Some of you will find this very hard to believe, but it’s been twenty five years since Irish rock legends The Stunning formed!! Fear not though, the band aren’t letting the significance go unnoticed.
To celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary, The Stunning have announced they’ll be reforming for a show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on September 21st where they’ll perform their classic album, ‘Paradise In The Picturehouse’ in its entirety (and of course other hits from ‘Once Around the World’ and ‘Tightrope’). Tickets go on sale Monday, June 4th from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide (and ticketmaster.ie) priced €28 plus booking fee. Doors open at 19:00 hrs. with the show kicking off at 20:00.
It’s my belief that history is a wheel. “Inconsistency is my very essence” -says the wheel- “Rise up on my spokes if you like, but don’t complain when you are cast back down into the depths. Good times pass away, but then so do the bad. Mutability is our tragedy, but it is also our hope. The worst of times, like the best, are always passing away” – Boethius, (524 AD) (and err – Tony Wilson apparently)
It’s been 32 years since The Happy Mondays first formed in Manchester, 25 since their first album, 22 since they hit global success, 10 years since the film 24 Hour Party People brought them a second wave of mass interest and here they are again, reformed and ready to rock. If Boethius was correct and history is a wheel, then the Mondays are strapped to perpetual motion. Tonight, the original line-up of the band are back together and playing their first Dublin show since….well, last night actually. The original line-up, the always gorgeous and incredible Rowetta and fellow Madchester legends; Inspiral Carpets – it’s going to be a good one – F**kin’ MAD4IT!
Opening the show at the happily wedged Olympia are the carpets. Clint Boon passes up the decks for his customary keyboards and along with singer, Stephen Hall keep the crowd on their toes for a good 40 minutes. Classic tracks like ‘Joe’, ‘She Comes In The Fall’, ‘This Is How It Feels’, ‘I Want You’ and ‘Move’ still sound fresh and get everyone – fan or not; on board, while new track, ‘You’re So Good For Me’ shows the band might have some surprises in store for us further down the line’. A great set from a band that still have a lot to offer and hopefully they’ve made enough of a mark tonight to come back for their own show soon.
With the DJ wrapping up, pints in hand and a packed Olympia; it’s time for the main event. The reported absence of Bez from the tour disappointed some, but as soon as the house lights go down the iconic dancer appears to introduce the band (for the first time in 19 years) before the Mondays strut on to the stage as if they’ve never been apart. Paul, Gary, Mark, Paul Davis, Shaun and Rowetta assemble themselves, kicking off the slow build up on ‘Loose Fit’. Every note echoes everything the crowd loves about the Mondays and proclaims – ‘we are back’. You can’t help but notice how well the iconic (and often infamous) band look and sound these days. Any hesitations that the Mancunian heroes may be past it are instantly dashed as the band thunder through a hit packed set. As the first notes of ‘Kinky Afro’ roar out, Bez returns, maracas in toe; jerking everyone to their feet and with that, the night has well and truly arrived.
‘Donavon’, ‘God’s Cop’, ‘Judge Fudge’ and ‘24 Hour PartyPeople’ pack up the early set which sees Shaun continuingly interacting with the band and fans, even managing to get the notoriously quiet Paul Ryder to say a few words. The band is obviously enjoying the reunion as much as the fans as they smile and joke their way through the gig. ‘Rave On’ and ‘Cowboy Dave’ give hard-core fans a real treat while ‘Hallelujah’ let’s Rowetta’s ever inspiring voice bring the house down. ‘Bob’s Yer Uncle’, ‘Mad Cyril’ and ‘Step On’ (which again sees Bez re-emerge to another rapturous cheer) finish off the main set with a blast before the Mondays come back to attack ‘Jellybean’ from the Monday’s last album, ‘Uncle Dysfunktional’ before closing the night with ‘Wrote For Luck’.
There’s no doubt about it, the Mondays are back and they are still a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully this reunion will carry on for a long time to come because some bands were made to play together and this lot are definitely one of them. Mancunians Rave on!
