Andrew's EU Blog from Brussels

With the dissertation completed and printed, what better to celebrate than a pint of cider and a Pink Floyd tribute concert?

Torbay-based act In the Flesh were this year’s visitors to the Pavilion and they put on a really excellent spectacle. Any tribute act that begins their first set with ‘Shine on You Crazy Diamond, pts. 1-5’, ‘Astronomy Domine’ and ‘Fat Old Sun’ is going to be superb, to then finish the set with my absolute favourite ‘Echoes’ was truly unbelievable and they did a really good job too (albeit cutting the intro so it was 15 minutes instead of 21 minutes…).

Labels: Concerts, Pink Floyd

Posted by Andrew at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

Oooooo Arrrrrrrr! Oooooo Arrrrrrrr! Goooood Morning! Today I speak not English but I speak Zumerset. Oh yes I do! Hah

My madness can perhaps be excused this time around because last night I attended a concert at the Exmouth Pavilion of the legendary – and let’s all admit it – hilarious Wurzels. Oooooo Arrrrrrrr! Oooooo Arrrrrrrr!

They’ve been performing in my local venue each year for a few years now but until now I’ve never been overly enthusiastic to attend. This time however, with dissertation work on the go, I did take the opportunity and can now cross another thing off the ‘list of things to do in live’.

It was a very good show, albeit very short. The Wurzels were only on stage for just over an hour, so when having paid £12.50 for the privilege, it was disappointingly short. Saying that though, what songs we did here were all the classics and all thoroughly nod-your-head-along-to. I am inventing new words, oh yes! Oooooo Arrrrrrrr! Oooooo Arrrrrrrr!

Naturally, the drink of choice for the evening was some good old Scrumpy (cider for the uninitiated) which was surprisingly good stuff for a concert venue to have on tap, well-priced too. That’s right; I was indeed A Cider Drinker that night, and with cider in hand joined in the chorus of fellow concert-goers, many in farmer’s outfits and straw hats.

The Wurzels are not just a special band; they are arguably an integral part of the South-West cultural identity. You may only know of them because of the famous lyric ‘I’ve got a brand new combine harvester’ but hailing from Somerset, the Wurzels all speak with that very distinctive heavy accent where one ‘r’ becomes an ‘RRRRRR’. I think too that they are the only popular-music band to be still using an accordion as the main instrument, and certainly the main band with pint-glass holders on their microphone stands.

When it came to performing ‘Combine Harvester’, the band instead played a nightclub version that was blatantly on a backing track with not even vocals being delivered live. But to be honest, I imagine they have probably had enough of doing that song over the years, doing it just to satisfy those who came for that song.

All in all it was a superb and very fun night out. When the time came to ‘Drink Up Your Cider’ it was disappointing to have arrived so soon.

I don’t think I will enjoy a concert as much ever again, but it was enjoyment in a difference sense to other concerts. With the Wurzels it is impossible to not smile when you hear it. Go on, I challenge you not to. The Wurzels are such good fun, and such good sports, hanging around afterwards and permitting to be photographed with muggings here!

Oooooo Arrrrrrrr! Oooooo Arrrrrrrr!

64. Attend a concert by the Wurzels

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 1:09 AM | Permalink | Comments

Wow. I cannot think of another word to start my review than that. Wow. Snow Patrol played the Elysée Montmartre on Tuesday night and it was absolutely sensational. I’ve waited for years to be able to see the five-piece live in concert and they certainly did not disappoint.

The arena itself is something to behold. The former 19th century dance hall has been transformed into one of the most popular music venues in the city all in keeping its inner beauty. It was actually designed by Gustave Eiffel (designer of that other thing in Paris) and today enjoys the benefit of being a protected building. However, what makes it more impressive is its location because it’s elevated above houses, shops and cafes in the popular tourist district.

Interestingly enough, because of strict Health & Safety regulations (perhaps because of its architecture and neighbours) the noise within the hall must not exceed 104dB. What this means is that l'Elysee became one of the first live venues in Europe to install a distributed PA system. Now that you know some random facts, have a few more that are not so random:

First of all, Snow Patrol are an incredible band. Secondly, frontman Gary Lightbody is a born comedian. Between every song he would take the microphone and address the crowd, and where he knew the word, addressed them in “French”: “Sorry my French is not very good, in fact it’s merde”, was one such quip. He admitted that he loved Paris and felt at home here although it was far too hot – and yes it was. Outside it was still above 25C and inside it must’ve been up around the 30C mark.

