Dave and I made our way to London via the Oxford Tube bus which is convenient and not too pricey. We were somewhat entertained by strangers Charlie and his mates, sitting behind us. It was difficult not to overhear their excitement and conversation regarding their plans for the evening, which was going to the Snowboarding World Cup event at Battersea Power Station. While they were discussing their evening, we were getting excited too, on our way to the Urban Music Awards.

Bloomsbury is one of my favorite areas in London. It was the first place I stayed when I arrived in England a few years ago. This time of year, the streets are especially quaint, walking along, over the crisp fallen leaves… so I wasn’t too disappointed to find out that although we arrived, press passes in hand, at the Bloomsbury Theatre on time, we were an hour early. So, with some time to spare, we wandered around and found our way to the pleasant Cafe Toscana.

An hour later and back at the theatre, things were bustling and as the crowd made their way into the reception area, we headed straight for the bar…and then proceeded to people watch. A very nice looking crowd indeed, many dressed to the max, girls in short sequined dresses of all colors, guys dressed in suits along with some familiar faces.

One of those familiar faces was none other than Levi Roots! He was up for an award in the Best Entrepreneur category, which I felt was well deserved as we’ve been following his career since his successful appearance on BBC’s Dragon’s Den when he was given funding for his – and my favorite – Reggae Reggae Sauce.

We talked to Levi before the show. He has a new album and video out, and I asked him if he plans to come out with a milder Reggae Reggae Sauce. He said the current sauce isn’t that spicy! He looked great, a sharp dresser, and I was happy to find out that his warm and friendly personality that comes across on TV is the same in person.

Watch Levi Roots – “So Out Of My Mind” video:

After the announcement that the awards show was about to begin, we went into the theatre, found some good seats, and we were ready for the show.

Awards Presenters included:

Comedian Roland Rivron, Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace (Big Brother 7), former boxer Frank Bruno, Paul Danan (Reality TV, former Hollyoaks actor), British MP George Galloway, actress Linda Robson, Christian artists Adam and Matt Brooks and R&B group Cleopatra.

Performances included:

Sons of Soul (SOS) “Candy Girl”; Sway; Wild Sugar; K.I.G Family “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”; Meleka “Go”; Lazee “Hold On”; Dj Luck and Mc Neat “A Little Bit of Luck”; Egypt “In The Morning”; Britain’s Next Superstar singers/contestants and Brick & Lace.

Voted by the public via the UrbanMusicAwards website, winners included:

Best Newcomer: Egypt
Best Radio Show: James Meritt (Kiss)
Best Entrepreneur: Levi Roots
Best Collaboration: Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne “Down”
Most Inspiring Act 2009 (?) Brick & Lace
Best Music TV Station: Flava TV
Best Jazz Act: Yolanda Brown
Best Album 2009: N-Dubz ‘Uncle B’
Best Producer: Blessed Beats
Best Hip Hop Act: Sway
Best Music Video: K.I.G “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes”
Best UK Asian Act: R.D.B
Best Gospel Act: Guvna B
Best R&B Act: Brick & Lace

The founder of the Urban Music Awards Jordan Kensington thanked his mother who was in attendance and talked about helping to get kids inspired at 200 schools and colleges. Children in The Urban Poets vs Double MDO (not sure of the spelling) performed poems about success, and from audience response, Double MDO won the Young Achievers Award.

I hope to get official documentation regarding winners, performances etc. which I’ll publish here on BandWeblogs.com when available, or in the meantime, go to the Urban Music Awards Official website.

Notable Performances / Ones to Watch: Sway; Wild Sugar: hopefully I’m spelling that right – I’m unable to locate their website, but Wild Sugar was fantastic. Three girls singing up front with nine dancers behind them. The main vocalist’s voice was somewhat reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, with some scat singing thrown in for good measure. Great to hear young artists singing in that style; Meleka: she has a great voice, looked fabulous on stage in her sparkly silver dress and I really like her debut single “Go”. She pulled Entrepreneur of the Year Levi Roots up to the stage and he good-naturedly danced along with her; Swedish rapper Lazee; Cleopatra: when they presented the Best R&B Act Award, they sang part of a song acapella and announced that they’ll be back in 2010. I’ll look forward to hearing their new material.

