#New Orleans Surf rock

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

FROM THE VERY DEPTHS -- THE MOST EYE-POPPING COLORED VINYL YOU'VE EVER SEEN.

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on "Big Chief" b/w "Bamboula" 7 inch vinyl single by New Orleans-based surf rock band, SHARK ATTACK!!, released on limited edition translucent aqua blue vinyl in 2019 by Superjock Records. Label art designed by Roan Smith.

Source: www.nolamix.com/store/p7/Shark_Attack%21%21_%22Big_Chief%22_b%2Fw_%22Bamboula%22_%287%22_Vinyl%29.html.

[progressivemother]

Anniversary Vacation

My husband and I have reached the significant milestone of ten years of marriage. We have made a decision to celebrate every five years with a vacation. If you have not yet adopted this practice, I recommend making it as a beautiful tradition.

We had the pleasure of visiting California during our recent vacation. As residents of Utah, we were excited to experience the ocean. My husband, understanding my love for nature and the fact that I had been working constantly, decided on this vacation to ensure I spent as much time in nature as possible. We got to witness the giant redwoods of California and played around in the ocean. The beauty of the surroundings was simply breathtaking. We barely spent any time in the hotel rooms and my husband thoughtfully chose a room with an ocean view. It was wonderful experience. We dined out every evening during our vacation.

On the first day of our trip, we made a stop at the well know Thunder Mountain Monument. While it was an awe-inspiring sight, it was unfortunate that we were unable to explore the interior due to others who have caused damage.

The second day brought us to the Redwood Park, where we saw the towering trees. My husband said that it felt as if we were on another planet. We are grateful that these majestic trees have been preserved for future generations to enjoy.

On the third day, we went Pacific Ocean. The beauty of the crashing waves against the shore was mesmerizing, and I could have spent hours watching it. While I attempted to play in the water, we found ourselves in a colder area, which was disappointing. But the beauty of the ocean made up for it. Later that evening, after dinner, we took advantage of the low tide to collect some seashells as souvenirs for the children.

The fourth day of our trip, we went to an aquarium, where we had the unique opportunity to pet a shark. It was fun to see how much the shark seemed to enjoy the attention. Her adorable demeanor made the experience all the more memorable.

This was the most fun I have had in years. Always working and watching children is stressful and getting away with my husband was the perfect thing to do. Ten years is a huge milestone in a marriage and milestones are worth celebrating.

It is widely acknowledged that there are many stunning vacation destinations around the world. However, there equally captivating places within the United States that offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in diversity.

• LA' Chinatown, USA: Beautiful spas, hotels, and even karaoke is available along with beautiful souvenirs and Chinese food.

• Honolulu, USA: Lolani Palace, hotels, surf lessons, Shark's Cove, and local cuisine.

• Sedona, Arizona, USA: Red Rock State Park, hotels, hiking trips, and homemade muffins

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Mardi Gras, museums, the French Quarter, and Cajun food.

There are many others. Do some research and find beautiful destinations close by before going abroad. You have you entire marriage to make memories.

It is easy to get caught up in the daily routine and watch the weeks pass by without finding much time for enjoyment. We all have responsibilities, such as work and family commitments. However, it is essential to take breaks and make time for fun. Anniversaries provide an opportunity to break free from the routine and create memorable experiences. Even if it is not an anniversary, it is important to make an effort to create fun and memorable moments. Remember, it is crucial to prioritize these moments in our lives.

[fantastickkay]

Album Review of the Week: Paul Revere & the Raiders - Just Like Us! (1966)

Just Like Us! is the 4th album from Paul Revere and the Raiders, and their first after they starting appearing on television regularly - which had propelled their popularity among many similar groups. This album also features liner notes written by Dick Clark, host of Where the Action Is. This is during the height of the British invasion, so I wonder if the hyper-American image was used to set them apart! This is also their last album comprised of cover songs, they begin writing their own material with Midnight Ride, released later in the same year.

The album opens with Steppin' Out, which highlights their garage rock roots! Besides their image, garage rock and blues elements also set their sound apart from other groups of the time. This track is very gritty and picks up at the very end with some really fun energy.

Doggone gets a little more poppy with a bouncy instrumental and harmonies, while still retaining the grit.

Out of Sight leans more into the classic blues time signature in the verses, with some rock-y moments in between! With the additions within the blues beat, they inject some energy to get you moving!

Baby, Please Don't Go opens with a pulsating bass rhythm, I believe I hear an organ in there as well! There is a lot of different instruments going on, resulting in a cacophony that is a little hard to follow. I can sort of tell this is the point, but the vocals also sound hurried and not very good.

I Know devolves a bit more into the unorganized sound, this one is much more obvious in its humor - filled with tons of silly studio chatter! It seems like this was a trend of the time, The Righteous Brothers and The Monkees at least have one song like this in their discographies as well. Just a short little diddy to make the chicks laugh!

Night Train is a fun little instrumental! The journey through side one of this record is quite interesting, we weave through multiple genres in just a few songs and yet all of the songs braid together creating a decent linear evolution.

Just Like Me is the big hit off of this album, and it sounds like it! This is more the sound I think of when I picture music of the time in general and Paul Revere & the Raiders specifically. Interesting that the big hit begins side two and also kicks off some of the more obvious covers on this album.

For example, next we get a tepid rendition of Donovan's Catch the Wind. Even without listening, I can imagine they were talked into this by the record label but the vocals definitely sell that point! I don't blame them, but they do not sound enthused to be singing this song! It is also an incredible departure from the sounds we have been hearing so far.

Hopefully this next song was more fun for them to do. Their version of (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction sounds quite cut and paste, but hey at least it is more in their style!

I'm Cryin' is a great song to begin and their version is lots of fun as well! Their vocals hold up quite well against Eric Burdon. I haven't been able to find anything about studio musicians being used, so at least we can (presumably) say they played their own instruments on these covers, which is good! Especially in this song, the tempo is quite fast and a lot is going on. Given the copy and paste nature of these covers, I would not be surprised if they had studio musicians for them, but hopefully they got to play their own!

New Orleans is another fantastic track! Their version does damper it a little bit, there could be more energy. Maybe it was recorded on the same day as Catch the Wind.

They dabble in surf rock for the last track, Action. I really like how their voices sound in the last line of the chorus, it has a minor chord vibe. The instrumentals are tons of fun!

Side one of this record is fantastic! Things waver a bit on side two, but it is still a solid album in the days when everyone covered everyone.

[roomchailimited]

Discovering the Diversity of North America: From Beaches to Mountains

North America, a continent renowned for its geographical and cultural diversity, offers an unparalleled array of natural wonders. From the sun-kissed beaches of California to the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, this land is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. For travelers from Bangladesh and around the world, North America promises an adventure like no other, where every turn reveals a new facet of its beauty.

The Pacific Coast: Beaches and Beyond

Starting on the western edge of the continent, the Pacific Coastline is a stunning stretch of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and verdant forests. California’s famous beaches, such as Santa Monica and Malibu, offer the quintessential sun-and-surf experience. Here, the Pacific Ocean’s waves attract surfers from across the globe, while the coastal towns provide a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere. Moving north, the Oregon Coast’s dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches offer a more serene, nature-focused escape. The iconic Pacific Coast Highway, winding along the shore, is one of the most scenic drives in the world, providing breathtaking views at every turn.

The Majestic Rocky Mountains

Heading inland, the Rockies rise majestically, stretching from Canada down through the United States. This vast mountain range is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In Canada, Banff and Jasper National Parks offer pristine wilderness, with crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and towering peaks. In the United States, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is renowned for its hiking trails and stunning vistas. Winter sports enthusiasts flock to the Rockies’ many ski resorts, such as Aspen and Whistler, which are famed for their world-class facilities and powdery snow.

The Great Plains: Endless Horizons

Between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains lie the Great Plains, an expansive region of rolling prairies and wide-open skies. This area, often overlooked by travelers, offers a unique kind of beauty. The Badlands in South Dakota, with their striking rock formations, and the vast grasslands of Kansas provide a glimpse into the heartland of North America. The Great Plains are also rich in history, home to numerous Native American tribes and historical sites that tell the story of the continent’s early inhabitants.

The Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Coast

Moving eastward, the Appalachian Mountains offer a different kind of mountain experience. Known for their lush forests and scenic trails, the Appalachians are particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway that runs through the Appalachians, is a must-visit for any road trip enthusiast. Beyond the mountains, the Atlantic coastline boasts charming seaside towns, historic cities like Boston and Charleston, and beautiful beaches from Maine to Florida.

The Gulf Coast: A Blend of Cultures

The Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida, offers a unique blend of American and Latin cultures, evident in its cuisine, music, and festivals. Cities like New Orleans, with its famous Mardi Gras celebrations, and Miami, with its vibrant nightlife and Cuban influence, showcase this cultural melting pot. The beaches here, such as those in the Florida Panhandle, are known for their white sands and emerald waters, providing perfect spots for relaxation and water sports.

Alaska: The Last Frontier

Finally, no exploration of North America would be complete without mentioning Alaska, often referred to as the Last Frontier. This vast, untamed wilderness is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery on earth. From the towering peaks of Denali National Park to the glacier-carved coastlines of the Inside Passage, Alaska offers adventure at its most raw and exhilarating. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot bears, moose, and whales in their natural habitats, while the Northern Lights provide a mesmerizing display in the winter skies.

In conclusion, North America’s diversity, from its sunlit beaches to its rugged mountains, makes it a dream destination for travelers seeking a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re looking to surf the Pacific waves, hike the Rocky trails, or explore the cultural heartlands, this continent has something for everyone. Embark on your North American adventure with Roomchai Limited, ensuring a seamless, personalized, and unforgettable journey through this land of wonders.

[travelloverr]

Cocoa Beach Restaurants: From Beachside Bites to Upscale Affaire

Cocoa Beach, Florida, isn't just a haven for sun seekers and space enthusiasts. It's also a treasure trove of delicious dining options! Whether you crave fresh seafood with a view, a casual hangout after a day of surfing, or a romantic dinner, Cocoa Beach has something to tantalize your taste buds.

Beachside Casual:

Coconuts on the Beach: This iconic spot offers a quintessential Florida experience. Enjoy people-watching, live music, and delicious "beach grub" like burgers, tacos, and fresh seafood – all steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

Sandbar Sports Grill: Grab a beer and cheer on your favorite team at this lively sports bar. Their menu features pub fare favorites alongside crowd-pleasers like wings, pizzas, and juicy burgers.

Long Doggers: This laid-back eatery is a local favorite for its casual atmosphere and generous portions. Their wings and burgers are legendary, and they have a great selection of beers on tap.

Upscale Delights:

LUNA Food & Wine: Treat yourself to a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. LUNA's menu showcases contemporary European cuisine with a touch of Florida flair.

Pompano Grill: This award-winning restaurant is renowned for its impeccable seafood dishes. From perfectly grilled fish to creative pastas, Pompano Grill offers an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Nosh: This sophisticated spot serves up a unique fusion of Japanese and seafood cuisine. Nosh is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic night out.

