#god i hope they hit dallas when they tour for this album

[crmsndragonwngss]

Muted tongues of mutual Self conscious morning ritual Find my footing in the fog I want to find your smile in the epilogue Say all the right things I feel like I need it I feel like I need it I don’t know if I’ll believe it

[brownskinsugarplum76]

Eye of the Storm, Ch. 1

So, I'm going to take the plunge into something multichapter. I'm not sure where it will end up, and I'm not sure how long it will be, but I'll keep going as long as I can (but no regular publishing schedule). It's going to be AU-ish, with Robert single, but with as much as of the legit Zeppelin timeline in place as possible. It's starting in 1976, after his car accident, right before the release of Presence. And it brings back Maggie, of San Diego beach fic fame. 😁

Thank you, as always, to @firethatgrewsolow for your expert advice, guidance, and review. Thank you also to @starchild0985 for your encouragement for me to just do it. And thanks to @callmethehunter for the Maggie character idea to begin with.

No smut in at least the first 2 parts, but we'll get there.

Thank you. Please send positive vibes--I am a bit nervous about my ability to pull off a bigger story. ❤️❤️❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert was enjoying himself at one of his favorite places besides the stage: the soccer field. He smiled as he watched the LA Aztecs thwart another Dallas Tornado goal attempt at 80 minutes into the match. He had to admit it wasn't as exciting as being at a Wolverhampton game, but it would do. Few people in America got feverishly passionate about soccer like his countrymen and women. This was especially so in LA, the playground of starlets and rock stars, most of whom thrived on nocturnal indulgences rather than daylight spectating.

He swept his hair out of his face for the umpteenth time. The wind meant that Old Man Winter, as gentle as he was in The Golden State, was not ready to retreat. Robert was glad he'd brought his leather jacket with him from Benji's car; his black, long-sleeved tee wasn't enough to ward off the coolness of the air. He had to laugh at the thought that the weather could be considered chilly, having survived much worse winters across the pond.

It was a few weeks shy of spring, a few weeks before he'd be thrust back into the spotlight with the release of the seventh album. He was proud that the band was still standing. During their forced hiatus there had been an influx of raw, hungry, minimalist groups openly mocking bands that reveled in grandiose musical ideas on grandiose stages, and Zeppelin was not immune to these kinds of attacks. But being in the studio a few months prior in front of a microphone felt like home, even if he was still on the mend.

Just like his pride in the band's resilience, he was thankful to be on his feet unaided, a couple months removed from the confines of a wheelchair or leg brace. He was also extremely thankful that his fall in the studio, during a moment of excitement, didn't cause another injury and another setback. He wouldn't have wanted to let the band or himself down in that way.

He shifted his attention back to the game. He refused to sit while soaking in the sun and the sport, the camaraderie with his friends, and the feeling of being alive and well. He also was enjoying being off duty, as Robert Anthony, rather than the Golden God. He would enjoy that feeling while it lasted; it never lasted long.

He had been scanning the crowd periodically as, in addition to the game, he was looking to score a lineup for a passionate match in his bedroom. It seemed a bust, because the few women present were tightly clinging to their significant others. But then he saw a familiar face, and he couldn't help but smile.

Maggie.

He hadn't seen her in about a year, though she lived a road trip away. And now he realized that had been a mistake. With too much on his mind after his accident, instead of reconnecting, he felt it safer to conjure up the memory of her body on their first night together. He remembered fondly how she lay underneath him in San Diego, slightly dusted with sand, as the world spun in a haze of tequila and the ocean waves rolled incessantly a few yards behind them. He also frequently thought of seeing her the following year at Kezar. Bonzo joked that she was the second bird who felt the clutch of his hand that day. It was an apt description, because Robert couldn't keep his hands off of her. After that reunion, he stole as much time as he could to visit her in San Diego or spirit her away to LA, whenever the band was camped in its American home base. Their relationship was free-flowing and undefined, but fueled with enough passion for it to bloom whenever they got together. He hoped they could pick right back up.

He watched her approach the stands, alone, and he took that as a positive sign. “Maggie, love!” he exclaimed. He raised a hand and waved; his cuff bracelet was almost in danger of flying off in his excitement. The gesture bordered on absurdity, as if she wouldn't be able identify a tall, otherworldly attractive man, one with whom she'd had many happy memories, who also just happened to be a household name. He grimaced at his overeagerness. But if his convalescence in Malibu told him anything, it was that cabin fever was possible in paradise. He wasn't quite ready to engage in tour life, but he was ready to be the prowling, pouncing lion again, not the broken man who was the receiver of TLC, even though the women were very lovely and very willing. He craved a fun fling, or more, with the right woman. The sight of Maggie gave him hope that he would get his wish.

She looked his way. Her mouth went wide, but her face soon settled on delight.

“Robert!” she squealed when she reached him. “What are the odds? How are you?” She threw her arms around his neck.

His spirited bear hug lifted her petite body from the ground before he initiated a kiss, one that successfully conveyed how much he missed her.

“Much better,” he said, putting her down and smiling some more.

“That's right, your accident! You're lucky to be alive!”

“I'm also lucky to be walking without a limp or anything… Some of the specialists had their doubts, but I never gave up.”

“That sounds like you. You look great,” she said, appreciating every inch of him from his hair, which was bigger than usual due to the vicious wind, to the red Converse sneakers on his feet.

“So do you.” He realized nothing had changed: her dark, wavy hair still grew past her shoulders, her smile still warmed his heart, and her curves, swathed in jeans and a thin sweater under an open peacoat, still called to his primal core.

He brushed her wind-blown hair out of her eyes. It was a futile gesture, because there was no shortage of wind. But when his hand came to rest on her cheek, it did accomplish what Robert ultimately wanted: a tender connection.

Maggie closed her eyes to savor the feel of his large hand. Robert beamed at the thought of how much she seemed to have missed it.

She greeted Benji, whom she had met at Kezar Stadium, and introduced herself to the rest of Robert's friends.

“Can I get you something? A hot dog? A beer?” Robert asked Maggie.

“I'm OK, thanks.” She turned to watch the play on the field.

“No worries. If you have time, maybe we can stop somewhere after the game?”

“I'd like that.”

Robert picked up his beer and took a sip. “So, what brings you up here, love?”

“I actually live in LA now. The band, we were signed, and we released our first album last month. We've been doing a bunch of LA gigs and are gearing up for a short tour in the summer. And we're going to open for Santana on a couple of dates this fall!”

“How wonderful! The time of year will be perfect for your tour. No risk of an icy car crash death, as when we first hit America…”

“I'm definitely glad for that! And you'll have to tell me that story another time. How frightening! So, I think I've read that you all have a new album coming out soon?” Maggie asked.

“In a few weeks’ time.” Robert sighed.

“Not excited?”

“I'm glad we recorded again, and it was really amazing that the album came together so quickly, but I have been enjoying the slow pace of our time off. I've missed the stage, but the circus that forms up around us, night after night? It's been good to have some distance from that, you know?” He watched LA race down the field and score a goal. He pumped his fist in the air and cheered.

“Lifelong soccer fan? Here by yourself?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I am,” Maggie said. My father got us kids interested in soccer, and we all played in the neighborhood. My one brother was supposed to be here with me today, but he's a bit under the weather.”

“Rough and tumble tomboy past, then?” Robert took another sip of beer.

“I did have more boy friends than girl friends growing up. It led to lots of crazy adventures, but it also gave me the confidence to lead the band and deal with trashy men in the industry...”

“I bet you've come across tons of them already.”

“Tons,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“Well, if I know you, you've reduced them to damn near tears at the end, yeah? I know you don't take shit from anyone.”

“Thankfully we have a manager now, so I can step out of that role, but yes, I have fought for what we deserve.” She grinned proudly. “My band is my life and my family. I can't keep quiet when things seem to be going wrong for us.”

“That's my girl!” Robert leaned in closer to Maggie. “I also remember that you're a lady who knows what she wants and doesn't stop until she's satisfied,” he whispered in her ear before nipping her earlobe. A hungry smile spread across his face as he contemplated her fiery spirit.

“And that has not changed,” she said, turning and looking into his eyes.

She placed a hand on his chest as he tilted her face and kissed her slowly.

Robert marveled at his eagerness to consider leaving the match early, to spend some alone time with Maggie. This was new behavior, and it spoke volumes about the importance he had placed on her.

With only a handful of regulation minutes left, and LA comfortably ahead, he decided to break with tradition. For her.

“I think we know how this is going to go…” He put on his sunglasses and zipped up his jacket.

“The game, or our time together?” Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Ah!” Robert ran a hand through his hair. “I meant the game,” he said with a chuckle. “But--”

“--I'm teasing you. I'm sure both of your thoughts are spot-on. In fact, I'm counting on it.”

“One catch, though, Maggie dear: you'd need to drive, as I'm still at the mercy of Mr. Lefevre, here, for getting around. LA traffic is too much work too soon for my delicate bones, I'm afraid.”

“At my mercy… I like the sound of that, even if you left out the detail of me being your chauffeur…”

“You'll forgive an invalid lad and be gentle, won't you, love?” His sweet gaze became more seductive the longer their eyes connected.

She sighed, remembering how Robert could charm his way out of anything, and how willing she had been to let him do it. “Sure, if that's what you really want…”

“For now, anyway,” Robert countered.

With a warm smile, Maggie linked her arm with Robert's. The two of them said goodbye to his friends and headed to Maggie's car.

