club.kingsnake.com - Music News

News: LiveNation offers 2 for 1 Tickets on Wednesday

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:32:58 -0500

Concert promoter Live Nation continues its promotional streak by offering another recession busting deal to get music fans off the couch and into the clubs. According to a press release that landed on our news desk this morning:

Live Nation announced today a 2-for-1 club concert ticket deal on 200,000 tickets to over 350 concerts in 29 of its club venues across the country. Available only at LiveNation.com this Wednesday, fans will get two tickets for the price of one, a 50% savings, to see any of a wide variety of artists across genres including Hanson, Colbie Callait Trey Songz, Mario, The Bravery, The Used and Moby, and many others.

The 24 hour only 2-for-1 super sale begins this Wednesday October 7th at 12:01a.m. only at www.LiveNation.com.

And LiveNation's not kidding when it comes to the artist lineup either, with heavy acts such as Paramore and Dethklok also on the list. (not so much on the Hanson)

Look for the press release over in our press release section.

News: LiveNation offers Unlimited Club Shows for Remainder of 2009 for Only $49.99

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:19:07 -0500

LiveNation has announced a special deal for live music fans across the U.S. that will allow them to see an unlimited number of shows at their club venues, including the House of Blues chain, for a paltry $49.99 for the rest of 2009.

For a limited time only, concert fans can buy The Live Nation Club Passport for $49.99, All-In and No Fees, and see every show at Live Nation clubs in their city for the rest of the year, subject to availability. If you’re a Live Nation Club Passport holder, and the show’s not sold-out, you’re in! The Live Nation Club Passport is available only at www.livenation.com.

Participating venues include:

Avalon Los Angeles, CA
Bogart’s Cincinatti, OH
Egyptian Room at the Murat Theatre Indianapolis, IN
The Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO
The Fillmore Charlotte Charlotte, NC
The Fillmore Miami Beach Miami Beach, FL
The Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza New York, NY
The Fillmore San Francisco, CA
The Fillmore Detroit Detroit, MI
Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
Hollywood Palladium Hollywood, CA
House of Blues Anaheim Anaheim, CA
House of Blues Boston Boston, MA
House of Blues Chicago Chicago, IL
House of Blues Cleveland Cleveland, OH
House of Blues Dallas Dallas, TX
House of Blues Houston Houston, TX
House of Blues Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
House of Blues Sunset Strip West Hollywood, CA
House of Blues Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach, SC
House of Blues New Orleans New Orleans, LA
House of Blues Orlando Lake Buena Vista, FL
House of Blues San Diego San Diego, CA
Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA

News: Slayer Unveils New Album Cover, Announces Candian Tour With Megadeth

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:07:20 -0500

When he wasn't busy selling snakes from his booth at the North American Reptile Breeder's Conference in Anaheim California earlier this month, noted reptile breeder Kerry King found time to do a few things to keep fans of his day job with Slayer happy.

After zooming over to Europe to play a couple key shows, he made it back in time to man his booth at the reptile show, then launched a new Slayer Web Site, then announced an Asian tour, then announced the track listings for the new album "World Painted Blood", scheduled to release November 3rd in the states.

Now Slayer has announced a Canadian tour with Megadeth and released the artwork for the new album. Slayer's new dates in Canada include:

11.08.09 Moncton, NB Moncton Coliseum
11.09.09 Halifax, NS Halifax Metro Center
11.11.09 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
11.12.09 Quebec City, QC Colisee Pepsi Arena
11.13.09 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

To check out the new cover for Slayer's forthcoming Album, visit http://www.slayer.net/us/news/album-art-revealed.

Room 7 1/2 from Dot Allison

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:42:26 -0500

Scots singer/songwriter Dot Allison got some increased visibility in the critically acclaimed documentary "Scott Walker: 30 Centry Man," and she also got signed by Walker's managers. Her new album, "Room 7 1/2," is due out September 7. From SW30 director Steven Kijak:

The album includes Dot's nocturnal rendition of "Montague Terrace (in Blue)" from our SW30 cover album. Also featured are some amazing collaborations with Pete Doherty, Mick Harvey and Paul Weller, to name a few. The album was produced by another star of SW30, Rob Ellis.

[....]

The album is gorgeous, full stop. She's done it again! So while we all wait for the latest from Mr. Walker (and wait...and wait...) dip into Dot's new disc!

There's a free download and podcast on Allison's website.

News: AC/DC Brings Black Ice Tour To Austin

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:22:23 -0500

Austin will see Australian rockers AC/DC return to the Frank Erwin Center on the fall leg of their Black Ice tour. It has been years since their last visit to the Frank Erwin Center, but I was there, and I was also there for their first Austin gig as well, opening for Journey at Austin's Municipal Auditorium on their Highway To Hell tour. Fans of the band young and old will need to make this a must see show as their can't be many tours like this again in the bands future.

Tickets for AC/DC at the Frank Erwin Center Friday, November 6 at 7:30PM are $89.50 and GO ON SALE Saturday, August 1 at 10AM at all Texas Box Office Outlets, charge-by-phone at 512-477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. Convenience charges may apply. All information is subject to change. For more information, visit uterwincenter.com.

News: Twittering For Free Tickets - Matisyahu and Chris Cornell

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:44:02 -0500

Finally someone has come up with something useful for techno-wonder site Twitter. For all intents and purposes lets refer to this as "Twicketing" or giving away "Free Twickets" if you must, but if you subscribe to Matisyahu and Chris Cornell's feeds you can win tickets to their next shows and maybe even meet the artists backstage.

Matisyahu is playing Houston tonight along with Les Claypool so the next opportunity to win "free twickets" will be for tomorrows gig here in Austin. Chris Cornell is touring in Europe and has already handed out tickets for tomorrows gig in Luxembourg. Not sure what his next stop is.

Know any other artists out there "twicketing" their fans? drop me a note and make sure to sign up for our twitter feed.

News: Hip Hop Act Gun Down 8 In Austin

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:54:07 -0500

Obscure La Grange Texas rap act LG Allstarz have turned themselves in after wounding 8 bystanders outside the entrance of the nightclub Spiros in Austin, Texas. Gunfire erupted at the club last night after the act was booted from the venue. After showing up late for their set and demanding their set, they took a swing at the promoter and were escorted out by security. Returning shortly afterward with guns they then apparently fired at the club entrance, wounding 8. For more on the story check out the Austin American Statesmen.

News: Counting Crows, The Cult, New York Dolls and more making Austin stops this summer

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:00:00 -0500

Though the next 2 weeks is kind of lacking for big name road shows, the rest of the summer in Austin is starting to fill out a bit. New concert announcements include a stop at the Austin Music Hall on August 3rd for Counting Crows and The Cult will play Stubb's on September 5th. Other tasty gigs coming up include Les Claypool and Matisyahu on June 9th, Incubus on August 19th, and then the next night you can get those spandex pants out of the closet for Blondie and Pat Benatar on August 20th, all at the Austin Music Hall.

Aside from the aforementioned gig by The Cult, Stubb's has some solid shows lined up as well starting with The Indigo Girls tomorrow, Animal Collective's set on June 5th is sold out already, Gomez plays on June 8th. Appropriately Explosions In The Sky plays on July 4th and then Austin favorites Spoon have 3 days in a row, July 9,10, and 11th. Rise Against with Rancid and Canada's Billy Talent play Stubb's on July 17th.

Emo's has some good shows coming too, scoring The New York Dolls on June 5th, Peaches on June 11th, and, strangely, David Allan Coe on June 12th. Ben Kweller plays Emo's on June 27th and a band I want to see just because of their name, Iwrestledabearonce plays on July 29th, opening for August Burns Red. Hatebreed plays August 22nd with Chimaira and Toxic Holocaust, dress appropriately.

Oddballs include Michael Schenker Group at Ace's Lounge on June 21, Germany's legendary guitarist apparently having gotten his visa issues sorted out, and speaking of legends, Jamaican reggae legend Yellowman plays the Flamingo Cantina on June 19th, and the Meat Puppets play The Parrish on June 20th.

Robin Trower will play La Zona Rosa on June 5th, Reel Big Fish and The English Beat on July 28th, and Sugar Ray will play August 21st.

Of course there is also ACL fest...

News: Rock stars all "a twitter" over twitter

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:49:00 -0500

Guitarist Slash enjoys a good tweet every now and again
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

Ask anyone and they will tell you that I have had to be dragged into the "twittersphere" leaving long clawmarks where my fingernails finally lost their grip. I have not much interest in either being "followed" or "following" other people, something about the whole thing is kinda creepy and disconcerting. That said I have started following a few famous musicians and their adventures in "twitterland" and am amazed at some of the threads i have found. I am not sure if these are the actual people or someone impersonating them and based on the posts there is no sure way to tell. Maybe over time I will get a feel for their "tweeting" style, but for now here are some of my favorite tweets of the week...

Chris Cornell is tweeting "I don't like hats!" and wanting to shave his head. This is something I will have to add to my "things I didn't need to know about Chris Cornell" file.

Rocker Pete Yorn is using his twitter feed to discuss the comparative merits of the movies "Stripes" vs. "Meatballs" though twitters interface precludes posting in depth technical analysis, compare and contrast data sets and the like. (That must be on his Blog)

Meanwhile Al Yankovik is using his blog to complain about being spammed by a whole lot of people wanting to send him "sexy pictures of your friend Danielle!". Who is Danielle and why isn't anyone sending ME her pics?

Entertainment impresario P.Diddy has enlightened me with "Did I tell yall I love jello?????" followed immediately by "I've never had jello and ice cream. Have you?". Perhaps he is planning ahead for the future, Cosby has to retire soon, or maybe he is just thinking about lunch.

About the only two people I have been following that are actually using twitter to tell me something interesting are London based musician Imogene Heap, who lets people have an interesting look into the artistic process and guitarist Slash whose twitter feed is so business like sometimes I'm suspicious that he is using a "ghost tweeter" or at least having his lawyer edit them.

Know any good rock star twitter feeds? Let us know, we are always looking for interesting insights to the stars.

News: How I Spent My Spring Break Hanging With Slayer In The Studio

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:13:19 -0500

It was with much more subdued expectations of the great American road trip than that portrayed by gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson in his tome "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" that I stepped off the plane in Fresno. I did not have a head full of acid, nor was I accompanied by my long suffering Samoan attorney, nor was I attacked by imaginary bats on my epic journey, but I was about to cross the great desert southwest in a legendary American built convertible, sample the rise & fall of American excess in California, and along the way have an epic journey of my own.

It all started with my online search for one of the icons of the American auto industry, Chevrolet's classic Corvette. I had had my mind on getting one since I was 10, was finally in the market for a new used car, and so began scouring the online sites. It took a month, and 9 separate deals, before I located my car on EBay, 1700 miles away in Fresno, California. After arranging to meet the buyer at the airport, we went back to his house to look at the car, do the paperwork, and hand over the keys. The car, a screaming yellow beast that defined the best of the American automotive design in its day, is considered a symbol of gross excess in my home town but would garnish nary a look as we headed south to Los Angeles where Maybachs, Ferraris and Porsches flourish.

The pink and white blossoms of the almond trees began to thin and give way to great mountains as we closed on Los Angeles and my phone started ringing. Pulling over at the next rest area, nestling my car between a Porsche Carrera 4s and a Toyota Prius, I checked my messages. The first was from my sister in West Hollywood, the next was from Kerry King of Slayer.

Although ostensibly I was in California "on vacation" to pick up the car, I had become entranced by the whole Hollywood sub-culture, a victim of too much self-inflicted TMZ, and was excited by the prospect of hanging around in L.A. for a few days with no fixed plans. With my sister to run interference and act as a guide I hoped to sample a little Hollywood before heading East back to Texas. The first step was to pi up my sister and meet Kerry King for dinner.

I am in an awkward position when it comes to Kerry. As a journalist I am not supposed to be friends with my subjects (something about maintaining objectivity) but Kerry and I knew each other long before I re-embarked on my music industry career. Though Kerry has given me the go ahead to write about my experiences with him I always feel funny writing about it, but never let that get in the way of a good Slayer story.

I hit L.A. at rush hour but as I was going into town, against the flow, and traffic was relatively light. I made the downtown area quickly and the names of streets made famous by the media scrolled by, Wilshire, Melrose, La Cienega, Sunset, and as I picked my way through the traffic it was hard not to glance at the sidewalks looking for
the rich and famous. After stopping at my sisters place to pick her up we made like 4 turns before I was handing the keys over to the valet at Brodericks, a reasonably priced Italian restaurant about equidistant from her house and Kerry's hotel. After hanging around in the bar just long enough to be castigated by my sister for using the word "celebrity" to the bartender, Kerry rounded the corner. In L.A. to record his next album, Kerry brought some of his management team along so that I could meet the people I had been emailing back and forth over the past couple years and together we headed back to our table.

Joining Kerry my sister and I were Rick Sales, Kristen Mulderig, and Andrew Stuart, all of whom had been working with Kerry at the studio. I hadn't met any of them before but Kristen and I had emailed each other a lot so I didn't feel as much like an idiot, but after the introductions we all felt like friends. It was interesting to hear about some of the business issues they go through day to day. We talked about the upcoming Slayer tour, the tour props, opening acts, and why you can't buy Slayer at WalMart and other interesting topics. I couldn't help but smile and think about the infamous scene in "Spinal Tap" where Nigel tries to describe the Stonehenge stage kit as Kerry and Andrew talked about the design Slayer's next stage backdrop. Kristen and I tussled verbally in a friendly way over Tool, their live show, and it's secretive frontman Maynard, while Kerry laughed at both of us in the corner. Rick and I got engrossed in a conversation about exotic cars that was really fun as he gets to play with a lot more Ferrari dealers than I do these days. My food was cold by the time we wrapped up the evening and it ended with Kerry inviting us to the studio the next day.

My sister, unfortunately, had to work and wasn't going to be able to make it to the studio. Luckily Kerry wasn't going to be there until 2pm so she invited me to her office so I could meet some people she worked with. I had no idea what she was doing for a living, other than she was in the entertainment industry, so I was a little surprised to find out that her company was located on the grounds of the former Warner Brothers Studios. Nestling my car in between a Bentley and a BMW I sat in awe of the machines parked around me. If Southern California is home to America's car culture, Hollywood certainly takes it to extremes. Aside from a handful of hybrids nothing parked in the lot cost less that $50k new and European luxo sedans and sports cars predominated.

After locating my sister's office in the writers building, and going through another round of introductions, she introduced me to music producer Russ Regan. Described as the "Man with the Golden Ear" Russ worked with many superstars in the 60's and 70's including Elton John, Barry White, and The Beach Boys as well as supervising the soundtrack to "Spinal Tap". He should probably be known as the "Man with a Thousand Stories" and he spent some time telling me one of them involving Manson and some demo tapes. Not Marilyn Manson mind you, Charlie.

It seems Brian Love of the Beach Boys had introduced the two and one day Charlie Manson shows up at Russ's office to lay down some demo tracks. Pulling up in a VW van with a rainbow painted on the side and with Squeaky Fromme and Susan Adkins in tow, it was a strange day indeed. I am hoping Russ will let me record an interview with him so he can tell you the rest of the story, stay tuned for details.

My phone rang, and I looked down. It was time to go. I said my goodbyes, and headed out into L.A.'s notorious rush hour traffic.

It was only 4 miles from the office over to the studio where Slayer was deep into their next album, but it took an astonishing 45 minutes before I pulled up and parked in front. From the street it was a non-descript building on West Cuheunga and it wasn't until the door opened before I could hear Dave Lombardo thrashing away on his drum kit that I knew I was at the right place. Kerry's guitar tech Anton ushered me upstairs to what looked like for all intents and purposes the kitchenette and living room of a middle class house with a huge tinted window overlooking the studio. Offering me my choice from a well stocked snack table and refrigerator I chose a water from the fridge and settled down on a couch to wait for Kerry.

Picking up a copy of the local alternative newspaper off the coffee table I browsed the live music ads and grew green with envy over L.A.s live music scene. Austin may bill itself as the "Live Music Capital Of The World", the L.A. area could give it a run for the money. As I thumbed through the ads various people came and went, mostly staffers bringing in dinner, moving this, shuttling that. Finally I glanced up to see Jeff Hanneman standing at the sink. Kerry came up the stairs and they started discussing Lombardo's drum tracks while Dave pounded away in the studio below. Glancing my direction Kerry nodded and said hello, then headed back down the stairs leaving me and Hanneman standing in the kitchen. Feeling awkward I turned to Jeff and said "Your Jeff Hanneman, right?" He replied in the affirmative and I offered that he looked taller on stage. He laughed and said he got that a lot.

I told Jeff my story, that I was Kerry's friend, that he had invited me down, and that I had shot them on their last 2 U.S. tours.Somehow we got into talking about Kerry's snake collection, and about hobbies on the road. "Kerry tells me your quite the military historian."

"Yeah I am really into World War II history. I kind of specialize in tanks and armored vehicles." said Hanneman a little guardedly. An avid military historian myself (I have a 1500 book military history library I have been building since I was 12) I understood his aloofness. Soon we were engaged in a deep conversation about tanks, and tank museums, and TV shows. We talked about Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson cruising around in a Russian T-34 on The Military Channel's "Tank Workshop". He noted that no one had invited him to drive any tanks but he would be happy to oblige. I asked what his favorite museum to visit when he was on the road. Hands down it was the Imperial War Museum in London he said. "I could spend days there". We talked for what seemed like 30 minutes and found that we had a lot of common interests and experiences before Kerry crested the stairs again this time followed closely by Slayer frontman Tom Araya.

