It was announced yesterday that Elvis Costello and The Roots will be coming to The Capitol Theatre in Portchester, NY on March 12.
Their album Wise Up Ghost that was released last year was a fantastic album by two great acts melding their individual sounds together into a beautiful unified thought. Their one and only show at The Brooklyn Bowl last year was named one of ‘s Best Shows.
This is the only announced East Coast show at the moment and is sure to sellout immediately. The show goes on sale Friday January 31ST at Noon.
Watch as they play the title track to the album at the Brooklyn Bowl last September below.
There are bands that just don’t know when it is appropriate to hang it up. Tuesday, however, people witnessed Mötley Crüe‘s Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee in a Hollywood hotel at a signing ceremony for a “cessation of touring agreement” and their retirement.
The terms of the agreement are to take effect after what has been dubbed their retirement tour, which is to start later this year and conclude in 2015. In legal terms, once the tour ends, each member has agreed to never tour as Mötley Crüe again.
Livenation announced that general sales for tickets will start this Friday, with some tickets being made available for as little as $15.
This is not a time to mourn or cry. This goes for a celebration to a band that said, “Let’s do it our way.”
Mötley Crüe started out of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip in 1981 to reach the successes of multiple Las Vegas residencies, car commercials, Hot Tub Time Machine, a New York Times bestseller, 80 million records sold, and famous girlfriends galore before all was said and done more than 30 years later. If Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll was in the dictionary, there, you would see “Mötley Crüe.” This band has done it all.
“If I was playing at small clubs and county festivals in front of a small crowd with just one or two original members, THEN I would be sad,” said Nikki Sixx, founder, main song writer, and the brains of the Crue operation. Which is why 2014 is a good time to call it quits.
Upstate New York is fortunate enough to have shows scheduled in Darien (CT), Saratoga, and Syracuse. Sharing the playbill will be legendary rock artist, Alice Cooper giving everyone in New York the last chance to FINALLY experience what a Mötley Crüe show is all about. And, it gives fans a chance to bid farewell and say “thank you” one last time.
Anyone who is a fan Mötley Crüe, or even if you’re NOT a fan of them, but are a big fan of rock and roll and metal should read the book The Dirt to really get a taste and an appreciation of how far this band has gone to reach success, and understand the hardships of being in a dysfunctional band.
Tommy Lee has been doing his thing as a DJ and has done some experimental music along the way.
Nikki Sixx seems to have struck thunder twice with his alternate band Sixx A.M., while Vince Neil is still touring with his solo band and releasing material.
Mick Mars deals with ankylosing spondylitis. According to the National Library of Medicine, Ankylosing spondylitis is a long‑term type of arthritis. It affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine where it connects with the pelvis. These joints become swollen and inflamed. Over time, the affected spinal bones join together. Despite his condition, Mars has some musical calibrations of his own.
In all fairness, The Crüe has nothing more to prove. It has all been done.
This will be one last time to “Shout at the Devil,” so catch Mötley Crüe with Alice Cooper in upstate New York at any of the following dates:
Aug. 26 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing. Arts Center
Aug. 31 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing. Arts Center
Bogies executive, and Albany scene heavyweight, Mike Valente recently put out a call for donations to the renowned club for what he calls a “facelift.” The proprieter is seeking help in the tune of $10,000 to cover overdue upkeep costs and miscellaneous upgrades.
Specifically, Valente noted that the money would cover a leaking roof, bad floors, and general “rejuvenation.” And as any band who has played there knows, new mic stands would be great.
An account was established at gofundme.com to administer donations.
The 30-year old-club has gone into decline, and as Valente wrote, “there are some costs and expenses that go beyond our reach.” He further explained that he has never seen a profit off of the shows put on at the club — even those that have featured renowned talents as Black Flag and Born of Osiris. All money goes into expenses such as staffing — who have donated time before because of their love of the music over the tight finances, add Valente.
As such, the financial woes have clipped advertising for shows.
Located on Albany’s Ontario Street, Bogies is one of the most important venues in the scene, especially for up – and – coming bands. To keep it running, is a necessity.
