Between drowning in coursework, not feeling 100% and just generally struggling with motivation, I haven't posted in a couple weeks. And I had no intention on saying anything about recent tragedies, but some of the comments I've read lately, I feel the need to write this.
Last night (or early hours of this morning...) Papa Roach announced they were pulling out of the remaining dates on their European tour with Five Finger Death Punch, who were still continuing with it. While most of the comments were understanding there was still the usual asshole talking shit about it. Questioning why they were pulling out, why other bands were continuing and not them. Go fuck yourselves, seriously. In light of all the shit that's been going on lately is not seeing a band really that much of a disaster?! And if a band feels it isn't safe to continue please remember it's not just them they're thinking about. It's their crew, their family, their fans.
With all the shit that's going on in the world this is a time to stick together, not a time to single out bands or artists, or to question motives. If a someone doesn't feel the security is up to scratch, or it can't be secured then cancelling is the best way forward. The world doesn't need another massacre on it's hands. And no band, artist, event planner etc should be left to feel the weight of this on their shoulders.
Life will always be full of "what if's?" but "what if we hadn't played the show?" isn't something anyone should be left with.
And if this shit isn't already real enough for you then try reading this, watching the interview and tell me you don't feel anything, and that your still pissed you favourite band is doubting doing a tour.
Wednesday 25 November 2015
Friday 13 November 2015
I Will Wait For This Moment
I couldn't sleep last night. This has become a recurring theme in my life, and after a few hours of tossing and turning I thought I'd at least try to be productive. After an hour of failing to get the motivation to do coursework I ended up just listening to music. I ended up listening to songs I've not heard in a while, songs that bring back memories of times gone by. I've always regarded music as a catalyst for emotion and evoking the nostalgia for the past. Music is with you every step of your life and can help put into words what you're feeling or going through when you don't know how to. So I decided to do a post on the top 5 musical moments in my life. Really it's just another excuse for me to ramble on shit about music, and spend an hour or so procrastinating.
1. Aiden
I can't tell you the first Aiden song I listened to, I can't tell you where I was, how I felt, or that in the moment it instantly changed something in my life. But I can remember seeing they were playing in Aberdeen, and getting a ticket to go, more because a band was playing in Aberdeen than anything else. That's when my love affair with Aiden began. I started listening to them after buying that ticket and I got obsessed. I remember meeting them at One Up on Belmont Street before the gig, getting my already wrecked jeans signed (they've still not been washed...) and getting a photo taken with Angel, 'cause I was too shy to ask Wil Francis. I remember being right at the front of the gig, where there were no barriers between the floor and the stage, and Francis saying there was no need for the security staff acting as barriers. And the best part, I remember Francis taking my camera (this was back when cameras on phones were shit) and taking a 'selfie' with the crowd in the background. I lost the photo when my old laptop broke. I never backed it. I'm sure there is a way to get it back, but I'm technically challenged. It was true love after that gig. A couple years later I went to Glasgow to see them again, and it was just as magical as the first time. And in January I will be seeing them for the last time, and hopefully this time at the VIP meet and greet I won't be too star struck or shy to function. But probably not. Thank god for alcohol.
Check out Aiden's website where you can get their full discography as a free download, and for full tour dates.
2. Sixx AM/Motley Crue
I do remember when I first hears Sixx AM. I was surfing through the music channels back in the day, like you do. I stopped on Kerrang! where the video for 'Life Is Beautiful,' was playing. Something about the song made me stop and listen. And I was hooked. I immediately bought the album, then the book, then started listening to Motley Crue. And if you've seen any of my previous posts about Sixx AM or Motley Crue there isn't really much else to say.
3. Motorhead
I grew up with Motorhead. My dad is obsessed. Motorhead has always just been there, a constant in my life. It's one of the things I can remember always being there, much like my mums obsession with Meatloaf's 'Bat Out Of Hell' album (I know all the words to all the songs from childhood car trips) Motorhead was a staple of life. I was around 14 or 15 when my dad first took me to see Motorhead with him. It was one of, if not the first, proper rock gig I had been to. And I loved every minute of it. I'm not entirely sure how many times I've actually seen Motorhead now, I think it's around 6 or 7 but I could be wrong. After experiencing the atmosphere of an amazing live performance I was left craving more, and this is when I really fell for live music.
Motorhead are touring the UK at the start of next year.
4. HIM
I can't remember which song I heard first, but it was the release of the 'Dark Light' album that got me. So I'd guess it was 'Vampire Heart,' the first track on the album. 'Dark Light,' was the first album I bought that wasn't cheesy pop music. And it's the one that started it all. Probably one of my dads proudest moments too. That album changed my life, in regards to my taste in music. I would still regard it as one of the best, most influential albums I've ever bought. It might not be one that will stand for the test of time, or even be the one they are remember for, but to me, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember feeling like everything made a lot more sense. It woke the true music fan within me, and that's stayed with me since.
