APRIL
Mon 02 - PLAN B + Sevenball + Lux Perpetua
You'll go home singing their songs and there can be no greater praise. But
what's this? Are they really splitting up due to .... WORK commitments?
Glorious tunes, sweeping arrangements, songs that actually SAY something -
if this is the stuff of your perfect gig this is the night for you. After
three years it looks like they are finally going their separate ways and
what a damn shame.
Wed 04 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS with Benson + Definitive List + 5' 4" + Lux
Perpetua
Thu 05 - LAPDOG + The Bobak Cut + The Makers
"Splintering the boundaries of indie rock, fusing melancholy with
optimism, against a backdrop of merged break-beats and power chords, they
drive themselves through soul-searching lyrics and brash, spine-tingling
noise. Frontman Miller’s perverted view on life ebbs and flows throughout
his lyrics about forgotten heroes and romantic dreams." OK, that's the
band's blurb out of the way (and even that was severely edited - you
should have read the rest!). Back to reality and Lapdog genuinely have got
it – polished, driven and concrete performances, belting out great tunes
with solid power. In short, a band heading for bigger and better things
with a well put-together heavy-duty rock set. One catchy, nerve shattering
song follows another. At the end of each song you think – ha, follow that
– and then they do. It's not often an unsigned out-of-town act makes an
impression in York and this band is well worth checking out.
Fri 06 - THE T&B SPECIALISTS
Established, local acid-jazz and funk outfit. Very James Taylor Quartet,
The Funky Meters, Mother Earth, Brand New Heavies and Corduroy etc… This
was a terrific gig last time and again features their own unique version
of … "Name That Tune".
Sat 07 - THE COMPLETE STONE ROSES + Tom Hingley
You want the Stone Roses? You're 10 years too late! But if you want to
re-live the groove, the experience, the vibe that was and still is - take
in The Complete Stone Roses, an amazingly authentic show and one of our
most requested return acts. They've even turned up with Mani who says,
"They're a good little band, the first time I saw them it was quite weird,
but I think they're doing the songs justice. They're good players first
and foremost - they're not fakers.... Tonight they sounded better than we
did before we split." Check out the set list, close your eyes and you're
nearly there. THIS GIG NOW CONFIRMED. (£ advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 08 - BIG VICAR
And in their own words: "Hailing from the sprawling urban metropolis of
York, Big Vicar are a 5-piece eclectic power pop band that combine Carry
On naughtiness and devilish sleaze with blistering guitars, throbbing
beats and histrionic performances. Consisting of Andy Johnson (voice /
keyboards), Kevin McAffery (guitar), Chris Hargreaves (bass) Gary Smales
(drums) and Kirsty Graham (voice / keyboards) this diverse collective has
been described as Pulp-esque with 'Lou Reed’s junkie punk drawl' and a
'Fun Lovin' Criminals type funkiness'. Themes such as being broke, being
drunk and being hungover rub shoulders with stories of seedy dance.
Described by the press as 'highly entertaining … highly recommended … a
band to see … stab forks in your eyes rather than miss them. Available
also for weddings, barmitzvahs and children’s parties".
Mon 09 - COCOON + Lux Perpetua + Anubia + La Fours
Organised by Zimran Samuel, all money will go directly towards helping
rebuild the lives of people who have lost everything as a result of the
recent earthquake in India. NO COSTS WHATSOEVER ARE BEING TAKEN BY THE
VENUE OR THE ORGANISERS. Headlined by Cocoon and their "very unique indie,
blues-based sound" fans of the current nu-metal punk scene will not be
disappointed.
Tue 10 - BIG DOG + DJ Mossadon
Black Grape co-founder and flatmate of Shaun Ryder, Kermit (Paul
Leveridge) provided the hard and fast rapping in perfect contrast to
Ryder's drawn out, druggy voice. Previously in Ruthless Rap Assassins and
since then collaborating with Bentley Rhythm Ace, he was also credited
with inadvertantly naming Black Grape's 2nd album after substituting a
sarcastically limp 'stupid stupid stupid' for 'bullshit bullshit bullshit'
when performing Reverend Black Grape on TV. He's no stranger to disaster
having fractured his ankle escaping from backstage Bez antics at T in the
Park or, more seriously, coming close to death with severe septicemia
contracted in Mexico the same year. Led by these maverick visionaries,
Black Grape's brilliant melange of rap, funk, punk and soul stormed
Britain and their first album debuted at No 1. Shaun and Kermit had
completed what the press called, "Probably the greatest comeback since
Lazarus!". And the future? Think of a hip hop savvy Manc hybrid of Sly
Stone and George Clinton, taking their cue from soul revue bands, p-funk
and big guitar riffs. "I've ben sitting at home for three or four years,
sorting my head out. I don't hang out with the same people. I just look
towards the future, now" - KERMIT 2001. (£5 advance - tickets available
from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 11 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS with Remo + Final Conclusion + Hipster Thin +
Non Thespian .
Thu 12 - OH SUSANNA + Hayley Hutchinson
Suzie Ungerleider's voice has been described as somewhere between a
lonesome whistle and a delta moan. When asked about that touch of
Appalachia she replies,"I would tell you that I got it all from my
Grandmother, but she ain't much of a singer". Born in Massachusetts and
raised in Vancouver, she has twisted traditional folk idioms into tales of
her personal quests after years of listening to the blues, early country,
honky tonk, & mountain balladry. She says, "I want to communicate some
kind of eerie beauty. The kind of beauty you had in folk music - in
spirituals, blues and in mountain ballads - intense and terrifying music
that evokes mystery". The press are unanimous in their admiration - "
ghostly tales from the dark end of the street … about pain you can't
forget and places you can never go back to … her companions are the likes
of Johnny Cash or Robert Johnson … mixing the poetic exuberance of a young
Tom Waits and plenty of Jimmie Rogers/Hank Williams rootsiness … writes in
blood and sings like it hurts." And from BILLBOARD, "Her narrative force,
incisive and amazingly detailed lyrics, and simple musical approach mark
her as an artist to watch." If you're a fan of The Handsome Family and The
Willard Grant Conspiracy this could just be your thing. Recommended. FOR
THE BENEFIT OF PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT ACOUSTIC SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE THAT
PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND, IN THE OPINION OF THE VENUE STAFF,
DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS, WILL BE REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE VENUE
WITHOUT REFUND. (£4 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
Fri 13 - THE JIGSAW SEEN + The Halcyon Band + Sevenball
New album Zenith (Vibrophonic) by Los Angeles band The Jigsaw Seen
seamlessly blends mellotron, stylophone, optigan, analog synth and e-bow
with guitar, bass and drums to achieve a dazzling mix of melodic hues with
equal shades of darkness and brilliance. Borrowing from The Byrds, The
Who, The Creation, the late 60s West Coast scene and assisted by D. J.
