Heavy Rock Night at The New Milton Memorial Centre

Friday the 13th February, three local bands Western Sand, Saints of Sin & The Smokin’ Prophets hit the New Milton Memorial Centre as part of a Heavy Rock Night!

The first band to take to the stage were The Smokin’ Prophets. Based mainly in Southampton this band have the aim to bring punk rock ‘n’ roll back to the youth. With an album set to be released in October of this year, Smokin’ Prophets are a band heavily influenced by legends such as Guns ‘n’ Roses and Crashdiet, who can be heard through their original songs as well as covers. This bands live performance is definitely one of a kind ass well as unpredictable. I recommended getting to one of their shows!

The next band to wake up New Milton was the fantastic Saints of Sin, who’ll be celebrating their 2 year anniversary at the Joiners Southampton on the 6th March, before returning back to New Milton on the 14th March to support Kiss Tribute – Dressed to Kill.
One of the most impressive things about this hair metal band is their tightness proving that they are one of the most professional local bands in the South. If you’ve not seen these guys yet, you’re missing out on an incredible live experience. Saints of Sin definitely know how to work an audience and generate audience participation, showing their musical influences of bands such as Def Leppard and White Snake. The passion these five guys have to play music should not be over looked or underestimated. Keep an eye out for them!

Finally, the headlining act Western Sand took the stage. This band have not only been on tour with the Black Star Riders, but have also recently come off tour with the Michael Schenker group, making themselves more and more noticeable for their hard rock talent. Playing songs from their latest album “Cut You Down To Size”, the audience was head banging and rocking out to the max. Western Sand are certainly a band to keep an eye on, as their audience is growing locally and nationally proving that their limits are endless.
Finishing off their rocking one hour set with a good old classic Chuck Berry number Johnny Be Goode, this band proved they are can perform blistering covers as well as fantastic originals.

If you missed out on this rocking event, make sure to check out these bands in the near future, they are not to be missed!
Hopefully they will make a return to the Memorial Centre in the future… keep your eyes peeled!

COMING UP AT THE NEW MILTON MEMORIAL CENTRE:
14th March – DRESSED TO KILL with support from SAINTS OF SIN
8th May – SWING BAND UNLIMITED
29th May – THE COMPLETE MADNESS
6th June – THE JERSEY’S
20th June – SHOWMADDYMADDY
18th July – BEACHED BOYS
28th July – ONLY ONE DIRECTION
5th Sept – THE ONE AND ONLY RATPACK
26th Sept – TOOREX
5th Dec – EVENING AT THE MUSICALS

PLUS MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Check links to check out:
The Smokin’ Prophets: https://www.facebook.com/TheSmokinProphets?fref=ts
Saints of Sin: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofsinUK?fref=ts
Western Sand: https://www.facebook.com/westernsand?fref=ts

Jodie Harris Photography: https://www.facebook.com/jodieharrisphotography?fref=ts

New Milton Memorial Centre Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NewMiltonMemorialCentre?fref=ts
Memorial Centre Website: http://www.memcentre.co.uk/

TooRex!

Last Saturday (6th Dec) I had the fantastic opportunity to hang out with… TooRex at the New Milton Memorial Centre, and it really was a true delight.

I shall leave some links to both TooRex and the Memorial Centre at the end of the blog!

 

TooRex, the definitive Marc Bolan and T.Rex tribute band who are reborn to boogie! a show of theirs is one you are not going to want to miss! 

I had never seen this band before, even though I have been a Marc Bolan fan since I was 7 years old. I have however, been desperate to see TooRex for the last 4 years, and they’ve never played near to me… until now, where they were 10 minutes away from my doorstep – I say that is either fate or extremely lucky karma!

TooRex kicked off the show with the classic T.Rex hit Jeepster! I was immediately taken a back by this band. In my full honest opinion, I knew they were going to be good, but I wasn’t expecting them to be as good as they actually were. I almost felt guilty that I wasn’t expecting TooRex to live up to my expectations, but they did that and beyond. If you have not seen these guys, why not! You’re seriously missing out on some solid gold cosmic rock.

 

Next up was Raw Ramp followed by Children of the Revolution, Summertime Blues (with Bobby T making a dedication to the late great Alvin Stardust), Mambo Sun and Thunderwing. I have never actually heard Mambo Sun played live before, so it was a real surprise that TooRex did that track, and it really was fantastic. The thing I took away from the whole experience was that TooRex sound a lot like T.Rex recorded. I personally think it’s fantastic that a band who plays live can sound that professional.

Next up One Inch Rock – I instantly shot up out of my seat, this is my song, my moment, One Inch Rock, I totally own that song! I dashed to the front of the stage and laid down my moves only to look behind me and see that I wasn’t the only one! People had joined me up on the dance floor for some boogie time. One Inch Rock seems to be a very big crowd please-er.  If that song does not make you want to get up and dance to the beat of your heart, then really… what is wrong with you! TooRex did a fantastic job of one of my all time favourite Bolan songs.
I have finally remembered my favourite T.Rex song, the boys did ask me but on the stop I forgot every single T.Rex song ever written… I now remember my favourite T.Rex song is Baby Strange!

Next was the Slider which I of course loved being from my favourite Marc Bolan album, but I seemed to be the only one sliding to that song though. Not to worry as up next was Solid Gold Easy Action! Hey Hey Hey! Who doesn’t love a track with a hidden tragic reference “easy as picking foxes from a tree”.  I was feeling very content with the setlist so far, but the boys had to take a break, so I decided to get some work done and head back stage and meet the band!