As Kerry introduced me to Tom I mentioned that I was from a small town in Texas too. Tom's eyes seemed to light up as he recognized me as a fellow Texan "Yeah, whereabouts?" . I went into the story about where Walburg was and explained that it sounded a lot like his town Buffalo, Texas. He laughed and explained that they had just got their first traffic light in Buffalo not too long ago but that the people were really pretty cool, and for the most part he and his family kept pretty much to themselves out on the ranch. I asked him if he preferred ending this years tour in San Antonio because it was so much closer to home and he agreed. "I love San Antonio" he said with a broad grin breaking out his face.

My phone rang, and it was time for me to go again. The band was wrapping for the weekend, Kerry was headed back out to his house and I had dinner plans. As he walked me out Kerry invited me out to his house the next day to check out his snakes and chill out before I started the long trip home. Since his place was literally only 10 minutes off my planned trek home, I readily accepted.

Showing up at the gated entrance to his neighborhood the next day I handed over my ID as the guard called Kerry's house to confirm my entry. The guard handed me my license back with a big access card to display on my dash. The gate swung open and I gunned the car through, up a hill and then pulled in and parked in front of Kerry's house. Meeting me at the door with his huge dog Kerry invited me in and no sooner than I was through the door and we were off on a whirlwind tour of the house. They had made much more progress than I had anticipated from my visit in the fall, and Kerry proudly showed off the results, with such accouterments as a a huge chandelier made of what looked like a gigantic ball of yarn that made his entryway appear to have textured walls. Other neat fitments included cool skeleton graphics on his kitchen appliances.

Eventually we ended up in his snake room and I found myself almost literally knee deep in pythons. After a successful breeding season last year and with cages full of swollen gravid females ready to lay this season eggs Kerry will have his hands full. After a careful review of his neater snakes of the season we heard his wife Ayesha come home. Getting my hello hug under the chandelier we quickly caught up and she filled in all the missing pieces on the other home improvements they had done and that Kerry hadn't covered. After showing her the car Kerry and I hopped in to run to the local Best Buy so I could buy some CD's for my trip home.

It was amazing how many people wanted to help us when we got there, I think we had 3 associates following us around while we looked at CD's. I pointed out the new U2 disc and he threatened to punch me if I bought it. I couldn't find what I was looking for so settled on something I needed to replace, Blind Melon's debut disc. Knowing that Kerry was libel to punch me, I hid my purchase until we hit the checkout counter. Once there I bemoaned the fact that I didn't find what I wanted and had a long trip with little to listen to but the radio. "Didn't you find something here? " asked Kerry. I sheepishly held up the Blind Melon disc and Keryy gave me a disgusted look and rolled his eyes."Dude - I can loan you something better than that".

Back at the house Kerry and Ayesha had a surprise for me a HUGE coffee table snake book, filled with gorgeous pictures of my favorite reptiles. "Ayesha got one for me and I thought you'd like one too". Hugging Ayesha again I thanked her and thanked Kerry for the fist full of CD's for the trip home. It was dark outside and time for me to make that long, long drive back to Texas. As I slid in the car I had to laugh when I pulled the first CD out of the stack, the latest release from Megadeath, and as I left Kerry's neighborhood Dave Mustaine's raspy voice was quickly drowned out by the growl of the vette as I wound my way through the hills.

News: At SXSW Only The Music Attendees Are Getting Any...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:03:44 -0500

Ok I slogged my way through the rain and cold to get my platinum badge and my 3 bags of swag. Back in the warm dry I went through them to see if there is anything interesting. With the platinum badge you get a bag for each part of the festival, film, interactive and music. This years bags are considerably lighter than last years. Most noticeably absent from the bags were the major music mags like Blender and Spin, and there is a distinct dearth of free music CD's. I counted only 2 in my bag, usually there are 10 or 12. One thing I found humorous is that apparently only the music bag rated a set of condoms this year, so interactive and film people your on your own! There is some neat stuff, including a nifty holster for my iPhone, but not nearly as much as years past.

News: U2 at SXSW? That's THIS weeks rumor

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:47:05 -0500

I have been so swamped lately I haven't been able to keep up with the will he/won't he rumors about James Hetfield & Metallica, or the many other rumors about Janes Addiction or even Motley Crue, but the newest rumor to cross my desk deserves comment. Yes I think it is possible and likely probable that SXSW will see a drive-by visit from some or all of U2. They are currently on a whirlwind press junket of the United States, and in fact appear to be playing some small unannounced club dates testing what appears to be a mini-style SXSW set (5 songs or so) and are popping up in very unexpected places. I have had a couple birds tell me it's in the works, but no hard confirmation yet. I have all my sensors out and let you know when something substantial trips one. Until then, see you next week at SXSW!

News: DEVO Announces Headline Gig at SXSW

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:17:47 -0600

A sign that good things come to those who wait, patiently, seminal American techno-punk band DEVO has annunced that they will be headlining the BMI showcase at SXSW, according to a press release fresh on my desk this morning.
"On Friday, March 20, performing right society BMI will partner with SXSW to present new wave progenitors Devo at Austin Music Hall". To read the press release go to to our Press Release Center

I'm a HUGE DEVO fan going back to their original SNL appearance and that kind of makes SXSW for me. I think I may still even have a rubber yellow suit in one of my closets, but alas the flower pot is long gone.

Now that the first headliner has announced, let the SXSW floodgates open!

News: SXSW Releases 1150+ Band List, The Beat Goes On for Paul Collins

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:17:43 -0600

Ok will everyone please just QUIT FREAKING OUT!

Despite the listing on the Austin American Statesman homepage yesterday and this morning that said "SXSW Releases Complete Band List" or "South By Southwest releases pretty dang complete band list" the list released by SXSW is NOT the final complete band list and by my estimate is far from being even close. Both my sources and SXSW have been saying for months that we should expect between 1600-1700 artists acts and bands, and the list released by SXSW is lacking at least 400-500 acts as yet, including the headliners! So, chill out, the list is not complete, the headliners have not been named, we still have a ways to go. SXSW released this list a full month earlier than last years list and I am certain that many artists have not finalized their schedules and travel arrangements. While the SXSW's list is a great starting point, there will be more bands added, and it will be updated frequently.

Now, to clear up another SXSW rumor, Paul Collin's Beat will NOT, repeat will NOT be appearing at this years SXSW festival. Though they attended both in 2007 and 2008, they will be touring in January and February, and resting in March. Paul says he will miss having cabrito this year but they are planning on returning in 2010. In the meantime he invites everyone out to catch him on his latest tour, and check out his short story "Pete the Fly", which was just published in the New York Press.

News: 500 Confirmed SXSW Bands So Far....

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:26:02 -0600

Well our list of confirmed SXSW bands stands at roughly 500, give or take a few. Though not many headline acts have announced so far, the list has a number of tasty morsels. Odds are that this will be my last update to the unofficial list as word is that the official SXSW band list will be released soon, maybe on Thursday when the new Austin Chronicle drops. I was able to move a number of bands from the rumored list to the confirmed list, though once again none of the headliners. I expect some of my headliners, especially the Faces, to confirm, while others will drop away. Additionally I expect more headliners to be announced after the main band list has been posted, as schedules firm up. In the end though you never know who will play SXSW until after it's all over, which is part of the fun. Last year we had the Black Crowes and Dolly Parton announced as headliners, but both canceled as show time drew near. We also had Motorhead show up and play a day party with little notice. You just never know.

I am now gearing up to do phone interviews with SXSW bands. If your a SXSW band and want to give us a heads up on what to expect at your gig, drop us a note and we will schedule you for an interview. To check out our list of bands that are either rumored or confirmed for SXSW09 please go to http://club.kingsnake.com/index.php/pages/SXSWBands09.html

We have been invited to cover SXSW again this year so expect to see lots and lots of pictures.

News: Slayer To Enter Studio In February, Tour In July Says Kerry King

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:19:14 -0600

Kerry King of Slayer at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

In an exclusive podcast interview by our cold blooded parent site kingsnake.com, Kerry King, founding member of legendary thrash metal band Slayer confirmed that the band is entering the studio in February to work on a new disc, and that Slayer will tour again in July. With a good portion of the 30 minute "reptile" interview dedicated to talking about the band and it's music, both reptile fans and Slayer fans will find something of interest in the broadcast.

Interviewed by kingsnake.com web radio's host, former All Pro Linebacker Chad Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots), this marks Chad's debut as the host of the long running podcast series. During the interview King discusses such topics as who scoops the poop when he's on the road, how Slayer writes songs, how many times his snakes have copulated this year, and where Slayer used to practice before they got famous. Needless to say it will probably be one of the strangest rock and roll interviews you have listened to, at least this year, at least so far. The year is early and maybe Jonathan Davis wants to call us to talk about his scorpion collection.

Click on the link below to listen to the podcast.
Continue reading "News: Slayer To Enter Studio In February, Tour In July Says Kerry King"

News: Norwegian Band Grande Confirms SXSW Gig - So do 320+ Others

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:38:59 -0600

Norwegian Band Grande Will Play At SXSW 2009
Photo: Tiril Hjelmeland

Norwegian psychobilly outfit Grande dropped us a note this week to let us know they will be snapping on the snowshoes to trek from their hometown of Oslo over to enjoy some barbq at SXSW 2009 in Austin in March. Buzzy, twangy, these guys sound more like some strange European spawn of Horton Heat than the light ultra-pop alternative bands or the shaggy Nordic viking metal I've come to expect from Norway. I bet they land over at Beerland for their gig. Beerland seems to be the epicenter of all things rockabilly in this town. Thanks for dropping us a note to let us know your coming!

I spent some of my Christmas eve tracking down rumors and confirmations and as of this morning the confirmed SXSW 2009 bands and artists list already stretches from A to Z (A Day To Remember to Zoroaster), with every letter except Q represented. With the total confirmed bands at 324 so far, it is a varied mix to say the least. There are already 6 bands with the word "black" in their name, 4 bands with "white", 1 band with "red". Some of the band names are odd, disturbing or intriguing. Hot Pink Delorean sounds neat, but I Set My Friends On Fire sounds, well, disconcerting.

Thanks to Erik and Ingrid for sending in their tips. Keep the tips coming and check out the SXSW 2009 Confirmed Band List at http://club.kingsnake.com/index.php/pages/SXSWBands09.html
If you know a band that's coming to SXSW 2009 click here to drop us a note.

News: Musicians Fall Forces Cancellation Of Skunks Reunion Show

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:01:44 -0600

John Dee Graham at the 2007 Skunks Reunion - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

It's been a tough year for Austin's legendary guitarist Jon Dee Graham, and Christmas hasn't helped. Not fully recovered from his July 31st car crash that left him hospitalized and under a surgeons care, Graham apparently fell from a ladder while hanging Christmas lights and injured himself further. According to a Facebook post made by Skunks bandmate Jesse Sublett the guitarist was "bleeding internally from cracked ribs puncturing his lung and liver".

Though it appears that Graham will not require further surgery, he has been hospitalized again and he will have to lie still for a while, and that has forced the band to cancel their reunion show at the Continental Club. The reunion show, which has become an annual holiday tradition, is a favorite among Austin's older punksters that still remember Raul's and Club Foot and draws lots of fans young and old to hear songs like "Earthquake Shake" and "Cheap Girl", long considered Austin punk classics.

Club Kingsnake would like to wish Jon Dee Graham a speedy recovery and hope that his injuries heal quickly. I always look forward to the reunion show, and it will be sad to miss it this year.

News: SXSW - 175 Confirmed Bands And Counting!

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:45:33 -0600

I started putting together our list of confirmed SXSW bands today and after a couple hours of searching have been able to confirm 175 artists and bands making the trip to Austin in 09 so far.

With only roughly 10% of the bands identified, we have a long way to go til March, but we will be searching daily for new listings to add. If your band is playing SXSW 2009 and you don't see your name on the list please drop us a line. If you have a tasty rumor (please, no more Brittney Spears rumors) send them my way. You might just get yourself a club kingsnake T-shirt! To check out our list of bands that are either rumored or confirmed for SXSW09 please go to http://club.kingsnake.com/index.php/pages/SXSWBands09.html

News: SXSW Rumors Swirling Like Snowflakes, Morrissey, Elton John and More!

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:38:07 -0600

The Devil Wears Prada MIGHT be playing SXSW 2009 - more photos...
photo by Clint Gilders - Staff Photographer

It's not just snow that has been fluttering around Austin over the last week, as flurries of more SXSW rumors blew into town as well.

All you Morrissey at SXSW rumor fans can take heart that the mighty meatless one has left space in his current tour schedule for a trip to Austin in March. On the prowl and with a new album to promote, and back from Europe as well, odds are running high that he will do a SXSW stop. Look for this to be a Stubb's show most likely.

It is true that I have heard rumors of both Elton John and Billy Joel making SXSW appearances in 2009, though others in the industry consider it "unlikely". Still if you review the tour schedule, they are touring together, and if you check closely they are in Houston on Thursday, then San Antonio on Saturday,which leaves them both free to do SXSW sets on Friday night. Elton already has a back end connection to Austin, being a regular performer at the Andy Roddick Charity Benefit down at the Four Seasons. Logistically all it would take is a piano and a hall big enough to hold them. Look for this to be an Austin Music Hall show, if it happens.

Finally some other bands that are known to be "penciling in" SXSW09 gigs include The Devil Wears Prada, A Day To Remember, and The Airborne Toxic Event.

Have you got a tasty SXSW snowflake you'd like to share? Drop me a note! Maybe we'll get enough to make a snowman.

News: Faces To Play SXSW 09 and Other Tasty SXSW Rumors

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:37:35 -0600

Ian McLagan at ACL Fest in 2006 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

It's a little early for spring but try telling that to the SXSW rumor birds that started flying early this week. I am already starting to hear some neat stuff, and some of the usual stuff. Perhaps the neatest one I have heard so far sounds pretty solid based on the background info I know. Rod Stewart and The Faces are supposedly set to be headliners at next years SXSW. I know that the faces are re-uniting, I know that Ian McLagan, the Faces keyboardist, is based here in Austin. I know that Ian has been traveling back and forth to practice. And it makes a lot of sense since there are more music journalists in Austin at SXSW than any other place in the world. We'll see how this one plays out, I hope it comes true.

Other rumors, the perennial Morrisey/Smiths reunion rumor is already making the rounds, and I can tell you from past history we are liable to see Les Claypool and one of his bands. MuteMath will probably play which is a repeat SXSW performer, and there is a good chance that Slash will pop up someplace as well, though most likely as a walk on, not with a re-formed G-N-R or Velvet Revolver. The newly re-united Jane's Addiction is said to be on the SXSW rumored list, Perry Ferrell and Satellite Party played SXSW in 07. Katy Perry is said to be making a SXSW tour stop and finally Quincy Jones is rumored to be this years SXSW keynote speaker.

It will be interesting to see how the poor state of the economy will impact SXSW 2009. Hotel reservations are said to be slower than normal, and many companies are said to be scaling back their presence. Club kingsnake is planning on covering SXSW(assuming we get press credentials) but we will be sending fewer staffers to provide coverage.

Will you be going to SXSW 2009? Let us know, and if you have any juicy rumors about who will be appearing this year, I am all ears.

Slash and Perla Support Marriage Equality

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:24:43 -0600

Guitarist Slash and his wife Perla Ferrar send out this message in support of marriage rights for all:

I married my sweetheart. You should be able to marry yours, too. So say no to hate and yes to equal rights. Keep up the fight...Be loud, be proud and stand up for your rights.

In the message, they encouraged everyone to find an event in your area on Saturday, Nov. 15, the National Day of Protest of the passage of Prop 8 in California, which stripped lesbian and gay Californians of the right to marry and forcibly divorced over 18,000 couples who had legally tied the knot since the state had recognized marriage equality the previous June.

News: Deftones Bassist Hospitalized After Auto Accident

nospam@example.com (Cindy Steinle) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:37:27 -0600

Chi Cheng of The Deftones at Wakestock 2007 - more photos...
photo by John Hargraft- Contributing Photographer

Burbank, CA- Chi Cheng, bassist for Sacramento-based rock band, Deftones, has been hospitalized for injuries resulting from a serious auto accident which occurred yesterday. Cheng is currently under doctors supervision in an Intensive Care unit. His condition is serious but stable. Cheng’s mother urges everyone to say a prayer for his recovery.

No further details about Cheng’s condition are available at press time. Members of his band, Deftones along with family and friends are requesting privacy.

Our thoughts are with Cheng and his family at this time. We will keep you updated as new information comes across on our end.

News: Travis Barker and DJ Adam Goldstein Critcally Injured

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:47:41 -0500

Travis Barker on the Warped Tour 2005
photo by Gary Miller - Contributing Photographer

Former Blink-182 Drummer Travis Barker and DJ Adam Goldstein are being treated for burns and are in critical condition following a plane crash late yesterday in South Carolina. The two survived a crash that claimed the lives of the pilot and co-pilot as well as 2 un-named passengers. MSNBC has reported and Club Kingsnake has confirmed that the night before they had performed together with Perry Farrell, the former Jane's Addiction singer, as well as Gavin DeGraw at a charity event. DeGraw and Farrell were NOT passengers on the flight that was scheduled to land in Van Nuys, California.

More details as they are released...

UPDATE: 11:37a.m CST - According to Yahoo Music News "The Lexington County coroner said Saturday that pilot Sarah Lemmon of Anaheim Hills and co-pilot James Bland of Carlsbad died. Also killed were passengers Chris Baker, 29, of Studio City, and Charles Still, 25, of Los Angeles."