[ohsuperpup]

Interview With Matt Thompson

1.what drums do you play and what is your set up ...? It depends on the gig. I am a Tama endorser, and that is what I play almost all the time. I also have a set of Premiere Genistas (birch) that I have in various sizes, and I'll use those for quieter gigs here and there. For King Diamond, Shaolin Death Squad, etc., I use Tama Starclassic Maple. I have two of those, one in Cherry Black with gold colored hardware, and my latest that I used on the last 3 USA tours with King (Piano Black with chrome hardware). I'm changing it up a little for the upcoming shows in Europe. 2.your involved with alot if different acts, how do you find time between touring for all them ..? With a old school pen and paper calendar. I can't use the digital, "smart" calendars, they get polluted with all kinds of other events and stuff. 3.how did it come about playing with king diamond....? I came to Dallas in '92 to play with a band that was a "sure thing to make it", and that's a long story all by itself...anyway, while involved in that fiasco, I investigated local talent and was blown away by the quality of the drummers in the area. They all had a certain musicality and flow that I was after. It turns out that it is because of the college here in Denton, the University of North TX. It is a famous jazz program that has a history of turning out great musicians and most relevant to me, drummers. After visiting the school and talking to the head drum set prof there (Ed Soph), I decided against Berklee (Boston) and stayed in N. TX to attend UNT. I didn't actually start until the fall of '96 (long, long story). In the next few years while trying to get my grades up in community colleges (I was a metalhead rebel in high school), I played with everybody I could. Of note was a death metal band called Truncator (music on my youtube page). In '95, I went back to NJ to have surgery on my shoulder (long story). While I was there, an artist named Michael Harris also went to TX and was looking for musicians for his projects (Surgeon, solo). The engineer/producer for Truncator played Michael our demo, and Michael hired me to play on his Surgeon album and on one song on his solo album "Ego Decimation Profile", which also had Keith Carlock, Rob Stankiewizc, and Clint Barlow on it. This started an almost 10 year musical relationship with Michael Harris for which I'm extremely grateful. Michael Harris started using Nomad Studios in Dallas for mixing, and for drums. King Diamond was at the time also using Nomad for King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. The owner of Nomad (Gary Long) is an extremely nice fellow who I became friends with right away. He was close friends with King also. One day Gary told me "King thinks you are a great drummer". By reflex I said "if King EVER needs a drummer, tell him I'm the one!" A few years went by, I graduated college. There was a two week period where I was trying to decide between NYC and Los Angeles. Then King called, and I went on my first tour with King Diamond in March of 2001. 4.your amazing and well known drummer and now playing with king diamond ..how is that experience been over the years ...?   Thank you! Playing with King is awesome, I get to be a drummer for music I love.  My passion is drumming, and I get to do it! 5.what does 2016 have in-store for you...? Right now I'm home being a dad, it's the best thing in the world. We are in the middle of a 6 month break in between tours. I'm doing 3 shows with Shaolin Death Squad, I have a weekly Sunday gig, and I'll be doing a couple gigs with Bubba Hernandez who is one of my musical heroes here. At the end of May King Diamond starts a summer run in Europe, including some big festivals like Hellfest and Graspop. The 2nd half of 2016 isn't very clear yet, I hope to start on a new Shaolin recording, more original music, and who knows...need a drummer? 6.what is your favorite king diamond song to play live ...? "Favorite" is one of my least favorite words in language when it comes to interviews. I just don't get it. "This is MY FAVORITE, now everything else cannot be as good, ever. No matter what mood I'm in, no matter what the situation is, anything else is not as good as MY FAVORITE". Doesn't that close you off? It's really, like, black and white, binary. We are organic creatures, infinite in scope, and that's how perception is! This is my favorite way to look at things. :| 7.who where your influences growing up ..? That's a long, long, list. If being an artist means an outward reflection of what's inside, isn't everything an influence? The conversations you have, birds chirping, the ocean, etc., those are influences as well, right? If we are talking about just drummers, then to be honest I have to say "every drummer I've ever heard in my whole life". I realize that my answers for this question and the last one are pretty lame...I can say this: The first drummer to really get me excited about playing drums was Neil Peart. I was 12 when I saw him play for the 1st time, and that was when I decided I wanted to be a drummer. It was the Signals tour and it was the most amazing, magical thing I had ever seen at the time. But after that, I began studying as much music as I could get my hands on, and that includes a list of probably hundreds of musicians. 8.what's your most memorable tour you have played on ..? I'll say my 1st one, House of God Europe 2001. There was a real feeling that I had achieved a big block of my life goals just by being on the tour. It was my first time seeing the bulk of Europe. I love history, and at the time I was heavily into studying WW2. We went pretty much everywhere, and it was profound. It was also my first time having a drum tech. This was a very strange feeling. I was used to being the sole person responsible for carrying, setting up, tuning, etc., my drums, now I had someone doing all that for me. I felt lost. I remember asking him "what can I do to help?", and him replying "go drink beer, sign autographs and hit on women". It was really different at first, and I remember it taking me a long time to get used to it, like about 10 minutes. 9.what are you currently listening to or would like to share .......? My iPod is usually on shuffle, so that is another long answer. I love all kinds of music, and it's a journey. Last night on the way home from work I listened to the latest Ghost A.D. album, I have to say I really love it, so there is something specific! Thanks for the interview! Here are my links: mattthompsondrums.com - Official Matt Thompson website www.youtube.com/mattthompsondrums

Interview By Tim McFarland

[mfmagazine]

100 Monkeys

Article by Victoria Laurey

By “Curious George” I think we’ve got it! Los Angeles bound, 100 Monkeys, will rock the stage of your hometowns’ local nightclub in the near future. With a funk-rock like sound that would surely electrify the inner species in you; this band knows how to put on a show. Coming from all sorts of jungles, this group of guys had emerged to bring music to a new stance. They are spontaneous in all that they do, from improvising songs due to the audiences’ request, to switching up the roles a bit playing a variety of instruments and vocals.  

If you enjoy the sounds of Iggy Pop mixed with the Raconteurs, then this quintet exudes rock-n-roll of the 60’s in all aspects. Besides singing along to their lyrics, you may have seen these guys in action in other projects such as: Jackson Rathbone (who appears in such movies as “The Last Airbender,” and the “Twilight” saga), Ben Graupner (Trapped in the 5150, Devolved), Jerad Anderson (Wayne/Lauren Film Company), Lawrence Abrams (of the great Willie Bobo, Bob Hope U.S.O. tour, and The Artist Consortium), and Ben Johnson (of the Stevedores and music producer of Spencer Bell’s “Brain”). After getting a taste from the rise of 100 Monkeys’ second album, “Liquid Zoo” I can assure that it won’t disappoint.

Coinciding with the “Liquid Zoo” album release, 100 Monkeys kicks off a 40+ city US tour starting in Cincinnati on June 28 and will also include dates in Dallas, Anaheim, Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco and other major cities.  The guys were also selected as one of LG’s “One’s to watch” this summer. They promise the biggest and best tour yet and of course the usual surprises along the way that only 100 Monkeys can deliver.  The band logged a quick eight day tour over the winter holiday playing to sold out venues in several cities across the southern U.S. and they are more than eager to get back to what they love...playing for their fans.

What was it about the supposed phenomenon, "The Hundredth Monkey Effect” that inspired the name for the band? We believe that The Hundredth Monkey effect is very real, not just supposed.  It's the way of art to spread through the cultural mind in an exponential way, especially in this modern age of internet and social networking.  The population of the world is more connected than it has ever been, and we are very lucky to be living in a time when a simple idea or creation can be spread beyond its community of origin and be appreciated by so many.

At what age did you guys pick up your first musical instrument? Which instrument was the hardest to learn? It was different for all of us.  Lawrence Abrams was playing the conga drums almost before he could talk, and has been ever since.  We suppose the hardest instrument to learn is the one you play the least. Time and energy equal experience and ultimately skill.  

In a MTV interview, Jackson expressed how he and Ben G. first started the band off as a duo, improv piece. What motivated the two to pursue the idea of the band further? How did the other members come to be? The duo became a three piece when we convinced Ben Johnson to move out to Los Angeles.   Jackson and Jerad had been jamming together for years, and when we met Lawrence, it was only a matter of time before it all came together.

Your music is said to be based on; drinking, the devil, death and women who cheat and steal. From those particular genres, would you say your music comes from personal experiences? Yes!

On your upcoming album, "Liquid Zoo", you have anomalous song titles such as; Shywater, Black Diamond, Invisible Monsters, and Devil Man. What new sound can your fans expect to hear? The inspirations for the sound of the songs on Liquid Zoo comes from many different genres and styles of music, so the listener can expect variety throughout the album.  At the same time, we are one band with five members, and we think there is a consistency to how we play the music together.

" Every Monkey Dookies" is the title from the band's book. What inspired the book? Do you intend on making it into a book series? We wanted to convey a universal message to the people of the world, something that everyone can relate to and learn from.  And there is a lot of room for sequels.

A lot of bands have that one thing that separates them from the rest. What other trademarks does the band have besides improving at live shows? We switch instruments many times during our set.  An audience member can expect to see each of us playing every instrument on stage throughout the show, as well as taking a turn at lead vocals on different songs.

On an episode of " When I Was 17", you called yourselves the "Prank-war Gods" - have you ever played pranks on the other band mates? What was the best prank you two have done on one other? Given the close quarters and living situation of a tour bus, we have kept an armistice.  It is always a temptation though...

After, starting off as a host for Disney's 411, Jackson, have you ever considered creating your own show? Yes.

In the movie "Girlfriend" Jerad, you and Jackson get into this huge brawl over "Raising Hope" star Shannon Woodward. Jerad, was it a challenge for you to become vulnerable within that character when it's your friend attacking you? It was easy to feel vulnerable in that situation because he was lunging at me, fist first, at full speed.

What's the craziest thing that has happened while on tour? We hired a clown for Jerad's birthday on tour.  We hid on the bus with the clown and had party poppers at the ready.  When Jerad opened the door we set off the party poppers, but also accidentally set the clown's hair on fire.  Needless to say, Jerad was very confused. Luckily no one was hurt and there was no damage to the bus.

Do you guys partake in any special hobbies besides music? The members of our band are involved in a wide variety of artistic endeavors.  You never know when inspiration will strike, and what form it might take.

