Best Live Band
Best Band
Heroes Of The Year
Highlights
Disappointments
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Monday, 20 December 2010
My Top 3 Concerts Of 2010
1 - Green Day, Wembley Stadium, London
Seeing Green Day perform at Wembley Stadium was possibly the highlight of my year! Their show is completely one of a kind and it is this very uniqueness that makes them so special to watch. The band oozed energy, as they powered through a massive two and a half hour set, showing no sign of slowing down the pace. Billie Joe effortlessly controls the crowd, engaging fans in a series of chants and sing-alongs, whilst even pulling a few lucky fans onto the stage. Their show is extremely interactive, making the event seem more personal, despite the vast size of the stadium.
The band were clearly having the time of their lives, as they energetically bounded around the stage, dressed up in ridiculous outfits and had their adoring audience eating out of the palm of their hand. Even drummer Tre Cool took to centre stage, singing his comical hit, Dominated Love Slave and giving fans a good giggle at his spectacular dance moves during the Shout ensemble. Mike Dirnt was also roped into putting on his dancing boots, as Billie and the crowd shouted their encouragements, leaving him with no option but to join in! The band effortlessly tore through countless classic hits, ranging from the ground breaking American Idiot, to old favourites such as Basket Case and Longview. These hits were interspersed with a series of tracks from their new album, reflecting the band's vast catalogue of songs. They could have quite easily played all night.
The response from the crowd from the very moment the band took to the stage, to the moment they left, was mind-blowing. The audience sang along and cheered the band the whole way through with such enthusiasm, that the sound from the stadium would have been heard for miles around. Green Day have such a devoted following of adoring fans (yes that would be myself included!), that they appeared very humbled and honoured to be playing a show of such a substantial size. They have most definitely earned their iconic status, becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world. But it is Green Day's character, originality and their ability to perform such spectacular live shows, that has them firmly placed in a league all of their own.
Here is a video of one of my favourite parts of the show at Wembley. Enjoy! - American Idiot Live Wembley Stadium 2010
2 - My Chemical Romance, Manchester Apollo
My Chemical Romance's comeback show was hugely enjoyable. Due to the reasonable small venue, the show felt intimate and personal, whilst the music boomed twice as loud as it would have in an arena! The show therefore followed their inspired words from their new album, to "do it now and do it loud." And indeed they did. They rocketed through a twenty two song set, ranging from their old hits, including I'm Not Okay (I Promise), The Ghost Of You, and the massively acclaimed hit, Welcome To The Black Parade. The band also treated fans to an exclusive first airing of songs from their new album Danger Days: The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys. The selected few included Planetary (Go!), The Only Hope For Me Is You, The Kids From Yesterday, and the huge first single Na Na Na.
The band looked thrilled to be back performing and seemed overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response they received from fans, who seemed equally relieved to have their heroes back. The band have reclaimed their love of music and performing, appearing to be having the time of their lives back in the spotlight. Their show is packed full of colour and energy, showing the band in a new light, when compared to their previous dark and edgy look of years before. My Chemical Romance are clearly embracing their new found fun and style and their fans are quickly following suit, as many take to dressing in the flamboyant colours of the Killjoys themselves. It seems the band have created a new world that is inescapable.
As the show was merely a small promotional visit to boost awareness of their up-coming album, I cannot wait to see what the band have in store on their return to the UK in February, for their huge arena tour. No doubt it will be chaos!
Here is a video of the opening of the show, as the band power through new hit 'Na Na Na' - 'Na Na Na' Live Manchester Apollo 2010
3 - Motion City Soundtrack, The Cockpit, Leeds
Motion City Soundtrack presented a truly spectacular show, which in my mind, was completely unexpected. With no previous conceptions about the band, I wasn't sure what to expect from them, but they blew me away! They are truly an amazing live band, who are full of life and appear to have no trouble in getting the crowd going. They delivered a set consisting of a selection of new tracks from their latest album, along with many old crowd favourites, including the big hitters, Everything Is Alright and The Future Freaks Me Out. The crowd responded with such enthusiasm, that the small venue pounded, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
On first glance, they don't particularly represent the characteristic rock band, due to their somewhat geeky image. They appear on the surface as extremely unlikely rock stars, however, once on stage, they power through the upbeat set, belting out songs with decidedly witty lyrics, demonstrating that they can roll with the best of them! The crowd joined them in every word, as well as leaping and jumping along to the music for the full one and a half hour show. Lead singer, Justin Pierre, is distinctly quirky on stage, as he uses his hands and facial expressions to act out the words to his songs, whilst frequently dancing around. He was extremely amusing to watch, as he desperately tried not to mess up his own songs - he is quite well known for having little faith in himself and his ability, making his performance all the more endearing. Although, he had nothing to worry about - he did a fantastic job of involving the crowd and chatting away throughout. It was a joy to watch.