Music News: Protest The Hero's Moe and Luke vie to become Canadian Royalty

nospam@example.com (ClintG) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:42:00 -0500

In the wake of Canada's national Broadcaster "The CBC" dropping the ~~ball~~ puck and losing the iconic "Hockey Night in Canada" theme song Moe Carlson and Luke Hoskin of Canada's Protest The Hero have submitted an entry to "Canada's Hockey Anthem Challenge". The contest was launched after The CBC failed in negotiations with the song's copyright holder and the music was snapped up by rival Canadian network CTV. The winner of this contest will become the closest thing to royalty we have in this country (Next to the Queen of England that is).

You can listen to it below, and visit the contest site to rate it.

Hail King Moe and Queen Luke!!

PS: club.kingsnake.com will be in Belleville on Friday the 19th when Protest The Hero and fellow Underground Operations label mates These Silhouettes and The Kathleen Turner Overdrive take the Stage at Matt and Joe's. Be there or we'll point and laugh at you.

Music News: Avenged Sevenfold postpone North American Tour

nospam@example.com (ClintG) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:47:00 -0500

So, I'm gearing up to go shoot A7X tonight at The Sound Academy in Toronto and what do I see on their website? "Show Postponed". A quick check of avengedsevenfold.com confirmed that A7X....

"....must cancel their U.S. shows on the band's current fall tour in order for frontman M. Shadows to rest his voice."

Full text is On the A7X website.

Photo Spread: Dimebag Tribute at Ozzfest

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:47:46 -0500

Kerry King - Dimebag Tribute at Ozzfest - more photos King Diamond - Dimebag Tribute at Ozzfest - more photos	One of the big events of Saturday's Ozzfest was a 4 song performance of song tributes to "Dimebag" Darell Abbott, the former Pantera/Damage Plan guitarist gunned down onstage by a whacked out fan at a club in Ohio in 2004. Each song was performed by a different all-star tribute group, many artists making special provisions to appear. I was able to positively identify all of the artists involved except the drummer on songs 1 & 2 who I suspect was Vinnie Paul Abbott, but I can't prove it with a picture (it was tough to see the drummer from the pit). I also can't prove Lars was there with a picture either. Below is the song list and the roster of each supergroup that performed: Song 1 - Mouth For War - Pantera Jamey Jasta - Hatebreed Bob Zilla - Hellyeah/Damageplan/Nothinface Tom Maxwell - Hellyeah/Nothingface Nick Bowcott - Grim Reaper Vinnie Paul Abbott - Pantera/Damageplan/Hell Yeah Song 2 - A New Level - Pantera Scott Ian - Anthrax Max Cavallera - Soulfly/Sepultura/Cavellera Conspiracy Nick Bowcott - Grim Reaper King Diamond unknown - drums (Vinnie Paul?) Song 3 - Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd Scott Ian - Anthrax Jerry Cantrell - Alice In Chains Mike Inez - Alice In Chains Pearl Aday - Neverland Express Lars Ulrich - Metallica Song 4 - Fucking Hostile - Pantera Kerry King - Slayer Vinnie Paul Abbott - Pantera/Damageplan/Hell Yeah Mike Inez - Alice In Chains Chad Gray - Mudvayne/Hell Yeah I am glad I got the opportunity to shoot this as it will be nearly impossible to get all these artists on the same stage again.
Wish Your Were Here at Ozzfest 8/9/08 - more photos	A New Level at Ozzfest 8/9/06 - more photos	Mouth For War at Ozzfest 8/9/06 - more photos

Nick Bowcott
8/9/06 Ozzfest 2008

Max Cavallera
8/9/06 Ozzfest 2008

Scott Ian
8/9/06 Ozzfest 2008

Jerry Cantrell
8/9/06 Ozzfest 2008

Mike Inez
8/9/06 Ozzfest 2008

Pearl Aday
8/9/06 Ozzfest 2008

News: Austin's Wild Weekend Power Pop Festival

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:40:40 -0500

Paul Collins and The Beat at SXSW 2007 - more photos
photo by Jaime Butler - Staff Photographer

It may not be SXSW but many of the bands slated to appear at the upcoming Wild Weekend Power Pop Festival have appeared at SXSW and some of the bands are coming to Austin on August 29th and 30th from as far away as Spain to perform. From bands that pioneered the genre such as Paul Collin's Beat and 20/20 to the younger set that keep the sound alive today like The Ugly Beats and The Boss Martians, there will be lots of bands representing several eras of the genre. I remember owning The Beat and 20/20's debuts on vinyl back in the 80's and I saw The Beat open for The Jam at the Dillo circa 1980 or so.

For those not familiar withe genre called "Power Pop" imagine a sound that combines the sticky sweetness of a Beatles pop melody with the harder driving edge of The Ramones and you have it. From Wikipedia:

Power pop (or powerpop) is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are usually kept to a minimum, and blues elements are largely downplayed.

We are hoping to get invited to cover the show so stay tuned.

Here is the schedule for the Wild Weekend Power Pop Festival:

Thursday, August 28th
Official Festival Pre-Party at Beerland:
DJ Sue (Fuzz Club)
DJ Mike Hooker (Ready Steady Go!)
DJ Novelas (Albuquerque, NM)
Treehouse Radio DJ's (Emily and Hydro)
Angel Von Ripper (ATX)
Plus very special guests!
$5

Friday, August 29th
Night Show at Mohawk (All Ages):
Paul Collins' Beat
Pointed Sticks
Nikki Corvette
Ugly Beats
Black & Whites
Electric Shadows
$25

Day Show at Beerland (21+):
Grand Champeen
Power Chords
Prima Donna
The Pleasure Kills
The Red Hearts
FREE!

Saturday, August 30th
Night Show at Mohawk (All Ages):
The Boys
20/20
Boss Martians
Tranzmitors
Cute Lepers
Gentleman Jesse And His Men
Baby Shakes
$25

Day Show at Beerland (21+):
Poor People
Luxury Sweets
Greatest Hits
Beach Patrol
Avenue Rose
FREE!

For more information on how to attend Austin's Wild Weekend Power Pop Festival or to buy advance tickets check out their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/wildweekendaustin

News: September Road Shows for Austin

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:10:04 -0500

Vaden Todd Lewis of The Toadies - more photos
photo by Clint Gilders - Staff Photographer

Aside from the 100 odd bands coming to Austin for this years ACL Fest, there is plenty to see, hear, and do without braving the dust bowl that will be Zilker Park in September, and hopefully by the time we get to October the incredible heat that this years summer has wrought will have begun to wane.

The Toadies will be doing a 2 night gig over at Stubb's to celebrate the release of a new studio album on September 3rd and 4th. La Zona Rosa will host the legendary band Squeeze from the U.K., along with Fastball on September 5th.

September 12th brings Mogwai over to Stubb's and on the 14th John Hiatt and Joan Osborne will be out at The Backyard. Back to Stubb's on the 16th we have the Eagles Of Death Metal and The Hives and then Nightwish performs over at La Zona Rosa on the 17th followed by Amos Lee on the 18th.

If you make the drive to Selma you can catch Carlos Santana on the 19th at the Verizon. Dark Star Orchestra will be over at Stubb's on September 20th, followed the next night by Ani DiFranco and then Stereolab closes out the month at La Zona Rosa on the 24th.

October gets off to a rocking start with Clutch over at Stubb's on the 4th followed by The Presidents Of The United States Of America on the 8th. Bassnectar plays over at La Zona Rosa on the 10th, and Cat Power plays her make up show at Stubb's on the 11th. Widespread Panic does a 2 nighter out at The Backyard, also on the 10th and 11th. Back to Stubb's we have Bang Camaro on the 16th followed by Jason Mraz on the 24th.

All Time Low will be pulling into La Zona Rosa on the 25th and on the 26th you have a hard choice to make.
You can check out Alkaline Trio over at the Austin Music Hall, or you can head out to The Backyard for the venue's final show celebration headlined by Willie Nelson and some special guests. Knowing Willie those guest could range as widely as Snoop Dog to Bono so expect some real surprises.

News: Austin Road Shows for August

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:02:00 -0500

Billy Bob Thornton - more photos
photo by Clint Gilders - Staff Photographer

Well July is not over yet so let's start there first...

Tomorrow at La Zona Rosa Quebec based indie band Wolf Parade bring their tangy, twangy sound to Texas. For those seeking a more traditional AOR live music experience a short drive south at the Verizon Wireless in Selma will get you shows by noted 70's bands Cheap Trick, Heart, and Journey. I'm a huge fan of Cheap Trick so I have asked Gary and Jay to get me a T-shirt when they go down to shoot it.

Saturday Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters will be playing at Stubb's, and I will be heading down to Selma and the Verizon Wirless again to have my ears drilled out by the Mayhem Festival, headlined by Slipknot and Disturbed and a dozen or so other artists that specialize in loud driving rock. We are hoping to corral our buddies in 5 Finger Death Punch for an interview and who knows who else we might corner in the process. Tickets are still available for all these shows.

Ok, now onto August.

Junior Brown will be over at Antone's on August 1st, on the 2nd Less Than Jake is over at La Zona Rosa. Also on the 2nd is the No Fear Music Tour with Bleeding Through, Bullet For My Valentine, and The Cancer Bats over at Stubb's.

311 and Snoop Dogg have a 2 day gig, August 2nd & 3rd, out at The Backyard. Rumors are running high that Willie Nelson will do a walk on appearance with Snoop at at least one of the gigs but my sources are being tight lipped on the subject.

311 - more photos
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

The re-vamped Blind Melon, minus their original frontman the late Shannon Hoon, will be over at Antone's on Tuesday the 5th. I was a big fan of them back in the day so it will be interesting to see if they can still capture that old magic.

On the 6th you have a choice of The Hold Steady over at La Zona Rosa or Emmylou Harris over at Stubb's. South African rockers Seether along with Red and Safetysuit will be over at Stubb's on the 8th and we are already hooked up to shoot the show. Lyle Lovett plays the Long Center on the 12th.

On Wednesday the 13th Hinder, Staind, and Theory Of A Deadman all play at the Bell County Expo Center just a short drive north in Belton. Toots & The Maytals will be at Antone's the same night. Slide guitar legend David Lindley of El Rayo X will be at UT's Cactus Cafe on August 15th. Joe Ely will be over at Threadgills, also on the 15th.

The Melvin's will be playing Emo's on the 22nd and My Morning Jacket plays Stubb's on the 24th. Down south in Selma on August 24 the metalheads take over once again with Heaven And Hell, Judas Priest , Motorhead, Testament at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater followed on the 26th by Steve Winwood, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers .

Dropping Daylight drops into Emo's on August 27th, and on the 28th the Gipsy Kings play at The Backyard. Colin Hay of Men At Work rounds out the month at The One World Theatre on the 30th.

That's it for August!

News: Austin Road Shows In July

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:08:21 -0500

Todd Rundgren
photo by Clint Gilders - Staff Photographer

After a June that got off to a nice start and then sputtered, Austin's road show scene starts to perk back up in July and August is starting to shape up nicely as well.

For those wanting to make the trek Willie Nelson and crew will be holding their annual July 4th picnic tomorrow down at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma. Those that pass out in their cars will be in for a rude awakening come the following morning however as the parking lot is set to be the main stage for Van's Warped tour which starts bright and early at noon on Saturday. Look for club kingsnake to be there working the main stages. Hot bands to watch out for will be Protest The Hero, Reel Big Fish, and The Briggs.

They're a band, they're a cartoon, they are Dethklok and the will be bringing the popular Adult Swim cartoon to life over at the Austin Music Hall on Sunday, July 6th. Also on the bill are Chimaira and Soilent Green, this show was moved from La Zona Rosa due to "overwhelming demand". If metal is just not your thing you can boogie on over to Stubb's and catch KC and The Sunshine Band (no joke!) also on July 6th.

Todd Rundgren, taking a break from The New Cars, will be doing a show over at Antone's on July 19th. Bring your copy of Hermit of Mink Hollow on vinyl and maybe he will sign it.

La Zona Rosa really heats up towards the end of the month with Alkaline Trio on July 21st, Good Charlotte on July 23rd, the Wolf Parade plays on July 25th. Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters will be over at Stubb's on July 26th.

August sees a big flurry of road shows right off the bat. The Backyard, in it's final season, hosts 311 & Snoop Dog for 2 nights on August 2nd and 3rd. Also on August 2nd is Less Than Jake over at La Zona Rosa
followed by The Faint on August 11th.

If your August 2nd isn't busy enough Stubb's has Bullet For My Valentine with Bleeding Through and The Cancer Bats on the same night. South African rockers Seether plays Stubb's on August 8th, something I am looking forward too.

News: Bonaroo Gets Underway; Black Crowes Announce Austin Show

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:20:11 -0500

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes at The Backyard - more photos
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

Well Bonaroo has officially started and club kingsnake writer/photographer Clint Gilders is somewhere in Tennessee living in a tent hoping to shoot pics of bands like Metallica, Pearl Jam, and a handful of other notable acts. Somewhere, also in Tennessee, is sometime club kingsnake contributor and Austin Chronicle staff photographer Gary Miller. It is not without a great deal of jealousy that this reporter sits at his computer minding the store, but hopefully they will find a way to check in and give us a few updates.

Not that I won't be keeping busy here myself. Tomorrow I will be doing a podcast interview with Filter bass player John Spiker and then following up later with a concert shoot with Rancid down at La Zona Rosa.

In other Austin concert news, at The Cure show at the Austin Music Hall on Sunday, there were posters announcing a Black Crowes gig at the hall on November 22nd. Also recently announced are a Bullet For My Valentine show over at Stubb's on August 2nd and then Seether at Stubb's on August 8th. Austin favorites The Toadies will be doing a show at Stubb's on September 3rd.

Technorati Tags: Austin, Bonaroo, Stubb's, La Zona Rosa, Austin Music Hall, Rancid, Filter, Black Crowes, Toadies, Seether

News: Rock legend Bo Diddley dead at 79

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:27:07 -0500

Bo Diddley - photo by Gary Miller - Contributing Photographer

The legendary Bo Diddley died today in Archer, Florida, of heart failure. After suffering a stroke while on tour last spring, he then had a heart attack last August. He never fully recovered from either. From NPR:

Bo Diddley was born Ellas Bates in Mississippi and grew up in Chicago, where he played guitar on street corners before being discovered by Chess Records. He leaves behind a sound that helped build a musical movement.

Diddley's signature rhythm, among the most distinctive beats in rock 'n' roll, can be heard on songs like "I'm a Man" and "Bo Diddley." Scholars trace the pattern to church tambourines, West African drumming, and a hand-patting rhythm called Hambone that goes back to slavery. But Diddley told the public radio show American Routes that he found it someplace else.

"I was trying to play 'I Got Spurs That Jingle Jangle Jingle' by Gene Autrey, and stumbled upon that beat," Diddley said.

The beat may have come from a television cowboy, but later, Diddley described it as "basically an Indian chant."

"Just picture dancing around a daggone big fire, dancing around with their spears," he told Morning Edition in an interview.

Regardless of the beat's source, music historian Peter Guralnick says that Diddley made it big enough for everyone.

"That was just an invitation for people to step into," Guralnick says. "Lots of people imitated it; lots of people carried it on."

These people included Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Springsteen.

Full obituary here, and see the great man in action under the jump...
Continue reading "News: Rock legend Bo Diddley dead at 79"

News: Michigan Metal Community going to the Dogs

nospam@example.com (Cindy Steinle) — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:48:44 -0500

The Michigan Metal community is going to the dogs for a good cause. Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue and Grand Rapids Boxer Alliance have teamed together to bring out the most powerful force on earth (that would be where the metal comes into the picture) to help dogs in need. Not just boxers, but also the bull breeds, rotties and whatever else manages to find their way into these two rescues.

Cover is a mere $7.00, but bring your checkbooks kiddies. There will be a silent auction, raffles and much more to indulge in. And I hear there will be some great drink specials. All Proceeds are being split between the two rescues and will help dogs like the beautiful Shamrock from Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue find great homes.

A Full line up isn't quite ready but here is the important information along with confirmed bands.

Flesh for the Beast
Theocracide
Infinite Design
Release the Crimson
Incipient Madness
Blood That Burns
Dark Empyre

Rock the Dog House Benefit Concert
July 26th
7:00 pm
The Break Room
1359 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 454-0899

For more information visit Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue's website.

News: R.E.M. on Austin City Limits Saturday

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:12:00 -0500

R.E.M. at SXSW 2008 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

I had heard way back in December that R.E.M. was going to headline SXSW in 2008 and immediately began hearing rumors that they were going to be this years surprise guests at Roky Erickson's Ice Cream Social. As the date's grew closer more and more confirmations came in, from very, very reliable sources. By the day of the Ice Cream Social the tension was palpable, everyone was hoping, and in fact the production schedule had an hour slotted for them right before Roky. Listed as "Special Guests" everyone had their fingers crossed.

It was just not to be.

It turned out that Austin City Limits had invited them to film a set and it was at exactly the same time they had been slotted to be at the picnic.

Instead of ME filming an intimate performance of R.E.M., the lucky bastards over at KLRU got the privilege. My loss, however, is definitely the worlds gain. Instead of my grainy, bouncy YouTube videos everyone will get to watch R.E.M.s performance on Austin City Limits in rich H.D., with excellent production quality audio, starting this Saturday on your local PBS stations. It's a great set too, R.E.M. was in rare form the night before and the energy just carried over to the ACL set.