 

In all honesty, the band were the most loveliest and kindest people I have met in my whole life. I could especially tell how passionate Bobby T is about Marc Bolan. Not only does he look the part and sound the part, but he also has a little Marc in his heart. We spent the majority of the interval chatting away like friends, which was lovely. I have never really had that experience with a band before. Of course the guys were more than supportive for me being there, it was just such a relaxed atmosphere, which was shown on stage as well as backstage. The thing about TooRex is that they are all very genuine people, and they are all genuine Bolan fans and they love the support they get from their fans, and it really shines through. There’s nothing worse than being a fan and feeling as if you’re not wanted or appreciated.

Would also just like to thank Sarah here for being amazing and making me feel very welcome, and it was fantastic to meet you, you probably couldn’t tell I was excited 😉

The second set consisted of Soul of My Suit, Metal Guru, Telegram Sam, Baby Boomerang, New York City, Ride a White Swan, I Love To Boogie, Get it On and 20th Century Boy, guys who have not seen TooRex, you will be blown away by 20th Century Boy. Not only do TooRex extend this rock on roll riffy track to make it even more epic, they also incorporate other people artists such as Led Zeppelin – and Steevi’s drum solo as seriously awesome! I almost thought for a second that I was transported back to the 70’s and watching Cozy Powell! If TooRex had anything to prove, they proved that they are a bunch of talented musicians who deserve so much more recognition. I am definitely a follower of TooRex now!

For the encores, because how could anyone not want more of the brilliant Bolan, was Life’s a Gas, the classic Hot Love and to my surprise… a Little Richard number… Tutti Frutti! Oh my days! I reckon me and Sarah totally owned that song with our dancing skills. I was the happiest girl on the planet when they played that song. Of course Marc himself did cover that song if you didn’t already know, in the movie Born to Boogie with Ringo Starr and Elton John.

Of course I got to have my photo taken with Bobby T and Steevi Bacon after the show which was lovely (thank you for taking the photos). We had quite a few jokey moments during that time, and I managed to get a lovely group shot of the band as well… while they made sure I didn’t fall off the stage while doing so!
When I asked for a photo with Bobby, he picked up his Flying V and put it round my neck saying that it would look great in the photo’s and it really did – I was rather amazed that he was letting me hold one of his guitars. Afterwards I asked Bobby about the teardrop on his white Strat. It was very interesting to hear the story of how a friend of his and part of the Official Marc Bolan Fan Club (please do correct me if I am wrong), had made the tear drop for him, and Bobby looked closer and Marc’s teardrop and painted over the top of the one he was given to make it look even more original. Was also lovely to have a look at the Bolan Les Paul replica, oh I really want one now!

All in all, thank you guys for a lovely show! Please do come back to the New Milton Memorial Centre soon! – and for those who are yet to see TooRex, hook out your feather boas and lizard leather boots because you are not going to want to miss another show from there guys!

 

Coming up at the New Milton Memorial Centre in 2015:
Heavy Rock Night with the Smokin’ Prophets, Saints of Sin and Western Sand.
Dressed to Kill
Ultimate Madness
Swing Band Unlimited
The Jerseys
Showmaddymaddy
Beached Boys
Bon Giovi
Only One Direction
Abba Chique
and Dirty DC! 

Here are some links you may want to check out:
My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JodieBowie2
My Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/JodieBowie2
2nd Blog Site: https://jodiebowie2.wordpress.com/
Photography Page: https://www.facebook.com/jodieharrisphotography?fref=ts
Don’t forget you can email me on: jodiebowie2@yahoo.co.uk

New Milton Memorial Centre: https://www.facebook.com/NewMiltonMemorialCentre?fref=ts
Website: http://www.memcentre.co.uk/
Liberty Entertainments: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/libertyentertainments

TooRex: http://www.toorex.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TooREX-Marc-Bolan-TREX-Tribute-Official/153384094697082?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TooREXtheband

Perfect Alibi

Last night (1st November 2014) Perfect Alibi – Pink Floyd tribute band, played at the New Milton Memorial Centre. Seeing how I now work there, it was my job to ‘look after’ the band, as it were. Also, of course this blog is going to be a review! 

I arrived at the venue around 6pm and the band were still setting up and sound checking. What an enlightening experience that was! I’ve never heard a real good bad do a proper set up/sound check before, so it was great to actually see what goes on behind the scenes! A part from a lot of noise, it was very interesting to see how each member of the band had to set up their instruments and make sure that they were happy with the sound. A lot of hard work goes into be in a band and being a professional musician, and you don’t really appreciate their efforts until you watch it for yourself. Had to admit, it also really made me want to join a band, or at least be a manager of a band… it looked so much fun!