With the addition of a moog board in their music, Motion City Soundtrack have created a distinct and unique sound, which most certainly makes them stand out above other bands within the same genre. They are a great up and coming band, with a growing fan base and excellent song writing ability. I'm sure in a few years time they will have progressed to great things, and I cannot wait for their return to the UK, hopefully sometime in the very near future.
Here is a video of Motion City playing crowd favourite The Future Freaks Me Out. Although the band aren't visible in the video, this fully captures the atmosphere of the show perfectly, as the crowd sing their hearts out! - The Future Freaks Me Out Live The Cockpit
Notable Mention
Paramore - Sheffield Arena
Young Guns - The Cockpit
Weezer - Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego, CA
Seeing Green Day perform at Wembley Stadium was possibly the highlight of my year! Their show is completely one of a kind and it is this very uniqueness that makes them so special to watch. The band oozed energy, as they powered through a massive two and a half hour set, showing no sign of slowing down the pace. Billie Joe effortlessly controls the crowd, engaging fans in a series of chants and sing-alongs, whilst even pulling a few lucky fans onto the stage. Their show is extremely interactive, making the event seem more personal, despite the vast size of the stadium.
The band were clearly having the time of their lives, as they energetically bounded around the stage, dressed up in ridiculous outfits and had their adoring audience eating out of the palm of their hand. Even drummer Tre Cool took to centre stage, singing his comical hit, Dominated Love Slave and giving fans a good giggle at his spectacular dance moves during the Shout ensemble. Mike Dirnt was also roped into putting on his dancing boots, as Billie and the crowd shouted their encouragements, leaving him with no option but to join in! The band effortlessly tore through countless classic hits, ranging from the ground breaking American Idiot, to old favourites such as Basket Case and Longview. These hits were interspersed with a series of tracks from their new album, reflecting the band's vast catalogue of songs. They could have quite easily played all night.
The response from the crowd from the very moment the band took to the stage, to the moment they left, was mind-blowing. The audience sang along and cheered the band the whole way through with such enthusiasm, that the sound from the stadium would have been heard for miles around. Green Day have such a devoted following of adoring fans (yes that would be myself included!), that they appeared very humbled and honoured to be playing a show of such a substantial size. They have most definitely earned their iconic status, becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world. But it is Green Day's character, originality and their ability to perform such spectacular live shows, that has them firmly placed in a league all of their own.
Here is a video of one of my favourite parts of the show at Wembley. Enjoy! - American Idiot Live Wembley Stadium 2010
2 - My Chemical Romance, Manchester Apollo
My Chemical Romance's comeback show was hugely enjoyable. Due to the reasonable small venue, the show felt intimate and personal, whilst the music boomed twice as loud as it would have in an arena! The show therefore followed their inspired words from their new album, to "do it now and do it loud." And indeed they did. They rocketed through a twenty two song set, ranging from their old hits, including I'm Not Okay (I Promise), The Ghost Of You, and the massively acclaimed hit, Welcome To The Black Parade. The band also treated fans to an exclusive first airing of songs from their new album Danger Days: The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys. The selected few included Planetary (Go!), The Only Hope For Me Is You, The Kids From Yesterday, and the huge first single Na Na Na.
The band looked thrilled to be back performing and seemed overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response they received from fans, who seemed equally relieved to have their heroes back. The band have reclaimed their love of music and performing, appearing to be having the time of their lives back in the spotlight. Their show is packed full of colour and energy, showing the band in a new light, when compared to their previous dark and edgy look of years before. My Chemical Romance are clearly embracing their new found fun and style and their fans are quickly following suit, as many take to dressing in the flamboyant colours of the Killjoys themselves. It seems the band have created a new world that is inescapable.
As the show was merely a small promotional visit to boost awareness of their up-coming album, I cannot wait to see what the band have in store on their return to the UK in February, for their huge arena tour. No doubt it will be chaos!
3 - Motion City Soundtrack, The Cockpit, Leeds
Motion City Soundtrack presented a truly spectacular show, which in my mind, was completely unexpected. With no previous conceptions about the band, I wasn't sure what to expect from them, but they blew me away! They are truly an amazing live band, who are full of life and appear to have no trouble in getting the crowd going. They delivered a set consisting of a selection of new tracks from their latest album, along with many old crowd favourites, including the big hitters, Everything Is Alright and The Future Freaks Me Out. The crowd responded with such enthusiasm, that the small venue pounded, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
On first glance, they don't particularly represent the characteristic rock band, due to their somewhat geeky image. They appear on the surface as extremely unlikely rock stars, however, once on stage, they power through the upbeat set, belting out songs with decidedly witty lyrics, demonstrating that they can roll with the best of them! The crowd joined them in every word, as well as leaping and jumping along to the music for the full one and a half hour show. Lead singer, Justin Pierre, is distinctly quirky on stage, as he uses his hands and facial expressions to act out the words to his songs, whilst frequently dancing around. He was extremely amusing to watch, as he desperately tried not to mess up his own songs - he is quite well known for having little faith in himself and his ability, making his performance all the more endearing. Although, he had nothing to worry about - he did a fantastic job of involving the crowd and chatting away throughout. It was a joy to watch.
With the addition of a moog board in their music, Motion City Soundtrack have created a distinct and unique sound, which most certainly makes them stand out above other bands within the same genre. They are a great up and coming band, with a growing fan base and excellent song writing ability. I'm sure in a few years time they will have progressed to great things, and I cannot wait for their return to the UK, hopefully sometime in the very near future.
Here is a video of Motion City playing crowd favourite The Future Freaks Me Out. Although the band aren't visible in the video, this fully captures the atmosphere of the show perfectly, as the crowd sing their hearts out! - The Future Freaks Me Out Live The Cockpit
Notable Mention
Paramore - Sheffield Arena
Young Guns - The Cockpit
Weezer - Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego, CA
My Top 10 Music Videos Of 2009/10
1 - "Na Na Na" - My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance are back with a blast. Na Na Na takes viewers on a rip-roaring, high speed, action packed journey through the desert, in the bright and colourful world that the band have created. Running around as the fabulous killjoys, firing laser guns and dodging villains, it is clear the band have recaptured their enthusiasm and are enjoying having fun with their music. The bright colours of both the setting and the band members, particularly Gerard Way's dazzling red hair, comes as somewhat of a surprise considering the band's previous darker image; yet it suits them down to the ground. My Chemical Romance are a band who constantly embrace new challenges and are never afraid of delivering the unexpected, or doing something different. And I for one, love them for that!
2 - 21 Guns - Green Day
Although 21 Guns appears distinctly uncharacteristic of Green Day's style on the surface, due to the ballad-like opening, it is one of their most powerful songs yet. As the chorus kicks in, the full force of the song is felt, as the band surge through power chords and pounding drum beats, providing a great contrast to the serene and melodic opening. The song takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, creating a feeling of calm intertwined with a sense of turbulence, as the full force of the chorus kicks in. This feeling is cleverly replicated through the characters of Christian and Gloria, each representing conflicting ideals within the video; yet are brought together through the music. 21 Guns tells the story of these characters perfectly, whilst capturing the essence of Green Day's new album, 21st Century Breakdown.
3 - Her Words Destroyed My Planet - Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack have delivered a highly entertaining, cheeky and undeniably amusing video, that is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Known as geek rockers, the setting of the video at a science fair suits their character extremely well. The upbeat and catchy song is packed full of witty, humorous lyrics, reflecting the fun nature of this band. The climax of the video sees the band engaging in a synchronised dance routine, whilst dressed in school uniforms, singing their hearts out. I'm sure most would agree in thinking this scene is quite uncharacteristic of a rock band; hence this highlights the band's originality, whilst making the video all the more amusing!
4 - If You're Wondering If I want You To (I Want You To) - Weezer
Weezer presents an irresistibly catchy, sing-along tune, accompanied by a highly entertaining video that, like Motion City Soundtrack, captures band's quirky nature. Set in the Country, Weezer depict the redneck culture perfectly, presenting a series of comical and rather daft events, that makes this video a joy to watch.
5 - Know Your Enemy - Green Day
Green Day present a somewhat understated video, based almost exclusively on performance elements, and a reliance of understanding the message of the song. The series of shots from surveillance cameras throughout the video, serves to create a feeling of unease and a sense of constantly being watched. Through this simplistic approach, Green Day produce a powerful and extremely clever video.
6 - Burn It To The Ground - Nickelback
This live video, filmed at London's O2 arena, presents the full throttle of a Nickelback show. The crowd sing along to every word, whist clapping and po-going energetically to the thud of the drum beat and heavy baseline. Nickelback are true heavy rockers and this video shows them at their very best.