“It’s too hot though. I might spontaneously combust at any point”, Lightbody joked. “It would be a hell of an ending to a show – perhaps not such a good middle but I want to wait until the end really but I might not have much control over it!” Thankfully no such thing happened but it would’ve been another way this concert would be remembered. However, it didn’t need any combustions onstage because right from the off the band exploded into life.

They opened with If There’s a Rocket Tie Me to It which is a song that has definitely grown on me and a song that is a superb set-starter. But the key to any setlist, in my opinion, is the next three songs that follow – if they get the crowd jumping around then the set will be a success, if not the atmosphere would remain flat until the band pulls out its big tracks at the end and the encore.

For Snow Patrol the choice was Chocolate, Hands Open and How to be Dead; a great choice. Personally, How to be Dead (see video below), the opening track on the bands’ 2004 album Final Straw, is one of my favourites and although I hoped it would be played, I had no expectations that they would, so naturally I was overjoyed when the first few chords were played (as I was also later when they began the encore with The Lightening Strike, albeit only playing the first part of the 15-minute wonder).

Snow Patrol : How to be Dead (live in Paris)

You could argue that the setlist was, in a word, perfect. It was a great mixture of the band’s latest hits, but that’s where I have a suggestion to make – play some of your older stuff! It would have been truly incredible to hear An Olive Grove Facing the Sea live, but in the band’s defence that would probably been too far back (2001) for the majority of the crowd to know since Final Straw was their breakthrough album.

Perhaps surprisingly, the setlist did not include the band’s current single The Planets Bend Between Us, but I don’t think it would have fitted. The mixture was just right, and although the time had to come when they had to leave the stage and we all had to filter down the steps (very steep and dangerous when with tired legs) into the evening Parisian bustle, it was right. I had very little voice left and had thoroughly enjoyed the concert, one of the best I have had the pleasure of attending.

I may have had to wait many years, but after Tuesday night, it was certainly worth the wait. I just really hope I won’t have to wait that long to see them again!

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 9:34 PM | Permalink | Comments

I had the immense pleasure this weekend of making not one but two trips to the theatre. Why immense? Well, I got to see two pieces each of which was penned by one of my literary idols.

The first, on Friday night, was a production of Les Mains Sales by the French existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Often referred to in English as “Dirty Hands”, it is a political drama set in the fictional country of Illyria between 1943 and 1945, and the story revolves around the assassination of a leading politician. But the play is not a whodunnit – in fact we know how did it, it was Hugo, the central character. Sartre’s play aims to ask ‘why did he do it?’, was it for political or for personal reasons (plot outline).

The piece was being performed at the Athenée Theatre in central Paris, very close to the imposing Opera building, which is simply stunning illuminated by night (my flickr photo).

It overran and lasted nearly three-hours which normally would not have been a problem except that there was no interval and my seat was quite possibly the highest in the house and was tight to the balcony barrier. I had thought I’d succesfully overcome my fear of heights, but that was truly quite scary - it must’ve been close to 20m from the orchestra seats…

The second show I had the pleasure of seeing was an absolute masterpiece of George Orwell’s 1984.

It apparently is the first time that it has been converted for the stage and it was very cleverly done combining cinematographical passages displayed on the mise-en-scene interdispersed with the traditional theatrical dialogues between the characters. It was shown in a tiny little theatre (the Menilmontant) in the East of Paris (getting to see many new parts!) and despite being the final performance of the run was very poorly attended – no more than a third full.

While I thought it was very well put together, I did feel it skipped an awful lot of the story itself as the majority of the one-and-a-half hour show was occupied by the final “clensing and reeducation” process of Winston by the ‘powers that be’ (plot outline). Nonetheless it was easy to see why it had received rave reviews from the French national press and I was very pleased to finally see Orwell being bought to the stage – I wonder how long it will be until Animal Farm hits the West End?

What made these trips even more enjoyable was that I profited both times from last-minute tickets meaning I saw both for €22 – saving nearly 60% off the full price.