Within the first 24 hours, $890 was raised by 29 donors. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so here, either publicly or anonymously:
The Chronicles continued their winter residency at Red Square on Thursday, January 23rd and paid tribute to musical legends Earth Wind and Fire with special guest Michael Wooten.
The Cedric Burnside Project opened up the event with longtime friends Cedric Burnside on drums and guitarist Trenton Ayers, who together make a Mississippi funk party parade. It’s no mistake that Cedric was born into music as his grandfather is North Mississippi blues legend, R.L. Burnside and started touring with him when he was 13 years old. The duo brought Mardi Gras to Upstate NY with soulful singing, swampy guitar riffs and fast paced tempo, a foot stomping good time. One of the highlights was when the duo brought up members from the Chronicles to sit in on “White Lightening”, bringing the flair of jazz and pure rock and roll. Burnside and Ayers had permanent smiles on their faces and so did everyone in the crowd, here’s hoping they come back soon.
The Chronicles welcomed Michael Wooten on lead vocals and guitar to join in their tribute to the mighty Earth, Wind and Fire. The set exploded with a funky “Getaway” followed by the popular hit and crowd pleaser, “September.” Wooten added a strong, mature tone to the group with his voice, hitting those ever famous high and low notes. It was fantastic to hear the classic brass melody from, Jeff Nania on Saxophone and Bryan Brundige on Trombone played with soulful execution. “Shining Star” got the most cheers the moment, guitarist Justin Henricks and Wooten strummed those strings and everyone began to sing and get down.
After the Earth Wind and Fire set, the crowd seemed a bit restless and not ready to call it quits just as the night and music was getting started. “We are just about to rage now,” Henricks assured the fans as they boys started their set with a smooth “Mr.Magic” with light yet complex key solo from Paulie Philippone. Andrae Surgick showed great control as he effortlessly slammed on the cymbals and drums. Closing out the set was “Village Living” extra heavy on the bass bombs thanks to Daniel Lawson. A break in between songs during the show gave the Chronicles’ sound guy a chance to mention to the audience that at 5 am, pretty much right after this set, the band was flying out to California for the weekend to play a gig before the Grammys and recording an album. The Chronicles have a supportive fan base in the Upstate NY area and it’s thrilling to watch them stretch their sound to new places across the country.
Don’t miss The Chronicle’s last show of their residency this Thursday, January 30th at Red Square when they pay tribute to J Dilla, with The Big Mean Sound Machine opening the show at 9pm.
Setlist: Getaway, September, Jupiter, Fantasy, Let’s Groove, Can’t Let Go, Shining Star, Way of this World, Can’t Hide Love , Mr. Magic, Purple Diesel, Mr. Clean, Scrasbourg, No War, Village Livin
One of the true up and coming bands in America is taking its act back to where it all began for them. Brooklyn’s own Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds play Friday night at the venerable Brooklyn Bowl and they have a special treat in store for those in attendance in the form of a musical cover. The powerful eight-piece, brass infused musical outfit will present their take on one of the more iconic rock albums of all time: Led Zeppelin IV. In a “thank you” of sorts, the band gave their fans the opportunity to pick their choice of the musical cover with an online poll that offered 10 different album selections.
This performance is bound to be memorable not only because of the musical content, but also due to the deep ties Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds has with Brooklyn. The group, which is the brainchild of Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow) and her brother Jackson, honed its craft with gigs at small bars and musical residencies throughout Brooklyn. Their unique hybrid of soulful rock and infectious funk is now being met with critical acclaim nationwide. Throw in cover songs of one of the most revered groups in rock history and Friday’s performance has the potential for greatness.
Zongo Junction will be opening and doors will be open at 6 p.m. with a start time slated for 8 p.m. Tickets are $12.
In very exciting news, Mike Gordon has added a few additional dates to his 2014 Spring Tour. With two stops being at venues that we have come to love.
On March 30, Mike will bring his band to the beautiful Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York. A few days later on April 4, Mike will be playing at the wonderful Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY.
The Bearsville Theatre show is on sale now and the Tarrytown Music Hall show will be going on sale on January 31st at Noon. This tour kicks off in one month in Syracuse, NY and is sure to be a great one.
