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After witnessing my first show at the new Academy 2 on Sunday, it was time to make my visit to the smaller Academy 3 next door to break that particular cherry with a double dose of brutal death metal. First impressions of this venue were favourable with no issues with bar service, and the venue itself was nice and small – sorry – intimate, much reminiscent of the Dale End Academy 2. |
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A few dedicated gig-goers braved the icy elements and headed out to King’s Heath for the first Music Room showcase of the year, courtesy of promoters World Unlimited. Bathed in the warm glow of candle-light and clutching a cool beer, it was easy to forget how slowly the train crawled into New Street, and to secretly hope we’d all be snowed in. With its parachutes strung from the ceiling and performers set against a starry backdrop, the Hare and Hounds was definitely the perfect place to spend the evening. |
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Christmas has come early for those at the Academy 3 tonight as the Big Scary Monsters Christmas Tour stops off in Birmingham bringing with it Shoes and Socks Off and Kevin Devine both signed to the independent record label. Its stripped down, festive affair tonight with all the acts playing acoustically and with crackers being pulled and paper hats being worn with pride! |
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Given the strength of the lineup this year, the Taste of Chaos is particularly tasty; four top quality bands playing a fantastic selection of metal – what more could you ask for? |
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Wolverhampton born and bred Beverley Knight played at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham to a local audience. I had never seen Beverley perform before, nor really listened to any of her music, so, along with the two support acts, this was going to be an experience. Fear not, I am not one to shy away from anything new! |
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There aren’t many superlatives that haven’t been used to describe Kasabian over the past year, especially when it comes to their live performance. In our last review of them at their De Montfort Hall gig we described them as “an enormous sound and euphoric uplifting performances combining the pomp of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream and the showmanship of Faithless” We were in for a treat. |
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Two years ago I got married in Cornwall. An odd beginning for a live review you may think but I just needed to share something with you. The song we chose to play as my wife-to-be walked down the aisle was "Your Song". Not by Elton John, by Miss Kate Walsh... |
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Kasabian are the best band in the UK. Well, that’s if you believe the lads themselves, anyway. Although such bold statements might get you a headline or two in NME, when it comes to a live show no amount of bravado can make up for a lack of talent. With this in mind, I rocked up to the Wolverhampton Civic for the Leicester lads’ latest attempt to stake their claims of greatness. |
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Considering Lenny Kravitz seems to be out of favour with the British music industry at the moment and the price of the tickets seems expensive for the Civic Hall; there is a great turnout for the show. There is nearly an hour’s pause between the support act and the start of Kravitz’s performance, but when the show kicks off, the memory of waiting around is soon wiped. The darkness is lit up with an excessive display of strobes, whilst the audience erupt into cheers and shouts of Lenny. Then, the band launch into Freedom Train, with its pounding introduction, and you can tell, instantly, that Kravitz has collected together a fine ensemble of musicians. The appearance of Lenny Kravitz, sends the crowd into a frenzy, his vocals sounding fantastic and his charismatic presence oozes sexuality and musical prowess. |
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I like gigs at the Glee Club. It always seems to be an eclectic crowd in there, all of whom are particularly cordial, I’m sure radio 2 would be the preferred stereophonic station if polled and words like ‘twee’ and ‘quaint’ slip seamlessly into conversation. You get the picture. Delightful. And thus it was – amongst a lampshade festooned stage – net curtains and all – that the theatrical A Camp took to the stage. |
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James’ opening gambit was ‘The Only Night’ the opening track of James’ 2nd album ‘Songs for You, Truths for Me’, a lively track which announced Morrison’s intent to the greatly receptive packed house. It was going to be a lively night. He then sauntered through his back catalogue of modern day classics such as ‘You Give Me Something’ and soon to be hits like ‘Nothing Ever Hurt Like You’. Halfway through the set he was joined on stage by local girl Deborah Brown for a rendition of ‘Broken Strings’, much to the delight of the Birmingham contingent. The Brummy lass did a more than adequate job of emulating Miss Furtado as the other part of the duet. |
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I’ll be honest; prior to this gig I had very little knowledge of Kenny Rogers and his music. All I knew was that he was a massively famous country music singer and song-writer. I’d heard a couple of his songs but think my lack of knowledge is mainly down to my age. A quick search of the ever-unreliable Wikipedia tells me he is not just a singer but a photographer, record producer, actor and entrepreneur. He has also had over 70 hit singles across different genres in his career. I know from personal experience that he has collaborated with the likes of Dolly Parton and Wyclef Jean, of all people. With this in mind, I head out to the NIA in anticipation of seeing something special.. |