Maybe next time Austin City Limits will invite me too.

To check out the set list, see pictures, and watch streaming video from the show online check out the Austin City Limits page at http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/

Technorati Tags: Austin, Roky Erickson, R.E.M., Austin City Limits, SXSW

News: ZZ Top Rocks The Backyard; Nylon Mag Tour Stops for BarBQ.

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:22:00 -0500

ZZ Top at The Backyard - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

Well, I didn't get approved to cover Iron Maiden down in San Antonio tomorrow, but I did get approved to cover last Thursday's ZZ Top show at The Backyard.

It was hot, humid, and sticky from the preceding days storm's. With the parking area muddy, Jay West, Gary Miller and I all hopped a shuttle bus over at Home Depot for the last 5 minutes of our trek for what turned out to be a jam packed show. We all chuckled when the Direct Events valet admonished us with the "Remember no cameras" as we boarded. Between the 3 of us we probably had $20,000 worth of Cannon and Nikon gear, and what turned out to be the only 3 photo passes.

Great set. I took lots of pictures and had a lot of fun, even though I tripped in the mud in the pit and almost skidded to the ground. Billy saw me lose it from onstage and reacted. Ouch!

While we were busy out at The Backyard, club kingsnake photographer Jaime Butler was over at Stubb's BarBQ covering the Nylon Magazine Tour. She got to check out and shoot some neat bands including Be Your Own Pet, The Virgins, and the Switches. Look for more Austin concert pics from Jaime throughout the summer.

The Switches At Stubb's

The Virgins At Stubb's

Be Your Own Pet At Stubb's

Technorati Tags: Austin, ZZ Top, The Switches, The Virgins, Be Your Own Pet, Stubb's, The Backyard

News: ZZ Top Kicks off Last Season At The Backyard.

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Billy Gibbons at Roky Erickson's 2008 Ice Cream Social - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

Gee whiz, another venue bites the dust. One of my favorites too.

This summer will be the last season for Austin's The Backyard, at least in it's present location. Tim O'Connor owner of The Backyard and Direct Events announced back in April that the venue would close at the end of the summer and that they are working with the City of Bee Cave to develop a new Backyard. Until then we have all summer to enjoy a bunch of neat shows.

First off will be ZZ Top this Thursday and tickets are still available. We have a request in to shoot the show so we've got our fingers crossed that we will be there. I got to shoot Billy Gibbons backstage at Rocky Ericson's Ice Cream Social during this years SXSW, but have been dying to shoot the whole band for a long long time, and this might be my last opportunity for a while.

On June 1st The Backyard will host The Steve Miller Band along with Joe Cocker, then 311 and Snoop Dog will be pulling a 2 nighter on August 2nd and 3rd. I got to shoot 311 at The Backyard last year and it was a great show. In fact I saw a bunch of great shows at The Backyard last year including The Black Crowes, Incubus, Chris Isaac, Dream Theater. Redemption, Into Eternity, David Alan Coe, and Widepread Panic. I will really miss The Backyard. For tickets to any of their upcoming shows see http://www.thebackyard.net/

Technorati Tags: Austin, ZZ Top, Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, 311, Snoop Dog, The Backyard

News: Austin Road Shows In May

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:21:51 -0500

Paula Nelson is at La Zona Rosa tomorrow
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer

Still looking for something to get Mom for tomorrow?

How bout a couple of tickets to the Pennywise show over at Emo's. If mohawks and slam dancing aren't her thing Wilco (sold out!) will be at Stubb's and Maroon 5 will be over at the Austin Music Hall. You could even take her out to see Richard Marx out at the One World Theatre. Really though the best mothers day show is over at La Zona Rosa. The Motherâ€™s Day concert benefiting the Give Love Give Life campaign to promote ovarian cancer research and healthcare for American women and children. Featuring two of Willie Nelsonâ€™s daughters, singer-songwriters Paula Nelson and Amy Nelson, and a granddaughter, Martha Fowler, and their bands along with the showâ€™s centerpiece and co-creator, Native American recording artist John Trudell, tickets are only $25 and mothers get in free!

All that happens in Austin tomorrow!

The rest of May looks pretty good too. Besides the second sold out night of Wilco at Stubb's on Monday, you have the Nylon Magazine tour with She Want's Revenge on Thursday, and then Stubb's has the Texas Rockabilly Festival Friday and Saturday with Reverend Horton Heat, Lee Rocker and a list of others.

May 15th brings Texas boys done good ZZ Top over to The Backyard for that venue's final season, at least at the current location (more on that later). Roky Erickson also plays that night over at Emo's. Mindless Self Indulgence is at La Zona Rosa on May 16th. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is at Antones on May 19th. Bob Schneider will be doing the Rock And Restock benefit over at Stubb's on May 22nd. Junior Brown is at Antone's on May 23rd. Big Head Todd & The Monsters will be at Stubb's on May 30th, the same night The Black Angels are having a CD release show at Emo's. For more Austin gigs in May check out Pollstar.

Technorati Tags: Austin, Pennywise, Wilco, Richard Marx, Paula Nelson, She Want's Revenge, ZZ Top, Roky Erickson, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Big Head Todd, Black Angels

Ten Bands I Have To Shoot Before I Die

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:19:46 -0500

Geddy Lee of Rush- more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff
Ok, music photographers out there know what I am talking about. We all have bands that we would like to shoot but haven't yet either through lack of touring, not having the stones to get the credentials, or draconian photo policies.

I got to take one of those bands off my list last month when I got an opportunity to shoot Rush, a band on my list since the 70's when their album 2112 was one of my first album purchases. What a fantastic show to shoot too, I want to thank Alex, Geddy, and Neil for giving me the opportunity and for inviting me to stay to watch the whole show. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to shoot the gods of my youth, and how appropriate that I should get to shoot their Snakes and Arrows tour!

That got me to thinking, again, about all the other bands that are on my "must shoot before I die" list, who ranks, why, and just how far would I go to shoot them. After much internal dissension, here is my list, but I am terribly conflicted. Now a few disclaimers, the majority of the important band members must be alive, and there must be more than a small hope that they will either tour or play together again.

1. Led Zeppelin - I would go anywhere in the world for an opportunity to shoot them. I don't see it happening
2. The Rolling Stones - When they played Austin they only allowed 3 photogs to shoot. Next time I plan on being one of these 3.
3. U2 - They will never play Austin, but if I had a photo pass I'd fly to either coast.
4. The Sex Pistols - I would go anywhere in the states to shoot them. I would fly to London if the photo shoot included at least 2 minutes of verbal abuse directed at me by Johnny Rotten.
5. Pink Floyd - Who wouldn't want to shoot an inflatable pig? Got to be the whole band though.
6. KISS - This would be a can't miss for me, BUT it would have to be the original 4 members.
7. Judas Priest - This one may come true this summer! Not bloody likely, but it might.
8. ZZ Top - This one may come true THIS MONTH! YAHOO! And at The Backyard too, one of my favorite venues!
9. The Cure - This one may come true in June! Got my fingers crossed for their stop at the Austin Music Hall. If I don't get it I will be hosed all the way around since the show is way sold out and I didn't get a ticket.
10. Motorhead - This one may come true this summer, but very unlikely. They clamped down on photogs like the hand of god reaching down from the heavens to smite them at their recent Stubb's gig during SXSW

What bands would be on YOUR list and how far would you go to either shoot them or see them?

News: Rush Brings Snakes And Arrows to Austin; Filter Show Moves to Emo's

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:39:00 -0500

Richard Patrick of Filter - photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

There have been so many good bands coming to Austin the last couple weeks it almost feels like SXSW again... almost. Some of the shows I have covered in the last 10 days include The Mars Volta, Ministry, Dimmu Borgir, Saves The Day, Pepper, and Say Anything, just to name the headliners.

Coming up this week we have Canadian prog-rockers Rush making their first stop in Austin for a long, long time tomorrow. We have been invited to cover the show, but if you want to go you'd better hurry because tickets for their Frank Erwin Center appearance have almost sold out.

Filter will launch first tour in 6 years NOT at Stubb's BarBQ in Austin as planned, but over at Emo's instead on Thursday. Filter frontman Richard Patrick last played Austin heading up the band Army of Anyone with Robert and Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots back in January of 07. The DeLeo's are off touring with the re-union of Stone Temple Pilots. Considering Scott Wieland's tour track record of late, I am glad I don't hold the insurance policy for that. I'm laying odds that STP won't make it through a third of their tour. Any takers? I would much rather see Filter than STP so look for me over at Emo's.

David Alan Coe brings outlaw country back to Stubb's on Friday, on Sunday the "Get A Life" tour plays Stubb's with Army Of Me, Straylight Run, and Street Drum Corps, and on Monday My Chemical Romance and Billy Talent also play Stubb's. You can also catch Joe Jackson on Monday over at The Paramount.

Wednesday April 30th ends the month with Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D. over at the Frank Erwin Center. What a busy end to April!

Technorati Tags: Austin,Filter, Rush, David Alan Coe, My Chemical Romance, Joe Jackson,Emo's, La Zona Rosa

News: SXSW - Wednesday Will Be Tough to Beat

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:43:00 -0500

The Forms at SXSW 2008 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

Wednesday. The dogs got me up at 7:00am. The music festival officially starts at 9:00am. My plan is to get downtown by noon and get a fast start on the day parties. In fact I don't get there til about 2:00pm, and even that is slowed by parking issues. Finally finding a spot by The Mohawk I gear up and spend the afternoon sliding back and forth on Red River, dropping in at The Mohawk, then Emo's Annex, then Emo's Lounge, then back to the annex, then the Mohawk, then back to the lounge finally ending up at Paul Collins and The Beat's set at Beerland.

I saw a lot of interesting bands, the crowds were light, the lines nonexistent. The biggest problem was sorting out who I was seeing as the bands sometimes didn't match the order on the list. I still have 5 bands from Wednesday's day parties to identify but some of my favorites included The Forms out of New York and Zykos from here in Austin.

I had to cut my day partying short at 5:00pm. I had set a goal of trying to see a few of the headliners and I was going to have to hoof it to catch my first, Van Morrison, scheduled for an early 7:00pm set at La Zona Rosa, 10 or 12 blocks away. I knew he would be prompt as the venue was to going to "flip" genres after his set. By the time I got to the gate the badge line was already 20 deep, the wristband line even larger and by the time they let us in the lines were of epic proportions, stretching far around the building in both directions. I doubt all the badge holders made it in, much less any of the wristband holders.
Continue reading "News: SXSW - Wednesday Will Be Tough to Beat"

News: SXSW 2008 - Can You Identify These Bands?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:04:15 -0500

With all the bands we shot during SXSW we were bound to have problems identifying a few of them, especially during the day parties. We have been able to figure out all the bands except for the ones listed below. All of them played day parties at either Emo's Lounge or Emo's Annex. If you know who any of these bands are please let us know and we will upload the rest of their photos.

Unknown Band 1
03/12/08
Emo's Lounge

Unknown Band 2
03/12/08
Emo's Annex

Unknown Band 3
03/12/08
Emo's Annex

Unknown Band 4
03/12/08
Emo's Lounge

Unknown Band 5
03/12/08
Emo's Annex

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Concert, Unknown Bands, Photos, Austin

News: 3000+ SXSW Photos posted!

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:14:15 -0500

Well it took a while but we have most of the SXSW 08 photos posted. I still have at least 4 bands to identify from some Wednesday day parties, but so far we have over 3000 photos posted from this years event. Click on a link below to check them out.

Photos by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff photographer

Allison
American Bang
Anathallo
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
Ari Shine
Astra Heights
Basia Bulat
Beatle Bob
Ben Harper
Ben Jelen
Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bragg
Billy Gibbons
Birds of Wales
Blue Cheer
Blue Rodeo
Body of War
Brendan James
Brett Dennen
Brothers and Sisters
Buttercup
Carlotta
Casket Salesman
Chiodos
Chris Bathgate
Christopher Rees
City and Colour
David Monks
Dazzling King Soloman Band
Dead Confederate
Dennis Keller
Drop Dead, Gorgeous
Duffy
Edison Glass

Figo
Foreign Born
Freddie Steady 5
Gliss
Gran Ronde
Grand Ole Party
Helen Hunt
Honor By August
Hot Springs
Joe Doucet
Joe Jonas
Jonathan Rice
Little Joe Washington
Lou Reed
Magic Bullets
Martha Wainright
Mason Jennings
Michael Eisner
Mike Claxton
Moby
Moon Rats
Neimo
Oliver Future
Orange Jefferson
Papercranes
Paramore
Paul Collin's Beat
People In Planes
Pepi Ginsberg
Phantom Planet
Pride Tiger
R.E.M.
Ray Reed
Roky Erickson & The Explosives
RX Bandits
Scissors For Lefty
Serj Tankian

Seven Mary Three
She and Him
Sinis
Son,Ambulance
Spot Barnett
Taxi Doll
Texas East Side Kings
Texas North Side Kings
The Black Angels
The Deadbeat Poets
The Forms
The Golden Dogs
The Lemonheads
The Hard Lessons
The Hymns
The Laughing
The Most Serene Republic
The Pack A.D.
The Peoples Party
The Rascals
The Raveonettes
The Smithereens
The Strange Boys
The Weakerthans
The Whigs
Thierry Cognee
Thurston Moore
Til We're Blue or Destroy
Tokyo Police Club
Tom Morello
Tulsa
Vampire Weekend
Van Morrison
Zykos

Photos by jeff barringer - club kingsnake staff photographer

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Concert, Photos, Austin

News: SXSW08 - Is it better to sleep or to type?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:32:00 -0500

Moby at SXSW 2008 - more photos...
photo by Clint Gilders - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff
I was neglectful in my SXSW reporting by not posting as often as I should but my 2 hour round trip commute ate more posting time than I thought it would, and I spent all my free time trying to get my memory cards cleaned up. Or sleeping, sometimes. That said, here is the start of a day by day, blow by blow account of my SXSW 08 adventure.

Tuesday - Moby, Moby everywhere, I think I need a shrink. I guess you really never realize how many guys (and I shall note a few girls) look surprisingly like my nemesis Moby. After sitting through most of Moby's interview, listening to him name drop celebrities one after another, and leaving after he discussed his support of the HSUS (more on this later, on one of our other sites), I walked outside, and I swear Moby walked by. Ten minutes later, another Moby, then another, and another. I was surprised at just how many people are either taking fashion clues from him, or just happen to look like him. I mean there must be hundreds of people at SXSW that resembled Moby. Maybe I am just paranoid, but would somebody please tie a bell to him so I can at least know which one is the real Moby?

Billy Bob Thornton and The Box Masters at SXSW 2008 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

I stopped by the Dell Lounge to sit in on a Q & A with Billy Bob Thornton, actor and musician. He was taking questions from the crowd and they were surprisingly reticent to ask anything. After asking 3 or 4 times for a question, I stuck my neck out and asked him if he preferred to be a rock star or a movie star. With a laugh and a big smile he answered that he liked being both but there were definitely differences in the fan base.

Later Clint and I managed to get into his set with his band The Boxmasters over at Antone's, which was a lot of fun. Luckily there was no line and they even managed to sell a few tickets. Billy Bob has a world class band backing him and he had some neat friends in the audience as well. I ran into Paula Nelson and had a chance to say hello, and up in the V.I.P area you could just make out Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Billy stepped on stage to say hello but didn't play.

Speaking of world class bands the SXSW escalators seemed to offer a treasure trove of music celeb's both minor and major. On Tuesday I ran into Micheal Des Barres on one trip up, and then on the reverse trip down I ran into Paul Collins and the Beat. Everywhere as far as you could see, tattooed rail thin musicians dressed in black trundled up and down the escalators as they got all checked in for the start of the music festival.

I called it a night after the Boxmaster set, leaving Clint in front of his hotel. I got to bed about 3:00a.m. after clearing my email, downloading photos and starting some laundry. The music festival will have started when I wake up and get down there.

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Billy Bob Thornton, Moby, Billy Gibbons
Continue reading "News: SXSW08 - Is it better to sleep or to type?"

News: SXSW - Lines... What Lines?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:18:47 -0500

The Smithereens at SXSW 2008 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

So SXSW has officially started, at least the interactive and film portions, and already the griping and whining appears to be out of control.

Not here, here we are all smiles and sunshine, but the guys over at News.com and now the blogosphere in general seem to be in in ultra whine mode. Seems that Daniel Terdiman and crew over at CNets site started the crying early with his post "Egad! Has SXSWi lost its edge?" and he followed it up with this post yesterday, "SXSWi party lines best evidence of event's massive growth". I found the statement he made about Saturday night's festivities below particularly amusing.

"Well, last year, I went to one of SXSWi's biggest parties at the same venue where the 16bit party was held last night, and there was little or no waiting. The same for previous years' Mix at Sixes.

My conclusion? That the crowds at this year's SXSWi are so big that none of the shindigs can handle them without long lines. "

Now what makes this funny is that either Terdiman's conclusion is wrong or EVERYONE at SXSWi listened to him and stayed in Sunday night. Clint Gilders and I went to the Sun Microsystems party at La Zona Rosa Sunday, a venue that regularly holds 1200 concertgoers, and at most 150 people showed up. No lines. no waiting, even the buffet was line free. No lines at the bathrooms, at the bars. No lines at all. Which was amazing because Sun even flew in Seven Mary Three from Florida and The Smithereens from New Jersey to perform, and they were fantastic by the way. Heck, we even spent 20 minutes talking with Seven Mary Three before their set. Clint and I spent all night sipping on frosty beverages, eating free food, listening to some good rock and roll, and talking to the Sun guys about their almost silent acquisition of MySQL, which in real world terms is a much, much bigger story than Facebook.

