Ed Sheeran

This is a pretty interesting guy...and talented too!

Ed Sheeran is a singer/songwriter from West Yorkshire. In 2009 Ed Sheeran played 312 gigs and had to resort to 'sofa surfing' due to having no money. However, Sheeran got his big break in February 2010 when he got noticed by rapper Example, who invited him to tour with him.

Things just kept getting better for Sheeran when in 2010 his already growing fan base rocketed in response to his self posted YouTube videos. Not only did his videos gain him attention, but the likes of Elton John, Rio Ferdinand and the Independant newspaper were all eager to sing his praises, putting Ed Sheeran firmly on the radar for someone to watch out for.

Ed Sheeran performed 5 times at this years Glastonbury and received great reviews. There is no question about it, this boy is on the road to stardom..and you should get tickets NOW!!!

His debut single "A team" reached number 3 in the UK charts after its first week of release and his debut album "+" which was released on 19th September 2011 topped the UK charts for a number of weeks.

In 2012 Sheeran continued his success by receiving Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist, and British Breakthrough of the year. He also recently supported Snow Patrol on their US tour, something that helped build his name and fan base drastically.

 Tour dates
18th - 19th Aug. V Festival - Weston Park, UK
13th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
14th Octt. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
15th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
16th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
17th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
19th Oct. Brighton Center - Brighton, UK
20th Oct. Newport Centre - Newport, UK
21st  Oct. BIC - Windsor Hall - Bournemouth, UK
22nd Oct. Pavilion - Plymouth, UK
24th Oct. Oasis Leisure Centre- Swindon, UK
26th Oct. Rivermead  - Reading, UK
28th Oct. The Ballroom - Birmingham, UK
29th Oct. The Ballroom - Birmingham, UK
31st Oct. Capital  FM Arena - Nottingham, UK
1st Nov. O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK
2nd Nov. 02 Apollo - Manchester, UK
3rd Nov. 02 Apollo - Manchester, UK
5th Nov. Doncaster Dome - Doncaster, UK
6th Nov. Doncaster Dome - Doncaster, UK
7th Nov. Hull Arena - Hull, UK
8th Nov. Empress Ballroom - Blackpool, UK
12th Nov. Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK
14th Nov. Barrowland - Glasgow, UK
15th Nov. Barrowland - Glasgow, UK
16th Nov. Barrowland - Glasgow, UK


To buy tickets or for more information regarding the rest of his European and UK tour check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Ed-Sheeran-tickets/artist/1560779#artist_table_focus

Colbie Caillat

I saw Colbie Caillat not too long ago and sadly I was a little disappointed.

Colbie Caillat is a singer-songwriter from California who first hit the music scene in 2007. She has two albums 'Coco' and 'Breakthrough' and is due to release her third on the 12th July. Her hit singles include "Bubbly," "The Little Things," and "I Never Told You."

One of my friends is a HUGE Colbie Caillat fan and so they persuaded me to go with the them to see her live in NYC. Although she is a great singer and has a number of great tracks, I felt her gig was missing something. 

Despite their being packed crowd, I felt the gig lacked any real atmosphere and excitement. She didn't do  much in terms of work the crowd - rather she just sang her songs and smiled a lot. Compared to gigs that I have been to, like Mumford & Sons and Imogen Heap, I would have to say Colbie Caillat would not be on my list of artists/ bands to see again.

Overall I would give this gig  low rating- your not missing out on anything by not going...sorry!

Tour dates:
30th May. Paramont Theater - NY
2nd June. Rumsey Playfield - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and her North & South America tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/258548-colbie-caillat/calendar?page=1

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The Fray

I have been fortunate to see this indie rock band from Colorado, US twice.

The Fray became a success back in 2005 when their debut album "How to Save a Life" became platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. Singles that helped to build the bands initial success were "Over My Head," "How To Save a Life," and "You Found Me."

Since the release of their debut album, the Fray have released the self titled album "The Fray" in 2009 and are due to release their third album "Scars & Stories" on February 7th, 2012.

I would definitely recommend seeing this band live. When I saw this band live I was surprised with how good  Isaac Slade was as lead singer. His distinct raspy voice was just as good live as it is on cd. Although I was impressed with The Frays performance, I will say that something seemed to be missing - it all just seemed far to safe. Yes they have great songs, but in terms of excitement this gig would score low. Don't be put off though, if you are looking for a quiet, chilled night out listening to live music than this would be just the gig for you.

Tour Dates:
12th  April. Radio City Music Hall - NYC

For information regarding tickets and their N. American tour dates check out: http://www.ticketmaster.com/The-Fray-tickets/artist/1004082#artist_table_focus

Nada Surf

Nada Surf first fit the music scene in 1992 and have a number of great tunes including 'See these bones,' (see below) 'Always love' and 'Brightside.'This indie rock band are hugely popular and are due to release their seventh album 'The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy' later this year.

This band has great reviews for their live shows,and generally always make time at the end to meet fans. They always seem to connect well with their audiences and so if you are looking for an enjoyable night of good music, this is definitely for you!

Tour dates:
 1/24/12. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
02/08/12. KOKO - London, UK

For more information regarding their European Tour dates check out: Nada Surf Tour Dates

Tori Amos Music Gig

Tori Amos is an American pianist and singer-songwriter that first hit the music scene in the 90s.

Artists similar to Tori Amos include Alanis Morissette, Ani DiFranco and Kate Bush, 

To date Tori Amos has released thirteen albums: Little Earthquakes, Under the Park, Boys for Pele, From the Choir girl Hotel, To Venus and Back, Strange Little Girls, The Beekeeper, American Doll Posse, Abnormally Attracted to Sin, Midwinter Graces, Scarlets Walk, Tales of the Piano and Under the Pink.

As a singer who was huge in the 90s and sold over 12 million albums, Tori Amos has arguably become well known for her talented piano playing. She plays with so much passion and energy that you will be convinced that she will break the instrument during her show!

Well known songs released by Tori Amos include: 1000 Oceans, A Sorta Fairytale (see video below), Caught a Lite Sneeze and Cornflake Girl.

If you are unfamiliar with Tori Amos material than you should be warned it can be quite haunting. However don't be put off, it is only due to her ability to relive her own personal (painful and joyous) experiences and present them to you in song. Her openness to share her experiences certainly makes people feel they can relate to her in some way. This with her extraordinary talent of playing the piano is a huge factor to why she has such a large and loyal fan base today. 

The crowd to Tori Amos shows are usually aged around thirty and over however the beauty of her music is people of all ages can enjoy it. I would certainly suggest that you see Tori Amos live if you can.

Tour Dates: 
2nd Nov. Royal Albert Hall - London,UK
3rd Nov. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
4th Nov. Manchester Apollo - Manchester, UK
6th Nov. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall - Glasgow, UK

For information regarding tickets or the rest of her European tour check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/453601-tori-amos/calendar?page=3