Camden Rocked!

Well hello, it's been a while since I tapped away and put a blog together, so here goes.....

This blog, is dedicated  to Camden Rocks and a worthy dedication it is !
For those of you, that have never had the pleasure of joining this event, let me summarise it briefly for you. A full day festival, with approximately 200 bands, throughout 20 venues in the vibrant town of Camden.

Picture courtesy of Johnny Deller

The day commences at The Worlds End pub, with a ticket exchange, for your now prize of place, blue star spangled wristband, entitling you to enter any of the venues and catch as many of the bands as you can.
However, for me, the day started on the train, meeting the legend that is Johnny Deller for a BLT, nicely washed down with a Gin and Tonic! Start as you mean to go on, was our premise!
After catching up with lots of familiar faces and sharing lots of hugs within The Worlds End, off we marched (or flip flopped for me) to the first on our list, Dirty Thrills.
Now, I've seen Dirty Thrills a number of times before, from Ramblin Man to Rockstock but I have never seen them perform as they did at The Underworld on Saturday! A midday slot, a full house and this dynamic four piece, stormed it. I was mesmerised, rocked to the core and left wanting to twirl Aaron Plows moustache... ! I salute you Dirty Thrills. What in theory, should of been a hard slog of a gig, when everyone is just pouring into Camden, you made effortless, and to boot, was one of my favourite sets of the day.

Off  a number of us trundled, stopping frequently to meet and greet more familiar faces - there may have been a selfie or two along the way! Arriving at Dublin Castle, we were met with our first dilemma of the day, a lengthy queue to an already packed venue to see Tequila Mockingbyrd. It became clear quite quickly, we had zero chance of getting in, so, we cut our loses and swiftly moved onto our next venue, The Good Mixer in preparation for Doomsday Outlaw.
Although gutting that we were unable to see a band we all had listed, how awesome for the Tequila Trio, that they pulled in such a strong crowd with a mass of fans propping up the bar outside in anticipation they may get in, even if were to catch one song! Good on ya girls!

I have heard one or two tracks from Doomsday Outlaw but I certainly don't know their stuff well, many of you lovely people though, recommended I catch the guys at Camden Rocks so I did just that!The Good Mixer was heaving with awaiting rockers. Luckily, due to our early arrival, we had a prime time spot at the front. It may have been a squeeze fitting the band in the small stage area, but, it did not compromise on their performance and capacity to blow everyone away with their 30 minute set. Guitar laden heavy rock at its finest. A good tell tale sign, as to how good a band is, is the number of folks who let loose and embrace the headbang! There was a significant amount of hair being swished at their set on Saturday! Definitely a band I will be checking out further.

Photo with Doomsday Outlaw ( pic by Johnny Deller)

Now, Camden Rocks isn't all about the bands, its about soaking up the atmosphere, meeting and talking with like minded rockers and enjoying a drink or two. A perfect opportunity arose for us to partake in that, before we headed to Gabeto to catch up with more friends and to see an acoustic set from long standing band - The Men They Couldn't Hang.

(pic by Johnny Deller)

Having got news that a certain band had arrived for their set later that day, a few of us wandered down to Fiddlers Elbow to welcome them, to the delights of Camden rocks. Always a pleasure to see The Bad Flowers guys, Tom, Dale and Karl and share some laughs, plus relay our Camden capers. We also had the added pleasure of catching half of the set, from Hightown Parade, a band I had never heard of before but instantly liked. When a band stop you in your tracks and make you excitedly watch, you know that's a band you need to see again! Fun, melodic, catchy, rocking... if you like The Dead Daisies or The Biters, check this band out .

Next up, was The Amorettes.... or we hoped was The Amorettes! Reaching The Monarch, it was pretty plain to see, we had the same problem as earlier in the day and had little chance of getting in. Undeterred, we crowded the pavement and listened in, to the fab threesome, before Camden Assembly bar called our name. Whilst queueing to get to the bar, we spotted The Amplified festival guys and had a great catch up with them, ahead of finding a much needed pew and spotting the lovely Heidi Kerr of Rock People Management.  Heidi was there supporting two of their finest bands, Tequila Mockingbyrd and of course, Massive Wagons -who I had proudly emblazoned on my vest top.

