And he calls himself a friend....pt2

Or should I say..."Andy" calls himself a friend...and he is the best kind.....

Andy is a legend...and a REAL friend.

My mate Andy (who you have read about previously here on my blog) has graciously offered to help out with my gig on the 4th - what a trooper!

I'm so very grateful....

Love you to bits Andy
xxxx

And he calls himself a friend

Today at 07:45 a.m - my 'friend' who was to play guitar with me on the 4th August, SMS'd me the following message:

"I think I'll give it a miss I dont really like the songlist and I dont really want to learn new songs for a one off gig. Good luck with it."

I"m so disappointed. Not only in his lack of professionalism but because as a friend he's let me down with ten days to go to a gig.

About the songlist, I compromised and said yes to a few songs that both guitarists knew already, but I also stood firm on a couple of news ones that were more the style that I want to sing. I asked him to play for me because he's been wanting to do something acoustically with me for ages. Obviously I asked for too much.

I'll take my tiara off now - I've been a bit princess-ish by the sounds! So now, I will have to do the gig with one guitarist instead of two, one who doesn't really like all the songs I've chosen either but has been happy to learn the new ones anyway.

I am very sad and disappointed right now.

Beyond Therapy at the Town Hall

I arrived at the Town Hall in South Melbourne last night and was treated a sensational rib-eye, a fantastic bottle of wine and the God-awful sounds of Karaoke from the back room!!! The proponent of said Karaoke was later heard to ask-

"Hey can I sing with the band? I'm really good!"

Hmm honey I really don't think so!

The sad thing about Karaoke (combined with alcohol) is that it makes people who shouldn't sing - think they can!

As usual, BT provided a great Friday night relaxo-combination of favourites in a semi-acoustic style. The punters were all chilled and not only by the temperature outside. It was bloody freezing out there - but the pub was inviting, the red wine warming and the according to 'cousin jimmy self-professed-rock-god' the girls at the front table were 'hot'!

Aaah it's nice to be appreciated.

The night was topped off by a neighbour who, (after choosing to reside in a commercial zone) came to complain about the 'noise'. There's something inherently wrong with 30-something men who wear shorts and thongs in the middle of the Melbourne winter and who would rather hear the sounds of the telly on a Friday night than music - I say get a life Mr South Melbourne! How dare he come into the pub and talk SO LOUDLY that I couldn't hear the band over the top of him! Rude! Very rude!

The Town Hall pub is a great little pub that I had never had the pleasure of being in before - superb wine list - mental note - must go back there for lunch sometime - it's just a stone throw from the office and if I park my car at work and walk - no need to worry about trying to find a car space that has longer than 2 hours nearby! (It's mostly one or two hour and permit parking around South Melb.)

Stellar Line Up for Stuart Speed Tribute

The Age yesterday reported the death of a great Melbourne bass player - Stuart Speed - who died suddenly at the age of 40.

To celebrate his life, and to raise funds to help his family, there will be a gig at the Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy featuring Renee Geyer, Hannaford, Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers and many others, this Saturday from 4pm to pay tribute to this great musician and even greater man.

For inquiries call the Rainbow Hotel on 9419 4193.

Beyond Therapy - Unplugged

Friday night - Beyond Therapy are playing 'unplugged' at the Town Hall Hotel, 137 Bank Street, South Melbourne.

It's FREE ENTRY so get along and have a drink and hear some great music :)

See you there :)

Jennifer Carroll / Black and Blues Band - OZ Hotel

Last Friday night I wandered off after work to hear an early acoustic set by a wonderful vocalist - Jennifer Carroll.

Jen has quite a musical history spending some years performing all over Tasmania and has just recently returned to the music scene. She has an amazing blues voice and I found myself just wanting to hear more after her very short (1 hour) set. Great stuff Jen - I'm looking forward to hearing you again on Friday :)

The OZ Hotel is promising to shape up as quite the blues venue.

The Black and Blue Band and their guests provide a great night out, quality food, great amenities and a sensational blues sound for the boys in the Black and Blue Band. Friday night we were treated to a surprise performance from Paul Norton and the band caught on with no trouble at all!

Don't forget....(as if I'd let you) I will be there Friday 4th August!