The June Bank Holiday is looking better with a city stopping showcase of Irish metal. On Saturday, June 2nd; Dublin’s Edenfire launch their new EP and they’re bringing a few friends with them to get the job done right and proper.
Support on the night comes from Dead Label, Animator and Tickets There favourites; EXZELTIC. It all takes place at The Pint, June 2nd and entrance is only €5 on the door. CD’s of the new E.P. will also be available on the night for an additional €5.
Initially formed in 2003, after a few different iterations 2010 saw the best line up so far settled upon with Dan Monaghan (Guitar & Vocals), Tony Murphy (Bass & Vocals), Paul Murphy (Guitar) and Steven Maloney (Drums). Fusing a combination of melodic and thrash metal, Edenfire are a mainstay in metal gigs in Dublin. This is the first E.P. the band has recorded and it was made @ TrackmixTrackmix Studios earlier this year.
This is massively overdue but Tickets There would like to extend our congratulations to Dublin death metallers, Warpath, for securing the winning spot in the Irish leag of the 2012 Wacken Metal Battle. Competing against Exzeltic, Beltbuckle Overdrive (who both came joint second), Psykosis, Zealot Cult and Celtachor, Warpath stormed their way to victory and will crusade across the content to the world final @ W:O:A in August.
Winners aside, the competition really showcased the incredible talent that exists in this country’s metal scene. With Primordial and Darkest Era starting to hammer down the road to greatness, it seems there are many more bands waiting in the ranks for their chance to unleash hell, raise carnage and put some metal up your ass.
Congratulations to all who entered and best of luck to Warpath at Wacken this summer!
“Axl’s not coming, he fell off a table in Russia and isn’t allowed to fly at the moment”. Just leaving the central bar on O’Connell Street to catch the Luas down to the O2 and one waiter talks himself out of ever getting my custom again with that little comment. But then again, what’s a Guns N’ Roses gig without a little drama?
Entering the O2 tonight brings back some of those worries and dreads from 2010 (the elephant in the room), but these are dashed instantly as a completely different crowd and atmosphere await. There’s no-one falling over the place, spilling their blue WKD’s and roaring insults at everything in sight. There’s no booing, complaining or bickering. Instead there’s an excitement in the air and the sight of Thin Lizzy taking the stage only heightens that.
Anyone that’s caught the Irish legends over the past few years will attest that they are the strongest line-up of the band since their glory days with Philo. Brian Downey and Scott Gorham are still there, looking and sounding great but the show stealer is frontman, Ricky Warwick. He avoids the cliché of adopting Phil’s moves and style to the letter, choosing instead to inject his own road tested brand of rock n’ roll energy and deep vocals which boost the songs energy and the band’s performance. Tonight they magnetically blaze through classics such as ‘Emerald’, ‘Jailbreak’, ’Don’t Believe A Word’, ‘Cowboy Song’, ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ and ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ before finishing off with ‘Black Rose’, noted favourite of Guns singer Axl Rose. The announcement of a headlining show later in the year doubtfully went un-noted by tonight’s attendees. Now, on to the main event!
Lizzy leave the stage around 9:30 and it’s time to let the anticipation begin. Unlike Guns’s previous show in Dublin, the crowd tonight seem more than happy to wait things out as the bar queues extend, the smoking area expands and everyone kicks back and relaxes with good tunes coming from the PA. Before we know it, the house lights go dark and it’s time to rock n roll.
Under their massive video backdrop, guitarist DJ Ashba climbs on high to deliver the show’s signature opening of ‘Chinese Democracy’ before their legendary frontman explodes to life amidst a massive pyro display. The crowd give a rapturous welcome to the band as they commandeer every inch of the stage, taking no prisoners in their mission to give their fans the greatest show possible. Guitarists Ron Thal, Richard Fortus and especially DJ Asba barely stand still for a moment as they rocket from side to side, lapping up the crowds cheers and delivering note perfect performances while Axl’s razor sharp vocals and on stage magnetism conquers all. Despite persistent rumours that he’s gained hundreds of pounds in weight, lost his voice and is apparently stuck in Russia, he is on stage, looking incredible, sounding better than ever and 100% guaranteed – is not a hologram. Even with his very recent and very serious looking leg injury, Axl still dances and moves across the stage likes there’s no tomorrow, even climbing up to the podiums on either side to greet everyone.
Set classics such as ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘It’s So Easy’, ‘Mr. Brownstone’ and ‘Rocket Queen’ electrify the crowd while Chinese Democracy heavyweights ‘Sorry’, ‘This I Love’, ‘Street of Dreams’ and ‘Better’ bellow through the audience with incredible energy and force. The band appears in great spirits, obviously delighted with the change since their last performance. Axl interacts on several occasions with the crowd even quipping that despite his leg injury (I’m) “probably moving a lot more than the last time I was here” before grinning and carrying on. Solo’s from the band add refreshing breaks from the onslaught of heavyweight classics and Chinese Democracy juggernauts and give each of the guys a chance to show the fans why they’re members of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time. Tommy Stinson performs ‘Motivation’, a song from his previous band The replacements. DJ Ashba moves in with his own ‘Mi Amor’ solo. Dizzy Reed gives us a little ‘Baba O’Riley’ from The Who and Ron Thal knocks out his take on the Pink Panther theme before slipping in a little ‘Danny Boy’ for the crowd.
‘You Could Be Mine’, ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’, ‘November Rain’ (preceded by Axl Rose’s piano solo) and ‘Don’t Cry’ deliver hit after hit before the band kick back with a cover of AC/DC’s ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ – doing the DC proud! The mighty and rarely heard ‘Estranged’ adds a wave of euphoria to those in attendance who swear it’s the bands greatest recorded moment before the epic ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’ and assaulting ‘Nightrain’ bring the main set to a close. Just when you think they’ve nothing left in them, the band return for a quick jam before launching into ‘There Was A Time’, one of the most accomplished songs in their arsenal before delivering ‘Civil War’ and one final blowout performance of ‘Paradise City’. With red confetti flying in the air, thousands of fans screaming and cheering the band on, Axl and co bow before their final signoff – three hours after walking on stage, “Thanks for coming out, thanks for putting up with my lame ass and thanks for not throwing shit”. Anytime Mr. Rose because good things come to those who wait – come back soon!
The wait is almost over folks. Tonight, GUNS N’ ROSES return to the O2 arena, Dublin. With support from Thin Lizzy and Vengeance and the Panther Queen.
6.30: Doors
7.00: Vengeance and the Pantger Queen
8.30: Thin Lizzy
(times subject to change)
9.15: GUNS N’ ROSES
As we told you back when this show was announced, Guns may be late on stage do 1- pace your drinking, 2- take in the sights n sounds of the lovely O2 Arena, enjoy the hell out of Lizzy and 4 – BRING TAXI MONEY !!
Guns are playing roughly 23 songs in their set, including Chinese Democracy gems and greatest hits! Axl, DJ, Ron, Richard, Frank, Tommy, Chris and Dizzy have been enjoying the relaxing city of Dublin over the past few days, tone for us to have a good time.
If you’re going, have a great night. If you’re not, well – tickets are still on sale. Don’t miss you’re chance to catch these legends!
Guns N’ Roses2012 European Tour kicks off tomorrow night in Moscow and one week from today, they’ll take the stage at Dublin’s O2 Arena with Thin Lizzy and Vengeance & the Panther Queen as special guests. It’s been two long years since their last Irish shows and this writer for one is dying to welcome them back to the Emerald isle. Home of Paradise City, Guinness and a welcoming crowd.
Old Tickets There decided to celebrate and have a bit of fun with NME’s recent ’18 Reasons why Axl Rose is a….’ can’t actually remember what they were aiming at. Either way, let’s see why Axl Rose is as big a legend as he is.
18: His Attitude
Nuff said really – Axl’s attitude is second to none. He doesn’t let people push him around or tell him what to do, something the population of the Ireland (and indeed the world) could do with a little bit more if we’re ever to convince the courts to hang / castrate the remaining members of Finna Fail, the ‘bankers’ and Dana.
17: Tommy Hilfiger-gate
Axl Rose got into a fight with Tommy Hilfiger, do you care? It lasted all of two seconds in a pub. Imagine that, a small scuffle in a pub. Tisk, Tisk, Tisk!
16: He’s not a one-woman man
Axl Rose in proper rock star fashion sleeps with a lot of women. If you were single, had lots of money and were the front man of Guns N’ Roses, you’d do the same. If not, you’d still try your darndest! Not NME though, they have a very strict Morrissey A-Sexual policy. Keep on keepin’ down the big fella lads, he’ll only land ye in trouble with mommy.
15: Bob Guccione Jr-gate
Axl Rose got into a fight with Bob Guccione Jr. Do you care? Yes you do because that fight got taken into the awesome ’Get In The Right’. Weighting in at 850 lbs, Guns N’ Roses’. How many of you have had fights turned in to savage songs?
14: Scared of seaweed? WTF?
Apparently Axl doesn’t like seaweed….do you care? Suppose, it’s horrible slimy sh*t. Some people like to bath in it, other people like to whip themselves in worship to God or the Gods of Berlin’s nightlife. Let the man have his pet-fear. Mine is rats, some people keep those as pets. Basic message, people like / hate random sh*t – except at NME where they favor A-sexual men and a confrontation free environment….except of course when they write hate blogs J
13: His non-existent sense of humor?
He told me this joke one time, you would have sh*t yourself. Prove me wrong!
12: He’s got no Patience
Miss-heading heading here, I believe it’s Slash’s fans that have no patience. Axl will distill his talent until it’s perfect.
11: Metallica-gate
Axl Rose and Metallica do not get along so well. Guess it just p*ssed off Metallica that they had to open for Guns way back in 1992. People think it’s because of Montreal, but Metallica’s ‘A Year and a Half In the Life of’ video will show otherwise.
10: He hates poodles
Cannot blame the man, what a waste of life. Silly looking dogs for Beverly Hill wannabes.
9: Not a fan of ‘fans’ …. getting this shit kicked out of them.
A few years back, Axl stopped a show to kick out three security guards after witnessing them getting extremely rough with fans in the front row. Axl stopped the show, pointed to the three men and demanded they be removed. Once they left, Guns carried on. Uncle Axl has your back! Watch the video below if you like (you won’t find this one on NME)
8: Velvet Revolver-gate
Band members fall out. One crowd starts a new band – they have a cyber-spat. Six trolls all doing their best.
Also, Scott Weiland did make that whole comment about being remorseful towards Axl once he learned firsthand what it was like to be in a band with certain old Guns…. Ahem (link – http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1984 )
7: It’s hard enough remembering lyrics…
A lot of artists use monitors for lyrics. Legendary bands and those that can afford them of course. When you write songs and make a successful career out of that art it doesn’t suddenly mean you’re memory is gifted with the space of terabyte memory stick. When Axl sits in front of one with glasses on and reads them off, then we’ll worry.
6Nirvana-gate
Nirvana is a harsh word. Basically Axl Rose told Kurt Cobain to shut Courtney Love up. Now honestly, wouldn’t we all have loved if it had worked? Maybe Kurt wouldn’t … well, you know, and maybe Courtney Love would actually have shut the f**k up. If you’re listening love, do us all a favor and shut the f**k up you twisted, dried up *insert words commonly used aside ‘epidemic of the late 1980’s* *insert word often associated with degenerate scum who ((should resort to)) sell(ing) their body for sex and almost always follows the first expletive word*
5: White dreads
Axl is so cool he braved the media and put his head in dreads! Didn’t last long, but fair play for trying something new!
4: Terrible dress sense
Terrible, sorry that’s an NME typo. Awesome was the word we were going for there. Axl’s dress sense on tour has always been something that gave Guns some of their character. Mixing and matching everything from SWAT gear, to kilts, to union jack jackets and bandanas. Axl has been at the forefront of everything that was cool about the late 80’s and 90’s and now he’s doing it for the new millennium. The infamous yellow jacket was worn at a very wet show and doesn’t make regular appearances so don’t judge an Axl by an NME.
3: ‘Chinese Democracy’
First they released the (arguably) biggest rock album in history, follow that with a massively successful EP and then two massive double albums that spawned numerous successful singles and were chock full of fan favorites. Then there was the covers album, live album, greatest hits and eventually, the most anticipated album in music history. Impressive?
During its conception, announcement and eventual release, Chinese Democracy amassed more stories than the folklore of a small European country, provided music analysts with world breaking stats (most expensive album in history..yaday..etc) and countless comparison arguments (Beatles entire recording career was completed in half the time of the recording of Chinese Democracy… Remember that?). Ex-members, managers, session players, friends and family of the band were inundated for a decade+ about the album. It’s been toured since 2002 and finally saw release in late 2008. Upon the album’s release, there were rumors that the record company had simply snapped the mix from Axl’s hand and gone ahead with the release he did not endorse. In response, Axl snubbed all partnerships and release hysteria and basically dropped off the face of the planet for several weeks before finally re-emerging to answer fans questions…directly. No middle man, nio pushy agenda ridden media drone – Axl went online directly to Guns N’ Roses fan forums and spent several hours a night for over a week talking to fans, answering their questions and giving his version of events for the first time in roughly two decades.
The album could have been the biggest seller of 2008, but due to Axl’s refusal to acknowledge its release, it managed the number 3 on the US Billboard Top 200 and debuted in the top 5 position of 26 different sales charts. In the four years since it’s release, Chinese Democracy has started to win original naysayers over with some critics begin to voice the opinion that it stands the test of time extremely well and the more you distance yourselves from the line-up controversy, the album stands out as the gem it truly is.
2: Cornrows
After trying the dreads, Axl went for cornrows and they actually looks pretty savage.
1: Guns N Roses
Love him, hate him – Axl is the spirit of Guns N’ Roses. After Izzy, Slash and Duff all quit, Axl was left without the core lineup that helped write those magic songs and make them famous. Fortunately, he was able to replace them all with extremely talented, sh*t coll musicians including TommyStinson from The Replacements. DJ Ashba from Sixx:AM and Beautiful Creatures. Guitar virtuoso, song writer, producer and all round legend – Ron Thal. The incredible Richard Fortus who doubles as lead and rhythm in Guns three guitar attack lineup. Richard has played The Psychedelic Furs and Thin Lizzy as well as Guns. Live drummer Frank Ferrer has been with the band since 2006 when he had to jump in to fill the gap left by Brian Mantia who left the tour after he became a father. Frank has since become the backbone to their powerful live sound and has extensive touring / recording experience. Dizzy Reed (Rock N’ Roll inductee and twenty two year Guns N’ Roses veteran) is still there providing backing vocals and keyboards with a little help from Chris Pitman who plays keyboards, bass, 12 string guitar and mellotron (sher why not?). Chris has also been involved in writing some of the highest profile tracks on Chinese Democracy as well as playing on them all.
Together they make up a band of younger, aggressive musicians who aren’t afraid to explore new sounds and shake up the confines that some fans wish to banish Guns to. Life changes, if you don’t change with it you gain two things – moss and guided tours. Guns N’ Roses are still fresh, still fighting fit and sounding better than ever. The man who wrote / co-wrote 46 of Guns N’ Roses 64 studio tracks still stands tall as leader of this great band and one of rock n’ roll’s greatest legends.
GUNS N’ ROSES: LIVE @ THE O2 DUBLIN – MAY 17th. TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Some of you will find this very hard to believe, but it’s been twenty five years since Irish rock legends The Stunning formed!! Fear not though, the band aren’t letting the significance go unnoticed.
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