It really is that kind of event, that although a little disappointing you can't always squeeze into seeing who you wish to see, just gives you an opportunity to meet, mingle and giggle with people you may of missed otherwise.  Every cloud!

Drinks downed, it was time to return to the Fiddlers Elbow for the much anticipated set from The Bad Flowers. The groove infused rock trio, once again, had the crowd enthralled with their heavy riffs, raw energy and sheer passion. The guys are a band of brothers for sure, it oozes out of Dales thunderous bass, Karl's exuberant thrashing of the drums and Tom's masterful guitar skills and vocals, resulting in a seamless, awesome set. To top it all, they are the nicest guys you could have the pleasure of meeting. If you didn't recently catch them with Stone Broken, make sure you see them in the autumn, on their co headlining tour.

Pic by Johnny Deller

After a bit more chatter with the guys and catching up with old and new friends. I then had a photo taken, with the one and only Roy Davis, Roy was a member of glam rock band SHY, who I adored back in the 80's. I have had the pleasure of meeting Roy and his wife Jaci a few times now, as he manages Those Damn crows, who recently signed to Earache records. I'm not going to lie, I still have a groupie moment every time I see him and collaring a photo with him, still gets me all giddy!

Talking of Those Damn Crows, they were up next at the Fiddlers Elbow. The welsh wonders, have not just risen this past year but sky rocketed up the rock n roll ladder. Festivals and gigs by the bucket load, this band have worked their wings off to get where they are now, and are only going one way! Although, I sat round the corner of the bar for their set, it did not take away from the sheer joy they bring, I was singing my heart out and loving every minute.

Having walked the length of Camden (several times), rocked my socks off  and indulged in a drink or two... it was time to rock n roll home.  I can hand on heart say, the atmosphere in Camden was electric on Saturday, a unison of friends coming together, to enjoy the thing that keeps us beaming daily - MUSIC!
Count me in for next year already .

Keep Rockin and remember, life is better with music in your heart and soul.

                                                     xX G Xx

WHOOP DEE ROCKIN FEBRUARY!

Me again..

Little ole me

It's time to catch up on the delights that February brought and it was just that for me - delightful.
February brought new anticipated album releases, Winters End festival and most importantly memorable moments with the best of friends.
The last few years, has seen me hit the gig circuit as much as possible. My motivation behind this, is simple - the sheer joy it brings to me.
Seeing and supporting a band live, is a euphoric experience and something I am happy to say, I am truly addicted to.
To the bands I have yet to catch, I promise I will soon and to the bands I already have, in the words of Arnie - I'll be back !

Firstly, a big One woman Audience salute, to 3 bands who released albums this past month:

The amazing Bad Flowers, with their debut album Starting Gun.
What can I say, the powerhouse trio from the Black Country, have produced nothing short of a superb album. The standout track for me, has to be ' Let's Misbehave', not only do I love the notion of the track but it's a classy rock track, smooth and dreamy one minute, then feisty riffs that just advocate what the song preludes to, the next. My kinda song !
I wanna say a huge Thank you at this point, to Tom, Dale and Karl. Was a massive honour to get a Thank You, in the album credits - still speechless, meant the absolute world to me, so thank you with all of my heart.

