Friday, 7 September 2012

Day 145: Is London still the centre of the U.K. music industry? - Jay Stapley

Today's entry by friend of RTYD @JayStapley to his 'Year in the Life of a Musician' blog http://ow.ly/bR4jo

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

Guitars and Life: Surplus to needs...

Read this new post by RTYD member Graham Hunt on his blog Guitars and Life

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Day 144: Stagecraft, an update. - Jay Stapley

Today's entry by friend of RTYD @JayStapley to his 'Year in the Life of a Musician' blog http://ow.ly/bR4jo

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP.COM: ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-GIG-CALENDAR

Gig Reminder: Cloudbusting (Kate Bush Tribute) at the Ginhouse, #Bodmin @ Sat 8 Sep 21:00 - 22:00 (GIG CALENDAR)

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

Win win win! Benlikesmusic’s First Competition! | Indie Ambient Angular Post-Rock blog

Read this post by friend of RTYD, Ben Gallivan @BenLikesMusic: Win win win! Benlikesmusic’s First Competition!

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

Wednesday, 5 September 2012

Guitars and Life: Hero

Read this new post by RTYD member Graham Hunt on his blog Guitars and Life

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP.COM: ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-GIG-CALENDAR

Gig Reminder: Gunrunner at The Kings Arms #Chelmsford #Essex @ Fri 7 Sep 20:00 - 23:00 (GIG CALENDAR)

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

Quiz time at the Hotel Absurdiana - Spirit of Play

Read this new post by friends of RTYD, Spirit of Play @spiritofplay1 #geekpop

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area.

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Introducing new RTYD member, Kent singer/guitarist, Sonny Lane


Day 142: The Jay and Jerry Show: masterclass/gig dates announced. - Jay Stapley

Today's entry by friend of RTYD @JayStapley to his 'Year in the Life of a Musician' blog http://ow.ly/bR4jo

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP on Facebook

Visit the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP Musicians & Bands Community to connect with other older musicians and bands in your area. http://www.jaystapley.co.uk/a-year-in-the-life-of-a-musician/day-142-the-jay-and-jerry-show-masterclassgig-dates-announced/

BOF! @ Buffalo Cardiff w/ DJ Gwenno | Indie Ambient Angular Post-Rock blog

Read this post by friend of RTYD, Ben Gallivan @BenLikesMusic: BOF! @ Buffalo Cardiff w/ DJ Gwenno

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP.COM http://benlikesmusic.com/?p=375

Big Tea Records / Absolute Monarchs – New Release | Indie Ambient Angular Post-Rock blog

Read this post by friend of RTYD, Ben Gallivan @BenLikesMusic: Big Tea Records / Absolute Monarchs – New Release

via ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP.COM http://benlikesmusic.com/?p=359

Guitars and Life: Is it Autumn?

Read this new post by RTYD member Graham Hunt on his blog Guitars and Life

Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Video: Robb Johnson & the Irregulars accompanied by members of Steve White and the Protest Family


This is a great video of  four members of Steve White & The Protest Family accompanying Robb Johnson & The Irregulars (and the remarkably talented songwriters and performers Ewan MacLennan and Paddy Nash) on the main stage at The Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival last month. 

 The result of this live collaboration is Steve White and co. will be playing - and performing their own set - with Robb and The Irregulars at the Horse & Groom in Brighton on 30th September (see the RTYD Gig Calendar for more details).

Friday, 10 August 2012

Video: The Zone performing 'In Any Other Way' at Guilfest 2012



The Zone performing their opening song In Any Other Way on the Main Stage at Guilfest 2012. This song is on their latest EP Which Path available now on iTunes, Amazon and other digital distributors.

Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Introducing Bexley-based covers band, Cream Crackered


Welcome to new ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP members, Cream Crackered, from Bexley in Kent. 

The band describe themselves as "a bunch of old buggers playing hits from the 50s and 60s", which include songs by the Searchers, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochrane, Credence Clearwater, Stones, Elvis,Van Morrison and many more. The band whose youngest member is 52 are a five piece and more about having fun than anything else. They have their own PA, a few lights and a nice big vehicle that they can fit the band and all the gear in, so they are very mobile.

The band's next gig is at Sunfest, a one day festival at the Sun Inn in Bredgar in Kent, on Sunday 26th August. 

Monday, 16 July 2012

New version of Frail Hurricane LEGO video by Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate


Malcolm - vocals, guitar, bass, production 
Ibon Ibon - guitars (including intro solo, and 2nd solo at the end)


Thanks to my boys James (age 6) and Ethan (age 3) for helping with the animation. 


For mailing list and free downloadsHOGIA on ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP






Sunday, 8 July 2012

This Thursday, a blues-punk double bill: Bermondsey Joyriders & Taurus Trakker in Whitechapel


This Thursday 12th July at the Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel, forming part of the venue’s ‘Vintage Rock’ season, there's a double dose of blues-punk in the form of East End rockers, the Bermondsey Joyriders, and slide ‘n’ sax-fuelled West London punks, Taurus Trakker.

The Joyriders are a ‘77 supergroup of sorts, comprising of Gary Lammin (vox/guitar, formerly of Strummer protégés The Little Roosters), Martin Stacey (bass, ex-Chelsea) and Chris Musto (drums, ex-Johnny Thunders’ Oddballs). In May the band received an very approving 8/10 review from Classic Rock for second album ‘Noise & Revolution’ - an ambitious concept piece which features spoken word narration throughout from 60s counterculture icon and MC5 manager John Sinclair. With John now home in Motor City, the band have drafted in NME legend Charles Shaar Murray to do the honours on stage and provide live narration at The Rhythm Factory on Thursday, which is pretty cool.

Taurus Trakker are led by Martin Muscatt, a man inspired to pick up guitar after seeing his cousin Mick Jones onstage at some of The Clash’s earliest shows. The band is fleshed out live by the visually captivating presence of Allison Phillips (ex-Raincoats, Alternative TV) behind the kit, Chris McDonald on bass and X-Ray Spex man Dave Wright on saxophone.

See you there!


Friday, 6 July 2012

Peter Bowles is To The Anarchy Born in Punks Not Dad's new video


Suave British sitcom legend Peter Bowles has sold his soul to punk by appearing in ‘Monkey Boots’ the latest single and video by ageing anarchists Punks Not Dad. The actor, best known for his string of sitcom roles in hit 70s and 80s shows ‘To The Manor Born’, ‘Only When I Laugh’ and ‘The Bounder’, provides a 'Thriller' style voice-over on the record and introduces the video from his shed.

Having previously tackled sheds and Ikea furniture in their previous YouTube hits, the Cardiff based punk legends turn their attention to the iconic punk footwear, monkey boots, which with patronage from the likes of Jarvis Cocker are now set to make a comeback.

Set in an alley outside the school gates in 1981 the video is a 'West Side Story' style turf war between Adam and the Ants fans and the punky Monkey Boot Gang. The gang leader is Scrapheap Challenge and Scrum V Live star, Lisa Rogers, who has appeared in all Punks Not Dad’s videos to date.

A sneak preview of the video is available here.  Click here, too, to hear the song in full . Both are released on Monday 9th July, the video on YouTube, and the MP3 on iTunes and Amazon.

The Dads play a launch gig tonight, 6th July, at the Moon Club (upstairs), Womanby Street, Cardiff at 8pm. Support comes from Sunshine Riot.



Peter Bowles: ‘In all my years on stage and screen I have never worked with anyone as good as Punks not Dad. They are my heroes. Now, about that brown envelope…. ‘ 

Lisa Rogers: ‘Punks Not Dad? Who the fuck are they?‘ 

Monday, 25 June 2012

Introducing rock/pop/blues covers band, Gunrunner, from Essex


Gunrunner is an Essex-based classic rock, pop and blues covers band. Recently, their lead guitarist of eight years, Chris Campbell, decided to pursue an alternative blues path and the band are currently auditioning for a replacement.

The band has a large repertoire of over 150 rock, pop and blues songs covering four decades, and lines up as follows:


Spencer Pratten (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), 
Barry Eaves (drums)
Del Stoton (vocals & harmonica). 
Rich Raymond (bass)
Vince Leatt (occasional Hammond organ) 
Jay J "Daddy Cool" Downs (VERY occasional sax) 


Check the RTYD Gig Calendar for details of upcoming shows.

Sunday, 24 June 2012

Voodoo Rays play the Fiddlers Elbow, London, Thurs 26th July


Described as early Pink Floyd played by Sonic Youth, Voodoo Rays is a noisy experimental three-piece rock band from East London. Formed in the summer of 2010, the band, which includes RTYD member Andy Symes on bass, was originally called Parade. A name change was decided upon at the beginning of this year after a slight misunderstanding with another band called Parade from Manchester, and Voodoo Rays was chosen, after the seminal track by A Guy Called Gerald. Having finished their second album, Crabwise, the band are continuing to gig around London regularly, building up a fearsome reputation by word of mouth alone. If you do see them live, don't expect constancy; the Rays play hard and fast with their back catalogue, whilst constantly adding new songs to their repertoire. The band are currently recording their third album, Surrounded By Ghosts, in Battersea, hopefully with a more stripped back live sound, technology notwithstanding.

Saturday, 23 June 2012

Introducing Powerhouse Studios, nr. Addlestone Surrey



"We are a studio who prides itself on looking after our customers. We have experienced sound engineers and competitive rates" - new RTYD Member Stuart Carter

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Lego Animated Video for 'Frail Hurricane' by Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate




This is a Lego animation by Malcolm Adequate and his sons, James and Ethan put to an extract from the demo of Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate's 'Frail Hurricane', a new song due for release in August. 

Monday, 18 June 2012

We're so proud of them! The Zone play the main stage at Guilfest 2012


Just bummed I can't be there.

The Zone is: Dave Browett on guitars and vocals, JC on bass and vocals, and Rob Hayter on drums - all of whom are members of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP (do I sound chuffed?!). They have just released a 5-song EP entitled ‘Which Path’. For further information please visit their website.

Steve White and the Protest Family at Friends of Stoneydown Park Folk Festival


Sunday, 10 June 2012

Introducing Kissyfoot: the world's first foot fetish prog rock band


Wolverhampton-based duo Kissyfoot was founded in 2008 by Sharon Mills and Simon Jeremy Mills. They claim to be the world's first foot fetish progressive rock band. I have no doubt they are. I did once read Geoff Nicholson's Footsucker, so I know a thing or toe about the fetish, though I can't confess to being a foot-fetishist myself; maybe it needs to be tried while listening to prog.

If so, you could give it a try with Kissyfoot's new album 'Forbidden Feet' which is released this week.

You can play footsie with Sharon or Simon, or both if that's your thing, on Facebook and Reverbnaton, but sadly not yet on ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP's social network (That's a hint, right? - Ed).

Hold up! They've just joined. Thanks guys!

Video: The Longdicks performing Blitzkrieg Bop at the Hope & Anchor, Islington


The Longdicks, recorded on 9 June 2012.

Saturday, 9 June 2012

Have you been on the bill with a band that went on to greater things?


Have you been on the bill with a band that went on to greater things? Join the discussion on the RTYD Musicians and Bands network: http://ow.ly/bt08S

Friday, 8 June 2012

Video: 'Come on England' by The Krypts


This is the video for south London band the Krypts' unofficial England Euro2012 song 'Come on England'; you can download the song for free from their Facebook page. I think I have always prefered the red England shirts. I'm sure somewhere there are statistics on how well we play in each colour. Utterly meaningless, of course.

Thursday, 7 June 2012

Introducing songwriter/composer Mike Morton


A member of the Guild of International Songwriters and Composers, and now a member of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP, Michael Morton, started promoting his compositions to music publishers in 1986. Since then the Plymouth based composer has had several of his songs published. Most of these have been pop ballads and soul tunes, which is why his latest tune, Beauty's Only Skin Deep, in a house pop stylee, is a slight departure for him.

Mike's chuffed because Beauty's Only Skin Deep, which incidentally got my 9 year old daughter dancing, is already riding high on his local Reverbnation chart. This may well inspire Mike to write more House tunes, so watch this space - or get your children to watch it, if House is not your thing.

Mike has also been pitching material for TV and film with some success. So things seem to be going rather well for him right now. Keep it up Mike!


Tuesday, 5 June 2012

The Krypts release their Euro 2012 football anthem, 'Come on England'


Friends of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP, The Krypts, have just released their excellent anthem in support of the England football team's campaign at the forthcoming 2012 European Championships. You can download it for free from their Reverbnation site. It's classic Krypts: catchy and perfect for a boozy pub sing-along; all we need now is England, for whom we have surely at last developed a realistically low expectation, to surprise us all and do well.

About the Krypts

The Krypts (like many bands) started life as a jamming session with Liam Barnes & Bill Stewart, back in 2002. Liam was getting back into playing guitar after a 10 year break and Bill was - and still is - a bass player with the country band Wagonhead. The sessions gave him the opportunity to play six strings.

The boys recruited Ray Hyde in 2003 as a vocalist so they could both concentrate on playing, and the trio soon started writing songs together. The band's name, which at the time was Kryptic Klu, was inspired their rehearsal space which was in the crypt of a church. They invited Bill’s guitarist friend Shiba to come join in for a jam on bass, and he’s been with them ever since!

After a succession of drummers Ray introduced Craig Stronach to the band, whose punk rock roots took the band to a heavier place. The band renamed as The Krypts in August 2011 played their first gig under that name in September at the Ancient Foresters pub in Bermondsey.

Interesting fact about the Krypts: 

Most of its members play their second instrument in the band: Liam - normally an acoustic folk/rock guitarist and singer - plays lead guitar; Bill - an experienced bass player - plays rhythm guitar; and Shiba - an old school rock’n roll guitarist - plays bass. Maybe this is the recipe for the Krypts' unique sound?

Thursday, 31 May 2012

Introducing A sLICE of COOPER


Coming together in January this year in East Riding of Yorkshire, A sLICE of COOPER were formed by a group of musicians in awe of the one born Vincent Damon Furnier, who as we all know grew up - although not that much -  to become the prince of goth rock, and is now the grandfather of it, Alice Cooper.

As well as presenting a classic show to the right venue, A sLICE of COOPER are also working on special event fan-shows that will appeal to the hardcore Alice fan as well. Concepts such as 'Welcome Through My Nightmares' or the never toured 'Last Temptation' are already in development.

I must say I have seen Alice himself performing live on a couple of occasions - both in the 80s - and I have a seen a good tribute to him who shall remain nameless. So I will be really keen to check these guys out. Watch this space for gig details.

Right now they are collecting 'Likes' on Facebook. I hate that whole business - but maybe that's 'cos I can't seem to get above about 580 and I'm jealous that they've already got over 100 in a fortnight!

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

London Punk Festival: Tickets and Details



All my old faves - well, some of 'em: Anti-Pasti, TV Smith, Peter and the Test Tube Babies. See you there :)

Details:

The 1st London Punk Festival is being held at 229 the venue in Great Portland Street, Central London on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th September 2012.

There will be 30 bands playing in two rooms over the three days with a mouth-watering line up of exclusive shows and classic acts with some up and coming new artists thrown into the mix for good measure.

The confirmed line up so far includes the following: RUTS DC ANTI PASTI GLEN MATLOCK & THE PHILISTINES THE BUSINESS INFA RIOT DISCHARGE PETER & THE TEST TUBE BABIES MENACE VICE SQUAD ED TUDORPOLE DEPARTMENT S CASE ABRASIVE WHEELS TV SMITH ( THE ADVERTS ) WARRIORS THE PRICE & many more to be announced.

Weekend tickets will be exchanged for a wristband upon arrival at the venue. Opening times are as follows: Friday 28 ( 6pm - 1am ), Saturday 29 ( 6pm - 1am ), Sunday 30 ( 6pm - Midnight ).

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

The show must go on: Itchycoo Park (Indoor) Festival, Surrey


The outdoor festival may have been cancelled this year due to the recent spell of bad weather (as I write it is 20C at 9pm here in norf London - sod's law, eh!), but some sort of show must go on - and a very good tribute to the legendary Small Faces it will be, albeit indoors at The Clubhouse, Hurtwood Park, Horsham Lane, Ewhurst Green, Surrey, on Saturday 2nd June from 5pm.

See the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-GIG-CALENDAR for more details.


Thursday, 17 May 2012

Video: 'I Phone Therefore I Am' by Freddy Clarke


Freddy Clarke describes himself on Twitter as a 'singer/guitarist/songwriter/producer/people collector'. A good friend of mine in California has crossed paths with Freddy at a couple of recent social events, and says he's a sweet guy and a great guitar player.

This is what Freddy himself has to say about his song 'I Phone Therefore I Am', which of course you can buy on iTunes:

'This song was inspired after a conversation with some close friends about the need to write a song about something topical. The idea was to write something that is in the current wave of headlines like" the Japan tsunami" but of course not that specifically. We didn't have any ideas until I blurted out "Hey, I just bought a new Android today!" And that led to all of us thinking along the lines of a song about the new smart phone. I came up with the line "dumb shit with a new smart phone" the day I bought the phone. Then Nancy Nunziati helped me with some very important lines in the song like: "how's my battery life?" and "can you hear me now?" The phrase I Phone Therefore I Am is taken from Rene Descartes famous line "I think therefore I am" regarding thought as a precursor of being. The guitar part is a variation on a very famous tune that even the Doors plagiarized called "Asturias" Asturias (or Leyenda) was written around the turn of the century by Issac Albeniz'.

(Anything that the Doors would plagiarise is cool with me!)

And finally, here are the credits:

Song Performed by Freddy Clarke
Song Written by Freddy Clarke and Nancy Nunziati
Director - Jock McDonald Producer - Nancy Nunziati
Editor - Chris Miloslavich - Milomix Post, S.F.
Special Effects - John Crossley
First Camera - Wes Dorman
Second Camera - Jonathan Angelini

Monday, 7 May 2012

Sunday, 6 May 2012

3 by Version 4 feat. RTYD member John Rigby


Have a listen to three great new tracks on the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP MP3 Jukebox by Version 4 featuring RTYD member John Rigby

If you are a RTYD member and you would like your music to appear on the RTYD jukebox, please send your MP3s and cover art to me at toby(at)rock-til-you-drop.com, or for more options see this post

Saturday, 5 May 2012

Introducing London's Mingus Elastic Band

The Mingus Elastic Band

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME to London's Mingus Elastic Band. Can't find a helluva lot about them on the internet, or on their ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP profile page, but listening to them on DeadSpace they sound like are a very good acoustic blues/country band, that is led by vocalist/guitarist and songwriter, Tony Mingus. They play regularly around London, and the rest of the band lines up as follows: Dian - Vocals / Percussion. Mitch - Mandolin / Fiddle / Banjo / Guitar. Nick - Sax / Vocals. Wayne - Bass / Vocals. Rob - Guitar. Tom - Drums / Percussion.

Looking forward to hearing more about them on RTYD!

Thursday, 3 May 2012

The Outcasts are coming!


As a schoolboy, my older cousin Richard fed me compilation cassettes that he had lovingly made to help me on my journey of discovery into punk music. There were about twelve or thirteen of volumes of them, which are sadly no longer in existence because - not realising their future nostalgic value - during the early-80s I must have taped over them. What was I thinking?! I do however remember that track one of Volume One was a song called Justa Nother Teenage Rebel by The Outcasts. 

I had already heard punk that had appeared in the charts - Sham 69, The Ruts, The Stranglers etc - but  Justa Nother Teenage Rebel was the gateway song that led me into the more obscure realms of the genre, to the likes of Crisis and The Last Words. It also led me to explore the whole Northern Ireland punk scene around the Terry Hooley's Good Vibrations record label and the legendary Harp Bar in Belfast, and to watch the documentary films that John T Davis directed about the scene, including Shellshock Rock, which is a must-see for any old school punk fans. 

So I was thrilled when I heard that The Outcasts were reforming, and even more thrilled to hear they are coming to London in June. 

See you there.

Next time: More nostalgia, this time about Derby punk band Anti-Pasti, who will be reforming and playing the first London Punk Festival in September. 


'Fleeting Moment', the new single from Glamweazel

Glamweazel new LP coming soon


Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Send me your music!



I would really like to help promote more of your music releases and recordings. 

If you are interested in me doing this, please do one of the following, and if you are on Spotify please send me the link to your music/playlist, too:

  • Send a CD to: Toby Burton, Stapleford, 25a Eccleston Street, London, SW1W 9NP
  • Email me your MP3s (and if you have it, artwork, too), to toby(at)rock-til-you-drop.com
  • Send MP3s to the 'Music by friends of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP' folder that I have set up on Dropbox 
Thanks, Toby



Monday, 30 April 2012

Trailer for Punks Not Dad's new video 'Monkey Boots'


This is the official trailer for Monkey Boots, the long awaited new single and difficult third video from mid-life miseries and friends of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP, Punks Not Dad. The video stars Peter Bowles (out of To The Manor Born) and Lisa Rogers (off of Scrapheap Challenge), and the single and full video are scheduled for release in July 2012. Watch this space.

Friday, 20 April 2012

News of Louise Rutkowski's new album


Since the digital download release of ‘Mimi’ in April last year, ex-This Mortal Coil and The Hope Blister vocalist Louise Rutkowski has been working with co-writer Irvin Duguid on her new album. It is nearing completion, and in order to get to the release stage Louise is launching a fundraising campaign with Pledge Music. Part of the Pledge manifesto is to donate to a charity chosen by the artist and Louise has chosen Attitude is Everything, who work tirelessly to improve access to music for deaf and disabled people.

To get the ball rolling Louise is offering a free track, It’s Time, mixed and mastered by Calum Malcolm. To get it, go to Louise's website and click on the download button in the Pledge widget that you’ll see on the home page.

Watch this space for more news about the album's release.

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Introducing London act Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate



A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME to London act, Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate. The core of the act is Malcolm Itsadequate (guitar, vocals, bass, keyboard) who also performs as a solo artist, and flautist Kathryn Thomas who is also a member of the Galliard Ensemble, a classical musician ( recording for Deux-Elles Classical Recordings) and a soloist. Both Malcolm and Kathryn have independently been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate have been broadcast in the UK and USA.

Malcolm and Kathryn, and assembled guest musicians, can perform original material and covers, and Kathryn's flute lines often take the role usually associated with lead guitar parts. Recent gigs have included performances at festivals, street parties, art galleries, and at rock venues including the Fiddler’s Elbow, The Bowery, Kiss The Sky, The Comedy, Water Rats and Camden Rock. Their influences include Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Marillion, Bob Dylan and Steve Reich.

All sounds very interesting to me, so watch this space for details of shows and music releases.

Sunday, 8 April 2012

The Lone Groover: New Gig Dates



Our favourite folk punk troubadour, The Lone Groover, has just announced a string of dates for 2012 seeing him all the way to Christmas:

26th April - The Metropolitan, 60 Great Western Rd, Notting Hill W11 (Portobello Acoustic Sessions)
4th May - The Torriano, off Camden Rd, Kentish Town NW5 (a Trashville Night)
16th May - The Boogaloo, Archway (Zac Stephenson's Voices)
25th May - The Sun Tavern, Covent Garden (Supporting 'Milligan' at their EP launch night)
2nd June, The Hope Festival, www.hopefestival.co.uk
22nd Dec - The Windmill, Brixton, SW2 - (Strummerville)

Here's a video clip of a recent performance filmed in Boston, Lancashire, at a gig in aid of Punk 4 The Homeless:





Thursday, 5 April 2012

Amplify rock til you drop: RIP Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall, founder of Marshall amplifiers, has died aged 88. For more details: http://bit.ly/I7kdIr #guitar

Sunday, 1 April 2012

Coming soon to London and Liverpool: Los Angeles band, The Cherry Bluestorms

tcbphoto8x11

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME to Los Angeles California based indie band, The Cherry Bluestorms.

The band is led by its founders ex-Dickies (Cool! - Ed) guitarist Glen Laughlin and A&M singer-songwriter Deborah Gee. Strongly influenced by late 60s British guitar-based pop, they released their self-produced debut album Transit of Venus, in 2007 to rave reviews, and the band is about to release their second album, Bad Penny Opera in time to play a series of gigs in Liverpool and London later this spring (check the RTYD Gig Calendar for details).

You can listen to three tracks from the Transit of Venus album on the band's RTYD music player, here.




Coming soon to London and Liverpool, new RTYD member, GuitimeDennis

GuitimeDennis2

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME to Dyer, Arkansas based guitarist and vocalist, GuitimeDennis. Dennis is a hobbyist musician, who grew up in the Bay area of California, but whose influences include a number of British bands and artists, such as the Beatles, the Stones, Jeff Beck and Led Zep. These acts have been such an inspiration to Dennis over the 42 years he has been playing the guitar, that he is planning a trip to our shores very soon, and wants to visit London and Liverpool, in particular. He will be also be bringing his guitar so he can jam when he gets here. So, nearer the time, let's point him in the direction of some good jam sessions and open-mics in London and Liverpool, and make him feel welcome.

Dennis also has a website of his own called Guitime Studios from which he publishes videos and music in the hope of inspiring others. So check it out!




Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Shameful Behaviour looking for Kent/Essex venue for EP launch gig


Kent band Shameful Behaviour, featuring RTYD member Mark Simpson, is looking for a venue in West Kent or Essex to host their EP launch gig in May. Support will come from the band Plan 1, and there will be also be a DJ. Any suggestions or offers, please get in touch with Mark through RTYD.

Introducing Ian Roure of Brooklyn-based band The Larch


A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME! to new member of the network Ian Roure who sings and plays guitar in Brooklyn, New York based original psychedelic power pop band, The Larch. Ian is the band's founder, manager, producer and songwriter.

Ian's lyric writing influences include Robert Pollard (Guided by Voices) and Chris Difford (Squeeze), while musically, he combines elements of 60s psychedelia with the energy of 70s punk and old-school new wave - with a dash of glam and prog along the way! You can hear the result of these eclectic influences, on the Larch's Bandcamp page, here.

Watch this space for details of upcoming gigs.

Sunday, 25 March 2012

Introducing South London/Kent-based, Pinky's Dream

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Welcome to South London/Kent-based original progressive rock band, Pinky's Dream.

Pinky's Dream formed in late-2011/early-2012 and lines up as folllows: Ian Keith - vocals and guitar, Atheesan - lead guitar, Andy - drums, Phil - sax and John - bass. They have already performed a handful of gigs, which have been so far been low-key, but they will be publicly announcing more shows very soon - so watch this space. You can listen to two tracks by the band on their RTYD music player, here.

Friday, 23 March 2012

Introducing London punk covers band, The Longdicks

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A big PUNK-ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP WELCOME! to London covers band, The Longdicks.

Formed in south east London in early 2007 by Mr Dickie Adams and Paul Long, the Longdicks have been 25 years in the making. The delay seems to have been caused largely by a need to get as much Fosters down their necks as younger men, which left them short of the cash they needed to buy guitars and learn to play just three chords. The whole punk soap story of their formative years - which should "never be divided" - is here on their RTYD profile page. Eat your hearts out, the Cockney Rejects!

Musician, writer, producer, minstrel and RTYD member, Jay Stapley, has a new website


Musician, writer, producer, minstrel and RTYD member, Jay Stapley, has a new website with lots of cool stuff on it like tutorial videos, a blog, and of course, music. For those of you who don't know about Jay, below is his biography, ponced from the new website!

Jay came to London in 1978 after playing in local bands in the Kent/Sussex area. He became one of London’s best-known session and gigging guitarists, working with a wide range of artists and producers on projects ranging from films (“Withnail and I”, etc.) to international tours (Roger Waters, Mike Oldfield etc.) and albums (Suede, Toyah, Scott Walker, etc.)
Jay’s live work with Julian Dawson took him to Germany in 1983, where he met producer Rene Tinner (Can) and became a regular commuter to Rene’s Cologne studio to add guitar to various recording projects. One of the artists Jay worked with was German superstar Westernhagen, with whom Jay has toured and recorded ever since, becoming the artist’s co-producer and Musical Director. Jay recorded 4 instrumental CDs for WEA records in the 1990’s and has recently released a new CD of songs (“Edge of the World”, available on iStore, on the Music page on this site, and at www.reverbnation.com/jaystapley).
Jay’s interest in technology led him to become a demonstrator of guitar products for Roland UK and Roland International. Subsequent demonstration work for Digidesign encouraged Jay to develop his own studio, where he now produces a wide range of music including music CDs, film & TV music, and library projects.
Jay’s teaching experience includes private tuition and he was one of the first teachers at the Guitar Institute (now ICMP.)
Jay has recently started a record label, Dammit Music, specialising in acoustic, singer/songwriter and unusual music projects.

Thursday, 22 March 2012

The Wood Demons play charity gig at The George IV in Chiswick


RTYD member John Silver is playing with his band The Wood Demons at The George IV in Chiswick, London on Wednesday 11th April. The gig is in aid of the Bridge Charity, which provides sport and drama for children with communication disabilities.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Introducing..on the bass guitar, Nim Sadot!

 

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME! to London-based bass player and bass-tutor, Nim Sadot. Nim is a professional with over 19 years of experience playing, gigging, recording, touring and teaching in the USA, UK and Israel. So if want to take up the bass, or you are a bassist and you want to improve your playing, you can contact Nim through RTYD.

Sunday, 18 March 2012

Introducing Patrick Begley of the Dipsticks


Welcome to first time member/long time friend of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP, London-based singer and guitarist, Patrick Begley.

Patrick drives an ambulance for the Patient Transport branch of the London Ambulance Service by day and plays in 3-piece original blues(-ish) rock band, The Dipsticks, that you may have already discovered on the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP network, and which features stalwart ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROPPER, Mark McKendrick, on bass guitar. Patrick can also occasionally be seen performing solo at open-mic nights in London. Watch the RTYD gig guide for details of these, and the next - long awaited, much anticipated - Dipsticks gig.
Happy Mothers' Day to all the mums out there! Have a lovely day.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Introducing rock covers band Riff Raff from Guildford, Surrey


A big rock covers-band WELCOME! to Riff Raff from Guildford in Surrey.

Riff Raff formed in April 2008 and, after winning Battle of the Bands at the Electric Theatre (Guildford) in June, went on to play at Guilfest '08. Since then, the band has gone from strength to strength playing numerous venues, clubs, events and festivals in the local area. Two original members of the band, Nick (guitar) and Ed (drums) are joined by Mark (vocals), Kev (guitar) and Jason (bass) to deliver a driving rock sound that identifies them as the No 1 rock covers band in the county.

Don't miss them - check out the RTYD Gig Calendar and join the party for an exceptional night of live rock music.

Introducing Keith, a bass player living in Berkshire

A BIG-ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME! to Keith, who is a bass player from Maidenhead in Berkshire.

Keith is a hobbyist musician looking to join a band. He hasn't played in a band for 30 years, but has kept his playing up to speed with regular practice, and is now looking for musicians to put something together for fun, and to do some charity gigs - his better-half works for one!

Sunday, 11 March 2012

Introducing new RTYD member London-based guitarist, Andy Deevy


A big ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME! to London-based guitarist Andy Deevy. Andy performs as a solo acoustic guitarist and in covers, tribute and original bands. He is currently lead guitarist in the Apple Core Beatles and bass player in The Bitter Springs.  That said, he is always on the lookout for other musical work or projects, and he can play in a variety of styles. Here's a link to his personal website.

Friday, 9 March 2012

Now Streaming! Two New Songs by 14 Carat Grapefruit


Now streaming! Two brand new songs - 'Tamara Never Comes' and 'Let's Get Fuckin' Pissed' - from the Grapefruits' 'difficult' second album - if it ever comes! Follow this link to the ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-RECORD-SHOP to have a listen.

The band play The Dublin Castle in Camden, London, this coming Wednesday. On stage at a sensible 8pm.

Video: The Lone Groover - 'Get A Grip On Yourself' live in Lincolnshire


The Lone Groover performs The Stranglers' classic 'Get A Grip On Yourself' at The Centenary, Boston, Lincolnshire - Saturday 3rd March 2012.

Video: The Stabilisers - 'Do The Brane' live in Lincolnshire


The Stabilisers perform 'Do The Brane' live at The Centenary in Boston, Lincolnshire - Saturday 3rd March 2012.
Filmed by The Lone Groover.

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

New Release: Secret Oktober - 'Synthetic Girl'


It's unusual to find one, but Secret Oktober are a New Romantic band, based in the Midlands, which includes friend of RTYD, Andy Foster. 'Synthetic Girl' is the first completed track from their upcoming debut EP "Silent Words". Watch this space for more details, soon.


You can visit Secret Oktober's main website here.

Monday, 5 March 2012

Welcome to bass player Eddie McManus from Shepperton


Introducing new RTYD member, bassist, Eddie McManus from Shepperton in Middlesex. Eddie is a professional musician who is currently working in a theatre tribute show featuring the music of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and the Everley Brothers.

He's into rock`n`roll, and has played behind many 'names' from the 60s and 70s, and even worked in a band which had a No1 chart hit.

Eddie is currently looking for paid gigs for a rock`n`roll or pop band. He is an easy-going friendly guy and is open to any offers, so please get in contact through RTYD Musicians and Bands Network, if you are interested in hiring or working with him.

Click here for a more detailed history of Eddie McManus.


Introducing new RTYD member, 'Rich', from Stourbridge



Welcome to new RTYD member, folk/pop singer/songwriter, Rich, from Stourbridge in the West Midlands. Rich is looking for musicians for an acoustic band he wants to form. So get in touch if you are local, and interested. You can listen to Rich's music on his Soundcloud page, here

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Glamweazel on the radio


Glamweazel will be performing tunes from their forthcoming album 'Illusion, Lies and Butterflies', plus some old favourites, live this Thursday 1st March on RCV 99 FM Radio Lille at 8pm (French time!).

The band will also be playing The Pelton in Greenwich on 24th March, and appearing at a number of UK summer festivals - so watch this space for more details.

Saturday, 25 February 2012

Introducing new RTYD member, Mutt, from Lancashire

mutt in the hills

Guitarist and vocalist, 'Mutt', from Ribble Valley in Lancashire, is the newest member of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP. Mutt's in his mid-40s and is looking to hook up with other musicians to work on songs that he has written, and hopefully to form a rock band.

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

A big THANKS to the Zone!


Friends and members of RTYD, The Zone, have kindly included a ROCK-TIL-YOU_DROP logo on their new CD release, EP, 'Which Path', which will be available from their website very soon. 

So a big THANKS to all the boys in the band!


Introducing new RTYD Member, bassist, Rob from covers band Contraband


Welcome to new ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP member, bass player, 'Rob', from Mayfield in East Sussex, who plays in covers band Contraband and in ceilidh music group One The Rum

Rob started out - like many of us - in a school band, and went  on to performing on the working men's club circuit. He owns a GB Spitfire bass, a 57'(pictured) and an 84' Precision, and plays them through a Markbass rig.

Sunday, 19 February 2012

RIP RTYD Michael Davis, bassist with the MC5


Michael Davis, who played bass in seminal Detroit punk band the MC5 (and later in a version of the group called DKT-MC5 with ex-members Wayne Kramer and Dennis Thompson) died on Friday afternoon in Chico, California, where he had been hospitalised with liver disease.

Davis was a sought-after bass player and worked as a producer. He also co-founded the non-profit Music Is Revolution Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting school music programmes in the US. Davis was a keen painter, too, and had recently returned to art school to complete the BA in fine art that he dropped out of in 1964 to pursue his musical ambitions.