The Great Southern Bandwagon

Now don't get me wrong - I don't hate Southern rock. A couple of Lynyrd Skynyrd albums can be found in my music collection. I like The Cadillac Three, Blackberry Smoke, Whiskey Myers, and Black Stone Cherry etc. OK, I realise the latter band ain't strictly 'Southern' but you know what I mean. But for several years now Planet Rock have been going a bit OTT in hyping all these bands, and with their constant (over)playing by the station all these bands start to sound the same after a while. They are all excellent musicians and have written some great songs, but it's all starting to sound a bit 'Southern-rock-by-numbers' to me - with songs being deliberately written to a formula for commercial rather than artistic reasons. It's like there is some sort of rulebook they all have to follow; You have to mention 'Southern' or 'the South' in every song - just to emphasise how really Southern you are - just in case anybody didn't notice.

Now it really seems to be getting to the stage of blatant bandwagon jumping. A singer from a well known screamy metalcore band leaves to front a more 'classic rock' sounding band, and then dumps them too and goes solo. He puts on a fake Southern USA accent and issues a country rock single about 'Driving his ass to Mexico' and drinking ice cold bottles of Bud. He was born and grew up in a village in Yorkshire. That's not even Southern England - it's in the North! Sorry - zero credibility there. How about 'Driving my arse to Cleethorpes' and 'Drinking a nice cold can of Sam Smiths'?

"Got my aviators and my cigarette lighter, my leather jacket, I'm a jet fighter"

17/12/2016 Ginger's Birthday Bash

Always one of the gig highlights of the year, Ginger's 2016 Birthday Bash was no exception. Held once again in Kentish Town's Forum venue the place was pretty full. This year the format was a little different; Instead of Ginger playing various instruments with a wide variety of guests tonight's bill consists of regular bands - two of which Ginger happens to be in.

Gigs on a Saturday should be easy for even a badly organised shower-o-shite like me to get to on time, but that thing called 'real life', work, and the need to go shopping to fill my empty fridge so I can eat the following day manage to get in the way - not helped by the fact that the venue doors open at 6.00 with the show starting soon after so all the acts on the bill can be crammed in. Consequently, I have to travel straight to the gig with no chance of being able to go to a nearby pub for beers beforehand. However, thanks to 'in flight refueling' I am somewhat less than sober when I arrive at the venue. Unfortunately, by this stage I have already missed the first two acts on the bill. I wasn't particularly bothered about opening band Elvana - apparently an Elvis/Nirvana tribute band. I kid you not! Actually, they might have been quite interesting as I really enjoyed seeing Ramones/Abba faux tribute band G.A.B.B.A a few years ago. I was more concerned about missing the Main Grains, but as I'd seen them a couple of times in 2016 anyway not seeing them wasn't the end of the world. I did find out later that Main Grains frontman Danny McCormack's former Yo-Yo's bandmate Tom Spencer joined the band on guitar for the final song - the Yo-Yo's 'Keepin' On Keepin' On'. I'd have liked to have seen that.

I am in the venue when The Dowling Poole are on stage, but unfortunately didn't really catch any of their very poppy tuneage due to constantly bumping into people I know and in most cases rarely see. This outfit are now a full band after starting off as a duo featuring ex-The Grip, Honeycrack, and one time Wildhearts keyboard player Willie Dowling and Cardiacs and Wildhearts bass player Jon 'Random' Poole. - and also Givvi Flynn on backing vocals.

The first band I actually did manage to see was Hey! Hello!.

This is the new Mk 2 lineup of the band as seen earlier in the year. Cat Southall is doing a fine job on vocals - allowing Ginger to take a step back from frontman duties (although he has never fronted this band) and concentrate on just being a guitar player and songwriter.

The rest of the band is unchanged and still features ex-Anti-Product and Ga Gas man Toshi on bass (above) and ex-Towers Of London and The Howling man the Rev (below) on guitar.

Hey! Hello! are great fun as a live act with loads of cracking tunes and plenty of action on stage.

The band have recently released their second album 'Hey! Hello! Too' which features a variety of lead singers - including Cat who is currently fronting the band and looking like she's loving every minute of it!

Hey! Hello!'s second album is a fine follow up to their critically acclaimed first one and features another bunch of well crafted pop/punk tunes. I look forward to seeing more of this band in 2017...