5. Guns 'n' Roses
If you've read my blog before you'll know I'm not a fan of Guns 'n' Roses post Slash. I can remember 'borrowing' my dads 'Appetite of Destruction' CD (my dad now still borrows CD's from me..) and it clicked. It was like with HIM, it just felt right. I appreciate that Axl Rose is a talented musician, I can appreciate that what remains of Guns 'n' Roses are still making good music, but I just don't like it. The early music is brilliant, and deserves all the praise it gets. Sometime around 2006 I think it was I was reading Kerrang! magazine and saw the tour announcement, Guns 'n' Roses were playing in Glasgow with Bullet For My Valentine. I was excited. I loved Bullet at the time, so off me and my dad went. It was one of the worst atmospheres I ever experienced at a gig. Bullet were fantastic, but the majority of the (older) crowd didn't care, they weren't there for a support band they'd never heard of. It was a strange atmosphere, with a blatantly obvious mentality people were there for the main act, and the main act only. Two hours and near riots later Axl finally got on stage. By this point I was already over it. They put on a good show, but my heart wasn't in it any more. And this when I first realised that music could be a let down. When the band stops caring about the music and the fans and more about the money the magic is lost.
1. Aiden
I can't tell you the first Aiden song I listened to, I can't tell you where I was, how I felt, or that in the moment it instantly changed something in my life. But I can remember seeing they were playing in Aberdeen, and getting a ticket to go, more because a band was playing in Aberdeen than anything else. That's when my love affair with Aiden began. I started listening to them after buying that ticket and I got obsessed. I remember meeting them at One Up on Belmont Street before the gig, getting my already wrecked jeans signed (they've still not been washed...) and getting a photo taken with Angel, 'cause I was too shy to ask Wil Francis. I remember being right at the front of the gig, where there were no barriers between the floor and the stage, and Francis saying there was no need for the security staff acting as barriers. And the best part, I remember Francis taking my camera (this was back when cameras on phones were shit) and taking a 'selfie' with the crowd in the background. I lost the photo when my old laptop broke. I never backed it. I'm sure there is a way to get it back, but I'm technically challenged. It was true love after that gig. A couple years later I went to Glasgow to see them again, and it was just as magical as the first time. And in January I will be seeing them for the last time, and hopefully this time at the VIP meet and greet I won't be too star struck or shy to function. But probably not. Thank god for alcohol.
Check out Aiden's website where you can get their full discography as a free download, and for full tour dates.
2. Sixx AM/Motley Crue
I do remember when I first hears Sixx AM. I was surfing through the music channels back in the day, like you do. I stopped on Kerrang! where the video for 'Life Is Beautiful,' was playing. Something about the song made me stop and listen. And I was hooked. I immediately bought the album, then the book, then started listening to Motley Crue. And if you've seen any of my previous posts about Sixx AM or Motley Crue there isn't really much else to say.
3. Motorhead
I grew up with Motorhead. My dad is obsessed. Motorhead has always just been there, a constant in my life. It's one of the things I can remember always being there, much like my mums obsession with Meatloaf's 'Bat Out Of Hell' album (I know all the words to all the songs from childhood car trips) Motorhead was a staple of life. I was around 14 or 15 when my dad first took me to see Motorhead with him. It was one of, if not the first, proper rock gig I had been to. And I loved every minute of it. I'm not entirely sure how many times I've actually seen Motorhead now, I think it's around 6 or 7 but I could be wrong. After experiencing the atmosphere of an amazing live performance I was left craving more, and this is when I really fell for live music.
Motorhead are touring the UK at the start of next year.
4. HIM
I can't remember which song I heard first, but it was the release of the 'Dark Light' album that got me. So I'd guess it was 'Vampire Heart,' the first track on the album. 'Dark Light,' was the first album I bought that wasn't cheesy pop music. And it's the one that started it all. Probably one of my dads proudest moments too. That album changed my life, in regards to my taste in music. I would still regard it as one of the best, most influential albums I've ever bought. It might not be one that will stand for the test of time, or even be the one they are remember for, but to me, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember feeling like everything made a lot more sense. It woke the true music fan within me, and that's stayed with me since.
