The Specials – at Secc Arena – Glasgow, Scotland
October 18, 2011
The curtain pulled back and there was no band on stage, only a screen behind the equipment showing a video montage of British political history figures. When photos of the current Prime Minister David Cameron came on the crowd boo loudly and the band casually walked on stage. We were straight into “Gangster” and everyone was singing along and dancing. The first four songs were over in a flash and we got the regular intro from Neville“This one is for the bouncers! Big Big Monkey Man!” The bouncers earned their money as about 50 people come over the barrier during the show. On a sad note Neville was hobbling along, years of entertaining has taken its toll. He doesn’t run about anymore and sits on the speakers every now and again, but a like true entertainer the show must go on.
Lynval introduced “Too Hot” which seemed very apt as the place was like an oven. The crowd consisted of mainly those in their forties and all are up for dancing but most cant keep up with the pace of the teenage element that are down the front doing what we could do maybe 30 years ago. Lynval played his guitar with a big smile on his face, Roddy played in his rock n’ roll style with drape suit and creeper shoes on, dipping down and swinging his arms. Terry was sullen as ever but a great front man who hardly moved from his spot the whole night. He did almost break into a smile (I must have missed it) when he told the crowd that they made him smile on this wet and miserable day and could they come on the rest of the tour with them. Horace boomed his bass along with Brad on drums who was almost in the shade, but put them all together with Nik on keyboards and the brass section and you have one almighty band.
“Doesn’t make it all right” came up and even 30 years after they first played it, it means as much today as it did then. The band always tried to break down racial barriers and lyrics like - “Just because you're a black boy - Just because you're white - It doesn't mean you've got to hate him - It doesn't mean you've got to fight”! sums it up, we all are one people and music brings us all together.
On this tour we got some more tunes from the second album including “Pearls Café” which got everyone singing “it’s all a load of bollocks” even though it certainly wasn’t! It was one of these nights you just want to go on and on.
As my favourite Specials song, “Do Nothing” had me singing at the top of my voice. Lynval stepped up to the microphone and said “well done Scotland for not getting involved in the recent riots that had swept England, this is for all the morons out there” and “A Message to Rudy” was played. Next up was “International Jet Set” a mellow tune from the second album and a chance for everyone to catch their breath.
“Nite Klub” was an even better sing along and halfway through Terry sat on a speaker with Lynval - the band turned it down a notch and you could hear the crowd sing a whole verse.
The haunting intro to “Ghost Town” was played and it signaled the beginning of the end. They went off for a short break and came back on with “Little Bitch” and “You’re Wondering Now”, what to do, now you know, this is the end… (there are rumours it might be true with the band making this their last tour,) but here’s hoping it is not.
A couple of mute points.
1. Arena shows are just big sheds so they can get more people in, I prefer smaller venues and often they have better sound are more intimate.
2. One burning question on some peoples minds - can they go on performing tracks from the 2 albums they did or should they write new stuff?
My opinion is no new stuff - if it ain't broke don't fix it.
-Dod M.-
Big Wheel Staff Photographer and Correspondent
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
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Band Spotlight: The Black Beverly Heels
October 15, 2011
The Black Beverly Heels, Who spawned from the depths of Downtown LA have been taking the city for a ride. From the attitude and energy they take to the stage to the redefinition of what Rock and Roll could be. A time before the boys started getting sideways bangs, skinny jeans and writing about their feelings.They are the next Rock Revival (without all the hairspray) that we have been waiting for.
The name came from Bassist Eligh Macias. " I'm from West Virgina, People say 'The hills of West Virginia' but it sounds like 'the heels' because of the accent. When I first moved here, it was to a neighborhood people called the black Beverly Hills. When I said it, it sounded like "The Black Beverly Heels"
Their sound was made for the thrashing about, and what they emulate live on stage is something you need to experience first hand to comprehend. At the Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas, Nevada, they are known as The "Black-Out" Beverly Heels in reference to a performance the power was knocked out for several blocks. Coincidence? perhaps someone merely hit a pole? Probably, but I think not.
Their five song debut album was recorded and produced by Bradley Cook, who's credits list albums by The Dwarves, Queens of the Stone Age, Slash and many more notables. Bradley Cook absolutely succeeded in preserving the grit, glam and grime the band embodies, without compromising the integrity and realness of their sound.
The Black Beverly Heels are Definitely LA's next Mojo rising. Making their rounds in the Downtown LA circuit, They are gaining fast momentum as one of Rankoutsider Records up and coming bands, with a their music featured in Rock Band and MTV. The Black Beverly Heels are here to wake up and shake up the sleeping beast that is Hard Rock. I advise one thing -Get ready to move to this dark beat. Like them, love them, quickly go check them out before they get big. You can keep up with all the latest news by going to www.theblackbeverlyheels.com
-Desire G.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Triple Threat To Terror – Featuring – The Others – Die Monster Die – Creepersin
October 15, 2011
It’s definitely October around here, and I say that in the best way possible! I just received a 3 way split album featuring bands I’d never heard of but glad I now have! The fair priced split record by The Others, Die Monster Die and Creepersin is a Halloween party in itself
with song topics covering the usual; sex, death, blood, murder and all around fun! What you’ll hear is nothing that hasn’t been done before by bands who paved the way in the late 70’s or early 80’s, ala Cramps or Misfits. Though this rocks, it’s campy horror punk that really is fun to listen to and isn’t embarrassingly cheesy or serious. It’s all very Americana and comic book like, a sure hit for any one out there looking to add some great horror themed rock and roll to their collection of albums.
Three bands on one disc for the same cost as a normal CD, not bad, especially since this release has 3 times the guts!
-Louie B.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews Send your comments to the editor HERE October 15, 2011 I wear a costume, so my Ipod and headphones are concealed while I listen to various dark bands that get my adrenaline going while I pretend to stab and stalk the parks guests who roam through my maze, it’s a thrill! On my way to work the other day I threw in The Returners newest album into my cars stereo, I figured It’d be best to get a taste for what they had to offer and get in the spirit of being evil before the sun went down. If they were as evil sounding as their artwork and macabre song titles suggested, perhaps I’d listen to them at work for the kill! The Lost Souls is an album that starts off and continues on in pretty much the same manner in which you’d expect, there are more whoaaah’s and kooky chorus’ on this record than all of The Misfits and AFI’s back catalog combined. The Returners front man Rick may even sound like Davey Havok of years past at times, he’s on the nasaly side of the vocal spectrum, though with less guttural tone. The guitar work is less stellar or hooky than T.S.O.L. or Christian Death, you likely wont find yourself humming any Returners guitar leads in your head like you would to Code Blue or Spiritual Cramp, (The only reason I’m mentioning such legendary bands is because they are named up in the bands press release!) It would be unfair to compare a new band to the greats they are so influenced by, though when you’re likely named after the type of zombies from the film Cemetery Man, one could only have high expectations. The Returners are “good” at what they do, they’ve got a drummer who can play fast and a guitar player who can write songs that fit the vocalists style, it’s alright. The track “Starring into the Abyss” will likely stand out to you as it’s seems like the band spent the most time “perfecting” in the studio, it’s their hit, a good song indeed! If you like the new Misfits, Aiden, I Am A Ghost or Black Veil Brides - then this is probably the perfect album for you. -Louie B.- Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews Send your comments to the editor HERE October 15, 2011 (I’m reviewing a CD, not Vinyl but ya get what I mean) The Last of The Pariah’s may be The Generators 8th overall album, (their Dc Jam debut) but believe me, don’t think the band have gotten old or slowed down a bit, Pariah’s a sure hit. The albums first number Angels looking down may remind you a bit of a Mike Ness production, but as the album progresses The Generators come into their own as tracks like 3 am and Chains of Darkness decimate any notions that this album will sit on a shelf. It belongs in your stereo! There is even the track United Like Brothers which pays homage to Joey Ramone and Joe Strummer, of Ramones and Clash fame, it’s a heart warming tune that even a deaf man would find themselves humming the chorus to. The Generators took care of business and delivered an album worth the wait and I’m sure they’ll tour like all hell in support of Pariah. -Louie B.- Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews Send your comments to the editor HERE October 13, 2011 Opening up the show was Into It Over It, who is also known as Evan Weiss, a solo acoustic act. There were no bells and whistles for his set. Just a man, his guitar, a mic, and a single light fixed upon him as he played his music pure and simple. His storytelling and passionate vocals had the audience captivated. Shortly after Evan’s set, Andrew Jackson Jihad, took the stage warming up the blood of the concert goers and inciting some decent movement in the pit. It was clear that the Arizona natives have gained a nice following in Los Angeles as the crowd sang the words to their songs flawlessly. They played some of their more popular songs like "Bad Bad Things", "Love Will Fuck Us Apart", as well as some songs from their new album "Knife Man", which was released thru Asian Man Records earlier this year. When they finished their set, the audience screamed in unison for “one more song”! This was truly a compliment that opening bands rarely receive. Even though AJJ did not return to the stage, the crowd screaming for more, was an indicator of how great of a show they played. Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls made they're way onto the stage, the crowd's angst turned to delight as they opened their set with "Eulogy", the first track off the recently released "England Keep My Bones". It was obvious while the concert-goers emulated Frank's words, that they had listened to his new album more than once. The set consisted of new songs and old, however, the unexpected moment that really blew minds and left people saying HOLY FUCK was when they covered Queen's "Somebody to Love". You don't have to be a huge Queen fan to know that Freddy Mercury was an amazing talent. If your gonna have the balls to cover a song like that, you better damn well do it right! And that they did, The Sleeping Souls' musical talent, along with Frank's amazing voice left everyone awestruck! It was like the cherry on top. Send your comments to the editor HERE
The Returners – The Lost Souls
October is finally here, my favorite time of the year! It’s certainly the best time to listen to goth flavored punk and dark music all together, and I’m glad to have plenty of that dark music to accompany me during the 31 days that make up this unholy month. I’m employed at a large amusement park where at night I scare people!
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
The Generators – Last of the Pariah’s
Wow oh wow, I’m gonna get right to the point here, this album fucking rocks! The right energy and attitude are all here and forever engraved into this albums grooves as it plays like a classic punk record .....
Make sure to pick this one up, you’ll be glad you did!
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
Into It Over It – Andrew Jackson Jihad – Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls – at The El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
One of music’s hottest talents made his way back to Los Angeles to play at The El Rey Theatre last Thursday. It was the perfect size for an upgrade considering the last two times Frank Turner has headlined in LA, his shows at The Troubadour and Hotel Café sold out. As expected, he had no problem packing the larger venue with FT diehards. Along with him he brought Into It Over It and Andrew Jackson Jihad. Quite possibly the perfect line-up for a Frank Turner gig.
And of course it wouldn't be a Frank Turner set with out a kick ass encore. Evan Weiss joined them with his acoustic, as they played "Balthazar, Impresario" , "The Ballad of Me and My Friends", and "Photosynthesis". The amazing talent that was displayed on stage that night, as always, left an anticipation for the next time Frank Turner returns to Los Angeles.
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter/Photographer
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
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