Mates of State - US

Chris has spent more time at gigs than me lately and has kindly offered to review those he sees....last weekend was Mates of State at the Northcote Social Club.....

Mates of State toured "Bring it back" and I am now hoping they come back after their performance at Northcote Social Club Saturday July 15.

The husband and wife duo were expected by some to bring a band with them but it was just them. Lacking in numbers certainly didn't lack in sound or enthusiasm. Cranking out "Fraud in the 80's" followed up by "Beautiful Dreamer" were two rock solid hits that had the near sell out crowd amazed by the power of a two piece (keyboards and drums). I was thinking that hubby only played the drums and thought the album was layered with wifey's vocals a number of times, but no! He's a high singing freak too.

Stand out tracks on the night "Like U Crazy", "For the Actor", "Running Out" and "Punchlines". I'll be investigating the earlier albums.

As "Fraud in the 80's" lyrically says "You will surely find us pleasing to your ears." I certainly did, I also found her pleasing on the eye (we've already agreed on this Pierce) as no doubt the ladies found him (insert all american good looks).

Those that haven't been to the Northcote Social Club for a gig it has a great little room, about 300 capacity and best of all smoke free! You can get pretty close to the stage so you need not worry about the tallest man in the world standing in front of you as seems to happen to me just about at every gig.

Thanks for the review Chris - I look forward to publishing more reviews of your musical pursuits!

Me and the boys....unplugged

We may be unplugged, but we'll still be dangerous....

I've been asked to do an acoustic set on Friday 4th August from 6-7 pm at the OZ Hotel 177 Dryburgh Street which is almost the extension of Spencer St. (I'll even get my name on the chalkboard - woohooo!!!!) I will be sensationally supported by three fabulous musicians....ok two musicians and a drummer (James and Michael on guitars, and a percussion whizz) and there will be little old me warbling and playing really bad tambourine : )

So, If you'd like to finish your week off with a nice feed and a little bit of music ;) come along.....the OZ has great bistro-type meals so you can wander up after work then be all fed and hopefully happy before I start singing! I'd like for us to be invited back - so feel free to bring as many friends as you like :)

Anyone know how to organise a flash mob?

I hope I see you there....

PS: The Black and Blues band will be playing later also....

Nifty calendar!

I've added a nifty calendar to the blog....click on the gig you want more details of as it scrolls past in the ticker and it will take you to my calendar page where the listing is :) Otherwise, select a date on the calendar on the left for everything happening that day/evening. I'll try and add as much as I can over the next few days.

Enjoy :)

You Am I @ The Forum

Chris kindly sent me a review of Saturday's You Am I gig at the Forum.

"It's thuggery!, It's thuggery!"

It certainly was an all amped up powerful performance by the lads on Saturday night. After starting with a big thanks for coming and mentioning that the night before gig was sold out you could be forgiven for thinking that Timmy was going to simply go through the motions and play a 75% set to the 75% filled Forum Theatre.

Instead they ripped into Convicts at break neck pace. The songs sounded like they have been part of the set for years, faultless display. "It Ain't Funny How We Don't Talk Anymore", "Friends Like You", "Thuggery"," Nervous Kid" all highlights.

Despite the efforts of said gent next to me yelling out "Damage!" at the conclusion of each song there was no "Damage!" on offer, just a very sore throat I suspect for one punter Sunday morning. Timmy gave some great insight to one such punter requesting another song,

"Listen mate when we are supporting your band in 6 months time you can tell us what to play, until then it's Timmy time."

It certain was Timmy time, and a great time for any You Am I fan. Notable corkers included, "Cathy's Clown", "Jewels and Bullets," "Good Morning", "Soldiers", "Baby Clothes", "Hourly Daily". Finally what would a You Am I concert be without a rip snorter such as "Berlin Chair".

It was black leather jacket night for the lads, obviously the Fonz e-mail didn't reach the inbox of one Davey Lane, he was wearing a lovely white suit number, certainly didn't detract from some mean guitar work. I was sceptical when they included a 2nd guitarist since "Dress Me Slowly" but Davey Lane certainly proved his worth to the sound, plus you can tell he loves playing as part of You Am I, who wouldn't? Clearly one of the best live bands going around.