There are many myths when it comes to superstitions. Do you guys have any? If so, what are they? It's not really a superstition, but we always make our set list for a show within an hour of going on stage.

You guys are set to hit some major cities on tour. Which places are you most excited to visit? The places we haven't been yet, to play for our fans there and meet the new people.  And many cities we have been to before, every place has its own feeling and way about it. It's one of the best things about being on the road to get to experience that in a new place every few days.

The band's sound is said to be a mixture of "Iggy Pop with the Raconteurs" Who are your strongest, musical influences? Is there a possibility of future collaborations? Our musical influences are as varied as our individual members' backgrounds and upbringings.  From jazz, blues, top 40, southern rock, folk and traditional music, even surfer rock, we have a wide range of influences we draw from.  We're always looking to collaborate with other artists and bands.  Look out for an upcoming debut album by The Bleeding Horse Express in August, it was produced by Jackson, mixed by Scott Coslett, and The Bleeding Horse Express will be playing shows with us on this upcoming tour.

After current and new fans come from seeing you perform live, is there a message within your music you would want for them to obtain? We're all going to die, so have a good time!

[descentintobandom]

Another Chance

Title: Another Chance Chapter: One-Shot Pairing: Ben/Clary Rating: T/M Fic Summary: Author’s Notes: I’m very proud of this one-shot. It’s 3 pages long in Word.

My heart raced as I stared down at the pregnancy test.

A little pink plus sign.

I was pregnant again. My hand settled on my stomach as I tried to calm myself.

Most women would be worried if this was their first child after a miscarriage, but I was excited. I’d suspected I was pregnant for a while now, because I had the same symptoms I did with Dallas.

Except this time, I knew it was from the pregnancy and not the amount of alcohol I had drank the night before. I grabbed my keys and started driving to the studio. I normally didn’t bother the guys when they were recording, but I just couldn’t wait for Ben to get home. I entered the studio and saw their producer.

“Oh, hello Clarissa”, he said.

I walked up to the recording equipment and pressed a button that stopped the playback. I pressed another button that allowed me to speak to the boys. “I’m pregnant, Ben”, I told him. I watched his eyes go wide.

He dropped his guitar and came running out of the booth. He threw his arms around me, holding me close to his chest. “You’re pregnant?” he asked.

I pulled the pregnancy test out of my pocket and handed it to him.

He smiled and I swore I could see tears in his eyes. He looked back at me and placed one of his hands on my stomach.

I took my hand and placed it on top of his as he kissed me.

We heard the click of a phone and saw Danny standing there.

I had been sad to see Denis go because I had grown quite close to him, but the band just wasn’t Asking without Danny.

“Sorry. Couldn’t help myself”, he said, “Do you want me to post it?”

I looked at Ben and smiled. “Yeah, might as well let the AA family know”, I told him.

He posted to his Instagram and the band’s with the caption, “Looks like there’s going to be a baby Bruce in 9 months. #congrats #AAFamilyjustgotbigger”.

Ben and I took a picture with our hands on my stomach and posted it to his and my Instagram with the caption, “The universe has provided us with the chance to be parents. Dallas, I hope you’re looking after them for us until it’s time for us to meet them. #babyBruce”.

My phone immediately started ringing.

I pulled it out and sighed.

Ben rubbed my arms. “It’s him isn’t it?” he asked.

“I should’ve known this was coming”, I told him, “Go back to recording”. I stepped outside and answered the call.

“So…you’re pregnant again?” Andy asked, “I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t wish it was mine”.

I sighed. “Andy, I know you miss him. I do too, but he wouldn’t want his daddy to be sad all the time”.

“I know”.

“Hey Andy…have…have you ever thought about talking to someone?”

“Like a psychiatrist?” he scoffed.

“I know you think it’s total bullshit, but it does help sometimes”.

Shortly after my break down at the radio station, I had started seeing someone and they were the one that actually recommended that Ben and I start trying for a baby. “I’m at the studio with the boys, so I should go”.

“Before you go, congratulations Clary. You’ll be a wonderful mother”.

“Thank you Andy. That means a lot”.

A month later, Ben and I were at a clinic.

We’d chosen one that was used to dealing with celebrities, so they’d be very discreet.

After the nurse had checked me over and took my information down, the doctor came in.

“I’d recommend terminating the pregnancy as soon as possible”, he said.

“What?” Ben hissed.

“With the trauma and the damage your body has gone through, this pregnancy could threaten not only your life, but the life of your child”, he said.

“No”, I said defiantly. I was not going to lose another child. Not again.

“Perhaps I should give you time to discuss this, but if you decide to abort, we’ll need to do it now before you get too far along”, he said and left.

Ben wrapped his arms around me as I burst into tears.

“This is all my fault!” I cried.

“No, no it isn’t love”, Ben said kissing my hair.

“Yes it is, Ben. If I hadn’t been so reckless the first time, this wouldn’t be happening”.

“What do you want to do? Because I’ll support you either way”.

“I want it, Ben. I want it more than I’ve ever wanted something in my life. Ever since I lost Dallas I’ve wanted another baby. If this is my only chance to have a baby, I’m going to take it”.

Ben smiled at me and kissed my forehead.

The doctor came back in.

“We’re keeping it”, I told him.

“I wish you’d reconsider, but if I can’t change your mind, we’d like to have you come in every month so we will be able to catch complications sooner”, he said.

*7 months later*

I stood at the kitchen counter making dinner.

The boys were wrapping up the album and the label had been negotiating a tour.

Ben had flat out refused, due to me be so close to giving birth.

I heard the front door open and close.

The moment I saw Ben enter the kitchen, there was a rush of wetness between my legs.

I cautiously looked down, expecting to see blood like the first time.

My heart stopped when I saw it was clear.

I let out a shaky breath.

This couldn’t be happening. It was too soon.

A contraction hit me and I doubled over, rubbing my stomach.

“Babe!” Ben said running over to me. His eyes went wide when he saw the water on the floor.

“Something’s wrong, Ben. It’s too soon”, I cried.

“Danny! Start the car!” Ben yelled. Ben scooped me up in his arms.

“Ben, I’m scared”, I told him as he carried me out to the car.

“It’s okay, love. I am too”, he said.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was a crying and screaming mess.

Thank god Danny was the one driving and not Ben.

Ben carried me inside.

A nurse came running up to us.

“Please help. She’s 7 months pregnant and in labor”, Ben said quickly.

The pain was mind numbing.

They placed me on a gurney.

I grabbed Ben’s hand. “Call Andy. Please”, I told him, before the wheeled me away. I quickly lost consciousness.

When I came to, I found Ben and Andy on either side of me.

“Hey Baby Girl”, Andy said, noticing I was awake.

I gave him a sleepy smile. I looked down and noticed my stomach was still big.

“They couldn’t stop the contractions, love”, Ben told me.

“But I can’t”, I told them, “I can’t do this”.

“Look at me”, Andy said, “You are so strong. You can do this. You’re going to give birth to an amazing baby girl and you’re going to be the best mother that baby could ever ask for”.

Andy and Ben never left my side, even when it was time for me to give birth.

Andy held my hand as I pushed, while Ben held one of my legs.

“You can do this, love”, Ben told me as I pushed one last time.

I heard crying and I smiled. I felt all the energy leave my body. “Alexandria”, I whispered as I closed my eyes.

*Ben’s POV*

I smiled down at my daughter and looked back at Clary.

Andy was frozen.

“Andy?” I asked him.

“She won’t wake up”, he said.

Suddenly, Andy and I were shoved out of the room. In the rush, the nurse hadn’t taken my baby girl from me.

I took off my flannel and wrapped her in it. “Look at her. A little rocker already”, I joked.

“Before she passed out, she said Alexandria”, Andy told me.

“Alexandria Bruce, its perfect”, I said kissing my daughter’s head, “Did…did you want to hold her?”

Andy looked apprehensive as I placed Alexandria in his arms. “Hey”, he said softly. He stroked her little cheeks with his finger.

She opened her eyes and stared at him.

“Hi. Aren’t you a little cutie?” he cooed.

She wrapped her little hand around his finger and he laughed.

“Just like your mother”, he said, “She had me wrapped around her little finger too. You’re going to be trouble later”.

I just stood there watching them.

If anyone walked by, they’d think Alexandria was his daughter.

The happy moment turned sad when Andy stroked Alexandria’s head and sniffled.

“It’s okay, mate”, I told him. I knew he was imagining what it would’ve been like.

He could have been holding his son in his arms.

“Would you like to be her godfather?” I asked him.

His head shot up. “What?”

“You’re obviously good with children and someone will need to help Clary with her when I’m out on tour”.

He smiled and said, “Yeah”.

The nurse came back out of the room. “They have her stabilized, but she hasn’t regained consciousness yet”, she said, “They don’t know when she will. Now, let’s get her cleaned up shall we?” The nurse took Alexandria from Andy. “Have you decided on a name?”

“Alexandria. Alexandria Dallas Andrea Bruce”, I told her.

She nodded and walked away with my daughter in her arms.

“You named her after both Dallas and me?” Andy asked.

“You’re going to part of her life no matter what, Andy. I don’t think Clary will ever completely let go of you”.

Andy and I never left Clary’s side, except to go see Alexandria.

The boys from both bands had come to visit them and leave gifts for Alexandria.

“C’mon baby. You need to wake up and meet our daughter”, I told her, “She’s gorgeous. I took your idea and named her after Andy and your son”.

The nurse brought Alexandria in and I smiled.

I took my daughter from her and placed her on Clary’s chest. “C’mon baby. Open your eyes”, I said. The hand I was holding, started twitching.

Alexandria reached for her mother’s hair as Clary’s eyes opened.

“Oh my god”, I breathed. I stood up and slammed my lips onto Clary’s. Andy walked in as I pulled away.