Bonebrake (X, The Knitters) on vibes and percussion with Danny McGough
(Tom Waits, Shivaree) on harmonium, the band has fused Big Star, Bowie,
Love and The Stooges. Guitarist Jonathan Lea has also played with
ex-Bongwater vocalist/actress Ann Magnuson for the last 5 years and
bassist David Nolte has produced and/or co-written albums by David Gray
and Maria McKee. Both played in Rufus Wainwright's band and recently
toured with Dave Davies of The Kinks.
Sat 14 - TUNG + Vernon Says We're Disturbed + Hedstate + DJ Strawberry
Shortcake
This is a SK8 PARK BENEFIT gig organised by the "kids" themselves with the
help of youth workers, Steve, Mandy and others. There will be and early
"dry" show for under-16s (doors 6.00pm, band on stage 6.30pm) and a show
at normal evening times (doors 8.00pm, curfew 11.00pm). Once again under
Bryan Stubbs' management, a band putting something back in ... respect.
Sun 15 - ANTI-PRODUCT + Inertia Crisis + The Relatives
Feelgood rock for the socially dysfunctional. Ex-Clam Abuse (with Ginger
from Wildhearts) madman American guitarist/frontman/songwriter/President
of The United Kingdom Alex Kane has assembled a Class "A" troupe of
enthused bouncing misfits who look as good as they play and have every bit
as fantastic a time as the man himself. If the mere sight of a flailing,
bouncing maniac wearing smeared clown make-up, with blood streaming down
his face (pics from JBs)from headbutting the microphone a few too many
times isn't enough to push your buttons, then his songs certainly will.
Huge rock songs with choruses the size of Paris, ecstatic vocal harmonies
and driving hard-rock guitars. A soaring power ballad called "Bungee
Jumping People Die", the occasional blast of excruciating discord that is
the screaming guitar frenzy of "Psychedelic Girlfriend" and a glorious
sense of mania and mayhem that hangs heavy in the air... A man, nay a
superman, from another planet. Inertia Crisis are well worth catching, too
- gig review and CD review. (£4 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Tue 17 - COGNAC + The Blue Macs
Undoubtably one of the best bands York has ever produced and certainly
capable of going the whole way until their untimely implosion last year.
Thankfully, they're back. Stuart J (guitars/vox), Adam F:(bass/vox), Matt
S (Hammond/synths/sequencing), Ben H (drum programmer/ analogue synths/2nd
guitar) and Steve N (drums/percussion) are currently hatching several
Camden gigs and promise new recorded material very soon. You wanna label?
"New York Dolls meets Super Furry Animals/Daft Punk/Primal Scream - make
of that what you will….."
Wed 18 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS with Cedric + Substance + The Frosty Jacks +
Monkey Jam
Thu 19 - THE JAMM
As Bruce Foxton said after seeing them at Guildford in '97, "They are true
to the original sound of The Jam", praise later backed up by Rick Buckler
who gave them 9/10 when they played at the launch of the official Jam web
site. Using the same instruments, sound gear, dark suits and ties, they
recreate the punk era feel but play material through the years including
Strange Town / Tube Station at Midnight / A Town Called Malice / That's
Entertainment / Going Underground and Eton Rifles plus album material as
well. Also included is The Bitterest Pill - a song that The Jam never
played live. In April, frontman John Southorn appeared on Stars In Their
Eyes as Paul Weller performing Wild Wood shortly after which they embarked
on their first Japanese tour which took in Tokyo and Osaka. Early ticket
purchase advised as this gig usually sells out (£5 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Fri 20 - DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS
Chaucer would have appreciated Graham 'Dumpy' Dunnell. No taller than a
pub counter, not much wider than a barrel and hairier than a sozzled St.
Bernard, the aptly named Dumpy is an ale-swilling vulgarian whose idea of
heaven is to tread the boards of any handy pub stage and gee up the pissed
populous with a ready array of abusive banter. Devoid of all philosophical
and political intricacies, Dumpy's rabbit is of the rude and ribald
persuasion, delivered with coarse good humour betwixt a brazenly
unfashionable battery of blues and boogies cut with hefty hard rockers.
The man himself garrottes a mean Gibson and he demonstrates his passion
for British motorbikes with a pioneering, raspberry-blowing impersonation
of same, developed when he was a humble mechanic in the dim and distant
past. Biker rock? Well, Dumpy was a 60s greaser, and the band attracted
hoards of their 80s equivalents, a connection confirmed on vinyl via the
The Blues Band's Cool King label, first with a sprightly cover of Mike
Sarne's 'Just For Kicks' in June '82 and then with the self-penned paean
to motorcycle mecca Boxhill, 'Boxhill Or Bust'. Released in mid-September
to coincide with their national tour with the Blues Band, the single was
enhanced with references to such haute cuisine delicacies as 'a cup of
splosh and a greasy dog', and was adequately summed up by Lemmy who dubbed
it "Chas and Dave backed by Status Quo". "We're not a street level band,"
the Wolfie Smith of rock explains. "We're gutter level, we appeal to
people in the gutter." Yup, 50% covers and 50% originals, their set is a
populist delight that goes down like the Belgrano anywhere beer is drunk
and posers are frowned on. (£5 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 21 - CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY You too could have us all to yourselves
and it doesn't cost a fortune.
Sun 22 - COSMIC ROUGH RIDERS + Four Day Hombre
Having blown away Alan McGee whilst playing live in their hometown
Glasgow, his new label Poptones released Cosmic Rough Riders' third album
“Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine”. Their first two self-written and
self-produced albums ("Deliverance" and "Panorama") on their own label
(Raft) sold out, the latter entering into Virgin’s Encyclopaedia of the
Greatest Albums of all Time. Their music is a collection of classic and
contemporary Americana West-Coast guitar-pop masterpieces,
Byrds/Beatles/Beach Boys/Neil Young, already acknowledged by The Jayhawks
on whose UK tour they guested. The heavyweight press on this act has been
awesome - "rugged, yet beautiful, occasionally tinged with folk, but
mainly woven from the finest jangles … ringing guitars, breathless
harmonies, timeless pop songs" (MOJO), "while others desperately try to
emulate the spirit of late - sixties / early seventies guitar pop, they
already have it bottled" (Q), "the purity of dense acoustic strummage
under wave after wave of vocal harmony with sad-sweet chorus melodies that
would go for old -master prices at auction" (ROCK AND REEL), "in it's
unashamed eclecticism of influences this is nothing short of glorious, the
riders gallop home with would-be classic after would-be classic of
precise, melodious country / pop. Another winner" (COUNTRY MUSIC
INTERNATIONAL). Their second Poptones single 'Baby You're So Free' is
being released to coincide with this tour and the band will also be
playing some supports with Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene. And the
last word to The Independent, "Right now, Cosmic Rough Riders are the best
band on earth". (£6 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
Mon 23 - THE LA DOORS
Jim Morrison and The Doors came to prominence in Los Angeles in 1967 with
a unique blend of musicianship complemented by Morrison’s inspired lyrics
and off-beat poetry. There is still intense interest in the group today
from students and teenagers to those who remember the Doors the first time
around. The L.A. Doors play replica instruments and dress exactly as the
Doors did all those years ago, perhaps why they were asked to appear on
BBC1. Each show is as different but always contains the hits interwoven
with Newsreel footage of political and social events of the time to create
that sixties feel with lighting effects, also, including bubble lamps and
a large neon Whisky A Go Go sign. This band are the closest thing you can
get!" said the original Doors’ former lighting engineer , "I closed my
eyes and I heard the Doors, I opened my eyes and there they were." The
L.A. Doors are Nigel Feist as Jim Morrison, Ben Collet-Mills as Ray
Manzarek, Phil Baxter as Robbie Krieger and Dave Hole as John Densmore.
