Counting Crows

Two words: Counting Crows.

I am a HUGE fan of this American rock band from California. Hitting the scene with their hugely successful debut album "August and Everything After," these boys have gone from strength to strength.

Despite being influenced by the likes of Nirvana, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan, Counting Crows are today, the influencers for many of the new bands and artists around today. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide under their belt it is clear why they would be!

To date Counting Crows have released six albums; "August and Everything After," "Recovering the Satellites," "This Desert Life," "Hard Candy," "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings," and "Underwater Sunshine."

Popular tracks by this band include; Colorblind, Mr.Jones, and Accidentally in Love. If you, like me, are desperate to see Counting Crows live I urge you to buy tickets quick!

Tour Dates: 
19th April. 02 Academy - Birmingham
20th April. Colston Hall - Bristol
22nd April. Hammersmith Apollo - London
23rd April. Hammersmith Apollo - London
25th April. O2 Apollo Manchester - Manchester
26th April. O2 Academy - Glasgow

For information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/32530-counting-crows/calendar?page=2

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

This uber cool trio are rockers to the core.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, otherwise referred to as BRMC, is an american rock band from San Fran, USA. Certainly not new to the block, this band first formed together back in 1998. Fourteen years and six albums later, BRMC continue to do their thing and provide their fans with timeless and cool rock music. Like with everything change is inevitable,  BRMC being no exception to this. Over the years the band has gone through a number of changes to its line up - the current one consisting of original band members Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been, and newbie (singer) Leah Shapiro.

Although 2012 was pretty quiet for this band, they have recently announced that they will be releasing  their seventh album "Specter At The Feast" on March 18th. Previous albums released by this band include "B.R.M.C.", "Take Them On," "On Your Own,""Howl," "Baby 81," "The Effects of 333," and "Beat the Devil's Tattoo."

I first came across this band back when their singles "Weapon of Choice" and "Mercy" featured in an episode of One Tree Hill. I instantly became attracted to their music for the evident mix of garage, blues, folk and rock that they applied to all their music.

Despite having a fairly quiet 2012, 2013 proves to be a busy one for BRMC with the release of their new album, and N.American and European tour.

I urge you to buy tickets asap if you are interested in seeing this band live. With the size of their fan base, it is normal for their gigs to sell out quick.

Tour Dates: 
10th March. Limelight - Belfast
24th March. Ritz Manchester - Manchester
25th March. O2 ABC - Glasgow
26th March. HMV Institute - Birmingham
27th March. O2 Academy Brixton - London
29th March. Rock City - Nottingham
20th March. O2 Academy - Leeds

4th May. Terminal 5 - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and their (N.America, European) tour dates, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/274854-black-rebel-motorcycle-club/calendar?page=1

Band of Horses

A seriously awesome Rock Band.

Band of Horses, is an American Rock band from Seattle. Since forming in 2004 these boys have released four albums, the most recent being "Mirage Rock" in September of this year.

The band, formed of Mat Brooke, Bridwell, Ryan Monroe, Tyler Ramsey, Bill Reynolds and Creighton Barrett received the greatest success in 2010 with the grammy nominated album "Infinite Arms." I first became aware of this band many years ago when I heard their single "The Funeral" (see below) feature on an episode of One Tree Hill. This track is one of those songs that no matter how much you listen to it, it never gets old. From this single I was eager to hear the rest of the bands music,  and I was in no way left disappointed.

Similar artists to Band of Horses include; The Shins, My Morning Jacket, Iron and Wine, and Mumford and Sons.

With any band that has been together for a long time, these boys are well practiced live performers,  resulting in some serious superb show. A tight knit group with a huge fan base, it comes as no surprise that Band of Horses play to sell out crowds.  With an endless list of great tracks you can be sure of an enjoyable night of live entertainment.

Tour dates:
15th Nov. HMV Institute - Birmingham
16th Nov. O2 Academy - Glasgow
19th Nov. Manchester Academy - Manchester
20th Nov. Hammersmith Apollo - London
11th Dec. Manhatten Center Grand Ballroom - NYC

For information regarding tickets and tour dates (European, N.American and Aus/ NZ) check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/354376-band-of-horses/calendar?page=1

Switchfoot

Switchfoot are an American Rock Band from San Diego, California.

Although predictable, I will admit I only became aware of Switchfoot when I watched "A walk to Remember." Just like everyone else my favorite song from the movie was "Dare You To Move" which ranked #73 on the Rhapsody list of the Top 100 Tracks of the Decade.