7 - Ignorance - Paramore
Although this video may seem simplistic on the surface, as it is purely a performance based video, it does in fact capture the meaning behind the song perfectly. Opening in a small, confined closet, this clearly reflects the personal tensions within the band prior to writing their third album, whilst the use of the light bulb serves to reflect Hayley's feelings of isolation. Throughout the video, the rest of the band are frequently kept in the dark, only coming into view as she brings the light close up; hence this reflects the divide between her and the rest of the band. A very clever video and song, that captures the negative and frustrated feelings that previously existed.
8 - I'm Your Daddy - Weezer
This video is simply a collection of Weezer antics, ranging from snippets of live performances, studio recordings, crowd responses and the downright daft! A fun video, accompanied by a classically quirky song from the band.
9 - Bottles - The Swellers
Bottles is a great video by the Michigan quartet punk rockers. It has a playful feel about it, as the band race around on kids scooters in a bid to escape the clutches of an opposing baseball team. The band are clearly having fun with this video, particularly drummer Jono, who simply cannot resist belting his heart out and peeping round at the camera in a bid to be seen from his perch at the back!
Notable Mention:
Closer To The Edge - 30 Seconds To Mars - Closer To The Edge Official Video
Sing - My Chemical Romance - Sing Official Video
So Obvious - Runner Runner - So Obvious Official Video
All The Pretty Girls - Fun. - All The Pretty Girls Official Video
Alpha Dog - Fall Out Boy - Alpha Dog Official Video
Uprising - Muse - Uprising Official Video
Magic - B.o.B fet. Rivers Cuomo - Magic Official Video
My Chemical Romance are back with a blast. Na Na Na takes viewers on a rip-roaring, high speed, action packed journey through the desert, in the bright and colourful world that the band have created. Running around as the fabulous killjoys, firing laser guns and dodging villains, it is clear the band have recaptured their enthusiasm and are enjoying having fun with their music. The bright colours of both the setting and the band members, particularly Gerard Way's dazzling red hair, comes as somewhat of a surprise considering the band's previous darker image; yet it suits them down to the ground. My Chemical Romance are a band who constantly embrace new challenges and are never afraid of delivering the unexpected, or doing something different. And I for one, love them for that!
Although 21 Guns appears distinctly uncharacteristic of Green Day's style on the surface, due to the ballad-like opening, it is one of their most powerful songs yet. As the chorus kicks in, the full force of the song is felt, as the band surge through power chords and pounding drum beats, providing a great contrast to the serene and melodic opening. The song takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, creating a feeling of calm intertwined with a sense of turbulence, as the full force of the chorus kicks in. This feeling is cleverly replicated through the characters of Christian and Gloria, each representing conflicting ideals within the video; yet are brought together through the music. 21 Guns tells the story of these characters perfectly, whilst capturing the essence of Green Day's new album, 21st Century Breakdown.
Motion City Soundtrack have delivered a highly entertaining, cheeky and undeniably amusing video, that is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Known as geek rockers, the setting of the video at a science fair suits their character extremely well. The upbeat and catchy song is packed full of witty, humorous lyrics, reflecting the fun nature of this band. The climax of the video sees the band engaging in a synchronised dance routine, whilst dressed in school uniforms, singing their hearts out. I'm sure most would agree in thinking this scene is quite uncharacteristic of a rock band; hence this highlights the band's originality, whilst making the video all the more amusing!
Weezer presents an irresistibly catchy, sing-along tune, accompanied by a highly entertaining video that, like Motion City Soundtrack, captures band's quirky nature. Set in the Country, Weezer depict the redneck culture perfectly, presenting a series of comical and rather daft events, that makes this video a joy to watch.
Green Day present a somewhat understated video, based almost exclusively on performance elements, and a reliance of understanding the message of the song. The series of shots from surveillance cameras throughout the video, serves to create a feeling of unease and a sense of constantly being watched. Through this simplistic approach, Green Day produce a powerful and extremely clever video.
This live video, filmed at London's O2 arena, presents the full throttle of a Nickelback show. The crowd sing along to every word, whist clapping and po-going energetically to the thud of the drum beat and heavy baseline. Nickelback are true heavy rockers and this video shows them at their very best.
Although this video may seem simplistic on the surface, as it is purely a performance based video, it does in fact capture the meaning behind the song perfectly. Opening in a small, confined closet, this clearly reflects the personal tensions within the band prior to writing their third album, whilst the use of the light bulb serves to reflect Hayley's feelings of isolation. Throughout the video, the rest of the band are frequently kept in the dark, only coming into view as she brings the light close up; hence this reflects the divide between her and the rest of the band. A very clever video and song, that captures the negative and frustrated feelings that previously existed.
This video is simply a collection of Weezer antics, ranging from snippets of live performances, studio recordings, crowd responses and the downright daft! A fun video, accompanied by a classically quirky song from the band.
Bottles is a great video by the Michigan quartet punk rockers. It has a playful feel about it, as the band race around on kids scooters in a bid to escape the clutches of an opposing baseball team. The band are clearly having fun with this video, particularly drummer Jono, who simply cannot resist belting his heart out and peeping round at the camera in a bid to be seen from his perch at the back!
Bottles Official Video
10 - Sink Into Me - Taking Back Sunday
This video literally acts out the title of the track, as the band begins to sink deeper and deeper, into what looks like a black pit of tarmac, as the song progresses. They seem to be loving every minute of it, as they roll around and chant along with their deeply infectious tune, whilst rocking out. A great song and video by the band.
This video literally acts out the title of the track, as the band begins to sink deeper and deeper, into what looks like a black pit of tarmac, as the song progresses. They seem to be loving every minute of it, as they roll around and chant along with their deeply infectious tune, whilst rocking out. A great song and video by the band.
Notable Mention:
Closer To The Edge - 30 Seconds To Mars - Closer To The Edge Official Video
Sing - My Chemical Romance - Sing Official Video
So Obvious - Runner Runner - So Obvious Official Video
All The Pretty Girls - Fun. - All The Pretty Girls Official Video
Alpha Dog - Fall Out Boy - Alpha Dog Official Video
Uprising - Muse - Uprising Official Video
Magic - B.o.B fet. Rivers Cuomo - Magic Official Video
Friday, 17 December 2010
Green Day Film: A World Stage Event
For one night only, Green Day was brought to the big screen in cinemas all across the world. The 1 ½ hour film presented viewers with snippets from Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown World Tour, filmed from their performance in Munich, Germany. In this somewhat short time-frame (by Green Day’s standards), viewers are taken through a series of show highlights, including performances of the Green Day classics American Idiot, St Jimmy, Good Riddance and When I Come Around; showing the band in all their glory. The movie perfectly captures Green Day’s undeniable stage presence and powerful energy that is transferred into the crowd, prompting a sea of fans to begin pogoing and devotedly singing along to every word. Of course, those who have been to a Green Day show before will know that crowd participation is not optional – it’s compulsory. Front man, Billie Joe, wastes no time in getting the crowd going, as he bursts on to the stage and addresses the audience for the first time with the phrase “stand up!” And he will certainly not continue with show until he is satisfied that every crowd member is on their feet. Throughout the show, he consistently engages fans in a series of chants and “hey-oh’s,” which the crowd enthusiastically throw back at him; whilst his band mates effortlessly keep up with his overwhelming enthusiasm.
However, the film does fail to capture the full essence of the Green Day show experience, omitting some of the bands crazy show antics, of which include all time crowd favourite King for a Day, followed by the Shout medley, during which the band members take to dressing up. Even drummer Tre Cool is brought to the forefront during this section of the show, as he engages in a bout of singing himself, along with some highly entertaining dance moves. The editing also denies viewers the entertainment of watching Billie and co. running about the stage with their new stage ‘toys,’ of which include a toilet roll gun, a water gun and a t-shirt gun. The band clearly loves to interact with their fans and they never fail to entertain through their unique and playful manner.
It is strikingly clear that Green Day is a band like no other. Their shows are packed full of energy and enthusiasm, and are undoubtedly hugely entertaining. One thing is certain about Green Day shows, and that is, it is an experience like no other. They are a truly unique band that seem to pride themselves on being different and innovative in their showmanship; which ultimately makes them shine and reign above the rest. This short film, although heavily edited, succeeds in showcasing Green Day at their very best, giving fans a perfect reminiscence of their own experience of the show, whilst providing new fans an insight into what this band is all about. Green Day present a world class performance, making this an absolute must see for fans all over the world.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
America's Hidden Gem...
I have been travelling to San Diego every summer for around 8 years and it has become one of my favourite places to visit. So I thought I'd kick off my first blog by sharing an article I wrote about it some time back. I hope this will provide a little insight as to what's on offer and why I like it so much...Enjoy!
(mouse click images to see full sized article)
(mouse click images to see full sized article)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)