The night was fun and entertaining and the setting was intimate. There were some glitches – a couple times when presenters were announced to come out, we were left in complete silence as nothing happened – to then be told that the presenter wasn’t available to present the award. But I guess “technical difficulties” are to be expected at this kind of event.

Also, it was disappointing to see that it wasn’t a full house and I’m not sure if that was due to keeping the awards show more low key this year because of the violence that erupted, as Sway mentioned when he accepted his award, last year at the larger 2008 Urban Music Awards at the O2 arena in London, or if there were other reasons.

I hope that more people continue to go out and support UK artists of this genre, either by checking out live shows and/or buying the music, as there are a lot of talented artists and musicians out there, performing their craft and entertaining audiences.

On our way back home on the Oxford Tube, we were coincidentally reunited with – still strangers – Charlie and his mates, as they sat behind us again and loudly talked about the Snowboarding World Cup and the winners of the event. It was good to hear the results.

For more information, go to:

Invincible Group
Jordan Kensington on Twitter

Urban Music Awards Official Website

By: Jenny May

Thursday night on the Cowley Road, Oxford. It’s drizzly outside but warm in the O2 Academy, and as we enter we’re greeted by a steward who informs us of the forthcoming entertainment and hopes we enjoy the evening. So for some ale and to find a good spot to stand to see Little Comets.

It’s good to see a band self-roadieing – setting up – as well as hanging percussion instruments from a string strung above them, from one side of the stage to the other. After a short while they return to the stage, introducing themselves as coming from Newcastle and belt into their first song “Adultery” which is their new single and a damn good one to put out there.

The singer/guitarist Robert Coles is an interesting frontman cavorting around the stage strumming his guitar. They create a positive on-stage vibe which reverberates into the audience and I’m sure that tonight they would have scored themselves yet more fans as they continue their tour with the Noisettes.

They’re a good live band to see, in the same shop as Razorlight, The Twang and Franz Ferdinand. Lots of energy and an enthusiasm for playing live is always a good thing.

After their set and the obligatory queue at the bar for more refreshments, we mug some students off a leather sofa and rest our legs for half an hour until it’s time to get to the front, or as near as possible, to get a good look at the Noisettes. We manage to get close enough to see what is going on.

For some reason the drums are set up on the left side of the stage, which makes it difficult to see drummer Jamie Morrison and the backing vocalist is on a platform in the centre at the back… Anyway, they open up with “Wild Young Hearts” and Shingai straps on her bass and whips the audience up. This is the busiest I’ve seen the Oxford O2 for quite awhile so hats off to the Noisettes for playing their publicity cards all the right way.

They have the whole place in a party mood, you would think it was still the summer outside. They work the stage brilliantly, you wouldn’t believe that they had only been around for just six years.

I would say that the Noisettes are well worth the money for a fun night out, probably one of the best live bands on the scene for that good time vibe. I think they will be around for many years and could be one of those acts that get better with every album they produce.

Buy Music:

Noisettes on amazon.co.uk

Noisettes MySpace

Little Comets Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Henry was one of the founder members of this band and was playing rebel music in Northern Ireland in the late 70’s.

With songs such as “Alternative Ulster” and “Suspect Device”, they were definitely sending out a strong message from the heart at that time. Johnny Rotten thought he was punk, but can you imagine playing punk music while bombs were going off down the road from you?

Anyway, Henry survived and is now playing solo and is writing his first album without Stiff Little Fingers.

So before Henry sets out on the road again, I persuaded him to answer a few questions that have been bugging me for a number of years.

Henry Cluney interview with Dave Tommo

Dave Tommo: How did you and the rest of the band meet?

Henry Cluney: Three of us went to the same school – Ali was a friend of a friend.

How much more subversive do you think it was playing punk music in Ireland as opposed England at the time?

Northern Ireland was a bit different – singing about what we did was seen as a bit ummmm…out there.

Who would you say is your biggest influence on the guitar?

Marc Bolan / Mick Ronson / Johnny Ramone.

I remember you wearing a really smart leopard skin jacket years ago. Have you still got it (and do you want it!!)?

Aaaaaagh–no!!!! Dunno where that thing is.

How did you feel about relocating to London when the band signed to Chrysalis?

I never did. Always lived in Belfast. Not really a problem as it was only an hour flight.

What was the best thing about being in SLF?

Playing and going places. Hate hearing people in bands complain about travelling – just think how lucky you are.

Can you tell us the story behind you leaving the band?

Didn’t leave. Was told to leave by the manager…

It is really great seeing you up there playing your songs solo Henry. What was it that made you decide to go for it again (excuse the cheese)?

Thanks. Agent put the idea in my head and after a bigggg lot of thinking I thought – go for it!

Are you planning to record any new material for your forthcoming tour?

Just finishing an album now – hope it works.

Have you seen the new SLF book and what are your views on it?

Not seen it yet–sounds good tho. Covers the REAL SLF.

Finally, are you able to tell us where you are playing on your next tour?

No dates yet. I’ll put them on my website.

Buy Music:

Stiff Little Fingers on amazon.co.uk

Stiff Little Fingers on amazon.com

Henry Cluney Official Website

I’ve hobnobbed with Joe and Paul and Topper on a number of occasions throughout the late seventies and early eighties. I will one day write a book entitled “I Lost My Education To The Clash”. I have every record that they did, and have seen them all over the country all free because they were all about their fans. Joe or Cosmo or Johnny Green would always find a way of getting the traveling fans into the venue.

I was so blown away by this interview with The Clash in Canada. I had never seen it and it is one of the most random I have seen. I instantly wanted to share it with you. This is sort of what it was like to be at an after show with The Clash.

Watch The Clash 1979 Canadian TV backstage interview – video

YouTube Notes: Complete interview segment of the Clash backstage at the O’Keefe Centre in Toronto, Canada with the Undertones which was originally broadcast on CITY TV’s New Music Program in 1979. The New Music was hosted by J.D. Roberts (aka CNN’s John Roberts) and Jeanne Bekker (later host of Fashion Television). This clip includes the infamous concert aftermath with Cosmo Vinyl counting the ripped out seats at the venue. This rare interview was shown/re-broadcast during the Joe Strummer death coverage.

Buy Music:

The Clash on amazon.com

The Clash on amazon.co.uk

By: Dave Tommo

The album features hit single “Get U Home”, also featured in the movie Sorority Row starring Audrina Patridge and Rumer Willis.

Many fans in the US will already be familiar with Cisco Adler from his recent stint on MTV reality show “Buzzin’” – about the misadventures of Shwayze and Cisco, with cameras following the unlikely pair – Shwayze, the self-described “only black kid in Malibu” and singer/producer and sometimes tabloid “bad boy” Cisco, on their path to stardom.

Although known for his partying ways and celebrity girlfriends, Cisco is also a hardworker and talented musician, and it shows in his music. I’ve been listening to their single, “Get U Home” – it’s a great track, worthy of being cranked up to the max!

Exclusive interview with Cisco Adler:

Jenny May: What kind of things would have to be happening at a party that would make you drop everything to be there?

Cisco Adler: The Rolling Stones playing live and a slew of naked models…other than that, a party is just a party.

When recording, do you always mix your own tracks or do you work with an engineer? Which do you prefer and why?

I work the board when we record. As far as mixing goes, it depends what the song calls for. On this record I mixed half and my buddy Dave Pensado mixed the rest…the song determines all of this. I like mixing but for some tunes I want to have someone with a different ear and background mixing.

What was the last movie that you watched?

Lars and the Real Girl.

Did you like it?

It was Amazing!

If given the opportunity to write a movie script, what would be your ideal genre?

Comedy…and best believe I have a few already written.

Where is one of your favorite places to go to just chill out?

I’m not so good at that. I hate being away from my studio. So I guess I’d say my studio…

Who would be a dream guest to feature on one of your tracks (still alive, that you haven’t had yet)?

Anthony Kiedis, Andre 3000, Rivers Cuomo.

If you have friends over with mixed musical tastes, what would be the first album that you would grab to play for your guests (other than yours)?

F*** em…they are at my house and I’m the DJ. I’d play what I want and hopefully they can dig. Bob Dylan is always good with whatever ur drinkin’…

What is your daily routine when on tour – from morning to night?

Wake up, take a shot, get on stage, take a few more shots, go to sleep…

Watch Behind the scenes video of the ‘Let It Beat’ photo shoot:

Can you break down the writing and production process of “Get U Home”?

Well I wanted to do an uptempo tune with a big pop rock chorus. It started with a sample, but after I threw on all the guitar and drums and synths I took out the sample and liked it better. I spent a few days perfecting the chorus lyric melody and after that Shwayze came in and we hammered out the verses. It’s one of those catchy melodies that sticks in ur brain. It’s sort of an anti-pop song and it’s dirty and clever but still has a huge melody and a pop progression.

Who wrote the lyrics, music, mixed, musicians involved etc.

I wrote the music and the chorus lyrics and made the track. It took a few days to get the chorus vocals right. It’s a catchy pop melody and sometimes those are the hardest to get perfect, but when u do they are magical. I dropped a couple guitar tracks and then had a friend of mine named Beardo (check out his music!) come in and do some more to really fill the chorus up. Then Shwayze and I wrote the verse lyrics together and he got in the booth and layed em down.

Was there anyone in particular that inspired the story behind “Get U Home”?

A gentleman never tells…But it’s a play on words. It’s not that I can’t wait til we get home. It’s actually I cannot wait and we need to go into the bathroom and make love now!

Buy Music:

Shwayze on amazon.com

For the latest music, news and information, go to:

Shwayze Official Website
Shwayze on Twitter
Cisco Adler MySpace
Cisco Adler on Twitter

If I say David Bowie, you might think “Life On Mars”, “Ziggy Played Guitar”, “Heroes” or even “Space Oddity”. Yes, there are many faces to Mr. Bowie, his music stretches back to the mid sixties and still continues to surprise us today.

I’ve been a David Bowie fan since way back in the big collar and platform shoe days of the 1970’s. I was probably 10 years old when I bought “The Laughing Gnome” single. Novelty record yes, but it did get me interested in what else this bloke could do.

Fast forward to go backwards. It wasn’t until 1979 that I became familiar with my favorite David Bowie songs. I was at a party ’round a friend’s house when I heard “Love You Till Tuesday”. “Who’s this?” I asked naively. “David Bowie” came the reply, as if I was a bit stupid to ask such a question. This song was one of his earliest from an album containing many other gems such as “She’s Got medals”, “The London Boys”, “Uncle Arthur” and many more, every one a classic.

So if you are only familiar with Mr Bowie’s famous songs, then give some of these old tunes a go and see what you think.

Here’s one for an example of what a great talent this man is.

Listen to “She’s Got Medals” on YouTube:

Buy Music:

David Bowie on amazon.co.uk

David Bowie on amazon.com

David Bowie Official Website
MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

No, The Temper Trap are good. Their debut album ‘Conditions’ is a good get up and shine collection of songs. “Love Lost” opens the procedures and goes very well with my first cup of coffee of the day, and I really like the second song “Rest”. Vocalist Dougy Mandagi’s voice reminds me of someone but I can’t quite put my finger on it, so that must be a good thing – you know, familiar but not.

They hail from Melbourne, Australia and caught the ears of the world when they played live at Musexposo in London in October 2008. I Reckon they would make a brilliant support act for U2 or visa versa because I like this band more.

I think one of the best things to do this summer would be to get hold of the ‘Conditions’ album, crank it up loud and impress your friends and family with your good taste in music.

The Temper Trap are one of those bands that you want to follow and collect all their tunes. So hurry up boys, we’re now waiting for your second album!

‘Conditions’ is set for UK release August 10, 2009.

Buy Music:

The Temper Trap on amazon.com

The Temper Trap on amazon.co.uk

MySpace
The Temper Trap on Twitter
The Temper Trap Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

“It Was Meant To Be A Love Song” is an interesting piece of music and if this chap was from England or the USA he would have no problem forging a career in the West. He has a soothing voice and sings about relevant themes, not just love songs. Yes, he is a very creative young man and it would be good to see more of him here in good old Blighty.

If I was his management, I would put him on supporting La Roux, because there is that 80’s influence in the music. Not ashamed to use drum machines and synths in his music, Aviv is an interesting cookie worth investigating.

Buy Music:

Aviv Geffen on amazon.co.uk

Aviv Geffen on amazon.com

The single “It Was Meant To Be A Love Song” is set for release on August 31st 2009; ‘Aviv Geffen’ album on September 7, 2009. Both released on Mars Records.

Aviv Geffen Official Website
Aviv Geffen MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

Happy to receive the Elvis Presley ‘From Elvis In Memphis’ album ahead of release, I made sure to make the first listening of the 2 discs an event worthy of the King.

I invited my listening companion out to the back garden, as the warm afternoon sun was just setting. We poured our drinks and sat back for an evening of classic music.

The tracklisting is conveniently on the back of the discs, however, I decided to refrain from studying the upcoming songs and instead, enjoyed the anticipation of what was to come, with each song.

I’m not the most educated of Elvis fans, which makes this album a treat – I was getting turned on to “new” Elvis songs that I hadn’t heard before, which I would have thought would be a task considering the amount of hit songs that he released such as “Jail House Rock”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Hound Dog” and many more. You won’t be finding those songs on this album though. To me, the tracks on ‘From Elvis In Memphis’ seem more obscure, and I would be interested to know exactly how popular these songs were when they were released and how the hard-core fans feel about them. He certainly had a great repertoire of songs.

“Wearin’ That Loved On Look” is a great choice for an opening track. With Elvis’ soulful voice along with the solid, groovy feel of the band and the busy backing vocals, you can’t help but move along to this funky number. The album continues to roll, moving from soul to blues, country, pop and not to forget, love songs.

Some tracks are more playful, like “Power Of My Love” and “Stranger In My Own Home Town” while others have more of a serious tone with visual storytelling, such as “Gentle On My Mind”, “True Love Travels On A Gravel Road” and “The Fair Is Moving On”.

“Any Day Now” was a pleasant surprise, as I’ve heard other versions before, but not Elvis’. His rendition makes me like the song even more. The familiar “In The Ghetto” and “Suspicious Minds” (bonus) are welcoming inclusions. Another surprise was hearing Elvis sing “Hey Jude”, which seemed a touching nod to the Beatles.

The last two songs before the 10 bonus tracks on the second disc – “You’ll Think Of Me” and “Without Love (There Is Nothing)” – slowed down the momentum, but it started to pick up again with the crescendo at the end of “Without Love (There Is Nothing)” and then the second round of bonus tracks kicked in, including “In The Ghetto”, “Suspicious Minds” and “Rubberneckin’”.

The passion in Elvis’ voice throughout ‘From Elvis In Memphis’ is inspiring. He could sing anything and these 2 discs prove it – to me, anyway. There is a lot of music to consume here, and these gems of songs should be given the royal treatment when listening.

—–

Buy Music:

Elvis on amazon.com

Elvis on amazon.co.uk

Press information:

‘From Elvis In Memphis’ celebrates the 40th Anniversary of American Studio Sessions

In January – February 1969, after 13 years of recording studio albums and movie soundtracks in Nashville and Hollywood, the time was right for Elvis Presley (1935-1977) to set foot once again in a Memphis studio. Those sessions at Chip Moman’s American Studios yielded a year-long string of ‘comeback’ hit singles: “In the Ghetto,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “Kentucky Rain.”

‘From Elvis In Memphis’ : Legacy Edition collects that entire American Studios output, and then some.

For tracklisting and more information about the album, go to: ‘From Elvis In Memphis’ press

Elvis Official Sony Website

By: Jenny May – BandWeblogs.com

Chicago’s very own Gidgets Ga Ga has released ‘The Big Bong Fiasco’.

The band is offering a FREE download of their rocking song, “Good Enough”!

FREE download: “Good Enough” MP3

When we first heard Gidgets Ga Ga, we featured one of their tracks on Band Weblogs Podcast Show because we liked their high energy rock and old school sound. Be sure to check out this power-pop / rock band with an edge!

For the latest music, news and information, go to:

MySpace
Gidgets Ga Ga Official Website
Gidgets Ga Ga on Twitter

People are often trying to put together their idea of the best rock group ever, you know like the musical version of a sporting dream team. Well what about Jimi Hendrix and Brian Jones from The Rolling Stones then?

I think if you’re talking rock giants there can be no bigger collaboration than these two acts can there? I stumbled across this rare footage while surfing YouTube. It’s Jimi hanging out back stage with The Stones on his last birthday at Madison Square Gardens.

The music in the background is Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Dave Mason and Mitch Mitchell recorded at the Olympic Studios in London on October 5th 1967, and the tune is called “My Little One”.

Watch Jimi Hendrix with the Rolling Stones video:

This footage and music gives me goose bumps. There is no rock bullshit here, just a few musicians hanging out. You know, no big deal. Jimi and The Stones partying and doing what they do.

Buy Music:

Jimi Hendrix on amazon.com

Jimi Hendrix on amazon.co.uk

Rocks Off – The Rolling Stones fan page, message board, Jimi Hendrix, more

Jimi Hendrix on Wikipedia

By: Dave Tommo

Did you hear the one about the band who was actually two bands? Yeah, now I’ve been a Damned fan ever since I could spell my own name. Yes, I can remember the arguments about “New Rose” being the first ever punk single – or not – and when they split up and reformed. All this and it still wasn’t even the 80’s yet. I can recall seeing The Damned in many different places with various different members.

Then it was 1984 and I was sifting through the albums in Subway Records in Portsmouth underneath The Tricorn and I found this album. It was like a 1960’s soundtrack to some B movie, on the sleeve it said Naz Nomad And The Nightmares – ‘Give Daddy The Knife Cindy’. Well at that time in my life I was buying albums just out of interest, I mean if the cover looked good I would buy it and if I didn’t like it I could always take it back and change it.

But this album grabbed my imagination, so I bought it and took it home. After one play of the first track (”Nobody But Me” a Human Beinz cover) I knew straight away that this was The Damned being a bit cheeky again.

Yes, this album sparked a lot of conversation over late night beers around the country. You see on the actual record sleeve there was no mention of the band, Mr. Vanian or Mr. Scabbies or indeed Roman Jugg. They all had aliases. Like Dave was Naz Nomad and Roman Jugg was Sphinx Svenson etc. You could tell that this was The Damned by Dave Vanian’s trademark voice straight away, but it didn’t stop the arguments as to if it was just some session musicians who could sound like The Damned and where was Captain Sensible in all of this?

I Can’t Stand This Love Goodbye clip:

They even took this out on to the road and toured Naz Nomad & The Nightmares around the country starting on Saturday 30th April at The Greyhound in Fulham. I am gutted that I missed their live shows but here is a clip of them playing “Action Woman” back in 1989:

Action Woman video:

Buy Music:

The Damned on amazon.co.uk

The Damned Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

There are a lot of rock/folk stories out there and one that I’m a fan of is how B.B. King got to call his Gibson ES-335 Lucille.

It was the winter of 1949 in Twist, Arkansas. B.B. King had just rolled into town to play a gig at this old music hall. Now it was cold outside, and so the best and cheapest way to keep a building warm in those days was to use kerosene. Yeah a barrel and a half would do it. So people were partying, having a laugh and dancing when a fight broke out between two men. This scuffle knocked over the barrel of kerosene and the whole building went up. People were running for their lives as the building rapidly burnt to the ground. The only thing on B.B’s mind was his guitar. This was the tool of his trade, the only way he had of making a living. So he braved the flames and ran back into the burning building to rescue his guitar.

The next day Mr. King was to hear that two people had died in the fire that night and that a woman named Lucille was the reason for the fight that started the fire which ended their lives. B.B. King then named his Gibson and every other guitar after that “Lucille” just to remind himself not to ever do stupid things like running into burning buildings or fighting over women.

Listen to: B.B. King – Lucille on Youtube

Buy Music:

B.B. King on amazon.com

B.B. King on amazon.co.uk

B.B. King Official Website

Here we are, with our very first Band Weblogs Stance Awards, 2009.

One thing often overlooked when it comes to Rock ‘N’ Roll and unforgettable live performances, are the many great stances that we’ve seen on stage over the years.

With the Band Weblogs Stance Awards, there is a certain criteria to fill when it comes to picking the best stances on stage – along with a unique formula that we’ve used to determine our Top 5.

Since funds are limited this year, unfortunately, we were unable to give the winner an actual, physical award, but what they can walk away with, is knowing how high in our estimation they are.

After lengthy discussion and consideration, and having to narrow down quite a few great Glastonbury stances to the Top 5, the decisions were made.

Counting down from 5:

5. Karen O – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
With her, shall we say, interesting fashion sense and loyal fans, Karen O never lets us down when it comes to stage stances.

Website: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

4. Alex James – Blur
During his Glastonbury set, bassist Alex James from Blur played a stand-out performance, but it was his stance that took it to another level. He spent a lot of time standing with both feet on the monitor, looking cool, while continuing to play hit after hit.

Website: Blur

3. Tom Jones
What can we say? He’s Tom frickin’ Jones. It was great seeing the legendary singer at Glastonbury. His voice is so good, it tends to overshadow his stage stances, but he’s able to pull both off with ease.

Website: Tom Jones

2. Gareth McGrillen – Pendulum
The second bass player in the Top 5, Gareth McGrillen from the Australian now British-based band Pendulum was a contender from the start. The band probably played one of the best shows at Glastonbury Festival this year, and it was Gareth’s stance that was a surefire stand-out – and it almost got him to #1.

Website: Pendulum

1. Bruce Springsteen
Talk about unforgettable live performances. Bruce Springsteen blew us away. The band was top notch, playing the classic Bruce Springsteen songs we all know and love, like “The River” and “Born To Run” and the couple of songs that I hadn’t heard before, like “Outlaw Pete”, by the end, I was singing along like I’d been listening to them for years. The band played a 2 hour and 40 minute set, breaking the Glastonbury curfew, which just goes to show the passion and dedication that Bruce has for his craft – and his fans. However, it was Bruce’s legendary stage stances, sometimes reminiscent of Joe Strummer, that got him to #1 on this list, and during the long set, we were entertained with countless amounts of them. 5 stars.

Website: Bruce Springsteen

Hooray!! It’s the festival for sofa louches again this weekend. Yes, this time all over the world via the internet, TV and radio, ladies and gentlemen, Glastonbury is here again.

So there’s no need to go trudging through the swamps and bogs of Pilton to see some obscure musical act in the middle of nowhere. Now we can view the whole thing on our TVs at home or in the car or anywhere I suppose.

Once I’ve digested the usual morsels of the day, I gather up a clutch of lagers from the fridge and then tune the box to the good old BBC for what I hope to be an evening of quality alternative entertainment. The first band I saw on Friday was White Lies. They were nice. Pretty tunes for a pretty evening. The highlight of their set had to be the Bruce Springsteen cover of “Dancing In The Dark”.

Then I pressed the red button as they so often tell you to do, and was confronted by Lady Ga Ga in her glittery world of confuser gender. Playing through all of her current favorites. I think “Poker Face” is mine.

Lilly Allen, God bless her, she is turning into quite the young festival princess and being as she has been coming to this place since she was a child, I suppose she has some sort of right to the title. Her set is fun, with Lilly wearing a purple cat suite and purple wig, flirting with the audience as she entertains everybody by playing all of her hits.

For my money, and to be honest, there isn’t a lot of it, Neil Young is the saviour of the night. This man is one of the last living legends left on this planet and he really brings it to the table tonight.

Mighty is the word you would have to use to describe Neil Young’s presence on stage. The last song of his set was “A Day In The Life”, a Beatles cover. Well you have to see the performance. He ends up tearing the strings from his guitar whilst still playing it. My words will not do this great man justice, so you will just have to check out his live performance to understand what I am saying!

Watch “A Day In The Life” video on YouTube

Neil Young on amazon.com

Neil Young on amazon.co.uk

Neil Young Official Website

By: Dave Tommo