More Best of 2005's
JOE GEESIN (RECORD COLLECTOR/GRTR! reviewer) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Contributing to the next edition of Record Collector's Rare Record Price Guide. And enjoying reviewing whatever CDs/DVDs/gigs (and Interviews) are thrown in my direction - keep'em coming.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Finding a wonderful girlfriend
3) Any disappointments?
Being dumped twice this year. By the two most wonderful girls I've ever met.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Molly Hatchet - new Live DVD. Fantastic live band and one of the best southern rock bands around.
And the reissue of Peter Frampton's Breaking All The Rules. His greatest moment.
Highlights were definitely gigs by Saxon, Girlschool and Dio. GMT too.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos - Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
I look forward to whatever I do.
Releases - has to be the new GMT album.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Saxon, Girlschool, Dio (all on evidence of performances this year), Nazareth, Molly Hatchet.
Paul Logue (CRY HAVOC) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Well, I'm recording bass and guitar parts for David Readman from Pink Cream 69's solo album right now in fact, until this email arrived and rudely interrupted me ;-) I've written three songs for the record and am recording the final bass lines and some rhythm guitar parts in my home studio.
Also just finishing the demos for the 2nd Cry Havoc "Caught In A Lie". We have 17 songs. Stevie is just finishing some guitar parts at home and our new guitarist Simon has a solo or two to nail before we send to the label. Sounding ace!!!
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Getting our album out in Japan! Becoming an uncle for the first time and getting David Readman to sing on my songs!
3) Any disappointments?
Happily none to report!
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Albums ... Refuel of course, new Jaded Heart, The Mob, Place Vendome were good. Films, gotta be the Lord of The Rings and books well Dan Brown wins hands down for me!
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
David Readman solo album, Cry Havoc "Caught In A Lie" and an as yet un-named project with Mr Readman which has 12 songs written and waiting to go, albeit I suspect that will be AFTER the next PC69 record.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Cry Havoc :-) Winger will do!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The legendary Batttttty –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Working on the day-to-day updates of over 20 websites for bands and other people in the music business, and also taking part in a scientific study to test which brands of chocolate taste best with which types of music. Surprisingly, Ferrero Rochers seem to be in the lead for fast-paced rocknroll, but Paynes' Just Brazils are way up there for power-ballads such as UFO's Love To Love. But of course, much more research is still needed.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Seeing the Waysted reunion finally achieve touring status after so much work had gone into that project over the last couple of years, and being part of the team that put Waysted on at the Rock and Blues festival in July http://www.waysted.co.uk/rnb/rbcs.htm and especially at Fin's 'home game' at Glasgow in September http://www.waysted.co.uk/andywest/glasgow.htm and sharing in with the crowd reaction at those shows.
Another personal achievement was being part of the UFO Showtime dvd recording session and European tour. Living on a bus for a month and working 24/7 with my all-time musical heroes and still thinking of them as heroes at the end of it ... that's quite an achievement all round!
3) Any disappointments?
Not being able to get to the Scorpions gig in France where Uli played with them for the first time in 984758967546 years - but it looks like it might happen again, so.... next time, for sure!
Plus the regular ongoing disappointment of seeing talented, hardworking, honest, genuinely good musicians losing faith in achieving the levels they ought to reach in the music world, (and more importantly losing out on the opportunity to achieve their most basic goal of playing in front of an audience) mainly because of the climate of the industry - where venues once pulled in 1000+ people week after week, and now promoters won't risk booking anyone who isn't getting hyped by the media and would sooner go for the easy-money option - so rather than gamble on a band who are innovative and experimental and original they go for the guaranteed bar-take which a COVERS BAND will bring in - don't start me......
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
UFO's Showtime dvd, especially the studio footage of songs such as Cherry, Profession of Violence etc. Everything you could want in a dvd - great tunes, a live gig, a full studio concert, lighthearted behind-the-scenes banter, interviews and jolly anecdotes from the band members, and sleevenotes that were checked over and over and over again for errors (even though a few still made it through) at no extra cost to you.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Pete Way and Robin George have a new musical project called Damage Control, with a cd due out in 2006. Go to www.damage-control.co.uk and listen to a soundclip of the track called RAW - stirring stuff!
Also looking forward to The Taz Taylor Band's new cd which will have Graham Bonnet singing on eight of the tracks. Taz is an amazingly talented musician who I'm proud to say has become a good friend of mine and it's great to know that his guitarwork will soon be heard by a much larger audience.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
I daren't risk answering this one cos knowing my luck, I'd be the one to get lumbered with making it happen.
www.daveling.co.uk www.cockneyrejects.net www.paulraymond.info www.heavymetalkids.co.uk www.stray.org.uk (official sites) and www.strangers-in-the-night.com (fansite)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jay Rusnak (IRON HORSE) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Currently IRONHORSE is awaiting the overseas re-release of our last CD "Bring It On" thru Rock Candy Records. The CD will feature different songs than the stateside release, new artwork, a remix, and probably a new title as well. Also, Ron Keel and I will be participating in December in the Rock For Christmas fundraiser shows featuring Ron, Eddie Money, Terry Illous, Paul Shortino, and others.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Another year avoiding the shackles of The Man
3) Any disappointments?
Back Surgery--20 years of rock and roll abuse finally caught up with me.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Albums--Soul Cirkus, StarBreaker, and Allen/Lande.
Didn't see many movies this year.
As far as books, "Rule Of Four" was a very well-written "Davinci Code"-style historical mystery.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Following the release on Rock Candy, IRONHORSE expects to tour Europe as well as continue roadwork in the States. Ron and I will start writing for the next IRONHORSE CD sometime this coming year as well. I'll also be continuing writing for a "rock opera/story" album I've been working on, as well as trying to finish a musical instruction book featuring fresh approaches towards intermediate/advanced guitar improvisation.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and tourong next year?
Rainbow---If we could bring back Cozy Powell from the dead.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Richie Rivera (MADISON PAIGE) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Currently we are writing and recording demos for new material that is slated to appear on the second MADISON PAIGE album, due out sometime in 2006.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Mainly just getting some relationship stuff sorted out
3) Any disappointments?
It's been taking longer to find new members for the band than I anticipated. But our resolution is strong and we'll be making an announcement about our new lineup shortly.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why? Favorite albums:
"Move Along" - All American Rejects
Amazing production and top notch songs. I't emo pop/punk, but with a huge nod to the '80s.
"Have A Nice Day" - Bon Jovi
The kings remembered how to rock! Best thing they've done since Keep The Faith.
"Overload" - Harem Scarem
Not as immediate as their last few albums, but "Afterglow" is worth the price of admission alone. These guys simply aren't capable of writing bad music.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
We're hoping to finalize our lineup and restart the MADISON PAIGE machine: playing shows, releasing a new album, the works. Check out www.madisonpaige.net for all the latest!
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and tourong next year?
MADISON PAIGE, of course!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steve Williams (POWER QUEST) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Well, we have just completed part one of our "Live Magic" Uk tour, culminating in appearances at Firefest 2 and the Marquee club in London. We had a great week playing our first shows with Francesco on drums and the response from the crowds were incredible!
Between now and the new year I will be starting to get ideas together for the next Power Quest record.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
I think the recording, release and reviews of the third Power Quest album "Magic Never Dies". The feedback we have received has been incredible and the new songs have been extremely well received on the live front.
3) Any disappointments?
Not really, no. I guess it is still a source of frustration to us that we have yet to play in Europe but we are working very hard to put that matter right...as we speak! hehe!
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
One of my favourite records has been Gamma Ray's "Majestic" album, a real return to form for Kai and his band of merry men. Awesome record!
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Lots more Power Quest live action and the writing of the next Power Quest album.....should keep me occupied! lol!
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Van Halen! hehe! Although I guess the chances would be pretty slim. I'd also like to see Cinderella play in the UK.....or at least in Europe!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Willie Dowling (JACKDAW 4 ex-WILDHEARTS/THE GRIP) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
I’m currently writing music for a couple of films, “Snow White the Sequel” and JAM”, and I’ve just finished writing music for three series of ‘Monkey Dust’ for American TV. The musical (not as dull a project as you might think) for which I co-wrote and produced songs has just finished a great run in the West End at The New Players Theatre, and a new ‘Jackdaw Four’ album is beginning to take shape, which I will finish when my new studio in France is fully equipped.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
I successfully maintained an outstanding level of personal hygiene below the waist, spoilt only by a complete disregard for the upper body.
3) Any disappointments?
Every day is a crashing disappointment, but somewhere around 4.30 pm things start to pick up. Something to do with ‘Countdown’ I think.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
I’m shamed to say I didn’t buy any new albums or books this year, and the films I saw were by and large, unsavory and functional.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
More of the same I suppose. Another record, more music for films and TV to pay the bills. I guess I would like to advance on being a well kept secret. I’ve been described this year as having ‘cult’ status. But for one misplaced consonant, it’s almost correct. Being described as having ‘cult’ status is a polite way of saying no-one knows you exist.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and tourong next year?
Oh all the usuals I suppose...The Beatles, Hendrix, The Move, Gengis Khan, and Kraftwerk. And I wouldn’t mind an outing or two.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Paul Stead (SACRED HEART) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Fine-tuning songs for the next CD and deciding how we're going to go about recording it.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Organising the Melodic Rock Xmas Bash - not for the faint-hearted! Continuing to sell "Lay It On The Line" - and really making a mark in the US. And live, we've definately been at our best in recent gigs: London & Hull.
3) Any disappointments?
Just the general lack of support for new rock in the UK by music fans as well as commercial media and labels.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson, great album. Full of great tunes - both rock and pop. Plus, she has a great voice as is extremely foxy!
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Recording a new CD, gigging - hopefully home and abroad and having fun!
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Not really fussed to be honest - but if Queen + Paul Rodgers tour again, I'm gonna make sure I pop along. Wouldn't mind seeing Bon-jovi when they hit our fair shores too.
Merry Xmas & happy new year ya'll!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
STEVE BLAZE- LILLIAN AXE, NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE, ANGEL
1. FINISHING THE NEW LILLIAN AXE ALBUM " WATERS RISING", STARTING A NEW NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE CD, AND WRITING THE NEW ANGEL ALBUM.
2. LIVING THROUGH HURRICANE KATRINA
3. HURRICANE KATRINA
4. HIM-DARK LIGHT-MUSIC
CORPSE BRIDE-MOVIE
5. RELEASE 3 ALBUMS AND START MY 2ND SOLO CD.
6. TYPE O NEGATIVE, SCORPIONS, QUEEN
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ian Pollard (GRTR!/Classic Rock Newswire –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Buying a vastly expensive new keyboard for my daughter as combined Xmas pressie and reward for passing her grade 1 exam with a distinction in record time (according to her music teacher). She's currently trying to fathom the mystical writings in weird keys of a certain Mr. F Mercury... Now, if anyone knows where I can get hold of some Asia sheet music, she'd be ecstatic as they are her favourite band (not bad taste for an 11 year old).
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Getting myself very prominently featured in the Magnum DVD - Livin' The Dream :-)
3) Any disappointments?
Having to work for a living, and pay a mortgage - really cuts down on the amount of gigs you can go to.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Sin City was the best movie by far, Kingdom of Heaven also pretty good. Haven't seen Kong or Narnia yet.
Music: Mostly Autumn - Storms Over Still Water, Thunder - The Magnificent Seventh, Kamelot - The Black Halo, & Royal Hunt - Paper Blood stand out from the crowd in the new release section.
Magnum and Queen+Paul Rodgers are the picks in the DVD department.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Already booked for Sweden Rock - finally might actually get to see Journey!!! The Dragonforce / Edguy tour should be a riot too.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Same answer as every year :-) Floyd and Zep!
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Contributing to the next edition of Record Collector's Rare Record Price Guide. And enjoying reviewing whatever CDs/DVDs/gigs (and Interviews) are thrown in my direction - keep'em coming.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Finding a wonderful girlfriend
3) Any disappointments?
Being dumped twice this year. By the two most wonderful girls I've ever met.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Molly Hatchet - new Live DVD. Fantastic live band and one of the best southern rock bands around.
And the reissue of Peter Frampton's Breaking All The Rules. His greatest moment.
Highlights were definitely gigs by Saxon, Girlschool and Dio. GMT too.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos - Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
I look forward to whatever I do.
Releases - has to be the new GMT album.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Saxon, Girlschool, Dio (all on evidence of performances this year), Nazareth, Molly Hatchet.
Paul Logue (CRY HAVOC) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Well, I'm recording bass and guitar parts for David Readman from Pink Cream 69's solo album right now in fact, until this email arrived and rudely interrupted me ;-) I've written three songs for the record and am recording the final bass lines and some rhythm guitar parts in my home studio.
Also just finishing the demos for the 2nd Cry Havoc "Caught In A Lie". We have 17 songs. Stevie is just finishing some guitar parts at home and our new guitarist Simon has a solo or two to nail before we send to the label. Sounding ace!!!
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Getting our album out in Japan! Becoming an uncle for the first time and getting David Readman to sing on my songs!
3) Any disappointments?
Happily none to report!
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Albums ... Refuel of course, new Jaded Heart, The Mob, Place Vendome were good. Films, gotta be the Lord of The Rings and books well Dan Brown wins hands down for me!
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
David Readman solo album, Cry Havoc "Caught In A Lie" and an as yet un-named project with Mr Readman which has 12 songs written and waiting to go, albeit I suspect that will be AFTER the next PC69 record.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Cry Havoc :-) Winger will do!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The legendary Batttttty –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Working on the day-to-day updates of over 20 websites for bands and other people in the music business, and also taking part in a scientific study to test which brands of chocolate taste best with which types of music. Surprisingly, Ferrero Rochers seem to be in the lead for fast-paced rocknroll, but Paynes' Just Brazils are way up there for power-ballads such as UFO's Love To Love. But of course, much more research is still needed.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Seeing the Waysted reunion finally achieve touring status after so much work had gone into that project over the last couple of years, and being part of the team that put Waysted on at the Rock and Blues festival in July http://www.waysted.co.uk/rnb/rbcs.htm and especially at Fin's 'home game' at Glasgow in September http://www.waysted.co.uk/andywest/glasgow.htm and sharing in with the crowd reaction at those shows.
Another personal achievement was being part of the UFO Showtime dvd recording session and European tour. Living on a bus for a month and working 24/7 with my all-time musical heroes and still thinking of them as heroes at the end of it ... that's quite an achievement all round!
3) Any disappointments?
Not being able to get to the Scorpions gig in France where Uli played with them for the first time in 984758967546 years - but it looks like it might happen again, so.... next time, for sure!
Plus the regular ongoing disappointment of seeing talented, hardworking, honest, genuinely good musicians losing faith in achieving the levels they ought to reach in the music world, (and more importantly losing out on the opportunity to achieve their most basic goal of playing in front of an audience) mainly because of the climate of the industry - where venues once pulled in 1000+ people week after week, and now promoters won't risk booking anyone who isn't getting hyped by the media and would sooner go for the easy-money option - so rather than gamble on a band who are innovative and experimental and original they go for the guaranteed bar-take which a COVERS BAND will bring in - don't start me......
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
UFO's Showtime dvd, especially the studio footage of songs such as Cherry, Profession of Violence etc. Everything you could want in a dvd - great tunes, a live gig, a full studio concert, lighthearted behind-the-scenes banter, interviews and jolly anecdotes from the band members, and sleevenotes that were checked over and over and over again for errors (even though a few still made it through) at no extra cost to you.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Pete Way and Robin George have a new musical project called Damage Control, with a cd due out in 2006. Go to www.damage-control.co.uk and listen to a soundclip of the track called RAW - stirring stuff!
Also looking forward to The Taz Taylor Band's new cd which will have Graham Bonnet singing on eight of the tracks. Taz is an amazingly talented musician who I'm proud to say has become a good friend of mine and it's great to know that his guitarwork will soon be heard by a much larger audience.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
I daren't risk answering this one cos knowing my luck, I'd be the one to get lumbered with making it happen.
www.daveling.co.uk www.cockneyrejects.net www.paulraymond.info www.heavymetalkids.co.uk www.stray.org.uk (official sites) and www.strangers-in-the-night.com (fansite)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jay Rusnak (IRON HORSE) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Currently IRONHORSE is awaiting the overseas re-release of our last CD "Bring It On" thru Rock Candy Records. The CD will feature different songs than the stateside release, new artwork, a remix, and probably a new title as well. Also, Ron Keel and I will be participating in December in the Rock For Christmas fundraiser shows featuring Ron, Eddie Money, Terry Illous, Paul Shortino, and others.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Another year avoiding the shackles of The Man
3) Any disappointments?
Back Surgery--20 years of rock and roll abuse finally caught up with me.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Albums--Soul Cirkus, StarBreaker, and Allen/Lande.
Didn't see many movies this year.
As far as books, "Rule Of Four" was a very well-written "Davinci Code"-style historical mystery.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Following the release on Rock Candy, IRONHORSE expects to tour Europe as well as continue roadwork in the States. Ron and I will start writing for the next IRONHORSE CD sometime this coming year as well. I'll also be continuing writing for a "rock opera/story" album I've been working on, as well as trying to finish a musical instruction book featuring fresh approaches towards intermediate/advanced guitar improvisation.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and tourong next year?
Rainbow---If we could bring back Cozy Powell from the dead.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Richie Rivera (MADISON PAIGE) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Currently we are writing and recording demos for new material that is slated to appear on the second MADISON PAIGE album, due out sometime in 2006.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Mainly just getting some relationship stuff sorted out
3) Any disappointments?
It's been taking longer to find new members for the band than I anticipated. But our resolution is strong and we'll be making an announcement about our new lineup shortly.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why? Favorite albums:
"Move Along" - All American Rejects
Amazing production and top notch songs. I't emo pop/punk, but with a huge nod to the '80s.
"Have A Nice Day" - Bon Jovi
The kings remembered how to rock! Best thing they've done since Keep The Faith.
"Overload" - Harem Scarem
Not as immediate as their last few albums, but "Afterglow" is worth the price of admission alone. These guys simply aren't capable of writing bad music.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
We're hoping to finalize our lineup and restart the MADISON PAIGE machine: playing shows, releasing a new album, the works. Check out www.madisonpaige.net for all the latest!
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and tourong next year?
MADISON PAIGE, of course!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steve Williams (POWER QUEST) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Well, we have just completed part one of our "Live Magic" Uk tour, culminating in appearances at Firefest 2 and the Marquee club in London. We had a great week playing our first shows with Francesco on drums and the response from the crowds were incredible!
Between now and the new year I will be starting to get ideas together for the next Power Quest record.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
I think the recording, release and reviews of the third Power Quest album "Magic Never Dies". The feedback we have received has been incredible and the new songs have been extremely well received on the live front.
3) Any disappointments?
Not really, no. I guess it is still a source of frustration to us that we have yet to play in Europe but we are working very hard to put that matter right...as we speak! hehe!
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
One of my favourite records has been Gamma Ray's "Majestic" album, a real return to form for Kai and his band of merry men. Awesome record!
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Lots more Power Quest live action and the writing of the next Power Quest album.....should keep me occupied! lol!
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Van Halen! hehe! Although I guess the chances would be pretty slim. I'd also like to see Cinderella play in the UK.....or at least in Europe!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Willie Dowling (JACKDAW 4 ex-WILDHEARTS/THE GRIP) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
I’m currently writing music for a couple of films, “Snow White the Sequel” and JAM”, and I’ve just finished writing music for three series of ‘Monkey Dust’ for American TV. The musical (not as dull a project as you might think) for which I co-wrote and produced songs has just finished a great run in the West End at The New Players Theatre, and a new ‘Jackdaw Four’ album is beginning to take shape, which I will finish when my new studio in France is fully equipped.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
I successfully maintained an outstanding level of personal hygiene below the waist, spoilt only by a complete disregard for the upper body.
3) Any disappointments?
Every day is a crashing disappointment, but somewhere around 4.30 pm things start to pick up. Something to do with ‘Countdown’ I think.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
I’m shamed to say I didn’t buy any new albums or books this year, and the films I saw were by and large, unsavory and functional.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
More of the same I suppose. Another record, more music for films and TV to pay the bills. I guess I would like to advance on being a well kept secret. I’ve been described this year as having ‘cult’ status. But for one misplaced consonant, it’s almost correct. Being described as having ‘cult’ status is a polite way of saying no-one knows you exist.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and tourong next year?
Oh all the usuals I suppose...The Beatles, Hendrix, The Move, Gengis Khan, and Kraftwerk. And I wouldn’t mind an outing or two.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Paul Stead (SACRED HEART) –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Fine-tuning songs for the next CD and deciding how we're going to go about recording it.
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Organising the Melodic Rock Xmas Bash - not for the faint-hearted! Continuing to sell "Lay It On The Line" - and really making a mark in the US. And live, we've definately been at our best in recent gigs: London & Hull.
3) Any disappointments?
Just the general lack of support for new rock in the UK by music fans as well as commercial media and labels.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson, great album. Full of great tunes - both rock and pop. Plus, she has a great voice as is extremely foxy!
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Recording a new CD, gigging - hopefully home and abroad and having fun!
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Not really fussed to be honest - but if Queen + Paul Rodgers tour again, I'm gonna make sure I pop along. Wouldn't mind seeing Bon-jovi when they hit our fair shores too.
Merry Xmas & happy new year ya'll!
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STEVE BLAZE- LILLIAN AXE, NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE, ANGEL
1. FINISHING THE NEW LILLIAN AXE ALBUM " WATERS RISING", STARTING A NEW NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE CD, AND WRITING THE NEW ANGEL ALBUM.
2. LIVING THROUGH HURRICANE KATRINA
3. HURRICANE KATRINA
4. HIM-DARK LIGHT-MUSIC
CORPSE BRIDE-MOVIE
5. RELEASE 3 ALBUMS AND START MY 2ND SOLO CD.
6. TYPE O NEGATIVE, SCORPIONS, QUEEN
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Ian Pollard (GRTR!/Classic Rock Newswire –
1) What are you doing musically at the moment (current projects etc)?
Buying a vastly expensive new keyboard for my daughter as combined Xmas pressie and reward for passing her grade 1 exam with a distinction in record time (according to her music teacher). She's currently trying to fathom the mystical writings in weird keys of a certain Mr. F Mercury... Now, if anyone knows where I can get hold of some Asia sheet music, she'd be ecstatic as they are her favourite band (not bad taste for an 11 year old).
2) What were your main personal achievement(s) in 2005?
Getting myself very prominently featured in the Magnum DVD - Livin' The Dream :-)
3) Any disappointments?
Having to work for a living, and pay a mortgage - really cuts down on the amount of gigs you can go to.
4) What were your own favourite albums, films and/or books of 2005 and why?
Sin City was the best movie by far, Kingdom of Heaven also pretty good. Haven't seen Kong or Narnia yet.
Music: Mostly Autumn - Storms Over Still Water, Thunder - The Magnificent Seventh, Kamelot - The Black Halo, & Royal Hunt - Paper Blood stand out from the crowd in the new release section.
Magnum and Queen+Paul Rodgers are the picks in the DVD department.
5) What are you planning musically in 2006? (For non-musos Which releases/gigs are you looking forward to next year?)
Already booked for Sweden Rock - finally might actually get to see Journey!!! The Dragonforce / Edguy tour should be a riot too.
6) In an ideal world which band(s) would you like to see back and touring next year?
Same answer as every year :-) Floyd and Zep!
posted by JasonR at 6:51 am
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