London Gig News: Steve White and the Protest Family

Friday 16th March: UCU Fun Raiser @ The Star of Kings (downstairs), 126 York Way, N1 0AX - Kings Cross tube. Doors: 7pm. Close: 2am. £6

Due on at about 10pm for 45 minutes, or so. Also featuring jazzers The Swinging Garcons and ska band Chainska Brassika, plus DJ Zee. www.facebook.com/events/307466449310946/

Saturday 17th March: St Pauli's Day Celebration @ The Birkbeck Tavern, 45 Langthorne Road, E11 4HL - Leyton tube. Doors: 7pm. Close: Midnight. FREE.

After Leyton Orient v Brentford, with audience guests from Hamburg club St Pauli. We're on early for this one, at about 7.30 or so for about an hour. Support comes from The Sneezy T's, who are on after us. (Yes, I know.) www.facebook.com/events/277551218980403/

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Meanwhile, the Sack Boris campaign have adopted Have I Got News For You as their song. We'll be giving away practical 'Stop Boris' gifts at both of these gigs courtesy of them. More gigs are planned, including some outside of London (surely not!), and our studio double ep / album will be around soon - we've just got to add Have I Got News For You to the artwork. 

That's it for now!

Lol (The Protest Family)

Glamweazel on the radio

Glamweazel will be performing tunes from their forthcoming album 'Illusion, Lies and Butterflies', plus some old favourites, live this Thursday 1st March on RCV 99 FM Radio Lille at 8pm (French time!).

The band will also be playing The Pelton in Greenwich on 24th March, and appearing at a number of UK summer festivals - so watch this space for more details.

London Gig News: Weds 14 March: 14 Carat Grapefruit at the Dublin Castle, Camden

Fresh from recording two new songs, and introducing their brand new guitarist, ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP's founder Toby Burton (that's you! - Ed), the Grapefruits take to the stage at the Dublin Castle on Wednesday 14th March. Expect a new tune or two, and even more bad language and smut than ever before!

Introducing new RTYD member, Mutt, from Lancashire

Guitarist and vocalist, 'Mutt', from Ribble Valley in Lancashire, is the newest member of ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP. Mutt's in his mid-40s and is looking to hook up with other musicians to work on songs that he has written, and hopefully to form a rock band.

A big THANKS to the Zone!

Friends and members of RTYD, The Zone, have kindly included a ROCK-TIL-YOU_DROP logo on their new CD release, EP, 'Which Path', which will be available from their website very soon. 

So a big THANKS to all the boys in the band!

Introducing new RTYD Member, bassist, Rob from covers band Contraband

Welcome to new ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP member, bass player, 'Rob', from Mayfield in East Sussex, who plays in covers band Contraband and in ceilidh music group One The Rum

Rob started out - like many of us - in a school band, and went  on to performing on the working men's club circuit. He owns a GB Spitfire bass, a 57'(pictured) and an 84' Precision, and plays them through a Markbass rig.

Essex Gig News: The Milksnatchers, Drones, and more, at The Bitter End, Romford

RIP RTYD Michael Davis, bassist with the MC5

Michael Davis, who played bass in seminal Detroit punk band the MC5 (and later in a version of the group called DKT-MC5 with ex-members Wayne Kramer and Dennis Thompson) died on Friday afternoon in Chico, California, where he had been hospitalised with liver disease.

Davis was a sought-after bass player and worked as a producer. He also co-founded the non-profit Music Is Revolution Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting school music programmes in the US. Davis was a keen painter, too, and had recently returned to art school to complete the BA in fine art that he dropped out of in 1964 to pursue his musical ambitions.

Battle of the Bands Competition

On 3rd March Helen Martin Productions is hosting a battle of the bands (for grown-ups) at Watermans Arts Centre (40 High Street Brentford, TW8 0DS, 020 8232 1010), in the theatre. There's still room for three more bands to enter - there are fantastic prizes, including 6 hours studio time with engineer/producer Steve Parry of Dazzlesound Productions and an interview with Mudkiss online fanzine.