So to bring the curtain down on this blog entry, it was a case of two enjoyable shows penned by two superbly intelligent men, performed by two very talented companies in two different theatres in two different areas of Paris. Two fantastic evenings and two opportunities I am very glad I took advantage of.

Only downside was that after seeing Les Mains Sales it has somewhat ruined the ending to the book as I had not yet finished it…

For more information on the productions, visit their pages online: Les Mains Sales; 1984 (Infoceania)

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments

Imagine the following situation if you will. You’re a die-hard PSG* fan (perhaps harder to imagine than I thought) and you are a civil servant. PSG are about to play Olympique Marseille in what is the football match of the season. It is to be played behind closed doors, without any spectators in the ground, in the middle of the afternoon broadcast live on the TV. You have already taken your week of holiday, and have yet to reach the require 35 hours of work for the week, and if that wasn’t enough, you are expecting your new director general to arrive that week so must be on your guard.

But nonetheless you’re desperate to watch the game. So how can you? This is the dilemma facing Claude Guichon in the play entitled ‘Le Temps des Fonctionnaires!’ that I went to see last night at the Theatre du Gymnase* (Paris 10).

After hearing about this in the local press it sounded exactly the sort of play that would interest me, but I was put off by the price of the tickets. However, I came across a website that offers last minute theatre tickets and I have consequently snapped up a ticket, one of the best in the house I might add, with a reduction of a massive 70%. Was very pleased indeed with that!

So how on Earth therefore could you watch the game live? Surely the answer would be ‘you can’t watch it at all’, but never underestimate the power of a civil servant.

Their solution, albeit rather stereotypically French, is to plot a ‘surprise strike’ which would therefore release him from his work duties long enough to watch the match. The reason for their strike: paperclips.

Constructing the argument that more paperclips would improve the efficiency of the service by 2300%, their new social movement rapidly gains ground. The media are mobilised and start holding debates on whether or not paperclips should be used in the world of work. Vast rallies are held and even the Prime Minister and the President get involved. Difficulties arise also from establishing and mobilising this movement in complete secrecy from their new boss, who could arrive at any time.

Simply put, the whole situation gets completely out of hand. The leader of the movement begins to lust for power following all the media attention the strike received and naturally starts to plot a course into politics based on a manifesto evolving from the demand for more paperclips.

On the day of the strike, naturally the day of the match, more than 12 million workers take to the streets – a huge success you could argue. However, that number included the workers on the TV stations so he wouldn’t even get to see his match after all…

This truly was a fantastic spectacle of comedy. The majority of the jokes were improvised and even the actors themselves struggled to keep a straight face. It presented another jovial look into the life of a civil servant and their practices – a notable highlight for me was the frequent telephone conversations in which the civil servants devised ingenious new ways to be unhelpful and not to tackle that person’s dossier, demanding documents, family photos, birth certificate of their family pet etc…

It was an excellent show and was staged in a really beautiful theatre. I was sat in one of the best seats in the house and paid a lot less than the person next to me, which is always nice! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience so will be searching that website for another cheap seat again soon!

Labels: Concerts, Politics

Posted by Andrew at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments

Last night, I treated myself to a theatre visit and the location for this visit was the Royal National Theatre, the landmark (yet quite ugly) building on the South Bank. The performance in question: Gethsemane.

Billed as a 'richly imagined ensemble play about British public life looking at the way business, media and politics are now intertwined to nobody’s advantage', the play was fantastic and very thought-provoking.

Of course, the issue that it addresses has become a very important one today as nothing is more important to a modern political party than fund-raising. And it's the nature of this fund-raising that has raised eyebrows in recent years, especially with the cash-for-honours affair (BBC timeline)*. Of course, it could all just be a coincidence that large donors to the Labour party just happened to be soon nominated for peerages, but the £1m, 16-month police investigation that concluded in July 2007 thought otherwise as it returned its judgement of 'insufficient evidence'.

As the BBC political journalist Nick Robinson wrote on his blog at the time: "At the end of it all, I suspect, rather like at the end of the Hutton Inquiry, there will be no agreement as to whether justice has been done, or whether we are seeing a whitewash - or even, if this matter is truly at an end."