Next album to be saluted, is The Temperance Movement - A Deeper Cut. I was both excited and nervous about this album. The Temperance Movement stole my heart with their self titled debut album and that album, will always be magical to me. The moment you see an autistic lad, with no real desire for music, just stop and listen, then repeatedly request the album over and over again, you know the album is special .
A Deeper Cut has returned my passion for The Temperance Movement, if anything, it has exceeded it, this album is a different level altogether and has left me punching the air in sheer glee. Get the album and just kiss it ! ( Playing it too, is strongly advised )

The most recent release, that needs little introduction, is the awesome Stone Broken - Ain't always Easy. The second album is always tricky, especially when All In Time was your debut album! We all knew they could do it though, and they have whole heartedly. A fantastic album, that I'm sure will be a game changer for the guys completely. The album should come with a warning though! That, you will be compelled to keep playing it - can you guess what I am listening to right now, by any chance ?! Thanks for making this gal, one super happy Stone Broken fan, it's Stunning.

Next up, Winters End festival. Where to start  ....?? Not only a plethora of Awesome bands but a catalogue of funny memories, antics and selfies to keep me giggling away to myself for months to come.

Friday kicked off magnificently, with The Fallen State, instantly getting everyone set up for a truly rockin weekend.
Next was The Bad Flowers, who were as always, mesmerising live. Being treated to new those tracks, from their debut album I mentioned above, was everything you could wish for. The Bad Flowers may be a trio but there is a man that is always in tow with them, Tom's Dad - Paul, sound man, merch man - his skills are endless, so give him a wave too when you next see them and trust me, you must see them!

Tom working some Bad Flowers magic

Friday continued with Aaron Buchanan & The Cult Classics, I'm a huge fan of their album - The Man With Stars On His Knees and have been lucky enough to see the band live a number of times. They are a passionate lot and phenomenal live, Aaron's party trick of headstanding  on the crowd, is an absolute winner, along with a rendition of Heaven's Basement -  I am Electric. This is a band here to stay.
The main guest spot to the Headliner on Friday, went to Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons. If you loved Motorhead you will LOVE this band, if you didn't love Motorhead - trust me, you will STILL love this band. Phil & Sons are the epitome of Rock n Roll, hearing tracks from their recent album - The Age of Absurdity and rockin my little socks off to them ( note - was not actually wearing socks) made my night. Watching a legend and how they diffuses through the band, is a beautiful thing.

The legend that is Phil Campbell

Last but no means least, the Headline act for Friday - STONE BROKEN . The band have performed at both Rockstock and Winters End previously and have always stolen the night. A packed house, full of Stone Broken tees, awaited the band and with the biggest roar from the crowd, I've ever heard at one of the Planet Rock events, the guys and Robyn stormed the stage to give a set that dreams are made of . One word ..... AWESOME.

Stone Broken stealing the night, yet again .

Day 1 was complete and in complete awe, I was swooped up and carried back to my caravan, nothing to do with the number of vodkas consumed throughout the evening, at all!!!

Day two, was a full day in downtown Sandford, bands from 11am with a small gap later in the day, before the fun recommenced all the way through till midnight .
The daytime bands consisted of  The Dust Coda, 13 Stars, Erin Bennett, Gasoline Outlaws and The Amorettes. All fantastic and performing to large day crowds of slightly hungover rockers.
The band of Saturday for me though, was the heavy southern rockers 13 Stars. The biggest compliment you can receive, is when a fellow member of the crowd, has to check, they are actually a British band as sound so authentically southern! Take that praise indeed guys, because it is more than well deserved.
The front man of 13 Stars is Hoss, he makes for a larger than life character and had the crowd laughing, smiling and bewitched with his deep, gravel toned, southern voice. If you get the opportunity to catch this band - do so!  The White Raven album from the band, is also a MUST for your collection.

Hoss of 13 Stars

Time for evening number two frivolities to commence. Deever took control of the stage first, a fairly newly formed band, but one that a lot of the crowd were there to support, and they did their multitude of supporters, proud that night.
Broken Witt Rebels followed, now I have seen this band a number of times along their path of growth and can say with my hand on my heart, they just get better and better .....and they were pretty mind blowing to start with! Danny on lead, is one of those uniquely gifted people, who has a one off voice that can only be rated only as miraculous.
I also, had a really good giggle with the Broken Witt Rebel guys later in the bar too, so not only are they are TOP class band, they are TOP class fellas. ( still giggling now )

Up the rebels!

