The fasinating night of frankdom.
Happy new decade everyone!
And what a way to end 2009. We get to Gloucester for approximately 9 o’clock and catch the end of the first act . catch up with frank and have a chat about how his summers been since he played Cheltenham, we give him a magnet with a photo of the three of us together, which he gladly takes and calls it the best present of the year. Well we certainly think so.
The next act is Jim Lockey and the Solemn Suns. Having last seen them back in July when they supported Frank at Cheltenham Town Hall and being greatly impressed by them then, tonight we think they could have been a headlining act of their own. We love them, and so does the crowd, shouting out request for songs. For a small town band they appear to have created such a large fan base. Am thoroughly looking forward to seeing them again in the new year.
Finally the act we’ve all been waiting for takes to the stage. Opening with Live fast Die Old, Frank is certainly up to standard. The crowd are singing along, and although the supposed swift transition from Live Fast to Reasons Not To Be An Idiot isn’t quite as successful as hoped Frank laughs it of and has the crowd chanting along to his classic hit. Frank plays a great set, including his popular old songs such as Long Live the Queen, Substitute, Real Damage and Love Ire and Song, as well as many from the new album Poetry of the Deed, including Try This At Home, Dan’s Song, Sons Of Liberty and The Road. His encore includes Ballad of Me and My Friends, Fathers Day and Photosynthesis to which all the band, Jim and his band, and all the WAGS of the bands come on stage to sing along to.
Frank leaves the stage at 10 to 12, and as the crowd clears we move over to the side of the stage. The DJ plays the chimes of Big Ben at 12 and we all wish each other a happy new year and decade! We take to the dance floor and begin to boogie to a strange song about wearing purple, which even though we don’t know we love. After dancing to a couple more tunes we decide it’s time to go and find dad who is waiting for us. After saying goodbyes and thank you's we leave, just in time to hear Auld Langs Syne being played, am rather gutted we missed that. A great and unusual way to see in the new decade.

JUST A QUICK MESSAGE TO EVERYONE THANKING THEM FOR THIER SUPPORT DURING 2009 AND WISHING EVERYONE A FANTASTIC 2010 REMEMBER TO KEEP IT LIVE.

AND A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO OUR GOOD FRIEND AND FELLOW SNAPPER STUART HOGBEN AND HIS BETTER HALF OVER IN AUSSIE LAND WHOM INFORMS ME THIER IS TO BE AN ADDITION TO THIER HOUSEHOLD LATER THIS YEAR , REMEMBER STUART NIKON RULES .

just received the following link check it out


http://incubator-uk.com/blogs/2009/12/08/best-christmas-card-ever-thanks-jules/

STATUS QUO

Rescheduling of November shows

Status Quo were forced to postpone several concerts scheduled for
November 2009 due to illness. Frontman Francis Rossi had throat problems
and bronchitis and was advised that undertaking the shows would result
in impaired performances. The affected shows were in Stoke, Ipswich,
Cambridge, Oxford, Halifax and Harrogate.

The band are primarily known for their touring and live shows, and the
cancellation of shows is always a last resort. Status Quo have announced
that they have now rescheduled the concerts and will perform at the same
venues as follows:

New dates in January 2010

21 Jan Halifax Victoria Theatre 01422 351 158

22 Jan Oxford New Theatre 0844 847 1585

23 Jan Oxford New Theatre 0844 847 1585

25 Jan Harrogate International Centre 0845 130 8840

26 Jan Harrogate International Centre 0845 130 8840

28 Jan Cambridge Corn Exchange 01223 357 851

29 Jan Ipswich Regent 01473 433 100

30 Jan Ipswich Regent 01473 433 100

31 Jan Stoke Victoria Hall 0870 060 6649

Tickets for the postponed shows are valid for the new January shows
[where two shows have been rescheduled then tickets for the first
postponed show are valid for the first new show, etc], and no further
action need to be taken by customers. Anyone unable to attend the new
date and wishing a refund should return to their point of purchase.

Francis Rossi added, “We hate to have to reschedule shows and hope that
the fans realise that these situations are outside our control. The
throat is much better now and we look forward to seeing everyone early
next year”.