All genres are welcome and the music must be artists'/bands' own work. The closing date for entrance into the competition is Friday 24th February. Contact Helen Martin through her website for an entry form, or go to the Waterman's website, here.

Back after its YouTube ban: Steve White and the Protest Family's 'Have I Got News For You'

YouTube pulled the first video for Steve White and the Protest Family's new song 'Have I Got News For You'.. ...but it's back..  and it's better than ever!

Sex Pistols Perform Country Life Butter Advert

Somehow I missed this!

Poundshop Life play "Man in a Suitcase" at Spring Garden Live, Hotwells, Bristol

RTYD members Poundshop Life play 'Man in a Suitcase' at Spring Garden Live in Hotwells, Bristol on 8th February 2012

#RIP #RTYD Guitarist Joe Moretti who has died at the age of 73

British guitarist Joe Moretti renowned for his work on seminal rock n' roll records 'Brand New Cadillac' by Vince Taylor and 'Shakin' All Over' by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates', has died at the age of 73. Moretti was born in 1938 in Glasgow. He moved to London in 1958 where he quickly became part of the burgeoning rock n' roll scene around the legendary 2i's Coffee Bar in Soho. Before long he was playing back up for singers including Gene Vincent and Vince Eager, as well as a number of other skiffle and rock n' roll acts.

In early 1959 Moretti discovered guitarist-singer Tony Sheridan had quit Vince Taylor's band, The Playboys, and was asked to take his place. Moretti toured with Taylor in the UK and recorded the iconic "Brand New Cadillac" a few months later. The following year Moretti played lead guitar for Johnny Kidd and the Pirates on what would be their UK No.1 single 'Shakin' All Over', as well as on its follow-up 'Restless'.

Moretti continued to tour and record throughout the 60s, and was in demand as a session player along with other legendary British guitarists including Big Jim Sullivan, and future Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.
He claimed to have played guitar on hits for Jet Harris and Tony Meehan ('Scarlet O'Hara' and 'Applejack') and on Donovan's number one record 'Mellow Yellow'; and it is now accepted that he played guitar on 'It's Not Unusual' by Tom Jones, and Chris Farlowe's Rolling Stones cover, 'Out Of Time'.

Moretti died from lung cancer on 9th February in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he lived.

(Ref: Wikipedia)

New Video: 'Have I Got News For You' by Steve White & the Protest Family

The video for the new Steve White and Protest Family song Have I Got News For You is now up for all to enjoy on YouTube.  It was recorded by the London five-piece using 27 strings between them: 4 string bass, 4 string fiddle, 5 string banjo, 6 string guitar and 8 string mandolin. How about that!

London Gig News: The Stabilisers have been added to the bill for the Steve White & The Protest Family gig at the Artisan, Chingford on 18th Feb

Friends of RTYD, punk band, The Stabilisers have been added to the bill for the Steve White & The Protest Family, Corporal Machine & The Bombers gig at the Artisan in Chingford on 18th February.

Introducing new RTYD member Essex musician, Marc Garrett

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME! to Westcliff on Sea, Essex based musician, Marc Garrett.

As well as being a musician, Marc is a writer, activist, curator and runs an arts collective. Marc was briefly in an electro-punk band called Time in Motion in the early 80s, as well as, Helana Hex and some other bands later that decade. But he has joined RTYD to network and promote his current net art music project Ouch Those Monkeys, so please check it out.

Welcome! to The Peel music venue in Kingston, Surrey

Welcome! to ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP! The Peel music venue, #Kingston #Surrey: http://bit.ly/zb47cf #livemusic

#RIP #RTYD Whitney Houston, who has died at the age of 48

#RIP #RTYD Whitney Houston, who has died at the age of 48. Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m on 11th February in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton hotel where she was staying to rehearse and appear at the Grammy award ceremony the following day. More details: http://bit.ly/yAL1zB

Welcome to new RTYD member Steve from Birmingham

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP welcome to Steve, a drummer/percussionist from Birmingham.