Nonetheless, whatever the situation may be, the performance was very worthy of its billing. Tamsin Grieg was extremely good in her role as the Home Secretary, and the cutting dialogue was interspersed excellent with little soliloquies in which each character shares his/her philosophical views in private to the audience.

What was ever better about the evening is that I could take a break from the library, go and see a theatre performance surrounding politics, the media and ethics and almost get away with calling it work...

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

Well, Feeder were excellent (but then again what did you expect me to say?)! This was the sixth time that I had seen them live and although I still would not rank it as the best, it certainly was amazing and I left the arena again in the wonderful state of ears ringing and throat hurting - the sign of a good concert.

Disappointingly, I was absolutely shocking when it came to guessing the setlist. On previous times I've managed to guess the whole thing in advance, but this time I only managed to get the first four songs correct [We Are the People, Feeling a Moment, Shatter and Come Back Around] before then failing miserably.

My task wasn't helped somewhat by the inclusion of some songs that I never thought would be played that night, such as Insomnia, Tumble and Fall, Lost and Found and Sonorous off their latest album Silent Cry. Incidentally the title track, when it was played as prelude to the encore, was one of the definite highlights for me as it was played acoustic and sounded absolutely amazing. Feeder should simultaneously release an all-acoustic version of each and every album because they are that good - heck, you know I'd buy them all...

The Brixham Academy is one of the best venues I have ever had the pleasure of attending and despite its large capacity (around 5000 apparently), it felt really spacious, the air conditioning kept the arena quite cool, and the theatrical facade around the stage is breathtaking. It is the perfect arena for such shows. The floor also slopes up from the stage, so that even the smallest person, and me, can see the stage stood near the back.

If I had to make one criticism about the concert, and to be honest I'm scraping to find one, then the inclusion of Buck Rogers would be it. It is a good song, but I'm not sure it should be played within the main body of the set instead of in the encore. Its replacement Seven Days in the Sun definitely made up for that though!

All in all, it was another superb concert and well worth the long travel out to Brixton. Lead singer Grant Nicholas announced at the end that the band was off to record a new album and they'd "see us again next year", so until then I shall eagerly await a new tour. Shall start saving the pennies now...

Full setlist: click here*

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 12:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

As myself and my brother said to each other on leaving the hall yesterday evening, it was one less thing we have to do before we die. Last night (14th) at Cadogan Hall in Sloan Square, London, we heard a full rendition of the Pink Floyd 'Atom Heart Mother' suite.

For those unfamiliar with the work, released in 1970 on the album of the same name, the piece lasting 23 minutes is an orchestral piece mixed with the usual Pink Floyd rock to create a unique sound. The band devised it through wanting to experiment and fully expected it to flop, but it succeeded massively.

Taking place as the main event of the Chelsea Festival, the full rendition of the suite by the Italian Pink Floyd tribute band Mun Floyd was the highlight of the evening hosted by Ron Geesin, the co-writer of the piece with Roger Waters. It was also absolutely incredible.

The first half of the show comprised of some new pieces Ron Geesin had composed for the evening, and were in a word 'completely mad'. Ok fine, that's two words but they were completely mad pieces, although at times quite painful. Saying that, never seen a piano solo as good and I certainly have never heard a 15 minute banjo solo...

Following the interval came the main event. Geesin presented a little overview of the history of the piece - appropriately entitled 'Epic' and how the song finally got its name from a newspaper article headline. The performance of the Atom Heart Mother suite was absolutely brilliant, although perhaps the drums were too loud and the guitar could have been louder.

Nonetheless it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. They fully merited the standing ovation at its conclusion. [The eagle-eyed of you will spot me and my brother in the gallery of the official photo taken at the end - displayed above].

For a full review of the event click here* or to watch a 7-minute clip posted by another attendee click here*

Labels: Concerts, Pink Floyd

Posted by Andrew at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

Biffy Clyro were amazing this evening. Truly amazing. While Dan and I recover, here's the setlist that we managed to grab a photo of:

Look out for my concert review on shefbase.com soon!

UPDATE: you can now read my review online at: http://shefbase.com/gig/2007/biffy-clyro-the-octagon-151107

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 12:34 AM | Permalink | Comments

Yesterday was one of those days, simply a one-off. I suppose it isn't everyday that you wake up in the London Docklands, commute to the City, spend your morning researching novelty ties, pub lunch and then see a world premiere of David Gilmour's new DVD on the West End...