Notable highlights, the end of The Vandas set that I saw and parts of The Drones , I suspect these guys haven't seen a rider this big before and treated like it was all you could eat at Smorgies!

Oh and the You Am I merchandise was ingenious, AFL footy scarfs, in all team colours, with You Am I woven into them, gold.

Chris - I want a piccie of you in your scarf...did they come in a Maroons version too?...

You Am I - Convicts

Picked up a copy of the new You Am I album "Convicts" the other day.

I'm listening intently and will write a review (of sorts) when I've had a good few listens at high volumes in the car!!

Initial highlights "Thank God I've Hit the Bottom", "Thuggury" and "It Aint Funny How We Don't Talk Any More"


...but wait...there will be more!

Black and Blue

I wandered over to the OZ hotel (Dryburgh Street in North Melbourne) last night to check out the Black and Blue band and was pleasantly surprised...for lots of reasons.

Firstly, beacuse I hadn't ever been to this pub before and was surprised that it was so...how to say this...clean and light!! I had previous visions of dark and dingy and the ever-present expectation of extremely sticky carpet...there was none to be had here! There was no sneaking in and standing up the back so I had to puff out my chest take a deep breath, walk in and sit right in the front!

Those of you who know me well will know of my obsession with clean toilets will also be happy to know that I was very impressed with the amenities at the Oz!

Now I got there late (well it was only 9 pm, but the band had started early!) so I only got to see one set - but they were really very good and the boys were obviously having a great time. The singer Steve has a really great gravelly blues voice and I am looking forward to hearing some more! I've not listened to a lot of the blues genre recently, but toddled off home to do some research because I liked what I heard.

I've heard all the 'popular' stuff like Zed Zed Top (hee hee the Australian pronunciation that I head last night) - apparently it it was an US-free zone last night!! No Mateweiser beer to be had either!

Black and Blue are playing there again next week (and every Friday nght) and another mutual friend Jen Carrol will join them for an acoustic set early and I must admit I am so excited to be able to hear her perform - she's a sensational vocalist.

The acoustic set will start around 6 (perfect to drop in on the way home from work) and then the boys will carry on till about 10-ish. A great way to start off your big Friday night - a meal in the bistro and some good music - you can then wander off into town and have a large night out!

I'm sure though once the boys gain a bit of a following they will play a little longer....

See you there next week :)

Soundparticles Gigs

Arty sent me a list of up and coming Sound Particles Gigs...

• Sun 9 July - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 5pm - 8pm


• Sat 5 Aug - The Old Bar, Fitzroy - 9pm


• Sat 12 Aug - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 8pm - 11pm


• Fri 18 Aug - The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick


• Sun 20 Aug - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 5pm - 8pm


• Wed 30 Aug - The Greyhound, St Kilda


• Thurs 31 Aug - The Green Room, City


• Sun 3 Sep - The Spottiswoode, Spottwood - 5pm - 8pm

Get thee along to one of these gigs :)

Grunge Loses Bass Player

R.I.P Robbie "Rocket" Watts.

From The Age this week...

A GUITARIST in a Melbourne band that influenced grunge rockers, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam, has died. Robbie "Rocket" Watts from the Cosmic Psychos died suddenly on Saturday night after a gig in Bendigo. The band was not commercially successful but its churning high-octane rock has been cited as an influence by better-known bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, L7 and
Spiderbait.

UK band the Prodigy based Fuel My Fire on the Cosmic Psychos' Lost Cause. Neil Rogers, who hosts The Australian Mood on radio station Triple R, managed the band in its early days. "People here have just taken them for granted. They've never been fully recognised for the influence they've had," he said. "Without them a lot of the whole grunge (movement) wouldn't have happened."

Watts, 47, joined the band in 1990. His first album with the group, Blokes You Can Trust, was produced by Butch Vig, fresh from completing Nirvana's Nevermind.

The band began about 1982 as a foursome. In recent years, it was a trio made up of Watts, long-time vocalist Ross Knight and drummer Dean Muller.

Band spokesman Chris Oldfield said Watts' impact could be measured in the many messages received from around the world since his death.

"It's sad you don't realise how influential someone is until they're dead," he said. The father of four was a strong banjo player and busked outside football games, Oldfield said.