5. Guns 'n' Roses
If you've read my blog before you'll know I'm not a fan of Guns 'n' Roses post Slash. I can remember 'borrowing' my dads 'Appetite of Destruction' CD (my dad now still borrows CD's from me..) and it clicked. It was like with HIM, it just felt right. I appreciate that Axl Rose is a talented musician, I can appreciate that what remains of Guns 'n' Roses are still making good music, but I just don't like it. The early music is brilliant, and deserves all the praise it gets. Sometime around 2006 I think it was I was reading Kerrang! magazine and saw the tour announcement, Guns 'n' Roses were playing in Glasgow with Bullet For My Valentine. I was excited. I loved Bullet at the time, so off me and my dad went. It was one of the worst atmospheres I ever experienced at a gig. Bullet were fantastic, but the majority of the (older) crowd didn't care, they weren't there for a support band they'd never heard of. It was a strange atmosphere, with a blatantly obvious mentality people were there for the main act, and the main act only. Two hours and near riots later Axl finally got on stage. By this point I was already over it. They put on a good show, but my heart wasn't in it any more. And this when I first realised that music could be a let down. When the band stops caring about the music and the fans and more about the money the magic is lost.
Tuesday 10 November 2015
Cause They Don't Even Know You
As I've said before, Nikki Sixx gave one of the most inspiring speeches I've ever heard. And I've been trying to write this post for days. It's easy to write about the love you have for a band or whatever, but it is so hard to write about real feelings.
Nikki Sixx is a true inspiration to me, and what he said on tour is something that will stay with me forever. It comes down to
As I said in my previous post, Nikki Sixx gave an inspiring speech on the final tour, one that I can't forget about. I've watched the video of it over and over again on YouTube. But really what Sixx is saying is don't let the bastards get you down. Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do.
And it could not have came at a better time in my life. Right now I'm trying to do a masters, and I'm fucking up. I feel like shit every day, and it's the same feeling I had the first time I was at uni, when I dropped out. I felt like this at college, I felt like this in my undergrad. It's fucking killer. I feel like i can't do this, I'm not good enough, that everyone is more intelligent than I am. And the only thing that has kept me going is that I can't disappoint my parents, especially now 'cause their paying and I can't deal with their failure, and music.
Music, and the artists that inspire me keep me going. I listen to certain songs to get through coursework. Certain songs get me up in the morning, they keep me going. 'Cause right now I don't feel ok. I feel like shit. And drinking and music is what's keeping me going.
Sixx AM is on constant repeat in my life, 'cause their songs inspire me to keep going. But what Nikki Sixx said in Manchester is something I needed to here. There is only so far music can go, but inspiring words from your hero can make all the difference. So thank you Nikki. Thank you so fucking much. You will never know how much it means.
Nikki Sixx is a true inspiration to me, and what he said on tour is something that will stay with me forever. It comes down to
As I said in my previous post, Nikki Sixx gave an inspiring speech on the final tour, one that I can't forget about. I've watched the video of it over and over again on YouTube. But really what Sixx is saying is don't let the bastards get you down. Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do.
And it could not have came at a better time in my life. Right now I'm trying to do a masters, and I'm fucking up. I feel like shit every day, and it's the same feeling I had the first time I was at uni, when I dropped out. I felt like this at college, I felt like this in my undergrad. It's fucking killer. I feel like i can't do this, I'm not good enough, that everyone is more intelligent than I am. And the only thing that has kept me going is that I can't disappoint my parents, especially now 'cause their paying and I can't deal with their failure, and music.
Music, and the artists that inspire me keep me going. I listen to certain songs to get through coursework. Certain songs get me up in the morning, they keep me going. 'Cause right now I don't feel ok. I feel like shit. And drinking and music is what's keeping me going.
Sixx AM is on constant repeat in my life, 'cause their songs inspire me to keep going. But what Nikki Sixx said in Manchester is something I needed to here. There is only so far music can go, but inspiring words from your hero can make all the difference. So thank you Nikki. Thank you so fucking much. You will never know how much it means.
Friday 6 November 2015
The Final Tour
So on Tuesday I checked one off the bucket list. And I'm still processing it. My dad and I flew down to Manchester to see Motley Crue. Going into the venue my dad asked me, who are the support? Obviously Alice Cooper isn't classed as a support act. And I honestly had no idea. It wasn't something I had considered, too consumed by the idea of Alice Cooper and Motley Crue.
The One Hundred
Turns out, the support band were actually really good. Well, let's be fair, they would have to be to support such legends. Throughout the set it wasn't too clear what was actually being sung, or what was being said by vocalist Jacob Field at all times, but the instrumentals sounded incredible. And you have to admire their energy. They didn't let the half empty arena deter them, Field was going from end to end of the stage, all over the place giving it laldy. I later figured out that I've saw The One Hundred before, back in March when supporting Papa Roach we caught the last couple songs and were left impressed. At least this time I'll remember their name!
