Intense Nick Brings Us Up To Date on Rock Out, An Incredible Night of Rock and Roll To Benefit Cancer Research

(Ed’s Note: The Rock and Roll Report is as much about community as we are about rock and roll and when we see a worthwhile cause we jump in and support it 100%. Rock Out is just such a cause and we are proud to be associated with it. We will let our UK correspondent Intense Nick fill us in on the details.)

As of today (26/10/09) it is eighteen days until Rock Out has its first gig at the Cheese and Grain Hall in Frome, Somerset UK on Friday the 13th of November this year. I must admit to being anxious and a bit nervous about the whole thing. So much has gone into it since December/January 2008/9 when I had the dream which inspired the whole thing alongside so much inspiration from bands and friends of mine on various networking sites. However I am confident that this project will be a great success and achieve its goal to raise funds for Cancer Research UK while providing an additional promotional platform for so many brilliant and inspirational independent/unsigned bands and artists who I have befriended while networking and working here at www.rockandrollreport.com as Intense Nick (UK Correspondent).

Full details and a great many ‘free’ downloads from many willing and supportive bandmates are available at the recently made Rock Out website, www.inrockout.com, do please take a look at this and enjoy the generosity of the bands. All that is asked is that you show appreciation by using the ‘Donate’ button on the ‘favour for a Favour’ page, but this is not essential, just highly useful and the best way to show appreciation for the involved bands generosity and to show support for the project. This set up is likely to change very soon to ramp up the incentive to donate.

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Live Show Review and Photo Essay – Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson
John Labbatt Centre
London, Ontario
September 20, 2009

Twelve years after I entered Varsity Arena in Toronto to catch the spectacle that was Marilyn Manson, I finally found myself in a position to take in his show once again and see how things have, or haven’t, changed.

One thing that definitely changed was the fact that the Christians were nowhere to be found this time around. Twelve years ago, Manson was the Antichrist so they lined up parallel to us heathens all the way down the other side of the street and shouted bible verses and condemned us all to hell.

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S.F. EXOTIC EROTIC BALL CELEBRATES ITS 30TH WITH MUSIC

Perry Mann’s San Francisco Exotic Erotic Ball, celebrating its 30th Anniversary October 23 and 24, 2009, Cow Palace Arena, announce live musical performances including DJ Skribble, Missing Persons, Coolio, The Frail, LZ Love, Mini-Kiss, and the return of the most outrageous band to ever grace the Ball’s stage – The Impotent Sea Snakes. The winners of the Third Annual Sonicbids “Perform at the Ball” Contest are Super Geek League from Seattle and CR Gruve from Portland Maine. For all details, see http://www.exoticeroticball.com/.

NEW NOISE SANTA BARBARA MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL

The first ever New Noise Santa Barbara Music Conference and Festival will take over the streets of the American Riviera for three nights and two days, October 8-10, 2009. Promising live music during the evening and stimulating discussion about the convergence of music and technology during the day, New Noise is expected to draw hundreds of locals and out-of-towners alike. See www.newnoisesb.com. For more info, contact Jeffrey Theimer, president, New Noise Santa Barbara, 805-979-9673. Email: info@newnoisesb.com

Lisa McDonald Interviews Craig Martin of “Classic Albums Live”

Classic Albums Live is a Toronto-based touring outfit consisting of 40 professional musicians with a commitment to recreating a note for note, cut for cut recital of some of the greatest classic rock and pop albums of all time.

Under the leadership of producer Craig Martin, the series began in 2003 and has grown from once-a-month shows at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto to sold out venues across the USA. With standing ovations in Florida, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New Jersey CAL has not slowed down playing venues all over Ontario and Eastern Canada. But Torontonians haven’t seen a performance held in the heart of downtown since the series parted ways with the Phoenix at the end of August last year.

To the delight of followers of the series, a press release issued in May announced that CAL will perform at Massey Hall for the very first time on Sept 26, 2009. The performance will honour the 40^th anniversary release of the Beatles Abbey Road when Classic Albums Live performs the entire record with a 17-piece band.

Mr Martin joins me now to discuss this milestone in the series

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Live Show Review: Hundred Days with support from Psalms

Hundred Days with support from Psalms
19-08-2009 The Rifleman’s Glastonbury

It was with great anticipation and excitement that I made the short journey across to the Rifleman’s in Glastonbury on a warm Wednesday night.

Headlining the gig tonight was Yeovil based rock band Hundred Days. After hearing plenty about them, I had not had the opportunity to see them live.

The support for the evening was Bath based band Psalms, who were unknown to me. After grabbing a quick pint I made it in just in time to watch them kick off a set that blew me away.

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AN UNUSUAL EXPLORATION OF NEW ROOTS MUSIC – New Roots at the Trinity Centre in Bristol, UK.

New Roots at the Trinity Centre in Bristol, UK.
22nd August 2009
8pm to 2am

Ten Ton Tongue www.myspace.com/10tontongue

10 Ton Tongue put on one high-output performance, which has been described variously as ‘Neo Victorian Forest Grunge’ and a ‘Gothic folk circus with boots on…’ The music is a theatrical rampage. Ridiculously dexterous guitar work, steeped in migrating flamenco and suffering blues, is backed with heavy riddling rhythms and fronted with intense 10 Ton Tongue-twisting lyrics. Think Rodrigo y Gabriela meeting System of a Down, delivered with a kiss on the cheek. It is a dizzying performance that leaves you nowhere to hide. Described by Venue magazine as ‘…all gilded flamenco flourishes and lunging crescendos. Impassioned performance, passionately received.’

Vamos www.myspace.com/vamosband

Are a band with an international selection of members, with Spanish, English and French roots born as a need to give happiness, movement and love to people. They just want audience to have a good time and do so by playing easy to listen, cheeky, fast rhythmic songs with positive viewing lyrics…for the big and small! Just want to give good times to all, folk, rocky, rumba, Latin and also some romance!!

The Dirty Roger www.myspace.com/thedirtyroger

The Dirty Roger is mostly Mr D. Roger who would prefer it if The Dirty Roger was just himself. However he is glad to say that The Dirty Roger is himself and reluctantly, Mr Von Scrotum, Mr P. Spit and Mr John. If Mr. D Roger had 8 arms, 4 brains and 40 fingers it could just be himself, but it’s cannot be. So to introduce the band as follows:

Mr D. Roger is responsible for writing all tracks including samples, rock riffery, beats, structure and lyrics.

Mr Von Scrotum accurately triggers all samples to my timing and plays keyboard to Mr. Roger’s taste and tempo.

Mr P. Spit picks, bends and strums a 6 string electrical guitar and slams the big muff to order. Also introducing Mr John as the stick-wielding drummer that has to put up with Mr D Roger.

Zen Elephant www.myspace.com/zenelephant

Zen Elephants are a lively quartet which draws its distinctive style from an array of genres. A blend of folk and reggae acoustic guitars with funked-up bass lines, pumping beats and thoughtful words; they create a groove-laden sound which guarantees elevating live performances.

Chandelier Falls www.myspace.com/chandelierfalls

The Chandelier Falls are an alternative- acoustic band that blends three part harmonies with guitar riffs that conjure feelings deep down Chandelier Falls live performances are simultaneously discomforting and reassuring. Ian Skriczka’s clear falsetto and Vincent Callan’s feral vocals are perfectly anchored by Sarah Corfield’s feminine yet powerful harmonies. Stripping back the arrangements also leaves the audience in no doubt of what’s at the heart of their lyrics. Formed in October 2008, Vincent, Ian and Sarah met on Bristol’s open-mic circuit and where soon playing regular sets across Bristol, Liverpool and Bath. They have played numerous gigs including support slots with The Bomberdiers, Six Figures and also at Trinity Garden Party. “Chandelier Falls were at home right away with a stunning set, showing off their unique vocal structure to full effect.” Unlike many of their contemporaries, Chandelier Falls’ discomforting and uplifting sound has its roots firmly planted in alternative rock, The band all come from eclectic musical backgrounds ranging from alt-metal to musical theatre but their mutual influences include The Frames, Damien Rice, Lisa Hannangen, Stereophonics, and Turin Brakes.

Celebrating the Bristol sound: a night of Bristol bands who popularize the traditional musical styles of their influences and ancestors. They have a mixture of styles for you including Blues/Electronic, folk, alternative folk/rock, and acoustic afro-beat and now with the established Trinity shenanigans of entertainment and visuals and an atmosphere that’s complimentary to the summer season.

I am really looking forwards to attending this event, it is going to be a great selection of styles which all help to shape modern music and Rock’n’Roll, and recommend that you do come along to enjoy it also, if at all possible please be there.

Intense Nick.

