Robin Trower - UK/European Tour - Sep/Oct 2010

Robin Trower and his band will be undertaking a UK and European tour during September and October 2010. Venues and dates are still being finalised. Use the following link to view dates and venues as they are confirmed.

Robin Trower 2010 UK/European Tour

Confirmed Dates:

4/9/10 - Tegelen Blues Rock Festival, Holland

8/9/10 - The Globe, Cardiff

9/9/10 - Robin 2, Bilston

10/9/10 - Pacific Arts Centre, Birkenhead

11/9/10 - Academy, Glasgow

12/9/10 - Picturedrome, Holmfirth

15/9/10 - Waterfront, Norwich

16/9/10 - Academy, Newcastle

18/9/10 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London

22/9/10 - Komedia, Bath

23/9/10 - Featival, St. Ives, Cornwall

24/9/10 - Queens Hall, Barnstaple

25/9/10 - Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks

26/9/10 - Komedia, Brighton

9/10/10 - Bobino, Paris

A date in Belfast would be great. May I suggest the Spring & Airbrake ? A certain Mr Schenker played there and brought the house down. So could Mr Trower ...

An important aspect of the tour will be the set list. Hopefully, it will show some welcome revisions. Best wishes to Robin and the band for an enjoyable and successful tour.

This footage is dedicated to Robin, Pete, Davey, and Glenn.Thanks for the music and the vibe.

Ray Davies: UK Concert Tour - May 2010: Belfast Date

Ray Davies will be playing dates in the UK/Ireland during May 2010. According to Ray's website all dates will be with a full band and no choir which, to me, is good news. I hope the band provide the support and sound the songs of The Kinks deserve. Good to see Ray is not playing solo or accompanied by one guitarist. Some of The Kinks songs work better live with a raw, heavier sound to do them justice.

Great to see Ray has included dates at the INEC in Killarney and the "Grand Canal Theatre" in Dublin.

Tue 4th Gateshead - The Sage
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Wed 5th Edinburgh - Usher Hall
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Fri 7th Killarney - INEC
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Sat 8th Dublin - Grand Canal Theatre
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Sun 9th Belfast - Waterfront Hall
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Tue 11th Ipswich - Regent Theatre
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Wed 12th Oxford - New Theatre
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Thu 13th Cambridge - Corn Exchange
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Sat 15th Bournemouth - Pavillion
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Sun 16th Cardiff - St. David's Hall
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Mon 17th Southend - Cliffs Pavillion
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Wed 19th Nottingham - Royal Centre
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Thur 20th Birmingham - Symphony Hall
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Fri 21st Harrogate - International Centre
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Sun 23rd London - Royal Albert Hall
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Mon 24th Liverpool - Philharmonic
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Tue 25th Sheffield - City Hall
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Ray Davies Site

The Michael Schenker Group: Live In Tokyo - 19/5/97 - DVD Released 2005

While it's not the same as seeing Michael Schenker live in concert and the visual (one camera?!) and audio quality are patently substandard, this DVD still captures Michael's original, melodic, fluid guitar playing at its best.

The DVD is still good value: two concerts; forty songs, 236 minutes in length, an excellent interview with Michael Schenker, and all band members are in outstanding form.

Sometimes the best recorded shows available on DVD do not always catch an artist/group giving their finest performance. However, this DVD still provides proof that Michael is an outstanding guitar player who sadly remains underrated and highly imitated.

Let's be thankful Michael is still playing and looks now to be back on track.

Tracklisting:

1. In the Search of the Peace of Mind (Scorpions)
2. Doctor Doctor (UFO)
3. Let it Roll (UFO)
4. Natural Thing (UFO)
5. Lights Out (UFO)
6. Only You Can Rock Me (UFO)
7. Another Piece of Meat (Scorpions)
8. Into the Arena (Michael Schenker Group)
9. Are You Ready to Rock (Michael Schenker Group)
10. Assault Attack (Michael Schenker Group)
11. Captain Nemo (Michael Schenker Group
12. No Time for Losers (McAuley Schenker Group)
13. Save Yourself (McAuley Schenker Group)
14. All the Way from Memphis (Contraband)
15. Pushed to the Limit (UFO)
16. Written in the Sand (Michael Schenker Group)
17. Back to Life (Michael Schenker Group)
18. Love Never Dies (Michael Schenker Group)
19. Essence (Michael Schenker Group)
20. Never Ending Nightmare (McAuley Schenker Group)
21. Bijou Pleasurette (Michael Schenker Group)
22. Positive Forward (Michael Schenker)
23. Lost Horizon (Michael Schenker Group)
24. Too Hot to Handle (UFO)
25. Attack of the Mad Axeman (Michael Schenker Group)
26. Love to Love (UFO)
27. On and On (Michael Schenker Group)
28. Armed and Ready (Michael Schenker Group)
29. Feels Like a Good Thing (Michael Schenker Group)
30. Rock Bottom (UFO)

Bonus video - taken from the Unforgiven World Tour, Japan 2001:

1. Cry for the Nations
2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
3. Rock My Nights Away
4. Fish Dancing
5. Pilot of Your Soul
6. In and Out of Time
7. The Mess I've Made
8. Hello Angel
9. Fat City
10. Looking for Love

Amazon.com - Interesting comments.