“Welcome back to the world of the living. You scared us there”, Andy said. He picked Alexandria up and cradled her to his chest.

Alexandria reached up for Andy’s nose piercing.

He grabbed her little hand and pretended to bite it, causing Alexandria to squeal. “We missed you, didn’t we?” Andy said.

“Have you announced it yet?” Clary asked.

I handed her my phone.

Danny had taken a picture of me holding Alexandria to my chest with the caption, “Today the AAFamily welcomed the littlest member Alexandria Dallas Andrea Bruce. #babyAlexandria #babyBruce”.

“Can I have my phone?” Clary asked.

I handed it to her and she took a picture of Andy and Alexandria with the caption, “Uncle Andy. You would have been the perfect dad to our little Dallas. #alwaysmissyoubaby #babyAlexandria #babyBruce”.

“Hey, she’s only a week old and she’s already trending”, I said.

Andy handed Alexandria to Clary and she cradled her to her chest.

Tears filled her eyes.

I discreetly took a picture and posted it with the caption, “Mummy’s awake. #loveofmylife #mummy’sgirl”. Everything was going to be okay now.

[nexusradiodance]

Producer, Spencer Brown Finds Life Embracing Dance Music Openness

With Pride month wrapping up, DJ, Producer Spencer Brown shared his personal story of coming-out and how music and the dance music community saved him.

In his own words, he shared his story with Billboard Magazine.  One of the first comments received was from dance music legends, Gabriel and Dresden “God damn dude I’m so proud of you. Love you so much brother”

Imagine waking up daily with unshakable self-hate without knowing why. School starts in an hour; crippling anxiety keeps you under your sheets. You stumble into the bathroom and look in the mirror; you see a person you don’t understand. You drive to school; you drown your thoughts with the loudest music you own. You try to suppress your natural feelings and emotions; you tell yourself that love is an idiotic fairytale.

This was my, and many others’, reality for over a decade, but I’ve learned that mornings don’t have to be that way.

My name is Spencer Bruno, and I am a 26-year-old San Francisco-based dance music producer, DJ, engineer, and mixer who goes by the stage name Spencer Brown. I’ve released two albums, countless EPs, and have toured the world, performing for beautiful souls across the globe. I’ve been unbelievably fortunate to have released music with my idols like Avicii, Above & Beyond, and deadmau5. I wake up every day with gratitude to live my dream.

My career, and the gratitude that came with it, couldn’t shine until I learned to love myself. Before loving myself, I had to accept myself. I had to come to terms with every part of myself, including my sexuality.

I am gay. It’s so much easier to say today than it was even a few years ago. While I have never publicly denied this part of me, I have also never spoken out about it. I will no longer live in fear.

I first knew I was different around puberty. I lived in Dallas, in a heteronormative community. Here were the lessons I inherited, sometimes without realizing it: Gay people were mystical creatures that existed somewhere outside of our bubble. A family includes a mom and dad. As a boy, you bring a girl to prom. Anything that was stupid was commonly coined “gay,” and anyone annoying was routinely considered a “f—-t.”

My friends were girl-obsessed, so I figured I must be too. Boobs! I’m supposed to like them, right? Maybe I’m so work-driven that my interest hasn’t developed yet. That must be it.

My only solace became dance music. As a teenager, I would sneak into shows to be a part of a beautiful community where all races, genders, sexuality, and religions came together to celebrate life. It didn’t matter who you were, and it still doesn’t. As long as you bring good energy, you are welcome. It was where I belonged, and it’s still where I belong.

Instead of taking girls on dates in high school, I focused most of my free time on my passion: producing. It was my escape from this girl-focused reality that excluded me. But after a while, I could no longer escape what was inside me. My inner self-hatred was growing, the anxiety attacks were getting more severe and the depression waves would smack me cataclysmically.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I wasn’t only battling inner-demons with my sexuality; I also had OCD. For those who aren’t familiar with OCD, it’s a mental disorder where we become hyper-focused on things surrounded by uncertainty. OCD consumes those suffering in a variety of ways; for me, I hyper-focus on intrusive thoughts to the point that they interfere with my day-to-day.

I saw many psychologists and psychiatrists, where I tried talk therapy and medications; nothing seemed to work. When I was 18-years-old, I left Dallas for Duke University, and I was still uncertain about who I was and what was causing my suffering. I knew I was not straight due to my complete disinterest in girls, so I told myself I was asexual. I did not have a single openly LGBTQ+ friend at this point. Amplified by OCD, every day was a struggle.

When I was 20-years-old, my depression hit rock-bottom during a summer in Los Angeles. I vividly remember barely being able to get out of bed only to cry while looking at myself in the mirror. It crossed my mind for the first time. Am I gay? It can’t be. No way. My family will be devastated. I’ll lose my friends. I won’t have a future. I can’t have kids. What is the point of living?

That lowest, teary-eyed moment in the mirror was my turning point. It’s been six years since that point, and life has improved so drastically that I can now laugh at my mind’s obsessive predictions for a catastrophic future. Back at Duke, I finally found a therapist who helped tremendously.

It took about a year to come out to myself, then I decided to tell my closest friends and family. It took me about an hour to muster up the first strength to confide in one of my closest friends. She was unbelievably accepting, and the battle became easier. Each person I told, the support system strengthened. My gratitude deepened. The self-hate began to fade. The support cascaded.

There was finally light. I found a reason to love life. I found myself, which catalyzed my presence. I began to understand mindfulness. And I discovered myself musically.

My family and friends all welcomed my true self with open arms. The hell I devised in my head losing everything — it didn’t happen. The heteronormative society I was raised in — it’s changing for the best. My peers, the ones who’ve sent support messages and apologies for their negligence when we were kids — I forgive them all. We didn’t know any differently. And we are the generation that is making a vital change.

Looking back, I’ve been extremely lucky in many regards. As a white male, I cannot fathom the double-discrimination that the Black LBGTQ+ community faces. Pride Month has taken a decidedly different direction this year; we have all watched these horrific images of violence and inspiring images of united protest. Being an advocate for full equality, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or religion, I give all my heart to anybody struggling with racial inequality on top of a gender or sexuality struggle. I’ve made sure to donate to the Center for Black Equity, an organization that provides the Black LGBTQ+ community with support.

I hope this memo resonates with anyone struggling with gender or sexual identity, wherever you are in the world. What they say is true: it gets better. First and foremost, learn to love yourself, and surround yourself with those who love you for the person you are. Toxicity and self-hate do not belong in your life. If you’re looking for brothers and sisters, the dance music community welcomes you with open arms. It saved me during my darkest times, as I know it can do the same for you.

I’ve transformed from a self-hating, anxiety-ridden boy to a self-loving, grateful man. I’m learning to transform my OCD into something more productive—like perfecting my mixdowns and sound design. I’m discovering ways to pass on the support I found in the dance music community, and I’m finding so much to be thankful for. I learned to accept myself, and then I learned to love myself, and now I am blessed to be living my dream.

This Pride, it’s a blessing I’m proud to share.

from Dance Music – Nexus Radio https://ift.tt/2VpPHcb

[apostleshop]

Netherlands-Based Band Trinity Tapped For 2019 World Youth Day Performance In Panama

Great News has been shared on https://apostleshop.com/netherlands-based-band-trinity-tapped-for-2019-world-youth-day-performance-in-panama/

Netherlands-Based Band Trinity Tapped For 2019 World Youth Day Performance In Panama

Courtesy of The Fuel Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Awards-winning, Netherlands-based, eclectic worship band Trinity announces the release of its second North American single, “Wherever We Go,” Jan. 18 from The Fuel Music. Available Friday at iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon.com, Spotify and more digital retail and streaming outlets everywhere, the single is meant to be an anthem that brings people together.

“With the challenges we face in our times and countries, now more than ever before, we need global solutions,” says Trinity’s Elbert Smelt (lead vocals, flutes, saxophone). “We need to learn to share and be aware that the world is bigger than ourselves. With Trinity, we want to be all about connecting with God and those around us.”

In that spirit, Trinity gathered video from friends and fans around the world singing “Wherever We Go” and have compiled that footage into a compelling video:

  ‘Cause people are people, Wherever we go Thirsty for love, Hungry for hope That’s the song we’re singing, Around the globe ‘Cause people are people, Wherever we go (From the “Wherever We Go” chorus.)

Produced by Grammy-nominated, multiple Dove Award-winning Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks, “Wherever We Go” is the second single from the band’s album, The In Between, slated to release this spring in North America. The new single follows Trinity’s widely acclaimed “Alive Again” track, which the band played live in radio studios across America last summer for audiences based in New York City to Washington, DC to Los Angeles.

The band’s performance at 94 FM The Fish (Nashville) inspired Randy Maricle, Salem Media Group’s Director of Digital Sales and Strategy, to laud on Facebook, “Somebody remember this…these guys are here to stay…you’re going to love them.” Maricle also calls “Wherever We Go” his “new favorite song.” Mike Alley, 95.1 SHINE FM (Baltimore), agrees that Trinity is the “Next. Big. Thing. Jump in now so you can say you were on the ground floor!” WAY FM‘s Network Program Director, Todd Stach, says following the band’s acoustic performance at WAY FM, “When for KING & COUNTRY came through before they were big, I said to them, ‘This is the best live performance in a radio station I’ve ever seen.’ I think you guys, with your energy, are right there with them.”

Similar responses were heard at 94.9 KLTY (Dallas), SiriusXM The Message, 90.9 KCBI FM (Dallas), 93.7 WDJC (Birmingham), 104.7 The Fish (Atlanta), Family Life Radio (Tucson), Spirit 105.3 (Seattle), 104.1 The Fish (Portland), SOS Radio (Las Vegas), 95.9 The Fish (Glendale, CA), KSGN 89.7 (Redlands), J103 (Chattanooga), Y102.5 Connecticut’s Positive Hits, KDUV Spirit Radio 88.9 FM (Visalia, CA) and more.

