Show Preview: Sunset Strip Music Festival 2013 – Hollywood, CA – August 3, 2013

The Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) is a non-profit event that began in 2008 and has since donated its’ proceeds to musical education; drug and alcohol treatment facilities, and children’s cancer foundations. 

What is unique about this year’s SSMF is the addition of Mike Shinoda’s original piece to the Gibson Guitar Town as well as Joan Jett being named the SSMF 2013 honoree for her years of musical contribution in her 30+ year career.

In addition to the various visual artistic triumphs of the SSMF is the wide array of musicians performing at the 2013 edition of the event. Those musicians include but are not limited to: Julien-K, Orgy, Warren G, Finch, Asher Roth, Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh, Awolnation, Wale, and Linkin Park.

All the bands featured in this year’s SSMF offer a different musical experience for the listening pleasure of those lucky enough to attend.

Julien-K a band that is based out of Long Beach, CA and features members of Orgy are one such band. Established in 2003 Julien-K was developed as a side project of Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck from Orgy and has since gained notoriety as an electronic music tour de force. Their Facebook page puts their career eloquently in this quote “We brought electronic music back to the billboard top ten for the first time in 10 years – since Depeche Mode even. We became ‘pop’ by simply doing what we do – making electronic music rock in a modern way. Nothing's changed and yet: everything's changed. Funny how that happens.”

Orgy is a band that has been playing their signature Alternative Metal music with a hint of Electronic flavor since 1994. However, 1998 proved to be Orgy’s breakout into mainstream musical taste with their album release entitled Candyass. With hits like “Blue Monday,” “Stitches,” and “Dissention” that were all featured on Candyass. Currently the band is fresh off of a recent tour, and is slated to play at the Whisky during the SSMF. Look for the band to perform their latest single “Grime of the Century” as well as many of their other musical hits.

Warren G will be heading the Roxy stage at SSMF. He is collectively known for songs like “Regulate,” and “This D.J.” Warren G has been active as a Rapper since 1992. Warren G has worked with artists like MC Breed and 2Pac, but his big break came when his vocal collaboration with Mista Grimm, on the track "Indo Smoke", appeared on the Poetic Justice soundtrack in 1992. Look for Warren G to bring his artistic experience and signature West Coast Rap style to the festival.

Finch, from Temecula, CA that was established in 1999 is typically regarded as a Post-Hardcore band. Though the band has experienced a stretch from 2010 to 2012 where they were regarded as being split up, they have currently emerged as a band that is touring with possible intentions of developing new material. For those not familiar with the bands take on Post-Hardcore musical style Finch tends to take the genre in a direction that does not rely on a heavy bass like other bands classified in that genre do,

Asher Roth will grace one of the Outdoor Stages at SSMF with a Rap performance like no other. Roth hales from Morrisville, Pennsylvania is currently on sporadically touring schedule and has recently released The Greenhouse Effect Vol. 2. Asher Roth experienced booming success with his debut single “I Love College” in 2009 and has since followed up that success with tracks like “G.R.I.N.D.” and “Last Man Standing” that featured Akon. Look for Asher Roth to bring his signature Rap style to SSMF. There is no doubt that Roth’s performance will complement the likes of Warren G as well as Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh who will also be performing at SSMF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh will be bringing a distinct old school Rap style to SSMF. Known as “Hip-Hops greatest storyteller” Slick Rick began his career as a Rapper in 1983 and has since inspired many artist to take up the microphone and Rap their way to stardom. Doug E Fresh will join Slick Rick on stage at SSMF. Also known as “The Human Beat Box” Doug E Fresh has had a career that has included Rapping, acting, and sound effect work. Look for them to take the stage and show the audience how they helped define Rap as a musical genre.

Awolnation is an Electonic Rock band from Los Angeles, CA. As one of the headliners for this year’s SSMF Awolnation has some “big shoes to fill” with past performances at the festival that have included many great acts; Awolnation seems more than up for the task of filling the aforementioned foot wear. The band has experiences massive critical success since beginning in 2010 and will no doubt bring their fresh and widely popular musical style to SSMF.

Wale, a Rapper from Washington D.C. began his vibrant career in 2005 and has since reached high levels of fame amongst Rap fans all around the word. In 2008, Wale signed to Interscope Records and in 2009 released Attention Deficit and experienced early success with his singles: “Chillin,” “Pretty Girls,” and “World Tour.” Currently Wale is touring and will bring his own brand of Rap to the Outdoor Stages at SSMF.

Linkin Park will be headlining the SSMF as has thrown all their notoriety behind the charitable event. With promotions of the event organized by Chester Bennington (Vocalist for the Band) and the artistic endeavors of Mike Shinoda (Producer and Vocalist for the band) Linkin Park has indicated they will leave nothing behind in their performance for 2013s SSMF.

Sunset Strip Musical Festival is one that brings artist from many generations and across many genres. Ranging from Rap to Rock and all styles in-between SSMF has a little of something for everyone in attendance. This is an event that you do not want to miss.
For more information and tickets - GO HERE

 

-Ryan Redondo-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

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Rewind Festival – at Scone Palace – Perth, Scotland, UK

"Rewind Scotland – The 80s Festival" in Perth, Scotland, was back for its third year running. Once again taking place at the historic setting of Scone Palace in Perthshire; home of The Earls of Mansfield and the crowning palace of the Kings of Scotland.

 

As well as the usual food stalls, fair ground rides, kids ‘Little Big Top’ and various bars, this year had a welcome addition of the Big Love Inflatable Church. If camp priests, disco music, fake weddings, and innuendoes are your thing then that was the place to be!

 

The festival was mostly glorious sunshine, with the exception of a torrential downpour on the Sunday – which handily happened before any bands came on stage. Fancy dress was rife all weekend with shades of Day-Glo amongst 80’s nostalgia like Rubik’s Cubes and Banana man.

 

The festival kicked off with Scotland’s own Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Their rocky bagpipe sound got the party started with a bang!

Mike and the Mechanics had only one original member (Mike Rutherford himself, one of the founding members of the band Genesis), but the new band put on such an excellent performance that it didn’t matter. The two singers had great voices and the band seemed really enjoying playing. We heard some well known hits such as “Over My Shoulder” and “Living Years” which had people singing along. The highlight had to be when they played “I Can’t Dance” – a much loved surprise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captain Sensible brought his quirkiness to the proceedings all decked out like a sailor with his traditional red beret. He had the crowd eating out of his hand when he sang “Happy Talk”, prancing about in his usually fun style.

 

Starship rocked things up a little and created a super sing-a-long when they played “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”.  

 

Heather Small of M People fame lived up to her name; she seemed tiny without her ‘big’ hair! Despite being a 90’s act she was welcomed by the crowd and got a big cheer when she dedicated her song “Search for the Hero” to Andy Murray. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rewind Veteran Rick Astley gave a super fun performance, showing that you don’t have to take gigs seriously to entertain a crowd. Women screamed at their high school heart throb, who is still looking boy faced and pretty despite now being 47! He sung his hits “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever”.

 

Kim Wilde gave a good show, leaving her most loved hit “Kids in America” until last.

 

Ali Campbell has sold over 60 million records worldwide. A whole generation has grown up listening to Ali’s infectious vocals on classics like "Kingston Town", and "(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love", which were all performed here tonight. They played a fantastic reggae version of Prince’s “Purple Rain”, but it was “Red Red Wine” that the crowd wanted, which ended up being the biggest sing along of the day.

 

The Blockheads played a fun set, kicking off with “Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll” and following up with “Reasons to be Cheerful” and “Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick”.

 

Nik Kershaw seemed genuinely happy to be playing at Rewind. The accomplished musician treated us to classics such as “Wouldn’t it be good” and “The Riddle”, finishing off with a super rendition of “I Won’t Let the Sun go Down on Me”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite being asked to play for many years this was Jason Donavon’s first appearance at Rewind Festival. He drew a large crowd into the arena and did not disappoint. He seemed a little nervous at first, but soon relaxed and really got into the swing of things, even jumping down into the pit at one point and high fiving the punters at the front! The biggest sing-a-long of the weekend was when he sang “Any Dream Will Do”; the sea of swaying arms was spectacular! We were treated to his classics “Sealed With a Kiss”, “Too Many Broken Hearts” and of course “Especially For you”.

 

Belinda Carlisle proved she still had her trademark voice by belting out her hits. “Circle in the Sand” went down well, and of course “Heaven is a Place on Earth” – or should that be ‘Heaven is a place near Perth’?!

 

The finale was Human league who a last minute replacement for OMD who had pulled out the previous week, they belted out hits including “Mirror Man”

They finished with “Electric Dreams” and a massive sing along then 5 minutes of fireworks to finish a great weekend.

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Dod and Sally Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas Reporters

 

 

 

 

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Smut Peddlers – Angry Samoans – Circle One – False Confession – Evacuate – Destruction Made Simple – Hari Kari – Drop Tank – Testicle Difficulties – at Los Globos – Los Angeles, CA

Another really good mid-summer fest put on by the cats at GITBAM. This one was at Los Globos in the Silverlake area and was titled "L.A. Summer Skate Punk Fest". The venue kinda looked liked the Whisky from the outside and had 2 stages on the inside, one upstairs and one downstairs.

 

The club also had other rooms for lounging and socializing and also venders at different area's of the club. Something to do at all times even when the bands were not on stage. This show seemed to go smoothly as one band played after the other switching from upstairs to downstairs. 

Killroy was scheduled to play but for some reason did not, instead Testicle Difficulties took their place. Very young, angry, loud Punk Rock. Kinda reminded me of like a young DRI.

Drop Tank played next and I wasn't prepared to see this type of band. Thought it was gonna be a bunch of youngsters playing Crass-type songs, but I was happily surprised when I saw them and heard them play. A power trio with a female guitarist/singer that ROCKS!! Kinda like Suzi Quatro but on guitar and a lot harder. Very late 70's/early 80's hard-rock sounding (the music I grew up listening to) music done right. This trio didn't miss a beat and played a very solid and tight set. I'll definitely check this band out again.

Hari Kari played next with their early 80's type punk rock. Led by original member Alma,this band played with the heavy hitters back in the day such as Social Distortion/China White/TSOL..etc.She's got a new line-up and they sound better than ever. They usually play a few covers such as X's "Los Angeles" and Fear's "I Love Living in the City" which adds a nice touch to their set. Classic band. 

Destruction Made Simple was next and seems to be getting better and better every time I see them. This 5 piece hardcore punk band played a hard set and had that mid 80's sound. Not too many bands could reproduce that sound and do it well. These guys did that. Evacuate played next with their classic mid-90's sounding Punk. From the ashes of The Virus and Cheap Sex, Evacuate was formed. Mike Virus was a main figure in the Punk scene in the 90's and helped build it stronger and better. Evacuate is just as important as his previous bands. Lets hope we see more.

Next...the band I was waiting to see...False Confession. These guys are early 80's Nardcore legends. With 3 original members and Ismael on bass from Dr. Know, these guys ROCKED as they did in the 80's. I like the way they mix early goth and hardcore. Israel and Fred are a great singer/guitarist duo and Harry and Ismael keep the beat/bottom end going. They have a new LP out now and played songs from that LP tonight. They really played well tonight and I thought they were the best band of the evening. They don't play much so check them out when you can.

Next up was Circle One. Another band from the early 80's that seemed to still be playing after all these years. This band still has 2 original members with a young singer and drummer. They did their classic's (FO/GI Combat/Highway Patrolmen) and seemed to get the crowd into it as the pit was fast and furious. 

The great Angry Samoans were next. Talk about classic Punk. Can't get anymore classic than the Samoans!! Metal Mike still is one of the best frontmen in the Punk scene. A great sense of humor and great simple music make up the music of the Angry Samoans. With the original singer and drummer, the Samoans roared through their set with hits like "Gas Chamber", "Hot Cars", "Todd Killings", "You Stupid Asshole", "Im a Pig", "Lights Out", "Steak Knife", "Get off the air"... just to name a few. I never get tired of seeing the Samoans and tonight they were great as always. 

The Smut Peddlers played last to a packed house. From behind the OC curtain the Smut Peddlers bring that 80's sounding Punk mixed with modern-day Punk. Very tight and seemed to play a really good set. The crowd seemed to get into them as they knew all their songs. A very nice group of people and a great closing band.

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Mike Vallejo-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Peter Murphy – at The Fonda Theatre – Hollywood, CA

Undead undead undead. That’s what many fans at the Peter Murphy show looked like as they arrived in droves to fill up the sold out venue Saturday night in Hollywood. It was the second of two sold out nights at the legendary Henry Fonda Theatre, and it was sold out for good reason. 

 

The Godfather of Goth was in town and in tow were an onslaught of Bauhaus favorites that were once again brought back to life by Peter and his solo band after being buried nearly a decade ago. It has been 7 years since Bauhaus has played in the area, so for many this is as close to the real thing as they could hope to see live in 2013.

It would be unjust to try and tackle these songs before a live audience without proper planning and strategy. For the skeptics out there, they would be silenced by Peter and co’s professional approach to cult classic tracks that are not easy to perform, especially before a rabid crowd. The Mr. Moonlight tour has been in full swing since early Spring of this year so the band were expected to be firing on all cylinders and bringing Bauhaus songs to life in a way that is almost on par with the backing of Daniel Ash, David J and Kevin Haskins.

   Enjoy the video overview of the show

Doing those songs justice in a live setting is what they did, it wasn’t easy, but it certainly did happen over the weekend at The Fonda. All the reverb heavy guitar licks, echo chorus and fretless bass playing did happen in a way that worked just like it did for the original band, everything was dialed in and it came off sounding huge, in fact heavier than Peters band normally sounds live. Drum duties were covered as well, all the right percussion samples and triggers were emulated just like Kevin Haskins kit had sounded on the last two Bauhaus reunion tours, there wasn’t an uncovered base. As for vocals, Peter sang and worked the stage with more passion than previously seen on any of his recent solo tours that have stopped in LA, and that is saying a lot since he plays shows that are often for the books.

Choosing the set list may have been a challenge for this band who has so many songs to choose from that would absolutely drive a crowd wild. How can a band satisfy everyone’s tastes when everyone is so critical these days? One would suppose the thing to do is just to play what feels natural and sounds best, and that‘s probably what they felt they did.

It would be fair to say that Peter and his band chose most of the right songs to play aside from a few duds that could have been replaced with selections that would have made this concert one for the ages. Seeing as how it was filmed for what we assume to be a live DVD release, we hope that some of the switched out songs from Friday nights set will find their way into a DVD track list. We hope that does include Saturday nights versions of Ziggy Stardust (the show closer) and Hollow Hills which had a female guest onstage spinning in a hypnotic fashion which would probably bring most people to vomit had they not been under Peters vampiric trance. The T. Rex cover Telegram Sam had power over the audience in a way that would make Marc Bolan blush if he was still here with us.

Speaking of Vampires, the Bauhaus signature song “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” was dedicated to none other than Bela Lugosi Jr. who was in attendance. One would assume if a Lugosi is in the audience that the show must be the place to be and one that former Bauhaus members would be proud to perform at.

If this concert does get released for a live DVD, then it is one you will definitely want to own and it is certainly a show we were glad to be at as it was the best show you could be at in LA over the weekend.

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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The Objex – The Freakouts – The Black Mambas – and Modern Kicks – at The Redwood – Los Angeles, CA – July 27, 2012

Last Saturday's show could be described in two words KICK ASS. The Redwood Bar outdid itself; boasting a lineup of the best, small bands from Houston to San Francisco, The Redwood Bar was packed to the max last night with angry rock n rollers, looking to headband, mosh and down a few beers.

 

The show opened up with the Modern Kicks. And if you haven’t heard of them, get with it. The San Francisco based band is a group of youngsters ready to shake the crowd. And boy do they know how to get the party started. They start the show off with a crash on the drums, grabbing the attention of the bar crowd. 

They just can’t keep away. By their second song, “Just for Kicks”, the crowd was boogying on the dance floor, watching lead singer, Anthony, chant his heart out into the mic, as the guitarist shreds apart like Slash circa 1980. What better than good state-side, skater punk with an Operation Ivy and Ramone’s feel? It was just the perfect mix.

Britain’s in town and they’re bringing the James Brown back to Punk. The Sex Pistols never died, because the Black Mambas brought them to the stage. The revival of Brit Garage Punk and dirty bar back Punk from the East coast is just around the corner with these guys.

The lead singer Michael tears apart his vocals; he’s got the crowd sweating, drinking, jumping and he’s shaking it to the beat of the bass. And He’s just getting started. Michael knows how to get the crowd quaking with the song about “sluts”, as he hangs onto the mic, sadistically pleasuring the crowd with the sting of singing and feel of good times. That funk beat of the bass combined with the pounding of the drummer and the cut up of the guitarists runs through the crowd and knocks out the singer by the last abrupt beat. And we still want more.

Hot chicks. Rocking guitars. Don’t forget those drums. The Freakouts weren’t lying about getting the crowd to freak out. We can’t help it. The music is just too damn good. Ash-Kay taunts the crowd leaning forward with the mic, singing into the soul of the audience.

And the bassist Meg, is so damn cool, it’s inevitable to have a thing for her. The three guys, two girls band, with their earsplitting drums and their Jimi Hendrix guitar sliding, get the crowd to rage. And Ash-Kay is not afraid to scream. The song “Blitzed” rocks the crowd, and knocks the guitarist off the stage; he’s playing so hard that he has no mercy for the guitar, ripping it until he’s fallen on the floor into the middle of the crowd, and Ash-Kay’s wails run through to the front of the venue. 

Ever wondered what a Goddess looked like? Look no further. Straight of Sin City, the lead singer of The Objex, Felony Melanie makes it a crime to be so damn sexy.

Melanie menaces the crowd with bright red lips and a colorful Mohawk. The crowd is thirsting over the panty shot she’s giving, giving the mic a nice stroke before releasing raging vocals into it. And she’s got murder on her hands. She killed the crowd with the “hard, fast and dirty” Punk Rock that the crowd had been yearning for all night, sending demonic glares into the hearts of every fan just begging for a taste.

With Jim Nasty on the guitar, shredding it to pieces and sweating till he hits the floor, Ivan on the bass rocking himself out of his cap, and Chili on the drums wreaking havoc on the crowd, a mosh pit is bound happen.

And oh yes, we like it rough. 

 

 

 

 

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ashley P.-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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The 9th Annual Johnny Ramone Fest Preview – at Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood, CA – August 18, 2013

It’s already that time of year again! That special time where all good cretins make plans to attend the 9th annual Johnny Ramone Fest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery!

 

 

Yes that’s right, the 9th Annual Johnny Ramone fest is scheduled to take place just next month on August 18th in beautiful Hollywood California. Like previous years this festival is looking to be the best time you’ll have in a cemetery all year and will feature living legend John Waters, the man behind some of the best films known to man! There will be a Q&A as well in relation to the film.

Best of all there will be a screening of the 1990 classic ‘Cry Baby’ starring Johnny Depp, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords and of course Iggy Pop.

There will also be a guest appearances by Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols, Traci Lords, Linda Ramone, and many others who are yet to be announced. For the leather jacket clad fans there will be a Ramones look-a-like contest! Rare and vintage Ramones footage will also be shown before the screening of Cry Baby.

All of us at Big Wheel have attended The Johnny Ramone fest numerous times over the years and can attest that they are events not to be missed whatsoever! We look forward to spending a night under the stars with every cretin, commando and glue sniffing Punk in Hollywood, so do yourself a favor and join in on the fun at the 9th annual Johnny Ramone festival!
Go here and see how great last year's event was and why you don't want to miss this year:
  Check out the 2012 coverage and video HERE

More details can be found at HERE

See ya in the cemetery!

-Louie Bones-

Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

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