Steve, who is 55, enjoys rock, blues and soul, and is looking to join a band. He plays acoustic drums and cajon, congas, bongos, maracas, guiro, claves and cabasa. He has mostly played in pubs and clubs; he has good kit, transport, and he is very reliable.

Introducing new RTYD member, Monica Salaste

Welcome to Monica Salaste from Saddleworth, Greater Manchester. Monica likes classic rock and soul, and plays the drums and sings backing vocals. She has been off the scene since last summer but is currently looking for either an established band or dep work, to get back into it.

Monica also enjoys writing music, and is looking for a writing partner.

Introducing new RTYD member, 'Billy'

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP welcome to Billy, a guitarist, based in London, who plays in a variety of blues and country styles but specialises in electric slide. He is currently looking to join a band, and is also looking for a writing partner.

Pimp my demo: Voxman demonstrates the Vox Valvetronix VTX150 Pro Neodymium

RTYD member Richard Birch AKA Voxman demonstrates the Vox Valvetronix VTX150 Pro Neodymium amp plus VC12 floor-controller.

From Voxman's YouTube page: 'Thank you to my very good friends, Michael and the team at Chiswell Studios in St Albans who recorded and put the video together, this is the first time I've left the confines and restrictions of my little 'den' at home and gone into a proper studio to make a video.


I'm really pleased with how its came out and (fingers ...& toes... nervously crossed!) I really do hope you guys enjoy the vid! There's the odd bum note, & a couple of 'senior moments' in there (I said Orange drive when I meant Gold (doh!) and I double clicked on the VC12 to leave the modulation on when I said it was off!) But hey, it wouldn't be a proper 'Voxman' vid without these little foibles now would it! lol Do go & try out the VTX150 Pro for yourselves -- I've no vested interest here (I'm not a Vox employee and not on commission or anything!) but it honestly is a cracking amp that's loud as sin with balls and bottom end for days. The range of tones you can get from this puppy is just awesome. Hooked up with the VC12/VC12SV it has huge gigging flexibility - and especially with a 1x12" extension cab it'll blow most other amp rigs off the stage! I'd honestly love one of these for myself, not least because it's so incredibly light and compact. And I'm not kidding about the volume! 


After we finished filming, Michael sat down at the drums, Martyn plugged a bass in, and we had a fun jam in the studio. I just about got the VTX150 Pro up to a little over half-way without blowing everyone's ear drums! What was really surprising was just how big and full the Pro sounded when cranked up - the sound from that 1x12" 150w Neodymium speaker just filled the entire room! Best, Rich (Voxman)'

Phil Martin's debut solo album 'Before We Go To Paradise'

Phil Martin released his first solo album Before we go to Paradise on 31st January 2012. Hard copies of the album are available now from record shops and online at Amazon, Virgin and every other website that sells CDs, with iTunes and other MP3 downloads coming very soon.

Phil has played in a number of bands over the years, including the Shanakies who supported Blur on their Parklife tour, and The Men they Couldn’t Hang. As well as performing solo, he is currently playing with a handful of musicians and acts including, The Bitter Springs who have shared a bill with Vic Godard as the Subway Sect, Swill Odgers (of The Men They Couldn't Hang fame), Jowe Head and the Demi-Monde (Jowe Head of Swell Maps/Television Personalities fame), Valerie and her Week of Wonders, Kindred Spirit, The Talesmen  and The Long Decline.

Phil learnt to play the violin as a young boy and also sang in a church choir. His mum gave him his first guitar lesson at thirteen and ten years later he finally played a proper electric guitar in public. As well as singing playing the guitar and violin, he can now also "get a sound out of various instruments including viola and stylophone". Not bad!