The Kinks perform "Waterloo Sunset" and "You Really Got me" on The Late Late Show - Dublin - 14/10/94

It's great to see Ray and Dave perform "Waterloo Sunset" on acoustic guitar without the rest of the band. This beautiful song - musically and lyrically - is just one of the many masterpieces created by Ray Davies. He is one of the major song writers of the 20th & 21st centuries. The style and subject matter unquestionably original.

The lyrics of "Waterloo Sunset" (released in 1967) seem to be based on experiences in his own life, written in the vernacular of the day - The Sixties - and the song remains a remarkable work of art over thirty years' later.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Michael Schenker - Bristol, 20/12/09

The night after Michael was forced - due to unforeseen circumstances - to cancel his Belfast gig, he played in Bristol on 20/12/09. From reports, and the videos posted on YouTube by fans, it is evident that the band and Michael were in formidable form.

Hopefully, Michael will be able to reschedule the Belfast gig and visit the city in 2010.

The clip below highlights Michael's beautiful guitar tone and guitar playing virtuosity - the second lead break is astounding, charged with melodic creativity and brilliant licks.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Ray Davies Interviewed In Brooklyn on "Talk Swoop" - 13/12/09

Interview with Ray Davies in Brooklyn on Talk Swoop with Cat Greenleaf. Ray casts his wry humour to give insights into his current work, and early success. His brother Dave sent him an email two days before this interview - the message? "Where's the money?!"

Ray sings, at Cat Greenleaf's request, a great short a capella version of Days - one of the greatest songs ever written with its finely described, beautiful lyrics, and intriguing, formidable melody.

Has Ray mellowed with age with his biggest hits now being set to choral music? I doubt it ...

Michael Schenker Group (MSG) - Ulster Hall, Belfast - 19 December 2009 - CANCELLED

"Due to unforeseen circumstances" the Michael Schenker Group concert at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on 19/12/09 has been cancelled. The Promoter: CDC Leisure Ltd has confirmed - at short notice - that the gig has been called off.

Sounds like it may have been due to poor ticket sales even though the balcony seats were sold out. It's not the first time that the promoters' and the management of the Ulster Hall have been indecisive as to whether a show should be seated, or not, close to the date of a concert. I recall this happened with the Jeff Beck concert in June 2009. Get your act together.

Perhaps the "Spring & Airbrake" should have been used again ... great venue, great staff, great atmosphere.

Ray Davies & Chrissie Hynde - "Postcard from London"

Beautiful song from Ray Davies. Deserves to get to Number One ... great lyrics and melody. Reminiscent of The Kinks at their best. Chrissie's singing is a revelation (one of my favourite female vocalists), and the video is well structured and produced.

Lyrics

I found a postcard the other day
A faded photograph taken of a cold winterscape
And all the children that gathered round
Asked what the place was on the faded card that I had found

It was a city I used to know
And as a child when it was Christmas I played in the winter snow
It was the homeland I left behind
A better future waiting in the new world that we hoped to find

Across the oceans far south we came
And left the country that somehow we knew we'd never see again
And read the message that you wrote
On the reverse of that same postcard always seemed to give me hope

Though time will pass us and fade from view
I hope sometimes you think of me because I'll always think of you
And to the children who gathered round
I said 'This is the place of long ago we all called London Town

Postcard from London's romantic views
Only serve to keep reminding me of how much I missed you
Postcard from London (repeat)

We built a snowman by Hampstead Pond
Walked down to Waterloo at Yuletide and we sang so many songs
Later you went there not to return
I took for granted love we had now I will always yearn

For the great city we used to know
We were so innocent back then when we played in the winter snow
And now the children who gather round
Ask where the place is in the postcard I say proudly 'It was London Town'

Postcard from London (Repeat)

Jeff Beck - New Album "Emotion and Commotion" (Release Date : April 2010) and UK Tour Dates 2010

Jeff Beck will be touring extensively in 2010 to promote his new album and is playing a string of UK shows in October 2010 culminating in a show at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

The line-up of his new band will include bassist Rhonda Smith (played with Prince and Little Richard); keyboard player Jason Rebello (CV includes stints with Sting and Chaka Khan); and drummer Narada Michael Walden (a Grammy Award-winning producer who worked with Beck on the 1976 album Wired). I'm suprised that Tal is not included in Jeff's band for the tour?!

UK Tour Dates:

Oct. 15: Bournemouth BIC
Oct. 16: Brighton Centre
Oct. 17: Birmingham Symphony Hall
Oct. 20: Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
Oct. 21: Manchester Apollo
Oct. 22: Sheffield City Hall
Oct 24: Bristol Colston Hall
Oct. 25: Cardiff St. David’s Hall
Oct. 26: London Royal Albert Hall

Beck’s new album - Emotion and Commotion - is due out in April.

Track Listing:

1.“Corpus Christi Carol”
2.“Hammerhead”
3.“Never Alone”
4.“Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
5.“I Put A Spell On You” - featuring Joss Stone
6.“Serene”
7.“Lilac Wine” - featuring Imelda May
8.“Nessun Dorma”
9.“There’s No Other Me” - featuring Joss Stone
10.“Elegy For Dunkirk” - featuring Olivia Safe

Hopefully, Jeff will find time during this tour to play at the Ulster Hall, Belfast. The reception Jeff and his band received the last time - 30 June 2009 - was exceptional, as was the performance.

Michael Schenker to play Ulster Hall, Belfast - Saturday, 19/12/09

Michael Schenker has confirmed the following tour dates for the UK. More dates are to be confirmed. The line up for the tour is:

Michael Schenker (Guitar)
Gary Barden (Vocals)
Wayne Findlay (Guitar/Keyboards)
Pete Holmes (Drums)
Chris Glen (Bass)

Tour Dates

DECEMBER 16 2009 -MANCHESTER ACADEMY 3, MANCHESTER

DECEMBER 17 2009 - SHEFFIELD ACADEMY, SHEFFIELD

DECEMBER 18 2009 - JB'S, DUDLEY

DECEMBER 19 2009 - ULSTER HALL , BELFAST

DECEMBER 20 2009 - BRISTOL ACADEMY, BRISTOL

DECEMBER 21 2009 - WOUGHTON CENTER, MILTON KEYNES

DECEMBER 22 2009 - NEWCASTLE ACADEMY, NEWCASTLE

DECEMBER 23 2009 - OXFORD ACADEMY, OXFORD

JUNE 2 2010 - SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE, LONDON

Michael's last performance in Belfast was at the "Spring and Airbrake" on 20/2/08. The whole band and sound was amazing. Michael's guitar playing style was original, outstanding, melodic, and his guitar tone indescribable. The venue was packed and the energy coming of the stage energised the packed crowd. Michael topped of a fantastic show by being available before, and after, the show to talk to fans. A truly great night, a great performance, a great band, fronted by one of the best exponents of guitar to grace the planet. Long may it continue.

View: Michael Schenker - The Interview

Rock And Roll Hame Of Fame 25th Anniversary shows 29 & 30 October 2009 - New York City

Great to see Jeff Beck and Billy Gibbons join forces to perform "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix on the second night of the event with images of Jimi emblazoned on a large screen above the stage. Jeff and Billy both played solos, each sounding fantastic and highlighting their own guitar style, tone and licks. Sound quality not great but who cares ...

Jeff's set list included: "Drown in My Own Tears", "People Get Ready", "Freeway Boogie", "Cause We've Ended as Lovers", "Let Me Love You", "Big Block", "Rice Pudding", and "A Day in the Life". Jeff preformed a second song with Billy Gibbons: " Rough Boy".

On the first night Jeff Beck played with Stevie Wonder on "Superstition".

Sounds like it was mind-blowing event with some fantastic musicians performing some great songs together.

Ray Davies & Metallica - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert - 30/10/09

On the second evening of the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert" at Madison Square Gardens, New York, Metallica were joined on stage by Ray Davies. Together they played rousing versions of “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night”. Ray seemed in fine spirits and to enjoy the performance. It confirmed he hasn't lost the ability to engross an audience with his energy, showmanship, and well-crafted songs.

It would be great to see the Kinks re-form - with Dave Davies on lead guitar - for a UK/European/US tour in 2010/2011. If, due to health reasons, Dave is unable to undertake a heavy tour schedule, I believe Ray should get a band together - a la David Bowie and Paul McCartney - that includes top-class musicians and guitar players (who can sing), and can provide the injection of energy, and authentic rock sound that Ray's wealth of material deserves. Time to set the acoustic guitar aside for most of the set, and plug in the Fender Telecaster. In fact, just Turn up the Dial .....

Ray with Metallica

Dave Bronze - Musician and Bass Player - New Official Web Site

Dave Bronze - a major player in Robin Trower's career - has a "new" official website. It looks great and gives information on Dave's career, and some of the artists he has worked with on stage or appeared with on record.

Artists include: Eric Clapton, Belinda Carlisle Roger Daltrey, Bo Diddley, Duane Eddy, Dr. Feelgood, Bryan Ferry, Robin Gibb, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Gary Moore, Billy Preston, Procol Harum, Ringo Starr, Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Joe Walsh, Paul Weller, Mary Wilson, Paul Rogers, Percy Sledge et al. An impressive list, indeed.

The site also includes details of the instruments and equipment Dave uses and recommends, and a blog. Dave was involved with Robin Trower on some "great" albums and "'live" performances, for example, Back It Up, Beyond The Mist, Passion,Take What You Need, Living Out Of Time (including the 'live' CD /DVD), Another Days Blues.

Dave is an exceptional musician and bass player who plays with great style, tone, and melody, and played on the "Grammy award-winning" tribute to George Harrison, "Concert For George (2002)".

Link: Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Dave Bronze and other musicians perform George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at the "Concert for George".

Princes Trust Concert, Hyde Park 1996

Robin Trower Band - Too Rolling Stoned 2005

Visit the official website of Dave Bronze

Concert Review: Michael Schenker & Friends - Spring and Airbrake, Belfast - 20 February 2008

I last witnessed Michael Schenker playing live at the Ulster Hall, Belfast in October 1983 when he was touring with the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). He was warmly welcomed by fans who were transfixed by his guitar virtuosity, warm tone, and melodic and fluid playing. I believe his group that night included Gary Bardon (vocals), Chris Glenn (bass), and Ted McKenna on drums. The keyboardist may have been Andy Nye. However, the band were in top form and the concert was outstanding. Michael's performance was a masterclass in melodic rock guitar playing. Untouchable.

The "Spring and Airbrake" proved to be a great venue to see 'Michael Schenker and Friends'. It is a small, intimate venue, and a rocking and appreciative crowd combined to create a great atmosphere. I spoke to Michael before the gig about his guitar playing, song writing, and how grateful I was he had returned to Belfast to perform. He looked in great shape all dressed in black.

From the opening number "Assault Attack" it was clear the band - with the superb Leif Sundin on vocals - would play an integral part in the show tonight. They combined to create music that was tight, emotional, rich in sound, yet full of tension, delicacy and subtle balances that made the music vibrant and intoxicating. There wasn't a weak song in the set list which comprised fourteen songs, and each one had the crowd singing, clapping and cheering throughout the performance. When a song ended it was clear to Michael and the band that the crowd was in the mood to rock to great music.

"Let it Roll" and "Lights Out" were superb with Michael soloing in his own distinctive memorable style. He plays such strong fluid melodic runs and subtle bends he is amazing to watch. A particular favourite of mine is "Into The Arena" which was outstanding tonight. Most of the crowd sang along with Lief Sundin on most of the songs, especially "To Hot To Handle" and "Only You Can Rock Me" creating an unbelievable atmosphere.

After rousing renditions of "Armed and Ready" and "Axeman" it was evident the crowd was not going to let Michael and his friends of the stage without hearing more music. It was great to see Michael getting the attention he truly deserves, and to see him looking and sounding as good as ever. The whole band was incredible - especially Leif Sundin on vocals - and they provided excellent support for Michael to work his magic.

The band returned for an encore which included " Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom". By this time nearly everyone was singing along with the lyrics and thumping the air. The riff to "Rock Bottom" is an all-time classic. If you don't feel like moving your body to it, and it doesn't transfer you somewhere intoxicating and special - well, frankly - there's no hope for you. The soloing during "Rock Bottom" was full of well-controlled vibratos, soft harmonic runs. and blistering lead runs. Need I say more. Michael's back and this time he means business.

Michael returns to Belfast on 19 December 2009 to perform at the Ulster Hall, Belfast. Should be a truly great night.

Michael's signed Set List - Belfast 2008

Michael Schenker and Ronnie Kerrigan

Sylvia Kerrigan And Michael Schenker

Michael's pedals

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces Nominees for 2010 Induction

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the nominees for 2010 Induction.

Nominees: ABBA, The Chantels, Jimmy Cliff, Genesis, The Hollies, KISS, LL Cool J, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Stooges, Donna Summer.

The 25th Annual Induction Ceremony will be held on 15 March 2010 at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC.

Read the Fame newsletter for further information, then vote for Robin Trower. The band line-up with Jimmy Dewar on vocals and Bill Lordan on drums was "classic" in every way.

Thanks