I had been looking forward to checking out Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind as I thought the frontman's previous act the Jim Jones Revue were a terrific old school dirty rock 'n' roll band. However, I manage to miss them for much the same reasons as The Dowling Poole....

And now for something completely different. Dirtbox Disco are back at this event after going down well with many of those in the crowd last year. I manage to catch some of their set. It's an entertaining mix of punk. metal, and 1970's glam rock - their brand of lunacy reminds me of The Damned in particular. I especially like their catchy anthem 'Lets Get Fucking Wasted'!

Last but definitely not least is the main act of the night - the 'Birthday Boy' returns to the stage to lead The Wildhearts through a crowdpleasing 'Greatest hits' style set also featuring some lesser known songs.

One thing that has greatly gladdened the hearts of most present is the very welcome return of original Wildhearts bassist Danny McCormack who joins the band for the encore songs. Few would have thought this was ever likely to happen as there has been a certain amount of bad blood between Danny and Ginger for various reasons since he left the band. Even Danny's new band the Main Grains being on the bill was unexpected, but obviously a lot of water has passed under the bridge and it's great to see these two on friendly terms again. Many didn't expect Danny to be able to make this gig (as well as his own band's recent tour) as a few months ago he had to have one leg amputated below the knee due to some ongoing health issues he's been suffering with over the last year or so. It's still too early for him to be fitted with an artificial leg, so he has to play the show sitting down - as he did with the Main Grains earlier in the evening. Danny seems to be in good spirits in spite of all this, and the fans are very glad to see him making this guest appearance with his old band.

Ginger himself appears to be in good form too, but it turns out later all is not so well....

As usual for a Wildhearts gig the atmosphere is terrific - a Wildhearts crowd can never be outsung! I meet old friends who have come from as far as Portugal, and even Australia just for this show - so everyone is determined to have a good time!

This band have a very rich back catalogue to pick from, and obviously they don't have enough time on stage at this show to dig too deep into the more obscure and rarely (if ever) heard rarities and B-sides - therefore it is of necessity a bit of a Greatest Hits type setlist - but no one is complaining!

We get many of the old favourites: 'Sick Of Drugs', 'Everlone', 'Weekend', 'Love You Til I don't', 'Nothing Ever Changes...' and some lesser known songs from later tears like 'The Revolution Will Be Televised' and 'Mazel Tov Cocktail' . However, as mentioned earlier - all is not well. Or more precisely, Ginger is not well. At one point he turns his back to the crowd - and I see him eject a stream of projectile vomit towards the back of the stage. Actually, there turns out to be quite a lot of puke over rest of the stage as well, and faithful but long-suffering roadie Dunc has the unenviable task of trying to mop it all up with towels - he's certainly earning his money tonight. But he always does.

However, trooper that he is Ginger decides the show must go on - and it does. All too soon it's encore time and we get hammered by the double-whammy of 'Suckerpunch' and 'My Baby Is A Headfuck' (always a popular for a crowd sing-a-long!) followed by Frank Turner appearing of stage to take lead vocals on 'I Wanna Go Where The People Go' - probably much to the ailing Ginger's relief! In spite of the Birthday Boy by this point feeling very under the weather it's a cracking climax to the night!

As ever, Ginger's Birthday Bash has been a terrific night! Due to there being seven bands on the bill and there being a lot to fit in the venue extended it's curfew from it's usual 11.00 to midnight. Consequently I am grateful to the new Night Tube service which I use for the first time - otherwise I might have struggled to get home without resorting to the dreaded Night Bus! I am relieved not to have to do that as I have been up and on the go since 5.20 in the morning...

Unfortunately, Ginger isn't feeling much better after the show and himself and Danny end up going to hospital together later - victims of the dreaded winter vomiting bug. This also causes the following night's end of Wildhearts tour show in Nottingham to be pulled at the last minute as Ginger isn't feeling up to it and doesn't want to disappoint the fans with a sub-standard show.

My rubbish pictures from this show are a mixture of phone and digicam efforts - if you want to see a load of really good professional quality photos from this gig then click on this link to go to the wonderful Trudi Knight's gig photography website.

PS: The Wildhearts postponed  end of tour show has since taken place in Nottingham, and there is a new Wildhearts album on the cards for 2017....