Tickets £6/£5 concs from Bristol ticket shop (0117 929008)

The Trinity Centre

Trinity Road

Bristol. BS2 0NW

Tickets available from
www.bristolticketshop.co.uk

Contact the Trinity Centre via
www.3ca.org.uk

Or if you fancy playing here, Email mp3’s and a bio about you and/or your band to
gigs@3ca.org.uk

Live Gig Review and Photo Essay: Tractor, Alabaster Suns, Big Naturals, Taint & Kylesa live at the Croft in Bristol UK

A short while ago I visited The Croft in Bristol, UK and saw three bands play. They were Tractor, Alabaster Suns and Taint. The Croft is a great little venue that has a bandroom for gigs that is about 50 x 30 in feet & inches, jut right for a real ’live’ atmosphere. Check the Croft out at www.the-croft.com

Tractor were first on stage, a band from Bristol who kick out a their own style of noise Rock. They played a fairly short but kick-ass set. All three acts had to clear the band room fairly early, but all three bands made for this with the content of the sets.

Alabaster Suns from London played next and thrashed out an excellent set of their brand of concrete/industrial Rock. Again a short set but mind blowingly magnificent. They have a debut CD named ‘Alabaster Suns’ which has received glowing reviews from Kerrang, who gave it a rating of 4/5 and from Rocksound who awarded it 7/10. Their sound is brutally heavy oozing with deep bass lines, frantically rampant drum rolls and rhythms that make their style roll all over the place with riotously raunchy guitar chords, riffs and licks completing the package perfectly with the such strong vocals to make the sound heavy as you like. Check them Out at http://www.myspace.com/alabastersuns or their main site http//www.iron-pig.com Read more

KNITTING FACTORY HOLLYWOOD TO SHUT ITS DOORS

The Knitting Factory Hollywood is closing its Hollywood location when the noted music venue’s 10-year lease runs out in October. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the company’s CEO Morgan Margolis said the all-ages venue is opting not to renew its lease at its current location. The Knitting Factory’s Bruce Duff says, “When we get more info — when exactly we’re closing, what our last show will be, and, most importantly, when and if we’re reopening in another location, we will of course let you know. Thanks, and to be sure, the ride isn’t over yet.” Contact Duff, 323-463-0204 x121, Duffkfla@aol.com. Visit http://la.knittingfactory.com for updates.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary with Two Groundbreaking Concerts

U2, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Simon & Garfunkel, Metallica, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills Nash & Friends and Eric Clapton along with Special Guests Set to Perform in Concert at Madison Square Garden

(PRESS RELEASE) Cleveland, OH – Music’s biggest stars – Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, U2, Paul Simon, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends, Simon and Garfunkel – will come together on October 29th and 30th at Madison Square Garden for two unique concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The shows, presented by American Express, will be packed with guest stars and unique collaborations designed to tell the story of rock and roll. American Express® Cardmembers have access to advance tickets through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 starting 9 a.m. on Monday, July 27th. Additional sponsorship support for the event is being provided by Bacardi.

Each night will feature entirely different line-ups, with artists performing their own songs and the music that inspired them –tracing the history of genres ranging from soul to hard rock. All proceeds raised will go towards creating a permanent endowment for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum. “Twenty-five years ago a group led by legendary Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun created this foundation to recognize and celebrate the music and careers of artists whose music helped shape and define our generation,” said Jann Wenner, Founder and Chairman of Rolling Stone and Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “These once-in-a-lifetime concerts are designed to celebrate the artists and their music.”

A creative team of Tom Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetzman, Wenner, singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson, Academy Award®-winning screenwriter, director Cameron Crowe and several others will work with the artists to curate the show through the live performances and filmed segments. Joel Gallen, the producer/director behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies and the MTV Movie Awards (1995-2006), will direct the show and oversee the 25th Anniversary Celebration along with the creative consultants.

This event is being presented in conjunction with the American Express Concert Series. American Express offers Cardmembers the exclusive opportunity to purchase advanced tickets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation 25th Anniversary Celebration, prior to public. Tickets will be available for purchase with an American Express Card through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000, from 9 a.m. Monday, July 27th, through Sunday, August 2nd at 9 p.m. Tickets will be on sale to the general public beginning Monday, August 3rd at 9 a.m.

The Rock and Roll of Fame Foundation and Museum’s anniversary celebration will also extend beyond the concerts, with both a book and a deluxe DVD set to be released this fall. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The First 25 Years, chronicling 25 years of induction ceremonies, will be published by Collins Design (an imprint of HarperCollins) in September. In August, Time Life will issue a nine-DVD boxed set of highlights of the past induction ceremonies, featuring speeches and all-star performances, many that have never before seen by the public.

Performing on October 29th will be:
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Simon & Garfunkel
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends
Paul Simon
Stevie Wonder

Performing on October 30th will be:
Eric Clapton
Aretha Franklin
Metallica
U2

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