Following the U.S. radio tour, Trinity received an invitation to play at the 2019 World Youth Day. This annual event for young people organized by the Catholic Church has drawn as many as six million attendees and will be held this year in Panama City, Panama, Jan. 22-27.

“It is a great honor to us as four Protestant guys to be allowed to perform here,” says Elbert. “We’ve never made it a secret that we are greatly inspired by our Catholic brothers and sisters. They have been a tremendous influence on our faith, and we look forward to being a part of this beautiful event.”

Accustomed to leading in front of large gatherings, Trinity has performed on the main stage of the Netherlands’ Xnoizz Flevo Festival (2010, 2012) and EO-Youth Day event (2013, 2016), and has played at Big Church Day Out festival (UK), the Himmelfarht Festival (Germany), the CREA Festival (Switzerland) and Seaside festival (Norway). The band also shared its music live at events in Russia, Kenia, Cambodia, Gambia, Peru, Senegal, France and Ireland.

Formed by three Dutch brothers raised as missionary kids in Peru, Elbert and Johan (acoustic guitars) and Niek Smelt (Drums, percussion), and Dutch-raised Bert Bos (bass), Trinity is a Worldbeat band that fuses South American and Irish folk with African beats and pop grooves to create a unique, acoustic music experience.

“We’re proud to call ourselves craftsmen of heavenly parties and we’re experts at making people’s feet move,” says Niek. “Not with huge beats and technology, but with a unique acoustic approach that will disarm and free any crowd.”

For all the latest news about Trinity, including tour dates, music, videos and more, go to https://bandtrinity.com/, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Apple Music, YouTube and Spotify.

Courtesy of The Fuel Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Copyright 2019 The Fuel Music

About The Fuel Music: Established in 2008, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is a leading artist management and artist solutions company that independently distributes music internationally. Based in Nashville, TN, the Fuel team brings nearly 70 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations, major label distribution and marketing, and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum artists. More information on the company can be found at TheFuelMusic.com.

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[thereviewsarein]

2018 has been a year full of amazing memories for me. My son Oliver was born, I got engaged, and I had the chance to see great concerts, interview talented artists, and experience some awesome backstage moments.

As we continue our year in review content series, I’ve taken a look back at all of the music-related moments to come up with a Top 10 list to share.

It wasn’t easy, there were a lot of moments that got left out of this post. But in the end, I think I was able to build a set of stories and memories that I’ll keep with me for years to come.

Have a look, read the stories, and leave a comment with your favourite musical moments and memories of 2018!

stories listed in chronological order

The Launch Interviews & Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine

In the early part of the year, we were able to work with The Launch winners to offer congratulations and do interviews the morning after their episode aired on CTV across Canada. It was an awesome experience, offering us the chance to talk to very excited and very talented artists.

One of those winners, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, have gone on to be one of the fastest rising stars in Canadian music. On the Friday morning that we met them, Elijah and Jamie had been going since the early, early hours, but were still smiling and happy and excited. They were a great hang out in our short time together, and when we saw them again in April when they’d gone Gold with their breakout single, Ain’t Easy we got hugs and laughs all over again.

Having the opportunity to support and work with artists as they start their journey is one of our favourite things, and The Launch was a great chance to do that in 2018.

Related: Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine Interview & 5 Quick Questions, The Launch

CMA Songwriters Round With Dean Brody, Jessica Mitchell, Marcus Hummon, And Levi Hummon

In January we went to The Great Hall for a Country Music Association songwriters circle featuring Dean Brody, Jessica Mitchell, Marcus and Levi Hummon, and it was special.

The chance to hear songwriters tell their stories and share their songs in an intimate, acoustic setting is unique. All of the production and extras get stripped away and all that you’re left with is the undeniable power of music. And when Brody, Mitchell, and the father and son Hummons shared their songs that night, there was something extra special about it.

Country music fans will likely recognize song titles like Workin’ On Whiskey, Bulletproof, Don’t Waste The Night, Stupid, Good Goodbye, Time, Born To Fly, Cowboy Take Me Away, and Bless The Broken Road. It’s a playlist that we could put on and enjoy. And on that Tuesday night, we got to hear all of them live with stories and smiles.

There were a lot of feelings in the room, some tears for sure, and some great moments that we didn’t know we were going to get. And those moments are what I won’t forget.

Related: CMA Songwriters Circle with Dean Brody, Jessica Mitchell, Marcus Hummon, and Levi Hummon

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Axe Throwing With The Washboard Union And Morgan Wallen

I like throwing axes, it’s a lot of fun and I’m actually not bad at it. And I was fortunate enough to get to BATL on Cherry St. in Toronto twice in 2018 with country stars, and had a great time doing it.

In February we had the chance to hang out with The Washboard Union to play and then grab some dinner as they previewed tracks from their 2018 album, What We’re Made Of. I didn’t throw very well that day, but we had a good time.

In May I went back to the axe throwing to meet Morgan Wallen, and see if I could do better in the tournament than I did in February. After my interview with the Up Down singer, our group started tossing hatchets and when the dust settled, I was alone at the top, with the tourney win and a trophy (that Wallen signed for me) to bring home.

Good times for sure.

Related: The Washboard Union at BATL Toronto

Related: Morgan Wallen Interview at BATL Toronto

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Singing To My Newborn Son

Just minutes after Oliver was born this April, I found myself alone, holding him in the recovery room as we waited for his mom to join us. It was a wonderful, amazing, and surreal moment, and I really had no idea what to do.

I rocked him and paced around the room and when I had no idea what else to do, I started singing to him. And when I decided that singing was the thing to do, there were two songs that immediately came to mind. The first, was one of my favourite all-time songs, The Tragically Hip’s Wheat Kings. The second is a modern country music favourite, Dallas Smith’s Sky Stays The Blue.

I used my softest, sweetest, most in love voice, and it was amazing. Thank God for music.

Lindsay Ell Day At Canadian Music Week 2018

Every year, Canadian Music Week packs our schedule with music of all genres in venues all over Toronto, and in 2018 it gave me two awesome memories to hold onto, including our Lindsay Ell day.

On May 10, we had the opportunity to meet Lindsay for the first time at a downtown hotel for a great interview that touched on her #1 single, Criminal, touring with Keith Urban, The Continuum Project (her John Mayer cover album), her influences and more. But as great as the conversation was, and fantastic as it was to learn all about all of those things and having the ability to share them with fans in our post, Lindsay’s genuine niceness and general excitement for what she does was the best part.

That night, at The Phoenix Concert Theatre, we saw Lindsay Ell up on stage with her band. They rocked through an eight-song set (plus a guitar battle) that included her #1 single, a cover of Mayer’s Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, and more. The performance was full of energy, packed with talent, and was a great part two to our day with the Calgary born singer-songwriter-guitar slinger.

Here’s hoping we get another day like that in 2019.

Related: Lindsay Ell Interview and Review at Canadian Music Week 2018

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Jess Moskaluke Headlining Country Wild In Cobourg, ON

Opportunities for women in country music to headline concerts and festivals don’t seem to be in abundance in Canada, so when Jess Moskaluke was booked to close the show at the Country Wild Music Festival in Cobourg this summer, we were excited.

I went to the festival on the shore of Lake Ontario early in the afternoon to sit down with Jess for an interview, stayed for the day to watch acts including Robyn Ottolini, Ben Hudson, Alyssa Morrissey, Kansas Stone, and Marshall Dane throughout the afternoon and evening, and then smiled wide as the three-time Canadian Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year took the stage to wow the crowd.

Note: This festival and show were also cool for me as I grew up in nearby Port Hope, ON, and because Ollie and Jess came to meet me, popped backstage to meet Moskaluke, and made it my little dude’s first official concert experience… even though he was sleeping most of the time.

The Cobourg audience sang along to all of Jess Moskaluke’s hits and fan favourites during the show. They showed their appreciation for her talent and enthusiasm, and they cheered especially loud when a birthday cake was brought out to surprise the Saskatchewan singer during the set.

We hope that more opportunities like this come up for women in Canadian country music because we got to see just how great it can be at Country Wild this summer.

Related: Jess Moskaluke Interview at Country Wild / Country Wild Kicks Off Festival Season

The Legend, Alan Jackson At Boots & Hearts 2018

In a long list of live performances that we got to see in 2018, a legend stands out. Alan Jackson at Boots & Hearts was that legend performance this year.

Throughout a 20 song set on the Saturday night main stage, Alan Jackson commanded the crowd, sang hit after hit, and was amazing. The 60-year-old star was everything we could have hoped for in ripped jeans, a button-down shirt, and his cowboy hat. He tossed t-shirts into the crowd, he laughed and sang and generally kept tens of thousands of country music fans in awe.

There are a lot of great concert opportunities every single year, but an opportunity like this was something truly, truly special.

Related: The King, Alan Jackson at Boots & Hearts 2018

Midland Interview At Boots & Hearts 2018

Over the last few years we’ve been able to interview a lot of artists at Boots & Hearts, but in 2018 we got to cross off a big one from our to-do list when we got five minutes with Midland.

We met up with Mark, Cameron, and Jess, turned on the recorder, and I started talking to the guys while Trish snapped photos and we did the best to maximize our time with the trio. Things started with a lot of jokes and non-music related conversation before we got down to the questions that I really wanted to ask. What we learned more than anything is that these guys are still having a good time, even though they are working extremely hard.

This was the fastest of all of the moments that made their way onto this list, and while it might not seem like anything huge compared to all of the cool things I got to do this year, it’s Top 10 for me.

Related: Midland at Boots & Hearts 2018

The Reklaws x 2 At The 2018 Candian Country Music Association Awards Weekend

We’ve been able to keep up with The Reklaws for more than five years now, and there have been some pretty great moments to celebrate with them over that time. But this fall, when the Canadian Country Music Association awards came to Hamilton, ON, we got two great ones that we’ll remember for a long time.