The premiere, held at the Odeon in Leicester Square, which earlier this very same week held the premieres for the films 'Atonement' and the hilarious-looking 'Run, Fatboy, Run', and was a superb venue for such an event. The front of the building was covered in massive David Gilmour posters and the Square in front was awash with fans, and I jokingly set about trying to find David amongst them pointing out anyone that could remotely look like him (much to my brother Neil's disgust!).

The event itself was incredible, as we found our way to our seats, a documentary was playing on the screen behind the scenes of his latest world tour (which is on the DVD). The show started with an excerpt of the DVD filmed at a recent show at London's Royal Albert Hall which included a number of his own hits from his latest studio album "On an Island" as well as a few Pink Floyd favourites such as "Time", "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and then the wonderful "Echoes". I truly love this song and to hear it played so loud, and be sat so close to the screen, and then the light and laser show in the cinema, well it was an experience I'll certainly not forget for a long time! No "Comfortably Numb", but to be honest it wasn't necessary - we'd just been treated to 20 minutes of musical delight!

When the lights came up, the crowd in the cinema was on its feet, and then David himself strolled on to answer some questions sent in advance, and a few from the stalls, before then getting his band out of their seats to perform one number - a jam!

Truly amazing, a really wonderful evening and a fantastic spectacle - I'll "remember that night" alright!

DVD details can be found at: http://www.play.com/Music/MusicDVD/4-/3440145/David-Gilmour-Remember-That-Night-Live-At-The-Royal-Albert-Hall/Product.html

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wow. That is all that can really be said.

Yesterday (10th), at a tribute evening to Syd Barrett at the Barbican Theatre in London (click here for a review), all four members of Pink Floyd made surprise appearences and performed (although not together) tributes to their late friend and former band member. Waters performed his own song "Flickering Flame" (click here to view), while Gilmour, Wright and Mason combined to conclude the show with Arnold Layne (click here to view).

While that was incredible (and also amazing value for money at only £15), tonight was even better. Tonight was the concert of Roger Waters himself at Earls Court. The arena obviously is massive and so the atmosphere was amazing. But what was even more impressive was the acoustics, the songs sounded absolutely perfect and it was a truly amazing concert. And the complete rendition of Darkside of the Moon, mindblowing. Neil and me were left speechless by the show, and I can't really believe that I was there...

The setlist was as follows (we did take videos, links will be posted as they've uploaded):
FIRST HALF: In The Flesh (video), Mother (video), Set The Controls For the Heart Of The Sun, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Have A Cigar, Wish You Were Here (video), Southampton Dock (video), The Fletcher Memorial Home (video), Perfect Sense pts 1 and 2, Leaving Beirut, Sheep (video). SECOND HALF: Dark Side of the Moon: (AKA Speak to Me / Breathe (video), On the Run, Time (video), The Great Gig in the Sky (video), Money, Us & Them, Any Colour You Like, Brain Damage, Eclipse). ENCORE: The Happiest Days Of Our Lives (video), Another Brick In The Wall (Pt 2) (video), Vera (video), Bring the Boys Back Home (video), Comfortably Numb (video).

Back to reality tomorrow I guess... [flying back to Bordeaux!!]

Labels: Concerts, Pink Floyd

Posted by Andrew at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments

I originally saw this concert advertised while at home for Christmas and figured that I would probably being going just because. However, I guess I had decided I wouldn't as it was the other end of the city, but on Monday, it was moved from its original venue to the larger concert hall literally just around the corner from me. Furthermore, the Magic Numbers (who I was annoyed to have missed in Sheffield last year) were listed as a support artist. 20 Euros suddenly seemed worth spending. And I'm definitely glad I went!

Despite having to rush back from badminton then having to head straight back out and eventually missing the start of the Magic Numbers' set, it was a really good concert and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The venue was much bigger than I remembered it being, then again, it was all seating when I was last there and half the seats had been removed to allow for some standing room at the front.

The support act, The Magic Numbers were excellent. They are so much louder live than on the albums, and their set featured pretty much all of my favourites so it was very good! Shall definitely catch them again live if I ever get the chance.

Unbelievably an hour passed between the two acts, which thankfully felt shorter by the appearance of some liquorice allsorts from Anni's bag! So thank you Anni! :-) We both hoped he [Rice] had a good reason for the lateness and that it would be worth it, and I think it was safe to say we weren't disappointed. Damien Rice and the rest of his group put on a great show, but I have to say that Cannonball (off his first album "O") was the highlight, although an impromptu improvisation of Nancy Sinatra's "Bang Bang (my baby shot me down)" was impressive!

I had not expected to enjoy it as much as I did, and so it was definitely 20 Euros well spent! Unfortunately, in my rush, I forgot to pick up my camera (!), but Anni took some good photos and videos like the one below:

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 9:33 AM | Permalink | Comments

“I come over here to play music and all anybody wants to talk about is a load of b******t; how they thought I was going to ‘swing onto stage from a chandelier with an Uzi, with explosions’ and everything. They don’t seem to want to understand that’s not why I’m here.”

Best known as one of Hollywood’s most successful action film superstars, Steven Seagal, 55, is back on English soil, but this time his business is strictly musical, as he is keen to emphasize. Although still active in his writing, producing, and acting in feature films, Seagal has spent the last year touring the world with his Blues band Thunderbox and developing his professional music career.

The outcome of this work is the recent 2007 release of ‘Mojo Priest’, a 14-tracked record released in the UK on the Hypertension label dubbed by many as a celebration of the legendary Delta Blues genre.

“It [‘Mojo Priest’] still has got a bit of everything in there but ‘Mojo Priest’ has a little more focus on just being pure Blues,” revealed Seagal, “everything I write has to mean something to me; I don’t just write for the sake of it, it’s all got a message somewhere in there.”

From the reflective “My Time is Numbered”, to the haunting “Dark Angel”, to the striking “Alligator Ass”, each song carries a message, which once understood is representative of a moment in Seagals’ life. “Alligator Ass” is a really, really good example of Louisiana,” explains the action-hero cum singer-songwriter. “My father’s family were from Texas and Texas and Louisiana are kind of like sisters. I remember when I was I was a kid I’d be walking down the street and hear these drums; you’d just hear them playing and you’d notice it was for a funeral procession moving through the middle of the road.”

“But the drums on those streets were something I’ll never forget,” he confesses, “everybody, I mean everybody was on the streets, people in the shops would just start joining in this procession, it was really amazing.”

Mojo Priest is the follow-up to his 2005 World Music album ‘Songs from the Crystal Cave’, which reached number 1 across the channel in France and is his first attempt at releasing an international album.

“This [‘Mojo Priest’] is really the album I wanted to record and release, initially,” he said. “But everyone told me: Don’t make a Blues album because it won’t sell. But now I’ve made the record I wanted to make because Blues is my real passion, and I’ve always wanted to do a Blues record; Making this [type of] music is what I wanted to do with my life. So, here it is.”

Born in Lansing, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, USA, Seagal grew up in a mostly black neighbourhood and was exposed to an abundance of Blues music from a very young age. Before his teens, his family came to LA, “I was playing drums and guitar as a young boy, which I picked up from friends. I finally got a guitar given to me at the age of 12.”

“The Blues was kind of dead in the South at that time,” he remembers. “But, in Detroit, the Blues was very much alive; after World War 2, many Blues legends left coal mines and cotton fields in the South and came across Route 23 to work in the steel mills and in the auto factories.”

“Across the street from where I grew up there lived this old Blues player,” he recalls. “He was not a famous guy, but he had hung around all those legendary players and he played as good as all of them.”

“You know, BB King once said: ‘Greatest Blues players of all time; many of them people never hear their names or knew of them. But, they were great, nonetheless’”.

To date, Seagal has starred in (and produced) over 20 films, which have earned him millions in box office receipts. He has used much of that money to fund a number of charity causes, including his own “Save a Million Lives” organization, which has built villages and aided third world country children who have become orphans because of AIDS.

His success in Hollywood has also given him the means of acquiring one of the world’s greatest guitar collections, with hundreds of rare and vintage guitars to his name including a Gibson Sunburst from the late Freddy King and even guitars that had belonged to BB King, Albert King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Jimi Hendrix.