Winner of Guy Bellamy's Great Music stories - Band of the Year, was up next, and that band is.... Those Damn Crows. This is a band going one way - through the roof way! Creators of awesome catchy songs and masters of  live gigs, they have it all. Shane Greenhall, lead vocalist, works the crowd like a true rock legend, if these guys are not huge by the end of the year, I will be damning all crows!
Saturday night Guest spot, went to Wayward Sons. My inner teenage Little Angels fan swiftly bubbled to the surface, as did my outer 40 year old Wayward Son fan, put the two together and you have one over excited wooooooing ME! Ghosts of yet to come, was the album of the year for me, last year, and boy, do the tracks from the album transcend well live. I salute you Mr Toby Jepson, full of energy, amazing voice, great band dynamics and for 1 night only, I was 16 again - THANK YOU.

Scream for Wayward Sons

Headlining Saturday night, the breath taking - Temperance Movement. I have seen these guys a few times, grateful for every chance. Something has changed as of late for them, band member changes - maybe.... but it feels more muse based than that. I can only surmise, they have got to that profound point, where they can finally say  - this is who we are, and all we empower. A very enviable position and one that has resulted in a band, that I think, easily have worldwide potential.
Singing my heart out to  A Deeper Cut, with my arm entwined round one of my best friends (Johnny), is a moment that just secured a space in my heart from this day forward. To The Temperance Movement, you enchanted us and reached the core of my soul - truly a gift to watch.

Now Saturday finished much the same as Friday for me, rather than being swooped up though, I had the pleasure of being Fireman carried from the venue. It's tough being a diddy rocker !

Last day but no means least, brought the repeated struggle to rise and get rocking for 11am but in true, rocker style, I did it (just) !
The line up for today, was another list of fabulousness, including - Jet Black 3, The Outlaw Orchestra, Ghost Community, JoanovArc and Voodoo Six.
There was no competition for the winning daytime band for me, not only did they fill the venue to maximum capacity, they had everyone smiling, laughing and foot stamping along. That band ....drum roll.... or should I say, banjo twang, was The Outlaw Orchestra. The Southampton based foursome, not only created a buzz, but created chaos at the merch stall for their ware. Not many bands, that rock the boards at a Planet Rock event, can boast a double bass, and banjo player ! Their raucous southern/ blue grass music, embroiled with their charismatic humour, is a winning formula and they did just that, win over a whole army of new fans on Sunday. Definitely a band to see but most importantly enjoy again.

Yeehah for The Outlaw Orchestra

Sunday evening brought Winters End to a close. The first band, to rock the stage Sunday night was Theia. The terrific trio from Burton upon Trent, smashed the opening set.  Not only do the band have the best titled song EVER  - Whoop Dee Fuckin Doo but to get a crowd of that size, punching the air and singing it back to you, is a sign of a great band. Kyle Lamley, on lead vocals combines power and passion, to give a winning set every time. Roll on April, when I will be catching these guys on the road again.

Theia - tastic!

Redline brought a more classic rock feel next to the stage. The Hairy Bikers are big fans of these guys and if you love Saxon, Dio , Megadeth... this is a band you need to checkout. Classic and classy.

Fragile Things followed Redline, they have been going from strength to strength these past few months. Most recently a contender, for Best New Band in the Planet Rock, Rocks awards and receiving huge amounts of airplay for their track 'Disappear'. Within seconds of hitting the stage, Steve Lathwell was balancing his bass on his knee due to a snapped guitar strap but the legend that Steve is, didn't drop a note, with some quickly administered gaffer tape, he was back in full flow to conclude an amazing set with his fellow bandmates.

