Despite rumours of a no show and backstage bickering, The Who came and conquered. Their performance was devastating, reminding a young audience of the difference between men and boys. The set was a diverse and fluid array of old and new, and crown jewels like Baba O'Riley, Won't Get Fooled Again and Who Are You are still invincible.
While Daltrey and Townshend are both bona fide rock stars with charisma to spare, Zac Starkey is also worth a mention. He makes a significant contribution to the band's wall of sound, and his presence on stage is a spooky reminder of things past. Keith Moon would be proud.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Who are The Who?
The Who are one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. They formed in London in the 1960’s, and were very much associated with the mod scene that was popular at the time.
While the early years saw a couple of changes, The Who’s classic lineup was Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle. Daltrey sang while Townshend wrote the majority of material and played lead guitar. Entwistle played bass and Keith Moon was responsible for drums. All four were brilliant musicians and showmen, with a perfect chemistry within the group. Keith Moon died in 1978 and John Entwistle followed him in 2002. Drugs were responsible for both deaths.
Their first album, My Generation, was released in 1965 and is a classic. It includes the iconic title track, My Generation, Pictures of Lily and I Can See for Miles. These are some of the famous rock and roll songs ever recorded, and the title track became an anthem for a generation. In recent years it has been championed by Oasis. The Gallaghers are big fans of the band’s music and attitude.
The Who quickly became very big in the United States. They famously performed their rock opera, Tommy, at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Tommy later became a film, directed by Ken Russell. In 1971, The Who released Who’s Next, which is thought of as one of the greatest rock albums ever made. This record included Baba O’Riley, and Won’t Get Fooled Again, which have now become classic rock tracks. Both records created an epic, panoramic sound, thrusting the listener into movie land. Countless musicians are in awe of these songs and the album. U2, in particular, found inspiration from this record.
During the 1970’s the band recorded Quadrophenia, a second rock opera. The album was inspired by the band’s roots in the mod scene and working class life in 60s London. It later became a film and became a touchstone for a generation of Londoners. Kenny Jones replaced Keith Moon in 1978, although Moon’s death was a devastating blow. Moon was a larger than life character, and his personae the perfect contrast to the intensity of Townshend and Daltrey.
In the early 1980’s the band played some of the biggest stadiums in the United States, consolidating their status as rock greats. However, in truth the band were close to the end. Moon was not there and Townshend was fresh out of songs. The magic was gone and The Who split up in 83.
While the early years saw a couple of changes, The Who’s classic lineup was Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle. Daltrey sang while Townshend wrote the majority of material and played lead guitar. Entwistle played bass and Keith Moon was responsible for drums. All four were brilliant musicians and showmen, with a perfect chemistry within the group. Keith Moon died in 1978 and John Entwistle followed him in 2002. Drugs were responsible for both deaths.
Their first album, My Generation, was released in 1965 and is a classic. It includes the iconic title track, My Generation, Pictures of Lily and I Can See for Miles. These are some of the famous rock and roll songs ever recorded, and the title track became an anthem for a generation. In recent years it has been championed by Oasis. The Gallaghers are big fans of the band’s music and attitude.
The Who quickly became very big in the United States. They famously performed their rock opera, Tommy, at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Tommy later became a film, directed by Ken Russell. In 1971, The Who released Who’s Next, which is thought of as one of the greatest rock albums ever made. This record included Baba O’Riley, and Won’t Get Fooled Again, which have now become classic rock tracks. Both records created an epic, panoramic sound, thrusting the listener into movie land. Countless musicians are in awe of these songs and the album. U2, in particular, found inspiration from this record.
During the 1970’s the band recorded Quadrophenia, a second rock opera. The album was inspired by the band’s roots in the mod scene and working class life in 60s London. It later became a film and became a touchstone for a generation of Londoners. Kenny Jones replaced Keith Moon in 1978, although Moon’s death was a devastating blow. Moon was a larger than life character, and his personae the perfect contrast to the intensity of Townshend and Daltrey.
In the early 1980’s the band played some of the biggest stadiums in the United States, consolidating their status as rock greats. However, in truth the band were close to the end. Moon was not there and Townshend was fresh out of songs. The magic was gone and The Who split up in 83.
Somerset rocks
Apologies for the lack of content in recent weeks. Real life ( work and stuff ) has intruded. However, today is all about Glastonbury, where the event's final day is underway. The highlights so far have been Iggy and the Stooges, The Killers and Arcade Fire. The kings of Vegas have now gone all publicity shy, so no photographs of The Killers' set. The band headlined the event last night, performing a lengthy set on the Pryamid stage. Their performance featured tracks from both Sam's Town and Hot Fuss. While this band can always put on a real horse and pony show, there was a problem with their sound quality. This is a shame and reflects poorly on the event's organisers.
Iggy and the Stooges rock. The band are back from the dead and sound really, really strong. While Iggy is now 60, he has the hard earned charisma of someone who has walked the walk and not just talked the talk. This band's sound has never been more influential, with Razorlight being a great example of this.
Without wanting to sound too important, Arcade Fire are now important. With Neon Bible, the band have made a second album that wants to be great and just might be. Their songs are dramatic, intelligent and remind many of former greats like U2, Echo and the Bunnymen and Joy Division. Their last album was also a little indebted to early Springsteen. This band might go all the way and will probably be headlining Glastonbury in a couple of years.
Tonight the surviving members of a band called The Who will be playing.
Monday, 21 May 2007
About last night
Check out image galleries for the Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, The View and Mark Ronson.
The Big Weekend is now a memory. However, once heads clear and ear drums heal, the above acts will be remembered. The Kaiser Chiefs were born for this kind of thing. The lads from Leeds know how to write great pop anthems and please a crowd. Their now shaping up as real contenders for the big time. The north's answer to Blur? Probably.
Bloc Party are a different kettle of fish. They performed a strong set, with The Prayer and Helicopter both in there. A Weekend In The City, the band's last album, shows that the boys are in it for the music - and not anything else. Bloc Party are growing, and might be great.
It's suprising The View made it on stage at all. These lads are in it for the rock and roll. Oasis have to passed the flame to this lot, and their not going to let it go out. Their also really good - which helps.
Superstar New York DJ Mark Ronson drew a massive crowd, which is not suprising. This talented boy is clearly flavour of the month, although his career will last a lot longer that that. Everyone wants to work with him, buy his records and watch him perform live on stage.
The Big Weekend is now a memory. However, once heads clear and ear drums heal, the above acts will be remembered. The Kaiser Chiefs were born for this kind of thing. The lads from Leeds know how to write great pop anthems and please a crowd. Their now shaping up as real contenders for the big time. The north's answer to Blur? Probably.
Bloc Party are a different kettle of fish. They performed a strong set, with The Prayer and Helicopter both in there. A Weekend In The City, the band's last album, shows that the boys are in it for the music - and not anything else. Bloc Party are growing, and might be great.
It's suprising The View made it on stage at all. These lads are in it for the rock and roll. Oasis have to passed the flame to this lot, and their not going to let it go out. Their also really good - which helps.
Superstar New York DJ Mark Ronson drew a massive crowd, which is not suprising. This talented boy is clearly flavour of the month, although his career will last a lot longer that that. Everyone wants to work with him, buy his records and watch him perform live on stage.
Sunday, 20 May 2007
Scissor Sisters, Kasabian and Razorlight perform in Preston for the beeb
Last night three of the hottest bands in the world played at Moor Park in Preston. And you cannot say that very often. The Scissor Sisters, Kasabian and Razorlight were headlining the BBC's Big Weekend event.
The Scissor Sisters powered through Comfortably Numb, Laura, Kiss You Off, Filthy Gorgeous, Paul McCartney and finished with I Don't Feel Like Dancing. Ana Matronic, the band's charismatic vocalist, dedicated Filthy Gorgeous to Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley. She also made Whiley a honoury member of the band, since she was the first British DJ to play a Scissor Sisters record.
Indie stars Kasabian put in a very strong afternoon slot. The retro guitar boys got through Shoot The Runner, Me Plus One, Empire, Processed Beats, The Doberman, Clubfoot and LSF.
Razorlight, always a strong live act, appeared on the main stage last night. Their set included In the Morning, Somewhere Else, Vice, Golden Touch, America and Before I Fall To Pieces. Posh precocious popster Johnny Borrell fetched up in his all white combo - and sang his heart out.
And there's more. Tonight will all be about the Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party and Dundee's finest, The View.
Links
Big Weekend official website
Saturday, 19 May 2007
Movie news
At World’s End, the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie, is coming. The film will see Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley all return for another nautical nightmare.
The new movie picks up where Dead Man’s Chest left off, with Captain Jack Sparrow trapped in Davy Jones’s locker. Fortunately Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann and Captain Barbossa are all in hot pursuit.
The plot also shifts to Singapore, where the lead characters encounter Chinese Pirate Sao Feng. The finale promises to take the action to the end of the world – literally.
While Johnny’s Keith Richards routine is not for everyone, the movie is a chance to see the biggest movie star in the world fool around.
Fans of the first two films should love this one. For everyone else, it is a chance to see Johnny, Keira and Orlando have a blast in a genuine summer blockbuster.
Are you looking forward to this movie? What do you think of the franchise so far?
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, opens May 24th 2007
Monday, 14 May 2007
Win tickets for the Big Weekend
A real rock star
Calling all air guitar heroes, this is your chance to win a pair of tickets to the BBC’s Big Weekend in Preston.
If you are good enough, you will get to attend the two day event, and see bands like Razorlight, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party and Kasabian. There are only ten sets of tickets, so you will have to be good.
All tickets for this event have now been allocated, so this is the last chance saloon. The event takes place on the weekend of May 19th, so it’s now only days away.
Realize your destiny
If you want to plucked from obscurity by the nation's favourite broadcaster, record a video of yourself performing to the sound of a Big Weekend band. Follow this link for the full line up and the details.
Could be as good as the big guy in the picture?
Good luck
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