Cosmic Psychos Edited From their Agency Website:

The Cosmic Psychos hail from Melbourne and started around 1982 with Bill Walsh, Ross Knight, original guitarist Peter Jones and a vocalist. Previously, Bill Walsh was playing with Peter Jones in a band called ‘Spring Plains’. The line up was Steven Morrow on vocals, Bill Walsh on drums, Peter Jones on guitar, Neal Turton on bass.

Eventually Ross joined, they kicked the vocalist out in 85’ and went on as a three piece and changed the name to the Cosmic Psychos. They soon released a 5 track EP titled ‘Down On The Farm’. This was initially released on Mr Spaceman records. After that came their first full-length album of 12 tracks, being a self-titled album in 1987. Various singles were also released around this time including ‘Lead me Astray/ No Money’.

Robbie Watts replaced Peter Jones. The guitarist changed, but the three-chord barrage of in your face rock was still intact.

With a new guitarist in the band, they released ‘Blokes You Can Trust’. This was recorded in America and produced by then unknown producer Butch “Nevermind” Vig. The sound of the band was starting to get heavier and even tighter.

Early music influences include Radio Birdman, The Saints, Sex Pistols, Slade, Gary Glitter, early Kiss and early AC/DC (Bon Scott era).

Robbie, who joined the band in 1990, has a couple of kids. Being a great self taught guitarist, who seems very much influenced by Hendrix with his soaring feedback and wha-wha solos. Bill being the eldest of the bunch (around 40), only recently settled down with his girl friend. The song ‘Super Vixen’ was written about her as Bill realised that women were the ones ultimately in charge. He also works at local Melbourne radio station PBS.

And they’re no slouches to free beer. A philosophy of drink all the beer before you play, otherwise some other bastard will drink it while you’re up there playing on stage. Most of the time they seem to get out of paying for bar tabs by smiling a lot and tipping the bar staff!

They are good mates with Mudhoney, and even toured with Pearl Jam. They were booed for their 40-minute set when they played in Sydney, so it was no surprise that they bared their arses at the crowd of 37,000.

Where did the dropping the pants come from? They did a shitty gig at some pub in Germany and as a bit of fun, dropped their daks. The idea came from Ross watching Rage (Australian Music Program) one night, and this heavy metal band were holding hands and bowing. It’s taking the piss out of stadium rock acts. After they started doing it, L7 also dropped their dacks on BBC TV, afterwards stating that the Psychos showed them how to do it.

The Black and Blues Band

The guys at Black and Blue let me know about a new gig for them on Friday nights...I will see you there!

Black and Blue have landed a sweet regular gig at the Hotel OZ (check their website at ), 177 Dryburgh St, North Melbourne.

There'll be an unplugged set from 6pm, followed by the full show of rockin' blues you've come to know and love from 7.30pm onwards. It all starts this Friday night, 7th July, and will be every Friday afterwards.

ALSO COMING UP -
We'll be back at the John Barleycorn Hotel, Johnson St, Collingwood, on Sunday 13th August. The Barleycorn is always a great gig and hopefully we'll have another band joining us for the occasion.

Times TBA - but whack it into your diary anyway.

Don't forget to check the gig guide on the band's website for the latest goss on where we're playing.

BLACK AND BLUE - Melbourne's Dirtiest Blues Band.

A Tour Diary

I have no life.....which is why I've spent almost the entire day surfing blogspot.

Here's a tour diary for "The Counterfeits" who are doing the rounds of English pubs!

Japan's Live Music Scene

I stumbled across this interesting blog today.

Ken has this to say in his "About Me" section...

Ken M - Japan Live
Location:Tokyo, Japan
I'm a foreigner in Tokyo. I often go to two or three live music shows a week in this city that is an Asian rock 'n' roll center. During my time in Japan I've discovered unforgettable bands like advantage Lucy, Orange Plankton, Plectrum, Spangle call Lilli line, Swinging Popsicle, Vasallo Crab 75, Cecil, Hartfield, Burger Nuds, Moga The 5 Yen and many others. Their music, shows and lifestyles are discussed here.

Scroll down a bit to read the article on
"A Store Called Janis" which quite possibly was the pre-techno version of Napster!