2011 Zombie Walk - Toronto

Been so busy I just haven't had the time to write much this month, got a new job. Making more money than I used too, more money means more responsibility, more responsibility means more bullshit...Anyway, the end result is that I haven't had much time to write, I'd like to apologize to my fifteen loyal fans for my absenteeism. Last week week we had the 2011 Zombie walk in Toronto. Your truly went down for the day and while I was there I took a few shots. Last year nearly 6000 corpses writhed, weaved and lurched their way through the streets of Toronto feasting on those unlucky enough to be living. This year there must have been like 10,000. Me with my trusty Nikon found a nice perch on the top steps of a church along Queen St. West and managed to fire off a few shots. The walk lasted hours, Ive never seen so many zombies in my in my life...incidental the Zombie march started in Toronto and is now held in most major cities in the world. Last week Chile had their annual Zombie walk (Saturday Oct. 15, 2011) and thousands show up to eat the flesh of the living that live in Santiago....It's cool to be dead...

Spoons - You Light Up - Video Shoot.

I was invited to the shoot for the Spoons new video last Sunday. The new singles called "You Light Up" and it's off the new album Static In Transmission, which also came out last week. What a fantastic time I had, and what a fantastic new single. They played it a bunch of times while they were filming and then they performed a mini-concert that lasted about 45 minutes. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon that's for sure. I'm not gonna review the new album yet as I have listened to it enough times. Generally I like to spin it at least ten times before I make a comment, so far so good though... Her are some shots I took at the video shoot, Gord and Sandy are always cool about cameras, that's one of the things I like about them.

. The link to the entire album is below.

https://picasaweb.google.com/Lunatic.Entrails/SpoonsVideoShootApril32011?feat=directlink

LOL... Sh_t... I found this funny.

OK, not for me to bash other peoples, ahhh, ...errr well you know...but in this case I almost pissed myself laughing. So I gotta share...LOL.

Here We Go Again

Let us all take a moment....each in our own special way.....To thank GOD for THE NEW OLEANS SAINTS FOOTBALL CLUB!!! Who tommorrow night start their long and arduous journey which will once again lead them back to the Superbowl... Tommorow night they begin their stand in the Superdome against Darth Favre and the evil forces of Minnisota... tommorrow night they STAND and DEFEND what is rightfully theirs. Go Saints !!!!!

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No Offense to Viking Fans, I actually like the Vikings, but I'm a die hard Saints Fan, have been for the last 25 years.

Celebration V - Orlando Florida

When ever I see something impressive, I just need to say something about it, and few things are as impressive as the Star Wars Celebration events. Star Wars Celebration V took place Aug. 12-15, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center, and I pulled a few picks off Flickr just to give you an idea of how massive this event is. Countless thousands of fans from all over the planet show up at this event that celebrates all things Star Wars, I've never seen so many members of the 501st Legion in one place, at one time, ever before, unbelievable. I will one day make it to this convention personally, soon as I can scrounge up the cash, it sucks having a mortgage.

Aerosmith - at the Air Canada Center

I saw Aerosmith in Toronto tonight, not exactly a new wave band that much is certain, but damn if it wasn't a great concert. The show was opened by Sammy Hagar who also did a fantastic job rockin a packed ACC. The fact that bands like these are still filling 20,000 seat venues like the Air Canada Center after 30 years says alot about these artists, and their loyal fans. Wasn't entirely sure I'd enjoy this night, as it's not really my bag... I was impressed to say the least...Rock On !!!

G20 Toronto

...Regardless of what you've seen in Canada's over-sensationalized media, the police and the protesters got along quite well this weekend. It was an atmosphere of peaceful tolerance and mutual respect. There were some really great people that came out this weekend, representing some really important issues. It's a shame much of this got lost due to the antics of a very small number of individuals. I'm also very disappointed in the way our local media chose to portray this event, a very poor job to say the least. There were mistakes made by both sides, that much is certain, so lets just leave it at that.

...There are very few villains here, mostly there are just good people exercising there democratic right to voice their opinion on some very important issues, issues that should matter to all of us. Estimates are that this summit cost the Canadian tax payer about 1.4 billion dollars, off the record I'd say it's probably closer to 2.5 billion, but that just my opinion. Think of all the homeless that could have been sheltered, think of all the hungry that could have been fed, think of the Hospitals, and schools that could have been built, that's what pissed me off. There's been alot of bad feelings created this weekend for no good reason, and that's shame, a real bloody shame...I think both the police and the protesters need to be commended for a very orderly weekend in which not a single injury was reported...back to our regularly scheduled program...

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circa 1977: The Diodes

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An Extraordinary Independent film

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Friday June 25, 2010 at Oz Studios Toronto

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This short notice, but if you can free up some time this Friday night, it'll be well worth your while, and you might even learn somethin... Much of the following info is re-blogged from another site, the link to which I will include below...

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After a successful, sold out screening at the NxNE Film Festival, circa 1977: The Diodes will be shown a second time this Friday, June 25 at Oz Studios, 134 Ossington Ave. Toronto. The screening times are 8:00 and 9:30 pm - seating is limited so get there early.

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NOW Magazine gave the film a 4 out of 5 star rating and said that "in just under half an hour, circa 1977: The Diodes creates a vivid picture of the Toronto punk scene 33 years past."

Produced by Ralph Alfonso and Nick Cushing, this is a new release by Independent film maker Aldo Erdic that documents the Toronto Punk scene through the past 33 years and in particular The Diodes, one of Canada's first punk bands.

A Synopsis of the film...

Formed in October 1976, the Diodes were one of Canada's first punk bands who, in the span of one year, opened Toronto's first punk club, became the first Canadian punk band to sign with a major label and had their debut album released before the Sex Pistols and other first wave UK punk bands. The Crash'n'Burn club they opened helped inspire new bands to form and catalyzed an explosive local punk scene that proved to be of the same caliber as the early New York and U.K. scenes. However, by 1981, the band was worn down by an indifferent Canadian music industry, a worsening economy and a lack of touring venues.

The Diodes are...

John Catto.......Paul Robinson.......John Hamilton.......Ian Mackay

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Directed by Aldo Erdic.
A Bongo Beat Films/ToBeScene Production
Running Time: 28 minutes.

The link to the official blog is below, check it out. You'll find a wealth of information on this important Canadian band and this important Canadian film....

http://circa1977thediodes.blogspot.com/

The link to TObeScene.Com is below, it's great place to get some valuable info on the latest independant Music, Film and Art. There's also alotta really cool video of some really cool bands to check out as well.

http://www.tobescene.com/content/index.php

NXNE Toronto 2010

This really is the kind of event you need to take the entire week off work to truely experience. NXNE runs from June 14 to June 20 and features roughly 650 bands playing on over 40 different stages across Toronto. The North by Northeast Music Festival features something for just about everyones taste, and it's more than just a massive music festival, it features that lastest ideas in film, interactive media, and attracts artists from all over the world. You can click on the images to see them full size, except for the one directly below, for some reason it won't enlarge, not sure why... but I don't feel like re-uploading it so yer just gonna have to live with it. Have a nice day : )

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NXNE has it all, you'll see everything from well established bands, to garage bands, and even a few bands that can't yet afford a garage, and they all did a fantastic job bringing the city to life.

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Iggy Pop and the Stooges hit the stage at about 9:30 and the crowd went absolutely nuts. The amount of energy he has is unbelievable. Hard to belive he's 63.
. Iggy and the Stooges put on a hard rockin 90 minute show, it's easy to see why many consider them the greatest punk band in history. In March 2010 the Stooges and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it's about f_-kin time.
. The Raveonettes took the stage before the Stooges, a very impressive Danish alternative rock group that I would describe as a cross between Bauhause, Siouxie And The Banshees, and The Jesus And Mary Chain.

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The Raveonettes formed in Copenhagen in 2001 and have to date recorded four studio albums, plus a number of EP's. They are an exceptional band.
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WOW, what a crazy-ass party last night at NXNE. Headlining a free outdoor concert was Iggy Pop and the Stooges who came on stage at about 9:30 pm and put on a wild 90-minute show. The all day concert featured many different bands, and attracted more than 10,000 to downtown's Yonge-Dundas Square. The pictures I took kinda sucked, its hard to shoot in world's biggest mosh pit, but I did my best. Along with the absolute chaos, there was the sweltering heat to contend with as temperatures hit 32 degrees last night. Never-the-less the Stooges put on as great show, as did all the bands. What an amazing event.

Deluxe Edition CD's a-ha - Rhino

a-ha - Two releases.........These will be shipped in June.
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For those lucky bastards that have the cash, these are well worth picking up. For those who are unfamiliar with Rhino, they are a specialty record label and they only release the best. Everything from Rhino is of the highest quality, and can be considered a rare collectible treasure. As part of a-ha's 25th anniversary Rhino is releasing an exclusive double-disc editions of HUNTING HIGH AND LOW and SCOUNDREL DAYS, featuring the original recordings expanded with unreleased and rare demos, alternate mixes and live recordings. These limited Deluxe Editions are exclusive to Rhino.com and won't be available in stores. The link is below...
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http://www.rhino.com/article/ha-take-3?eml=rn/052310/ahabanner

Ronnie James Dio

....I was saddened to hear we've just lost a friend , Ronnie James Dio passed away yesterday morning, he was only 67 years old. You don't need to be a Metal fan to appreciate him, or his contribution to rock'n'roll. He will be missed by friends, family and music fans everywhere. Dio became well known as the lead singer who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath back in 1979. As their new lead man they went on to make two of the bands most successful albums of all time "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules", he also fronted other groups like Elf, Rainbow and his own successful solo career.
....Dio announced last fall he was suffering from stomach cancer. According to his web site he was being treated at a Houston hospital. It was always hopeful he'd make a full recovery. I had the privilege of seeing him twice in concert, he was a wonderful talent and an incredible performer.

...Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.

- Wendy Dio

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The link to his official web site is below, and if you get a chance stop by facebook and post a comment of condolence, I know his family will appreciate it...

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Some of the Concerts coming to town very very soon...
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PIL - Public Image Limited - Kool Hause - Toronto - Friday May 7th - This might be the last chance to see Johnny Lydon and the boys, they don't come to town that often.
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The Spoons - Tatoo Rock Parlour - Friday April 30th - This is a 30th Anniversary Party and they always put on a great show. It will likley Sell out so get there early.
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Echo and the Bunnymen - The Phoenix- Friday April 23 - A great band, that always draws a big crowd when they hit Toronto. Don't wait until the last second for this one.
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Massive Attack - The Sound Academy - May 7th and 9th - I've never had a chance to see them, need to mark this one on my calender.

Malcolm McLaren dead at age 64

....I was saddened to hear Malcolm McLaren, the former manager of The Sex Pistols and The New York Dolls has died, he was only 64. McLaren was one of the guiding forces behind the punk movement in the 1970's, he gained most of his notoriety as manager of The Sex Pistols, who shot to fame with irreverent songs like "God Save The Queen" and "Anarchy in the UK", during 1977. To help boost publicity for the band, McLaren organized a boat charter, having the Pistols play God Save The Queen on the River Thames, in front of the British House of Parliament. The Pistols split up after only one year but their influence continues to be felt to this day. Legal battles between McLaren and John Lydon continued until Lydon successfully sued McLaren in 1987 for contract rights and unpaid revenues. I think it's safe to say Johnny won't be attending the funeral.
...I think in a thousand years, three bands, above all others will define the Rock Music era of the twentieth century. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Sex Pistols. Admittedly, I've never has much use for the first two, but the Pistols have always been among my favorite bands of all time.

Corey Haim

 One of the most memorable films of the 80's was of course "The Lost Boys" Almost a microcosm of the era in which it was made, it featured big hair, outrageous cloths, and the over-the-top grandiosity of Pop music characteristic of the 80's. Where else in history, other than 1987 could you possibly find a saxophone player that looked like Thor ???. Like or hate it, this was at the height Post Punk era; a time where fashion and music had few rules, where anything, and everything was possible. Far removed from the cookie cutter age we're now currently living in. This film really does take us back to a special place, Corey Haim through his part in this film helped create that place and he will be sorely missed. Born in my home town of Toronto his career and his life were cut tragically short after and apparent prescription drug over dose on Wednesday. It's no secret that Corey spend much of his life battling a whole slew of personal demons, that much has been well documented..

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Pet Shop Boys - Live DVD / CD Release

Feb 20, 2010 - Pet Shop Boys Announce Live DVD/CD Release was a top story for this week. Pet Shop Boys return with "Pandemonium", a deluxe DVD/CD set containing their entire live show from London's O2 Arena on December 21, 2009. The film has been made by David Barnard who directed Pet Shop Boys' 'Cubism' DVD of the Fundamental tour. The audio for the DVD was mixed by Dave Woolley. My review will follow shortly.

Brittany Murphy Dead at 32

Brittany Murphy was pronounced dead of an apparent cardiac arrest, after she was found collapsed at her Los Angeles home and rushed to the nearby Cedars-Sinai hospital, where medics attempted to revive her. While details regarding the exact reason why a 32-year-old would suffer a fatal heart attack are still coming in.
....Brittany made a name for herself playing quirky, eccentric roles--from the goofy skater girl in Clueless, to psych-ward patients in Girl, Interrupted and Don't Say A Word, to even the voice of trailer-park airhead Luann Platter in the animated series King Of The Hill. So it made sense that she crossed over to the edgier music scene--not just in 8 Mile, in which she played Eminem's love interest (aka the "Kim Mathers" role), but as a vocalist in her own right. Most recently she was cast in Stallone's new film "The Expendables" due for release next year.

....included two videos the first from an appearance she did on Letterman a while ago.

The Velvet Underground Toronto - Halloween

....Last Saturday we were at The Velvet Underground in Toronto, located on Queen St. it's one of those legendary bars that's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Halloween is always a great night at the Velvet and last weekend was no exception. The place was packed and there was a massive line up outside waiting to get in. We arrived early to avoid the non-sense there's nothing I hate more than standing in a frackin lineup. The thing I like most about the Velvet is that nothing ever seems to change, not the music not the people, and not the atmosphere yet at the same time they seem to years ahead of the mainstream when it comes to just about everything if that makes any sense. One things you'll notice immediate is the diversity in the crowd. The average age of the people that frequent this place is anywhere between 18 to 50 it has always been and always will be Toronto's best night spot, especailly for those that like to be different. Above are some pics I took, it was a pretty wild night and happily all we survived it.

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...to see the pics in full size just click on the images they will enlarge.

Rock 'N' Roll Might Be Over, Says...U2?

.....I read an article on Yahoo today and that's precisely how it started and I have to be honest it made me laugh. Bono Vox is apparently unhappy with the sales of U2's latest album "No Line On The Horizon" not gonna go into details, suffice to say he's blaming the record industry which is increasingly being geared towards pop music. Don't get me wrong, I like U2 but to blame pop and suggest the lackluster sales are because rock'n'roll is dying would be to suggest that U2 is rock band ...THEY'RE NOT... U2 is in fact a POP band and have been so for at least 20 years. Second to perhaps only Abba they're the most successful pop band in history. Obviously they aren't making the same kinda pop as "Brittney Spears" or the "INSYNC" but they are in fact a Pop group, I hope this doesn't offend anyone not trying to be offensive but I gotta call it the way I see it. The last legitimate rock album U2 put out was "War" and by the time the "Joshua Tree" was released they'd made the full transition into main stream music. In saying that I need to be clear, there is nothing wrong with pop, I like a lot of pop bands, probably more than I should, but for Bono to blame the very thing that is responsible for U2's success, as the instrument of their failure is in my opinion quite ridiculous...

Charlitans UK Cancel North American Tour.

The Charlatans were to play the Mod Club in Toronto tonight but unfortunatly the show has been cancelled along with the London show, this is from their web site...The Charlatans are sorry to announce the cancellation of their forthcoming North American tour. This is due to drummer Jon Brookes' longstanding shoulder complaint. He has been strongly advised by doctors against undertaking 23 concerts in 28 days as this could cause severe damage to ligaments in the affected area. He will start a course of treatment starting in September and in the coming months to rectify the condition.

Patrick Swayze dies at age 57

There are few things that anchor us to a period in history quite like the movies, they're a microcosm of an age, a window through which we see our passing time. Few actors defined our generation or were as popular in this era as Patrick Swayze. One of our iconic film stars, he died today after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, he was only 57. He passed away peacefully with family at his side by all accounts he remained happy and positive till the very end..

... Like so many others I still enjoy watching films like Red Dawn, The Outsiders and of course Road House which I especially relate to having spent so many years working in the bar business.  He will be missed, also like millions of others I will continue to enjoy his work for many years to come. Condolences to his friends and family ...