“I love and am very grateful to film,” he says. “I never said I was giving up acting or anything like that.”

“I wanted do the tour because this is what I love,” he continues, “movies are great and I had, and still have, great fun doing all that stuff, but Blues is what I’ve always loved and always done.”

With work on a potential third album beginning at the end of this year, Seagal’s following have much to look forward to. “For me it [touring] is not really any more or less demanding,” he said. “It’s something I’ve done a lot of; lots of playing, shows and concerts – more than cinema, so it’s more of a pleasure than a pressure.”

To read my review of the concert, click here: http://shefbase.com/gig/2007/the-sound-of-thunder-seagal-live-in-nottingham/

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments

Recognised worldwide as one of Hollywood’s leading action heroes, Steven Seagal has starred in, and produced more than 20 films. While his performances continue to bring his on screen characters to life, the proficient 7th degree black belt Aikido master is also (believe it or not) an accomplished musician and songwriter.

To prove this point, he has set out and is embarking upon a massive nationwide UK tour along with his band Thunderbox, stopping off in Nottingham on Tuesday night (20th) to put on a show that will excite and enthral music fans and film fans alike.

Seagal’s lifelong dedication to martial arts is rivalled only by his devotion to the guitar and the inspiring power of music. And after growing up playing blues music with such iconic players as BB King, Bo Diddley, Albert Collins and Willie ‘Pine Top’ Perkins, Seagal fulfilled a long-held musical dream and recorded a ‘real blues album’, which he recorded honouring the best of the living legends in Memphis.

The resulting record “Mojo Priest” is his latest album, released in the UK last Monday on the label “Hypertension”. His debut album “Songs from a Crystal Cave”, released in 2004, received massive critical acclaim in the US and even lead blues legend BB King was quoted as saying “Steven is great at Guitar”.

Seagal has already played to crowds in Liverpool, Llandudno and Northampton, and is due to play Nottingham Rock City on Tuesday 20th, before heading to Buxton (21st) then down south to Plymouth (23rd) and Southampton (24th). For a full listing of his national tour visit his official website at http://www.stevenseagal.com/calendar.html.

Tickets for the Nottingham Rock City show are priced at £26 and are available from www.alt-tickets.co.uk or on the door. See you there!

Published on the new-look sheffieldbase: http://shefbase.com/gig/2007/steven-seagal-nottingham-rock-city-preview/

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tonight I nipped around the corner to see a "concert humoristique" called "Duel", which after achieving much success on Paris' Champs-Elysées is embarking on a nationwide tour. The concert was billed as "2 musicians, one pianist and one cellist, depart on a jubilant and surreal combat, bow against key, in which compositions from Brahms, Satie, Stravinsky, Lou Reed, Mozart, Louis Armstrong, Paif, The Beetles and the Doors are interpreted in unexpected and flabbergasting ways". Sounded interesting and discovering I was entitled to a student ticket at around 40% of the full price I couldn't resist.

And it was excellent, despite only lasting just less than an hour and a half. The two "actors" Laurent Cirade (Cello) and Paul Staïcu (Piano), besides from being two very talented musicians, were a hilarious double-act as each tried to vie the spotlight from the other, either through unconventional methods (handcuffs, tape or even at one point a saw) or by increasing the difficulty of the piece they were playing. However, once they settled their differences and played together at the end, the result was equally as enjoyable.

My favourite moment though was when Staïcu had the stage to himself with his piano. Sensing that this time he would be able to play without being restricted in any way, he tried to lift the lid and was greeted with a woman’s voice. "Bonjour et Bienvenue sur musicmonamie - pour accéder le réseau insérez votre carte de crédit" ("Hello and welcome to Musicmonamie, to access the network insert your credit card"). Obviously playing upon the automated answer phone system employed by mobile phone companies, he then had to proceed through a whole series of menus and options before finally being able to play freely. But then 5 seconds after starting there was a loud beep and the woman's voice once again: "votre crédit est épuissé" ("your credit has expired"). And so after 'signing in' for the fifth time, he played what he wanted to so quickly that he managed to finish within the 5 seconds before his credit was 'épuissé'd. Superb.