Swtichfoot to date have released six albums "The Legend of Chin," "New Way to Be Human," Learning To  Breathe," "The Beautiful Letdown," "Nothing is Sound," "Oh! Gravity," "Hello Hurricane" and the recently releaed "Vice Versa."

In addition to their huge selection of great songs, Switchfoot are known to be pretty great performers who can rock any venue. Although I have yet to see them live myself, Switchfoot have been around since the 1990s and are by no means strangers to touring - these boys know how to put on a great show. 

Expect front man, Jon Foreman, to crowd surf. Expect a sell out crowd. Expect a crowd of rockers of all ages, and finally expect a great night of live music.

Tour Dates:
21st June. Isle of Wight Festival 2012 - Isle Of Wight, UK

6th August. Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Darien Center, NYC

For more information regarding tickets and their US and European tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/442995-switchfoot/calendar?page=1

Alabama Shakes

I have only recently come across this band - but they are very cool.

Alabama Shakes are an American rock band from Alabama. The band consists of Brittany Howard (lead singer), Heath Fogg (guitarist), Zac Cockrell (bassist) and Steve Johnson (drummer).

In September 2011, Alabama Shakes released a four song EP Alabama Shakes which gained them a huge amount of attention. This band has been referred to as a band to watch out for in 2012 and after hearing their material I would certainly agree.

Although I have yet to see them live myself, there is huge hype for this band and their performances have received some incredible reviews. I am going to try and buy a ticket - I would encourage you to do the same.

Tour dates:
3rd May. Electric Brixton - London, UK
9th May. King Tut's Wah Hut - Glasgow, UK
10th May. Manchester Methodist Central Hall - Manchester, UK
11th May. HUMV Institute - Digbeth, UK
21st May. Roseland Ballroom - NYC
22nd May. Roseland Ballroom - NYC
6th July. T in the Park - Kinross, UK
4th September.  O2 Academy - Oxford, UK
5th  September. Concorde 2 - Brighton, UK
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For more information regarding tickets and the rest of their N.American and European tour dates check out http://www.songkick.com/artists/4601908-alabama-shakes/calendar?page=1

The Pretty Reckless Music Gig

The Pretty Reckless has certainly made headlines for themselves over the last year. Being dubbed as a terrible role model for her young fans, lead singer Taylor Momsen has certainly been the center of attention recently.

Despite this however, the bands music is very good! This alternative American rock band from New York released their debut single"Make Me Wanna Die" on May 13th 2010. This single was followed by the release of their debut album "Light Me Up" on August 30th.

Bands similar to the Pretty Reckless include Paramore, Avril Lavigne, and Ke$ha.

The Pretty Reckless although new to the music scene, have received a lot of great reviews for their gigs. Lead singer, Taylor Momsen oozes confidence when she sings and always puts a tremendous amount of enthusiasm into all her performances.It should be added however, the crowd is usually made up of mostly 12-20 year old screaming female fans!

A set list for one of their shows was: Since You’re Gone, Miss Nothing, Light Me Up, Zombie, Goin’ Down, Just Tonight, My Medecine, Like A Stone, Factory Girl, Islands/I Love The Way You Lie (acoustic), Nothing Left To Lose (acoustic), Super Sonic/Time Is Running Out, Make Me Wanna Die.

If you are looking for a night of awesome live rock music from an extremely talented 17yr old than this is a gig for you.

Tour dates:
12th June. Download Festival - Domington, UK
3rd July. Hyde Park - Hyde Park, UK

For more information regarding their European tour dates visit: European Tour Dates

The Strokes Music Gig

I love The Strokes! Although I have yet to see them live, they are definitely top on my list.

The Strokes are an American rock band who formed in 1988 in  New York City. This band have achieved many great things and were even labeled "the most prominent rock bands to emerge in the 21st Century."

The Strokes released their debut album "Is This It," back in 2001 and have just recently released their fourth album "Angles."

Bands similar to The Strokes include Albert Hammond JR, Arctic Monkeys, and Vampire Weekend. Some of The Strokes most popular tracks include "Last Nite," "Reptilia," and "Is This It."

Although I have not personally seen The Strokes live, they have received many great reviews. I will add however that theirs gigs are not for the feint hearted. Expect mosh pits, sweat, and a lot of die hard rock fans. But hey this only adds to the atmosphere so don't be deterred.

Tour dates
14th - 15th May. BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - Carlisle, UK
8th - 10th July. T in the Park 2011 - Kinross, UK
26th - 28th Aug. Leeds  Festival 2011 - Leeds,  UK
26th - 28th Aug. Reading Festival 2011 - Reading, UK

For more information about their European and US tour dates check out: The Strokes