Read more blog 

Best Area To Stay In New Orleans with Family

Best Family Resorts in California in 2024

TOP 5 Best Hostels in Kauai Hawaii, 2024

Beyond the Beach:

The Tiny Turtle: This hidden gem offers a delightful variety of breakfast and lunch options. Their homemade quiche and flaky pastries are not to be missed.

Rock The Guac: Calling all taco lovers! This vibrant restaurant serves up authentic Mexican fare made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Oasis Shaved Ice: Beat the heat with a refreshing cup of shaved ice from Oasis. With a wide variety of flavors and toppings to choose from, there's a perfect combination for everyone. Continue Reading

[pocketaltar]

dean and cas are doing a grand tour of the us! but all the fun stuff they missed hunting! they go to new orleans for mardi gras, hang out in the south eating their weight in biscuits and fried chicken and gravy, they see the cherry blossons in dc and dean is so unbelievably happy at the spy museum. they work their way up the east coast, landing on the cape for the summer. dean gets his beach, cas gets his soft epilogue, they both get to be openly in love. when it hits late august, they make their way west, doing the overpriced tourist shit in nyc, visiting carhenge and the house on the rock and every shitty attraction cas finds on the way. they end up in California, drinking wine, learning to surf, going to Disneyland for about five minutes before dean gets a migraine. they're happy!!

[verai-marcel]

Here's a rock band AU that's been sitting in my brain for a few days: The band has 4 members. Javier has the acoustic/bass guitar, Arthur's got the electric guitar, Charles has the drums, and John is the lead singer since voice has a nice rocker-esque gruffness to it. Dutch is the manager of the band (hehe) and Sean is the hype man (who often gets crowd surfed). The band name is Red Dead, and their colors are primarily red and black with touches of white. While they're not world famous yet, they're known throughout the US and have performed in Phoenix, LA, Dallas, New Orleans, Miami, etc. Some of their songs are total bangers, while others are more meaningful and deep. I'd totally be a groupie for these guys.😍🤘🏼🎸

❤️❤️❤️ LOVE IT!

[anothersievefistedfind]

Signed & numbered (150) concert poster by Jermaine Rogers

Fugazi, International Ballroom, Houston,  TX USA 3/28/2002 (FLS #1019)

Coming off another great show at Tipitina’s in New Orleans, Fugazi made the approximately 400 mile drive to play in Houston, Texas on the following night. A recurrent feat, since the band toured Houston as early as 1988, having played the city 7 times in 6 different venues prior to this 2002 concert. 

A pitch for this particular gig in a piece by Jeremy Hart, published in the HoustonPress on the date of the show, reads: “One of the hardest-working, most dedicated, most talented bands in the history of rock music is finally coming to town (thanks to the efforts of Hands Up Houston), and this is your chance to switch off MTV and catch a glimpse of what the real underground looks like. Take it.”

Fugazi played 19 songs total, most of these are taken off of The Argument (5), followed by End Hits (3), Steady Diet of Nothing (3), the 7 Songs debut EP (3), and just one song each off of the Furniture EP, Red Medicine, In on the Kill Taker, Repeater, or the Margin Walker EP.

The recording documents the first out of just two performances in 2002 of both Nice New Outfit and Bulldog Front (the other ones date from the October 31, 2002 concert in Leeds, England), as well as the first out of six plays of Stacks in the course of the 2002 tour, the second out of five performances of Place Position, and the first out of seven performances of Promises (the version presented here stands out as well, because sound man Nick Pellicciotto is playing around with some reverb on the percussion which adds a very dubby vibe to the set closer).

Other things worth mentioning include praise by Ian for Hands Up Houston for booking the show, Joe and Brendan playing the Lusty Scripps intro during the third interlude, and some fun comments by Ian to curb another round of crowdsurfing, “I know that some people here are just riddled with nostalgia, nostalgia over things that maybe they don’t even have memories of, but would the people here do us a big favor and not crowd surf please, it’s a request, the band respectfully requests, respectfully, respectfully requests that people don’t lift other people up on their hands and pass them around because it’s just very tedious and ends up causing so much distraction we can’t get our work done up here so... however, there’s a booth in the back of the room over here, where you give a guy two dollars and he’ll carry you above his head for a few minutes, so it’s just another service that Fugazi is providing for all the people.”

I will not dwell on this recording since Guy’s mic is shot so you can only marginally pick up on his vocals throughout the set with the exception of Do You Like Me (second to last song). Since Guy and Ian take turns singing, the recording of every other song consequently suffers significantly from this. Also, note that the first bit of Night Shop right after the encore is missing.

The set list:

1. Intro 2. Ex-Spectator 3. Place Position 4. Interlude 1 5. Stacks 6. Rend It 7. Reclamation 8. Interlude 2 9. Oh 10. Interlude 3 11. Merchandise 12. Nice New Outfit 13. Cashout 14. Interlude 4 15. Recap Modotti 16. Bulldog Front 17. Waiting Room 18. Burning 19. Closed Captioned 20. Number 5 21. Encore 22. Nightshop 23. Epic Problem 24. Do You Like Me 25. Promises 26. Outro

[bthenoise]

Live Show Memories: The Last Concerts Your Favorite Bands Attended Before Lockdown

Welp, we’ve officially (and sadly) reached the one-year mark without any live shows. While we know how much of a bummer this can be to think about -- trust us, we know -- we have decided to try and spin this in a lighter, much more positive manner. 

Instead of mourning the fact that no one’s been to a “real” live show in over 365 days, how about we look back at some of our last concerts and remember the good times? You know, like when we saw Thrice play Vheissu on their 15-year anniversary tour and we screamed our lungs out to “The Earth Will Shake.” 

Looking to compile other fun last show memories, we reached out to bands like State Champs, Neck Deep, August Burns Red, Wage War, The Spill Canvas and more to see what some of their last shows were like. 

To see which band members paused their live music run watching Panic! At The Disco or Tool or even Ariana Grande, be sure to look below. 

TYLER SZALKOWSKI - STATE CHAMPS

WHO DID YOU SEE: Dan + Shay and The Band Camino

WHERE WAS IT: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

WHEN WAS IT: March 8th, 2020

HOW WAS IT: Absolutely incredible. It was my second time seeing TBC and like my 5th or 6th seeing D+S and both bands are so freakin’ good live. It was also very cool to see D+S on their own headline arena gig. Big bada$$ production and all that!!

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I would love to see the 1975!! They’re so good live. Would be a hell of a first gig back!

MATT WEST - NECK DEEP

WHO DID YOU SEE: Blink-182

WHERE WAS IT: Brooklyn, NY

WHEN WAS IT: September 19th, 2019

HOW WAS IT: The show was bittersweet as it was the last date of our tour with Blink-182. I remember the show [being] amazing though, Blink came out and took apart Dani's kit halfway through our last song. Ben got to sing with Blink, so a great way to cap off the tour.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Honestly, fucking anybody, I've forgotten what a gig feels like.

WILL LEVY - THE STORY SO FAR / COLD MOON

WHO DID YOU SEE: The last show I went to I saw the band Young Guv perform and they kicked major ass. 

WHERE WAS IT: Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, Arizona.

WHEN WAS IT: The show was on March 10th, 2020. 

HOW WAS IT: The show rocked, I think most of us knew that some major change was on the horizon so we lived out the moment to its fullest potential and partied until the sun came up. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I think I'm most excited to see either HAIM or Billie Eilish once the pandemic is over.

TYLER POSEY

WHO DID YOU SEE: KUT U UP

WHERE WAS IT: San Diego!!!

WHEN WAS IT: Feb 29th, 2020

HOW WAS IT: There was a documentary blink-182 made called Riding In Vans With Boys that featured KUT U UP. This documentary changed my life. Getting to watch KUT U UP AND PLAY WITH THEM!!! Fucking dream come true. I crowd surfed the entire bar.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I would really love to see phem perform. I’ve gotten really close with her and her music and want to mosh to all of it. Even if I’m by myself.

JB BRUBAKER - AUGUST BURNS RED

WHO DID YOU SEE: Jimmy Eat World

WHERE WAS IT: The Capitol Room at HMAC, Harrisburg, PA

WHEN WAS IT: November 12, 2019

HOW WAS IT: The show was fun. It was a sold out show in a 1,000 capacity venue so it felt intimate. Jimmy Eat World sounds great live and always play well. I went with my wife and our bass player Dustin and his girlfriend. They played all the hits and some fun deep cuts we weren’t expecting!

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Milky Chance

TINO ARTEAGA - OF MICE & MEN

WHO DID YOU SEE: Ghostemane

WHERE WAS IT: The Observatory OC, Orange County, CA

WHEN WAS IT: Around Halloween 2019

HOW WAS IT: Absolutely insane! Listening to his albums is one thing but seeing him live & how loud the bass is & how hard the band goes is next level. The audience goes absolutely bananas as well. It was a really cool performance!

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Would love to go to Furnace Fest to see all the OG metalcore bands perform later this year.

PORTER MCKNIGHT - ATREYU

WHO DID YOU SEE:  Nothing More

WHERE WAS IT: House of Blue New Orleans

WHEN WAS IT: 2019

HOW WAS IT: Honestly, if you’ve never seen this band live you’re missing out! Atreyu were off tour so I drove from my home in Alabama to New Orleans and treated myself to a show. We had recently played ShipRocked with Nothing More, but this show blew that one out of the water! Such an energetic, captivating, and honest performance.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Literally ANY BAND… but Nothing More, Turnstile, or Sturgill Simpson would rule.

WAGE WAR

CODY QUISTAD 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Dan + Shay, The Band Camino and Ingrid Andress

WHERE WAS IT: Bridgestone Arena. Nashville, Tennessee

WHEN WAS IT: March 7, 2020

HOW WAS IT: It was incredible! Truly one of the best shows I’ve been to.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: LANY

SETH BLAKE 

WHO DID YOU SEE: The Acacia Strain, Rotting Out, Creeping Death, Chamber, Fuming Mouth, & Scatter Shot.

WHERE WAS IT: Soundbar, Orlando FL.

WHEN WAS IT: March 5th, 2020. HOW WAS IT: The show was great. Super high-energy crowd packed into an intimate venue. Had a great time watching the bands with a few good friends. I just wish I would have known it was my last concert for the next year+!

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Kublai Khan

CHRIS GAYLORD

WHO DID YOU SEE: Polaris, Wage War, Crystal Lake, Alpha Wolf

WHERE WAS IT: The Tivoli - Brisbane, QLD Australia

WHEN WAS IT: February 29th, 2020

HOW WAS IT: It was our last night on tour together. I remember the show being a blast and the hang backstage being even better. We formed some lasting friendships with Polaris in the US and in Australia and had mixed emotions not knowing the next time we would see each other... not knowing the pandemic would follow.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Architects / Spiritbox

STEPHEN KLUESENER

Last show I saw: A Day To Remember, Falling in Reverse, Fever 333, and Whitechapel

Where: Self Help Fest, Worcester Massachusetts 

When: Fall 2019

HOW WAS IT: Weather was perfect, crowd was strong, and ADTR destroyed at the end of the night. It was the first time they had played “Rescue Me” live. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: One of the first bands I want to see when gigs return is Polaris.

JOSH SMITH - NORTHLANE

WHO DID YOU SEE: Tool

WHERE WAS IT: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

WHEN WAS IT: Honestly I don’t even remember dude, like everything is a blur since COVID started. This is the last show that I remember. It was about a year ago with some change.

HOW WAS IT: It was incredible. The best production, sound and show I have ever seen. Tool are one of my favorite bands and I had never seen them live after being a fan for 15+ years. I was left absolutely speechless. Mind blown, nothing comes close.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Honestly I’d love to just see Tool again!

NICK VENTIMIGLIA - GRAYSCALE 

WHO DID YOU SEE: The Get Up Kids and Dashboard Confessional

WHERE WAS IT: Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, MI

WHEN WAS IT: March 3rd & 4th, 2020

HOW WAS IT: I went to both nights back-to-back actually. It was the 20 year Dashboard anniversary so Chris Carrabba played A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar in its entirety one night and then The Places You Have Come to Fear The Most in its entirety, both sets with some other stuff sprinkled in. I’m a big fan of both bands but it was good to see a lot of these songs I wouldn’t have been able to see probably ever again. There’s nothing better than singing at the top of your lungs to songs that shaped you as a musician and a person in general. My brother Lupe Bustos (The Maine/Dashboard photo) met us after the second night and we all went out with him and the Dashboard guys to have drinks, it was a blast.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I almost don’t care who it is, I’d just like to get to a show. I’d love to see The Night Game, I would kill to see Poison the Well again at some point. I saw recently they’re playing Furnace Fest in Alabama so I’m glad they’re doing shows again. Honestly, any show will do at this point!

SCOTT CAREY - HOLDING ABSENCE 

WHO DID YOU SEE: The 1975

WHERE WAS IT: The Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

WHEN WAS IT: 23rd Feb 2020 - Right in the middle of recording our new album The Greatest Mistake Of My Life!

HOW WAS IT: Best band I’ve ever seen live. They played a load of older, slower songs which I love. I had to come home from the studio for the day to see them as I wasn’t missing the show - very glad I didn’t miss it!

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I’ve been spinning the new Teenage Wrist record a LOT recently so I’d love to see them. Or The Cure as I’ve never seen them live!

THE SPILL CANVAS

NICK THOMAS 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Noah Gundersen

WHERE WAS IT: The Social - Orlando, FL

WHEN WAS IT: Feb 21st, 2020

HOW WAS IT: His performance was by far one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen. I had the goosebump waves nearly every song. It was stunning what he was able to do with just his voice and an acoustic.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Circa Survive on their Blue Sky Noise anniversary tour. It's my favorite album by them, and although I've seen them countless times, it's been quite a while.

LANDON HEIL 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Panic! At The Disco.

WHERE WAS IT: Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee, WI

WHEN WAS IT: Jan 27, 2019

HOW WAS IT: I don’t attend concerts much when I’m off tour, but our old guitarist Mike had just joined Panic and was able to get my wife and I some tickets. It was really exciting and slightly surreal to see Mike performing in such a massive venue. They put on an excellent show and we had a great time.  

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Still need to see John Mayer or Jimmy Eat World live.

BRYCE JOB

WHO DID YOU SEE: Pinegrove

WHERE WAS IT: Icon - Sioux Falls, SD

WHEN WAS IT: Sept 16th, 2019

HOW WAS IT: I absolutely loved being able to experience them in such an intimate setting. They played an extended set and took requests called out by the crowd.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: In South Dakota we don’t have a ton of options for entertainment but I have the chance to see Willie Nelson in August. If it doesn’t get canceled, I’m probably not going to pass it up. 

EVAN PHARMAKIS

WHO DID YOU SEE: Hot Water Music & The Menzingers

WHERE WAS IT: St Augustine Amphitheater - St. Augustine, FL

WHEN WAS IT: Oct 2019

HOW WAS IT: The show was phenomenal. I’ve been fortunate enough to catch Hot Water Music a handful of times over the years, and this last time I saw them they gave another great performance. The Menzingers were killer as well.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I’d love to catch Phoebe Bridgers again, she’s wonderful live. Also would really love to see Alexisonfire tear up a stage again too.

HYRO THE HERO

WHO DID YOU SEE: It was Dia De Los Deftones. I got to go see Megan Thee Stallion, Gojira, Chvches, and Deftones WHERE WAS IT: Petco Park in San Diego 

WHEN WAS IT: Late 2019 I believe

HOW WAS IT: Such a great time with the epic lineup. The vibes were incredible and also went backstage to kick it and say waddup to Chino and the fam.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Beartooth 

LAUREN SANDERSON

WHO DID YOU SEE: Ariana Grande

WHERE WAS IT: Los Angeles / The Forum

WHEN WAS IT: December 22, 2019

HOW WAS IT: Incredible. Amazing vocals, amazing show, amazing choreo. God is truly a woman.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: My top 3 would be Meg Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Machine Gun Kelly. But honestly, at that point, I’m gonna be down to go see literally anyone.

ALEX MAGNAN - YOUNG CULTURE 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Have Mercy (their last show), Idle Wave, we also played the show

WHERE WAS IT: Hard Luck, Toronto, ON

WHEN WAS IT: March 15, 2020

HOW WAS IT: It was such a weird feeling, we didn’t know for certain what was going on yet but we could tell that it was gonna be the last show of the tour. By the time the show started and the turn out wasn’t the greatest, we knew this was something serious. Show was a blast nevertheless and I was glad to leave it on a good one.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN:  Phoebe Bridgers (not a band but still)

DANIEL SEYMOUR - WAXFLOWER 

WHO DID YOU SEE: The Menzingers

WHERE WAS IT: The Zoo, Brisbane

WHEN WAS IT: March 2020, the night of my birthday!

HOW WAS IT: Brilliant! I think it's become even better in hindsight. The memory has aged like a fine wine after the struggles of the past 12 months. Seeing one of my favourite artists surrounded by the people I loved was the best way to celebrate a “last show.”

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Being in Australia, it feels like a while before overseas acts will be touring here BUT I'd love to see The 1975 or Enter Shikari as one of the first overseas acts to come here post-pandemic. The energy both those acts bring will surely make up for months without live music!

MALIA ENDRES - GLACIER VEINS

WHO DID YOU SEE: My last show was our own show with Overgrow and Mouth Movements.

WHERE WAS IT: Donato’s Basement in Columbus, OH

WHEN WAS IT: Right before everything shut down in March. 

HOW WAS IT: There was definitely some interesting energy because of the uncertainty yet growing concern of COVID, but we knew it was going to be our last show of that tour so I really took in the joy and excitement of our performance. It was also really sweet to spend the last show with our Common Ground Collective family Jake from Overgrow and our agent John Rausch. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Winter! She put out my favorite album of 2020 so I am looking forward to seeing those songs live. 

COLIN JACQUES - WE WERE SHARKS

WHO DID YOU SEE: Anti-Flag, Grade 2 & Positive Charge

WHERE WAS IT: The 27 Club Ottawa - Ottawa, ON

WHEN WAS IT: March 11th, 2020

HOW WAS IT: Amazing show. Anti-Flag is one of my childhood favourites and a pleasure to see at home in Canada. Awesome show in a 300 cap room before the world shut down for a full year.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: My Chemical Romance

MAGGIE SCHNEIDER - GLIMMERS 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Rex Orange County

WHERE WAS IT: The Tabernacle in Atlanta

WHEN WAS IT: The last week of February 2020

HOW WAS IT: It was so much fun. I went with my best friend Natalie after a very long day. We danced the entire time and had no idea that’d be our last show. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: My Chemical Romance, pretty please! 

CHRISTIAN NEONAKIS - MY KID BROTHER

WHO DID YOU SEE: Modest Mouse

WHERE WAS IT: The Anthem in DC

WHEN WAS IT: Late 2019

HOW WAS IT: It was such a good night... they had always been one of my all-time fave bands so seeing them at such a sweet venue was a dream. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Would love to see Tame Impala or Portugal. The Man next, can't pick between the two.

BENJI SPOLIANSKY - NOT A TOY

WHO DID YOU SEE: Tyler the Creator 

WHERE WAS IT: It was at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO which is one of the greatest places to see a show in the world.

WHEN WAS IT:  It was in October of 2019 :( 

HOW WAS IT: It was incredible. Tyler is extremely funny on stage and he actually slipped and fell while performing. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: The first show I want to go to isn't necessarily for just one [band]. I just want to go to a hardcore show and rage my fucking face off!

BRADLEY KEARSLEY- CARPOOL TUNNEL

WHO DID YOU SEE: The last band I went to see was The Red Pears! 

WHERE WAS IT: Brick and Mortar in San Francisco.

WHEN WAS IT: February 25th, 2020... I think!

HOW WAS IT: After we played with The Red Pears in Reno, they offered me to come out to their show in San Francisco which one of my friends' bands were opening up for. I remember coming into the venue and seeing so many people that I knew, something I really miss having these days. They absolutely killed it and it was somebody in the band's birthday, so the whole crowd sang him happy birthday. I just remember dancing and having a great time.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: I really want to see the band Loving again. I was able to catch them once at the Rickshaw Shop in San Francisco and it was one of my favorite show experiences to date! Can't wait to see them again.

NICK ZAWISA - BREAKUP SHOES

WHO DID YOU SEE: Summer Salt, Okey Dokey & we (Breakup Shoes) performed

WHERE WAS IT: Fox Theatre - Boulder, CO

WHEN WAS IT: 3/12/20

HOW WAS IT: An absolute blast of a show. It hadn’t been confirmed yet but with how serious the initial COVID-19 outbreak was seeming, we knew in the back of our heads that this was gonna be our final show of tour. We gave it our all on stage for our set and then made cameos as backup vocalists, dancers, percussionists, etc. during our tour-mates set, which made the night feel like something really special.

CAMM KNOPP - NEVER LOVED

WHO DID YOU SEE: The All-American Rejects

WHERE WAS IT: The Beacham in Orlando, FL

WHEN WAS IT: September 2019

HOW WAS IT: It was a great time. We actually just finished a writing session with Nick from AAR the week before so it was ironic they were in FL the following week.

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Armor For Sleep!

LUCA MARGI - DREAMSHADE 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Bring Me The Horizon

WHERE WAS IT: FORUM ASSAGO / MILAN

WHEN WAS IT: 13.11.2018

HOW WAS IT: Powerful and exciting, awesome band to see live and lots of pyro!  

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Architects

ROLY VELAZQUEZ - AVAT 

WHO DID YOU SEE: Bring Me the Horizon, Sleeping With Sirens, Poppy WHERE WAS IT: The Fillmore Miami Beach

WHEN WAS IT: October 2019 HOW WAS IT: It was amazing. It’s very inspiring to see a band in the rock/metal genre mobilize such a broad audience. 