At 7:30pm the doors opened, and for me, it was time to meet the band and hang out with them until they were set to play. As I mentioned it was my job to ‘look after’ the band, but they pretty much looked after me! This was my first experience with bands backstage and behinds the scenes of an event, so as well as being excited I was pretty nervous! The frontman offered me some of their food which had been laid out, and asked what interests me in music journalism; well of course I’m a huge music fan, and I love writing! So it makes sense to combine two of my favourite things. The lead guitarist ‘Dave’ made me a cup of tea, and we talked University and courses which would be good to apply for.
I suppose you and I were expecting more rock ‘n’ roll backstage gossip to be written in this paragraph, but as Dave put it “there’s a lot of waiting around” and it’s quite boring if I’m honest. Of course there was backstage gossip for entertainment which included a lot of toilet gags and stories of their younger selves and girlfriends getting drunk. Also there was a mention on favourite alcoholic beverages which includes scotch, champagne and wine; of course my two favourite wines were brought into conversation Blacktower and BlueNun (this one of course was not a favourite wine of the bands).
They did also ask me what kind of music I was into. It was great to find out most of us had Suede as a band of our tastes.

At 8:30pm the band hit the stage, in the quiet town of New Milton and what I would only describe as an ideal venue for such events. The turn out wasn’t too bad, of course the first set wasn’t as lively with the audience – I believe the alcohol has to kick in before the party begins 😉
I’m not really a Pink Floyd, I know who they are (I’d be incredibly naive if I didn’t!), and I know a few of their songs, but they’ve never really cropped up on my radar! However, I really did enjoy Perfect Alibi! It’s very melodic music rather than full pelt rock, sometimes that’s exactly what you need… a decent rock band that plays rather calming yet boogie worthy music.
This was my time to get some snaps of the band! A good friend once told me, that you should take photo’s of the band within the first 3 songs (the 3 song rule) as the band looks their best then. However I had adapted this – leave them to the first song as it will give them chance to warm up, then apply the 3 song rule, but always have the camera at the ready JUST in case, because there are always chances to get shots you don’t want to miss out on.
I am rather happy with the photo’s I got of the band (which are included in this blog). The pictures are available on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/jodieharrisphotography

In the interval I spent a little more time with the band, before rejoining the audience to ask if they would like to join the mailing list to know when more bands shall be appearing at the New Milton Memorial Centre. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on those updates!
I do feel extremely privileged to be able to do what I do. I helped promote Perfect Alibi by writing a press release for the event, then getting to hang out with the band and experience their sound check. For me, it really did mean a lot. It’s something that has always been an ambition of mine since I was a little girl.
Enough of me!!

There is something I simply MUST mention… and that is the spectacular light show Perfect Alibi come with. Honestly, it is one of the best light shows I have experienced. It makes the entire gig!
There was also a projector which showed moving images pieces behind the band… which really did add to the atmosphere. There was a lot of talk about the light show amongst the audience and members of staff. All I can say if, if you don’t go for the band, go for the light show! Even if you’re not a Floyd fan, you’re still going to enjoy what the band has to offer.

Perfect Alibi are THE Pink Floyd tribute. Perfect Alibi have a diverse set list; including songs from David Gilmour’s successful solo career means that there is something for everyone. Of course Perfect Alibi are more than just highly skilled professional musicians, the fantastic light show they have to offer to their shows makes their gigs something you’ll never forget, as well as adding excitement and thrill to their concerts. Perfect Alibi are one of the best tributes around!

By the end of the show, pretty much the whole venue was up on their feet singing and dancing to their encore of no other than “another brick in the wall”, of course a Pink Floyd set wouldn’t be complete without including that majorly well known song!

I did thoroughly enjoy myself, I’m not going to lie – so did the band! They said they would definitely return to the New Milton Memorial Centre – So if you missed out this time, make sure you don’t in 2015!

I would like to thank Eddie, Clive, Mike and of course Perfect Alibi for putting on a fabulously fantastic show and putting trust in me to help out in whatever way I could!

NEXT UP AT THE NEW MILTON MEMORIAL CENTRE: TOOREX – T.REX TRIBUTE ON THE 6TH DECEMBER 2015 (keep a little Marc in your heart)

Some links you may want to check out:
https://www.facebook.com/NewMiltonMemorialCentre

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/libertyentertainments

https://www.facebook.com/perfectalibifloyd?fref=ts

http://www.memcentre.co.uk/

http://www.perfect-alibi.net/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUO9ffjoU0

https://jodiebowie2.wordpress.com/

https://jodiebowie2.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/the-gig-guide-the-basics/

The crab conspiracy!

Well, on Thursday I met up with a lovely old primary school best mate of mine David! He came all the way down from Hagbourne to pay me a visit. I hadn’t seen him for 6 years! Was a lovely glorious sunny day, which we spent at Mudeford Quay, with a picnic and a spot of crab fishing! So I thought it would be lovely to share the day with you 🙂 

P.S The picture quality may be a bit…. not so good.

Me and David

To start the day off, my good friend David drove down from Didcot/Hagbourne (in Oxfordshire), to come to New Milton/New Forest (Hampshire). Now that, is a brilliant friendship right there! To travel like 2-3hours to see a friend, that’s pretty awesome and kind hearted, and I really appreciate it, especially as he is like the only one from my primary school who still talks to me, and was literally like my best friend growing up.
Once David arrived at his destination (my house), we had to figure out what we could do for the rest of the day. Beach? Walks in the Forest? Exploring the town I live in? We eventually decided on…. Crab fishing in Mudeford. (don’t worry, we don’t actually kill and eat the crabs – just annoy them by putting them in a bucket).