I feel the need, not only to woooooo but scream extra, extra loud before I confirm who hobbled onto stage next . The legends that are THE QUIREBOYS!!! Spike, the infamous front man, may have had a broken foot... but was that gonna stop him, like heck it was! I don't know anyone who didn't LOVE the set The Quireboys delivered, a mix of classics, southern and a smidge of blues. This my friends, was a masterclass of  HOW to be a Rock n Roll band. Spike not only has a voice that is still as amazing as those days long gone, when I woooooed my heart out at Southend Esplanade but his anecdotes and stories are priceless. I think we all came away from that night, with one question, when can we see Quireboys again?!

The man of the weekend - Spike from The Quireboys

Up last, and bringing Winters End to a corking conclusion, was the blues masters King King. Alan Nimmo and his liquid gold vocals are unmissable. They delight the crowd as always, especially with the tracks off their most recent album 'Exile and Grace'. King King ooze talent and sophistication but all in, a kilt clad rock n roll way... what's not to smile about with that ?!

Sunday night finished, and you will be surprised to hear, my own two feet got me back to my caravan tonight!

That's it my friends... Winters End done and dusted for another year. A weekend full to the brim of fantastic bands and friends. I treasure those times and feel so lucky to share them with so many of you. These festivals are a dream platform for many of these bands, but do me one favour, keep supporting them throughout the year to come too.  I know it means everything to the bands and keeps our beloved Rock n Roll scene alive and kicking. In the words of  Those Damn Crows - Rock n Roll Ain't Dead! And lets keep it that way!

Remember everyone, life is better with music in your heart and soul

Xx G xX

AMAZING THINGS!

It has been a while...

Life gets busy, that's my excuse and sticking with it!
My life involves, dealing with the ups & downs of Autism, Sensory Processing, Anxiety and ADHD .. it therefore, gets extremely busy sometimes!
Trust me, I am not complaining, it also fills my world with joy, happiness and an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
I recently gave a good friend, a piece of advice, take something fantastic from each day. There are so many wonderful moments hidden within each day, so grab them and embrace them my friends.

Talking of AMAZING things .. Music ranks highly on that front -very highly!!
There is a reason, music is used in therapy, it is empowering beyond limits. Yes..it is used in a variety of  therapeutic practises but the bottom line is, it's ALL MUSIC .
For me, there is nothing better than cranking THAT album you love, or that moment you hear, one of your all time favourite tunes on the radio and just have to drop everything, close your eyes, feel the song wash over you and lose yourself in the magic of every beat. That is when you dance ... truly dance .... with your heart and soul. Moments like that I treasure and that's what makes Music, an  'Amazing thing.'

So, this 'Amazing' medium is shaping up quite nicely this year. There are some awesome albums on the cusp of being released.
Some from well known bands, others who are establishing themselves and some that are up and coming.
Each are important as the other, for a variety of reasons but mostly for sharing their next / debut offerings of 'amazingness.'

There are also, some truly awesome tours and festival offerings on the agenda.
My gig calendar is looking very healthy for this year already (Yehhhhhhhh)
Make sure if you can, to support some of the smaller bands and venues too. I know, we all want to catch Myles Kennedy, Guns N Roses at Download, Def Leppard later in the year ( yes, I know not all of you ) but there are some cracking bands out there at the moment, that you can see, for a matter of a few pound - even free sometimes!  They really would appreciate your support and in turn, helps keeps our small venues rockin n a rollin too.
Remember, all bands, were an 'up and coming' band at some point!

For me, January has already kicked off nicely ....
I got to see the epic King King at one of my favourite London venues - Shepherds Bush Empire.
There is a real beauty within the walls of Shepherds Bush Empire, it deserves to be treated with respect and be honoured, with breath taking acts and  King King did just that.
What can you say about Alan Nimmo's voice??  Other than, it needs to be bottled!  It's pure class , liquid gold even and reminiscent of early Whitesnake .

King King, feel their music,  that is plain to see. They produced spine tingling rock and blues  performances that night, all entwined with a soulful edge. Absolutely stunning!
If you have yet to check out the band, let me recommend their most recent album 'Exile and Grace'. A sensational album, that eases the crossover, to a more classic rock edge for King King, and it works a treat.

Next up and admittedly very different, was an intimate Q&A with the Party maestro himself - Andrew WK.
I first came across Andrew WK, a good ten years or so ago, whilst flicking though Scuzz Tv channel.  The song 'Party Hard' was on and instantly put a huge grin on my face, it's a feisty rock track but with a melodic undertone & catchy lyrics, that you will be compelled to shout along too and I have done so, since my first encounter with it.
Andrew WK has a new album out at the beginning of March - 'You're Not Alone' and currently receiving a tonne of airplay, across many radio stations for his single  'Music is worth living for' from the forthcoming album.

Daniel P carter hosting the intimate Q&A event with Andrew WK

The evening was hosted by my fellow Essex dweller and all round, awesome Radio 1 Rock show presenter, Daniel P Carter. Andrew WK arrived in his notorious off white jeans and t shirt and sat amongst the exclusive gathering, within the throng of guests, was Andrew's new found friend - Luke Mitchell.
If you are a keen tweeter, this name may ring a bell.. Luke was pulled over on the M4, after speeding along to Andrew WK's new song, being aired by Daniel P Carter. After tweeting his misdemeanour, Andrew WK stepped in and offered to cover the £100 penalty, taking responsibility for 'the sonic party power' that caused Luke to speed!  In the spirit of the tweet thread, Thames Valley Police also added  - You may 'want fun' and to 'party hard ' but we want you to be safe. Drive safely dudes and party on ( responsibly) . Perfect concluding tweet .

Myself and Luke Mitchell, the Party hard speeder!

Back to the event, Daniel commenced the evening with Andrew WK, asking him questions regarding his new album. There was a genuine respect and understanding from Daniel for Andrew's new album, that brought a warmth to the proceedings. Andrew WK answered eloquently and sincerely, he may be THE party man but he is kind, real and his motivational talking, really shines through too.
I really look forward to hearing the album properly, its an album that has taken some time and I think from Andrew's answers, one that has been more thoughtful in its process and allows Andrew to show his inner thoughts further.

Andrew WK answering questions from the audience.

The evening draw to a close with questions from the audience , mine included and then, we all had the pleasure of meeting Andrew WK after.  Not one to miss out on an opportunity of a photo and a chatta, I went straight over to the main man. He instantly thanked me for my question and for coming along, and amiably spoke with me for a few minutes. A true rocking gentleman.
You may recall earlier in this blog, I said about taking something fantastic from each day  - that was my piece of fabulousness that day.

Last up in my January summary, is not a gig or an event but the awesome Debut album from Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The album is 'The Age of Absurdity' and after seeing the band a few times last year  (and being blown away each time) to say I have been excited for this release, is a huge understatement !

The band consists of the 'one and only' Phil Campbell (eeeek) on guitar, his sons - Todd on guitar, Dane on drums, Tyla on bass and then the man with the vocals, is the awesome Neil Starr.
I have listened to the album, only a few times so far, do I love it ? Yes, I do... It's everything I hoped and wished for - punchy, heart pounding, burly Rock n Roll.
If, I met someone who had no idea what this Rock n Roll genre was , 'THIS' is the album I would play them.  Guarantee, they would be a rock convertee,  just like that !

'Get on your knees' may just be my track of the year too!
I know it's only January but hell yeah, this track encompasses everything .... guitar riffs, awesome lyrics and a rebellious rock n roll streak that throws back to the 80's, get ready to punch the air my friends.
This is an album, that your are never gonna tire of, if anything, it's gonna get better on every spin!
And, that's exactly what I am gonna do.  I have a lengthy car journey on Saturday, so if anyone should see / hear a car, literally rockin along the M3, I'll put my hands up now, that will be me & Phil Campbell and The Bastard sons!

That's my January folks... Keep rockin and remember, life is better with music in your heart and soul .

Xx G xX