Most obvious is the duo’s win of the Rising Star award during the Sunday night show. It was great to see hard-working, talented, dedicated emerging stars recognized in front of fans and their peers, and for a coast-to-coast TV audience.

But there was a moment on Saturday that made my heart very happy, but that wasn’t a big performance spot.

As The Reklaws closed out their Universal Music Canada showcase set on Saturday afternoon, I noticed a young boy in the front row, leaning as far forward as possible with a plastic flower in his hand. I was taking photos and notes, but saw him out of the corner of my eye, and felt like maybe I could help. I took the flower from the little guy and got as close to the stage as I could, but sadly, wasn’t able to pass it to Jenna as they sang. But it didn’t end there.

When The Reklaws left the stage I handed the flower back to the boy and told him and his mom that I would try to get Jenna to come to say hi at the gate. They made their way to security and I made my way to the side of the stage. Jenna and Stuart had barely gotten off the stage when I approached them and pointed to the young man at the security fence. At that exact moment he was let in, he got to meet the duo, give Jenna his flower, and get photos and hugs and make memories of his own.

It was fantastic to witness, special to have been even just a little part of, and one of the sweetest things I saw this year.

Related: Universal Music Canada Showcase at CCMA 2018, featuring The Reklaws

Arkells’ Rally Cry Meet & Greet

One of the coolest musical moments I had in 2018 came as a fan, not as a writer or reviewer or interviewer. To celebrate the release of Rally Cry, Arkells held a meet and greet at Union Station, and I decided to go. I packed up Oliver, got on the GO Train, and we headed in to meet the boys.

The trip was smooth, Ollie was awesome, we met Trish in line, and the three of us listened to the album on the speakers and made our way through the line. And after two hours, we got to the merch table, got our vinyl, and made our way closer to the front. As part of the event, Arkells invited fans to bring t-shirts with them to be printed with custom screens to become Hand Me Downs merch. We brought a blank white onesie for Ollie, and the team LOVED it. Trish and I didn’t get a shirt printed, but the little guy got some sweet merch, he and I got our photo with the band on the riser, and it was a memorable and awesome daddy/baby day + rock & roll day + fandom day.

Related: Ollie Meets Arkells in Toronto

Joshua’s Top Moments and Memories of 2018 2018 has been a year full of amazing memories for me. My son Oliver was born, I got engaged, and I had the chance to see great concerts, interview talented artists, and experience some awesome backstage moments.

[happymetalgeek]

My final thoughts leaving Winterstorm last year as I trudged through the snow was they are not going to top this. That was my first year attending and the whole weekend blew me away. From the staff who are all volunteers, the amazing location, the like clockwork organisation down to the bands it left a lasting impression and came out top as my favourite festival of the year.

The thoughts that it could not be beaten faded as soon as the line up to 2018 was announced and I knew in an instant I would be back in this beautiful town again…so would it rate as highly as last year?

  Tomorrow Is Lost

I did not make it for first band of the day Tomorrow Is Lost and  the festival did not start on a good note as Cass king had a fall but managed to finish the set and we all heard later that she had broken her leg and had to go for surgery. From everyone here may we wish you a speedy recovery and thank you for your professionalism in closing the set.

Departed

I walked into the amazing venue as Departed were mid set and ��Steal your Crown” was blasting from the PA. Having seen the band before I settled into the riffage straight away. These youngsters were the perfect way to open the show for me with their upbeat rocking out numbers. You can feel the Treatment backbone from guitarist Ben.

Having just arrived I was not ready for the tempo to be turned down but when “Pretty Little Thing” starts I know that it is not for long and I am upstairs shooting photos and headbanging away(yes, us photographers can do more than one thing at a time). Next is the almost indie “Are you Ready”. This is what us older folks would call a stadium filler. Back in the 80s this would have been a huge hit as it is a complete killer of a song with that little touch of radio friendliness that sold tens of thousands of records.

I cannot recommend this band enough and if you do not believe me just check out set closer “Come On”. This band won plenty of fans today and they just need to keep putting in the miles and things will definitely change for them.

  Quartz

There is a bit of a theme running through Winterstorm again this year, yes there are plenty of Scottish connections but as Quartz took to the stage I realised the first time I saw them was on the stage of my all time favourite venue, The Glasgow Apollo and many of the bands this weekend also stood on that 15 Foot high stage.

The band may have changed since those days but with three members from the original line up from the 70s that is good going. The biggest change has to be singer David Garner and that man is a showman without doubt. This band is pre NWOBHM and many say they are partly responsible for that movement even if they are a bit overlooked these days.

The set took me back and I was in my element and even without the barnstorming rendition of “Heave and Hell” I would have been happy with the set but this song was incredible. It got the whole place singing and really started the party in Troon.

  Anchor Lane

Anchor Lane played the festival last year and they have been moved up the bill considerably but based on the year they have had this was well deserved. The boys are on fire just now and even with a change of guitarist they cannot be slowed down.

The youngsters from Glasgow took that huge stage in their stride and tonight I felt a massive change in the band. I only saw them a month ago for the first time with new boy Lawrence O’Brien playing one of his first shows as they supported Heavy Pettin. It was not a good night for them as the sound was horrific.

So one month on and with the knowledge that the sound would be spot on tonight I was looking forward to see how they would go. I was more than impressed, much more than when I saw them for the first time(and that was a huge amount). Lawrence has shaken off the nerves and tonight he let loose. He was adding parts to songs and basically lapping up the whole thing and it was obvious that the whole bands dynamic had changed.

As they went through songs that I have seen many times before I could see the change clearly. This little band have stepped up to the big time with some huge festivals this year and tonight I looked on and thought to myself they truly have become rock stars.

With the ability of Lawrence on guitar front man Conor has gained some slack and is now able to sling the guitar to the side and focus on the singing and the geeing up of the audience and this was brilliant to see. I caught up with Conor later and said I would love to see him out from behind that guitar and little did I know it would not be long before it happened.

Once again the boys wowed the crowd, so much so they sold out of their EP and hopefully that cash will go straight into the coffers for finishing off their debut album which they have been working on for some time.

These four boys did Glasgow proud once again and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us in 2019.

  The New Roses

The next band of the day was the one I had been waiting for. I had never caught The New Roses live before but considering they rarely venture outside of their native Germany that is no surprise. I am just hoping that the reaction tonight and the rest of their short tour tells the band just how loved they are here.

They were incendiary from the moment “Every Wildheart” burst forth. My anticipation to this set was paid off in about 2 minutes and the wait to see them was worth it. The words on everyone’s lips this weekend was The New Roses whether you had heard of them or not. Even playing this early in the weekend they instantly became one of the bands of the festival.

Their merch stand took a pounding as soon as they finished and as the boys were out there signing autographs and getting photos taken they were winning more fans(now, I won’t say it was all women but with those looks you know there was a lot of feminine hormones going into overdrive).

The New Roses are the epitome of a party band with songs like “Dancing on a Razorblade” and “It’s a Long Way” you have to be paralised from the head down not to be on your feet and going crazy. Timmy Rough is a brilliant front man and has the crowd in the palm of his hand. This is evident as he gets us all trained up to sing along to “Life Ain’t Easy(For a Boy with Long Hair)”. The southern/country mix with the lyrics most of us can associate with got everyone kicking off.

As they closed with “One More For the Road” you knew you had witnessed something really special and you know this band are going all the way to the top. Before they finished their set I had already made my mind up that if they do not tour here next year I will be making my way to Germany to see these boys in their own back yard and I can assure you that not many bands have that effect on me.

  Oliver Dawson’s Saxon

Back to the Glasgow Apollo link with Oliver Dawson’s Saxon. I saw Saxon in The Apollo many times and I have seen them many more times since those days but I have never caught this line up. I knew what to expect set wise as they do focus on the early Saxon releases but I was not expecting the show which played out in front of my eyes. I was also not expecting Bri Shaugnnessy to be such a showman and vocalist.

He is the perfect choice to replace Biff and he won me over in moments. As soon as “Strong Arm of the Law” started and the decades rolled back I was in heaven. Now as much as this song is amazing next up in “Frozen Rainbow” was the one that shook me as I had not heard that live for so long I forgot how much I loved it. Those two songs were then backed up with a knockout punch in “Dallas 1PM”.

It is easy to forget how much of an impact Saxon had on my teenage years and when you hear these songs it just reminds you how fucking amazing they were. To prove the point we follow up with “Denim and Leather”, “747” and finish on “Wheels of Steel”. The last song spliced hysterically with the proclaimers “500 miles”.

This was the band that blew me away all those years ago. I first saw them in 1979 when I was in the throes of my punk era. I sat on a hill in Loch Lomond for a festival and that was where my love of noisy guitars started.

Nobody can say this band is a parody as you have two integral members to that original band and for me with a set like the one I had just witnessed you earned your stripes to bear the name Saxon.

  Zal Cleminson’s Sin Dogs

Next is a Glasgow Apollo legend in Zal Cleminson’s Sin Dogs. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band shows at the Apollo are a piece of Scottish folklore. From the infamous Christmas parties and the half naked women to some of the best live shows performed on that stage.

Having never seen Sin Dogs I had to wonder if Zal had calmed down any but it did not take me long to find out that was not the case. The space age pensioner walked onto that stage as if he had bought the whole of Troon.

He plugged in the guitar, pulled down the silver shades and taught the youngsters what a performer is. The Sin Dogs are a million miles away from SAHB but they are sheer entertainment. The mix of guitars and electronics gives you a real up to date feel and boy can Zal can sing.

To say Zal was not happy with the sound would be an understatement and this man has no idea how to be subtle so the abuse came forth. Having never seen the band before I thought the sound was spot on apart from when the wifi mic came flying out of the guitar.