Alice Cooper
If you've no idea what an Alice Cooper stage show looks like then please go YouTube it. It is phenomenal. And although Cooper was only a 'special guest,' he brought the full on stage show with him, and delivered everything you would expect to see from Alice Cooper. It's not just a musical performance you get, it's a theatre worthy stage show. And credit must be given to Cooper's band. They are incredibly talented musicians. Honestly, if you ever get the opportunity to see Alice Cooper, whether you're a fan or not do it. It's hard to put into words just how fantastic the show is. It takes a lot to follow Alice Cooper, but Motley Crue is a band worthy of this task.
Motley Crue
I still can't quite believe I actually saw Motley Crue. Motley Crue is all about the sleaze, all about the hedonism, the dirty rock 'n' roll you struggle to find these days. And their past exploits do nothing to deny this. Their set list was a homage to their 34 year career. In true Motley style they kicked the set off with the sleaziest of the sleaze, 'Girls, Girls, Girls,' and just kept it coming for the entire night.
Vince Neil was all over the stage, from side to side, everywhere he could run he did. But the lifestyle has clearly taken it's toll on him, and now he just looks tired and haggard. I'm sorry to say this, and I've never been a huge fan of him, despite his talent, Vince Neil is not anything special.
Mick Mars is an underrated talent. I never really appreciated how much he can shred the guitar until seeing him live. His solo's during their songs were incredible, but his centre stage solo is something of legend. The passion in his performances is incredible, and something a lot of musicians can learn from.
Tommy Lee really brings it too. Seeing the Crusifly in person is something else. It takes a hell of a talent to play drums upside down, on a coaster going over the crowd. I can't put it into words just amazing it is.
And finally Nikki Sixx. Sixx is one of my heroes, so I am completely biased while writing this. not only give an absolutely fantastic performance, with flames throwing from his bass, Sixx also delivered a speech I won't forget. Essentially it comes down to don't ever let someone keep you down. He is a true inspiration.
I really am struggling to put into words how seeing Motley Crue made me feel. I've seen some of my favourite bands before but none have ever effected me in this way. It was honestly the best experience of my life, and one that I will take to my grave.
The One Hundred
Turns out, the support band were actually really good. Well, let's be fair, they would have to be to support such legends. Throughout the set it wasn't too clear what was actually being sung, or what was being said by vocalist Jacob Field at all times, but the instrumentals sounded incredible. And you have to admire their energy. They didn't let the half empty arena deter them, Field was going from end to end of the stage, all over the place giving it laldy. I later figured out that I've saw The One Hundred before, back in March when supporting Papa Roach we caught the last couple songs and were left impressed. At least this time I'll remember their name!
Alice Cooper
If you've no idea what an Alice Cooper stage show looks like then please go YouTube it. It is phenomenal. And although Cooper was only a 'special guest,' he brought the full on stage show with him, and delivered everything you would expect to see from Alice Cooper. It's not just a musical performance you get, it's a theatre worthy stage show. And credit must be given to Cooper's band. They are incredibly talented musicians. Honestly, if you ever get the opportunity to see Alice Cooper, whether you're a fan or not do it. It's hard to put into words just how fantastic the show is. It takes a lot to follow Alice Cooper, but Motley Crue is a band worthy of this task.
Motley Crue
I still can't quite believe I actually saw Motley Crue. Motley Crue is all about the sleaze, all about the hedonism, the dirty rock 'n' roll you struggle to find these days. And their past exploits do nothing to deny this. Their set list was a homage to their 34 year career. In true Motley style they kicked the set off with the sleaziest of the sleaze, 'Girls, Girls, Girls,' and just kept it coming for the entire night.
Vince Neil was all over the stage, from side to side, everywhere he could run he did. But the lifestyle has clearly taken it's toll on him, and now he just looks tired and haggard. I'm sorry to say this, and I've never been a huge fan of him, despite his talent, Vince Neil is not anything special.
Mick Mars is an underrated talent. I never really appreciated how much he can shred the guitar until seeing him live. His solo's during their songs were incredible, but his centre stage solo is something of legend. The passion in his performances is incredible, and something a lot of musicians can learn from.
Tommy Lee really brings it too. Seeing the Crusifly in person is something else. It takes a hell of a talent to play drums upside down, on a coaster going over the crowd. I can't put it into words just amazing it is.
And finally Nikki Sixx. Sixx is one of my heroes, so I am completely biased while writing this. not only give an absolutely fantastic performance, with flames throwing from his bass, Sixx also delivered a speech I won't forget. Essentially it comes down to don't ever let someone keep you down. He is a true inspiration.
I really am struggling to put into words how seeing Motley Crue made me feel. I've seen some of my favourite bands before but none have ever effected me in this way. It was honestly the best experience of my life, and one that I will take to my grave.
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