As music evolves and today’s artists adapt to an unlimited reserve of influence, the lines of traditional genre labeling become increasingly blurred. Hospitality’s sophomore album, Trouble, demonstrates this marriage of distinct sounds as well as any contemporary indie release in the past year.
The Brooklyn-based trio dropped their first album in 2012, displaying a style of educated twee pop. Frontwoman Amber Papini’s experience as a student at Yale contributes to the band’s quirky multi-genre sound; her sharp lyricism in the recently released, Trouble, full of imagery and scenic narratives, is a progression from the witty writing inherent in Hospitality’s self-titled debut.
Trouble’s preeminent feature, however, is the diversity found throughout its ten tracks. In the opening “Nightingale” alone, Papini and company transition from a Black Keys Thickfreakness-era guitar section to an ethereally reverbed-out interlude featuring a harp/bass combination before concluding with a massive synth-driven jam.
The album spans a variety of musical stylings, and in the process it covers a range of time periods. Trouble’s first single, “I Miss Your Bones” exemplifies the simplicity of early indie rock’s guitar/bass/drum lineup. The track is as bare as the bones that Papini’s character can’t wait to see again, yet its repeated tempo changes and its spirited instrumentation create a collective sound as full as “Nightingale”’s epic outro.
“Inauguration” follows “I Miss Your Bones,” jumping ahead a few decades to present day’s synth-focused rock music. Papini offers phrases that are interrupted by pulsing, dissonant keys. Although the range in her vocals remain essentially the same throughout the entirety of the album, the band makes up for it with their consistently diverse arrangements.
Amongst all of the varying musical complexities of the album, piano appearances remain one of Trouble’s most prevalent consistencies. The piano’s incorporation seems most obvious in the track “Sullivan,” a slow moving ballad where distant keystrokes accompany a set of spread out guitar chords. The most unpredictable piano part comes in the album’s eighth track, “Last Words.” A wavering synth line, reminiscent of a fundamentally toned-down dubstep phrase opens the track. It’s met with a piano progression and an angelic backing vocal to create a beautifully anthemic song.
The album closes with what feels like the only musical space it hasn’t already covered. An acoustic cut exhibiting the candor of Papini and her guitar concludes thirty-six minutes of collected influences.
Trouble is the work of experience and understanding; it’s the product of Hospitality’s two-year evolution since their debut.
Key Tracks: I Miss Your Bones, Inauguration, Last Words
Oliver Withöft died January 20 at 49. We’re late to report, but it would be remissible of us here at Upstate Metal to not recognize the loss of Century Media co-owner Oliver Withöft.
Withöft fell ill several months ago, and ultimately succumbed to the illness on January 20th. Coupled with the fact he died at such a young age, Century Media had only just celebrated their 25th anniversary. Withöft had been with the independent record label for all but the first 18 months.
Century Media has a worldwide influence upon the music industry, and we’re indebted to their dedicated employees for helping us provide the information to our readers, and bring us some of the best music available to music lovers.
Born in Dortmund, Germany in 1964, Withöft studied linguistics, business and history in both Germany and the U.K. Robert Kampf started Century Media Records 25 years ago simply to create a suitable label home for his own band, Despair. He was looking for a trustworthy and strong partner to lead the company with and found this person in his best friend and fellow musician Oliver Withöft, who joined the company eighteen months later, sharing the same love and passion for music, and metal in particular. Since that very day, these two friends developed one of the most important independent record labels on the planet. Today the company has around 100 people on payroll in Dortmund, London, Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Melbourne and the Netherlands. A lot of musical careers were developed over the years: Lacuna Coil, Shadows Fall, Suicide Silence, In This Moment, Otherwise, Iced Earth, Die Broilers, Arch Enemy and Heaven Shall Burn are just a few of them. Century Media became a brand name recognized across the world. Oliver Withöft was always the strategic, legal and financial mind behind the organization. He was not only a strong fighter for the company, but also a very intelligent and forward-thinking leader. When the music industry drastically changed in the ’90s, he was the first to think about new ways to adapt to the needs and challenges of the rapidly-changing market. We have lost a great man with an amazing sense of humor, a warrior, and an overall very human being. Oliver leaves behind a wife, Judith, and their three daughters.
Antje Lange, CEO of Century Media Records: “I learned a lot from him in regards to business, the world and life. He was an extremely smart and visionary business man who cared a lot about the people working for him. He was one of the most open-minded and knowledgeable persons I have ever met. Oliver was responsible for a lot of successful artists’ careers and an impressive amount of albums that had an impact in the music world. It has never been easy for him, but he was a strong fighter. A great man with an amazing sense of humor whose departure leaves a large gap in our lives.”
Ula Gehret, who handles business affairs for Century Media Records with his company Clandestine: “He had a razor-sharp intellect and keen business acumen, and as a number of people can attest to, he was not someone you wanted to be sitting across from at a negotiating table. After a few years at the label, he introduced me to how legal contracts worked. Eventually, with training, that became my full-time occupation. It is no exaggeration to say that without his tutelage and patience, I would not be where I am today, doing something I love, and with principle. He was my mentor.”
Oliver was a very special person who touched many people’s lives in a positive and special way. This is a tremendous loss for all who knew him and it will take some time for us to grieve the passing of such a great person.
“Oliver was always a winner, one of those that I somehow thought would live forever. A genius, a friend and the best advisor I’ve ever had. It was all him behind the scenes.”
–Kobi Farhi, Orphaned Land
“Oliver and Robert had the guts, trust and belief to sign us when we were just a bunch of kids trying to play metal. Without these guys, I doubt we would be where we are today. He was not the easiest to work with back in the day, but a very cool guy.”
–Ola Lindgren, Grave
For those who would like to honor his memory:
His family have asked that – instead of sending flowers – they would appreciate it if you could donate to “The Oliver Withöft Scholarship”, a fund raised as part of the Kindred Project (www.thekindredproject.gl).
Donation reference:
Account holder: Kindred Project Oliver Withoeft
Reference: The Oliver Withoeft Scholarship
IBAN: GI89 BARC 0204 5216 2863 922
SWIFT: BARCGIGI
If you would like to share your memories and condolences, please email:
In October 2007 At The Gates vocalist Tomas Lindberg told Blabbermouth.net, “No new record will be recorded. The legacy of Slaughter of the Soul will remain intact. It would be fun to write together, but not under the name of At The Gates.” This was further backed by guitarist Anders Björler, when he said, “It would be pointless to release something more than ten years after Slaughter of the Soul… it would just disappoint people.”
Well, times have changed.
The pioneers of melodic death metal, At The Gates, announced a change of heart and are following up on the recent success of reunion concerts with a planned release of a follow-up to Slaughter of the Soul.
At The Gates plan to release a new album this fall, their first since 1995. (Photo Credit: Daniel Falk/Century Media Records)
Century Media Records recently announced that the rockers from Sweden – hence, why the genre is also known as “Swedecore” – are currently working on a new album. The follow-up, which is tentatively planned for release by October or November, is nearly 20 years in the making.
“We are fully aware that we have made some very drastic statements in interviews as well as the closing words on the DVD about the longevity of AT THE GATES,” stated band members in a recent press release, “but things change, situations change and people change. When Anders sent the first song last summer, we had zero expectations of the outcome. We only knew one thing – That it sounded amazing! At the time we weren’t even sure there would be an album, but as things progressed, more songs came into existence, and we knew we were on to something great.”
At The Gates started off in 1990, and achieved success four years later after the release of their third album Terminal Spirit Disease. In 1995, the band reached the apex of their success after the release of Slaughter of the Soul. Unfortunately, the band broke up immediately afterwards in 1996. Since then, they have held reunion concerts, starting with the first in 2008.
Said the band, “So, here we are almost 24 years since the birth of AT THE GATES, and some 18+ years since our latest album ‘Slaughter Of The Soul’. A lot of years have passed and we have embarked on some life-changing reunion tours and shows the last couple of years. So, why make a new album you might ask, and why now? Well, what we learned from the last couple of years hanging out and playing shows together, is that we enjoy what we do to the fullest extent. We love playing music together, and we love to hang out as friends. But, as a musician, we constantly write new music.
