The Daily Dust | Good News from the UK » gig of the month

February live music preview

Dave Musson — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:06:20 +0000

Gig season is back with a vengeance.

With it’s cold weather causing chaos across the country, January was something of a write-off and this extended as far as gigging was concerned. But now we’re into February and there’s so many gigs to choose from you’ll either need to pick very carefully or start saving every penny possible.

Perhaps the most interesting act to visit our shores this month is eccentric German metal outfit Rammstein. Their live show is legendary, their riffs are addictive and, given that their last music video was essentially full-on porn, they are sure to bring something different.

There’s a range of big names hitting the road this month covering a host a genres. There’s arguably the most famous runners up in the UK – JLS, the most recent finalists from the show that made them as the X-Factor goes on tour, fellow reality TV star Kelly Clarkson, Welsh rockers Lostprophets, rising hip-hop favourite Tynchy Stryder and heavy metal titans like Machine Head, Mastodon and returning giants Fear Factory.

It also seems to be a month for one hit wonders to get out and play with both Chesney ‘The One and Only’ Hawkes and Europe (of the Final Countdown fame) both going out on runs – the rest of their sets will probably be for die-hard fans only.

Other than that, notable highlights have to be Fightstar (featuring Charlie from Busted on guitar and lead vocals in proper rock music shocker), the surprisingly popular Hot Chip, the somewhat bizarre mothers’ favourite Mika, symphonic metallers Lacuna Coil and upcoming heavy rockers Pulled Apart by Horses, who so ably supported Biffy Clyro at the end of last year.

Gig of the month

This month’s gig of month has been chosen purely on a personal level, so if you don’t agree with my choice of Lamb of God then that’s just too bad. The Virginia five-piece are bone fide heavy metal gods these days, and they are returning to the UK almost exactly one year after they headlined the second Defenders of the Faith tour.

Back on their last visit, their most recent record ‘Wrath’ had not long hit the shelves. Now, fans have had plenty of time to absorb it, so expect a good chunk of their set to be newer songs. Lamb of God also have the luxury of this being their own tour, so should get much longer stage time than they were allocated last time around.

As if the prospect of seeing such a fine live act as Lamb of God wasn’t enough, they will be supported by rising death metal stars Job For a Cowboy, who will no doubt lay waste to every town they play with their brutal, lightning-fast technical metal.

Wherever you head for your live fix this month, have a good one!

Photograph: Dave Musson Photography

December live music preview

Dave Musson — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:55:45 +0000

The most satisfying ways to spend your dosh this month.

The nights have drawn in, it’s chuffing cold and there’s colourful lights appearing everywhere…yep, it’s December which means another month of great live music to look forward to.

Compared to the last two months, December is actually a lot quieter, but that’s not to say the UK live scene shuts down for the festive month; there’s still a fine choice of gigs to tickle your fancy as the year draws to a close.

This month is looking a fine one for those – like me – who enjoy a bit of rock; firstly there’s the immense Taste of Chaos featuring Killswitch Engage, In Flames, Every Time I Die and Maylene and the Sons of Disasteron the same night – a real treat. As if that wasn’t enough, Northern Ireland’s The Answer get the chance to headline after providing ample support to AC/DC earlier this year, super group Them Crooked Vultures (featuring members of Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age) make their UK debut, while the enigmatic superstar Marylin Manson brings his unique brand of glam shock rock to our shores. Any of these artists will guarantee you a superb night out.

Aside from the heavier stuff, there’s a healthy splattering of big names hitting the road this month with Status Quo, UB40, Depeche Mode, Jools Holland, Pet Shop Boys, a rejuvinated Placebo and Miley cyrus all coming to an arena somewhere near you for what should be lessons in live performances.

Gig of the month

Once again, it’s a tough choice for gig of the month, but in the end I’ve plumped for one of this year’s big success stories – Paramore.

The pop/rock outfit, fronted by Hayley Williams, set out on their first arena tour fresh from the success of their third album Brand New Eyes, which was released to much acclaim in September.

The band is already known for it’s fiery live performances, and a stint supporting the mighty No Doubt in America will, no doubt, have made them even better to watch and ready to step up to bigger rooms. Not only that, but they’re being supported by British emo rockers Youmeatsix – a fine gesture from a band who could easily have just brought another American outfit with them.

As this is going to be the final monthly preview of 2009, I have to take this oportunity to wish you all a fantastic Christmas and an amazing New Year. 2009 has been spectacular for live music, but already 2010 looks like it could be even better. Keep enjoying and supporting live music, because there’s nothing quite like it! See you in January.

Photography: Dave Musson Photography

November live music preview

Dave Musson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:54 +0000

The shows you should be checking out this month.

As we saw in October, gig season here in the UK is well and truly under way, and what was started last month continues at a relentless pace this time around.

Yet again, there’s an interesting mixture of both established and upcoming acts touring the country, which should give you plenty of reason to forget about the long dark nights, the deteriorating weather and the imminent mad rush to start planning for Christmas.

If October saw the start of a string of reformed groups hitting the road then just look at what November has to offer; Fleetwood Mac, the Backstreet Boys, Alice in Chains and Skunk Anansie are all revitalised and raring to go over the next few weeks.

Aside form that, there are a number of other household names coming to a town near you – depending on where you live of course – with November shaping up to be the month to catch a global star or two. Beyonce, Beverley Knight, Biffy Clyro, Muse, Jonas Brothers, The Enemy, La Roux, Motorhead, the Artic Monkeys and Slayer will all be on hand to put on a night to remember in a variety of different sized venues ranging from arenas to clubs.

Of course, there will also be hundreds of gigs across the land from lesser-known acts – so many that it would take up far too much space listing them here. However, our top tip would be to check out Aussie outfit The Butterfly Effect, whose brand of passionate, progressive-tinged rock is well worth checking out, while our friends in Elliot Minor are also worth your time.

Gig if the month

It’s been tough to pick out one tour for November given the calibre of some of the names listed above, but in the end here at On Stage we’ve plumped for the always interesting Lily Allen.

Given her recent comments that she may quitting music, and the fact that she’s never too far away from the headlines then Miss Allen will always be worthy of some attention.

But there is also the fact that her most recent album, It’s Not Me It’s You, proved hugely successful and she has shown herself to be a witty songwriter and a top quality live performer; in fact, you could argue that she is one of this country’s most talented pop stars at the moment, which she will hopefully be able to transfer to the stage.

Whoever you end up going to see this month, have a good one, and don’t forget to check back here for a variety of reviews, photography and interviews.

Photograph: Dave Musson Photography

The Daily Dust | Good News from the UK » gig of the month

February live music preview

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December live music preview

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November live music preview

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