What did hit me was how good a guitarist this man is, he was mesmerising and the band he has built around him played their part in giving a brilliant industrial sound throughout songs like “Armageddon Day” and “Guns of God”.

This is one band that is now firmly in my sights and I will be catching them the next time they hit Glasgow as this set left me wanting more.

  The Rising Souls

Next I ran over to the second stage for my discovery of the weekend in The Rising Souls. I was dragged to this one and I have to put my hands up and admit when I am wrong. My good lady and a good friend had caught the boys recently at King Tuts and from what I had heard I was not too impressed but when you see this band live I challenge you not to be gobsmacked. The first thing that will hit you is That voice, singer Dave has such power you are hooked immediately. Follow that up with the groove train that is going on behind him and this makes for one hell of a show.

The sound goes from blues to funk to slithering vocal stripteases. Even as a man I can get how sultry this sound is from the boys. The song “Set me Free” could have been the song from the Movie Dusk Till Dawn as Salma Hayek strolls across the tables.

Seeing this band is must so if you are going to see Black Star Riders this tour make sure you are early to catch the boys. Failing that catch them early January on their own short tour.

  GUN

The night was closed off with Gun and with their recent resurgence they were well deserved headliners. After “She Knows” they burst into “Don’t Say It’s Over” and the place erupts as if this was a Barrowland headline show.

To me this band are better than they were back in the 90s. After going through numerous singers(One playing this festival tomorrow so I hope there was no fighting) Dante stepped behind the mic and has rejuvenated the band and with the excellent new album Favourite Pleasures gaining huge plaudits from fans and media alike it looks like the boys are back for good.

The Glasgow Boys stormed through numbers like “Better Days”, “Steal Your Fire” and “Taking on the World”, songs that will kick your ass live and remind you how strong this band’s back catalogue is.

My top moments are always the cover of  “Word Up” and show closer “Shame on You”.  Gun stepped up to the headliner monicker and totally deserved it. They finished off an incredible day with sheer style and makes you smile with pride at the talent Scotland has which is showcased at this festival.

Images and words Ritchie Birnie

    GIG REVIEW: @WinterStormXVI 2018 Day One with @RitchieBirnie @TILband @Departeduk ‏ @QuartzRockBand @AnchorLane ‏@TheNewRoses ‏ @ODSaxon @ZCSinDogs @TheRisingSouls @gunofficialuk My final thoughts leaving Winterstorm last year as I trudged through the snow was they are not going to top this.

[poltondrum90-blog]

GWAR guitarist Michael Derks diagnosed with bone marrow cancer

GWARguitarist Michael Derks, better known as BlSc the Jaws 'o Death, has revealed he's battling a rare form of bone marrow cancer calledmyelofibrosis.

In a statement made through his virtual donor drive, Derks shares that he went to the hospital for extreme fatigue and weakness this summer while on Warped Tour and was treated for severe anemia. After extensive testing, doctors diagnosed him with the life-threatening disease.

As Derks explains, myelofibrosis is a disease that causes scarring inside of the bones and interferes with the marrow's ability to produce blood cells. Doctors have said he's most likely to only survive another 3 to 5 years without treatment.

Thankfully, there's hope in the form of a bone marrow transplant, which involves destroying my diseased bone marrow with high doses of chemotherapy, and then replacing it with healthy marrow from a donor. Derks is hoping to receive a transplant early next year, followed by at least a year in recovery. He says the procedure normally has a mortality rate of 30 percent, but the Massey Cancer Center has reduced it to 15 percent.

As Derks awaits a matching donor, he will join GWAR on their North American tour, where the band will be playing songs from their latest effort, The Blood of Gods. While Derks notes that he'll probably have to leave the tour at least once to receive a transfusion, the guitarist says hitting the road has a curative effect on his soul. Check out the complete schedule below.

GWAR 2017 Tour Dates: 10/26 Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live * 10/27 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place * 10/28 Worcester, MA @ Palladium * 10/29 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero * 10/31 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza * 11/01 Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom * 11/02 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom # 11/03 St. Louis, MO @ Pop's * 11/04 Sioux City, IA @ Hard Rock * 11/05 Lawrence, KS @ Granada * 11/07 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue ^ 11/08 Winnipeg, MB @ Pyramid ^ 11/09 Saskatoon, SK @ Saskatoon Events Centre ^ 11/10 Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall ^ 11/11 Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre ^ 11/13 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom ^ 11/14 Portland, OR @ Roseland ^ 11/15 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo ^ 11/17 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst ^ 11/18 Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club ^ 11/19 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades ^ 11/21 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues ^ 11/22 Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theater ^ 11/23 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater ^ 11/24 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater ^ 11/25 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall ^ 11/26 Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre ^ 11/28 Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom ^ 11/29 Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live ^ 11/30 Houston, TX @ House of Blues ^ 12/01 San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater ^ 12/02 Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theater ^ 12/03 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade ^ 12/05 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution ^ 12/06 Tampa, FL @ The Ritz ^ 12/08 Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue ^ 12/09 Peoria, IL @ Limelight ^ 12/10 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall ^

* = w/ Ghoul, Doyle, and U.S. Bastards ^ = w/ Ghoul, He Is Legend, and U.S. Bastards # = w/ Ghoul, Doyle, U.S. Bastards, and Stonecutters

Read the full statement below and contribute to Derk's donor drive here.

My name is Michael Derks, but I am more widely known by my stage name, BlSc the Jaws 'o Death. I've spent the last thirty years behind a mask as the guitarist for the shock rock band GWAR. And that's where I'm comfortable, behind the mask. I am not someone who enjoys putting my life out for others to see on social media, and I do it now only because I know many people are concerned about me.

This summer while I was out on the Warped tour, I began to experience extreme fatigue and weakness. Eventually it got to the point where the people around me insisted that I go to the hospital. I was treated for severe anemia, but extensive testing did not reveal a cause. When I got home, my hemoglobin levels continued to fall and the only course of treatment has been a series blood transfusions to keep my red and white blood cells from dropping to dangerous levels. I went for further testing at the Massey Cancer Center at MCV and the doctors there have diagnosed me with myelofibrosis, a disease that causes scarring inside of the bones and interferes with the marrow's ability to produce blood cells. If left to run it's course the doctors say I am most likely to only survive another 3 to 5 years. There is a treatment with a chance of curing my condition, a bone marrow transplant. This procedure involves destroying my diseased bone marrow with high doses of chemotherapy, and then replacing it with healthy marrow from a donor. I will hopefully have the transplant early next year. I will spend a month in the hospital and then at least a year in recovery, where my immune system will be practically non-existent. The procedure has a mortality rate of 30%, but the Massey Center has brought this down to around 15%. With my family's help and the support of my friends, I will beat this.

Since the only thing I can do while the doctors try to find a matching donor is to get myself physically fit, I've decided to not let the impending hospitalization keep me from doing what I enjoy most, performing with GWAR. I will be joining them on the upcoming North American tour where we will be playing many of the songs from our new album, the Blood of Gods, a record that I am prouder of than anything else I've put out in my 30 year career. I will be using labs across the country to monitor my blood over the next 2 months as we travel and will probably have to leave the tour at least once to come home for a transfusion, but as hard as the road can be, I look forward to the curative effect it can have on my soul. Everyone I have told about my condition have asked what they can do to help. I have teamed up with the incredible people at Love Hope Strength to offer a way for my friends and fans to not only help me, but all of the thousands of people out there in need of a bone marrow transplant. We are running a virtual drive to find donors to join the international registry of people willing to save a strangers life. So, please, if you are willing and able, become a donor today. There is no obligation, it will just allow you to find out if there is someone out there who's life you could save.

Michael Derks

In 2014, GWAR frontman David Brockie was found dead inside his Richmond, VA home on Sunday, March 23rd after an apparent heroin overdose.

[houstonlocalus-blog]

The Brian Jonestown Massacre: An Interview with Anton Newcombe

The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Photo: Bradley Garner

  Psych legends The Brian Jonestown Massacre have undoubtedly created a legacy for themselves. To give some indication, their latest, Don’t Get Lost, is the band’s 17th studio album. Their history has been one for the ages, and the acclaimed documentary Dig! followed the band alongside the Dandy Warhols. And although there have been claims that the film depicts various people incorrectly, there’s no denying that the band was, and still is, a must-see act. Prior to their show at White Oak Music Hall on Tuesday, Free Press Houston spoke to vocalist and guitarist Anton Newcombe in an extensive interview about the recent release, foreign and domestic policy, and the importance of social media and the impact that Newcombe has created with it.

  Free Press Houston: Congratulations on your release of Don’t Get Lost. With such an extensive discography, have you began any release-date celebrations?

Anton Newcombe: Oh, no. I’m not really sentimental for any of that stuff. It all goes really quick. I’m not a person that believes in resting on your loyalty. When I make something up, and if I am excited about it, the excitement goes away really quick, and then I’m on to the next thing. Even if I share something from a record that’s not out yet, the excitement still goes away quick.

  FPH: Since you have your own studio, I imagine you have an extensive collection of gear. On this album, I noticed some very heavy electronic bass sounds; are you into collecting that stuff, such as Moogs and others like it?

Newcombe: Yeah, exactly. I have a lot of different kinds of instruments. But I’ve always loved that sound, you know, ultra-low end and obscure bass.

  FPH: On the album, one of the track that, to me, presents a prevalent ultra-low end is “Melody’s Actual Echo Chamber.” Where did you get the idea for those sounds on this particular release?

Newcombe: Well, I’ve been fucking around with Korgs and Moogs since early 1980. I’ve been doing that for a long time now. I’ve been playing the ultra-low end before I played guitar. This was in my friend’s groups and in my own bands when I was a teenager. I was into that kind of stuff.

  FPH: What does the cover of the album represent? Is the circuit board of anything specific?

Newcombe: It was just the first one that I came upon. It was a schematic that was printed in such a way, that looked so random, you know? When I was looking at different images of them on Google or whatever I thought, “This one looks cool. I know what I can do with it. I’ll just use this image.” It doesn’t really represent anything. It’s not like, “Oh, this is something inside a TV, or an Atari.”

  FPH: How quick did you get in the studio after Third World Pyramid to record this new one? I recall that record coming out so recently. In fact, it was practically four months to the day.

Newcombe: Well, what happened was I recorded all of these songs and all of those songs at the same time, and then went on tour. See, I wrote these songs the same days I wrote the last ones. I’ll write a song like “The Sun Ship” and then write something completely different, on the same day. It doesn’t matter. When I’m writing — especially when I’m writing 40 songs in two weeks — I’ll just write as quickly as possible because I can visualize a song. I can then completely move onto the next thing. It doesn’t matter. For instance, I’ll tell the person next door — the drummer — “just play this beat for a second.” I’ll pick up my acoustic guitar and play Spanish music. See, I have another song right there. It doesn’t matter to me, do you see what I’m saying? I can tell a person to play like Neu! or to play a beat really fast with me. The next thing will come in and we’ll be like “we’re not playing that thing. On to the next.” We can then play, like, Neil Young and Crazy Horse. It goes on like that.

  FPH: With that being the case, does this release actually feel like your 17th album?

Newcombe: Well, I can visualize it when I’m writing, very quickly. It became apparent that it was a new album. What happened was, we were about to go on tour, and a promoter said “I’ll book you guys, because you sell out everywhere you play. However, you’re not releasing a record right now, and that would help.” I got offended. I was like, “Well, you mean the two records, the two EPs, and the four singles we’ve released since the last time we played Paris? Like that, you mean?” It’s really an abstract concept when you’re in a band that has been around for so many years. Once you have 15 albums and you’re consistently releasing new music, it really doesn’t matter if you have a new record out that fucking second or not. I just read an article in French, and [the authors] were like, “He’s probably going to come to Paris and play the same songs he played five or ten years ago.” I wasn’t even paying attention. The last time I played Paris I played two new songs that weren’t even out, so to say that, in a three-hour concert, we’re only going to play the same songs — there’s no way you can ever make everyone happy. For a band like us, with that many records, how are we going to go out and make everyone happy?

Even if I was to go on tour and say, “I’m only going to play the first album I ever did,” I am not going to make everyone happy. It would make some people happy, though. So I was like, “Okay, I’m just going to record a song in French and release it as a single.” It wasn’t to piss them off, but doing it was effortlessly. I don’t even speak French. Musically, a lot of modern French music is hit-or-miss, in terms of how they sound. This manner that they have with words — they sacrifice any musicality. They’re not singing in some really cool way. Some were able to do it, obviously.

Anyway, once I recorded that I did not stop. I started to hammer through. It got to the point of “I need one more song.” Then, it was “I think I have an album.” I could visualize that it was a totally different style of music. This is a totally different style, and that kind of style is every style. On the other hand, I can vaguely see how people will say this is run-of-the-mill Brian Jonestown Massacre and vaguely ’60s. I was hoping that I could put Don’t Get Lost back in December, so it would be Third World Pyramid in October and another one following in a couple of months. What I was hoping to happen was people to look at Third World Pyramid and be underwhelmed, except I’d put Sun Ship on it and be like, “Well, look. I’m 49 years old and this is one of the best songs I’ve ever written, so fuck you. If you think I’m stuck in the ’60s or something, fuck you again. Here’s a whole album that’s not stuck anywhere, it’s all over the place.” That was my goal, but it really didn’t happen that way.

  FPH: I was rewatching Dig! a few nights ago to prepare for this. I know that both groups have said that the documentary did not reflect 100 percent truthfully, but one of my favorite quotes of yours was “Thank God For Mental Illness cost $17 to produce.” How true is that, and what was entailed in the $17?

Newcombe: It was the cost of the tapes. It was the cost of the materials. Basically, I set up two microphones and pressed record. I asked a friend if I could record on his machine. It was like, “Just let me press fucking record.”

  FPH: I also recently learned that you enjoy reading a lot about historical and cultural books. What are you reading now? Also, if you could read a book about our current global cultures, would you?

Newcombe: Well, I have a book right now. It’s called Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany. It’s all about how Nazi’s were on drugs. I have another I’m taking on tour called Jumpin’ Jack Flash, which is about a guy who is a gangster in performance. He was hanging out with the Rolling Stones in London. At this moment, those were the ones given to me, but I switch them up.

Well, I don’t find it that interesting. I don’t know if people will study this new form of authoritarianism. All I know is there is no reverse gear in this kind of authoritarianism. What is happening in the United States, if that’s what you’re talking about, has no reverse gear. I know that’s it’s labeled as a populist movement — all these people that were disenfranchised under Obama rose up, and they were so tired of Washington. As if! The people that are entrenched are there! The swap is all of those fucking Republicans that have been doing nothing except vetoing and taking bacon off of everybody. It’s not just Clinton’s mafia connections or whatever. This is all a scam. Talking about the deep government, they’re letting [Trump] come out in the open. It’s already come out, do you see what I’m saying? The first WikiLeaks thing — they knocked down the whole Middle East at once and people were on Facebook going “Democracy is coming!” People don’t vote democratically in Arab countries, they vote tribal. What’s happened now is you have guys like Rex Tillerson. So, traditionally, it was the oil guys that influence politicians. Now, these guys are up in front. Now, they are the face of the government. Now, they don’t have to deal with some puppet in front of them, playing a role.

  FPH: Three of the four shows are in Texas. It’s very cool that you’re doing that, but what was the decision behind that instead of, say, the typical NYC show?

Newcombe: I don’t know what that is. I think we got just got together in Los Angeles and decided to do some shows in Texas a few times, because what happened with the last Levitation Festival with the weather and safety, which is a shame. I mean, even in the early ’90s Texas was our biggest market. We used to sell 60-70 records a week at Bill’s Records in Dallas alone. It was a crazy amount of records for an underground band. There’s been a lot of support, and I love Texas.

I understand that normal, simple people are cool. There’s a loony tune element of what you’re talking about in Texas, which I’m fine with. Sometimes I wonder if your average Texan really falls for Trump’s bullshit. I don’t have a problem with there being a conservative in office, if they share your values. That’s not what I’m talking about. I could live with that, because I’m living in Berlin, so why should I care? I’m talking about all this bullshit — this guy is not what he seems to the people that are so happy. It really has brought out a strange time in American politics. You’ve got to understand that there is a large part of his support base that are preparing for the apocalypse, because they believe they are going to be raptured up. They want the end of the world, because it means Jesus is coming 10 minutes before it. They want the craziest guy!

There are groups of these Baptists who go, every year on holiday, and pack ammunition and gas masks for the Israelis for war, and they do it on their own money. There a lot of people rooting for the end, so you need to understand that demographic: people are like, “It’s your turn to suffer for eight years, because we suffered for eight years under Obama.” How does America even think that? So that kind of stuff drives me nuts and I’m hoping that I don’t run into too many.

  FPH: Social media is crucial to practically every industry, but you take it a step forward: you are very responsive with your fans, sometimes getting a bit serious with others. Has tweeting ever been a conscious decision, or is it a spur of the moment thing? For example, can you talk about your recent confrontation with Piers Morgan?

Newcombe: I have no problem being open. The thing is, I never understood why people remove themselves, like they’re so important. And the “fake celebrities” have me laughing with their elitism and fake realities. It’s such a joke. Like, “I’m on the Power Rangers, but you wouldn’t know me, because I wear a mask, but I only hang out in the A-list clubs, and I don’t have to stand outside with the velvet rope.”

[With the Piers Morgan blocking] you have no idea what kind of guy he is! He was caught up in this spying scandal for the papers [in England]. They got into everyone’s shit for his trashy magazine. One of the papers had to go out of business due to the Daily Mail. There was thing going on — you see, the law is really strange. The law and corporations are taking turns doing things, when they can’t necessarily do anything with technology — it’s like the corporations do things that the government can’t, legally, and vise versa. There’s this real thin line with technology. It’s like the NSA doesn’t spy on people anymore, the corporations do it. The head of the NSA, a couple of years back, said, “We’re no longer in the spying business like you think we are.” The corporations record every single fucking thing we do.

He’s just a real shit, that’s what he is. He’s like a fascist lapdog. He’s this really strange guy. A lot of crap that guy does doesn’t sit well with Trump, or does it? When he has nothing else to talk about, he whips up stuff in America, like, “You need to ban all guns.” How does that fit with Trump and his voter base? That’s the opposite! I mean, you can possibly get shot at a fucking Trump voter rally, or something. It’s more likely [there] than anywhere else.

  FPH: Thanks for taking the time for this, Anton. Another thing that you’re very social about on Twitter is Oxfam, which is a charity that means a lot to you. So for the people in the US who may not be familiar, can you describe a bit about it and how they can donate? I saw you occasionally post about contests with a donation?

Newcombe: Oxfam and MSF — an organization of doctors who donate their time internationally to help people in war zones around the world — help people. Oxfam was founded in the UK and they try to figure out the solutions to problems, really. They’ll bring goats to families in these villages, because you can make all of your milk and cheese with it. They do all kinds of stuff to help people. You can look at both of those and I think they use 5 percent of their donations on the logistics, meaning the staffing and housing, which is amazing. I figured out a way to do these raffles where no money touches my hands. Basically, send proof that you donated on your end and you’ll be entered in a contest. I once give away 50 vinyl records at once. I’ve probably raised 70,000 quid, which is around $80,000 doing that, and I’ve never had to touch one dollar.

  The Brian Jonestown Massacre will perform at White Oak Music Hall on March 7 alongside Flower Graves. Doors are at 7 pm and tickets are $25.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre: An Interview with Anton Newcombe this is a repost