Despite the fact I recognised pretty much all the musical pieces played, I wasn't able to place a name to any of them, which is really quite disgraceful. But nonetheless the concert was fantastic, good fun and definitely worth seeing. There's a video on the official website (http://www.noteprod.com/duel.php?page=2&srub=3&thisvideo=1) but I can't seem to get it working, so if you can, have a look!

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

Although international recognised as a night of tricks and treats, Halloween night was the night when thousands of fans were treated to a superb concert by England’s own Muse – returning to the south of France on the first leg of their Supermassive European tour.

However, it was the former of the traditions that I encountered first when I discovered the show started at 20.30, which was the time printed on the ticket that the doors were to due to open. So, suddenly I found myself very late and so dashed out the door and started my sprint to the venue, where en route I was jumped out on by a three-foot Frankenstein - which I have to confess, was truly terrifying. After banishing this little devil with a shiny brand new 2 Euro coin, I recommenced my jog and made it to the venue just in time to see the support band, ‘Poet in Process’, making their way onto the stage. Phew.

Taking my place on the third floor balcony I had an excellent view of this excellent arena that by day is a really cheap ice rink and by night was suddenly transformed into a superb arena that, in my opinion, looks down and laughs on its Sheffield equivalent.

The acoustics in the venue were excellent and because of this, the whole concert was really loud and there was not a single chance that you would miss a note of the action – that was if you didn’t buy the “noise reducing earplugs” available from the foyer…

For a band that hails from Barcelona (Spain), their English was excellent and ‘Poet in Process’ really seemed like a band that belonged on the big stages such as this and have lived on them since their formation. Their set was a real delight and it’s a shame that they won’t be touring with Muse for the rest of their UK and European tour – that honour belongs to the Noisettes.

But when the lights dimmed, it was time for the main event, accompanied on stage by the rest of the band and Spiderman (aka. Dominic Howard doing his bit for Halloween) on drums, the British trio launched into a superb and energetic (as ever) start with ‘Take a Bow’ followed by ‘Hysteria’.

“Merci beaucoup et bonsoir Bordeaux,” Matt screamed, shortly before changing his guitar and performing a light show introduction to ‘Map of the Problematique’. Epic crowd-pleasers ‘Butterflies and Hurricanes’, ‘New Born’ and ‘Plug in Baby’ followed, the latter of which was preceded by the longest and loudest guitar sound I’ve ever heard.

But what I found more frightening was how a man can play his guitar with such ease and arrogance, showing off at times – but who actually cares – this guy can play and his ability to put on a show is unrivalled in this industry. Strutting his stuff around the stage during ‘Bliss’ and then tinkling the ivories in ‘Hoodoo’, it isn’t hard to see why this band continue to win “best live act” awards. In fact, prior to the concert they had announced they had won that very award at the Q awards…

Continuing their set with an emotional rendition of ‘Invincible’ before launching into the first single from their latest album ‘Black Holes and Revelations’ – ‘Supermassive Black Hole’ followed by the second ‘Starlight’. Unfortunately they were not joking when they sung ‘Time is Running Out’ as after the next song, the super-loud ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ the band ran off stage to a massive standing ovation.

2 minutes then felt such a long time, but as soon as the Teignmouth-trio bounded back out on stage, complete with bassist Chris Wolstenholme sporting a giant bears head, time flew! Amazed and taken aback by the playing of ‘Muscle Museum’ which appeared on the band’s very first album ‘Showbiz’ back in 1999, Muse then treated the sell-out crowd to a finale of ‘Knights of Cydonia’.

After leaving the arena and starting my walk back I was approached by another little demon: « bonbons ou bâton » [trick or treat?], he said before leaving with another one of my nice new 2 Euro coins. Never mind – his smile was almost as big as mine – although not quite.

Muse are returning to England to play a large UK arena tour stopping at Manchester (10th and 11th), Cardiff (12th), Birmingham (14th and 15th), Nottingham (17th) and then Sheffield’s own Hallam FM arena on the 18th November. Tickets are priced at £27.50, with only limited views available, so if you can get your hands on a ticket – go and see the masters in action!

For more information on ‘Poet in Process’ check out their myspace page: http://myspace.com/poetinprocess
Published on the sheffieldbase http://www.sheffieldbase.com/story.php?s=1379

Labels: Concerts

Posted by Andrew at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments