The Enemy - Carling Academy, Birmingham

The Enemy are going from strength to strength as the latest gig showed at Birmingham's Carling Academy. The lads put on a slick, tight show that kept the fans wanting more as the sweat poured down their topless bodies.

Tom (left), Liam (back) and Andy (right)




Escobar on stage

Right from when Escobar came on stage just after 7 pm, the crowd were vocal and supportive and were enjoying countless crowd surfing exercises during the course of the evening. Security were on hand to help in a friendly way, lifting each surfer to safety. It was more like a football match with the vast majority of the 3,000 crowd having braved the bad weather to come over from Coventry and show their support to the three lads who have helped put Coventry back on the music map. The other support act were the Harrisons - both bands providing a good warm up sound for The Enemy to swagger on stage too.

Family and friends of Tom, Andy and Liam were close by in the V.I.P area, even Andy was able to pop in and have a chat - without getting mobbed by fans. This is where the band are at the moment, still on the verge of becoming really big and yet still able to walk around without being surrounded by security. Even from this balcony area the V.I.P crew showed how it should be done by partying away through each song and chanting the odd "Coventry" here and there!


The Enemy seem to have tapped into a new generation of music lovers with their songs about working class life and fighting the system. Such tracks as "Had Enough" and "It's Not OK" seem to go further than Oasis ever did, in talking about the life of ordinary working class people. This is part of the appeal of The Enemy at the moment, they sing about real issues that affect real lives - no gloss, no bullshit just hard hitting lyrics that the audience can relate too.




VIDEOS:



The Enemy - "Away From Here"


The Enemy - "It's Not OK"


The Enemy - "Had Enough" (clip)


The Enemy - "We'll Live And Die In These Towns"

The Enemy - "40 Days and 40 Nights"


The Enemy - "Pressure"

Another sleepless night for robmacca!

A Ripptastic Story

Once upon a time there was a guy called robmacca

robmacca discovered a Coventry band, The Ripps who had some great music.

So robmacca ordered some t-shirts from the band

Then one day Patch Ripp and James delivered them to robmacca's house

Then they surprised him by giving him lots of stickers and some "Holiday" postcards

As a way of thanking him, they gave him a CD with lots of bonus album tracks on

robmacca wanted to cry when he saw all the kindness shown by The Ripps

Never had an artist or "celebrity" done so much for someone so little like robmacca

They even signed the postcards as an added surprise

Finally robmacca had his very own "I ♥ Cov " t-shirts to wear

robmacca went to bed one happy Ripps fan

Not THE END

(just another chapter)

The Ripps "Holiday" Launch - Coventry Colosseum

The Ripps made it another night to remember as they took the young Colosseum crowd in Coventry by storm. They were celebrating the release of their single "Holiday" and turned the room into one large party with some serious moshing as their fast and furious tunes boomed out.

Rachel bangs them out!

This was the perfect setting - in their hometown with friends in the audience and a room full of students all thinking about the coming holidays as exams come to a close. It was a chance to let off some steam and party hard.

Raul taking a joke from his brother Patch

Right from the start the crowd were behind The Ripps and wasted no time by showing them how much they liked their tunes. The room was alive with dancing and chanting and became a hot bed of sweaty bodies - this is what gigs should be made of!

The energy coming from the crowds was bouncing back to Patch, Raul and Rachel - who kept that energy alive on stage by giving a fantastic performance as they loved every minute of it.

Patch in action

There were some surprises in store for the Colli crowd as the band threw out some beach balls when they sang "Holiday" and welcomed a friend for guest vocals for their final song "Too much Too Young", a fitting close to bring SKA music back to the city it came from.

Special guest vocals during "Too Much Too Young"

Raul goes Two Tone in this hat!

Finally, Patch got a surprise of his own when his good friend Russ, flashed from the side of the stage. It was a chance for Patch to make a few jokes and it all added to the experience of a night out with The Ripps and co!

Here are a selection of videos from the night, recorded on my mobile phone from a very active mosh pit - so excuse the quality.

The Cov Colli crowd chanting with The Ripps, going mental. The band start playing their new single "Holiday" but filming is cut short as the mosh pit gets wild!

This video is "Vampires" and was recorded with lots of pushing and shoving going on behind (all adds to the fun!), after the song finishes Patch, Raul and Rachel begin shaking hands with the crowd.

The Ripps perform "Vandals" to the Cov crowd who lap it up big time.

The opening song of the night "Loco", gets the crowd going mad and sets the scene for the rest of the gig - Watch out Glastonbury 'cos The Ripps are coming!

The Ripps @ Taylor Johns, Coventry

Just got back from The Ripps pre-single release launch at Taylor Johns in Coventry, and what a f**king night it has been, two great support acts in the form of The Rrrrs (former Band of the Week here) and Sunset Cinema Club. The Coventry crowd were totally up for it and sweated and hungered for more.







Here are a few pictures:

The Rrrrs set the crowd alight with a lively set, ahead of their EP launch on the 23rd June.

Sunset Cinema Club bring Taylor Johns down with aloud, wild set.

The Ripps perform in front of their home crowd, who crowd surf, climb on stage and cheer them on.










The Rrrrs in action @ Taylor Johns.


The Ripps and co perform "Holiday"

The Ripps perform "Vandals"

The Ripps "I Don't Love You Anymore"

The Ripps - "You Don't Even Care"

*sorry about the video and picture quality - they don't do the artists any justice!

Kapow@ The Phoenix, Coventry

Thursday night was live music night in the shape of Kapow! @ The Phoenix (formally known as Campbell's) with three bands The Late Starters, "Band of the Week" - Half of Nothing and The Cougars. A night of talent, making Kapow! well worth a visit in Coventry. Sadly, it was rather like a school disco that finished just as you were getting into it. The bands performance was faultless and by the end you were raring to let it all out, yet sadly The Phoenix closed at midnight..........

First up were new band "The Late Starters", featuring amongst other wonderful and talented people members of The Sequins in their first public performance as The Late Starters. The lead singer being more used to playing bass guitar previously was now lead on vocals and guitar and slotted into the role very nicely.

Second up were our 'Band of the Week' - "Half of Nothing", a great bunch of lads who proved to be friendly before and after the performance. From the dedicated beats of drummer Alex to the rather addictive moves of band member Rob as he moshed away on stage, they brought us a set worthy of praise. Looking forward to seeing them again at the Colly on the 23rd June.

Last but by no means least , "The Cougars" were the stars of the night, having travelled all the way across from Cambridge on the recommendation of The Ripps. This band,with Ashley Read on lead vocals had a stage presence like no other. The stage was awash with beer and water by the time Ashley had finished knocking over his drinks, but well worth it for the entertainment value. Punk music has never sounded so good, with an inspired SexPistols set fitting for 2007. Along side this, The Cougars played a song inspired from their previous visit to Coventry entitled "You Having A Good Time", a fast and furious song about a night out at The Colosseum. If there is one band that deserve a record deal then my award would go to The Cougars!

- robmacca and nino enjoying the night at Kapow! - The Phoenix, Coventry.

*All pictures are thanks to nino for letting me share them.

*See my pictures from the night at robmaccaEXTRA

The Ripps - "Holiday"

The Ripps single "Holiday" is out on Monday and I've made a little picture collection below and used some funky programme that has made them look really good. Have a look by clicking the box below. Let me know what you think.........

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This is the best "Holiday" for 79p on the planet and available from HMV Download



You can also pre-order The Ripps new single "Holiday" on CD for the bargin price of £1.99 from HMV online

The 7" single release of "Holiday" is £2.99.

Why not just upgrade and go for the whole "package deal" and order The Ripps album "Long Live The Ripps" for just £6.99 from those nice chaps at HMV who will sort you out.

Don't get stuck on a donkey ride or have your head in the sand this summer, "Holiday" is the perfect track to play at home or abroad from Coventry heroes The Ripps. The single is released Monday 11th June 2007

Melanie C Mean Fiddler London Gig Review

Melanie C gave her loyal fans a real treat this week with a gig that reminded all in attendence exactly why she is one of the UK's most successful female singer. While most of the British press seem to ignore her, Europe seems to adore her and this could have been the inspiration for her latest album "This Time". Many had flown over from Europe to be at this only UK date, which was showcasing tracks from the album.

"Your only as good as your last song", so the saying goes but if this had been the case then "I Want Candy" could have been the nail in the coffin for Melanie, judging the reaction when it was released. But Melanie C is made of stronger stuff, after all she's from Liverpool!

The fans had also given the new album a luke warm reception when it was released at the start of April because it was so mellow comparied to the rock/pop of "Beautiful Intentions".

An angelic Melanie C performing in London

If Wednesday's gig is anything to go by, then it is far from over for Melanie C as she gave a worthy performance in front of the noisy crowds. Some had been queuing for over 12 hours - even though they didn't need too, some threw toys and flags on stage - showing their admiration for a woman who has influenced their lives. There were also knickers and a rather large bra thrown in Mel's direction, which she took in good humour. Pointing out that she didn't have enough boobs to fill the bra, Melanie said "I wish". The knickers were thrown back into the audience as Melanie joked that they could have been around from a previous venue gig and worn by some hot and sweaty rocker.

The most interesting "present" of the evening came in the form of ticker tape confetti exploding onto stage at just the right moment during one of the tracks. The audience thought it was part of the show, Melanie was so impressed with the fans surprise gift that she invited the one who arranged it, to come on tour with her. Commenting on the confetti explosion, she said: "it was f**king brillient, I'm well impressed".

Meanwhile back to the tracks sung at the gig, and fans fears were laid to rest with some belters from the past launching the evenings proceedings. There was something for everyone and what was especially praiseworthy is the way Melanie weaved in the new material from "This Time".

It has given the album a whole new meaning now as Melanie's performance was anything but mellow. Tracks such as "Understand" and "Forever Again" were sung with such gusto and a sincere love for performing live. Yet Melanie was still able to prove she was human during "What If I Stay", when she made a mistake and apoligised to those present. Here stood a woman idolised by her loyal fans, yet proving she is also fragile.

The new single "Carolyna" is released in the UK on Monday 18th June 2007.

robmacca's pictures from the gig can be seen >>>HERE<<<

robmacca's videos from the gig can be seen >>>HERE<<<

Band of the Week: Half of Nothing

Half of Nothing:

Introduction:

Half of Nothing have already had a busy start to the year, launching their new MySpace and official website as well as gaining a new bassist, James Abley and management team.

It’s like a fairy tale as Alex Lee (vocals and guitar) and James Abley (bass) were school friends who began the song writing process whilst they were at secondary school but became separated when Alex went on to study music composition at Coventry Uni. James went on to study music technology at Staffordshire Uni and it seemed the dream could be over. But Alex met Rob Colcombe (guitar), Phil Cox (drums) while at Cov Uni and the sound began to be formulated.

Three years later, Half of Nothing made it past the lectures and alcohol fuelled nights, and committed full time to performing. It was at this point James was able to come back into the fold as bassist and complete the fairy tale.

Time in the studio paid off as they revealed their new tunes last month, along with a host of live dates in Coventry and right across the region. They play aggressive pop, with lyrics that speak the universal subjects of life and love. “The music is played with the raw emotion that has been missing from pop music for the last twenty years.”, according to their website and band member James.

Coventry band, Half of Nothing - Alex, Phil, Bobby and James

The 15 Question Interview:

1. When did Half of Nothing form?

James: The band became a proper band at the beginning of the year when the 'classic' line up was completed.

2. Which artists have influenced your lives?

Phil: Dali, Monet, Van Gough, Bowie.

3. What’s the best thing about COV?

Alex: The randomness. If you leave the house for ten minutes you can come back with a story. Maybe not a good story but a story nonetheless.

Phil: The ice gem statue outside The Varsity.

Rob: Coventry Building Society.

4. Name your favourite albums of all time?

Phil: The Holy Bible - Manic Street Preachers, Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake - Small Faces, Up The Bracket - The Libertines and Friendly Fire - Sean Lennon.

Rob: 100 Broken Windows - Idlewild, Everyone Into Position - Oceansize and Friendly Fire - Sean Lennon.

Alex: Hard Days Night - Beatles, Camelot In Smithereens - Peter Bruntnell, JJ72 - JJ72, Waiting Rooms -Simon Warner and Friendly Fire - Sean Lennon. I could make you a tape if that would be easier!

James: Enema of The State - Blink 182 (?????), Affirmation - Savage Garden. Anything but Sean Lennon!

5. What do you think about the COV music scene at the moment?

Alex: So many good bands not enough venues for them all.

Rob: Best in the Midlands, better than Leicester ;-)

6. What has been your favourite gig venue?

James: The Colly.(The Colosseum)

Phil: The Cross, you’ve got to support the local scene, and The Chestnut Tree in Sheldon.

7. Which is better - Costa Del Sol or Costa Del COV?

Phil: Isn’t Sol a larger?

Alex: Let’s not be stupid, it’s all about the Costa Del Sol as much as I love COV.

Rob: Nothing beats the Coventry sea side!

8. There has been talk of a Hollywood style “stars of Coventry” in Priory Place - What one person would you put there first?

Phil: Annie (Golden Cross)

James: Patch Ripp (The Ripps)

9. Who would you duet with, if you had the opportunity?

Alex: Meat Loaf.

Rob: Avril Lavigne (she could be my girlfriend!).

10: What’s the craziest thing that has happened in the band?

Phil: It’s just one long crazy ride.

James: It’s just one long headache. But getting paid a hundred pounds for an encore was good.

Alex: Letting Rob in!

11. Who’s your favourite superhero?

James: Bat think.

Phil: Catmandoo.

Rob: Alex.

Alex: Ninja Bee.

12: If you had unlimited power, what would be the first thing you would do?

Phil: Put the kettle on.

Alex: Rest on my laurels.

13. Where would you like to be in a years time?

James: Canada.

Alex: Anywhere away from Phil.

Phil: With the rest of the band in one place.

Rob: Top Of The Pops.

14. Give us your ‘Tip of the Year’.

Phil: The 3:30 at Ascot.

Rob: Don’t let Phil take you to a gay club.

James: Stay clear of Phil or wear protection.

Phil: Don’t listen to rumours. Fleetwood Mac are rubbish.

15. What plans lie ahead for the band?

Phil: Sex, drugs and sausage rolls.

Rob: A record deal, s’il vous plait.

Alex: Sleep.............

Coming Up:

Half of Nothing gig dates:

June 5th -The Tardebigge, Redditch, Midlands
June 7th - Kapow at the Phoenix , COVENTRY
June 23rd - Colosseum, supporting The Rrrrs’ E.P Launch, COVENTRY
June 29th - The Hibernian, Birmingham
June 30th - Bands at the Bungalow, Birmingham

Links:

Half of Nothing MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/halfofnothingmusic

Half of Nothing Website - http://www.halfofnothing.co.uk/

Facebook "Coventry Music Scene" Group - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2396077837

Are you a local Coventry band and would like to be featured in a forthcoming “Band of the Week”? Contact: Whats on in Cov or robmacca and it could be your band we are promoting.

Victoria Beckham - Nice Top!

Victoria Bechham has either fallen on hard times or been in a rush to leave the house, the picture above clearly shows Posh without a bra - nice outfit though! This picture appeared in the media following reports about Victoria not being happy about the prospect of missing David's comeback game for England. The NBC documentary, 'Living With The Beckhams' wanted her to stay in the US and get some filming done but Victoria wanted to support her husband and spend time with the family.

The Enemy Session - How It All Went Wrong

Here's the quick story about what happened the day I was meant to go to London and watch one of my favourite groups, The Enemy, perform at an exclusive secret AOL session (as reported on Wednesday's Blog).........................

I rushed home after work, put on my "I ♥ Cov " t-shirt and packed my little bag with The Enemy merchandise.

Catriona, minus the back combed hair, drove us down towards London...........


Big pile up on M40 meant stuck for 7 hours and missing The Enemy.

Now watch the video to see my reactions to the day: