently remained on the honour roll of the world’s top guitarists — a peer and pal to the likes of Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Larry Carlton and other fabled players, whilst also appearing on albums by Michael Jackson, Warren Zevon, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Miles Davis, Roger Waters, Cheap Trick and other rock and pop royalty.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:261

20/06/12 10:55

Dana Fuchs London show cancelled

Dana Fuchs Band have reluctantly had to cancel their London Borderline Show this Sunday due to a death in the family.

This is a message from Dana

I am deeply saddened to say that we have to cancel Friday's show at The Gexto Blues Festival in Spain and Sunday's show at The Borderline in London.

Jon's father Joe Diamond passed away yesterday. He died peacefully and comfortably surrounded by family. Jon is holding up ok and being a rock for his mom. Joe was a great man and like a father to me for many years. I will miss him terribly. 

Our thoughts are with Jon, Dana & Family at this sad time.

18/06/12 12:00

Terrorvision Back!

Terrorvision will be performing at Manchester Ritz Sat 27th Oct

It’s been twenty (mental) years since Terrorvision unleashed their debut album ‘Fomaldehyde’ and instant classics like ‘My House’ and ‘American TV" on an unsuspecting world back in 1992.

Amid grunge’s bleak introspection and the slow demise of 1980s hair metal, Terrorvision burst onto the UK scene like a breath of the freshest, finest Yorkshire air. Cutting their teeth supporting legends like The Ramones, Motorhead and Def Leppard, Terrorvision went on to become one of the most successful UK rock bands of the 1990s.

To celebrate this anniversary, and the release of their first album in 10 years –

‘Super Delux’, the band will be heading out on their only UK tour of 2012 in October.

And where better to announce this than at the home of Metal – Donnington and Download, where the band will appear this weekend for the first time since 1994!

October’s dates will see 20 years of chaos, 6 hit albums and countless more hit singles crammed into a veritable one-night, one-band festival of tunes that get everyone thinking...’jeez, is this one by them as well!’. Smashed up ankles and cactus juice, cross dressing and green bathrooms, doo-wops and dolphins and high jinks from New York to Old Yorkshire have provided a rich vein of inspiration for Bradfords finest. Join us in October for the highs, the lows, the middle(man), the hits and the lost classics.
Raise your glasses – Terrorvisions Rocktoberfest... it will make you happy!

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:223

18/06/12 11:50

S.L.F August

Stiff Little Fingers will be performing in Aug at The Tivoli Buckley

tickets now on sale

Jake Burns formed Stiff Little Fingers (the band’s name was taken from a 1977 Vibrators lyric "If it wasn’t for your stiff little fingers nobody would know you were dead"…) In 1978 after seeing the Clash play in his hometown Belfast, and the band released the classic Suspect Device and Alternative Ulster singles that year. Exactly twenty years on from becoming the first band ever to hit the UK top 20 album charts on an independent label – with their 1979 debut Inflammable Material.
 
Stiff Little Fingers, along with the likes of the Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam, Skids, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Sham 69, Stranglers et al – were at the forefront of the punk movement. They enjoyed six years as one of the biggest ticket draws in the UK and recorded three more studio albums – Nobody’s Heroes (1980), Go For It (1982) and Now Then (1982) – before Jake Burns took a sabbatical to work as a BBC Radio One Producer.
 
SLF reformed in 1987 and booked a huge reunion tour in 1988, including two sold out Brixton Academy gigs, which persuaded Jake to make the reunion permanent.
When original bassist Ali McMordie bowed out in 1990, just as SLF were about to tour Japan, former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton jumped in at the last moment, playing on the group’s subsequent five studio albums Flags and Emblems (1991), Get a life (1994), Tinderbox (1997), Best of all... Hope Street (1999) and Guitar & Drum (2003).
 
2003 saw a new studio album, the extremely well received 'Guitar & Drum' (EMI Records), said in some circles to be their best recorded work in years. This was followed by the first ever book on the group 'SLF: Song By Song' written by Jake with Alan Parker (Sanctuary Publishing), which the pair promoted on radio and via UK book stores, it was later turned into a CD release by EMI Records. If that wasn't enough, a DVD in the shape of 'Handheld & Rigidly Digital' (Secret Music) followed later the same year!
 
2004 started with a tripple disc box set 'Wasted Life' (Secret Music) featuring two audio CD's and a bonus Jake interview DVD. It will be followed in September by the re-issue of three classic EMI Records albums, in the shape of; Go For It, Now Then and Hope Street, all these albums have bonus songs and interviews. At the end of the same month the group set out on another UK tour, the last show at The Ocean in London will be filmed for another DVD release, again by Secret Music, which will be released to the fans in March 2005, by which time SLF will be back on the road on their annual St Patrix's tour.
 
In 2005, Bruce Foxton left amicably to pursue other directions and the band welcomed back original bass player, Ali McMordie. Reaction so far has been fantastic.  The four members of Stiff Little Fingers have barely had anytime to themselves, touring almost constantly they have played to packed audiences in the USA and Europe, while also finding the time to fit in a successful UK tour. On top of this the lads all have musical side projects, finding Jake (3 Men & Black), Ian (The Automatics) and Steve (The Alarm) giving them even busier calendars to fill.
 
 
http://www.slf.com/
 http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:41

17/06/12 11:10

Half Man Half Biscuit Shows

Half Man Half Biscuit have announced 3 new shows at

Bath Komedia Thurs 20th Sept

Newcastle 02 Academy Thurs 15th Nov

Holmfirth Picturedrome Friday 7th Dec

tickets now on sale!

A truly genuine band, blessed with a magical capacity to make the most jaded of listeners fall back in love with music again. Witty and dry, sardonic yet never cynical, melodically infectious yet edgy sing along songs, these four lads who shook the Wirral are perhaps still to some extent an undiscovered national treasure.

Back in 1985, Half Man Half Biscuit sat comfortably at the top of the indie album chart.

This may not seem so much of an achievement, unless you take a look back at the other contenders in the chart at that time.

Acts such as Depeche Mode, New Order and The Cult were all on the scene.

And you could guarantee that none of them managed to hit the number one spot with an album that had been recorded in just a couple of days and for around £30.
That album was Back In The DHSS, it became an instant success after it was championed by the late John Peel, for whom they did a total of 12 sessions over the years.
As soon as he heard the white label test pressing, he was smitten.
In his words, “It came at a time when music in general was starting to get a little bit po-faced”.
With tracks such as 'I Hate Nerys Hughes' and 'I Love You Because (You Look Like Jim Reeves)', HMHB could never be considered as po-faced. Even though this was their debut recording, it went on to sell over 200,000 copies.
Since then, they have released a further 10 albums with Nigel Blackwell never taking the music business too seriously.
According to Nigel, the reason he started writing songs, was due to the fact, that when he left school in Birkenhead, the only other option was to become a heroin addict.
With lyrics such as, “She’s the main man in the office in the city and she treats me like I’m just another lackey. But I can put a tennis racket up against my face and pretend that I am Kendo Nagasaki,” nobody could dispute he chose the correct career path.
Their latest album CSI: Ambleside, sees more of Nigel’s surreal observations on everyday life.
A few shining examples are 'Bad Losers On Yahoo Chess' and 'Took Problem Chimp To Ideal Home Show'.
So grab your Joy Division Oven Gloves and don your Dukla Prague away kit, as The Biscuit are coming to town.... and on a Christmas Saturday night too !
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:61

11/06/12 08:35

Tommy Emmanuel UK Tour 2013

Tommy will be back in the UK March 2013 on a 13 date Tour + special guest Martin Taylor

Presale Wed 13th June Eventim Network

General Sale Fri 15th June

Tour Dates include

Thursday 7th-Mar AYLESBURY Waterside Theatre
Tuesday 12th-Mar BARNSTAPLE Queens Theatre
Wednesday 13th-Mar EXETER Corn Exchange
Thursday- 14th-Mar BRISTOL Colston Hall
Saturday 16th-Mar LONDON SBE
Sunday 17th-Mar FOLKSTONE Leas Cliffe Hall
Monday 18th-Mar CRAWLEY Hawth
Wednesday 20th-Mar IPSWICH Corn Exchange
Thursday 21st-Mar CHESTERFIELD Winding Wheel
Friday 22nd-Mar HALIFAX Victoria Theatre
Sunday 24th-Mar ULVERSTON Coronation Hall
Tuesday 26th-Mar ABERDEEN Lemon Tree
Thursday 28th-Mar EDINBURGH Queens Hall

Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel has a professional career that spans over four decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Tommy's unique style - he calls it simply "finger style" - is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers.

As a solo performer, Tommy's dazzling performance, flawless guitar skills and voluminous repertoire never fail to amaze and engage his legions. From the wilds of Australia's outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel's flair and unforgettable showmanship have created an enviable fan base that continues to grow even larger every year.

http://www.tommyemmanuel.com/

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:112

Martin Taylor is a multi-award winning guitarist and Acoustic Guitar magazine calls him ‘THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation’. He dazzles audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humor, and a strong stage presence while his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world’s foremost exponent of solo fingerstyle guitar playing. Taylor has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated, by guitarists all over the world.
 http://martintaylor.com/

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:367

05/06/12 08:35

Focus November Dates

Focus will be at

Buxton Arts Centre Thurs 8th Nov  &

The Wharf Tavistck Sat 17th Nov

With their unique progressive rock Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and the most appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports.
 
The band were fronted by the much admired duo of Thijs van Leer on the Hammond organ/flute and Jan Akkerman on the guitar. Their hit potential came in the form of a couple of instrumentals, "Hocus Pocus", "House of the King", and "Sylvia", but we shouldn't forget their timeless albums "Moving Waves", "Focus 3" and "Hamburger Concerto". But like all good things, it couldn't last and internal wrangling ended this legendary group.
 
After an initial careful comeback which resulted in a well received album "Focus 8", the band are now back on the frontline, with a fantastic line-up! Of course the founder member and musical genius Thijs van Leer is still holding the fort. Also back in his old spot is Pierre van der Linden, the drummer who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and who was and still is a defining factor in the whole Focus sound. Together with Bobby Jacobs who stems from a well acclaimed Dutch musical family, they are responsible for the rhythm section and that unmistakable Focus groove. The talented Niels van der Steenhoven stayed with the band from 2005 till january 2011. Menno Gootjes who participated in Focus in a earlier stage completes the band's line-up.
 
A new Focus era has arrived. There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions, that adorn the new album "Focus 9 / New Skin", which has been released on the famous Red Bullet label of Willem van Kooten. This album -and the following gigs- will surprise the loyal fans. They will hear once again all the classic Focus tunes and they will be surprised at the strength and depth of the new material. "Our music is evolution, not revolution", Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace.
 
Thijs van Leer - Hammond-orgel, flute and vocals
 Menno Gootjes- guitar
 Bobby Jacobs - bass
 Pierre van der Linden - drums
 
www.focustheband.com
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:14

31/05/12 19:25

The Damned Xmas Show

The Damned have added an Xmas show at Manchester Ritz Sat 8th Dec,they are also performing at

Falmouth Princecess Pavillions Fri 15th June

As the years go on The Damned's now legendary Christmas Manchester shows just keep getting better and better...Instrumental in kick-starting the original punk rock scene, The Damned have never been afraid to push themselves musically and throughout their time together have cruised through whatever areas of progressive, psychedelic, goth and pop rock that take their fancy. Smash it up at this festive gothic punk get together.
http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:183

31/05/12 18:35

Epica Manchester Ritz

Epica -- Requiem for The Indifferent Tour Dec 16th  Ritz Manchester

VIP tickets:
Epica would like to sell higher priced VIP tickets for all shows on this tour.
The VIP ticket holders will get a meet and greet with the band, a VIP laminate & lanyard, one or more unspecified Epica free gifts,
e.g. poster, shot glass, etc., the opportunity to get stuff signed by the band, plus a photo opportunity with the band.
They also get the opportunity to buy merchandise in an unrushed and uncrowded environment.
This will all take place in the venue after the sound check.
 
VIP tickets will be sold from the usual outlets alongside regular tickets.
Suggested limited number of VIP tickets 80.

Ever since EPICA emerged on the scene at the end of 2002, the band has been living in a whirlwind of studio recordings, interviews, screaming fans, live performances and a rock 'n roll lifestyle. With every new album EPICA pushes the boundaries by reinventing their distinctive style, and nothing seems to stop the band on their rise to the top. 
With their previous record ‘Design Your Universe’, seen by many as a true milestone in bombastic and symphonic metal, EPICA seemed to have found the perfect musical mixture between classical and heavy music. The album entered the charts everywhere and consolidated their position among the top of today’s metal acts. An extensive tour marathon with over 200 headlining shows all over the globe proved both their ambition and their success.
This time EPICA once again raises the bar with their fifth album called 'Requiem of the Indifferent’. Full of trademark hymns, significant lyrics, powerful guitar riffing alternated with cinematic interludes and Simone Simons’ angelic voice.
Watch Epica on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNoTvg0t52c

http://www.thegigcartel.com/artists/profile:366

28/05/12 08:50

Joe Bonamassa London 2013