This committed and hard-working acts brilliantly recreates the music which
influenced a generation Quite justifiably, they are internationally
acclaimed and have played to thousands all over Europe making them the
biggest Doors Tribute around. (£6.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Tue 24 - GLENN TILBROOK
After years of fronting Squeeze and creating one of pop’s most
distinguished back-catalogues as well as possessing one of it’s the most
distinctive voices, Glenn Tilbrook has decided to make records under his
own name for a change. His debut album, featuring co-writes with Chris
Braide (Victoria Beckham), Ron Sexsmith, Aimee Mann and Kim Stockwood as
well as his own material, is to be released this Spring. Squeeze, and
Glenn, became synonymous with a particularly London-oriented style of high
quality pop song that bears comparison with the classic songs of Ray
Davies - not to mention more recent contenders such as Blur and
Supergrass. Glenn’s long solo shows are littered with interactive humour
and banter – a true performer for the people, unpretentious yet dazzlingly
talented and smitten with music ever since his Mum took him to see ‘Summer
Holiday’! A fan of The Monkees /Beatles and a Stax / Motown follower too,
Glenn teamed with Chris Difford in ’73 starting with ‘Take Me I’m Yours” –
and the rest is history. He also appears on Mark Knopfler’s latest solo
album and produces Nick Harper. We haven’t seen Glenn Tilbrook at Fibbs
for a couple of years and his return is eagerly awaited. Recommended. (£8
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 25 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS with Allia + Catylyst + Midas + Flint
Thu 26 - ROBB JOHNSON + Miranda Sykes and Saskia Tomkins
Robb Johnson is now widely recognised as one of the finest contemporary
British songwriters and as Tom Robinson, presenting on Radio 4, memorably
said, "Robb Johnson may be singing in the wilderness, but thank God he
still is". Robb has always been a political animal - the original of
agit-prop single "The Animal Song" was nearly NME Single of the Week - but
material such as "6B Go Swimming" (highlighting his supply teacher
experiences) and "Sunday Morning St Denis" (originally recorded by Roy
Bailey and latterly by chanteuse Barb Jungr) is more observational and
personal. Last year's release "Margaret Thatcher - My Part In Her
Downfall" was a new recording (on the Thornbory guitar they were
originally composed on) of 20 of his older songs that audiences still
continue to ask for, including The Herald Of Free Enterprise, Rosa’s
Lovely Daughters, Captain Swing and Boxing Day. Also appearing are the
clear-voiced Lincolnshire folk player Miranda Sykes (Press Gang) on double
bass and Jazz/Popular Music BA (Hons) Saskia Tomkins on violin and cello.
Saskia studied under Mike Thomas (leader of The Brodsky String Quartet)
and has appeared overseas with Al Stewart and Sonja Kristina as well as
working on projects with bodhran genius Stefan Hannigan and Bill Caddick.
Both were present on "The Big Wheel" of which Johnson says "I am usually
reticent about making any claims for my work, but this is, I think, a very
fine album indeed". Also with Philip Hoessen (accordion) and Leon
Rosselson (guitar), the 14 fine acoustic-based songs covered everything
from Cirio's in Brussels to Paradise St in Liverpool, songs of a new baby
to songs for the barricades. Check out this excellent Rock'n'Reel
interview, too. FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT ACOUSTIC
SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE THAT PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND, IN THE
OPINION OF THE VENUE STAFF, DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS, WILL BE
REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE VENUE WITHOUT REFUND. (£6 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Fri 27 - HIGH SOUND + Heinous Tarts + Big Vicar
Hard to categorise but original in the real sense of the word. The Police
sing Talking Heads? Morcheeba meets Ride? My Bloody Valentine - the
hip-hop remixes? Kenny Sayers, Simon Jenkinson and Phil Alderson
definitely have something here and come highly recommended by the venue if
you're in to clever and passionate arrangements, songs that go somewhere
instead of round and round like flipping Oasis and … well … original! Look
out also for the return of the mighty Heinous Tarts although we don't know
what the new line-up is since Joe Johnson rejoined Shed Seven. Don't
expect any dancing or stage antics as they make Oasis look like The
Backstreet Boys, but as Kings Of Cool and in-yer-face Lords of local
rock'n'roll indie - unmissable.
Sat 28 - SAND + New Flesh
In a previous incarnation as avant technoists Germ, the avant garde
"electrometal voodoo jazz" five-piece SAND are continually evolving and
experimenting. Pounding industrial techno/funk melts in to screaming
feedback recalling technoise pioneers Biomuse, Add N to (X) and Tortoise.
The sheer noise attack of guitarist Neil (who played with Colossus-era
Scorn), the trombone (yes, you read that right) contortions of Hilary
Jeffery (“I like music that’s tragic and apocalyptic, jazz/punk/techno and
dub – Sand does all those things”) and the sampladelia of Tim Wright (head
honcho York-based Melt Records) shoot from impossible angles and make for
an exciting, invigorating mix. Can you imagine Morphine jamming with Can,
or Miles Davis stuck in a lift with Trent Reznor? Worth a big mention is
drummer Rowan Oliver who also plays with ex-Tricky collaborator Goldfrapp.
New Flesh's latest release, Equilibrium" has attracted rave press reviews,
"UK hip hop's most sonically and lyrically adventurous album yet" (The
Wire) … "There's true science in their music" (Hip Hop Connection) … "A
scything blast of hyper real science fiction" (Wax) … "… heavy rhyme
science... a frighteningly intense sonic experience" (M8) … "Starts
somewhere near the shadowy horrorscapes of the Wu Tang Clan and ventures
towards even moodier, broodier extremes" (Muzik) … "Without doubt the hip
hop album of the year" (Big Cheese). Tix available from the usual venue
contacts, Tim @ Melt or Pure Sheng. (£5 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 29 - CHRIS HELME + Tom Hingley + Steve Dobson
Chris Helme is undoubtedly one of the UK's best contemporary vocalists of
recent times. In dangerous possession of a throaty, pitch-perfect roar
that can glide almost magically to a whisper, it was obvious to all but a
myopic sub-section of Stone Roses fans that here was a talent of truly
magnificent proportions. If you've ever heard him belting out Wild Horses
(Rolling Stones) or Cold Turkey (Lennon) you'll know that as well as
bringing to life his own Nick Harper / Nick Drake-ish material, he can
also bring freshness and feeling to classic songs. Some would say better
than the originals … Currently gearing up for a tour with his own band
which includes guitarist James Nesbitt (St Etienne, Belinda Carlisle) and
drummer Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream), Chris is appearing solo and will be
showcasing his own powerful, self-penned material as well as
much-requested Seahorses favourites which, like all good songs, easily
stand on their own acoustically. Perhaps it will be a night of big voices
as Tom Hingley's can shatter specs at 50 paces with it's clarity, and save
lives on a foggy night off the coast of Cornwall such is the intensity and
power! Forget the under-achievements of yore with ex-baggy boys Inspiral
Carpets, this is how it feel to be lonely. (£6 advance - tickets available
from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Mon 30 - FARRAH + Big Vicar + Facelift
Power-popsters Farrah formed in May 1998 after Jez had a dream that
Charlie's Angels serenaded him while wearing 1970's polyester trousers….
Influenced by the exuberance of Supergrass, the harmonies of The Beach
Boys and the skewed lyrical sensibilities of Elvis Costello, the band left
their home town of York and after months of hard gigging recorded1999
adrenalised debut single "Terry" (Noisebox). The cover depicted a Terry's
Chocolate Orange segment and said company threatened legal action over the
song's drug imagery. Debut album "Moustache" - bittersweet-bubblegum
crushes, jealousy, Neighbours obsessions and German schoolgirls(?) - took
shape combining influences as diverse as The Jags (responsible for
all-time classic "I got your number"(written on the back of my hand)", The
Vapors, Fountains Of Wayne, Doo Wop, Teenage Fanclub and Squeeze.
MAY
Wed 02 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS with Heroic Trio + Cocoon + Remote + Anubia
Thu 03 - THE PACHINOS + The Nosedivers + Kings of Hong Kong
With three releases on Manchester label More Music and after touring the
UK from top to bottom (including a month with The Buzzcocks) the band
earned a series of KKKK reviews in Kerrang and a reputation as a band not
to be missed. After Radio 1 airplay they recorded a session for John Peel
and in April 2000 featured on the Fierce Panda compilation Cutting Hedge.
"Gloriously out-of-control punked-up greased-down rawk pop songs that
skedaddle around the room and make you grin so much your face hurts" said
NME, "Now these are the sort of shifty bastards you've got to keep an eye
on. Given half a chance The Pachinos would steal your pint, make out with
your girl, leave you black and blue in the car park and then rifle through
your pockets for the cab fare home…and that's if they like you" - KERRANG.
Oh and they rehearse in a meat freezer. Rock hard … (£3 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Fri 04 - DISPOSABLE HEROES
Formed in 1980, Metallica were greatly influenced by DiamondHead, Iron
Maiden, Angel Witch, Samson and Saxon all of whom were part of The New
Wave of British Heavy Metal - at it's peak between 1979 and 1982. Their
third album, Master Of Puppets with it's inexorable, intense and melodic
sound, forever changed the face of "thrash metal" and an 8-minute track
gave tonight's band their name. Featuring anything up to TWO HOURS of
Metallica Music covering material from 1983's debut Kill 'Em All right
through Master of Puppets, …And Justice For All, Metallica, Load and
Reload. Metallica are the biggest rock band in the world and this
North-East act, which has appeared here three times already, more than
does them justice - recommended! (£4.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 05 - COASTA
The musical equivalent of a white-wall tyred Lambretta, their first CD EP
was produced by Shed Seven’s Alan Leach. Countrywide gigging (Sound
Republic, Dublin Castle, Manchester, Leeds etc..) has built this stylish,
early 70s Americana Mod-meets-Madchester act a fierce live reputation -
also witnessed by a packed UK Play Tent at Leeds Carling Festival 2000.
With a guitar-driven sound drenched in vocal harmony, they look like mods
and play like gods!
Sun 06 - ASTRID
Astrid - Pop music with a capital P. This four-piece guitar band (signed
to Fantastic Plastic) has been likened to such seminal bands as Teenage
Fanclub, The Posies, The Byrds, The Raspberries and Big Star. Here's what
Jim Wirth of the normally cutting edge NME had to say, "These chirpy,
bouncy, cartoon urchins from the North of Scotland who, despite any
initial scepticism, are an awesome pop group. If songwriting success was
index-linked to any sense of musical ambition, then their hyper-melodic
buffoonery could be consigned to the bargain bucket of history within 30
seconds, but as long as the forces of melody continue to be a presence in
the land, then Astrid (live photos at Barfly) will have earned their
footnote in the hereafter. In short, they are criticism resistant; the
monolithically exuberant "High In The Morning" and the mellifluous "Boy Or
Girl" are simply mighty pop songs. They're exquisitely restrained,
perfectly constructed and, if the essence of pop is an expressway between
verse (A) and chorus (B) then singers William Campbell and Charles Clark
are unimpeachable masters of their craft. So, in the evolving pantheon of
pop, Astrid might be an irrelevance but, curse their oily hides, tonight
is a glowing testament to the power of indie-pop." ! If you like this,
you'll also like The Webb Brothers and Cosmic Rough Riders. (£4 advance -
tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Tue 08 - KING ADORA
Bumcrack-flashing kings of Glam King Adora take their name from a giant
dildo, owe absolutely nothing to Jeff Buckley and sing about the joys of
doing The Nasty with female coppers. Comparisons to early Manics are
unavoidable... Luckily, the musics just as bracing." - so spake Select -
October 2000. They're young, thin, play hard, fast glitter-punk every
night and, of course, have great cheekbones. Sensible comes later and,
right now, King Adora don't mind if you know they're having the time of
their lives (great Gallery live pics at Liverpool Lomax). Strutting out of
Birmingham in ridiculously tight trousers, midriff-flashing blouses and a
trowelful of lippy, they've caused a fuss and they've done it fast, plying
the nation's venues with something approaching hysteria. Singer Matt
Browne wields a voice capable of scraping Tom Waits with-a-nasty-cold lows
and Thom Yorke post-hefty-kick-in-the-bollocks highs. In times like these,
bands like King Adora shouldn't exist. (£5 advance - tickets available
from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 09 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS with Parisman + The T&B Specialists +
Duckporn + The Couch Potatoes
Thu 10 - MAVERICK GUITARS SHOWCASE with NEIL BROCKLEBANK
The area's premier music shop featuring another in their occasional series
of guitar demonstrations with the great players of the day. Tix £2
available from MOR MUSIC just around the corner from little old Fibbs.
More details as soon as we have them.
Fri 11 - TOM MCRAE + Thea Gilmore + Jont + The Accidental Tourists Tom, a
26 year old singer/songwriter who was chosen to support Scott Walker at
last years Meltdown Festival, is already being compared to Paul Simon and
Bob Dylan and his self-named album is in the Q Magazine Top 50 Albums of
2000. Guardian Unlimited said recently, "'Where lesser men might drown in
syrup and synthetic ennui, McRae is adept at stripping out everything
superfluous and homing in on the heart of the matter". It's difficult to
pin down his reference points - Richard Davies springs to mind - but a
brief moment of clarity arrives with a faultless reading of Paul
Westerberg's 'Sadly Beautiful'. McRae's music fizzes with apocalyptic
fervour but, rather than lambasting, his haunting vocal delivers sparse,
atmospheric songs that speak of urban claustrophobia and human frailty
like a morphine injection: slow, insidious, paralysing. This is folk for
the 21st Century and has to be one of the finest debuts by an artist in
years. Fans of David Gray - this could be for you, also! In support,
20-year-old Thea Gilmore has been attracting no less press plaudits,
"Gilmore is already in a league of her own" - Q Magazine, "...a
breathtaking mix of nerveless soul-bearing and raucous independence … to
be taken seriously indeed" - Mojo Magazine and lastly, Colin Irwin, "…
fierce wit and deeply personal songs of snarling intensity and godsmacking
honesty that marks her as a major rising talent". As-yet-unsigned artist
Jont was discovered in a small Irish pub by Paul Connolly (The Times),
"Veering from soaring acoustic pop to raging beat -poetry, the lanky lad
was magnificent". FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT ACOUSTIC
SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE THAT PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND, IN THE
OPINION OF THE VENUE STAFF, DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS, WILL BE
REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE VENUE WITHOUT REFUND. (£6 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 12 - JOHN OTWAY
John Otway first achieved notoriety, with Wild Willy Barrett, live on The
Old Grey Whistle Test by leaping six foot astride an amplifier with no
protection between the very hard object he was descending towards and the
most delicate parts of his anatomy. A fascinated public rewarded this very
daring/stupid act with a hit record "Cor Baby That's Really Free" and a
sizable live audience. Polydor mistook Otway's unusual gymnastics for
talent and signed him to a deal that these days would be worth close to a
million. True to form and with acts just as fascinating and painful, the
vast fortune was reduced to a large overdraft in a mere nine months. A
heady mix of blind ambition and rank incompetence has kept this microstar
shining for almost two decades but his optimism has never faltered, and
over time, only the word "young" has had to be dropped from that
"promising career". Otway's attempts at achieving further chart success
are interesting to say the least. There was the competition: Amongst the
copies of "Frightened And Scared", three just had the backing track on
them. If the copy you purchased did not have John's voice on it - he would
come to your house, stand between your stereo speakers, and add the vocals
live. However, although his particularly wild act was often admired in the
atmosphere of a punk rock venue, the thought of having this wild loony
leaping up and down on your living room furniture and swinging from the
curtains was too much even for many avid Otway fans who preferred the idea
of going to see him rather than him coming to see them. You can also see
John acting the uncoordinated, unsuccessful wally (a part he created
himself) in Supergran, Forever Green, Heartbeat and numerous adverts
including R Whites Lemonade, Bradford and Bingley Building Society and Irn
Bru. In 1993 John decided to celebrate his 2,000th gig at The London
Astoria and an astonishing 2,500 people turned up. Two years later, he was
chosen by Weetabix to sing Delilah on their current TV advertising
campaign. It was released and made 183 in the charts. John has never quite
lived up to the bill as "Rock'n'Roll's Greatest Failure" simply because
this engaging, witty and compulsive performer will entertain you as nobody
as ever done before. Highly recommended!! (£5.50 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 13 - CHRIS WHILE AND JULIE MATTHEWS
"An act that only comes along once in a blue moon" - City Life. In 1997,
already leading members of The Albion Band, Chris & Julie left after their
escalation and increasing success as a duo on the international stage.
Firstly in 1995 touring Canada as The Women of Albion and in 1996 in the
all-female supergroup Daphne's Flight which included Christine Collister,
Helen Watson and Melanie Harrold. Their songwriting partnership is
well-established with Barbara Dickson, Frances Black and Collister already
covering their material. Multi-instrumentalist Julie has been compared to
Richard Thompson and Mary Chapin Carpenter (who she supported at Her
Majesty's Theatre, London) and her songs have been covered by Fairport
Convention and Mary Black (Thorn Upon The Rose). She has also been
producing the phenomenal blues/jazz singer Helen Watson. Folk Roots wrote
of Chris While, "She learns from many, takes from few and comes away her
own woman". A sense of fun belies her dedication, unique guitar style and
reputation as a singer's singer. Her songs have been covered by other
artists including the Nashville award winning blue grass singer Kathy
Chiavola. Chris has three solo albums, 'Look at me now', the beautiful 'In
the Big Room' and the long awaited 'Still on fire / By Request'. Ticket
details available soon. FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT
ACOUSTIC SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE THAT PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND,
IN THE OPINION OF THE VENUE STAFF, DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS,
WILL BE REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE VENUE WITHOUT REFUND. (£ advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Mon 14 - KEVIN MONTGOMERY AND PETTIBONE + Trish Murphy
Rated Nashville songwriter Kevin Montgomery is appearing here with Robert
Reynold and Paul Deakin (rhythm section from The Mavericks!) and longtime
musical partner Doug Pettibone (guitar/pedal steel/ backing vocals) who
has recently toured with Jewel and counts Catie Curtis,Victoria Williams
and Joy Lynn White among his studio credits. Kevin's latest album "Another
Long Story" (Roadtrip) is all hypnotic backbeats and muscular rhythms, an
ear-catching fat guitar and steel, swirling production and fabulously
catchy melodies drawn out by his drawling vocal sincerity. Dedicated to
Steve Earle, Chris Knight, Big House and Music Row's mainstream as father
Bob was Buddy Holly's boyhood pal (and first musical partner in a duo
called "Buddy and Bob") and his mum was a Nashville session singer. Debut
record, 1994's "Fear Nothing" was tapped by Martina McBride (recording "I
Won’t Close My Eyes" for the double-platinum "Evolution) and Juice Newton
who changed the gender of "Red-Blooded American Boy" for her releases "The
Trouble With Angels" and "American Girl". He also contributed to Jon
Randall's "Asylum" by co-writing "I Can't Drive You From My Mind" with
Randall and Rodney Crowell. Whilst touring with the likes of Sheryl Crow,
David Crosby and The Samples, Kevin has duetted with Mary-Chapin Carpenter
and even Paul McCartney (pic). Already heavily featured by Bob Harris,
here's an unmissable opportunity to see one of the better Nashville
singer/songwriters coming to York on a whistle-stop tour - you lucky
people … (£6 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the
venue)
Tue 15 - HEAVY AIR
Featuring ex-members of 1998 Battle of the Bands winners Vacant Goldfish,
Alex Furk (keys), Keiran Wherrett (vox, guitar), James Hodgson (guitar)
and the infamous Oli King (also ex-Nosedivers) with Stu Drinkell (drums)
and ex-Surge bassist Alex Fox. Heavily influenced by Mansun, Primal Scream
and Muse, it's good to see a second generation of bands emerging from that
heady era.
