JULY
Tue 17 - KANGAROO MOON
Weaving world, rock, folk and dance with acoustic and electronic
influences into a funky, psychedelic wall of sound; since their inception
in 1988 Kangaroo Moon have played and danced their way through Australia
and Europe as well as Glastonbury, Womad and Phoenix. 1999's album In
Transit was reviewed by Rock & Reel as "Finest quality contemporary roots
for rocking." and Dr Didg, this is also your bag! (£4 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 18 - BATTLE OF THE BANDS GRAND FINAL
Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for five brilliant bands on
stage for your entertainment tonight. The beery, cheery, hooky pop-punk of
5' 4"; the irreverent and wickedly witty Wakefield version of Half Man
Half Biscuit PLANET LOUNGE; the funkmeisters of acid-jazz fronted by a
smokey-jazz siren THE T&B SPECIALISTS; Scarborough born and in-bred
Charlatans-with-a-rocket-up-the-arse indie funk men SUPER 8 and the
super-powerful keyboard and big-bass driven PARISMAN who, frankly, have
been bulldozing everything in their path. A big thanks to The Yorkshire
Evening Press for their support as always (where else does a local paper
support local live music so much? We can't think of one); the redoubtable,
implacable, unflappable, seen-it-all-before Steve Morrison from MOR Music
for backline; Splash and Dirk for equipment loans above and beyond the
call of duty; Son of Rat (he/she was better than his/her dad don’t you
think?) and the towering sarcasm and razor wit of compere Mr Justin
"Justice" Jamieson. Tix are £4, first band 8.00pm. It's a bargain. (£4
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Thu 19 - OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD + faKe + Solitary + Final Conclusion PLEASE
NOTE THAT, CONTRARY TO RUMOUR, THIS GIG IS DEFINITELY HAPPENING!! Voted by
Kerrang! readers as one of the Top 3 Hottest Unsigned Bands, their live
shows combine mind-blowing interactive computer visuals and lighting with
high-energy performance. Influenced by Pitchshifter, Clawfinger, Rammstein
to Fear Factory and Nailbomb and all INCREDIBLY YOUNG (around the 16yrs
mark!), this Midlands cyber-metal crew combines the electronic breakbeats
of industrial with hardcore ready-to-go mosh. They've already toured with
Pist.on, Kill 2 This, Rachel Stamp, Lost Prophets, Earthtone 9, Queen
Adreena and Misery Loves Company. Stand well back. (£4 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 22 - DIAMOND HEAD UNPLUGGED
Formed '78 and soon opening for the likes of AC/DC and Iron Maiden,
Diamond Head typified the 80s new wave of Brit heavy metal along with
Saxon and Judas Priest. Touring large venues like Manchester Apollo and
Hammersmith Odeon cemented their status as the band Metallica would
name-check as a major influence, eventually jamming "Helpless" and "Am I
Evil" on stage with Lars & Co at Birmingham NEC. (£4 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Mon 23 - BUDDY MONDLOCK
Although Buddy Mondlock is best known as a writer - his songs have shown
up on albums by Garth Brooks, Joan Baez, Nanci Griffith, Janis Ian and
Peter Paul & Mary - he's becoming increasingly well known as a performer
and Bob Harris featured him live from Nashville. Second album was
produced by Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin) and included guest
appearances by Garth Brooks, Janis Ian, Shawn Colvin and Lucy Kaplansky.
Nanci Griffith fans will know, of course, that she recorded Mondlock's
song 'Comin' Down In The Rain' on her Grammy award-winning album, 'Other
Voices, Other Rooms'. Buddy is working on a new project with Art
Garfunkel. (£4.50 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
Fri 27 - WHOLE LOTTA LED
Formed in 1993, not look-a-like band, but definitely sound-a-like. The
whole range of Led Zeppelin music for 2 hours including classics like Over
the Hills And Far Away, Black Dog and Whole Lotta Love; moody 12-bars and
the kind of rockers that had the head bangers in full hair-flying mode
back in the 70s. (£5.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 29 - MEDULLA NOCTE + Underrule + Act of Violence
Paul Catten, the leader of the ultra-heavy, howling Hereford maulers
Medulla Nocte, has a reputation as a truly deranged front man. What else
from an ex-psychiatric inmate who threatens suicide if the band splits?
Formed '92 and raised on Slayer, Faith No More, hardcore and underground
metal; road-junkies MD, touted as successors to Black Flag, have now
realised their ambition to be "the most brutally intense band on the
planet and if we scare someone, that's a bonus". Paul Catten's lyrical
obsession with despair, shame and self-loathing marked the classic
Kerrang! 5K-rated album Dying From The Inside and they've been frightening
the life out of all and sundry appearing with Cradle of Filth, and
Earthtone 9. (£5 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
Mon 30 - KID GALAHAD + Vex Red
Somewhere in the great celestial scheme of things The Dandy Warhols'
blisspop mothership crash-landed and out of the wreckage crawled Kid
Galahad high on wibbly Dr Who synths midway between Air and The Strokes.
Hints of Jane's Addiction and The Beach Boys in this cocktail of
uniqueness featuring muscular, slippery guitars, swooping harmonies and a
rhythm section that knows how to swing. And as for VEX RED - when Ross
Robinson (producer for Slipknot, At-The-Drive-In, Amen) phones you up and
then flies over to see you rehearse, you know something's in the air.
(£3.50 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
AUGUST
Thu 02 - MOISE AND ALIDA VIATOR'S "EH - LA BAS!"
Sensational teenage Cajun tearaways Moise (19) and Alida (16) Viato bring
their 8-piece New Orleans Creole Jazz band to Europe straight after their
appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival. With a full brass section
featuring Dr John's trombonist, Scotty "T Bone" Hill (Jazz Hall of Fame /
Ella Fitzgerald / Louis Jordan / Danny Barker / James Booker / Dr. John
….. phew!) and a veritable who's who of Louisiana musicians, expect
anything from down-homey guitar and fiddle duets through to generous
helpings of Creole Jazz and Caribbean Calypso, with an impressive
repertoire of traditional Cajun and contemporary Zydeco in between. (£7
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 08 - THE PEACOCKS + Lightyear + Flint
Punk, psychobilly, ska, surf, sixties, pop and western; never too hard,
always really quick, incredibly powerful and explosive. Think of the
infamous King Kurt joining forces with The Meteors with a Stray Cats
(remember them?!) touch for catchy melody. Incredibly, this experienced
Swiss act has developed worldwide without even an album although every 7"
they release is an instant sell-out. They've already toured with The
Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Citizen Fish, Long Tall Texans, Demented Are Go,
Voodoo Glow Skulls and Suckerpunch. Recommended!! (£4 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Fri 10 - THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTHMARTINS
As the name suggests, a tribute to the music of The Beautiful South and
The Housemartins (Fat Boy Slim was a member), both of Hull's finest. And
what a good band, too - we've heard the stuff. Complete with excellent
female singer, all the arrangements and the feel are intact. The band has
an enormous repertoire from both acts including Old Red Eyes is Back, A
Little Time, Perfect 10, Don't Marry Her, Rotterdam, Let Love Speak Up
Itself, You Keep It All In and I'll Sail This Ship Alone from The
Beautiful South. Old Housemartin faves Caravan Of Love, Happy Hour and
People Get Ready are there as well as lots of other material. In fact, as
this is being written we're reminded again just how much quality material
Paul Heaton is responsible for. (£5.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 11 - FIBBS 9TH BIRTHDAY BASH - ACOUSTIC ACTS FROM 1.30PM + ELECTRIC
ACTS FROM 7.30PM (Donation during the day, £4 at night)
Sun 12 - NERVE
Forget sweet lullabies - this Glasgow trio will jolt you out of your
dreary and futile existence with punk pop attitude. Think compact, think
fast, and then think ”Stand And Deliver” by Adam And The Ants - no time to
apply the makeup cos it’s practically over. Their American West Coast
flavour punk (Green Day meets Blink 182) is now signed to the prestigious
Twenty Stone Blatt label. It's a 1000 mph caffeine over-load - time for
the wake up call. (£4 door)
Sat 18 - POCKET CENTRAL FEATURING SNAKE DAVIS
A Manchester-based superband specialising in funk/soul, Pocket Central is
the inspiration of Andy Morrell, long-time sidesman for Snake Davis and a
solid bottom end player who steps out with bluesy solos and nifty
hip-wiggles. The band is joined by Snake Davis himself, one of the UK's
top soul and jazz sax players and Musical Director, session player and
live performer for the stars. His long-time regular gigs include
M-People; just one of many high-profile commitments which have included
everybody from James Brown to Primal Scream, Ray Charles to Jamiroquai and
Paul McCartney to Tom Jones. Oh, and Motorhead. You'll be assured of soul,
jazz and funk-inspired covers and originals, lots and lots of good good
music and the usual top night in the company of seasoned musicians at the
tops of their own trees. Recommended. (£7 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 19 - I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT PUNK + Flint
OK, you won't believe this Manchester-based band. Imagine "Now That's What
I Call Punk" and then do it live with all the attitude and all the
musicianship and ... well, everything. It's so rare that we get really
excited about a "tribute" act but this one is just excellent. Thoroughly
recommended if you like all the stuff from that era Pistols / Damned / The
Only Ones / / Boomtown Rats / Buzzcocks / etc etc....
Thu 23 - DISPOSABLE HEROES - METALLICA TRIBUTE
Formed in 1980, Metallica were greatly influenced by DiamondHead, Iron
Maiden, Angel Witch, Samson and Saxon all of whom were part of The New
Wave of British Heavy Metal - at it's peak between 1979 and 1982.
Featuring anything up to TWO HOURS of Metallica Music covering material
from 1983's debut Kill 'Em All right through Master of Puppets, …And
Justice For All, Metallica, Load and Reload. Metallica are the biggest
rock band in the world and this North-East act, which has appeared here
three times already, more than does them justice - recommended! PLEASE
NOTE THAT THIS IS THE BAND'S FAREWELL TOUR - THEY WILL NOT BE APPEARING
AGAIN!! (£5 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the
venue)
Fri 24 - ACAYSHA
Formed in the summer of '96 and bound together by bluegrass, old-time and
Irish folk music, this Norfolk-based 4-piece features the Carlos sisters
Mexeena (vocals, fiddle, mandolin) and Janette (banjo, bodhran, rhythm
guitar). Recently joined by Catherine Atkinson on double bass, they have
an exciting and innovative sound, which has brought them to the forefront
of new, young bands to emerge on the scene recently. With festivals such
as Cambridge and Glastonbury already under their belts this ambitious all
female act continues to provide audiences worldwide with a deliciously,
unique sound. And the last word to their producer, the legendary
pedal-steel player BJ Cole, "Some of the most interesting and original
music I've heard in a long time". (£5.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 25 - RADIOTONES
Owing as much to rockabilly, punk and the new wave of Americana as to
pre-war Delta blues, this acoustic trio's live show driven by the furious
clatter of the National steel guitar blows most full-throttle electric
bands in to the weeds. With originals and the work of pre-war blues
‘punks’ like Blind Willie Johnson and Bukka White, their acoustic garage
blues is garnering rave reviews, "The stuff of vaudeville and minstrel
shows as well as heroes like Robert Johnston, but without a whiff of fusty
traditionalism … highlights of the gig were no-nonsense,
all-hell-broke-loose versions of Jitterbug Swing and Preachin’ Blues …
mixes primitive classics and originals with an energy which milks every
nuance and theatrical opportunity … locked into the leering, growling,
stamping singer's howls". Impressive stuff, eh? (£4 advance - tickets
available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 26 - BLYTH POWER + Mad Dogs and Englishmen
Variously described as 'a cross between Steeleye Span, The Rubettes and
The Clash'. BP defy categorization. No philosophy, no slogans and no free
plastic dinosaur with every packet - just intelligent and informed
opinions on global politics and their historical precedents set to the
manner in which each song demands to be played. Folk, punk, jazz and heavy
metal - not even country and western can be discounted. Or as another
learned organ was so indiscreet as to say 'Blyth Power in full cry make
The Levellers (who famously quote BP as a founding influence) sound like
Peter Paul and Mary.' Old friends of Fibbers, we have no hesitation in
recommending this gig to lovers of intelligent and well-crafted music,
which makes you think as well as dance! Support act MD&E includes members
of ranting lads The Whiskey Priests. (£4 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
SEPTEMBER
Mon 03 - CAPDOWN + Five Knuckle + fAKE
Fresh skacore punk got them gigs with Link 80, Goober Patrol, King Prawn
and Caffeine as well as being taken under the wing of ex-Judas Priest
manager Dave Holland. The name changed (CAPitalist DOWNfall) and with the
release of "Excellent" and even more gigs with the likes of The Damned,
MU330, Lunachicks and Consumed, the stage is now set for world domination
by this defiantly British hardcore politico-skapunk act. They're ready.
(£4 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Tue 04 - MANBREAK
Inspired by Rage Against The Machine’s incendiary hybrid of radical
politics and blistering heavy metal, ManBREAK formed in the Liverpool of
'94. While their sound meant nothing in Blair’s Britpop Britain, on the
other side of the Atlantic multi-million selling post-grunge outfit Live
pricked up their ears. "They’d heard the album, and asked us to tour with
them," explained the band, "We were literally on the bus to do a little
club tour and we stopped to pick up our manager in Birmingham who told us
there’d been a "change of plan, lads". We played New York and Baltimore,
and then went through Pennsylvania to Chicago." However, although they
were getting 2000+ weekly plays on American radio and were tearing up
venues across the USA, their UK record company's relationship with Geffen
Records – the company responsible for ManBREAK’s overseas promotion –
disintegrated. "We played to several thousand people a night, every night
for three months - but no-one could hear the album, and Geffen didn’t give
a damn." If their debut 'Come and See' came out now with all this anger
and Limp Bizkit taking over the nation, things could have been very
different but the band continued touring with, amongst others, Run DMC and
a Kerrang! showcase. Recommended - and we've even made it ridiculously
cheap (£3) so NO EXCUSES!
Thu 13 - TWIST (tbc)
We live in a world where the words "FEMALE" and "MUSIC" only ever seem to
go together with a hint of irony and there used to be a time when female
rock bands worried more about the music than the make-up; so it'll be a
pleasure to welcome back feisty Birmingham (hey! the home of Sabbath!)
foursome Emma, Vanessa, Lisa and Leanne - collectively known as Twist and
very much in to their Nirvana, iDLEWiLD, Placebo, Pavement and Bowie.
Currently signed to Fierce Panda (Placebo, Symposium, iDLEWiLD and many
more) their first fast-paced guitar rock single "Star" (KKKK - Kerrang)
went straight in at 10 in the indie chart - is this the British Hole?
Sat 15 - THE SUPERNATURALS
Writing ultra-catchy pop tunes with bitter lyrics, a debut album with five
hits and being Ivor Novello Award-nominated still didn’t stop them being
ignominiously dumped by Food Records. The good news is they're back and
writing excellent new material - not that you won't already be familiar
with classics "Smile", "I wasn't built to get up", "Lazy Lover" and "Day
before yesterday's man". Given the prestigious title of "potentially the
most majestic and bowel-crunchingly HUGE pop band on the planet" by NME,
their albums seriously dented the charts as they toured the country with
the likes of The Bluetones, Ash, Tina Turner, Paul Weller and, most
recently, Robbie Williams. (£5 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 16 - TETRA SPLENDOUR + Red Shift
Four breezy exponents of skybursting hyper-guitar-psych-pop, with wit and
brains and the sort of tunes that could give Gaz Supergrass and Beck
Hansen green-eyed monster envy. Bustin’ out of Porthcawl, South Wales with
overspills of tunes and a few minor embellishments of the truth, their
history stretches through … er … trad jazz to influences like Neil Young,
Beck, Supergrass, Talking Heads and Zappa. Before a protracted stab at
global domination, the traditional period of retreat to the studio
(Grassroots in Cardiff, used by Catatonia and SFA) produced debut single,
E.T.A./Muriel’s Motorhome, a stargazing take on classic Brit
guitar-psychedelia, prodding NME, realising just where the ‘Splendour’ in
their name comes from, to say, "In the realms of the bombastic, this is
the bomb". No we didn't get that either.
Thu 20 - UNIFIED THEORY + Abandon Jalopy
Featuring original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen, who outshines even his
brightest moments on “Ten”, Blind Melon guitarist Christopher Thorn and
bassist Brad Smith with tenor-voiced singer Chris Shinn, UT make a heady
and powerful mix of pop sensibility with an edgy multi-layered Dave
Gilmour-ish guitar sound. Live, their cover of Pink Floyd's 'Breathe'
effortlessly segues in to album opener 'Cessna' sounding as natural as you
like. Think of the summery haze of Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti"
period - 'Kashmir' if you like - and mix with prog-rock pioneers Yes and
latter-day Abbey Road Beatles. This is modern day wide screen classic rock
from the seasoned pros. Check out their excellent site, you'll be sold.
(£4 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 22 - THE LAST RITES (EX-FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM) + Mist of Avalon
New project from brothers Paul and Nod Wright (guitar and drums
respectively) who were founder members of 80s cult goth act Fields of The
Nephilim, enigmatically fronted by the sepulchral growl of Carl McCoy and
climaxing with the seminal "Psychonaut". Defining the genre with Paul
Wright's dense, intricate layers of guitar and an enormous bass and drums
sound, which gave an echoing, rolling feel of distance and space, they
left copyists in their wake. Get the Fibbs date in your diary to see
founding fathers of the goth-rock genre. (£7 advance - tickets available
from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Mon 24 - ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN + Starkitten
"I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a
convulsive motion agitated its limbs." … Mary Shelley created a monster -
but not like this. Baron Von F could never have seamlessly welded garage,
rockabilly and metal; sewed in grunge; added the malignant brain of
hardcore; and bolted on glam-punk. Tormenting Egor with their hook laden,
memorable heavy rock and roll song writing since 1992, New Jersey’s
Electric Frankenstein are one loud Noo Yawk rock’n’roll band - thundering
bass and drums, pulsing backbeat, memorable hooks and riffs. Featuring
ex-members of Cathedral, Christian Death, Holeshot, Fur and Crawlpappy
they even coaxed R.I.P. punk legends Rik L Rik and Joey Ramone out of the
woodwork, the latter who was soon to be guesting with them. Genuine USA
garage glam punk. (£5 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk
or the venue)
Wed 26 - LUKE DANIELS
Fronted by Celtic button accordeon virtuoso Luke Daniels, here are six UK
performers reading like a who's who of contemporary, yet classically
trained, musicians from the field of jazz, folk and contemporary classical
music coming together in an explosive fusion of modern music. If you don’t
believe us, check out their web sites - this is a truly awesome line-up
drawing on folk as well as classical and jazz forms. The composer's
performing experience in all of these styles creates a new music that is
omnipresent throughout the performance. Luke is joined by Alec Dankworth
(double bass), Ben Castle (clarinet/alto sax), Brian Abrahams
(drums/percussion), Clive Carroll (steel strung guitar) and John Paul
Gandy (piano/keyboards). (£7.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Thu 27 - ALABAMA 3
Legendary Brixtonian collective whose "Sopranos" theme "Woke Up This
Morning" and unbridled delinquency has won them fans from Stockwell to the
South Bronx for their mischievous misappropriation of Hank Williams,
gospel and acid house. Yes, brothers and sisters, one of the most joyous,
righteous, provocative and inspirationally delinquent bands Britain has
ever spawned. Pure miscreant, theo-pharmalogical, neo-situationist, holy
music junkies floating high in the anaemic river of mass entertainment,
who could believe they would be guiding a 26 piece gospel choir through
'Woke Up This Morning' on The Jay Leno Show. You may have caught some of
them acting in Notting Hill Carnival film SW9, or heard 'Too Sick To Pray'
in 'Gone In Sixty Seconds' (Nicholas Cage). Even Nashville icon Billy Joe
Spears is in on their acid-country cowboy insurrection, recently covering
their 'U Don't Dance 2 Tekno'. The Reverend Dr D Wayne Love is coming to
town. On your knees. (£8 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 30 - HELLRIDE + The X-Rays
"My lyrics is still pretty soaked with love. I know it's a big difference
from the way more violent previous Hellride singles and EP's. Some people
don't like the new lyrics, some people didn't like the old lyrics, ….I
like ’em both so I don't care." So spake Pete Vegem, lead vocal and lead
guitar of Scandinavian "rock gods" and pure rock'n'roll party monsters
Hellride over here for just a few select dates. Once featuring Mad Alex
Action (ex-Wonderfools), the band recorded last year with Thomas Skogsberg
(Entombed / Hellacopters / Backyard Babies) producing a more melodic
mid-tempo sound despite more line-up changes than a Spinal Tap re-make.
Final word to the band, "It's about time that every rock 'n roller in
every single damn country around the whole damn planet get to know
Hellride." Come on, this has GOT to be worth a look! Swedish rock'n'roll
punk!! (£4 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the
venue)
OCTOBER
Thu 04 - THE JAMM
As Bruce Foxton said after seeing them at Guildford in '97, "They are true
to the original sound of The Jam", praise later backed up by Rick Buckler
who gave them 9/10 when they played at the launch of the official Jam web
site. Using the same instruments, sound gear, dark suits and ties, they
recreate the punk era feel but play material through the years including
Strange Town / Tube Station at Midnight / A Town Called Malice / That's
Entertainment / Going Underground and Eton Rifles plus album material as
well. (£5 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the
venue)
Fri 05 - VIGILANTES OF LOVE
With roots buried deep in the red clay of Georgia and led by
singer-songwriter Bill Mallonee whose timeless hymns of poetry and
intelligence rival Dylan, VoL are a classic slice of Americana.
Big-picture stories are imbued with chilling small details and, amazingly,
they're still probably one of the best-kept secrets in music. Tirelessly
championed by the likes of Bob Harris, VoL's 1999 album Audible Sigh
received a huge roll call of awards from the likes of USA giants Rolling
Stone, Billboard and the UK broadsheet press - "Honest, straight to the
heart music with aspects of country, folk and pop." Music from reality -
the thinking man's band. Recommended. (£6 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 06 - ROSIE WILBY + Rebecca Hollweg
A Lancashire lass whose heroines included Tracy Chapman and Kate Bush,
Rosie was an early rebel against middle class ideals and made her way to
London to discover Tom Waits, Al Green, Portishead - and vocal harmonies
every Saturday at the Drill Hall …. The mainstream press is astonishing,
"Her mellifluous, melancholic music reminds you of Aimee Mann, Beth Orton
and Janis Ian … swoony tunes, honeyed vocals and a melancholy flavour of
lost love … acoustic pop with its soul based somewhere between Memphis and
Detroit … edges into Sarah Cracknell territory" and even the cynical music
hacks love her too, "Look out for Rosie Wilby " - Mojo, "Possessed of a
voice that is at once effective and memorable" - Rock'n'Reel, "A nice
gentle acoustic shimmer" - NME. (£5.50 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sun 07 - CHRIS HELME + Tom Hingley
Chris Helme is undoubtedly one of the UK's best contemporary vocalists of
recent times. In dangerous possession of a throaty, pitch-perfect roar
that can glide almost magically to a whisper, it was obvious to all but a
myopic sub-section of Stone Roses fans that here was a talent of truly
magnificent proportions. If you've ever heard him belting out Wild Horses
or Cold Turkey you'll know that as well as bringing to life his own Nick
Harper / Nick Drake-ish material, he can also bring freshness and feeling
to classic songs. Some would say better than the originals … Chris is
appearing solo and will be showcasing his own powerful, self-penned
material as well as much-requested Seahorses favourites which, like all
good songs, easily stand on their own acoustically. Perhaps it will be a
night of big voices as Tom Hingley's can shatter specs at 50 paces with
it's clarity and save lives on a foggy night off the coast of Cornwall
such is the intensity and power! Forget the under-achievements of yore
with ex-baggy boys Inspiral Carpets, this is how it feels to be lonely.
(£5 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Tue 09 - THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET
Ten years before anyone imagined what Propellerheads or Jamiroquai might
sound like, JTQ were producing sleazy cop-show tunes with a smart mixture
of B3 Hammond organ, some big old trumpets and a sizeable smirk. You
don't even need to close your eyes to imagine the smell of burning rubber
on tarmac, the wail of sirens and the screech of getaway cars taking
corners on two wheels. These jazz-friendly Mod-squad groovers whose music
coined the term "acid jazz", collaborated with Tom Jones on "Looking Out
My Window" as well as appearing on the Austin Powers soundtracks. James
Taylor's soul-jazz and stinging instrumental brassy funk style started
with mod-revival band The Prisoners and continues to this day. Originals!
(£10 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Thu 11 - TOM RUSSELL + Jim Almand
Tom Russell grew up in California in the early 1950s, listening to the
West Coast hillbilly sounds of Merle Travis and Tex Williams. Persuaded
by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter to return to music, he toured with
the former co-produced critically acclaimed records for Ian and Sylvia
Tyson, Katy Moffatt and soul singer Barrence Whitfield. "Outbound Plane"
won Tom Russell a 1993 ASCAP Country Award as one of the most performed
radio songs of 1993 when the Suzy Bogguss' recording became a top-ten hit.
Tom's songs have also been recorded by Johnny Cash, Joe Ely, Jerry Jeff
Walker, Nanci Griffith, Dave Alvin, Janie Fricke, Peter Case and the late
Doug Sahm amongst others. A chance to catch a genuine USA legend. FOR THE
BENEFIT OF PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT ACOUSTIC SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE THAT
PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND, IN THE OPINION OF THE VENUE STAFF,
DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS, WILL BE REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE VENUE
WITHOUT REFUND. (£7 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
Fri 12 - POWERAGE - TRIBUTE TO ACDC, THE BON SCOTT ERA
Hotter than the rolling dice, cooler than a body on ice, you're gonna burn
tonight. Hardly does one classic rock track finish when another one takes
its place. Riff Raff, Bad Boy Boogie, Problem Child, Hell Ain't A Bad
Place To Be, Whole Lotta Rosie, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, She's Got The
Jack - the list goes on. Guitarist Lorne Shippen has been an AC/DC fan for
25 years and he IS Angus but this excellent North East act concentrates on
just the one singer: Bon Scott. Founder member and singer, Sean, says, "We
just do the Bon Scott era. The original idea of the band was to be a
tribute to Bon Scott and AC/DC - we are AC/DC of 20 years ago and
unfortunately AC/DC now just ain't AC/DC.” We've heard so many good
reports about this act - recommended gig! (£5 advance - tickets available
from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Mon 15 - BEN & JASON
Alias, of course, Ben Parker and Jason Hazeley, two sensitive London souls
who first stuck their heads above the parapet with a support slot on
Elliott Smith's UK tour. Coming on like Thom Yorke fronting Wilco, they
are the latest melodic, slightly angsty country-tinged troubadours and
writers of fine, graceful, stick-in-the-head melodies. Ambitious Jeff
Buckley atmospherics (Nick Drake's arranger/manager, Robert Kirby, was
allegedly lured specially out of retirement) mix with summery 12-string
guitars and Hammonds holding notes that go on forever. Dramatic, swooping
string arrangements and syncopated percussion belie the dark intelligence
behind Ben & Jason's jolly tunefulness. On the strength of demos, they
signed to Go Beat (home of Portishead, Delakota, Arab Strap) and for an
instant slice of Ben & Jason, listen carefully to the Kronenbourg ad for
'Slip into something' - a song they wrote with Kinobe. (£5.50 advance -
tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 17 - CHAS 'N' DAVE
Making music seem more like a hobby than a business since '75, the Rockney
boy neatly encapsulated their philosophy with '78's chart debut Strummin -
"I don't care what other people say …" After Gertcha was snaffled by
Courage for a beer campaign, it wasn't until '81 that Top 10 success
arrived with Rabbit and the following year it was only Bucks Fizz that
kept Ain't No Pleasing You off the Number 1 slot boosting the album Musn't
Grumble with it’s shrink-wrapped addition Stars Over 45. The hits just
poured out - Margate, London Girls, My Melancholy Baby and, of course,
Snooker Loopy. Their success? 'We're like pie and mash", smiles Dave,
"Simple and very London, but if it's good stuff it travels". Leave your
street cred at the door, we won’t hold it against you 'cos quite simply
this is ENTERTAINMENT and that's what this entire lark is really all about
it - ain't it guv? (£10 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk
or the venue)
Sat 20 - WILKO JOHNSON
The godfather of punk and co-founder of Dr Feelgood who stormed out of
Canvey Island in the mid seventies. Their unique brand of stripped-down
r'n'b, high-energy stage shows earned them critical acclaim with the rock
cognoscenti and the record buying public, alike. Before his departure in
'77, the Feelgoods had released four classic albums including the No 1
"Stupidity" and Wilko moved on to join Ian Dury and The Blockheads
contributing to the "Laughter" album and a couple of singles. It was here
that his friendship with legendary bassist Norman Watt-Roy would lead to
the most potent and enduring yet raw r'n'b outfit the world has ever seen.
As well as The Blockheads, Norman also contributed to The Clash as well as
playing bass on Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Relax (he wrote THAT three
note bass riff!). Completing the trio is former Jesus and Mary Chain/Curve
drummer Steven Monti. Here is a British rock'n'roll and rhythm'n'blues
guitar legend up there with Peter Green and Mick Green (no relation) for
all to see, still doing the business live. Recommended at all cost! (£7
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
NOVEMBER
Sat 03 - DENNIS ROLLINS' BAD BONE & CO + The T&B Specialists
Trombone Player. Composer. Arranger. Producer. And … Britain's most
promising trombonist in the contemporary jazz/funk/fusion scene with
"wicked tunes bursting to be heard" (Jazz Express). Often compared to
James Brown's trombonist Fred Wesley, Dennis has played with and for just
about everybody including The Jazz Warriors, Courtney Pine, Jamiroquai,
George Clinton, Cypress Hill, Brand New Heavies (even Dionne Warwick and
Tom Jones) as well as TV appearances on Top of the Pops, Jools Holland and
TFI Friday. High energy, groove-based funky dance music with jazz
overtones and a genuine virtuoso player. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (£6.50
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Wed 07 - SPUNGE + Whitmore + Hug Lorenzo
The high energy skanking and infectious ska-punk grooves of early '98
debut EP 'Kicking Pigeons' kicked in this Tewkesbury-based 5-piece,
sometimes described as a ska-propelled madcap Symposium. Punked-up covers
of 'No Woman No Cry' (Marley), '500 Miles' (The Proclaimers) to full-on
pit-frenzies Ego and Sublime; the US of A is next for their unique
ska/punk brand. Tighter than a Scotsman on a shopping spree, this
irrepressibly bouncy and tuneful New Radicals / Smashmouth hybrid-with-wit
makes for good clean (dumb) fun for carefree punky types! (£5.50 advance -
tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Thu 08 - SUE WILKINSON
Unforgettable sounds of Sue Wilkinson's earth-shaking vocals and pounding
riffs on an acoustic piano are Americana music at its finest. Pounding out
rocking, throbbing R&B, accompanied by vocals you feel from your feet up
she says, "It's unpretentious, devil-may-care, soul-rousing music. When
I'm singing and pounding the keys, ripping out the music I'm having a
total body experience. I love the physical and the emotional sensations.
I'm in the music and the music's in me." Think Macy Gray meets Ben Folds
Five with Aretha Franklin in the choir. No wonder then that she's already
opened for Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Ministry, The Indigo Girls,
Bob Weir from Grateful Dead, Michelle Shocked and Kansas. Raised in a
little dirt street, South Georgia, her first performances were as a child,
tapping and singing away to the occasional pick-up truck passing by. Since
then, Sue G Wilkinson has become a sound, a voice, a style … to remember.
(£4 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 10 - THE ROLLIN STONED
"They are amazing, I thought it was my dad on stage" said Keith Richards'
daughter, Angela. Formed in 1998 by Counterfeit Stones co-founder Byron
Jones, Rollin Stoned, with their dedicated recreation of the heady days of
the Stones in the 60's and 70's, have rapidly become the number one Stones
band. Witness a storming non-stop 2-hour show, featuring spectacular
costume changes, recalling the raw and basic early Stones. Tackling the
difficult live songs other Stones tributes dare not has become a trademark
and their attention to detail (sitar on Paint It Black and recorder on
Ruby Tuesday!) has even stunned close family members of the originals …
"Phenomenal. I can't wait to tell Keith and Mick. They could easily stand
in for The Stones" - Keith Richards' mother, Doris. " Sent shivers down my
back - it was just like seeing Brian again" - Pat Andrews, mother of Brian
Jones' son Mark. Even respected venues can't hold back, "The latest and
most authentic sounding Stones tribute band" - Half Moon, Putney. From 60s
material like Not Fade Away, Little Red Rooster and Sympathy For The Devil
to 70s releases Brown Sugar and Wild Horses. Life long fans from around
the World are acclaiming them as the accessible face of The Rolling
Stones. You no longer have to wait for them to come around and around 'cos
it's all here and … It's Only Rock 'N' Roll But You'll Like It, Like It -
YES YOU WILL. (£6 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or
the venue)
Wed 14 - THE HANDSOME FAMILY
Chicago-based husband and wife Brett and Rennie Sparks have collaborated
as songwriters for over five years. Brett, the bi-polar Texan who writes
the music, spent his early years listening to opera and eating biscuits
and gravy. Rennie, the lyricist, grew up on the shores of Long Island
where she swears she never entered a room without spotting a spider on the
wall. Variously described as darkly gothic alt-country, it wasn't until
3rd album "Through The Trees" that much deserved worldwide and more
mainstream attention arrived. Best New Country Album of the Year, Mojo
Americana CD of the Year and inclusion in numerous Top Ten lists trail
this oddball duo and their weird real-life deadpan tales of suicides,
giants, dying swans and lovers' pacts. Thoroughly recommended. (£5.50
advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Thu 15 - ALL THE PRETTY HORSES + Lux Perpetua + The Surf Sluts
Hailing from Minneapolis and fronted by the six-foot-plus (in heels)
transgender performance artist Venus on guitar decked with feathers,
leather, and sequins, All the Pretty Horses may be one of the most
visually arresting bands you may ever see. Combine their haunting,
hard-edged music touching both on Ziggy Stardust and Black Sabbath
simultaneously with the stage act, and you've got performance art at the
highest level. Vocal drama and sparse guitars add a Joy Division / Cure
feel. Their signature version of Marlene Dietrich torch song "Falling In
Love Again" rubs shoulders with dark-glam Goth and poetry Velvet
Underground-style. There are four "horses" and, yes, they are pretty.