BONUS - WHO'S THE FIRST BAND YOU WANT TO SEE POST-PANDEMIC THAT ISN'T YOUR OWN: Definitely Metallica. Getting to attend their drive-in concert was as close to the atmosphere of a show that most of us here in Miami got to experience.

TELLE SMITH - THE WORD ALIVE

The last show The Word Alive played was just over a year ago this week, at the Los Angeles Emo Nite. We had just wrapped an insanely successful tour with Falling In Reverse, had a day off in LA and then March 6th we had plans to celebrate the release of our album MONOMANIA with our friends, family, label and fans. We weren’t quite sure how the reception would be, given that we weren’t an iconic emo band which is who the majority of the music patrons come to listen and sing along to, which is what made the performance even more memorable.

Right when we went on stage the energy was amazing. To see how many friends, peers from the industry, and fans from all over came to celebrate with us really meant a lot.

I was just watching videos the other day from different posts fans had made, and you can hear how loudly they were singing the songs that had just been released -- some louder than any song we have ever had.

It was bittersweet because, while it reinforced in my head just how special our album was, it has been the only glimpse into the world of touring on MONOMANIA may have been like.

I’m very excited to get back at it with the boys once everything is safe and sound. And I have zero doubt in my mind that it will feel a million times better than even our best show memory to date. See you there.

WATCH MORE:

[rawberry101]

2020 Movie Odyssey Award for Best Original Song (final round)

Here is my ballot for @dweemeister​‘s Movie Odyssey Award. Apologies for getting in past the deadline. It was a very diverse catalog of songs!

1. Can’t Help Falling In Love – I mean come on, this is one of the best and most famous ballads from the entire 20th Century. #1 with a bullet.

2. Theme From New York, New York – I’ve always had a soft spot with this song, though I’m far more familiar with the Sinatra version.

3. Farewell to Storyville – It means a bit more since Louis grew up in Storyville.

4. (Do You Know What It Means to Miss) New Orleans – Billie and Louis, hard to beat.

5. Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari / Bichhde Sabhi Baari Baari – I’m glad India also has the Hollywood problem of making movies about Hollywood. In all seriousness it’s a beautiful ballad.

6. Here They Come (From All Over the World) – Love that corny surf rock. This show was famous for James Brown completely upstaging the Rolling Stones.

7. Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do? – Catchy J-pop beats out many genres.

8. Please Don’t Stop Loving Me – I do enjoy the use in the film, a stronger Elvis ballad.

9. Personality – A cute little number.

10. Angela – Jose Feliciano is good but I wouldn’t say this is an extremely special song.

11. Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam – I like the other one better tbh.

12. Moonlight Swim – I do understand why young rockers thought Elvis sold out when he started making movies.

13. You Make Me Feel So Young – I don’t care about the music at all but that choreography was crazy.

14. Blue Shadows on the Trail – It serves its part, a nice opener to the film.

15. Happy Endings – Good for them to be able to pull off the homage but I don’t need to like it.

16. Exultate Justi – This one does nothing for me.

[bigskydreaming]

If you had to choose between 1) The goes-to-school-very-British-cauldron-&-broomsticks wizard 2) The-Hecate's-children-herbs-&-moon-phases-very-New-Orleans kind of warlock 3) Modern high school/ college student vampire 4) Creatures of Terror-horror movie antagonist-bathing in blood-chasing victims maybe with magic guns too kind of vampire 5) nicer Lestat 6) Y/A rock band werewolves 7) Beastly-muscular-giants-who-turn-into-wolfmen kind of werewolf, which one(s) would you choose?

Interesting question! Its a no-brainer for me, though, YA rock band werewolves.

1) I’m very over British witch and wizard children, they can go to normal school like normal children, I’ll take Southern California surfing witches and warlocks being all like, ‘check out this gnarly curse I home-brewed, brah’ before I have to see one more magical British prepubescent. 2) I’m of the opinion that people need to chill on the fascination with New Orleans and magic until they’re ready to truly center and boost black characters in the starring roles in those stories as is appropriate given that every bit of lore and legend about New Orleans-specific magic and mysticism can be traced back to black traditions, 3) Vampire characters who can’t think of better ways to spend their immortality besides sitting in high school make me sad for them mostly 4) just makes me think cool aesthetic but nasty hygiene bro, 5) eww no thank you what is Anne Rice even and why is she and 7) I think I saw that porno already.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise; Freddie Mercury x black!child reader

Now I was skeptical at first to post this fic for the LONGEST time but after last night and Rami Malek winning his 1st Oscar, I feel like this story needs to be shared with my tumblr people. Now this is my first ever specific racial reader insert (I’m always fair when it comes to my reader inserts by also putting the abbreviations for skin color just to make it more fair for my readers) from the requester that I had this from on Wattpad who either so I want a GOOD WARNING HERE. THERE ARE RACIAL SLURS HERE BIG ONES. Only spoken TWICE but the N word is said, so if this OFFENDS YOU, you don’t have to read this. I beg of you because I don’t want to insult anyone. I AM NOT A RACIST person and anyone who is is scum of the scum.

Plus as this is my first solo Freddie Mercury oneshot, please go easy on me. People on wattpad told me I nailed his character but I hope I do the same for all of you. 

Warnings: RACISM *WHICH I DO NOT PROMOTE NEVER BE A RACIST it’s  TOTAL dick move in the words of the famous Deadpool*, violence, beatings, the use of the N word *AGAIN ONLY TWICE BUT FAIR WARNING!!* 

Taglist Queen *open*:

@alexfayer

___________________________________________________

It has always been my dream to go to a Queen concert. Ever since I first heard their record at a friend's house, I felt this instant connection to their music that no other musician that I've listened to before. The way they create new sounds and cross genres with each other, its unlike anything I've ever heard.

I've begged and begged my parents to one day go see them in concert one day but when you're in my family and you live in the south of New Orleans, Louisiana money is hard to come by. My daddy always says he can only afford working double sometimes triple shifts to last us enough rent for a couple months and groceries, but concert tickets are as expensive as they can get.

But then one day on my 11th birthday while my mama was working with one of her best costumers for her seamstress job, he had gotten wind that it was my birthday so he gifted me with a special surprise present. When I opened up the box to reveal an envelope, I opened it up and I was shocked to see that inside it were concert tickets to Queen coming to New Orleans tonight.

I screamed and jumped up and down with my best friend Laura who was also a Queen fan, in fact she's the friend who got me into them. At first my mama couldn't accept such a generous gift but Laura's dad wouldn't take no for an answer. In fact he told my mama that it was payback for all the house calls of seaming up dresses for Laura or doing adjustments for his suits.

So after she was done with Mr. Burn's suits, she took me home and got me dressed in my finest clothes and we waited for Mr. Burn's and Laura to come by in their new Cadillac so that we could head to the concert. I heard the horn honking and Laura crying out my name. I could barely contain my excitement when my mama said.

"Hold on (y/n) honey, now remember stay with Mr. Burns at all times, don't leave his side and do everything he tells you alright?"

"I will mama, I promise." She smiled and gave me a kiss and told me to have a good time. I could barely hear her because at that point I was in the car with Laura and the two of us were talking in high pitched tones of how excited we were to see Queen.

We arrived at the stadium and Mr. Burns gave the man our tickets and we were lead to our seats.

"Ohh I'm so excited I could just leap like a frog in the bayou! Gahh I can't believe they've finally come to New Orleans. Oh aren't they the bees knees?" Laura fangirled out.

"They are, hey Laura if you had to pick your favorite, which one would it be?" I asked her.

"Oh Roger Taylor hands down, he's the best drummer of any band. Plus he's as handsome as an angel from the Lord, how about you?"

"I would have to say.....Freddie Mercury, his voice is so.....so....raw yet tamed. Like it's almost supernatural and yet, belongs in our world." I've always admired Freddie's singing because of the way he's able to control his voice. I've heard tale that he can go 4 octaves higher than any male singer that ever did live on this Earth.

Soon the lights in the stadium dimmed until it became pitch black and the audience roared with applause like we were about to watch a football game. The stage lights flashed on and soon the first song of "We will Rock you" came on. Laura and I stomped our feet and clapped along and we sang along to the chorus and once the final part of the song came on, there standing on stage as the lights on stage shined upon them, stood the four members of Queen themselves, right before my very eyes.

The entire concert was filled with cheers, singing along to all of mine and Laura's favorite songs, and even hearing new songs that have yet to get a record release but Queen graced New Orleans with those songs. During one of their pieces, Freddie raised his mic up towards John Deacon and he cried out.

"We love you New Orleans!" At that declaration, everyone was going nuts.

By the end of the night, they gave one final bow and the concert was over. Laura and I were walking out fangirling hysterically at what we had just seen.

"Alright I'm gonna get Carl back over here so you girls just stay here alright?" Laura's dad said to us.

"Okay daddy." Said Laura. Once he left us alone Laura and I continued our fangirling out. "Oh my god do you remember when Freddie actually came onto the stage to crowd surf?"

"Oh Lord have mercy on my soul that was the best part! He always makes people even in the back row feel like they're important to the show."

"I really loved Roger's drum solo that he did."

"Oh yeah that was awesome!" We kept gushing out to each other when we heard a voice say.

"Why did you bring that here?" we turned around to see a couple of teenage boys maybe around 15-16years old, all three of them white.

"Excuse me?" asked Laura.

"You heard, in fact why are you associating with people like them?" A brown haired boy stated as he pointed to me.

"They shouldn't even be allowed to even watch concerts in our sections, why didn't she go to the top rows with all the rest of them negros?" Now that was a comment that I have heard for most of my life. Anytime when I would go out shopping with my mama, there's always either a white man or woman who says that word to both my mama and me and it always breaks my heart to be called that.

I'm smart enough to know what that means, I maybe black but I'm not stupid.

"Why shouldn't she? She's my friend and she can come to a Queen concert with me no matter who says." Laura said sticking up for me as she stood in front of me to protect me.

"Aww you hearing this fellas? Looks like we got ourselves a negro loving traitor." Said the same brunette boy. Soon he and his friends circled around us and then one of them grabbed Laura and pulled her away from me. We both screamed for each other but I was shoved harshly to the ground.

Before I could even stand up, I felt a hard kick to my stomach and soon it began. What my older brother DJ went through about a month ago when he got jumped heading home from work. I could hear Laura screaming at them to stop and from what I could see, she tried to fight back but the blonde boy holding her was too strong.

I was almost about to black out when I heard a voice say.

"What on earth is going on here!?" I managed to slowly lift my head up and I thought I was dreaming because I swear to the Lord above that I was seeing Freddie Mercury along with the rest of the band members of Queen standing just a few feet away from us.

"Nothing." One of the boys that was standing over me tried to cover up what was really happening.

"Really, cause from where we're standing it looks like you cowardly dicks are picking a fight with two young girls." Roger's voice spoke up.

"Well we uhh....."

"You little boys think you can dictate on who comes to see us? Did we ask you to beat up a poor, innocent child for our sake?" Freddie's voice spoke up in a stern, harsh tone as he walked right up toward us. "Now unless you lads want to get into even more trouble, I suggest you clear on out of here." Soon the three boys took off.