It’s a huge part of our identities.”
Century Media Records added: “We are extremely proud and super excited to have teamed up with one of the most legendary and influential bands in metal. AT THE GATES have not only been a staff favourite since their very inception, but also a group of members that we individually like, respect and are always glad to support. As the reunion shows of the recent years have demonstrated, AT THE GATES are currently on top of their game and more relevant than ever before within and for the metal scene of these days. We truly look forward to pushing AT THE GATES to new heights with their new album ‘At War With Reality’. Let’s…GO!!!”
Most recently, AT THE GATES has launched the following two teaser clips to introduce their return:
08.03.2014–Trondheim (Norway)–Trondheim Metal Fest / http://trondheimmetalfest.no
26.04.2014–Santiago (Chile)–The Metal Fest / http://www.themetalfest.cl
23.05.2014–Baltimore (US)–Maryland Death Fest / http://www.marylanddeathfest.com
10.07.2014–Neskaupstadur (Iceland)–Eistnaflug Festival / http://www.eistnaflug.is
(More shows to be announced soon)
AT THE GATES line-up 2014:
Tomas Lindberg – Vocals
Anders Björler – Guitars
Martin Larsson – Guitars
Jonas Björler – Bass
Adrian Erlandsson – Drums
AT THE GATES Discography:
Gardens Of Grief / EP – 1991
The Red In The Sky Is Ours – 1992
With Fear I Kiss The Burning Darkness – 1993
Terminal Spirit Disease – 1994
Slaughter Of The Soul – 1995
Purgatory Unleashed / Live – 2010Stay tuned about AT THE GATES’ upcoming studio album, At War With Reality, and the band’s future live schedule coming soon!
It was cold night on Wednesday in downtown Buffalo, however this was not the scene at The Waiting Room, one of the hottest venues to catch a show. You could sense it in the air that there was going to be a sort of dance frenzy that would make it feel as if it was a summertime festival.
Funktional Flow started off the night, and for people who have not seen these guys in action you are completely missing out. Funktional Flow is a four-man group full of talent from Ben Whelan (Bass), Jeff Kuebler (guitar, vocals), Jim Edgar (drums) and Mike Szcepanik (guitar and vocals), who play well together and it shows on stage. Ben Whelan just enjoys to really lay down the groove, and that is very evident with his emotional playing. Mike Szcepanik is an unbelievable guitar player, and a real hidden gem in the Buffalo music scene. His guitar work on a cover of Phish’s “Slave To The Traffic Light” was on point and really tore the roof off with their rendition. Funktional Flow’s next show is in Oneonta, NY on January 30th at Black Oak Tavern.
The Werks headlined the evening and brought their “A” game. The tour started in Buffalo, but didn’t seem like their first show as they were firing on all cylinders. Hailing from Dayton, OH, they have been really heating up the Jam circuit and it really shows through their fanbase. Chris Houser (guitar and vocals), Rob Chafin (drums, vocals), Dino Dimitrouleas (bass) and Dan Shaw (keys, filling in for Norman Dimitrouleas) embrace their fans and their show feeds off the energy of the crowd. Houser is a very talented guitarist with a very laid back vibe. Houser brings the fans on a musical road trip with is extensive soloing, making him a real joy to watch and listen to on stage.
The Werks opened the Waiting Room show with “Guido”, which got the crowd moving and shaking from start to finish. When they played Deep Purple’s “Hush” the crowd was singing and dancing right along. I was personally happy to hear them play the fan favorite “Duck Farm” which I had on a daily rotation on my phone leading up to the show. Chafin on the kit with his side stage setup really brought the drums to the forefront during “Hard to Find > Drums > Hard to Find”. Dimitrouleas and Shaw bring a lot to the table and their interactions with the crowd really put a warm smile on your face. The Werks closed with “Burning Groove”, another fan favorite.
It was announced yesterday that Elvis Costello and The Roots will be coming to The Capitol Theatre in Portchester, NY on March 12.