HERE IS A COPY OF THE LATEST PRESS RELEASE REFERENCE THE JLS LIGHTS SWITCH ON IN BIRMINGHAM

Steve Hollingworth, Assistant Director of Sport and Events, Birmingham City Council, said:

“There will be a full debrief early next week but we feel it is important to address some issues that have been misreported.

1. Organisers planned for just under 20,000 not 5,000 as has been widely reported.

2. People were counted in and out of the event so organisers knew at all times the size of crowd we were dealing with. Once we were made aware that the security fence had been breached, a multi agency meeting was immediately called and the decision was quickly taken to shut the event down.

3. Security and Police plans were in place to ensure a safe event and these plans included medical support, as is routine for all events.

4. 60 people were seen by medical support staff during the event but the vast majority were incidents such as hyperventilating and fainting, which can happen at an event of this nature. While 4 people were taken to hospital, only 2 people’s injuries were directly related to the barriers being breached.

5. It was a multi agency decision to close the event and announcements were only made to that effect once we had removed fencing to ensure safe dispersal of the crowd.

6. While the vast majority of the crowd were extremely well behaved, a small minority climbed onto security fences, eventually breaching the security cordon and putting others and themselves at risk, and this led to the event being closed”.

ENDS

For more information please contact Hayley Meachin on 07920 750007.
***********************************************************************

PRESS RELEASE

Firstmusiccontrol.com unlocks Publishing

and revenue collection for musicians


Firstmusiccontrol.com launches online this month with the stated aim of enabling and empowering the creative community by offering a tailor-made online service that creates Publishing Companies for their switched-on clients. Firstmusiccontrol.com thus allows people to sidestep the traditional route of seeking a publishing deal by allowing them to take control and do it themselves. No expert knowledge or ‘old-school tie’ is required, and every step and technical term is spelt out by our bespoke ‘Jargon Buster’. Firstmusiccontrol.com’s founders have a wealth of music industry experience between them, and aim to simplify and democratise the Publishing world.
New revenue streams are now emerging within the industry and the possibilities for earning from music are more diverse – and often more confusing - than ever before. By partnering with Firstmusiccontrol.com and benefiting from our knowledge base and experience, clients can secure their rights now and control their own publishing company. Clients sign away none of their rights, retaining full ownership but allowing Firstmusiccontrol.com to do the legwork and collect the revenue, we are based in the UK but act globally and clients can be from any territory.
For a one-off fee, Firstmusiccontrol.com walk applicants through the process of incorporation and plugs the newly formed company into our global network that tracks and remits monies owed on all registered works. Regular royalty statements are also provided to all clients, allowing them to pinpoint where their money is coming from.

Firstmusiccontrol.com offer an unique service that allows anyone to protect and register their rights and also collect the monies generated by their works worldwide, regardless of what stage of career they are at. The message is simple: “Your Music. Your Rights. Your Future.” We’re changing the game, so join us!

For further information please contact First Music Control on 0208 349 8025 or info@firstmusiccontrol.com

/>Guildhall Gloucester Saturday night , sees the eagerly awaited gig by Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds supported by Ades highly tallented daughter Ella Edmondson , I am accompanied by Rich , Janet and the wife , Gail.
Ella's set is as ever kept light hearted the family trait of quick wit in evidence , here I must hold my hands up and confess to the ultimate boob for a snapper, no memory card in camera !!! a quick trip back home and all is amended silly boy.
After a short break Ade and Co take the stage with the now normal banter " we are the bad shepherds were that bad there are no sheep here !!" . this before a note perfect set of some of the best punk tunes re-invented with a folkie edge all this performed on such obscure instruments as Uillean pipes, cittern, whistles,violins and the "trash mandolin!!"
From set opener "I Fought the Law " via Buzzcocks, Sex Pistols Sham 69 and others through to the encore the crowd received the band eagerly singing along and , the occasional old school "pogo "was spotted . Ade engaged the crowd between tunes with Fred West banter and other quick humour , all in all a great night and a band worth catching out there

ANTHONY FISHER , PAINSWICK , GLOS. HAS LOST A GAME OF GOLF BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME

Blog Metropolis

Mondays are normally quiet. Imagine my surprise when Big JA suddenly has a dose of excitement. “New venue in Bristol sorted a pass plus one for Mayer Hawthorne”. Now the enthusiasm becomes infectious.