Thu 17 - PILLOW TALK + The Fay Buzzards + InDeo + Midas
The Tenteleni Project is a student-run organisation set up to take
students from UK universities to teach in township schools and promote
HIV/AIDS awareness in South Africa.
Fri 18 - KIM DOLPHIN
Formed at the close of '98 by Anton Witter (vocals/keyboards/programming,
ex-Groovetwins) and Roger Griffiths (guitar, ex-FMB) the seed came to
fruition in mid ' 99 with the line up being completed by Rich Deardon
(bass) and James Hunt (keyboards). Influenced by the likes of Gary
Numan/Depeche Mode/Mansun/NIN, Kim Dolphins music is "full" and awash with
dark synths, heavy loops, industrial noise and choppy guitars - best
described as "dark pop".
Sat 19 - HUGE
Size doesn't matter ... as long as it's Huge.
Sun 20 - I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT PUNK
OK, you won't believe this Manchester-based band. Imagine "Now That's What
I Call Punk" and then do it live with all the attitude and all the
musicianship and ... well, everything. It's so rare that we get really
excited about a "tribute" act but this one is just excellent. Thoroughly
recommended if you like all the stuff from that era (check out this
brilliant History of Punk 76-79 site!), Pistols / Damned / The Only Ones /
/ Boomtown Rats / Buzzcocks / etc etc....
Mon 21 - GRAND DRIVE
Glorious tunes of romance, adventure and redemption with the magical
melancholy of Mercury Rev and the harmonies of Teenage Fanclub propelled
Grand Drive's 2nd album "True Love and High Adventure" in to more than a
few Best of Year lists including NME Top 50. They're an alt-country
version of Coldplay tunesmithery and Radiohead's elegant light and shade
but just at home with Hammond-driven country rock jangle. But brothers and
driving force Julian and Danny Wilson from Australia say quite firmly, "
We don't write about highways and deserts and cowboys" even though their
sun-kissed harmonies and melancholy sense of grandeur is pure America. (£4
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Tue 22 - PILLOW TALK + Freaky Blue Monkey + Special Guests tbc
York Uni Band Society Gig, more details to follow ...
Thu 24 - THE SURF SLUTS
Starting as an occasional party band but mutating in to a full-blown Dick
Dale meets The Damned bash. Hirsute lead singer Fez is the opposite of
Brian Wilson but surfs-up with plenty of a-umma-mow-mow a-umma-mow-mow and
glorious rock'n'roll theatre. The perfect band for your hallucinatory
Halloween beach party. Recommended!!!
Fri 25 - THE NOSEDIVERS + Snowdogs + Asomvel
Heads-down-no-nonsense punk in the real sense of the word. Who knows what
will happen when GT Turbo takes the stage? Already banned twice from the
venue for endangering customers and themselves, this is murder, mayhem and
3 minute classics - but it ain't no polished Green Day pop punk. Neither
is it the sanitised Offspring version. This is pure unpredictable,
off-the-wall who-gives-a-toss anyway punk. As we said this time last year
- are The Nosedivers the future of rock'n'roll?
Sat 26 - SPEAR OF DESTINY
Arising from the grave of bleak post-punkers Theatre of Hate, Spear of
Destiny was formed in 1983 by Hate singer/guitarist Kirk Brandon and
bassist Stan Stammers, also including drummer Chris Bell and saxophonist
Lasettes Ames. Their brand of goth-rock encompassed self-consciously
romantic, poetic lyrics set to dark, slow dirges, with occasional
saxophone work and Scottish melodic touches. Joined by drummer Dolphin
Taylor (Tom Robinson/Stiff Little Fingers) they recorded One Eyed Jacks,
generally regarded as their best work. Adam Ant guitarist Marco Pirroni
joined for 1987's Outland, which marked a return to form and the band
moved to Virgin for 1988's The Price You Pay. In Spear of Destiny remains
the spirit of a powerful and evocative rock band fronted by one of it's
more original and colourful icons (£6 advance - tickets available from the
venue)
Mon 28 - SAMAID 2000, ACTS TO BE CONFIRMED
And what better way to spend a Bank Holiday Monday than listening to live
music, acoustic and electric, at Fibbers? Following on from 98's immensely
successful fundraiser for The Samaritans, here's another chance to smooth
your passage through the pearly gates by doing your bit for charidee.
Donations during the day, £3 at night. LOcal acts interested in performing
should, in the first instance, contact Rachel on 07730 912246.
Tue 29 - KING PRAWN + Psychoskank
Slugboy (drums), Al Rumjen (vocals), Barbar Luck (bass/vocals) and Devil
Hands (guitar), collectively the eccentric London-based King Prawn,
combine everything from ska and punk to hardcore in their musical
repertoire. Barbar, the mad bearded one, is the band's trump card telling
everyone to "Go crazy, man!" in true rock 'n' roll style, and then
describing the band as the "Stupidest bunch of *****s on any stage!"
Supercharged versions of old social commentary favourites "Racist Copper"
and "Role Model" are ever-present and underground faves King Prawn will
bring a smile to your face, onstage entertainment being the key factor.
And that's what it's all about, right? Oi! (£4.50 advance - tickets
available from the venue)
Thu 31 - THE LOOP - TRIBUTE TO RORY GALLAGHER
Rory Gallagher 1948 -1995. Irish blues-rocker. No pretension, just a
flannel shirt, blue jeans, an old beat-up '61 Fender Stratocaster, and a
love of the blues. The young Rory saw Melody Maker photographs of The
Chris Barber Band touring with Muddy Waters and Big Bill Broonzy, became
fascinated by the blues and when the Stones came to Cork he vividly
remembered Brian Jones' skill as a guitarist, "It was the first time I'd
seen anyone playing the slide guitar. A very underrated musician."
Gallagher had a habit of doing it his own way, regardless of convention,
in an age when rock was frowned upon. His devotion to the blues never
wavered as he discovered Chuck Berry, Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy and
Woody Guthrie through Lonnie Donegan. Other influences were Eddie Cochran
and Jimmy Reed as a young Gallagher listened to Radio Luxembourg at night,
and tuned in to jazz and blues on the American Forces networks. After
forming Taste in 1966 who supported the ill-fated "supergroup" Blind Faith
and split after 1970's Isle Of Wight Festival, he went solo and '72's
"Live! In Europe" went platinum earning him "Musician of the Year" Award,
also. His bassist of twenty one years, Gerry McAvoy, still plays regularly
at Fibbs with Nine Below Zero and drummer Ted McKenna has appeared here
also with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Gallagher had acquired the
status of a top-class blues guitarist and this long-haired crusader led
the way for '70s youth, hauling a battered Stratocaster, a bass player,
drummer and minimal road crew across the European festival circuit but, in
1994, fell seriously ill and died in June of the next year. Thousands
lined the streets of Cork and millions mourned the passing of one of the
greatest ever blues musicians. European tribute The Loop, first formed to
showcase material by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dave Spector, Monti
Amundsen, Gravy and Sonny Boy Williamson, have been performing Rory
tribute concerts since 1997 and recently toured Ireland to great acclaim.
(£5 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
JUNE
Sat 02 - CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY
Sun 03 - AYNSLEY LISTER + Syncrownized
Aynsley has already been described by Stan Webb (Chicken Shack) and Coco
Montoya (ex- John Mayall) as one of the best young blues guitarists to
emerge in many years, happy playing acoustic country blues as well as
those 'spine tingling' electric solos that have become his trade mark! As
well as collaborations with Connie Lush and Alamo Leal, Aynsley has also
appeared at the legendary Lou's Pier 47 in LA. The compliments from his
peers come thick and fast, "Aynsley's a great player, you're gonna hear a
lot from him … one of the best young blues guitarists to emerge in many
years" - Walter Trout, "Not only has the looks of a young Richard Gere but
already has a mastery of the electric guitar that is almost
complete.......... British blues-rock at its best" - Scott Duncan (Editor
/Blueprint). (£4 advance - tickets available from the venue)
Thu 07 - LOSTPROPHETS + Tung + faKe
PROBABLY TWO OF THE VERY BEST UNDERGROUND UK ROCK ACTS CURRENTLY ON THE
CIRCUIT - GET YOUR TIX EARLY, THIS WILL SELL OUT. Lostprophets, on tour
with Pitchshifter and with two pages in Kerrang this week all to
themselves, were formed in late '97 by a collective of friends sick of not
hearing what they wanted in the modern alternative scene. Some were
permanent members; some played whenever they felt like it and all were
from varied musical backgrounds. Their first demo in 97 gained a 10/10
review in Metal Hammer and since then the band has played countless sell
out UK shows including Kerrang! nights. Various extra members have come
and gone but over the last two years their sound has progressed and
evolved into a fusion of everything from emo to metal, post- hardcore to
breakbeat with hip hop thrown in. The band has just released their debut
album variously described as "A nu-metal Faith No More with some mellow
deck action going down … think along the lines of Incubus and Taproot …
there's a Police reggae like vibe coming through." Looks like a top night
all round with local heroes Tung as well as faKe who have also been
getting some excellent press as well - check out their site. (£5 advance -
tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 09 - LIMEHOUSE LIZZY
When the cry of "Are you out there" first went up in 1993, who'd have
thought the Thin Lizzy tribute of frontman and uncannily-accurate Phil
Lynott sound and lookalike Wayne Ellis would go on to be one of the most
popular and well respected tributes worldwide. Featured in Mojo, Vox,
Loaded and most national newspapers (including nearly carrying off News of
the World's Best Tribute Poll) they recently headlined The Phil Lynott
Commemoration in Dublin as well as appearing on MTV and headlining St
Patrick's Day celebrations in New York. Film buffs - check out their
posters in Godzilla! In a blistering show nearing two hours, you'll hear
pretty much everything you ever remember of Lizzy including rare album
tracks for the purists. (£6 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 17 - SARAH MASEN + The Evinrudes
It may be that the legacy of Gram Parsons is most effectively traced and
discerned in the songwriting of a 25-year-old, Nashville mother from
Detroit called Sarah Masen; and if you heard "Give A Little Bit" (from new
album Dreamlife of Angels) on Bob Harris recently you'll know why. A
master of the deceptively simple, she turns lamentation into some kind of
encouragement without a drop of sap. Her songs are featured on Party of
Five, Dawson's Creek, and the Summer Olympics and while remarkably
accessible, contain the bittersweet lonesomeness awaiting a kind moment of
solidarity. Enlisting producer John Jennings (Mary Chapin Carpenter /
Janis Ian), Dreamlife of Angels is a stunning work with catchy melodies
and deft brushes of musical accompaniment. From the folksy endearment of
Give A Little Bit (Supertramp) to the acoustic, funky David Gray-ish
groove of Midnight; or the rocky Hit N Run to the stillness of Love is
Breathing (about the birth of her daughter Dorothy Day Dark), this is the
work of a stunning yet gentle tunesmith. (£4.50 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 23 - CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY
Mon 25 - ANUBIA + Lux Perpetua + Porridge Dog + Bumfluff
This just in, more details to follow ...
Thu 28 - JANUS STARK
Named after a French cartoon character and formed from the ashes of
longtime punk band English Dogs, Janus Stark are fronted by Prodigy's
Mancunian live guitarist of three years Gizz Butt with bassist Shop and
drummer Pinch. You can hear their quirky, hardcore pop-punk on recent hit
movies Varsity Blues, Disturbing Behaviour and Whatever Happened To Harold
Smith? (as punk band The Clique) and it's good to see these spiky oiks
blasting back with renewed fire. (£5 advance - tickets available from the
venue)
Sat 30 - FOUR STAR MARY
Probably the most-heard unheard-of band ever. You've already heard 'em as
Buffy The Vampire Slayer character Oz's favourite band Dingoes Ate My Baby
as well as Party of Five and MTV's Real World using their material as
well. Hailing from LA and named after a fortune cookie, FSM's power-pop /
rock has already earned them a massive US reputation and here they are at
Fibbs again building what will surely be an enormous fanbase in the UK,
too. If you’ve got all the Buffy vids and you want to brush up on your
Four Star Mary, check out Inca Mummy Girl / Bewitched / Bothered and
Bewildered / Pain / Dead Man's Party / Homecoming Revelations and
Doppelgangland. (£4.50 advance - tickets available from the venue)
JULY
Mon 02 - CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY
Tue 03 - RAT SALAD - A TRIBUTE TO BLACK SABBATH + Pig Iron
Heavy Metal. You could argue all day over who invented it, but most
discussions will include that legendary Brummy four-piece Black Sabbath.
They were probably more directly responsible for "Death Metal" but,
nevertheless,Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward had a
talent for complex, enthralling riffs and, yes, original and catchy
melodies. The list of copyists is added to daily and the latest rock
"sensation", Queens Of The Stone Age, are no exception - listen to
Lightning Song and it's there for all to hear. "Heavy" metal probably
started with Zep, was expanded by Deep Purple and the rest is history but
The Sabbs remain the template for gonzoid memorable riffing. True
originals and this band - featuring Ozzy Ozzbird - really do them justice.
(£4 advance - tickets available from the venue)
Mon 09 - THE DICKIES + Whizzwood
Formed in 1977, LA punks The Dickies specialized in breakneck renditions
of humorous songs, mostly covers of earlier rock hits. The group consisted
of Chuck Wagon (keyboards), guitarist Stan Lee (guitar), Billy Club
(bass), Leonard Graves Phillips (vocals) and Karlos Kaballero (drums).
Wearing fashionably ludicrous, often grotesque clothing, the Dickies
quickly became one of the most popular of the original LA punk bands, and
signed to A&M Records in 1978. In addition to their own stuff, the
Dickies' early recordings included such overblown chuff as the Moody
Blues' 'Nights In White Satin' and Black Sabbath 's 'Paranoid' but played
at a furious pace and often clocking in at under two minutes. Bizarrely
named songs such as "Walk Like An Egg", "Curb Job" and "She's A Hunchback"
coupled with outrageous banter, "...absolutely none of tonight's proceeds
will go to Ethiopia..." re-inforce their Comedy Ramones B-Movie image.
Fast and furious original LA punk - with a smile. They'll never be in York
again! And who could forget The Banana Splits Theme ….. (£9 advance -
tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Fri 27 - WHOLE LOTTA LED
Formed in 1993, Whole Lotta Led are quick to say that they are not a
look-a-like band, but they are definitely a sound-a-like band. You'll get
the whole range of Led Zeppelin music in a two hour show including such
classics as Over the Hills And Far Away, Black Dog and Whole Lotta Love;
moody 12-bars and the kind of rockers that had the head bangers in full
hair-flying mode back in the Seventies. Singer Lee Addison IS Robert Plant
and guitarist Nick Ferris handles the Jimmy Page slot with ease combining
the buzzy, fat sound of Zep IV with the echoey rawness and urgency of I
and II. Geoff Hunt reproduces the John Paul Jones thump and also plays
keyboards on a spot-on version of Stairway to Heaven. This band is up
there with the great tribute acts of the UK, Limehouse Lizzy included!
(£5.50 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
AUGUST
Fri 10 - THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTHMARTINS
As the name suggests, a tribute to the music of The Beautiful South and
The Housemartins (Fat Boy Slim was a member and drummer Hugh Whittaker is
now playing for excellent local act Percy), both of Hull's finest. And
what a good band, too - we've heard the stuff. Complete with excellent
female singer, all the arrangements and the feel are intact. Here's what
Times journo Mike Pattenden had to say, "You're nobody in the '90s music
scene unless you have your own tribute band, and tonight the Beautiful
South have come down to the Putney Half Moon to meet the group that pays
homage to them. They play versions of both Hull bands' songs, something
The Beautiful South flatly refused to do with The Housemartins' material.
The harmonies are tight, the voices blend together nicely and the crowd
applaud. Paul Heaton, stood at the bar, applauds loudest of all. The
Beautiful Southmartins are good value, and their counterparts find it
hilarious (and flattering) that anyone else should bother performing their
songs." The band has an enormous repertoire from both acts including Old
Red Eyes is Back, A Little Time, Perfect 10, Don't Marry Her, Rotterdam,
Let Love Speak Up Itself, You Keep It All In and I'll Sail This Ship Alone
from The Beautiful South. Old Housemartin faves Caravan Of Love, Happy
Hour and People Get Ready are there as well as lots of other material. In
fact, as this is being written we're reminded again just how much quality
material Paul Heaton is responsible for. (£5.50 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
OCTOBER
Thu 11 - TOM RUSSELL
Tom Russell grew up in California in the early 1950s, listening to the
West Coast hillbilly sounds of Merle Travis, Joe Maphis, Tex Williams, ,
The Collins Kids and The Maddox Brothers and Rose. Having stolen his
brother's Tijuana gut-string guitar he set about Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart
and Merle Haggard. Tom began in the skid row country bars of Vancouver in
1971 but two years later had formed a band in Austin which was to last six
years before he moved to New York to work on novels. Persuaded by
guitarist Andrew Hardin and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter to return
to music, he toured with the former and between 1988 and 1995 co-produced
critically acclaimed records for Ian and Sylvia Tyson, Katy Moffatt and
soul singer Barrence Whitfield. "Outbound Plane" won Tom Russell a 1993
ASCAP Country Award as one of the most performed radio songs of 1993 when
the Suzy Bogguss' recording became a top-ten hit. Tom's songs have also
been recorded by Johnny Cash, Joe Ely, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith,
Dave Alvin, Janie Fricke, Peter Case and the late Doug Sahm amongst
others. A chance to catch a genuine USA legend. FOR THE BENEFIT OF
PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT ACOUSTIC SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE THAT PEOPLE
PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND, IN THE OPINION OF THE VENUE STAFF,
DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS, WILL BE REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE VENUE
WITHOUT REFUND. (£7 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
DECEMBER
Saturday 01 - NINE BELOW ZERO
Headed up by guitarist/singer Dennis Greaves with the mighty rhythm
section of Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O'Neill (a combined twenty-five years
with Rory Gallagher) and the blistering harmonica of Billy Boy they have a
live combination of lethal, hammering r'n'b that's already been nailed to
the floor of many a famous stage. Formed in South London in 1977, people
like Canned Heat, Dr Feelgood and The Blues Band quickly wanted them and
they soon headlined the Hammersmith Odeon with special guest the late
Alexis Korner, one of the founding fathers of the British blues and r'n'b
scene. Pete Townsend promptly gave them the Who tour support slot as did
Ray Davies with The Kinks. Appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test, The
South Bank Show and a legendary appearance on the very first Young Ones
followed as well as a European tour with Sting. What a pedigree! There's
more - Eric Clapton loved what he heard and invited the band to join him
at the Royal Albert Hall for twelve successive nights. You know the score
already, this is the hardest-working, tightest, funkiest blues/rock band
around.
|