Emily, Jendeen and Pandora generate hard-edged instrumentals underlining
but not overshadowing Grandell's elegant, eloquent lyrics of monsters,
angels and shadowy lovers … she cries, croons and screams, love songs. Out
of that third space between male and female, anguish and ecstasy, flesh
and disembodiment. "Are you a boy, girl?" This is real life. Another first
for Fibbers - don't miss this … (£5 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Sat 17 - BIG SKA THING with MR SHIRAZ + more acts to be added
The first in a regular series of dedicated ska nights. Why? Because you
asked us - that's why. First up comes barefaced punk/ska from a
skankadelic 7-piece band of hoodlums from Huddersfield. Mix the bastard
son of Bez, Suggs and Vic and Bob with reggae, rock, punk and rap. Add a
vocalist who just may be James Hetfield scuffling in a car park with Ice
T. You like sexy swooping parping brass? Let's 'ave some of that as well.
Bring to the boil (don't even think of simmering) and you've got the
megavolt dancing stew from hell. Screaming rock god riffs, choppy reggae
guitar, Latin sax, mellow dub groove - it's all here. If you've already
caught this Slipknot meets The Specials bunch of loonies supporting King
Prawn (at Fibbs), Voodoo Glow Skulls or Reel Big Fish, you'll know this is
a raw energy show and even Metal Hammer were sufficiently moved to say,
"Take seven young upstarts, stick em on a stage, fill the audience up with
every conceivable type from within the metal genre, Mansonites,
Slipnotters, skatepunks, etc., shake loudly and watch the place go
apeshit." - 8/10 ! (£3 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk
or the venue)
Sun 18 - TARRAS
Along with Eliza Carthy and Kate Rusby, Tarras can be credited with
helping to rejuvenate and re-invent the English folk canon. Guided by
their passion for authentic English and traditional Celtic music, debut
release ‘Rising’ was hailed ‘absurdly fine’ built around the dynamic trio
of Joss Clap (vocals, guitar, bass), Ben Murray (vocals, accordion,
keyboards and whistles) and Jon Redfern (vocals, guitar and percussion).
Recent additions include classically trained violinist Louise Peacock,
young drummer Sam Murray and returning cittern player Rob Armstrong.
Second album ‘Walking Down Mainstreet’ was produced by Richard Evans
(Peter Gabriel) and featured on Radio 2, receiving similar rave notices.
(£6 advance - tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Fri 23 - MARTIN STEPHENSON
Supremely gifted singer, songwriter, musician, performer and Newcastle Utd
fan whose 20-year musical career started with The Daintees and still finds
him peddling skiffle, jazz, rockabilly and country in his own whimsical
and boyishly enthusiastic style. Positively bursting with excellent,
rootsy pop songs, ditties and charming life observations his life shows
are riots of intimacy, good humour and colour boasting a veritable rainbow
of styles. Bizarre facts: Martin wears James Cagney's hat as seen in
several of his films, played rhythm guitar on Shaking Steven's hit "Green
Door" and has a beer mat from every gig he has played (!). (£5.50 advance
- tickets available from www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
Mon 26 - KATE CAMPBELL + Jack Williams
Something of a late-bloomer, singer/songwriter Kate Campbell didn't begin
her professional career until the age of 30, but in short order, she
managed to include the likes of Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller
and the heart of the Muscle Shoals classic soul and R&B hit-making machine
as both admirers and collaborators. A clear-water vocal delivery and an
easy command of a full-range of American music styles have combined to
earn Campbell Nashville Music Awards "Folk Album Of The Year" whilst
wowing the Cambridge and Philadelphia Folk Festivals. A Mississippi
Baptist preacher's daughter whose formative years were spent in the very
core of the 60's civil rights movement her musical tastes were forged in
the dampered, smoky fires of soul, R&B, Southern rock and folk music, she
counts among long-time friends the legendary Spooner Oldham and Ava
Aldridge. We really have brought two of America's folk treasures to York.
FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT ACOUSTIC SHOWS, PLEASE NOTE
THAT PEOPLE PERSISTENTLY TALKING LOUDLY AND, IN THE OPINION OF THE VENUE
STAFF, DISRUPTING THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS, WILL BE REQUESTED TO LEAVE THE
VENUE WITHOUT REFUND. (£5 advance - tickets available from
www.fibbers.co.uk or the venue)
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