Once in Mudeford, David and his Mum had brought with them a picnic, so we had a spot o’ lunch, where David gave me a bottle of the best Cider I have ever had! From France I do believe? It was lush. Thank you! 🙂

Picnic Time

Next on the agenda was to buy our equipment – meaning we had to deal with fish heads and… yeah. Off to the fish mongers to get our net and bait, and then buy a bucket! Which we then had to try and figure out how to get it filled with water. David’s Mum saved the day at this point!
Also I’d like to mention, about 5 people have told me that using Bacon is a far better idea than using fish to catch crabs cos you catch more. Yeah, that kinda makes sense cos surely feeding fish to a crab is like cannibalism?

We literally caught mostly seaweed. There was just this rythm of “throw in bait…. wait…. bring up seaweed… pick off seaweed….throw in bait…. wait… bring up seaweed… pick off seaweed….throw in bait”… that was all we did… until… oh yes! We caught one!
Then it fell off.
Luckily though I just dunked the bait back in a we brought up another one. This crab dude, we literally quite angry he’d been caught. We named him Gary!

Gary

Needless to say, we didn’t catch anything else apart from seaweed and Gary. All the same, it was great fun and was a joy to see a friend who has stuck with me, through all my madness since I was 6 years old! 12 whole years!
We’ve both been through a lot… along the lines of depression, I guess that’s what we’ve got. I’ve already written a blog on who I partly blame, kinda fits seeing a life time friend also feels the same as me. David, if you’re reading, I’m always a;ways here for you – no matter how you’re feeling. You’re a great guy, honestly you are just an amazing human being, so make sure you remember that.

Before my emotions set in… let’s move on.
You’re probably wondering why I titled this blog as “The Crab Conspiracy”. Well, as me and David were fishing for crabs, David came up with this brilliant idea, that all the crabs know what we are doing, and are attaching pieces of seaweed to our line, so that’s all we catch, BUT sometimes one crab just forgets to let go as they are attaching the pieces of seaweed, and as they are brought to the surface they literally just let go! – I swear this conspiracy is a real thing.

 

Time to say Goodbye to David now.

Thank you so much for playing! I had a great day, very pleased that the weather was on our side as well. Sorry, I’ve only just got round to writing this. We shall have to meet up again in the future and make sure we don’t lose contact!
I want to still be reminiscing about our primary school years when we are 35.

Thank you again! For everything 🙂

 

Brian Jones (45 years ago)

45 years ago today, this world lost one of its greatest musicians, Brian Jones. The founding member of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world; The Rolling Stones.

Brian Jones was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool on the 3rd July 1969. His death was ruled as misadventure. Some others have different theories. What you believe, is your choice. Sadly, the only people who knew the truth are dead or have died since the event.

I’m very protective over all The Rolling Stones, but Brian… it seems to reach a whole other level. I can’t fully explain my feelings, without sounding insane; seeing as I wasn’t alive or born when he died.
I became a fan of this magical rock band at the age of 6, then at the age of 7 I discovered a man, a man who I did not know or recognise, yet he was actually in the band I held so dear to me, it was Brian. I decided to read a little, turns out this man with the most beautiful and perfect blonde shiny hair, was in fact the founding member of The Stones, but had tragically died at the age of 27.

Since then, I have seem to have never stopped searching for answers. Why did he die?
As I said, there are many reasons… drink, drugs, depression, or was it something more sinister? Murder perhaps?
I believe he was murdered, all facts and evidence points to that conclusion, but of course this is one of the biggest ‘who dunnits’ in history. Was it Mick & Keith? Not wanting to share their money with Brian after firing him, explains why they didn’t attend his funeral? Did Frank Thorogood, his builder, drown him after an argument over money? Or was there more people involved, was he actually injected with a lethal serum?

Anyway, I just want to talk about what Brian means to me. Conspiracy theories can come another time.
Brian, in my mind is the most important member of the band. Without him we would not experienced such exciting music, which is still just as fresh as the day they recorded it. He created a band which was lasted over 50 years, and the entire world still loves and adores them.
Even though, I was not around to of experienced their fame from the start, I still feel as if I miss Brian. Like there’s a sense of loss somehow. I wish I could of known him.

I think Brian, is the perfect man, and honestly, if you’re not Brian Jones, I’m not really that interested. He’s funny, beautiful, flirtatious, caring, inspiring, unique and talented. What more could you ask for!

Brian, is you are up there with the rest of the members of the 27 club; know that I love and care about you, and get upset about your passing even though I wasn’t around to understand the impact. I hope that one day I’m able to visit your grave, in fact I will make that a promise. I would also like to visit Cotchford Farm, but that may not be as easy. You will always be the main member of The Stones to me, and lets face it, you are the most beautiful out of them all, and your beauty will remain with you forever.

RIP Brian x

28th February 1942 – 3rd July 1969 (27)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf7CNHB3or0&list=UURAMx4QeuvKBfwFLP7koysQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGiYZLg-hgc&feature=youtu.be

The Fault In Our Stars

**Possible Spoilers**
I’ve recently read the book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, and have also seen the movie which is out in cinema’s now. I’m hoping to go again this week. If you haven’t already read this book, go out and buy it and read it. If you haven’t seen the film, go and watch the film. I’ve given the book to my Mum to read, and she’s only 3 chapters in and is loving it! 

I guess I should start with some facts right? John Green is an author of course and has other books published such as ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Looking For Alaska’ which I’ve just purchased. John Green is also a YouTuber, and is apart of the VlogBrothers, I believe he also started Vidcon?

It’s so hard to describe this book without spoiling the whole story line.
For starters, this book has been out for ages! I knew it was going crazy and everything, but it didn’t appeal to me, I didn’t want to buy it or read it (I’m not a big reader anyway, but I’m trying to read more), until this year. I was having my braces tightened for the first time, and I went into WHSmith and I saw this ‘Fault In Our Stars’ book, and thought “I guess I might as well get it”, I didn’t. Instead I waited until 2 months later and got it from Waterstones. I read the first page and thought “ooh, it’s written in first person. Brilliant” (I generally only like reading books where a character or person is talking directly to you.) So I bought this book, took it home. Finished the book I was reading and started reading this new one. Oh my god. Why did I not read this or buy this before! 
It is so good! 

Now for the story line **possible spoilers**, here’s the blurb:
“Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.”

You’re either thinking “this sounds interesting” or thinking exactly what I was “oh god, a book all about cancer, how depressing, I’ll give that a miss then”. Wrong.
Yes, the story does revolve around Teenagers with Cancer, but it tells the story from the point of view from the patient “That’s the thing about pain. It demands to be felt”. If you want basics without any spoilers, two teenagers meet and fall in love. Go and either read the book or film to find out the rest. You will not be disappointed and you will for sure take something away from it, that will leave you really thinking about life and cancer for a long time. 

“I’m a grenade, and at some point I’m going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?”. I can promise you, you will fall in love with Augustus Waters by the time you’ve finished reading the book or have seen the film. “It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you”. There is so much more to think book, than the Romeo and Juliet type story that the movie trailer makes it out to be. If you haven’t read the book, and are seeing the film expecting to see some crappy ‘chick flick’, more fool you. You WILL need tissues.

When I went to see this film at the cinema last week, there was not a dry eye in the room. I was still crying by the time I got home. It’s so hard to not mention spoilers, but this is a really hard hitting and incredibly powerful story (it is all fiction I should mention), and if you are not affected by it in some way or another, you have a heart of steal. 

“It’s a metaphor, see: you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do it’s killing.”
If you know someone with cancer, or someone who has died from cancer and are afraid that this story is going to be taking the mickey out of such illness, I can assure you it is not. Although this story does have some comedy moments, it was not created for that purpose and does give the up-most respect to cancer sufferers. I gave £4 to the Teenager Cancer trust that night. Although that doesn’t sound like much, a lot of people were giving coppers…. which isn’t much at all, but I guess it’s a step towards beating cancer! 

 

If I haven’t persuaded you to either read the book or see the film, no worries, but if I have, you wont be disappointed. 

Here are some links to check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuVjGbncgQE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjMqMLZIt30

https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/john+green/the+fault+in+our+stars/9378186/

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/simpleSearch.do?simpleSearchString=John+Green&typeAheadFormSubmit=

https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

BONUS LINKS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLrjLwGws2U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llKsjJjk5K0

http://www.odeon.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l783F717aZw

“Okay?”, “Okay”.

Rollin’ Stoned at Mr.Kyps

I definitely need to write a blog about these guys, because they are so good, I can’t express how good they are by writing it. They are just amazing! I’ve seen The Stones live, and these guys are the next best thing. They make me very happy, and I always feel really happy and positive after I’ve seen them. Everyone should go and see them at least once, even if they are not Stones fans, cos these guys never fail to impress. 

First of all, the gig took place at Mr.Kyps in Poole, which has to be my favourite music venue. They’ve recently had a new sound system put in so everything was sounding pretty awesome. The DJ always plays great songs before the band come out, this time the songs included “Substitute” by The Who, “Jeepster” by T.Rex, “Cigarettes and Alcohol” by Oasis, “Radar Love” by White Lion and “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks.

The incense was placed around the stage to give the venue a really 1960’s smell. The band always have ‘alcohol’ on stage as well for a really authentic Stones look. Brian is also usually seen smoking from an e-cigarette.

To start the show off Rollin’ Stoned came out with a rocking number, “Start Me Up!” this time I saw them they were joined by Mick Taylor, otherwise known as Mick Waylor. The crowd were instantly up and rocking, as if it were The Rolling Stones!

Next, Tumbling Dice, my favourite Stones song of all time! I was more than happy that they played this tune. Not too soon after, a drunken angel appeared from the left side of the stage… it was Brian Jones! aka Byron Jones! He came down from heaven to pay us a visit and join the band for the rest of the night. It’s not every day you get to see Mick Taylor and Brian Jones playing with The Stones.

They played a wide range of Stones songs including early Stones covers such as ‘Route 66’, ‘Not Fade Away’ and ‘Oh Carol’.
They also played a wonderful cover of Dead Flowers, which is another one of my personal favourites! They honestly play all of the best Stones songs you can think of.

One thing that I really respect about this Tribute band, is that they play ‘Midnight Rambler’, which is a very difficult song to pull off, but they do it brilliantly and make it look easy. Their version of Gimme Shelter is also incredible as you get to hear Mick sing it solo, which I love, because it gives the song a whole different feel.

A couple of jokes got thrown around, which is another marvelous thing about this band. As Brian came on stage he said to Mick “so how’s your girlfriend doing?”. Another fab joke made, was between Mick and Bill Wyman, as Mick said “Bill’s girlfriend has to get up early tomorrow to do her paper round”… now that IS true! Each time Brian decides to kiss a female member of the audience Mick shouts out “oh no, she’ll be pregnant in the morning!” – Great bit of banter between the band and audience really makes everyone feel welcome.

Brian kept coming over to me, and at one point during ‘She’s Like A Rainbow’ he came over and touched my finger, I was pointing, so he came and over a pointed with me. He’s such a ladies man! We also seem to have accumulated this pose between the two of us. The last time I saw them, he posed with a finger up his nose for me to take a picture, since then it has kind of stuck! 

It was time for Mick to do a costume change, so Keith took centre stage an sang ‘Happy’, an excellent song. Afterwards it was Brian’s turn to sing and he sang a lovely version of ‘I’m Free’. It’s great to see two different members take over.
Another good thing about this band is that all the personalities are so accurate! I’m a hard one to please, as no one in my opinion is better than The Rolling Stones – but these guys are honestly the next best thing.
Charlie is the drummer, and is just like Charlie.
Keith acts and moves like Keith.
Mick, the ego loving frontman
Brian the ladies man.
Bill….. literally just stands there…. as does Bill Wyman.
Mick T does the same as Bill! I love how Brian kept bringing him to the front of the stage too…. a rare sight!

All I kept thinking during the show was “when can I get my Stones tattoo” and also how many Stones tattoo’s do I want.

Another fantastic part of the show is when Mick Jaguar offers the chance for the girls in the audience to go up on stage and be his “Honkey Tonk Women”. It’s always great fun. I didn’t go up this time though.

With no further a do ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ followed by ‘Satisfaction’… a great way to sign off the show. Of course everyone wanted ‘MORE’ and they gave more. An excellent cover of ‘Brown Sugar’. Excellent.

The guys took a bow, and exited. As Brain got ready to leave the stage he saw I was waving goodbye and he came over and asked me to give him my hand, which I did of course, and he kissed it 🙂 Aawww, I was so happy. My dream has come true! A kiss from Brian Jones… *sigh*….. I’m the happiest girl on the planet right now.

If you ever see their name pop up near a town near you, make sure you check them out. They are honestly the best tribute band I’ve seen, as well as an excellent tribute to The Stones.

GO SEE THEM!

Links to Check out:
http://www.rollinstoned.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RollinStonedUK?fref=ts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAEv2LPoEJw&list=UURAMx4QeuvKBfwFLP7koysQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jww_81GBqms&list=UURAMx4QeuvKBfwFLP7koysQ

http://youtu.be/fqCPfb7jXXA

https://www.facebook.com/jodieharrisphotography

20th Century Boy!

This is my opinion on how great the Marc Bolan Musical, “20th Century Boy” is. 20th Century Boy, is a musical all about Marc Bolan’s life told through his family and friends, and is basically about his son Rolan Bolan wanting to find out more about his father, who was too beautiful to die. 

T.Rex in Action

To start off this review, I am going to start talking about my journey to The Mayflower in Southampton.
Me and Mum had to catch a train to Southampton Central, which was an experience as Mum hasn’t been on a train for years, and I’ve not been to Southampton without friends. Once we got there we had to catch a taxi to the Mayflower, which isn’t actually that far away from the station. We had to wait for Dad to meet us outside the theatre, as my Dad was on call (he works for the University).
Once Dad had arrived Mum decided to head into “Bean” the cafe across the road.

We’d not been in there too long, and we were just having a cup of tea, when suddenly, Warren Sollars walks in! (Warren plays Marc in the musical). He goes to order a coffee, and I whisper to my parents “that’s the dude who plays Marc Bolan”, and we all started fan-girling. I have to admit, I was a total idiot and didn’t ask for a picture or anything, because I was too shy and embarrassed, and now I really regret it 😦

We went across the road to the theatre and my Mum bought us a program, and then we found our seats.
We were row D in seats 20, 21 and 22. We had pretty good seats, right near the front too.
All we had to do now was wait for the show to start!

By the way, it was lovely to see Jan, Sandra and Amy last night, who only sat the row in front of us! Was great to see my Bolan buddies again after so long 🙂

The show kicked off with a photo montage of Marc’s death, in pictures, from newspapers, which then led to Rolan and Gloria arguing. Rolan decides to go to London to find out more about his father, where he meets his Uncle Harry Feld and his Grandma Phyllis Feld.
The story revolves around Rolan asking questions about his Cosmic father and him getting answers from his Mother, his Grandma, his Uncle and Marc’s old roadie, where then discovers the legendary story of glam god Marc Bolan.

Gloria Jones with son Rolan Bolan

The story begins right from when Marc was a little boy and first discovered music, to when he becomes a teen and wants to be a Mod, which then leads him to covering “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, which some must of seen and heard, as Toby Tyler. Then Marc wants to become a poet of course, leading to the “Warlock of Love” poetry book. Of course there are more stories, such as Marc’s involvement in “Suzie and the Hoola Hoops”.

Bolan will soon become a cosmic hero!

Eventually, Rolan finds out his father was married, to June Child. The story goes as we all know, meeting in a studio.. and well.. you know the rest. Eventually Marc and June get married, and it isn’t long until Marc is in partnership with Tony Visconti and starts making hit records with his new band T.Rex. Before then, Marc had his own little 2 piece band formed or himself and Steve Took, and the band was called… Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“I’m going to be bigger than Elvis”

As Rolan discovers the journey his Dad went on to become a 70’s superstar, Bolan is shown as flamboyant character who decides to bring Glam Rock and Cosmic Rock to America, where he then meets soul singer Gloria Jones. The journey of the Futuristic Dragon begins. These times show Marc’s life fueled with drugs and alcohol, where he famously tells Tony Visconti to… “fuck off”, along with the rest of T.Rex. Eventually Gloria and Marc head back to London, where his marriage to June Child comes to an abrupt end.

Gloria with her Futuristic Dragon

Marc, soon decides to clean himself up, and straighten out as his girlfriend Gloria is expecting a baby, who shall be named “Rolan Bolan” (enter joke about Zowie Bowie).

Finally, towards the end of the show Gloria tells her son Rolan what happened on the day his father tragically died in a car accident.
Get ready for tears as Marc Bolan heads into the light while singing “Cosmic Dancer”…..
To finish off, Rolan, Gloria, Harry and Phyllis meet at Marc’s tree (the shrine) to say goodbye to the cosmic bopping elf which they all loved so much.

To finish the show, the cast performed a range of T.Rex hits including “Hot Love”, “Get it on” and “20th Century Boy”. What a rocking show!

I actually got interviewed at the end, I’m not sure what for, I shall try and find out, but I was basically asked if I enjoyed the musical, If I think my friends should see the musical, why I am into Marc Bolan and if I think the musical could make it on the WestEnd. Duh, of course it can!

 

Warren Sollars playing the magical Marc Bolan

I recommend this show to everyone. It’s an absolutely brilliant night out, and you are guarnteed to learn something new about Marc Bolan, and also feel as if you know Marc and have become a part of his life. I found myself almost instantly being inspired! His story is just so magically, and I know for a fact Marc is up there going “I have a musical about myself, where they sing all of my songs! How cool am I”. He’d be very proud. To hear Marc’s songs being performed in the way they were, is truly unbelievable, and makes me proud to be a Bolan fan.
Best musical ever!

Favourite line from the entire night “poppadom poppadom rogan josh!” – See the musical to find out what I mean!

It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry and it’ll make you want to get up and jive!

Go and see it!
Honestly, even if you don’t like T.Rex, you will love this. I can promise that for sure.

Warren Sollars

LINKS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
https://www.facebook.com/BolanicProductions?fref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUpBbn6ureI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJh3NtAm1Ec
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qZuKAPC5Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxNJxA_L8II

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE2UaOgEOek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEqFZnqe3pk

SeaWorld belongs in the SEA!

Watching a programme about SeaWorld called “The Whale That Killed”. If you don’t know already, I am a massive animal lover, but my favourite animal doesn’t have fur. My favourite animal is in fact The Great White Shark. I am not a huge fan of Orca’s. I will post links to some programmes that you should definitely watch, if you are an animal lover or if you don’t agree with me or if you want to learn.

When I was younger my dream was actually become a Marine Biologist because I adore sharks, there is nothing more beautiful in our oceans than these massive creatures that are just… incredible! This might shock you just a little bit, but sharks don’t actually eat people. We are not associated with them as being food. Another thing, Jaws isn’t real. They are not mankillers. Of course I wouldn’t be too happy if one bit me, but if you are out surfing in a place known for shark activity, well… whose fault is it if you get bitten? You have to remember that the sea is their territory. It’s not ours. People forget this, and then blame the animal. Another thing I really hate, is when people get bitten by a shark they instantly go “A Great White Attacked Me!”. No. Sorry. Do research first. It was probably a bull shark or if you were out in the ocean far enough it was probably a white tip. Reason being, bull sharks are naturally aggressive, and it’s known they attack people more than Great White’s, and a white tip lives so far out there isn’t any food, so to see if something is edible they have to use their teeth, just like we do.  

I think I’ll discuss Killer Whale’s first, because we should all be aware that they are probably one of the smartest animals on the planet. Smarter than us! 
There is a reason why they are called “Killer Whales”. It is because of their killing nature. Have you seen them kill? Their attacks are unbelievable. As you should know, Orcas hunt in pods, which are made up of family members. So, if one Killer Whale discovers a knew way of killing, just by trial and error they can tell others how to kill and that is how they learn.
They also have emotions. All animals feel the same as we do. How would you like to be stuck in a prison all of your life and then performing to people just to get food. It’s barbaric!

Next, Great White Sharks. The most incredible animal, that I love so so much.  Their main diet is sea lions. You can actually go to a place in Mexico and swim with Great White Sharks without being in a cage. Of course that is dangerous, but you are going into their territory, but they shouldn’t want to attack you, because we are not food.

Want to know something incredible?
A Killer Whale killed a Great White Shark. How?
Sharks, if they are turned over on their backs go into a state of tonic immobility, which basically means they are paralyzed. It doesn’t hurt, they just can’t move. Researchers do this so that they can tag the animal etc. An Orca, swam up to a Great White and flipped it over onto it’s back and held it there for 15mins, which therefore killed the animal as it was basically suffocating. It then tore it apart and ate it. Killer Whales now know how to kill Great White’s because one Whale just gave it ago, and told others which told others which told others etc.
Want to know something else? Great White’s can smell their own dead. Which is so strong it can bring them out of tonic immobility and they basically get the fuck out of there as fast as they can. 
When this attack happened, no Great White’s were seen near the area for over 10 years, and they disappeared within a few days! 
This has happened several times, with the same effect. So what does that tell you?
The most feared predator of the ocean, killed by something which we hold in captivity for our own entertainment. 

Aren’t we the most stupid animal on the planet? I think so. 

SeaWorld is a cooperation which loves money. It is keeping Orca’s in captivity because we as a general public like seeing them perform. Yes, yes all very entertaining and clever.. well done. 
Why don’t you think behind the performance? Why do they perform?
Because they are starved from having food. They only get given food then they do a trick… oh and the trick has to be correct, they can’t do it wrong. They are kept in a large fish tank basically. Have you seen the size of them? They are meant to be in the sea!
They are meant to be hunting and killing animals and living their life. Not jumping out of the water for a fish.
Then what happens when a Killer Whale decides to kill a trainer. Oh it’s the trainers fault. Oh it’s the animals fault. 
NO IT’S NOT. It’s OUR fault!
We go and see these attractions because it gives us pleasure, we don’t think that the animal is actually suffering. They are frustrated, they are killing machines, they don’t just forget. I’m not suggesting the animal is evil, but haven’t you ever made the link between the name of an animal and what it is put on this earth to do?
Don’t stick it in a tank for fuck sake. 

Killer Whale. Killer Whale. Killer Whale. KILLER!

(also please check out Tilikum the Killer Whale)

Links to check out:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03j49l6/Storyville_20132014_Blackfish_The_Whale_that_Killed/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS53yy_2R0Q
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilikum_(orca)

Tilikum the Killer Whale at SeaWorld

Having a friend with Depression

Writing this because, my friends don’t understand what it is like to feel the way I do all the time. Every second, of every minute of everyday. To feel as if you are worth absolutely nothing, and there is no point to your existence. That you are just wasting space on the planet. To feel so lonely that you can’t bare to even be around yourself. To look in the mirror and feel as if you are trapped in someone else’s body, and you are just destroying their life. They do not understand how something so tiny, can set you back. How something so tiny can make you so angry and hate everyone. They do not understand how self harming is the only thing that can make you feel better. The thing is, you can’t just get over it. Depression lives inside of you. It’s there… waiting to cover the sunshine and a sheet of darkness so black that you feel trapped. 

I was diagnosed with Depression when I was 16. I’m pretty sure I’ve had it all my life though, because I’ve always felt like nothing or at least been made to feel like nothing & it runs in the family. My Dad has depression and most of his relatives also have depression. Fun times, I know. I know how my Dad is feeling, because I feel the same way. People think he can be a right dickhead, even I think that, but I know why people think that, because I know how he feels and how things make him react a certain way. They may seem stupid to you, but to us, they make sense. 

I actually have several cuts on my wrist when it was our year 11 prom. I was wearing a sleeveless dress too so I couldn’t hide them. I had to bare my scares to my entire year group, and my friends. Some saw them, some ignored them, and some said I was attention seeking and wanted to ruin everyone else’s experience. 

I’ve also just been told that I treat everyone like shit. Yes, okay I do. Fair enough. Just ask yourself though, how would you feel if every single one of your friends said that they didn’t want to hang out with you, because staying inside was more fun than seeing me. I’ve lost loads of friends because they do not understand how my brain works, and when you try and explain… they ignore you and shoot back insults like “you are such a bad friend”. 

Imagine this. Waking up and feeling positive. Then within a couple of seconds of you waking up, this feeling builds up, destroying that positivity and replacing it with thoughts such as “I am so worthless”, “I’m so pointless”, “I’m nothing, “I’m the biggest waste of space on this earth”, “I’m disgusting”, “I’m horrible”, “I shouldn’t be alive”, “no one cares about me”, and then have several people actually supporting those thoughts, so you now feel like “I wish I was dead”, instead of actually debating your existence, you actually just wish you didn’t exist. Because that is what it is like. You have to grow up and understand that!

If someone has depression, you have to go about things in a slightly different way, because chances are you will really upset them. That’s how my brain works anyway. You can’t start blaming them and accusing them of things and saying “I’ve been so patient with you. But you treat everyone like shit”. Maybe you should start asking them how they feel, what is wrong, what they can do to help. Try and make them laugh, see a brighter side. Don’t make sure that they stay in a state of depression for ever. That is being a shit friend.

Actually, I am a good friend, because I ask people to hang out and go and see shows and stuff all the bloody time, because whether they realise it or not, I actually WANT to see them and hang out with them, and all I get back is the most pitiful excuse such as “sorry, I much rather stay in bed”. IT’S SUNNY! You should be out at the beach or something, unless you are ill or something. Now we both have to wallow in our self pity because you can’t be bothered to see a friend, who you haven’t seen for months because you keep forgetting that they bloody exist! Yes, I am talking about two certain people here. I don’t care if they read and get offended because they are the worst friends I’ve ever had.

Finally, I will say: “sorry, if I have upset you or offended you when I am in a mood like this, but I do constantly feel like nothing, and when people give a reason to support that feeling, it just makes me feel a million times worse.”

Also, I’m sorry if you are a good friend, but I treat you like a bad friend. I do actually love you a lot. It’s just I don’t notice that until it’s too late. So if I am talking to you badly, just know I do love you really, it’s just me being me… so try and be funny to cheer me up. 

I’m an 18 year old girl…. with nothing to show for it.