I looked up to see Freddie Mercury standing over me. He knelt down in front of me and held out his hand and he asked me.

"Can you stand dear?" I shakily reached out for his hand and I managed to grab it. Slow and steady he tried to help me up but suddenly my world went black and I found myself falling forward.

*3rd Person POV*

Quickly reacting, Freddie managed to catch (y/n) in his arms.

"Is she gonna be okay? Please she's my best friend in the whole wide world I can't bear to lose her. She's not gonna die is she?" Laura began to sob out hysterically when Freddie spoke up.

"Calm down darling, I promise we'll try to help your friend out as best we can. What's your name love?"

"Laura. Laura Burns, and my friend's name is (y/n) (l/n)."

"Okay Laura did you come here with anyone?"

"Yeah my daddy, he went to go find our driver to take us home."

"Alright, Roger why don't you and Brian help Laura find her father, Deacy you come with me and help me find a medic for (y/n)." Roger and Brian both guided Laura to find her father while Freddie took (y/n) back inside the stadium to their dressing room.

While Freddie placed (y/n) down on the couch trying to make sure her head was fully supported. He had asked John to find a medic as fast as he could and while he waited, he looked back down at (y/n) and couldn't help but feel this rage building up inside.

Now he and the band were aware of the brutal racism that goes on in America, especially down in the southern states where black people can freely be assaulted by white people and not be given the justice they deserve just because of their skin color. But it sickened him to know that in this case it was a child involved in a brutal beatdown that should never have happened, and near a Queen concert of all places.

He soon heard light moaning and when he came back to his senses, Freddie saw that (y/n) was beginning to gain consciousness.

*My POV*

I woke up to feel my head resting on a bunch of pillows and a bright light shining down from above. At first I thought I was in heaven because my mama always told me Heaven was a bright light, but I was still feeling this roaring pain in my head and pulsing feeling along my ribs, I thought heaven meant no more pain?

"Take it easy darling, you had quite a rumble outside with some heartless dicks." I looked to my right to see that sitting right before me was Freddie Mercury himself. I almost was about to pass out again but he said to me again, "Careful darling, can't risk you passing out again with the condition you're in. You might have a concussion." I looked around trying to find Laura and fearing that those boys might've taken her away I finally spoke up.

"Laura....my friend Laura is....is she—"

"She's fine darling, a little shook up but Roger and Brian are taking care of her right now, they're trying to find her father and they'll be here soon to come find you. For now I need you to do something for me, do you think you can do that?" Normally you wouldn't trust a stranger with anything but for some reason I felt like I could trust Freddie so I found myself nodding softly.

He smiled softly before reaching into a drawer and taking out a small flashlight and he explained.

"Now I'm no doctor and I have no idea what the hell is taking Deacy so long to find one, but all I'm gonna do is just shine this in your eyes, and I want you to follow my finger okay (y/n)?" I was surprised to hear Freddie Mercury say my name when I hadn't told him yet. So I nodded again and he said, "good, okay now eyes forward, straight at me." The flashlight came on and I squinted a bit and then he said, "okay now just follow my finger just with your eyes." He then slowly moved his index finger to the right and I followed it.

He moved it to the left and I followed it. Wherever his finger went my eyes followed it, then he did a crazy flick with them that was too fast for my eyes to follow. At that point he chuckled softly and said.

"I'm only messing with you darling."

"Uhh Mr. Mercury..."

"Oh darling please that makes me sound old, call me Freddie." He interrupted me.

"Sorry. Freddie, how did you know my name?"

"Your friend Laura told us before I brought you in here."

"How do you know to do the 'follow the finger movement?' if you say you're not a doctor?"

"I used to be a boxer when I was a lad. Even though I was top fighter I first started out getting a few blows to the head. Guess that medical procedure of figuring out whether one had a concussion still stuck with me even now. And lucky for you you're gonna be fine. Just a little bump on the head, but we'll have the doctor take a look at the rest of you." He explained as he turned the flashlight off and set it back inside the dresser. As I adjusted myself on the couch trying to sit up, I felt the pain intense around my ribs again and I said to myself.

"Maybe I shouldn't have come here."

"What do you mean by that love?" I looked up at him before shamefully looking down and I said.

"Maybe they were right. I shouldn't have come here, never should have even gotten an interest in music that didn't belong to my kind. Then maybe none of this would've happened. I've caused nothing but trouble tonight, now Laura will never want to be my friend again."

"You don't know that." He said. I felt the couch dip beside me and an arm wrap around my shoulder and he said to me, "Now you listen to me (y/n), okay? Queen does not belong to one particular race. We do not play for just the whites, look at me do I look like a white man to you?" I looked at him and noticed that his skin wasn't white at all but tanned. Almost as if he had been kissed by the sun.

"No." I answered softly.

"Damn right I'm not, hell I'm handsomer than any white man out there." That statement made a soft laugh pass through my lips which in turn made Freddie smile. "Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot listen to. If you want to listen to Queen, then fuck it all you raise up volume on your stereo till your house shakes and listen to our music. Because behind all the fame and fortune, we're just four misfits who don't belong together playing for other misfits. The outcasts right in the back of the room who feel like they don't belong. For we belong to them. To you. And no one can tell us otherwise."

"You really stand for that?" I asked him.

"Of course, this world's always wanting to stay by standards and rules. And rules are meant to be broken, right?" I smiled and nodded at him. "So you keep being a fan of Queen darling, and never let anyone tell you to stop. You promise?"

"I promise." He held out his hand and I immediately took it and we shook on it to seal the deal permanently.

It was then at that moment Laura and her father came in with the rest of the band members of Queen plus a medic.

"Oh (y/n)! When Laura told me about what happened I raced over here as fast as I could. You tell me what those boys looked like and I promise to make sure the police show no mercy on them."

"It's all taken care of Mr. Burns, in fact as an apology for such a traumatic experience that should never happen at a Queen concert, I've decided to fly both of your families to our next concert in Los Angeles plus be given backstage passes to talk about the concert afterwards." Freddie proclaimed.

"Ohh no we cannot accept that....." Mr. Burns started up but Freddie interrupted him and said.

"I won't take no for an answer darling. I want these girls to get the proper Queen experience both before and after the show."

"You might as well take it Mr. Burns, once he sets his mind to something he never lets it go." Said Brian. Laura pulled on her dad's arm begging him to agree to it. After her begging and pleading, Mr. Burns agreed to the tickets and boy did Laura act as happy as a jack rabbit in May. We were then given the tickets and Laura came over to me hugging me tightly which made me wince cause even now with bandages wrapped around my bruised ribs, I was still in pain.

Laura then began to rant on about how excited she was and just as boys of Queen left to continue on the road, I looked up to see Freddie turn back toward me and send me a wink before following behind the rest of the band. While I tuned out Laura's excitement, Freddie's words continued to ring in my head and I knew from then on I wasn't going to allow anyone to tell me what I can and can't do.

If I wanted to be a Queen fan, well like Freddie said, then I be a Queen fan, and no one can tell me otherwise.

[cvrnewsdirectindia]

Ginger Baker dead: Cream drummer dies, aged 80

Ginger Baker, the legendary drummer and co-founder of rock band Cream, has died at the age of 80.

Last month, the musician’s family announced he was critically ill in hospital, but no further details of his illness were disclosed.

On Sunday morning, a tweet on his official Twitter account stated: “We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning. Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks.”

We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.

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Baker had suffered from a number of health issues in recent years. He underwent open heart surgery in 2016 and was forced to cancel a tour with his band Air Force after being diagnosed with “serious heart problems”.

The drummer, who is widely considered to be one of the most innovative and influential drummers in rock music, co-founded Cream in 1966 with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. The band released three albums before splitting in 1968, after which he formed the short-lived band Blind Faith with Clapton, Steve Winwood and Ric Grech. A fourth Cream album was released after the band disbanded.

leftCreated with Sketch. rightCreated with Sketch.

1/61 Dean Ford

Ford, whose real name was Thomas McAleese, was the frontman of guitar-pop group Marmalade. The band the first Scottish group to top the UK singles chart, with their cover of the Beatles’ Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da in December 1968. Ford died in Los Angeles on 31 December 2018, at the age of 72 from complications relating to Parkinson’s disease.

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2/61 Pegi Young

A singer, songwriter, environmentalist, educator and philanthropist, she was also married to Neil Young for 36 years. She died of cancer on 1 January, aged 66, in Mountain View, California.

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3/61 Daryl Dragon

The singer and pianist achieved fame as half of the musical duo Captain & Tennille, best known for their 1975 hit “Love Will Keep Us Together”. Dragon died on 2 January, from kidney failure in Prescott, Arizona, aged 76.

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4/61 Darius Perkins

The actor was best known for playing the original Scott Robinson on Neighbours when the show launched in 1985 on Australia’s Channel Seven. Perkins died from cancer on 2 January, aged 54

Ten

5/61 Bob Einstein

The Emmy-winning writer appeared in US comedy shows Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development, becoming known for his deadpan delivery. He died on 2 January, shortly after being diagnosed with leukemia, aged 76.

HBO/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

6/61 Carol Channing

The raspy-voiced, saucer-eyed, wide-smiling actor played lead roles in the original Broadway musical productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hello, Dolly!, while delivering an Oscar-nominated performance in the 1967 film version of the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. Channing died on 15 January of natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California at the age of 97.

Getty

7/61 Mary Oliver

Oliver, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, wrote rapturous odes to nature and animal life that brought her critical acclaim and popular affection, writing more than 15 poetry and essay collections. She died on 17 January, aged 83, in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Getty

8/61 Windsor Davies

The actor was best known for his role as Battery Sergeant-Major Williams in the TV series It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum, which ran from 1974 to 1981. He died on 17 January, aged 88, four months after the death of his wife, Eluned.

Getty

9/61 Jonas Mekas

The Lithuanian-born filmmaker, who escaped a Nazi labour camp and became a refugee, rose to acclaim in New York and went on to work with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol. He died on 23 January, aged 96, in New York City.

Chuck Close

10/61 Diana Athill

The writer, novelist and editor worked with authors including Margaret Atwood, Philip Roth, Jean Rhys and VS Naipaul. She died at a hospice in London on 23 January, aged 101, following a short illness.

Getty

11/61 Michel Legrand

During a career spanning more than 50 years, the French musician wrote the scores for over 200 films and TV series, as well as original songs. In 1968, he won his first Oscar for the song “The Windmills of Your Mind” from The Thomas Crown Affair film. He died in Paris on 26 January at the age of 86.

Getty

12/61 James Ingram

The singer and songwriter, who was nominated for 14 Grammys in his lifetime, was well known for his hits including “Baby, Come to Me,” his duet sung with Patti Austin and “Yah Mo B There,” a duet sung with Michael McDonald, which won him a Grammy. Ingram died on 29 January, aged 66, from brain cancer, at his home in Los Angeles.

Getty

13/61 Dick Miller

The actor enjoyed a career spanning more than 60 years, featuring hundreds of screen appearances, including Gremlins (1984) and The Terminator (1984). The actor died 30 January, aged 90, in Toluca Lake, California.

Warner Bros

14/61 Jeremy Hardy

The comedian gained recognition on the comedy circuit in the 1980s and was a regular on BBC Radio 4 panel shows, including The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. He died of cancer on 1 February, aged 57.

Rex

15/61 Clive Swift

Known to many as the long-suffering Richard Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, the actor’s first professional acting job was at Nottingham Playhouse, in the UK premiere of JB Priestley’s take the Fool Away, in 1959. He died on Friday, 1 February after a short illness, aged 82.

Rex

16/61 Julie Adams

The actor starred in the 1954 horror classic Creature From the Black Lagoon, playing Kay Lawrence, the girlfriend of hero ichthyologist Dr. David Reed (Richard Carlson) and the target of the Creature’s obsessions. She died 3 February in Los Angeles, aged 92.

Rex

17/61 Albert Finney

The actor was one of Britain’s premiere Shakespearean actors and was nominated for five Oscars across almost four decades – for Tom Jones (1963), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Dresser (1983), Under the Volcano (1984) and Erin Brockovich (2000). He died aged 82, following a short illness.

Getty

18/61 Peter Tork

Born in 1942 in Washington DC, Tork became part of The Monkees with Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones in the mid-sixties, when the group was formed as America’s Beatles counterpart. All four were selected from more than 400 applicants to play in the associated TV series The Monkees, which aired between 1966 and 1968.

GETTY IMAGES

19/61 Mark Hollis

As the frontman of the band Talk Talk, Hollis was largely responsible for the band’s shift towards a more experimental approach in the mid-1980s, pioneering what became known as post-rock, with hit singles including “Life’s What You Make It” (1985) and “Living in Another World” (1986).

20/61 Andy Anderson

Musician Andy Anderson, former drummer for The Cure and Iggy Pop, died aged 68 from terminal cancer, after a long and successful career as a session musician

Alex Pym/Facebook

21/61 Lisa Sheridan

Having attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, Sheridan went on to star in a string of film and TV credits of the next two decades, including Invasion and Halt and Catch Fire. She died aged 44, at her home in New Orleans.

Getty Images

22/61 Janice Freeman

Freeman appeared on season 13 of the TV singing competition The Voice, making a strong impression early on with her cover of ‘Radioactive’ by Imagine Dragons, performed during the blind auditions. She had an extreme case of pneumonia and had a blood clot that travelled to her heart. She died in hospital on 2 March.

Getty Images for COTA

23/61 Keith Flint

Flint quickly became one of the figureheads of British electronic music during the Nineties as a singer in the band The Prodigy. He died, aged 49, on 4 March.

EPA

24/61 Luke Perry

Perry rose to fame as teen heartthrob Dylan McKay in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, and most recently played Fred Andrews in The CW’s ‘Riverdale’. He died on 4 March after suffering a ‘massive stroke’, his representative said in a statement.

AFP/Getty Images

25/61 Jed Allan

Allan was best known for his role as Rush Sanders, the father of Ian Ziering’s Steve Sanders, on Beverly Hills, 90210; Don Craig on Days of Our Lives; and CC Capwell on Santa Barbara. He died on Saturday, 9 March, aged 84.

Rex Features

26/61 Hal Blaine

As part of the Wrecking Crew, an elite group of session players, Blaine played drums on some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and 1970s, including The Beach Boys’s “Good Vibrations”, the Ronettes’s ”Be My Baby”, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs Robinson”. He died on 11 March, aged 90.

Getty

27/61 Pat Laffan

The Irish-born actor had roles in almost 40 films and 30 television shows, including in BBC’s Eastenders, Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, and RTE’s The Clinic. He died on Friday, 15 March, aged 79

PA

28/61 Mike Thalassitis

Mike Thalassitis was a semi-professional footballer before finding fame on the third season of Love Island. He died aged 26.

Rex Features

29/61 Dick Dale

Dale is credited with pioneering the surf music style, by drawing on his Middle-Eastern heritage and experimenting with reverberation. He is best known for his hit “Misirlou”, used in the 1994 film Pulp Fiction. He died on Saturday, 16 March, aged 81.

Getty

30/61 Bernie Tormé

Guitarist Bernie Tormé rose to fame in the seventies before joining Ozzy Osbourne on tour in 1982, following the death of guitarist Randy Rhoads in a plane crash that same year. The Dublin-born musician died on 17 March, 2019 at the age of 66.

YouTube

31/61 Andre Williams

R&B singer and songwriter Andre Williams co-wrote “Shake a Tail Feather” among many other hits, signing first with Fortune Records then with Motown. The Alabama native, who relocated to Detroit as a young man, died on 17 March, aged 82.

YouTube

32/61 Scott Walker

The American British singer-songwriter and producer who rose to fame with The Walker Brothers during the Sixties and was once referred to as “pop’s own Salinger”, died on 22 March, aged 76. He was one of the most prolific artists of his generation, despite shunning the spotlight following his brief years as a teen idol, and released a string of critically acclaimed albums as well as writing a number of film scores, and producing albums for other artists including Pulp.

Rex

33/61 Agnès Varda

French New Wave filmmaker Agnès Varda died on 29 March, aged 90. She was best known for the films “Cléo from 5 to 7” and “Vagabond” and was widely regarded to be one of the most influential experimental and feminist filmmakers of all time.

AFP/Getty

34/61 Tania Mallet

Model and Bond girl Tania Mallet died on 30 March, aged 77. She earned her only credited acting role opposite Sean Connery in 1964 film Goldfinger, playing Tilly Masterson.

United Artists

35/61 Boon Gould (right)

One of the founding members of Level 42, Boon Gould, died on 1 March, aged 64. He was a guitarist and saxophone player.

Rex Features

36/61 Freddie Starr

Comedian Starr was the star of several eponymous TV shows during the 1990s such as Freddie Starr, The Freddie Starr Show and An Audience with Freddie Starr. Starr was the subject of one of the most famous tabloid headlines in the history of the British press, splashed on the front page of The Sun in 1986: “Freddie Starr ate my hamster.” Starr was found dead in his home in Costa Del Sol on 9 May 2019.

Rex

37/61 Peggy Lipton

Twin Peaks star Peggy Lipton died of cancer, aged 72 on 11 May.

38/61 Doris Day

Doris Day became Hollywood’s biggest female star by the early 1960s starring in Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk and Caprice to name a few. Day died on 15 May after a serious bout of pneumonia.

Rex

39/61 Andrew Hall

Andrew Hall died on 20 May, 2019 after a short illness, according to his management group. The actor was best known for playing Russell Parkinson in the BBC show Butterflies and Marc Selby in Coronation Street. He had also recently appeared as The Gentleman in Syfy’s Blood Drive.

Photo by ITV/REX

40/61 Carmine Cardini

Carmine Cardini, who was most famous for playing two different roles in the Godfather franchise, died on 28 May, 2019 at Cedars Sinai Hospital, aged 85. He played Carmine Rosato in The Godfather Part II (1974) before returning to the franchise in 1990 as Albert Volpe in The Godfather Part III.

Paramount Pictures

41/61 Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone died on 30 May, 2019, aged 69. The singer-songwriter, who was noticed by Bob Dylan in the Seventies and was an early guest on Saturday Night Live, released more than 15 albums over the course of four decades.

Photo by Chris Capstick/REX

42/61 Cameron Boyce

Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce died in his sleep on 6 July, aged 20. His family later confirmed the actor, who appeared in Jessie and descendants, had epilepsy.

Getty

43/61 Rip Torn

Rip Torn, the film, TV and theatre actor, died on 9 July, 2019, aged 88. His career spanned seven decades.

AFP/GETTY

44/61 Michael Sleggs

Michael Sleggs, who appeared as Slugs in hit BBC Three sitcom This Country, died from heart failure on 9 July, 2019, aged 33.

BBC

45/61 Rutger Hauer

Dutch actor Rutger Hauer famously played replicant Roy Batty in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. As Batty, he delivered the iconic “tears in the rain” monologue. Hauer died on 19 July, 2019 aged 75.

TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images

46/61 Paula Williamson

Actor Paula Williamson, who starred in Coronation Street and married criminal Charles Bronson, was found dead on 29 July, 2019.

Getty

47/61 David Berman

David Berman, frontman of Silver Jews and Purple Mountains, died by suicide on 7 August, 2019, aged 52.

MediaPunch/REX

48/61 Peter Fonda

Peter Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer on 16 August, 2019. aged 79, his family said. He was the co-writer and star of counterculture classic Easy Rider (1969).

AP

49/61 Ben Unwin

Home and Away star Ben Unwin was found dead aged 41 on 14 August, according to New South Wales Police. He starred as ‘bad boy’ Jesse McGregor on the popular Australian soap between 1996-2000, and then 2002-2005 before switching to a career in law

Getty

50/61 Franco Columbu

Italian bodybuilder, who appeared in The Terminator, The Running Man and Conan the Barbarian, died on 30 August, 2019, aged 78. The former Mr Olympia enjoyed a successful career as a boxer and was best friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Getty Images

51/61 Kylie Rae Harris

The country singer died in a car crash on 4 September, 2019, at the age of 30. Harris, of Wylie, Texas, she was scheduled to perform at a music festival in New Mexico the next day.

YouTube / Kylie Rae Harris

52/61 LaShawn Daniels

Songwriter and producer LaShawn Daniels died 4 September aged 41. He was best known for his collaborations with producer Darkchild, and had songwriting credits on a number of pop and R&B classics by artists including Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, Janet and Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Brandy and Whitney Houston.

Rex

53/61 Carol Lynley

The actor, best known for her role as Nonnie the cruise liner singer in The Poseidon Adventure, died on 3 September at the age of 77.

Dove/Daily Express/Getty Images

54/61 Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy Johnson, revered session guitarist and co-founder of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, died 5 September 2019, aged 76.

AP

55/61 John Wesley

John Wesley, the actor who played Dr Hoover on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died in September 2019 aged 72 of complications stemming from multiple myeloma, according to his family. His other acting credits included Baywatch as well as the the 1992 buddy cop comedy film ‘Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot’.

YouTube / Warner Bros Domestic Television Distribution

56/61 Daniel Johnston

Influential lo-fi musician Daniel Johnston died in September 2019 following a heart attack, according to The Austin Chronicle. His body of work includes the celebrated 1983 album ‘Hi, How Are You’.

ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images

57/61 Ric Ocasek

Ric Ocasek, frontman of new wave rock band The Cars, died 15 September at the age of 75.

Ocasek was pronounced dead after police were alerted to an unresponsive male at a Manhattan townhouse. A cause of death has yet to be confirmed, though The Daily Beast reports that an NYPD official said Ocasek appeared to have died from “natural causes”.

Ocasek found fame as the lead singer of The Cars, who were integral in the birth of the new wave movement and had hits including “Drive”, “Good Times Roll” and “My Best Friend’s Girl”.

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix

58/61 Suzanne Whang

The former host turned narrator of HGTV’s House Hunters died on 17 September. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and initially recovered, until the disease returned in October 2018.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

59/61 Robert Hunter

The lyricist, who’s behind some of the Grateful Dead’s finest songs, died on 23 September at the age of 78. His best known Grateful Dead songs include ‘Cumberland Blues,’ ‘It Must Have Been the Roses,’ and ‘Terrapin Station’.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

60/61 Linda Porter

Linda Porter, best known for her role as elderly supermarket employee Myrtle on the US sitcom Superstore, died 25 September after a long battle with cancer. She also appeared in series including Twin Peaks, The Mindy Project, ER and The X-Files

Tyler Golden/NBC

61/61 Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker, the legendary drummer and co-founder of rock band Cream, died at the age of 80 on Sunday 6 October after being critically ill in hospital. The musician co-founded Cream in 1966 with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.

Alamy

1/61 Dean Ford

Ford, whose real name was Thomas McAleese, was the frontman of guitar-pop group Marmalade. The band the first Scottish group to top the UK singles chart, with their cover of the Beatles’ Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da in December 1968. Ford died in Los Angeles on 31 December 2018, at the age of 72 from complications relating to Parkinson’s disease.

Getty

2/61 Pegi Young

A singer, songwriter, environmentalist, educator and philanthropist, she was also married to Neil Young for 36 years. She died of cancer on 1 January, aged 66, in Mountain View, California.

Getty

3/61 Daryl Dragon

The singer and pianist achieved fame as half of the musical duo Captain & Tennille, best known for their 1975 hit “Love Will Keep Us Together”. Dragon died on 2 January, from kidney failure in Prescott, Arizona, aged 76.

Getty Images

4/61 Darius Perkins

The actor was best known for playing the original Scott Robinson on Neighbours when the show launched in 1985 on Australia’s Channel Seven. Perkins died from cancer on 2 January, aged 54

Ten

5/61 Bob Einstein

The Emmy-winning writer appeared in US comedy shows Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development, becoming known for his deadpan delivery. He died on 2 January, shortly after being diagnosed with leukemia, aged 76.

HBO/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

6/61 Carol Channing

The raspy-voiced, saucer-eyed, wide-smiling actor played lead roles in the original Broadway musical productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hello, Dolly!, while delivering an Oscar-nominated performance in the 1967 film version of the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. Channing died on 15 January of natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California at the age of 97.

Getty

7/61 Mary Oliver

Oliver, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, wrote rapturous odes to nature and animal life that brought her critical acclaim and popular affection, writing more than 15 poetry and essay collections. She died on 17 January, aged 83, in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Getty

8/61 Windsor Davies

The actor was best known for his role as Battery Sergeant-Major Williams in the TV series It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum, which ran from 1974 to 1981. He died on 17 January, aged 88, four months after the death of his wife, Eluned.

Getty

9/61 Jonas Mekas

The Lithuanian-born filmmaker, who escaped a Nazi labour camp and became a refugee, rose to acclaim in New York and went on to work with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol. He died on 23 January, aged 96, in New York City.

Chuck Close

10/61 Diana Athill

The writer, novelist and editor worked with authors including Margaret Atwood, Philip Roth, Jean Rhys and VS Naipaul. She died at a hospice in London on 23 January, aged 101, following a short illness.

Getty

11/61 Michel Legrand

During a career spanning more than 50 years, the French musician wrote the scores for over 200 films and TV series, as well as original songs. In 1968, he won his first Oscar for the song “The Windmills of Your Mind” from The Thomas Crown Affair film. He died in Paris on 26 January at the age of 86.

Getty

12/61 James Ingram

The singer and songwriter, who was nominated for 14 Grammys in his lifetime, was well known for his hits including “Baby, Come to Me,” his duet sung with Patti Austin and “Yah Mo B There,” a duet sung with Michael McDonald, which won him a Grammy. Ingram died on 29 January, aged 66, from brain cancer, at his home in Los Angeles.

Getty

13/61 Dick Miller

The actor enjoyed a career spanning more than 60 years, featuring hundreds of screen appearances, including Gremlins (1984) and The Terminator (1984). The actor died 30 January, aged 90, in Toluca Lake, California.

Warner Bros

14/61 Jeremy Hardy

The comedian gained recognition on the comedy circuit in the 1980s and was a regular on BBC Radio 4 panel shows, including The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. He died of cancer on 1 February, aged 57.

Rex

15/61 Clive Swift

Known to many as the long-suffering Richard Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, the actor’s first professional acting job was at Nottingham Playhouse, in the UK premiere of JB Priestley’s take the Fool Away, in 1959. He died on Friday, 1 February after a short illness, aged 82.

Rex

16/61 Julie Adams

The actor starred in the 1954 horror classic Creature From the Black Lagoon, playing Kay Lawrence, the girlfriend of hero ichthyologist Dr. David Reed (Richard Carlson) and the target of the Creature’s obsessions. She died 3 February in Los Angeles, aged 92.

Rex

17/61 Albert Finney

The actor was one of Britain’s premiere Shakespearean actors and was nominated for five Oscars across almost four decades – for Tom Jones (1963), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Dresser (1983), Under the Volcano (1984) and Erin Brockovich (2000). He died aged 82, following a short illness.

Getty

18/61 Peter Tork

Born in 1942 in Washington DC, Tork became part of The Monkees with Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones in the mid-sixties, when the group was formed as America’s Beatles counterpart. All four were selected from more than 400 applicants to play in the associated TV series The Monkees, which aired between 1966 and 1968.

GETTY IMAGES

19/61 Mark Hollis

As the frontman of the band Talk Talk, Hollis was largely responsible for the band’s shift towards a more experimental approach in the mid-1980s, pioneering what became known as post-rock, with hit singles including “Life’s What You Make It” (1985) and “Living in Another World” (1986).

20/61 Andy Anderson

Musician Andy Anderson, former drummer for The Cure and Iggy Pop, died aged 68 from terminal cancer, after a long and successful career as a session musician

Alex Pym/Facebook

21/61 Lisa Sheridan

Having attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, Sheridan went on to star in a string of film and TV credits of the next two decades, including Invasion and Halt and Catch Fire. She died aged 44, at her home in New Orleans.

Getty Images

22/61 Janice Freeman

Freeman appeared on season 13 of the TV singing competition The Voice, making a strong impression early on with her cover of ‘Radioactive’ by Imagine Dragons, performed during the blind auditions. She had an extreme case of pneumonia and had a blood clot that travelled to her heart. She died in hospital on 2 March.

Getty Images for COTA

23/61 Keith Flint

Flint quickly became one of the figureheads of British electronic music during the Nineties as a singer in the band The Prodigy. He died, aged 49, on 4 March.

EPA

24/61 Luke Perry

Perry rose to fame as teen heartthrob Dylan McKay in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, and most recently played Fred Andrews in The CW’s ‘Riverdale’. He died on 4 March after suffering a ‘massive stroke’, his representative said in a statement.

AFP/Getty Images

25/61 Jed Allan

Allan was best known for his role as Rush Sanders, the father of Ian Ziering’s Steve Sanders, on Beverly Hills, 90210; Don Craig on Days of Our Lives; and CC Capwell on Santa Barbara. He died on Saturday, 9 March, aged 84.

Rex Features

26/61 Hal Blaine

As part of the Wrecking Crew, an elite group of session players, Blaine played drums on some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and 1970s, including The Beach Boys’s “Good Vibrations”, the Ronettes’s ”Be My Baby”, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs Robinson”. He died on 11 March, aged 90.

Getty

27/61 Pat Laffan

The Irish-born actor had roles in almost 40 films and 30 television shows, including in BBC’s Eastenders, Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, and RTE’s The Clinic. He died on Friday, 15 March, aged 79

PA

28/61 Mike Thalassitis

Mike Thalassitis was a semi-professional footballer before finding fame on the third season of Love Island. He died aged 26.

Rex Features

29/61 Dick Dale

Dale is credited with pioneering the surf music style, by drawing on his Middle-Eastern heritage and experimenting with reverberation. He is best known for his hit “Misirlou”, used in the 1994 film Pulp Fiction. He died on Saturday, 16 March, aged 81.

Getty

30/61 Bernie Tormé

Guitarist Bernie Tormé rose to fame in the seventies before joining Ozzy Osbourne on tour in 1982, following the death of guitarist Randy Rhoads in a plane crash that same year. The Dublin-born musician died on 17 March, 2019 at the age of 66.

YouTube

31/61 Andre Williams

R&B singer and songwriter Andre Williams co-wrote “Shake a Tail Feather” among many other hits, signing first with Fortune Records then with Motown. The Alabama native, who relocated to Detroit as a young man, died on 17 March, aged 82.

YouTube

32/61 Scott Walker

The American British singer-songwriter and producer who rose to fame with The Walker Brothers during the Sixties and was once referred to as “pop’s own Salinger”, died on 22 March, aged 76. He was one of the most prolific artists of his generation, despite shunning the spotlight following his brief years as a teen idol, and released a string of critically acclaimed albums as well as writing a number of film scores, and producing albums for other artists including Pulp.

Rex

33/61 Agnès Varda

French New Wave filmmaker Agnès Varda died on 29 March, aged 90. She was best known for the films “Cléo from 5 to 7” and “Vagabond” and was widely regarded to be one of the most influential experimental and feminist filmmakers of all time.

AFP/Getty

34/61 Tania Mallet

Model and Bond girl Tania Mallet died on 30 March, aged 77. She earned her only credited acting role opposite Sean Connery in 1964 film Goldfinger, playing Tilly Masterson.

United Artists

35/61 Boon Gould (right)

One of the founding members of Level 42, Boon Gould, died on 1 March, aged 64. He was a guitarist and saxophone player.

Rex Features

36/61 Freddie Starr

Comedian Starr was the star of several eponymous TV shows during the 1990s such as Freddie Starr, The Freddie Starr Show and An Audience with Freddie Starr. Starr was the subject of one of the most famous tabloid headlines in the history of the British press, splashed on the front page of The Sun in 1986: “Freddie Starr ate my hamster.” Starr was found dead in his home in Costa Del Sol on 9 May 2019.

Rex

37/61 Peggy Lipton

Twin Peaks star Peggy Lipton died of cancer, aged 72 on 11 May.

38/61 Doris Day

Doris Day became Hollywood’s biggest female star by the early 1960s starring in Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk and Caprice to name a few. Day died on 15 May after a serious bout of pneumonia.

Rex

39/61 Andrew Hall

Andrew Hall died on 20 May, 2019 after a short illness, according to his management group. The actor was best known for playing Russell Parkinson in the BBC show Butterflies and Marc Selby in Coronation Street. He had also recently appeared as The Gentleman in Syfy’s Blood Drive.

Photo by ITV/REX

40/61 Carmine Cardini

Carmine Cardini, who was most famous for playing two different roles in the Godfather franchise, died on 28 May, 2019 at Cedars Sinai Hospital, aged 85. He played Carmine Rosato in The Godfather Part II (1974) before returning to the franchise in 1990 as Albert Volpe in The Godfather Part III.

Paramount Pictures

41/61 Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone died on 30 May, 2019, aged 69. The singer-songwriter, who was noticed by Bob Dylan in the Seventies and was an early guest on Saturday Night Live, released more than 15 albums over the course of four decades.

Photo by Chris Capstick/REX

42/61 Cameron Boyce

Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce died in his sleep on 6 July, aged 20. His family later confirmed the actor, who appeared in Jessie and descendants, had epilepsy.

Getty

43/61 Rip Torn

Rip Torn, the film, TV and theatre actor, died on 9 July, 2019, aged 88. His career spanned seven decades.

AFP/GETTY

44/61 Michael Sleggs

Michael Sleggs, who appeared as Slugs in hit BBC Three sitcom This Country, died from heart failure on 9 July, 2019, aged 33.

BBC

45/61 Rutger Hauer

Dutch actor Rutger Hauer famously played replicant Roy Batty in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. As Batty, he delivered the iconic “tears in the rain” monologue. Hauer died on 19 July, 2019 aged 75.

TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images

46/61 Paula Williamson

Actor Paula Williamson, who starred in Coronation Street and married criminal Charles Bronson, was found dead on 29 July, 2019.

Getty

47/61 David Berman

David Berman, frontman of Silver Jews and Purple Mountains, died by suicide on 7 August, 2019, aged 52.

MediaPunch/REX

48/61 Peter Fonda

Peter Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer on 16 August, 2019. aged 79, his family said. He was the co-writer and star of counterculture classic Easy Rider (1969).

AP

49/61 Ben Unwin

Home and Away star Ben Unwin was found dead aged 41 on 14 August, according to New South Wales Police. He starred as ‘bad boy’ Jesse McGregor on the popular Australian soap between 1996-2000, and then 2002-2005 before switching to a career in law

Getty

50/61 Franco Columbu

Italian bodybuilder, who appeared in The Terminator, The Running Man and Conan the Barbarian, died on 30 August, 2019, aged 78. The former Mr Olympia enjoyed a successful career as a boxer and was best friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Getty Images

51/61 Kylie Rae Harris

The country singer died in a car crash on 4 September, 2019, at the age of 30. Harris, of Wylie, Texas, she was scheduled to perform at a music festival in New Mexico the next day.

YouTube / Kylie Rae Harris

52/61 LaShawn Daniels

Songwriter and producer LaShawn Daniels died 4 September aged 41. He was best known for his collaborations with producer Darkchild, and had songwriting credits on a number of pop and R&B classics by artists including Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, Janet and Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Brandy and Whitney Houston.

Rex

53/61 Carol Lynley

The actor, best known for her role as Nonnie the cruise liner singer in The Poseidon Adventure, died on 3 September at the age of 77.

Dove/Daily Express/Getty Images

54/61 Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy Johnson, revered session guitarist and co-founder of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, died 5 September 2019, aged 76.

AP

55/61 John Wesley

John Wesley, the actor who played Dr Hoover on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died in September 2019 aged 72 of complications stemming from multiple myeloma, according to his family. His other acting credits included Baywatch as well as the the 1992 buddy cop comedy film ‘Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot’.

YouTube / Warner Bros Domestic Television Distribution

56/61 Daniel Johnston

Influential lo-fi musician Daniel Johnston died in September 2019 following a heart attack, according to The Austin Chronicle. His body of work includes the celebrated 1983 album ‘Hi, How Are You’.

ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images

57/61 Ric Ocasek

Ric Ocasek, frontman of new wave rock band The Cars, died 15 September at the age of 75.

Ocasek was pronounced dead after police were alerted to an unresponsive male at a Manhattan townhouse. A cause of death has yet to be confirmed, though The Daily Beast reports that an NYPD official said Ocasek appeared to have died from “natural causes”.

Ocasek found fame as the lead singer of The Cars, who were integral in the birth of the new wave movement and had hits including “Drive”, “Good Times Roll” and “My Best Friend’s Girl”.

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix

58/61 Suzanne Whang

The former host turned narrator of HGTV’s House Hunters died on 17 September. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and initially recovered, until the disease returned in October 2018.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

59/61 Robert Hunter

The lyricist, who’s behind some of the Grateful Dead’s finest songs, died on 23 September at the age of 78. His best known Grateful Dead songs include ‘Cumberland Blues,’ ‘It Must Have Been the Roses,’ and ‘Terrapin Station’.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame

60/61 Linda Porter

Linda Porter, best known for her role as elderly supermarket employee Myrtle on the US sitcom Superstore, died 25 September after a long battle with cancer. She also appeared in series including Twin Peaks, The Mindy Project, ER and The X-Files

Tyler Golden/NBC

61/61 Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker, the legendary drummer and co-founder of rock band Cream, died at the age of 80 on Sunday 6 October after being critically ill in hospital. The musician co-founded Cream in 1966 with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.

Alamy

Baker was named number three on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time list, and is the subject of the documentary Beware of Mr. Baker.

“Gifted with immense talent, and cursed with a temper to match, Ginger Baker combined jazz training with a powerful polyrhythmic style in the world’s first, and best, power trio,” said the Rolling Stone article. “The London-born drummer introduced showmanship to the rock world with double-kick virtuosity and extended solos.”

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Lewisham-born Baker was known for being a mercurial and argumentative figure, whose temper frequently led to on-stage punch-ups.

His father, a bricklayer, was killed in the Second World War in 1943, and Baker was brought up in near poverty by his mother. He joined a local gang in his teens and when he tried to quit, gang members attacked him with a razor.

Baker suffered from heroin addiction, which he acquired as a jazz drummer in the London clubs of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He once told The Guardian he came off heroin “something like 29 times”.

Tributes for the drummer have been pouring in on Twitter.

Paul McCartney called Baker a “wild and lovely guy”, writing: “We worked together on the ‘Band on the Run‘ album in his ARC Studio, Lagos, Nigeria. Sad to hear that he died but the memories never will.”

Baby Driver director Edgar Wright wrote: “RIP the music giant that was Ginger Baker. The beat behind too many favourite songs from Cream, The Graham Bond Organisation and Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated.”

Rock journalist Mark Paytress��tweeted: “Like Hendrix, Ginger Baker was a name synonymous w/ early days rock. Once you heard him play, saw pics & footage, he seemed to embody the music’s power, the culture’s adventure. Spending a day w/ him in 2014 magnified it all. Lost a big one this morning.”

Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg simply wrote: “Thank you Ginger Baker.”

from CVR News Direct https://cvrnewsdirect.com/ginger-baker-dead-cream-drummer-dies-aged-80/

[chapmanradio]

Summer Salt Surfs A Sold-Out Crowd at the Fonda

By Claire Epting

Summer Salt fans all seem to know each other. Large groups formed in the pit long before the show started, fizzing with end-of-summer vitality. Waiting for my own people to arrive during the opening set, New Orleans-based indie rock outfit Motel Radio encouraged the crowd to “spread the love” for their popular song “Midnight”. A teenage girl approached me and asked if she could give me a hug. This was the general mood for the entire evening-- everyone was happy to be collected under one roof for a night of resplendent tunes.

In support of their new EP HONEYWEED, the sonic equivalent to a summery romp through a wildflower-clad field, Austin-based coral reef rock band Summer Salt played to a sold-out house at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, CA on August 15th, 2019. The show was part of the last stretch of their West Coast tour, with support from Motel Radio and Dante Elephante. 

Colorful paper fish and streamers adorned the stage, as if for one night the Fonda was turned into Under The Sea Prom. It actually seemed fitting, since a majority of the audience appeared to be approximately prom-age. In fact, a girl close by fretted that she had to be home by 11pm to make her curfew. The demographic wasn’t strictly limited to minors-- quite a few adults hung toward the back, simply appreciating the music. All three bands infuse elements from previous decades: Motel Radio with their Neil Young-esque folk influence, Dante Elephante’s Hall & Oates-tinged soul, and Summer Salt with their Beach Boys-adjacent harmonies and surf rock riffs. There’s really something for everyone. 

Compared to acts who have been on the touring circuit for nearly a decade, Summer Salt is still fairly new to the game. And yet, they’ve managed to solidify themselves as a unique voice in the indie rock scene while gaining a set of devotees who never miss a beat. With a collection of EPs and a full length to boot, they had more than enough material to fill a short-but-sweet set, met with voices from an audience who repeated every word. A girl perched on her boyfriend’s soldiers cheered at the top of her lungs, her hands shaped into a heart. The level of enthusiasm was not unlike something you’d see at a One Direction concert. But Summer Salt is a different breed of “boy band”-- one that evokes the retro-romanticism of cherry-lime snowcones, slow dances, and day trips to the beach. 

New songs “Honeyweed” and “Little Chimmy” fit right into place amongst established favorites like “Revvin’ my CJ-7” and “Candy Wrappers”. The encore began with a stripped down version of “So Polite” by frontman Matthew Terry. For the last song of their encore, the opening bands and their friends came out on stage to join in. Members took turns playing solos and crowd surfing, filling the room with a spontaneous, joyous energy. It lingered in the air as the crowd filtered into the warm summer night. 

Stay updated on future Summer Salt tours here and catch them next time they come to SoCal.

Photos by Claire Epting

[handstandrecords]

Amped to announce the next Handstand release: a new full length LP from @casualburnband out this summer! 🔥 Pummeling, abrasive, & melodic punk rock from New Orleans that call to mind bands like Siouxsie & the Banshees, Alice & the Bags, or a stoner, Sabbath-obsessed, late ‘80s Black Flag. Out this summer!!! . . . #casualburn #casualburnband #punk #punkrock #gothrock #nowave #surf #neworleans #meanthing #blackflag #siouxsie #aliceandthebags #outsoon (at New Orleans, Louisiana) https://www.instagram.com/handstandrecords/p/Bxcp2IZJySg/?igshid=qytu0po9o7s8

[abductionradiation]

Los Angeles, CA -- Surf Curse will be releasing their new album Heaven Surrounds You on September 13 via Danger Collective Records. The first single from the album is “Disco,” a track that’s just over 2.5 minutes long but will have you hooked from the beginning. This isn’t the most hyphy song out there but there is a driving energy to it that is insanely infectious. From the guitar riffs to the lyrics, “Disco” is just one of those songs you can continuously put on repeat and it’ll still make you want to dance all your frustrations out. 

Tour Dates:

9/14/19 San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s 9/15/19 Reno, NV @ Holland Project 9/17/19 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile 9/19/19 Portland, OR @ Lola’s Room at Crystal Ballroom 9/20/19 Boise, ID @ The Shredder 9/21/19 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court 9/22/19 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge 9/26/19 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry 9/28/19 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean 9/29/19 Detroit, MI @ Deluxx Flux 9/30/19 Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground 10/1/19 Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz 10/4/19 Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade 10/5/19 Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall 10/7/19 Nashville, TN @ DRKMTTR 10/8/19 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade 10/9/19 New Orleans, LA @ Spanish Moon 10/10/19 Dallas, TX @ 3 Links 10/11/19 Austin, TX @ Barracuda 10/12/19 San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger (Courtyard) 10/14/19 Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom 10/16/19 San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park 10/17/19 Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl at Hard Rock 10/18/19 Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda

Connect with Surf Curse:

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