10/12/2016 The Fiascos & The Kut @ Proud

I have to say that Proud isn't one of my favourite venues - mostly due to it's shit and vastly overpriced bar. However, this Saturday see's a strong bill there at a bargain price as part of a Camden Rocks Presents bill.

Unfortunately I had to work earlier, followed by other stuff like shopping as my fridge was empty. I was determined to get there to see The Fiascos as I've been wanting to see them for some time and missed them recently at their first gig in Camden. However, I arrive to find things are running a little late and Dedwardians are still playing.

I've enjoyed seeing this band a few times before, but in the very short part of their set that I catch tonight they seem a bit lacking in focus and direction compared to the previous times I'm seen them. In the past they've impressed me as a very good rock 'n' roll band. Either they are having an off night or I've missed the best stuff in their set tonight?

Next is the main band I've come to see. Formed from the ashes of the much missed Kitty Hudson this as a sort of South London punk 'n' roll supergroup.

The band have formed recently and have only played a handful of shows so far - this is the first one I've managed to get to.

I think it's fair to say that if you were a fan of Kitty Hudson then you'll like The Fiascos too. It's catchy pop/punk/rock 'n' roll along similar lines, played by a couple of the same people, but with all new songs

Some of you will recognise Richie from his days fronting Kitty Hudson, and previously the more glam/punk Glitterbug - as well as more recently playing bass with Brijitte West and the Desperate Hopefuls.

Actually, most of The Fiascos were also in Brijitte Wests most recent band, but it's good to see Richie back on six string duties where he belongs.

Fellow six stringer and singer Keef will also be familiar to many as the frontman from London pop/punkers Dead Identities.

And of course drummer Robin Guy will be familiar due to playing with - well, nearly everybody! Rachel Stamp, Sack Trick, Bruce Dickinson, TAT, AntiProduct, Lilygun, Maleficent, G.M.T., Tigertailz, and most recently Sham 69 to name just a few....

Bassist Ben has been seen playing with punk legends Spizzenergi.

As expected, The Fiascos turn out to be a lot of fun! The energy level is high and the attitude is intense! The songs are catchy and tuneful, as one would expect with this bands pedigree.

Personally, I wouldn't have minded hearing some Kitty Hudson tunes as well as the new ones - that band had loads of cracking songs and it's a shame to see them going to waste, but I guess The Fiascos want to emphasise that this is a new band. They are off to a strong start with songs like 'Built For Speed' though.

The band turn in a short sharp shock of a set of fast punky tuneful numbers that demonstrate that they are indeed 'built for speed' - I look forward to seeing more of them in 2017.

Next on the bill are Tigress, who don't make much of an impression on me to be honest.

Competent enough musicianship, but I can't remember any of their songs.

Next are Heel. Again, competent musicianship - a guitarist who sounds like he's into metal and has had lots of guitar lessons but looks like he want's to be in a hip-hop outfit or something? I don't get it.

The singer is very good, but looks like she's more interested in being a pop star than fronting a rock band. I can't remember any of their songs either. This could possibly have something to do with having virtually emptied both my hip flasks by this point though.... This is certainly a band who look nothing like they sound - you can make your own mind if if that's a good thing or not.

I gave them a chance, but the last two bands weren't my sort of thing at all - rather an anti-climax after The Fiascos and I would have probably given up and left if it wasn't for the final band of the night.

I saw The Kut for the first time a couple of months ago and quite enjoyed their set - I was pleased to find I hadn't missed them today as I feared they would be on earlier.

The band now seem to have a new bass player in place and she seems to fit in well.

There is more to frontgal Princess Maha than just vocals and rhythm guitar - she is an accomplished musician who can rip out a mean guitar solo when she feels like it.

Although things were running late The Kut made it worth hanging around until the end of the evening with their energetic grunge inspired grunge/pop rock. This band are fun and certainly worth seeing again.

Once again a Camden Rocks promoted show provided great value for money - £7 on the door (or only £5 advance) for this 'all-dayer' with 11 bands on the bill - it's just a shame I couldn't get there a few hours earlier 'cos there were some other bands on the bill I would have liked to have seen as well.

20/11/2016 Billy Walton Band @ East Barnet Valley United Services Club

Something rather unexpected tonight; an American blues band on tour - playing in a tiny club in Barnet! The outfit in question is the Billy Walton Band. I'd never heard of them until I saw this 'Beat Club' show being promoted by North London promoter Pete Feenstra - what first caught my eye was the venue: East Barnet Valley United Services Club. I'd never been aware of much happening here in the way of live music apart from the odd very middle-of-the-road cover band. Maybe this is a sign of things to come? I certainly hope so.

The place doesn't have a great reputation locally and as they don't serve real ale I'd never have reason to set foot in there normally. It's a members only club anyway, and as Groucho said "I wouldn't join any club that would have me as a member". I'd checked out the band on their website and they sounded good, plus I knew the beer was cheap in the club even if not to my usual taste. I was quite looking forward to checking this gig out, but I was also curious to see how many people actually turned up? I was wondering if I'd be feeling sorry for the band - used to touring and playing good venues, but playing in a tiny club to only a handful of people? Who knew that a quality band from the USA would be playing in this little club not known as a music venue? Would the local music crowd used to seeing cover bands for free in local pubs be prepared to cough up £12 on the door? For a band they'd never heard of?

I needn't have worried - when I arrived the place was full! In spite of my concerns the promoter obviously knew what he was doing. The band had actually played locally at least once before without me knowing, and there were people here tonight wearing the band's T-shirts. It was an odd crowd though - to me anyway as I felt a bit out of place in a room full of blokes in their 50's and 60's - not the sort of gig I'm used to at all. I haven't been in a crowd like that since I saw Dave Edmunds play at Shepherds Bush Empire a few years ago - and I felt out of place there too. Although the club was full, I hardly recognised anyone - which is very unusual for a local gig. Judging by the lack of trade at the bar in spite of the dirt cheap prices, and the amount of cans of Coke lying around I suspect most of those present weren't local and many had driven to the gig. I think promoter Pete Feentra probably has his own crowd of followers who will travel from all over North London to his shows - although there seems to be a very narrow demographic with an almost entirely male crowd and virtually no young people. In fact almost no one under 40 years old. Still, unlike most of their age group this crowd are out and actively supporting live music - and that can only be a good thing.

As I arrive the support band are still playing. They are called Fuzzwalker and are really good from what little I catch of their set - they remind me of current U.S. band White Denim. I wish I'd got there early enough to see their whole set. To the bar! Only £2.30 for a pint of Theakstons? Yes really. OK, so it's keg and not real ale - but at that price I'm not complaining... After a couple of those I look to see what's in the chiller cabinets behind the bar to see if they have any Newcastle Brown or similar? No Broon, but I do spy Marston's Old Empire IPA - it's 5.7% and only £2.50 a large bottle - that's me sorted for the rest of the night then!

Then it's on to the headline act. As expected the Billy Walton Band are pretty good. It's good solid rockin' blues. The band are all excellent players, and Billy Walton himself is a likable frontman as well as a very good guitar player. He's a bit of a showman too, but without going over the top - he's just having fun.

I think the setlist is mostly original material, although one song sounds familiar and may have been a cover. It's all good stuff though. Even though I didn't really know any of the songs I still enjoyed the set. To be honest, I wouldn't have traveled into Camden or the West End and paid £12 to see a band I didn't know playing unfamiliar material, but if it's happening locally then things like this are worth checking out - and I'm glad I did. I will have to keep an eye out for future events like this at the club - hopefully this will be the first of many as tonight's show seems like a great success.

18/11/2016 The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing @ Islington Academy

Friday finds me heading down to Islington for a dose of Steampunk. Not wanting to patronise the vastly overpriced Islington Academy bar a visit to the nearest Wetherspoons is required for some refreshment beforehand. Along with many other gig goers in the past I used to frequent the Glasshouse boozer adjacent to the venue upstairs before and after the show. However, Wetherspoons in their wisdom have recently decided to close it. Fortunately, they have another pub near the tube station - not so handy for the venue, but better for the last minute dash for the last train home. I bump into some friends in the pub, and manage a quick three pints before heading to the show. As is often the case I have missed the opening act -  CuT on this occasion - not on purpose, just 'cos I can't get my shit together. Unfortunately I also miss at least half of the following act; this is Andrew O'Neill, who is also the guitarist in the headliners. As well as being a musician he is a stand-up comedian. He is very funny. Just as well really. I will have to catch one of his comedy sets one day - I am pleased to hear him announce that he will be bringing back his 'History Of Heavy Metal' show - friends tell me it's very good!

And so, onto the headline act - The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing. I think this is the biggest headline show they have ever played. It's good to see them taking things up a level - this isn't easy for an unsigned band who have to do everything for themselves.

This lot are one of the most entertaining acts out there. Most bands tend to work pretty much on one level and just try to make the best music they can - while hopefully also being a good live act. TMTWNBBFN do more than that. The music is good, and well played, but also their lyrics are interesting and thought provoking - they take you into their own twisted Victorian world. Singer Andy Heintz is visually the most striking member of the band with his topper and dyed beard - more 'Victorian' looking than the rest of the band - apart from the gas mask hanging from his waist - this genre seems to thrive on contradictions: LOUD METAL GUITAR, and then the singer is sitting down playing the saw with a violin bow as the band play an acoustic number.

Although this band fall into the Steampunk genre, there is probably more metal in there than punk. Guitarist Andrew O'Neill is a total metalhead - being particularly fond of death metal and the more extreme side of things. He is also a very good guitarist and throws some thunderously heavy riffing into the mix - some riffs that Black Sabbath, Metallica, or Slayer would be proud of. Bass player Marc Burrows is probably more what you would expect a Steampunk musician to be like, and adds a well received solo acoustic song to the set. Drummer Jez Miller thunders away on drums at the back and keeps things rolling along nicely.

Unusually, the band include a cover in their set - an apt and well executed version of The Kinks 'Victoria' - possibly better known to many in the crowd is the cover of this song by The Fall. The TMTWNBBFN version is excellent. The band's own songs are dark - sometimes very dark, but also often funny. The music can be very heavy at times, but there is also a lot of humour in there. Naturally, much of the humour is dark too, and there is also quite a bit of political satire. The whole mixture is enormously entertaining and gives the band a very unique character - I think they are in a class of their own.

The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing are proud to call themselves a band of 'genuine actual Londoners'  - and you could be forgiven for thinking there might be a Chas & Dave influence in there along with Slayer in songs like 'Margate Fhtagn'. This song about a daytrip to the seaside that doesn't end well for Granny is always a big favourite with the crowds. The lyrics to the songs are clever and funny - plenty to keep you interested. New single the dark and creepy 'This House Is Not Haunted' gets an airing tonight, and we hear about 'Zombie Albert' in the funny and catchy 'Victoria's Secret'. The band also pay tribute to some of their heroes of the Victorian era with songs about the great engineers 'Steph(V)enson' and 'Brunel' - probably their most popular song and tonight's show closer.

 All in all a night of fantastic entertainment and worth every penny.

PS: If you want to see some really good pictures from this show by Ila Desai then click here.

And so, back to the pub. Only The Angel aren't allowing anyone in for some reason - it's not late and the pub doesn't appear particularly full. There was a 10.00 curfew at the venue and it's far too early to go home on a Friday night, so we went to the Nag's Head for beer instead.

9/11/2016 JoanOvArc album launch show @ The Black Heart

This is a gig I've been looking forward to for a while, and it certainly doesn't disappoint! The Black Heart is pretty full for this album launch show and there is expectancy in the air. It's been a long time coming but JoanOvArc's debut album is finally here - I've been seeing the band play some of these songs live for over ten years so it's great to get them on a well produced and recorded CD at last. After some false starts with record companies and managers over the years JoanOvArc have been in the world famous Rockfield studios with 'name' producer Gil Norton, and the results are impressive. The material is a mix of old favourites and new songs - tonight's set reflects this and varies from full on in-your-face rock to the odd quieter and slower number. But although some of their songs are very catchy and commercial the emphasis is very much on the rock. And these girls can rock very hard indeed when they want too. Tonight they explode onto the stage with a terrific performance!

It's the second time this year that I've seen the band at this venue - the first being when they played to a full room at mid-day to open the Camden Rocks Festival. This is the third time I've seen them play in Camden this year (although they have done so many times in the past) and they really seem to be taking things up a gear or two in 2016 with festival appearances and daytime national radio airplay on Planet Rock. Most the lead vocals are by bass player Sam - she is a fine singer and full of energy.

JoanOvArc are on fine form tonight, but then again they always are - I've seen them over fifty times over the years and I've never seen them be less than excellent. They have worked very hard to get this far and are top quality musicians with a great deal of live experience. It finally looks like all the hard work is starting to pay off.

Some of the older songs like 'Live Rock 'N' Roll' and 'Seeds Of Summer' have grown and evolved over the years - no JoanOvArc show is complete without them. 'White Trash' is a newer song that has also become popular with the fans over the past couple of years. However, some very strong newer songs have appeared in recent times, like the new album's title track and opener 'Ride Of Your Life' - a tribute to the many biker fans they have won over at motorcycle rallies. Recent single 'Dragon In The Sky' is also memorable.

JoanOvArc have always been a terrific live act, not just because of their musical ability and good songwriting, but also because of the sheer passion they play with - this is a band who really mean and really feel every note they play.

After a few songs the first of the night's special guests appears - John Altman AKA the infamous 'Nasty Nick' from Eastenders. This guy has the stage presence to do a very convincing version of Johnny O'Keefe and the Dee Jays 'Real Wild Child'.

As well as being an actor John is no stranger to the art of fronting a rock band - he took the place of the late Gary Holton in a more recent lineup of the Heavy Metal Kids.

Then it was back to the girls on their own playing original material - I think virtually the whole of their new album got played. They must have done a good job of promoting the album as it looked like most of if not all the CDs on the rack on the merch stall got sold.

JoanOvArc played a highly polished and confident set as usual, with a little extra gloss added by a keyboard player on some numbers tonight - there is even some trumpet!

Shelley cranked out some cracking solos and exhibited natural flair and show(wo)manship - I wish I could play as well as that!

Soon we get another guest singer - this time it's Adam Barron. I'm not familiar with this guy, but I've seen him perform as a guest with this band in the past and apparently he has also appeared on The Voice as well as with Mick Ralphs Blues Band - there is another Bad Company link coming up a little later.... Adam is certainly a good singer, and I much prefer his version of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' tonight to Joe Cocker's cover.

JoanOvArc certainly seem to have made some good connections in the rock business, and next the Bad Company link is continued with the appearance of Dave 'Bucket' Colwell - who took Mick Ralphs place on guitar in a later version of the band.

They launch into a terrific version of Led Zeppelin's 'Rock And Roll' - featuring not one but three guitar solos!

The band are really on fire as Shelley and Dave trade solos - and I think Shelly just shades it.

Meanwhile, at the back Debbie looks like she is having the time of her life playing the late John Bonham's part and trying to destroy the drum kit! Mind you, Debbie always looks like she's having the time of her life when she is pounding the skins for JoanOvArc - and she really does pound them! Best drummer I've seen all year.

After some less frantic songs mid-set like the bouncy 'Work' and the catchy and melodic 'Running Away' the intensity builds. It's great to see this band playing a headline show and being able to play for well over an hour. Things seem to ease off a bit briefly as the band launch into 'Freebird' - a song they rarely play these days as they concentrate of playing their own material. Rhythm guitarist Laura takes lead vocals for this song after swapping between and rhythm guitar and bass with Sam for a song earlier in the set. 'Freebird' builds to it's crescendo and things really start to take off - the band absolutely love playing this song - and you can really tell! Some bands play this song just as a 'crowd pleaser' but JoanOvArc play it because they enjoy it so much and are so totally into it. I have seen many bands play this song over the years, but I've never seen anyone play it as well or with as much pure passion as JoanOvArc! Debbie on drums looks like she is going to explode with excitement, while Sam looks like she might stomp right through the stage. Shelley is on fire and totally in her element as she tears up her fretboard.

That looked like it was meant to be the end of the show, but due to popular demand the girls threw in an encore of a repeat of 'Live Rock 'N' Roll' - which went down a storm!

What a show that was! There was never a dull moment in nearly an hour and a half. JoanOvArc really are at the top of their game at the moment, and it looks like things might to finally about to really start happening for them after all their years of hard work. If you want to check them out, they will be back in Camden on December 17th when they play at Proud as part of a Camden Rocks promotion.

And so to BrewDog....

BTW: JoanOvArc's new album Ride Of Your Life is well worth checking out.