Phil's next solo gig is on 15th March at the Troubadour in Earls Court. For more news on Phil's live activity you can visit his website.

Here are links to reviews of Before we go to Paradise:

Fatea
Mudkiss Fanzine
Whisperin' and Hollerin'
Amazon

Gig News, and more: Steve White and the Protest Family

Steve White and the Protest Family, which includes ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP member Lol Ross, play a Standard Music promoted gig at The Artisan in Chingford on Saturday 18th February. Support comes from the delightful Corporal Machine & The Bombers, and one other act to be confirmed.

The band, whose line-up now also includes the multi-talented Russ Chandler (his own album 'Last Night In Babylon' comes out on 12th Feb), have two more dates lined up in March, and one in April - so watch this space for details of those. They are also opening the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival in July.

They have been busy recording, too, so you should be hearing one of their most popular tunes as the Mayoral Election draws closer. And finally, their studio album /double EP 'Drums Ruin Everything' will be out soon. Watch this space for details of that, too.

The Zone's new EP, Which Path?

In August last year Surrey/Hants/Staffs band, The Zone, which comprises RTYD members Dave Browett, John Cunnison, and Rob Hayter, recorded 5 new songs for an EP entitled 'Which Path?'. You can listen to it, and download it here. The band are planning a CD release very soon, so watch this space. They are also playing a battle of the bands competition at Brixton Jamm tomorrow afternoon (Sunday 5th Feb) at 4:30pm. Best of luck, boys!

Kent Gig News: Sat 4 Feb: The Wickermen at The Ivy Leaf, Dartford: http://bit.ly/nu1JS5

Gloucestershire Gig News: Sat 4 Feb: The Lone Groover + Folk Grinder @ the Prince Albert Stroud: http://bit.ly/nu1JS5 folk punk acoustic

Surrey Gig News: Sat 4 Feb: Jezebel No More at The Mayford Arms, Woking http://bit.ly/nu1JS5

London Gig News: Sat 4 Feb: The Outbursts at The Grosvenor, Stockwell: http://bit.ly/nu1JS5 punk

West Midlands Gig News: Sat 4 Feb: Milestone Road at Eddie's Rock Club, Gough Street, Birmingham: http://bit.ly/nu1JS5)

Introducing Tucson Arizona band Graveyard Darlings

A big ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP-WELCOME! to Tucson Arizona originals band Graveyard Darlings.

The band comprises Danny Boy, Bimmy, Johnny Neptune and Bolen, and although they would rather that their music did the talking, they will say that it is about "friends...good times...drinks...good times...memories and good times - nuthin' too serious". And so it should be. You can listen to it here,

Introducing Chobham Surrey based musician Keith Chilvers

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP welcome to Chobham, Surrey, based musician, Keith Chilvers.

Keith plays plays slide guitar, mandolin, flatpick guitar, and sings in a blues duo with Tony Barker who plays slide dobro, harmonica and sings.

Keith also plays in an old time quartet called the Surrey Old Time String Band, which is appellation style music, and features fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, double bass and vocals. He has a small home studio suitable for recording up to a trio, and a big interest in bluegrass music. He is also available for session work.

Worcestershire Gig News

Worcestershire Gig News: Fri 3 Feb: Milestone Road versus The Baron Greenback at The Railway Hotel, Evesham http://bit.ly/nu1JS5

Introducing London act, Never The Bride

A ROCK-TIL-YOU-DROP welcome to London act Never The Bride that consists of two gifted songwriters Nikki Lamborn - "the best rock voice since Janis Joplin" and Catherine "Been" Feeney - an exceptionally talented multi-instrumentalist. Nikki and Catherine also run 'Wine, Women & Song', an up-close and intimate night of fine wine and beautiful music at The Ram Jam Club in Kingston.

You can hear Never The Bride's music at their website, and follow them on Twitter @NeverTheBrideUK

Jon Owen and the Known Unknowns at the Lunar Lounge, Leytonstone, Sat 18 February