Into rust bucket M5/M4/M32 Cheltenham Road. A converted cinema, was Jongleurs now Metropolis nice venue. Made myself known to Brad the manager.

Unfortunately the support act had a dose of flu, so there was a lot of hovering in corners boring the soundman etc. and then, just after10 Mayer Hawthorne. There is defiantly the look of Gene Pitney about him, but that’s where the similarity ends. His music has tones of Tamla Motown, Curtis Mayfield but whatever the influence Mayer Hawthorne has amazing stage presence.

First 3 songs and then up to the balcony to listen and enjoy. “This blokes good”, said lady next to me, and she was spot on.

Driving back up the M5 humming one of the songs still buzzing around in head, my impression is that this is not last time the name Mayer Hawthorne will be heard in UK.

Thanks to Brad and all guys at The Metropolis Bristol

Mayer Hawthorne recordings are available on Stones Throw records.

Blogg Porthcawl 2009 Elvis Competition.

Day one.. Big JA to CB “Elvis Contest” you could hear by the tone of his voice, a sudden attack dodgy knee syndrome was due, Yes I said, E L V I S contest… Presley or Costello? Do you have that feeling sometimes you are not getting the message across. The biggest in Europe, no reaction, then,Elvis is really your age group, which would make me seventy odd.

So this poor old git, jumped into the rust bucket and headed for the south Wales Coast.

After being mugged for £5.40 at the Severn Bridge toll, onto Porthcawl. I have to say a very pleasant seaside town. Found the venue Grand Pavilion a lovely 1930s theatre. At this point not one Elvis to be seen. After checking in at reception press pass in hand, I had this very bizarre feeling ,Elvis was in the room, or rather foyer. And blimey I was right, a dearth of Elvis’s or Elvie short tall young and not so young, and this was the audience.

In auditorium the atmosphere was electric, On stage in front an expert panel, including Joseph Hall from USA got talent, one by one the Elvis Tribute Artists or ETAs, sang and gyrated. We were offered Las Vegas style, Kung Fu and so on. All were good a few great but a couple brilliant. The crowd encouraged and cheered all Etas.

After hours of competition Fridays winners were announced these to go on tomorrow’s final.

Day two, Still no word from the Big JA, still debating Presley/Costello no doubt. Back into the show, well after a well deserved EP cappuccino, the lady in café assured me, this is what Elvis always drank at this time of day. Excellent Etas but my money was on a an Eta from Essex called Elvis’s Elvis, so good they named him twice. The odd thing was about 50% of Etas were from Essex. The MC, who was extremely good, discovered that Elvis’s Elvis was second in last years competition. My five bob was safe. Close your eyes and it was Elvis Presley. Of course then came on stage an Eta from Malta good but not quite as good as my nomination. The tension is mounting, the final, four lucky Etas. And yes my man is there. The money is the bank. Well not a “good luck charm” between them. It’s the Simon Cowell moment. The Chair of judges announces in reverse order, Disaster my man flipping second again. It’s the Maltese Elvis who takes the honours. I am no expert but the entire finalists were fantastic.

After the competition off to the venues in Portcawl,for this special weekend have become shrines to the memory of Elvis Presley.

I loved it and suspect so did the other 10000 people that came to pay tribute to his memory.

I did buy a present for the Big JA, a stick of Porthcawl Jailhouse Rock.

The Llanwrtyd Wells Oxjam, arranged by Andy Gilmore of local band,
Kobandallas as part of Oxfam’s music festival fundraising, proved to
be
a huge success. With sell out of tickets and additional bands
extending the line up at the very last minute, the event raised £650
for the charity. Further proof that the ‘Village of the Year’ title
presented to Llanwrtyd as a result of its proactive community spirit,
was an award well earned.

Andy has been keen to raise money to help in countries torn apart by
war. he performed his song ‘Millions of Faces’ using local school
kids for backing vocals. All proceeds going to Oxfam.

Andy Gilmore said “It was the most amazing night, I am very happy !
The £650 profit which is going to Oxfam will be enough to provide
clean
drinking water to nearly 1000 people in Third World Countries I can’t
thank the bands and , local community and everyone who supported the
gig enough. special thanks to ;
"with no regard" from brecon / Mudjacks from swansea /
"Kobandallas"
from Llanwrtyd wells,/ "Twisted" from Bristol / "Oneyeopen" from
builth
wells/ "Senorbillice and the Skalamaties" from Llandovery.
raffle prises donated by the Royal oak / Ffos farm trekking centre/
Llanwrtyd wells auto centre /Qwackers play centre Llandrindod,
National
botonic gardens wales,Heathertons, Charcroft Llanwrtyd wells,The
Game
Group, Kabab 2000 Builth wells. also thanks to Bernie and John
Crompton "in the pink" Tic, Stonecroft inn, Jenny Occonerly, charlie from concert photograthy
special
thanks everybody who has helped and taken part in our event. If I
wasn’
t so tired I’d do it all again tomorrow!”

David Gray –State Theatre, Sydney – 15/10/09

I’m a fish out of water! I came to Australia a month ago now, thinking that I could make a phone call and bam – on the list for photo passes galore…Oh the trauma!

It has been like starting all over again, right from the bottom. It’s a whole new way of working which, to begin with was a constant frustration. In the UK getting a pass is simple. One phone call or email and you’re in. Here in Oz everything is done through the promoter. They want to know your life history, proof of who you’re working for and what colour boxers you are wearing. So, me being a clever so and so set up my email forwarding and all that technical stuff so I could access all my various accounts from one account, send out a whole list of requests and get no answer for like, a week. I wondered why, then thought I’d check my other email where, of course were about ten emails saying STOP STALKING US, WE WON’T DEAL WITH ANY REQUESTS UNTIL WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE….
Oops…
So much begging and troubling Jules for copious emails to shoot off to Australian promoters and apologising profusely for being the man devil of the Australian gigging scene, I finally got cleared to shoot David Gray at the majestic State Theatre.

Now, Dave and I go back a long way – my first ever shoot was David Gray at The Wireless Festival in Hyde Park back in 2005. I was extremely lucky in that I am friends with his legendary ex drummer Clune, the craziest, nicest guy you could ever meet. It was always amazing to watch Clune play – he was as integral to the show as David was – but not only to the show, but the very sound of David’s music and was instrumental to the success that he now enjoys.

David decided on a new direction for the new album and wanted to start a new I think, hence the title ‘Draw The Line’ which means a new band sans Clune, so this was always going to be a little strange. A bit like dating your ex’s sister!

Back to the story though – I get there, and luckily there is only one other photographer, another Brit (we’re everywhere!) shooting for another agency who is actually a really nice guy and we chatted for a while before being taken down to the palatial auditorium. 3 songs and we’re out tonight, no hanging around to enjoy the show.

In the UK, I kind of know all the venues and the conditions and what settings I need to use, of course, I’d never been here before so it’s like starting all over again – messing around with my camera, trying to guess what settings would be best. Nightmare.

So the show started, and the audience, though polite are wildly enthusiastic – it is his first show on Australian soil for three years – and kicks off with the lead single from the new album, ‘Fugitive’ which has a killer hook in the chorus. Make no bones about it, this is a show where David Gray is the leader. The rest of the band are largely workmanlike, blending into the background, all sharply dressed in suits as to not divert attention from the main man.

Camera wise, my shots weren’t cutting it. It was too slow, too blurry. For the first song and a half I couldn’t figure it out. Then…Eureka! My ISO was set to 100, not 1000 which means nothing to you, but explains why my camera was handling like a Skoda. I was soooo annoyed! Still, I had a song and a half left to go and re shoot the shots I wanted, dodging through the aisles, annoying the audience, sweating like a pig and getting some of the best pictures I have got in a long time…
So three songs done, and we are turfed out sharpish, and as nice as the other guy was, you could tell he was facing the pressure of competition as he ran out of the venue into the nearest cab to get home and beat me to the upload! Gotta love this business…

Beginning of October a trip up the M5 to Birmingham for a new event the student based Block Party in downtown Digbeth, Birmingham , a large backstreet area fenced off to make an inner city festival .
Ok so it got colder than comfortable but the music , cheap beer and thousands of students from all over the UK made this a small price to pay for what was and I hope will be a wonderful event .
Music came via various artists from rap acts throught to the full on Hadouken at the various pubs, clubs and make-shift stages ,other events included silent disco, foam party, fair ground and food stalls all fully used and enjoyed.
Being of the older type I stayed at the Adderley Street Matquee to snap the acts there Maeter Shortie set things going a real trip back intime with the Adam Ant Prince Charming and so engaged theyoungcrowds with a stomping set .
Killa Kella followed this with his unique beatbox set which drew accolade from both new and old fans .
A quick trip down to Birmingham's oldest pub for a photoshoot with Mr Hudson "Ben" to his friends before rushing back up to the stage for the Hadouken set complete with 6 foot mouse .
these guys are amazing surely destined to take over from Pendulum as the Number 1 live dance act in the UK . Mosh pit in full swing , beer throwing from both sides this show has the Marquee seemingly alive with energy .
How do you follow that? The Wombats are set to try , before they take the stage I catch up with them for a quick chat . Matthew Murphy and Co have been writing and recording thier new album , and by the looks of it been working out (Matthew Murphy looks so much fitter and tells me this is down to a personal trainer and lots of hard work) give them some pics from a shoot we did a couple of years ago in Brighton before fighting my way tothe pit to watch the show.
The usual Marsupial song round the one mike is gone instead its head first into their guitar fuelled of repertoire songs bringing the live music part of the evenings entertainment to a close , I leave now leaving the younger generation to enjoy Scott Mills and Co cold but happy a great night ,
Please bring this back next year

Greenbelt 09 Blog

Cheltenham racecourse home of the famous Gold Cup, Wychwood Festival and perhaps not as well known Greenbelt Festival.

Greenbelt spread over four days in August usually coinciding with the bank holiday. First things first, it is celebration of Christian beliefs and believers. But you are thinking this isn’t my scene, Uncool in isn’t. I have to say I wasn’t certain what to expect as the rust bucket came to grinding halt. I was really in for a treat

Friday proved a fine start, weaving my way past the food outlets and funny hat stalls, to the main stage,joined by the Big JA, first on Peggy Sue & the Pirates from Brighton. Very tight three piece, great songs check them out Bestival , favourite act on Friday was Yfriday,a north east England based band. Great singer brilliant riffs and rumour has it bass player is vicar,mind they didnt do "walking the dog collar".

On to Saturday, hip hop and rap hit the main stage, first on L27 two guys and girl good stuff certainly went down well at pit side, then Sway great to catch up with him, amazing act. Sway proves if you are determind you can make it. With no record deal he still managed to pick up an nomanation the Mercury music prize, I understand he is now signed to an American label, Good for him. If you can, go see Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, I read somewhere, "they defy any prefab industry model", I just thought they where great. Royksopp headlined, I hadnt seen them in years.

Sunday, Gene Robinson Bishop of New England delivered a lecture entitled "Homosexuality:What the bible really says,and why it matters".If only all people could be this open and up front.

The Apples played main stage. phoned Big JA, apparently spent the night in Hotel NHS. Dodgy knees.

Monday, In for another treat, Athlete, Cornershop and a new band to me The Invisable,Tom Herbert,Leo Taylor and Dave Okuma,I sure I have seen at least one of them in Polar Bear,anyway most definitely my favourite band of the weekend. No surprise another nominee for this years Mercurys.

Greenbelt 09 is an interfaith festival it is a religious festival, it has bands, contreversal speakers, art installations, the inivitable bloke selling shaggy sweaters but it great fun and well managed. If you are around next late summer holiday give it a go.

Driving the rust bucket through late night Cheltenham Streets on my way home,how did I rate Greenbelt, one word Highly. And the the Big JA's knees, on the mend.....

Greenbelt website www.greenbelt.org.uk 27th-30th August 2010