Seven Mary Three at SXSW 2008- more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

I would have much rather sat through an interview with Sun Chairman Scott McNealy than listen to this years over-hyped Web 2.0 golden boy Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. I think that while News Corp. squandered their money on MySpace, Google blew a ton on an un-profitable Youtube, and Microsoft bought a tiny slice of Facebook for a lot more than it's worth, McNealy snuck in and pulled off the REAL coup with Sun's acquisition of MySQL. MySQL is the backbone of MILLIONS of websites big and small (including all of ours) and I am much more interested in hearing what their plans are with it than what the web 2.0 flavor of the month or year has to say. Especially if all their going to do is toss him softballs.

But I digress... This is a MUSIC blog after all.

If those SXSWi people really want to complain about lines, try getting into R.E.M.'s showcase at Stubb's Wednesday and then get back to me.... uuun kay?

Upcoming stuff to look forward to... Christie Keith has flown in from San Francisco and has got something going with the Body Of War people. She and Clint will be screening the movie and shooting stills of the Thursday showcase. Is a Serj Tankian or Tom Morello interview in our future? More on that to follow.

I will be covering Roky Ericson's Ice Cream Social on Thursday, with all its special guests announced, unannounced, and rumored. I have had a look at SOME of the confirmed guests and been sworn to secrecy (we have been invited to do the "official" filming of the event by Roky's trust again this year!). I can say this. If you plan on going your $20.00 admission will be the biggest bargain of SXSW.

While I am filming Roky on Thursday, Clint will be over covering the Scion day party at Stubb's and hopefully coming back with a camera full of MotÃ¶rhead stills. If anyone hears about a second MotÃ¶rhead gig at SXSW, perhaps a secret or private gig, please drop me a note, I think it's the only band I will miss
that I really wanted to see.

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Mark Zuckerberg, Scott McNealy, Serj Tankian, MotÃ¶rhead, Tom Morello, Roky Erickson,Smithereens,Seven Mary Three,Body of War,Scion, confirmed,rumor

SXSW 2008: Here it comes!!

nospam@example.com (ClintG) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:58:00 -0600

It's just over 48 hours until I leave for South By South West. I really can't believe how packed my calendar is. I have scoured Austin Tx, Showlist for all the non-sxsw parties, festivals and showcases that look cool. I have spent waaaay too much time on sxsw.com going through the band list, and I've also been poking around places like SXSW Baby! see what other intelligence I can gather.

SXSW 2007 nearly killed me. That might be a slight exaggeration, but only slightly.

This year's gonna be different.... This years gonna be different..... Say it with me "This years gonna be different." I'm going to have a plan when I set out each day. That will probably last until I hit 6th street and a cool day party beckons or my nose leads me to some Tamales or breakfast burritos. So as I forlornly stare at my quintuple booked thursday afternoon, here's a list of shows,parties, other happenings that I am leaning toward attending or are at least on my short-list.

Continue reading "SXSW 2008: Here it comes!!"

News: Jeff Healey dead at 41

nospam@example.com (Staff Reports) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:48:48 -0600

Photo by Stewart Stick

Yesterday jeffhealey.com posted the sad news of the passing of blues and jazz multi-instrumentalist Jeff Healey.

From jeffhealey.com: "March 2, 2008

Guitarist and bandleader Jeff Healey dies in Toronto hospital

Following a lengthy struggle with cancer,
Healey passes away on the eve of the
release of a new blues rock album

Jeff Healey, arguably one of the most distinctive guitar players of our time, died today (Sunday March 2) in St. Josephâ€™s Hospital, Toronto. He was 41, and leaves his wife, Cristie, daughter Rachel (13) and son Derek (three), as well as his father and step-mother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda."

Healey, blind since childhood came to prominence as a blues guitarist in the '80. Through his unconventional playing style, fiery performances, and role in the hit movie Roadhouse Healey achieved significant crossover success.

In recent years Healey had been performing with a Jazz group and had released several albums. His first blues recording in 8 years was scheduled for release in Canada on April 22.

News: Chat Live With Kerry King; Springsteen at SXSW?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:33:29 -0600

Kerry King of Slayer - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

It's been hard keeping a lid on this one as long as we have. No its not another SXSW rumor, though I have a few of those too, and some confirmed stuff as well. No, this involves our namesake reptile web site kingsnake.com and it's 10th annual chat week symposium.

Every year we ask famous reptile people to stop by our chat room and talk about their cold blooded pets. Once in a while we get some big name people that cross over from the entertainment industry. This year we had people like Lassie's vet and Animal Planet's Nigel Marvin. In the spirit of saving the biggest for last we have been holding back on the final guest announcement - until now.

This year our final chat week guest will be Kerry King, lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Slayer.

Best known to his many music fans as one of the founders of the seminal thrash metal band Slayer, Kerry has been keeping snakes almost as long as he's been playing guitars. An accomplished reptile breeder Kerry will stop by our site to chat with fans about his snake collection, some of the reptiles he has produced, and what he does with them while he is on tour. The chat will be primarily about reptiles and those that wish to come and just hang out or ask questions are welcome. To check out the chat room go to http://chat.pethobbyist.com/login.php?room_name=Reptile+%26+Amphibian.
No special software is needed but you will need to have JAVA enabled on your browser. ~~Kerry's chat is scheduled for Sunday at 8:00pm EST.~~ UPDATE: Kerry has RESCHEDULED HIS CHAT FOR TONIGHT!!! His chat will occur in the same place but will now be tonight (Saturday March 1, 2008) at 10:00 EST.

Ok now onto SXSW...

The Scion day party Thursday at Stubb's looks even better now. Not only is MotÃ¶rhead playing but so are Napalm Death, High On Fire, and Enslaved. Sounds like it's going to be mosh city at Stubb's. This is confirmed. What has not been confirmed yet are those "Body Of War" special guests. A new wrinkle in the rumor mill has popped up as well. It seems The Boss aka, Bruce Springsteen, may be one of those special guests. Springsteen, who features predominantly on the soundtrack, would be a natural as he is not touring
during that period and band mate Little Steven is already rumored to be appearing at this years SXSW.

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Kerry King,Stubb's, Bruce Springsteen,Body Of War,Slayer,MotÃ¶rhead, Napalm Death,Body Of War,kingsnake.com,confirmed,rumor

News: MotÃ¶rhead to play SXSW; Serj Tankian Announces Second Showcase

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:28:45 -0600

Everybody's favorite guy named Lemmy will be bringing MotÃ¶rhead to SXSW this year, according to 2 separate sources. MotÃ¶rhead are currently in L.A. laying down tracks for a new disc but will come to Austin to play the Scion day party. More details as they become available.

Serj Tankian, frontman for System Of A Down, will not only be playing the Body of War showcase at Stubb's on Thursday, but also has his own showcase later that night at La Zona Rosa. Of course the Body Of War showcase also includes Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello and "Special Guests". I'm torn because I am otherwise committed and it will take an act of god for me to catch either set.

Speaking of those "Special Guests", the Foo Fighters are popping up on the SXSW rumor screen again. Seems that their tour, which has an unexplainable gap during SXSW week, currently has two opening acts, Serj Tankian and the band Against Me!. Both of those acts are slated to play SXSW. My sources are telling me that there is a good chance that we could see Dave Grohl pop up as one of those "Special Guest's" and maybe, just maybe, a full Foo Fighters showcase.

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Serj Tankian, MotÃ¶rhead, Tom Morello, Foo Fighters,Dave Grohl,Against Me!,Body of War,Scion, confirmed,rumor

News: Van Morrison, X, Serj Tankian, Tom Morello all announce for SXSW

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:54:14 -0600

Tom Morello at SXSW 2007 - more photos...
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

In case you missed it, over the past couple days SXSW has listed a few more artists for this years music festival. Van Morrison will be playing a SXSW gig at La Zona Rosa in addition to his non-SXSW gig at the Austin Music Hall. Legendary punk band X will also be performing over at Emo's.

For all those doubting Thomas's and those that overlooked the fine print, there is a band listed as Body of War, after the film of the same name, and if you look at their listing it lists them as being Kimya Dawson, Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello(Rage Against The Machine) and Special Guests. One can only wonder if my rumors of an Eddie Vedder or Rage Against the Machine surprise appearance are coming closer to fruition as their Special Guests. Certainly seems to be, what with Vedder having produced the soundtrack, the movie being shown at the festival, and with many of the artists from the soundtrack in town.

In other Austin Music News...

National Product has been gathering some steam ahead of their visit to Austin's Red 7 tomorrow, and their show promises to be the hot set of the night. Tracii Gunns will be bringing his version of L.A. Guns to a new venue, the Rock City Icehouse, on Wednesday night.

On Friday Feb 29th NOFX, Flatliners, and No Use For A Name will be filling up the pit over at Stubb's, and Saturday March 1 Marilyn Manson and Ours will be playing over at the Austin Music Hall. On Sunday March 2, Built To Spill and The Meat Puppets will also be at Stubb's. Guitar virtuoso Pat Metheny will play the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday March 4th, the same night Willie Nelson opens at the Star Of Texas Fair & Rodeo at the Travis County Expo Center. Dropkick Murphy's play Stubb's on Friday March 7, then Protest The Hero plays Emo's on March 8th.

Looking out past SXSW we have some interesting stuff on the horizon. Acid Mother's Temple plays Emo's on March 17, Bob Mould at Antone's on March 20, The Moody Blues at The Austin Music Hall on March 21. New Model Army from the U.K look like they finally have their visa issues cleared up and will be playing at Elysium on March 28.

Willie Nelson will be playing the "new" Long Center on March 29th, the same night as Les Claypool over at Stubb's. Liam Finn, son of Crowded House/Split Enz founder Tim Finn, will be playing the Parish on April 2. George Clinton and PFunk will be playing the Swamp Thing / Crawfish Boil Festival on April 5th. Dropping Daylight and Sick Puppies over at Emo's on April 7th.

La Zona Rosa hosts Manchester Orchestra and Say Anything on April 9th, then Armor For Sleep and Saves The Day on April 10. Ministry will play La Zona Rosa on April 15, Buddy Guy and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band at Stubb's on April 18th. Panic at the Disco plays Stubb's on April 19th, followed by Cat Power the next night, and then Behemoth the following night.

Rush plays the Frank Erwin Center on April 23, David Allan Coe plays Stubb's on April 25, Joe Jackson plays The Paramount on April 28. Billy Talent and My Chemical Romance play Stubb's on April 28, and then to end out April we have Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco at the Frank Erwin Center on April 30.

Even without SXSW that's a lot of good music.

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Serj Tankian, Tom Morello, Eddie Vedder, Van Morrison, confirmed, rumor

News: Dolly Parton Postpones Tour, SXSW Appearance

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:32:15 -0600

In what will probably be another blow to SXSW's headliner list, Dolly Parton has announced that she is postponing her tour scheduled to start on February 28th in Minneapolis. Parton will be rescheduling her dates in April and May, which would preclude her appearance at SXSW this year, though that has not been specifically stated. On her web site, Dolly attributes the postponement due to a back condition "hey, you try wagging these puppies around a while and see if you don't have back problems". That means the Saturday night slot at the Austin Music Hall will be free, it will be interesting to see who SXSW gets to fill it. It's a big room.
Technorati Tags: SXSW,Dolly Parton
,confirmed,rumor

News: SXSW 2008 - Canadians set to take over Texas

nospam@example.com (ClintG) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:39:00 -0600

Tokyo Police Club
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

I could hardly believe my eyes as I perused the SXSW 2008 Biglist. Yeah, there are cool bands coming from all over the world, but the 100+ acts making the pilgrimage from Canada set my mouth watering.

There are some real heavy hitters making their way south. Uber-producer and singer/songwirter Daniel Lanois, Alt-Country-Rock giants Blue Rodeo, Toronto indie institution Constantines, Dallas Green's City and Colour, Indie-A/V club-garage rockers Tokyo Police Club, the outspoken Matthew Good, enigmatic Hawksley Workman, and upstarts Marianas Trench and Pride Tiger to name just a few.

Who's not on the list, but I wish they were? Hello Operator, Protest The Hero (though they'll be in Austin during SXSW), Machete Avenue, Cities in Dust, Kill Rhythm, and The Johnstones come to mind. Maybe next year.

Full List (as of Feb 8, 2008) below:

Continue reading "News: SXSW 2008 - Canadians set to take over Texas"

News: SXSW 1594 Bands Announced Including Jakob Dylan and Ice Cube

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:51:50 -0600

The Blacklist at SXSW 2007 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

SXSW made their big list announcement today as expected, with a whopping 1594 bands in all, surpassing the band count at ACL Fest, Bonaroo, Coachella, Jazz Fest, and Langerado combined. There are at least 20 bands alone with the word "Black" in their name.

Think about it, almost 1600 artists and bands, all looking for a place to park the van at once. So many bands that musicians wander the streets in packs like African plainsmen armed with accordions, stalking unwary members of the press like frightened gazelles. Eighteen wheelers packed stem to stern with tortilla chips and beer will be poised ready to deliver at a moments notice, and even spare couches will be running upwards of $50 a night for those who can find time to sleep.

Its good to see the list out, and on time, though our readers have been familiar with almost half the list for a while now. Our rumor on Ice Cube has been confirmed, and some neat new names have surfaced like Jakob Dylan, ex-frontman for the Wallflowers and son of Bob Dylan. There are so many bands and artists it will take me a couple days just to fully digest the list. Then it will change.

I suspect that there are still a few artists to announce, including some more top drawer talent. There are still many people on my "rumored" list that have yet to burble to the surface. I will continue to maintain the "rumored" portion of My Unoffical SXSW Band List, and will freshen my copy of the "official" list from time to time.

We will be doing a bunch of SXSW Artist Spotlite interviews over the coming weeks as we close in on the start of the festival. You can expect to hear interviews starting with The Hymns, The Brother Kite, and The Super Insurgent Group of Intemperance Talent all the way from Bandung, Indonesia. We will also proabably check back in with a few of our past SXSW interviewees like Paul Collins, and Blacklist, both returning from last year.

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Blacklist,Paul Collins
,Jakob Dylan,Ice Cube,confirmed,rumor

News: Paul Collins and The Beat, Magic Christian Announce SXSW Showcases

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:18:23 -0600

SXSW 2007 Interview w/Paul Collins and The Beat

We are only days away from the official band announcements from SXSW and we are still hearing about gigs left and right. This will probably be my last post to the "unofficial" list for 2008.

The guys over at Showburner confirmed my Adele rumor as well as digging up confirmations for The Wombats, The Bug, Captain Bliss, and a handful more. Also, PaisleyUmbrella dropped me a note to confirm a few other bands. Her(?) list includes Austin's own The Ugly Beats, The Cynics, Mondo Topless, and a band that just sounds cool based on it's members, Magic Christian. With Cyril Gordon of the Flaming Groovies, Clem Burke of Blondie on drums, and "Fast" Eddie Munoz of The Plimsouls on bass rather than guitar. Listening to their songs, they sound like the rock soundtrack to the 1967 film Casino Royale.

This all happens at the Get Hip Records showcase though I have conflicting sources as to whether this is a Friday or Saturday showcase. Also doing the Get Hip Records showcase is Paul Collins And The Beat. Paul, one of the founding members of the seminal power-pop bands The Nerves, brought his band all the way over from Spain last year, and after running into Peter Case had an impromptu SXSW Nerves reunion at The Saxon Pub and at Waterloo Records, both of which I missed. I did catch up with Paul last year long enough to get an interview with him and the band. This year Paul will be over here celebrating the launch of his new CD Ribbon of Gold which releases in Europe on March 24th. Produced by Chips Kiesby, (Hellacopters, Nomads) in Sweden, Paul forwarded me 2 dynamite tracks, the title track and "I Still Want You" that I immediately stuck on my iPhone. Paul Collins and The Beat will also be playing over at The Soho Lounge Saturday night and a few other neat stops along the way. I look forward to treating Paul et al to a nice sit down Tex-Mex dinner at El Azteca when they get here.

It ain't over til the tribute bands sing. Just because they launch the official list this week (hopefully), doesn't mean you can let your guard down. They will still be adding showcases and sets almost right up until the last night of SXSW, Sunday March 16th, when Emo's whips out the traditional tribute band showcase. Until then walk ons and secret shows are possible at any time, on any stage, with any band. Only when the last tribute band has left the stage can you really say "it's over" and stop looking for the stars.

If I hear it, you'll hear it. To check out the latest rumors and confirmed bands coming to SXSW Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Paul Collins,The Beat, Magic Christian, Get Hip Records, confirmed, rumor

News: Black Crowes Cancel SXSW Appearance

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:00:39 -0600

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

As we reported here, first, The Black Crowes have canceled their SXSW appearance. As confirmed by Austin American Statesman writer Joe Gross. According to the article posted by Gross the bands publicist confirmed â€œThere has been a change of schedule and the group will not be performing there this yearâ€?.

What an unfortunate turn of events as the Saturday show at Stubb's was bound to be Saturday's A Ticket event. I know I was looking forward to that particular showcase.

In other SXSW rumor news, Les Claypool's chance for an appearance has dropped to nil, as he has announced remaining dates on his current tour that would conflict. He still has 1 day open on his schedule
so it is possible he might do a walk on, but the chance appears remote. I will be scratching him from the rumored list. Good news on the Beastie Boys rumor, maybe. The band has announced a second gig, this one in Mexico, on March 8th, the day after their set at Langerado. That indicates 2 things, the band is moving west, and they are booking more gigs in that time period. Maybe they will step into the Crowes boots over at Stubb's.

If I hear it, you'll hear it. To check out the latest rumors and confirmed bands coming to SXSW Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Black Crowes,Stubb's
,Beastie Boys,Les Claypool,confirmed,rumor

News: SXSW - Almost 700 Bands Confirmed So Far!

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:22:04 -0600

I spent a little bit of time updating the SXSW 2008 band list today and we now have over 670 bands and artists listed as confirmed so far. I will continue to update the list until SXSW publishes the official list/schedule, then I will hand the reins over to them and focus on doing SXSW artist spotlight interviews. Last year we interviewed a whole bunch of neat SXSW performers like Hugh Cornwell, The Zico Chain, Dirty Wormz, Paul Collins, Peter Case, Blacklist and more. This year we have already done a podcast spotlight with Broken Teeth and next on the list is an interview with The Hymns out of New York. If you are or represent a SXSW 2008 performer and would like to see your artist included in our coverage with an interview, drop me an email. I'm booking interviews up until March 9th.

If I hear it, you'll hear it. To check out the latest rumors and confirmed bands coming to SXSW Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

Technorati Tags: SXSW,confirmed,rumor

News: More SXSW Confirmations and Rumors, also Scott Weiland live or Memorex?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:05:52 -0600

Velvet Revolver at Stubb's - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

Velvet Revolver brought their tour buses to town and parked them at Stubb's last night for a smoking hot set, or was it? Raoul Hernandez over at The Chronicle is doing more than suggesting that Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland had a little help from performance enhancing electronics to get through the set. I was there and can attest to a very variable sound, to the man with the laptop offstage, and to some interesting pre-show happenings with the mics, but the crowd for the most part seemed to enjoy the show. I was there to check out Slash's performance and dig for SXSW rumors so I wasn't paying that much attention to Scott. I am just glad he didn't sound like a bag o' cats like one of Slash's previous frontmen. Slash's performance, as well as Duff's and the rest of the bands, seemed to be 100% au natural and Slash sounded good.

On to SXSW 2008 news...

Ok now it's getting weird.

One of my sources has been hired to cover Roky Erickson's Ice Cream Social specifically to cover the purported R.E.M. set, yet when I talk to Roky's management they are insistent that they have no clue what I am talking about and insist they have not booked R.E.M. for a slot. My sources employers are just as adamant that it is happening to the point that they are ready to write him a check to be there.

Another source has reported to me that the Black Crowes have pulled out of their Saturday gig at Stubb's, reportedly not wanting to be second billed to R.E.M. Checking with a number of my contacts at Stubb's they are unaware of any schedule changes and are still planning on a Crowes gig that night. Pollstar still has the Crowes listed on Saturday as well.

I don't know if any of this is true, but my sources are usually pretty good, and SXSW tends to get strange as we get down to the wire.

I do know that every day that passes more bands are confirming SXSW gigs, and we will probably see the "official" list posted sometime next week. Some of the more interesting confirmations include The Hymns from New York (Watch for a podcast interview next week), The Presidents Of The United States Of America, Bowling For Soup, and Zebrahead to name a few.

If I hear it, you'll hear it. To check out the latest rumors and confirmed bands coming to SXSW Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Black Crowes,R.E.M., Roky Erickson, Velvet Revolver,Scott Weiland,Slash,Stubb's,confirmed,rumor

News: Robin Trower Still Rocks, Saturday Night at SXSW

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:28:29 -0600

Robin Trower at La Zona Rosa - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

If it wasn't for Austin's anti-smoking ordinance tonight could have been 1974 all over again as Austin's Van Wilks and the legendary Robin Trower (founding member of Procol Harum) burned down the house at Austin's La Zona Rosa. During Trower's roaring 20+ minute epic "Bridge of Sighs", all that was missing was the roiling clouds of stale, cheap, pot smoke wafting onstage. Don't let Robin's age fool you, his fingers are as nimble as a teenagers. Lick for lick I think you could put him against any blues guitarist on the road today and he would leave them hacking in his dust. Not too bad for a guy that started his music career in 1962, played Woodstock, and just plain survived the trials and travails of the industry, unlike so many of his peers.

Robin will be on tour here in the states until April 5th and then he hops the pond to do a European tour that doesn't wind up til May 31st. For a complete look at his tour schedule check out Robin's web site at http://www.trowerpower.com. To check out pics from the show, check out our photo gallery.

On to SXSW 2008 news...

Well according to my sources it looks like the place to be Saturday night for most people will be Stubb's, IF you can get in and IF you can stand the packed crowd. First off you have the psychedelic stylings of Austin's poet-laureate-guide to the 60's, the incomparable Roky Erickson, with The Explosives. Then next up you have the brothers Robinson, and their wayward gang of musicians, The Black Crowes. Finally, the talk of SXSW, this years up and coming band from Athens, Ga., and the only man in the U.S. that can match Morrisey blow for blow in angst, Micheal Stipe and R.E.M. will close the showcase. What a neat show if you can get in. Only in Austin. Only during SXSW!

I have that as confirmed. Something I don't have confirmed yet, and I am working on, is the Ice Cube SXSW gig at Auditorium Shores. I have it from 2 sources that he is playing, just not 100% firm on the venue. Can't mark him as confirmed yet til he or SXSW announces.

I regret I have not updated the big list in a few days, but promise to spend a few hours updating it. I
want to thank everyone out there that linked to me, especially the guys over at showburner.com.

If I hear it, you'll hear it. To check out the latest rumors and confirmed bands coming to SXSW Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

Technorati Tags: SXSW,Black Crowes,R.E.M., Roky Erickson, Ice Cube,Stubb's,confirmed,rumor

Music News: Alexisonfire "Snow Day" make up show on January 25th in Toronto.

nospam@example.com (ClintG) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:18:28 -0600

The Drive home from Toronto on Dec, 16th, 2007
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

If you were among the few brave souls who made it to the Alexisonfire show in Toronto on December 16th, well guess what? You don't get to come on Friday!!

Those who wussed out and didn't make it to the Arrow Hall during the worst snow storm in recorded history can redeem their ticket this Friday at The Sound Academy (formerly The Docks).

I was one of those that wussed out. I was in Toronto on the 15th with plans to take my wife home to Peterborough on the 16th, and then head back to T.O. for the show. When it took 3+ hours for the usual 1 1/4 hour drive I thought better of my return to Toronto.

Opening for Alexisonfire are upstarts Arkells and Quest For Fire. On their choice of openers Alexisonfire had this to say:

We thought that since this was a fun show to do, we would pick two bands that don't sound anything like us. Two bands that are just getting their feet wet. Two bands that are local and that we are all big fans of.

We'll see you there. Fingers crossed for decent weather.

News: Rush Announces Stop At Erwin Center, More SXSW Rumors

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:00:09 -0600

Alex Lifeson of Rush at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater San Antonio 2002
photo courtesy Gary Miller - contributing photographer

As expected Canadian rockers Rush have confirmed an Austin date on their spring tour at UT's Frank Erwin Center. Continuing with last years "Snakes & Arrows World Tour", they will stop in Austin on April 23rd, one of 45 tour stops announced so far. Touring in support of the soon to be released Snakes & Arrows Live CD, Rush's track "Malignant Narcissism" from the bandâ€™s 2007 release Snakes & Arrows has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the category Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

La Zona Rosa has announced a couple new shows for April as well. On Weds. April 9th Say Anything along with Manchester Orchestra, Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves and Weatherbox will bring their tour to LZR, The following night, April 10th The "Bamboozle Road Show" pulls into town with Saves The Day, Armor for Sleep, Set Your Goals, Metro Station and Lydia for an early, early show with doors at 6:00 and the show starting at 6:30. Tickets for both shows are available at GetTix.net.

While I didn't spend any time yesterday looking for more confirmed SXSW bands, I did pop down to Emo's down at 6th street to catch the late set by Austin punk pioneers Sharon Tate's Baby. While there I ran into Avery of the Applicators(she is even cuter as a blond) and had a chance to say hello. Roaming the streets between sets ran into someone I know who is VERY well connected while I was buying a slice of pizza. Asking him for any good SXSW rumor fodder he was more than happy to offer up a couple big names.

Little Steven may show up, but if he does it will be in the first couple days. He's been working with a band that got a showcase and he will be on the backside of a short 4 day down time from his touring with Springsteen. If he squeezes it in, look for either a surprise set or a walk-on. It would be unlikely that Bruce would join him but during SXSW anything is possible. I will add Little Steven to the rumored list, I will leave
Bruce off for now.

Iggy Pop, who is also working with a band that is showcasing, liked SXSW so much last year he is almost certain to show up and do either a surprise set, private party, or a walk on. He will be leaving the Stooges at home. My source told me he gives this a 90% chance of this happening, so keep your eyes out for Iggy roaming the streets.

Finally, someone big has rented out an old print shop down in the entertainment district for an event during SXSW. I don't know if it's for showcases or for private parties but will keep my ear to the ground for more developments.

For the latest and greatest list of confirmed bands and rumored appearances check out the latest SXSW 2008 Rumored and Confirmed Band List.

News: Over 540 Confirmed SXSW Artists, Is Ringo About To Announce?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:45:00 -0600

Our list of bands and artists scheduled to perform at Austin's 2008 SXSW Music Festival has zoomed past the 400 mark all the way up to more than 540 confirmed so far, slightly more than 1/3 of the acts that are supposed to perform. The list includes a seemingly endless number of DJs and MCs, as well as a huge quantity of singer/songwriters. Click here to see the latest SXSW 2008 Rumored and Confirmed Band List.

One singer/songwriter whose name has not appeared on the confirmed list but has unexpectedly burst onto the rumor list today is the legendary Ringo Starr. Starr is in the states promoting his new release Liverpool 8 and has just announced a surprise set in L.A. at The House Of Blues on January 25th. As a bonus if you buy a copy of the new CD at Amoeba Music in Hollywood you can get a free "bypass the line" pass to get you into the party for free. For more details on how to see Ringo check out his web site at http://www.ringostarr.com

Ringo is not actually "touring" but word on the street from my sources is that he has a few more of these party stops planned around the U.S. and there may be a SXSW stop on that schedule. Considering that SXSW is fast becoming one of the U.S. premier events and attracts more press than a Brittany Spears court appearance, this would be a perfect event to showcase the new album. I contacted his U.S. publicist for confirmation on this or any other U.S. dates and got lots of "no comments" and "can neither confirm nor deny" though they did promise to send me a copy of the new disc. SXSW had Robert Plant in 2005, Pete Townsend in 2007, Ringo Starr in 2008 certainly has a nice ring to it (no pun intended).

News: Even More SXSW Bands, As I Lay Dying Rocks La Zona Rosa

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:56:00 -0600

As I Lay Dying at La Zona Rosa - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

I took a break Tuesday night to let the LCD screen burn in my retinas reset. Vince over at Metal Blade Records invited me out to check out a couple of his bands playing down at La Zona Rosa. Evergreen Terrace and As I Lay Dying and they tore it up at La Zona Rosa. The band requested no barrier and no security and the show turned into a free for all. I spend all night ducking and snapping pictures from the crowd trying to avoid getting clotted over the head by the dozens upon dozens of crowd surfers. The bands and the fans had a blast. It was great to see Austin's metal crowd out on a drizzly Tuesday in such numbers. Check out my pictures of all the stage diving craziness in our photo gallery.

On to SXSW 2008 news...

The lineup for the Japan night set is up, and once again it's fronted by The Emeralds, moving them from the rumored to the confirmed list. At least 30 more (just a hair under 400 total now) bands have been added to the confirmed list including Carbon/Silicon with Mick Jones (The Clash) and Tony James (Generation X) and 80's band Was (Not Was). I did get a chance to talk with Roky Erickson's people about the benefit but they refused to divulge this years performers and would neither confirm nor deny the R.E.M. rumor. No new rumors as yet but as I always, if I hear it you'll here it. To check out the latest rumors and confirmed bands coming to SXSW Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

News: Dolly Parton Confirms for SXSW, Les Claypool Announces Tour Dates

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:41:49 -0600

Les Claypool and his Fancy Band at Stubb's BarBQ, Austin, Texas on 6/19/07 - more photos...
photo by Jeff Barringer - staff photographer

Moving from the rumored list to the SXSW confirmed list today is Dolly Parton, who confirmed her SXSW appearance on her web site. Added to the rumored list is Eric Clapton, which would please many local guitar slingers. Clapton does have a local connection in Doyle Bramhall II, who plays in his band and is a river city local. Imagine the dustup at the door if he played Antone's! The SXSW 2008 unofficial band list has grown again, and we are rapidly approaching the 400 band mark. Keep those confirmations and rumors coming!

Primus frontman, and club kingsnake favorite, Les Claypool has announced more dates on his spring tour and though he does not confirm a SXSW appearance, his schedule includes a "mysterious gap" between the Langerado festival and his show in Seattle that would leave him available for a Wednesday or Thursday appearance at SXSW. Here is his tour schedule so far...

02/14/08 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues
02/29/08 Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Theatre
03/01/08 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
03/03/08 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
03/06/08 Big Cypress, FL Big Cypress Seminole Reservation
03/14/08 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
03/15/08 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
03/18/08 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
03/21/08 Milwaukee, WI The Rave Eagles Club
03/22/08 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
03/25/08 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
03/27/08 Dallas, TX House Of Blues
03/28/08 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
03/29/08 Austin, TX Stubb's Bar-B-Q
04/01/08 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
04/02/08 San Diego, CA House Of Blues
04/04/08 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
04/05/08 San Francisco, CA Warfield Theatre

News: Megadeth Announces GIGANTOUR 2008

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:38:00 -0600

Megadeth at The Rave, Milwaukee WI; September 19, 2007 - more photos...
photo by Brian Rampacek - staff photographer

Dave Mustaine and the crew at Megadeth have announced this years GIGANTOUR 2008 dates with the tour launching on April 12th in Denver and ending May 22nd in Phoenix, Arizona. Joining Megadeth this time out will be In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job For A Cowboy and High On Fire. Megadeth hits the road with new guitarist Chris Broderick (Nevermore, Jag Panzer), who replaced Glen Drover. Tickets are available at http://www.gigantour.com/

4/12 Denver, CO The Fillmore
4/13 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
4/15 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre
4/16 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete Street Pavilion
4/17 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre
4/19 Louisville, KY Louisville Gardens
4/20 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
4/22 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
4/24 Worcester, MA Palladium
4/26 Baltimore, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
4/28 Quebec City, QC Pavilion De La Jeunesse
4/29 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
4/30 Toronto, ON Arrow Hall
5/1 London, ON John Labatt Centre
5/3 Detroit, MI DTE Music Center
5/4 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amphitheater
5/6 Chicago, IL Aragon
5/7 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom
5/9 Minneapolis, MN Myth
5/10 Winnipeg, MB Convention Center
5/11 Saskatoon, SK Prairieland Exhibition Hall
5/12 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Center
5/14 Calgary, AB The Corral
5/16 Vancouver, BC Pacific Coliseum
5/17 Salem, OR Salem Armory
5/19 San Jose, CA Event Center @ San Jose State
5/20 San Diego, CA Cox Arena
5/21 Los Angeles, CA Long Beach Arena
5/22 Phoenix, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre

News: SxSW 2008 - Over 313 Confirmed Bands/Artists So Far...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:06:59 -0600

And the list seems to grow by the hour. People are asking "how did you come up with this list". The majority of the artists on the confirmed list have either come from SxSW, the band's web site, the band's myspace, and pollstar. A few have been sent in by the bands, a few from publicists, and a few from very well connected friends. The artists on the rumored list are also divined by a variety of methods. Some are artists that have asked me not to be "confirmed" yet, most came from "secret sources".

The oddest rumor? Far and away Dolly Parton is the strangest rumor, yet it comes from one of my best sources.

The most unlikely rumor? That would be a toss up.

Lou Reed and John Cale don't get along so the chances of any sort of Velvet Underground reunion are slim, but at SXSW stranger things have happened. The Foo Fighters are also pretty unlikely but there is a week's gap in their tour schedule so the possibility exists. For all you Pearl Jam fans, there is a strong chance that either Pearl Jam or Eddie Vedder will play. Not only was the rumor given to me by a good source, Eddie did the soundtrack for one of the films premiering at SXSW and Pearl Jam has no tour schedule listed freeing them to play. As I have mentioned before, The Beastie Boys and Matisyahu have both played SXSW before recently, they are both playing the Langerado festival in Big Cypress the week before, the same one R.E.M. is headlining, and both of them have gaps in their tour schedules where SXSW would appear. The same could be said about Les Claypool, a repeat-returning SXSW veteran, also at Langerado, also with a blank space in his tour schedule.

New on the rumor list tonight? Deep Blue Something, who scored with the single "Breakfast At Tiffanies".
Joining R.E.M. as bands moved from the rumored to the confirmed list are The Frantic and All Time Low.

Just how big a band can play SxSW? Really, anyone could play at this point, and ruling out a band as being
"too big" for the festival would be a mistake. Huge bands play small clubs during SXSW but even if say
a Led Zeppelin announced a tour stop, between Zilker Park and Memorial Stadium we would surely have
a venue for them. Bands don't play SXSW for the money. They play for the buzz, the press, the experience.
SXSW really is the new Sundance, without all the snow. Movies, Internet, Music, SXSW is the one place where everything comes together. It's like an upscale Disneyland for adults for a week.

Click Here To Check Out The SXSW 2008 Band List!

News: Roky Erickson's Ice Cream Social, More SXSW Band Announcements

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:33:07 -0600

Roky Erickson at the 2007 Ice Cream Social - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - contributing photographer

Talking with Roky Erickson's people over the weekend I have confirmed that the Ice Cream Social is on again this year. Roky's annual event is scheduled for Thursday March 13th from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Threadgill's World Headquarters
at 301 West Riverside in Austin. Last years event saw Peter Buck of R.E.M, Robyn Hitchcock and Spoon show up to do sets, but as of yet there is no word on who this years lineup will be. I know that we will be there eatin
chicken fried steak and ice cream and enjoying the sunshine and the music. When we get the word, you'll get the word. In the mean time, swing on by Roky's web site over at rokyerickson.net

Well It's time to move the SxSW 08 list to its own page. I must have added another 20 or so bands since Saturday, and doubtless will be updating it again soon. To see the latest list of bands and artists both rumored and confirmed to be playing SxSW in Austin this year check out the SxSW 2008 Band List

News: Even More Confirmed SXSW 08 bands...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:46:48 -0600

Just when you think you can put the keyboard down for a day, I have a whole list of more confirmed bands sent in by users. Keep em coming and I will keep posting them! And keep sending in those rumors too!

More SxSW 2008 Confirmed bands

Vancougar
Alina Simone
KAM
Film School
Sean Hayes
elephone
Magic Bullets
The Dodos
LoveLikeFire
Loquat
Nyles Lannon
The Heavenly States
Mud
Built For The Sea
Sugar and Gold
Poor Bailey
Bedroom Walls
Tungsten Coil
The Voom Blooms
Le Concorde
AM
THE BROTHER KITE
SECRET SHINE
KOSHA DILLZ and C RAYZ WALZ
BLAGGARDS
telling on trixie
The Western Paradise
dreamend
Lebanon
Your Favorite Enemies
Akala
Ivy League
IDLEMINE
Carlis Star
Intrinzik
Pinstripe
Colin Gilmore
Kate Bradley
They came from Taiwan
Ari Shine
Wussy
Tripdavon
Varo
Popup
CopaCrescent

News: SXSW - The "Unofficial" List

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:46:41 -0600

At this point artists announcements and rumors are coming in faster than I can collate them into posts so its time to revert to "the list". Below is every confirmed band that I am aware of as well as all of the rumors that have crossed my desk. If you know a confirmed band that needs to be added, or hear a hot rumor or even want to start one, let us know!

SxSW 08 Rumored Appearances

Adele
Duffy
Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam
Les Claypool
Beastie Boys
Matisyahu
Robert Plant & Allison Krauss
Velvet Underground
All Time Low
Thievery Corporation
Ani DiFranco
Minus The Bear
Umphrey's McGee
John Waite
The Foo Fighters
The National
The Roots
STS9
Ozomatli
Blind Melon
Ghostland Observatory
Rage Against The Machine
The Toadies
Wilco
Morrissey
The Wailers
The Frantic

SxSW 08 Confirmed (speakers & performers)

Arp

Ash Grunwald

A Place to Bury Strangers

Birthday Suits

Bjorn Torske

Black Helicopter

Blitzen Trapper

Bowerbirds

Bun B

Daniel Lanois

Daphne Willis

Daryl Hall

DeVotchKa

Foreign Born

Fleet Foxes

Frightened Rabbit

Hanne Hukkelberg

Jens Lekman

Joe Lean and The Jing Jang Jong

Justin Townes Earle

Kim HiorthÃ¸y

KXP

Lightspeed Champion

Lindstrom

Lou Reed

Man Man

Moby

MGMT

My Brightest Diamond

My Morning Jacket

Nada Surf

Nicole Atkins & the Sea

Ouija Radio

Peelander-Z

R.E.M.

Ra Ra Riot

Ralph â€˜Soulâ€™ Jackson

Robyn

Screamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons

Shawn Sahm

Sia

Sons & Daughters

Sunny Day Sets Fire

Tera Melos

Tech N9ne

The Black Crowes

The Black Keys

The Breeders

The Dodos

The Gusto

The Heavy

The Kills

The Raveonettes

The Pendletons

The Von Bondies

The Stills

These New Puritans

Tussle

Uffie

Vampire Weekend

White Williams

News: Manson Announces Austin Gig; More SXSW bands...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:10:45 -0600

Marilyn Manson at OzzFest 2003 - more photos...
photo by gary miller - contributing photographer

Cruising Pollstar today looking for new SXSW announcements I was surprised to see Marilyn Manson has scheduled a gig at the Austin Music Hall on March 1 and Joe Jackson has scheduled a show at The Paramount on April 28th. Also if you have a thing for U.K. music, a neat band called Beat Union all the way from Birmingham will be playing down at Emo's on Feb. 1 with Bedouin Soundclash. The songs I have heard sound a lot like The La's crossed with The Specials, and they are really neat. Can't wait for their new CD. If you don't want to do the Flogging Molly set at Stubb's on February 1. or can't get in, Beat Union would be a great alternative.

Speaking of SXSW, It wouldn't be an Austin music news post without putting out the latest rumored appearances. This time a NEW source has told me to keep an eye on the The Frantic, All Time Low, Thievery Corporation, Ani DiFranco, Minus The Bear, Umphrey's McGee, and here is an interesting one, John Waite, formerly of The Babies. Another odd one to watch, The Foo Fighters. I'd love to see Dave Grohl and his band perform. Another source has told me to watch for an R.E.M. surprise show in addition to their showcase, most likely at Roky Erickson's Ice Cream Social over at Threadgill's, but it could also be an instore at Waterloo Records. Last year's instore with Iggy Pop was insane. That would be incredibly awesome.

Also keep an eye on Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, rumored to have a spring tour in the works with a rumored stop at Bonaroo. Plant is a former SXSW keynote speaker so that would increase the odds.

Bands known to NOT be doing SXSW this year include Austin locals Grupo Fantasma, My Chemical Romance, The Whigs, Jimmy Eat World, Slayer, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and Liza Minelli. Finally, the Meat Puppets will not be at SXSW either, they will be embarking on a tour with Built To Spill that starts in L.A. on February 22nd, goes all the way to the east coast and then ends almost back where it started, in Solana Beach, Ca.

News: Black Crowes Announce SXSW Gig; Alice Cooper To Judge Contest

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:28:29 -0600

Alice Cooper 2008 Photo Contest Judge - more photos...
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

Moondog reports that KLBJ-FM radio in Austin announced that the Black Crowes will be playing Austin's SXSW festival on March 15th at Stubb's, and this is also listed on Pollstar. Moondog also reports that Rush has annnounced on it's web page an Austin stop on their late spring tour. Though no venues have been announced, it will likely be Austin's Backyard, or UT's Frank Erwin Center. Keep watching here for details.

Still no word on the venue for the Go Go's announced stop in Austin in February. They Might Be Giants will be at Stubb's on March 5th, followed by the Dropkick Murphys on March 7th, both taking advantage of that pre-SXSW buzz. Over at La Zona Rosa they still have tickets left for January gigs by As I Lay Dying on the 15th, Robin Trower on the 27th, and The Bangles on the 31st.

Blues legend B.B King will play the Austin Music Hall on April 6th, tickets go on sale this Saturday, and Robert Smith brings The Cure to the music hall on June 8th, tickets on sale soon.

Trout Fishing In America will be at The Cactus Cafe in UT's Student Union on February 9th,
Actor/Musician Jeff Daniels of Dumb & Dumber fame will be performing there as well on January 23rd, followed by Al Stewart (Year of the cat) on January 26th. Tim Finn of Split Enz & Crowded House will play the Cactus on February 19th.

The L.A. Guns are booked into a brand new venue run by Broken Teeth's business manager called Rock City Icehouse of February 20th.

Finally, for those waiting in anticipation for our 2007 concert photo concert results,
finalists have been selected and submitted to our judge, Alice Cooper, the snakefather of rock & roll. Results will be posted soon!

News: The Station - Fifth Anniversary Charity Fundraiser

nospam@example.com (Cindy Steinle) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:42:23 -0600

Tesla at La Zona Rosa - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

When I opened my mail from Janie at All Things Possible, I saw something that made me remember a night I wish I didn't. The Station Nightclub Fire in 2003 was a horrible night of never ending news bulletins bouncing between CNN, Fox, MSNBC, etc. I waited patiently waiting to see if Ty Longley was safe or not. I "knew" him somewhat from his time spent as guitarist for Samantha 7. He was a damned funny and nice guy and, unfortunately, he left us too soon. Along with Ty there were many others that lost their lives or were severely injured and many of those still recovering need your help.

Tom Scholz (Boston), Aaron Lewis (Staind ), Tesla, Twisted Sister, Stryper and others, along with host Dee Snider are scheduled to perform Monday, February 25, 2008 at Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island at the Fifth Anniversary Relief Fund Charity Concert.

The charity event marks the fifth anniversary of Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs.

The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta are event organizers. While one hundred thousand dollars was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing.

All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station Nightclub fire. The Station Family Fund is committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Additional artists scheduled to perform on February 25 include Carmine Appice's SLAM, Eric Martin, Gary Hoey, Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine. More bands and artists will be announced over the next few weeks.

Organizers would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of the Dunkin' Donuts Center for graciously donating the venue free of charge for the charity event, as well as East Coast Lighting, WHJY and the many acts who are donating their time in putting together this event.

Tickets went on sale Friday, January 4, 2008 at Ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $41.00 to $61.00.

For further information on the Station Family Fund and their work, please visit their website.

News: R.E.M. Confirms for SXSW; Velvet Revolver Plays Stubb's

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:52:33 -0600

The Cancer Bats at SCENEFest- more photos...
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

Well It looks like I owe my source at least 1 beer. R.E.M. HAS confirmed for Austin's SXSW according to the latest brochure mailed to badgeholders, so that's one I can scratch off my rumor list. Best bet is that they will play the new Austin Music Hall, or failing that, Stubb's. It would be great if they were the main act for the free Zilker stage but that would create an ACL Fest sized stampede and I don't know that there would be that much parking in all of downtown Austin.

I will post more SXSW updates as they come in. Keep sending those tips!

January looks like it will be a busy month for concerts. Personally I am torn between the just announced Velvet Revolver show at Stubb's OR The Bangles show at La Zona Rosa. They're both scheduled to play on January 31st and much as I have always wanted to meet Slash (and talk about his reptile collection, natch.), I have always had a thing for Susannah Hoffs and the way she rolls her eyes. We will see what happens.

Other neat stuff happening in Austin this month, Junior Brown is playing Antone's on the 12th, the Cancer Bat's show at Emo's on the 15th conflicts with As I Lay Dying over at La Zona Rosa the same night. Information Society plays Elysium on the 18th. Two Ton Boa play's Emo's on the 18th as well, and that will be a great show.

Our friends in Nashville Pussy play Emo's on the 20th, and on the 24th anyone lucky enough to score a ticket will get to see Hannah Montana at the Frank Erwin Center. Finally I am hoping to catch the Robin Trower set at La Zona Rosa on the 27th just to hear him play "Bridge of Sighs".

News: 2007 Austin Live Music Scene In Pictures

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:31:00 -0600

Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly at La Zona Rosa - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staffWhat a busy year 2007 was. My last band of the year was the New Years Eve performance by Reckless Kelly at La Zona Rosa and it was a great way to cap the year. Even without ACL Fest I still managed to shoot over 120 bands or artists performing in and around Austin. I shot lots of different venues, lots of different genres, met lots of neat people and had a huge amount of fun along the way. I want to thank everyone that helped, especially the following:

Emily Smith and her team Direct Events (La Zona Rosa, Austin Music Hall, The Backyard)
Laura Montez and her team at the Frank Erwin Center
Elizabeth Derczo and the SXSW crew
The gang at Antone's
Everyone at Emo's
The staff at The Red Eyed Fly
Clint Gilders
Christy Keith
Therese Kopiwada
Susan Barringer
Moondog
Jay West
Ray Wylie Hubbard
Paul Collins
The Zico Chain
Hugh Cornwell
Les Claypool
Kerry King and everyone in Slayer

I spent some time over the holiday organizing all my photos by thumbnail. If you have a high-speed internet connection, click on "Continued" link below to relive Austin's 2007 concert season. Enjoy!
Continue reading "News: 2007 Austin Live Music Scene In Pictures"

News: SXSW Update! Lou Reed and more rumors swirling...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:56:00 -0600

Les Claypool SXSW Veteran - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

Ok by now everyone knows that Lou Reed has been announced as the keynote speaker at this years SXSW, however, somewhere a rumor has surfaced that their "might" emphasize "might" be a quasi Velvet Underground reunion in the works. While it is VERY unlikely, weirder things have been happening lately, especially with all the reunion fever and the potential big paydays for those "it'll never happen in a million years" shows we saw in 2007 (Police, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, New York Dolls). I have all my feelers out and will let the world know what develops.

In other SXSW rumor news, a very well connected birdy has given me a list of some very likely candidates to make official showcases OR very surprise appearances. His list includes the following bands...

R.E.M.
The Beastie Boys
Matisyahu
Les Claypool
The National
The Roots
STS9
The Wailers
Ozomatli
Blind Melon
Ghostland Observatory
Ani DiFranco

Since most, if not all, of these bands and artists have performed at SXSW in the past, and they have all been announced at other spring festivals, odds are high that this list is correct. Peter Buck of R.E.M. has done sets at Roky Erickson's Ice Cream Social which occurs during SXSW, including last years, and last year the rumor was that R.E.M. would make a surprise appearance. That rumor turned out to be wrong, though I don't think anyone was disappointed when Spoon played instead.

Les Claypool is a SXSW veteran and I would be surprised if he didn't play in some format. He was already on my rumor list, so consider this a double confirmation. Blind Melon was also on my list. The Beastie Boys did a surprise set at SXSW 06 and pal Matisyahu has a history at SXSW as well.

Keep those rumors and tips coming in!

News: Christmas Present from The Toadies; Winehouse gets lump of coal

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:14:00 -0600

Toadies at the Austin Music Hall - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

The re-united Toadies, out on the road for a sold out tour of Texas and regions southern, have posted a Christmas present for their fans on their MySpace page. Copies of their single "Santacide" can be downloaded FREE for a limited time.

We had a chance to talk with Toadies frontman Vaden Todd Lewis last month before the tour started and we caught their sold out set at the Austin Music Hall on Friday. Watch for a review shortly, and check out pics from the concert in the photo gallery. Download your copy of "Santacide" today, it makes a great stocking stuffer.

One person who just got a big lump of coal in her Christmas stocking is Amy Winehouse. The troubled troubadour was arrested yesterday, by appointment, in the investigation of her husband, who remains jailed in an "investigation into perverting the course of justice." Winehouse has been released and will be due back to answer more questions in March of 2008. That probably nixes any chance of a SXSW08 appearance.

Someone who WILL be making a SXSW 2008 appearance will be Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, who is now on the schedule for an interview. Could this lead to a Sonic Youth SXSW gig? It could indeed, or it could lead to a solo gig or side project gig. I got a chance to say hello to Thurston outside of Stubb's before the Sonic Youth gig earlier this year and would love to see them perform again.

A little birdy just flew in the window to let me know about an upcoming TV commercial starring one of our
favorite snake handling rock stars. Alice Cooper, and a very large jungle dwelling constricting snake, just got done shooting a commercial to be aired during the upcoming superbowl. Alice named the snake "Dumpling". I have more details, but why spoil the surprise :)

Finally, Dangerous Toys frontman Jason McMaster dropped more than one hint about some Dangerous Toys
reunion gigs in 2008 in an interview to be published here, later this week. Check back on Friday to listen to the whole interview.

The BBC loses its mind over holiday song

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:19:03 -0600

Via blogger Lyle Masaki at MTV/LOGOonline.com's AfterElton.com:

In Britain, Kirsty MacColl (who died seven years ago today) and The Pogues' Christmas-themed song "Fairytale of New York" is an annual tradition. The tune gets the kind of play "All I Want for Christmas is You" does in the States. (I. Am. So. Envious.) However, after twenty years of annual airplay, BBC 1 Radio has begun playing an edited version of the popular song.

If you're unfamiliar with "Fairytale of New York," MacColl and Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan play a raucous couple who spend their Christmas bitterly fighting with each other over broken dreams and wasted opportunities. Amid the many insults the couple throw at each other, MacColl sings "You scumbag, you maggot/You cheap lousy faggot/Happy Christmas your arse/I pray God it's our last". This year, BBC Radio is playing an edited version which, according to a BBC spokesperson, had the word "faggot" faded down, taking it out of the song.

With the song being an annual tradition, the change is controversial. The late MacColl's mother, Jean, called the alteration "ridiculous" while a Pogues spokesperson said that the band found the change amusing, considering that the song has been heard for so long without incident. Fans, meanwhile, are making the predictable cries of "It's political correctness gone too far!" as can be seen in the comments of this BBC Radio blog. (One comment interestingly notes that "slut" was also edited out, though the controversy entirely focuses on the f-word.)

An update to the entry says the BBC has backed down and gone back to the original and completely brilliant version. Video of the song, in all its filthy holiday glory, after the jump...

Continue reading "The BBC loses its mind over holiday song"

The Best Take on the Best-Ofs

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:04:31 -0600

So I was wandering the Internets looking for something completely different and came across this little gem of a blog entry over on, of all places, the website of Mother Jones -- the progressive news and political magazine. Who knew they had a music blogger? Who knew said music blogger was basically extremely very enormously funny?

The topic? The just-released "Best of 2007" lists from Rolling Stone and Spin magazines:

Spin, America's Snottiest Mainstream Music Ragâ„¢, and Rolling Stone, America's Grumpy-Old-Man-iest Music and Whatever Else They Damned Well Feel Like Publicationâ„¢, just posted their best albums and best singles lists, respectively, and there aren't really too many surprises. Spin goes out on a limb with their #1 slot, awarding Against Me's New Wave "Best Album" honors. It's a good CD, but the choice smacks of a certain "we're down with the mall-rat Hot Topic punk-rock haircut emo kid crowd, please buy our magazine" desperation that Spin, in their insecurity, descends to a lot of the time. Other than that, you couldn't get a more same-old, same-old two through ten.

The whole juicy thing, including both mags' lists, is here.

News: Ike Turner Dies, Scott Weiland Charged, Scott Stapp Uncharged

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:19:00 -0600

Ike Turner at SXSW 2001 -
photo by gary miller - contributing photographer

Legendary Ike Turner who along with wife Tina Turner won a Grammy in 1972 for the song "Proud Mary" and also had hits with "Nutbush City Limits" and "River Deep, Mountain High", passed away in his home in San Marcos California at the age of 76. Berated by critics and fans after claims of abuse by his ex, and crippled
by a cocaine addiction, he began a comeback and performed at Antone's in Austin at SXSW in 2001. Check out
Micheal Corcoran of the Austin 360's post about that show.

Former Creed frontman Scott Stapp beat a domestic battery charge after his wife accused him of throwing a bottle at her in May. Stapp struck a deal with prosecutors that required him to undergo anger and substance abuse counseling as well as ridding himself of any weapons in his possession and in return the charges were dropped. Now if he can just make up with 311...

Current Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland has been formally charged with a DUI after a Nov. 21 accident in California. Weiland refused to take a blood or urine test, showed "signs of impairment" and failed sobriety tests. The former frontman for Stone Temple Pilots has been convicted twice in the past of related crimes, and this time faces up to a year in jail. Of course with California's easy in, easy out celebrity jail system it's doubtful that the ink will dry on his fingertips before he is released due to "overcrowding" though that may only be for the girls, as 24 star Keifer Sutherland has found out. Sutherland is doing a 48 day stretch for his own repeat drunk driving conviction.

Finally, the Clark County coroners office has released the cause of death for Quite Riot frontman Kevin Dubrow. The singer was found dead of an accidental cocaine overdose on Nov. 25th at his Las Vegas home while taking a break from touring.

News: Download Zico Chain's Single FREE! Win Original Andy Partridge Art!

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:55:00 -0600

The Zico Chain at SXSW 2007 - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

Post Grunge/Neo-Metalists The Zico Chain, two time SXSW veterans from the U.K. currently have their single "Where Would You Rather Be" from their debut album Food available for FREE on their MySpace. Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/zicochain

Fans of the band XTC have a chance to win the original artwork from frontman Andy Partridge's 2007 Christmas Card. All you have to do to enter is take a 20 question XTC trivia quiz before December 31, 2007. Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/xtcfans

News Austin's Skunks Announce Reunion Show

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:03:00 -0600

Jesse Sublett and The Skunks in 2006 - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

In what is becoming a Christmas tradition, seminal Austin punk/new wave band The Skunk's has announced a 1 night re-union show at one of Austin's infamous punk-meccas of the 70's and 80's, The Continental Club on December 21st..

Combining the avant garde sound of bands like the Talking Heads and Television with roaring guitarwork and a beat you could slam dance too, The Skunks set the bar high for other local Austin bands that few achieved. Rare for Austin's burgeoning punk scene, they could actually play their instruments and for years
was known infamously around town for being Austin's loudest band.

Mainstream success always seemingly right outside their grasp, during their heyday they filled Austin clubs like Raul's, Duke's Royal Coach, and toward the end even Liberty Lunch to capacity. Fronted by bass player and vocalist Jesse Sublett, the quintessential Skunks lineup and the one slated for the re-union show includes Billy Blackmon on drums and Austin Musician of the Year for 2006, Jon Dee Graham, on guitars.

Seeing Jon Dee Graham perform is worth the price of admission itself as his resume includes working with John Doe and Excene Cervenka of X, Ry Cooder, Kacy Crowley, Calvin Russell, Eliza Gilkyson, Kelly Willis, John Hiatt, Michelle Shocked, and Patty Griffin as well as countless others. After his original tenure with The Skunks, Jon went on to form the True Believers with Javier and Alejandro Escovedo.

With an audience guaranteed to be filled with old friends, fans will hope to hear classics like "Earthquake Shake", "Gimme Some", and perhaps even the crowd favorite "Cheap Girl", notably absent from last years set. No word on whether Jesse's ex-band mate Kathy Valentine of the Go Gos will be in the crowd, but certainly other luminaries from Austin's past present and future will be in attendance.

News: Is it too early to talk about SXSW yet?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:33:15 -0600

Tom Morello at SXSW 2007 - more photos...
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

The answer is it's never too early to talk about SXSW, and with March right around the corner the news will start to come fast and furious. Aside from Moby and Daryl Hall only a few other artists have been announced so far, like Rapper TECH N9NE and London based Avant-Dubbists Dokkebi Q. Other than that the folks at SXSW have been pretty tight lipped, and though I have heard no rumors as yet I will be happy to start a few, or maybe re-kindle some old ones.

Jeff's SXSW 2008 Rumors and Speculation

Morrissey is playing/Morrissey isn't playing/Morrissey is god, take your pick. Your probably 50/50 on this one as the morose meatless musician seems to play here a lot, and has played SXSW more than once in the past.

Any band with the word "Black" in their name has a 20% shot just based on percentages. Score an extra 30% if they have played SXSW in the past and an extra 10% if one of the band members has a hair color not found in nature.

The Zico Chain, probably not. Though I wish they were coming, they did the last 2 SXSW's in a row and to ask lightning to strike a third time so soon is probably pushing it. If they do show up I will be there.

Rage Against The Machine. If I were a betting man, and sometimes I am, I would say chances are good that Rage will play SXSW 2008. Tom Morello played SXSW last year and that was the rumor then, Now with a few more festivals under their belt the reformed Rage is ripe for the picking.

Slayer/Metallica, both probably not. Austin is not known for it's depth in the metal culture, nor is SXSW known for attracting a metal crowd. Slayer won't be touring til fall anyway and I just don't see Metallica on the bill.

The Toadies I would bet will either do an official SXSW showcase or do their own show at one of the premier venues just prior. Either at Stubb's of the Austin Music Hall. Since their 2 sold out nights before SXSW at Stubb's last year they have booked a few more shows and word on the street is that there may be some new Toadies material in the pipeline.

I suspect Blind Melon will showcase. With Travis Warren taking over the reigns from the late Shannon Hoon in 2006, these guys have been polishing themselves up for the road. They are already booked into one festival in early March, it would be great to see them here as well.

Wilco MIGHT, MIGHT show up and showcase. They will be touring around then and have a week downtime before starting an Australian tour.

Led Zeppelin/The Police/Van Halen - keep dreaming. Unless they hold it in Zilker Park we don't have a venue that will hold the crowd they would draw, and the price on the wristbands would need a substantial increase just to cover the parking fee's for all the tour buses. While I would love to be wrong, I just don't see it happening.

Something with Les Claypool. Could be Primus, could be his Fancy Band, could be something we have never heard of yet. I just have a feeling.

Amy Winehouse? I'm takin odds that they will never let her in the country again, much less issue her a work visa.

Now for some Austin music news that's NOT speculation.

For all of you coming in early for SXSW Interactive, Canada's Protest the Hero will be playing at Emo's on Saturday March 8th. It's not a SXSW showcase but will be a good way to take a break from all the interactive activities.

Here are a few more picks of some of the bigger named road shows coming to Austin in 08.

Thu 01/10/08 George Strait Frank Erwin Center
Thu 01/10/08 Little Big Town Frank Erwin Center
Tue 01/15/08 As I Lay Dying La Zona Rosa
Sun 01/27/08 Robin Trower La Zona Rosa
Thu 01/31/08 The Bangles La Zona Rosa
Fri 02/01/08 Flogging Molly Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Mon 02/04/08 Go-Go's TBA
Thu 02/14/08 Sherwood Emo's
Wed 02/20/08 L.A. Guns Rock City Icehouse
Fri 02/22/08 Cobra Starship Emo's
Fri 02/29/08 Flatliners Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Fri 02/29/08 NOFX Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Fri 02/29/08 No Use For A Name Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Tue 03/04/08 Pat Metheny Paramount Theatre
Sat 03/08/08 Protest The Hero Emo's
Sat 03/08/08 The Devil Wears Prada Emo's
Mon 03/17/08 Acid Mother's Temple Emo's
Fri 03/21/08 The Moody Blues Austin Music Hall
Sun 04/06/08 B.B. King Austin Music Hall
Tue 04/15/08 Ministry La Zona Rosa
Sat 05/17/08 Reverend Horton Heat Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Sun 06/08/08 The Cure Austin Music Hall

News: Christmas comes early for Austin live music

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:46:00 -0600

Blue Man Group at the Frank Erwin Center
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

Austin music venues have gone out of their way to bring a whole slew of great bands and musicians to town this December, and Saturday December 1st was just a start for what promises to be a busy holiday season.

Last night the Blue Man Group brought their huge "How To Be A Mega-Star Tour 2.1" show to the Frank Erwin Center, while over at La Zona Rosa metal fav's Avenged Sevenfold brought a whole troop of metal bands with them to entertain a sold out crowd.

Meanwhile over at Antone's Asleep At The Wheel's crowd was awake enough to recognize Late Night's Paul Shaffer when he stopped in to jam with Ray Benson and crew. No word on whether David Letterman was in the VIP room for the set, but Letterman and members of the Late Night team have been seen around town for the past couple days.

And that was just last night...

Avenged Sevenfold at La Zona Rosa
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

On Tuesday the legendary Todd Rundgren, taking a break from The New Cars, will be performing at Antone's, on Wednesday Peter Case, formerly of the Plimsouls, and Texas music legend Gurf Morlix will perform down at the Cactus Cafe at UT's Student Union.

On Thursday Dinosaur Jr. will be performing at Emo's and if you have any strength left by Saturday you can check out The Bobby Bones Show Anniversary Bash with Lifehouse, Sean Kingston, Good Charlotte, Baby Bash, Three Days Grace, and Boys Like Girls at the brand new and recently re-opened Austin Music Hall.

On Tuesday Dec 11, multi-platinum recording artists and pioneer metro-sexuals Simon LeBon and Duran Duran will bring their show to the Austin Music Hall. Thursday Dec 13 SXSW veterans Silversun Pickups will be doing a set over at Emo's. On Friday Dec 14 you will find club kingsnake at the Toadies show over at the Austin Music Hall, hopefully we will get a shot at a video interview and put all those new album rumors to rest one way or another.

If you can work up post-turkey energy on Wednesday Dec 26 Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be at the Frank Erwin Center, and the Arc Angels have two re-union shows at Antone's on Thursday Dec. 27 and Saturday Dec. 29. Also having a re-union show the same night will be the Old 97's at La Zona Rosa.

That's just a few of the bands performing in Austin during December. For a more complete listing check out Pollstar.com

Avenged Sevenfold at La Zona Rosa - photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

News: Kevin Dubrow of Quiet Riot Found Dead In Home

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:45:43 -0600

Kevin Dubrow of Quiet Riot at Antone's - more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

Blabbermouth is reporting that Kevin Dubrow, frontman for the legendary Quiet Riot has been found dead in his Las Vegas Home. The news was broken by longtime friend Michael Politz of The Vegas Eye

I am sad to have to report the passing of one of my closests friends, Kevin DuBrow. DuBrows body was found by friends, on Sunday in his Las Vegas home.

Club kingsnake recently covered Quiet Riot's show at Austin's Antone's niteclub back in July. Kevin and Quiet Riot were instrumental in helping metal break into the mainstream in the 80's. He will be missed by metal fans world wide.

Jason McMaster former frontman for Austin's Dangerous Toys and whose band Broken Teeth opened for Quiet Riot's Antone's gig had this to say...

I heard he had a crazy set at the Rocklahoma metal festival this year. He was really in his element. He is going to be missed. A lot of people loved that guy.

We will post more information here as it becomes available.

Music News: club.kingsnake.com contributor signs on for winter tour with Hello Operator

nospam@example.com (Staff Reports) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:14:00 -0600

club.kingsnake.com contributor Andrew Stricko has just signed on as drummer for Canadian buzz band Hello Operator. 19 year old Andrew was formerly the driving force behind upstarts Make It Your Business. With that band on hiatus Andrew has set his sites on bigger and better things, and he told me:

i am beyond excited for this, it's been too long since i've been playing shows. as for the tour, they are calling it a "warm up" just to get everything down and tightened in a show setting...

Knock 'em dead kid!

Andrew Stricko with Make It Your Business
photo by clint Gilders - staff photographer

The Following dates have been announced so far:

27 Dec 2007, The Belmont - Detroit, Michigan
28 Dec 2007, Savage Fun Center. - Elgin, Illinois
29 Dec 2007, The Verve Nightclub - Terre Haute Indiana
31 Dec 2007, The Manhattan Club - Omaha, Nebraska
1 Jan 2008, Ciceroâ€™s - St. Louis, Missouri
2 Jan 2008, Soundpony FREE SHOW!!! - Tulsa, Oklahoma
4 Jan 2008, The Cowgirl - Santa Fe, New Mexico
7 Jan 2008, Press Club - Sacramento, California
8 Jan 2008, Satellite- Reno, Nevada
9 Jan 2008, Club Moscow @ Boardners - Hollywood, California
10 Jan 2008, Beauty Bar - San Diego, California

News: club kingsnake welcomes a new staff photographer

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:23:00 -0600

Austin is just too big for me to handle by my lonesome. Clint has been getting help up in Toronto from contributors Stewart Stick and James "Trash" Sampson, and now I have someone to help me pick up the slack here in Austin. Jaime Butler, a budding new music photographer, has shot a couple shows for us now and we are glad to have her on board as a full staff member. I first met Jaimie at the Army of Anyone show at La Zona Rosa earlier this year and then ran into her again at the Meat Puppets.

Peter Frampton at The Backyard
more photos...

Dweezil Zappa at Hogg Auditorium
more photos...

Music News: Wanna See Protest The Hero for Free??!?

nospam@example.com (ClintG) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:40:08 -0500

Protest The Hero at Warped Tour, Barrie.
photo by clint gilders- staff photographer

Protest The Hero is playing six free sets in Toronto this weekend at the Northern Digital Expo!! It's an awesome video game trade show, conference, competition and you can get in for free all weekend long to hang out, and maybe even try your GH3 skills against Moe.

All you have to do when you get to the front gate is say:

Protest The Hero's 'Fortress' January 29th 2008

That's their new record. It's gonna be like god, and butter, and soup. Everything good.

Here's some further info:
Continue reading "Music News: Wanna See Protest The Hero for Free??!?"

News: Kid Rock Waffles Out

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:36:50 -0500

Kid Rock - more photos...
photo courtesy Gary Miller

Kid Rock, whose pugilistic exploits at this years VMA's drew both hoots of derision from his ex and an offer to further his boxing career professionally, appears to be willing to fight for his right to waffles.

MSNBC is reporting that the scruffy light middle weight (middle light weight?) was arrested after a 5:00 a.m. brawl at a Waffle House restaurant following his show in Atlanta. Apparently the kid, and his entourage, got into it with another customer, after the customer recognized a woman traveling with the entourage had words, and then got into an altercation with Rock. Rock was arrested a short time later on a misdemeanor charge of simple battery, and he and his entourage spent the day in the county jail. Released at 5:00 pm, they were just in time to catch the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity special at the nearby IHOP.

My advice to the kid, either stop hanging out at The Waffle House, or quit dating women that hang out at The Waffle House.

iTunes strikes back

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:31:09 -0500

Well, they say competition is good for consumers.

I checked out the Amazon.com mp3 store a week or two ago, and wrote about it here. I believe I said it was entirely possible Amazon could be the iTunes slayer:

(T)he tracks are recorded at 256 kpbs rather than 128 kpbs (which means much better sound quality), they are free of the restrictive Digital Rights Management software that means you can't play them on anything but an iPod or your computer, and ... Amazon had a lot of music iTunes didn't -- although the reverse, he said, is also true, given that iTunes has 6 million sings and Amazon, so far, only 2 million.

So I went to Amazon and checked it out. And I found that:

With the installation of a tiny little helper program, the download is incredibly easy and pops the songs right into iTunes for you.

The sound quality is much, much better.

The files play on anything, my iPod, my computer, can be burned onto a CD, and can be played on any other kind of MP3 player, made by Apple or not.

The songs cost either less, or the same, as iTunes -- and you don't pay extra for unrestricted tracks, likeyou do on iTunes; that's all Amazon sells.

And it was all done with one click, using my pre-existing Amazon account.

I guess iTunes thought they were looking like a threat, too, because today they sent me a little note letting me know there'd be some changes 'round the ole iTunes store:

We've lowered the price for iTunes Plus songs to 99Â¢ and expanded our selection to more than two million songs, including new albums from Iron & Wine, Band of Horses, Sharon Jones, JosÃ© GonzÃ¡lez, and more. With high-quality 256-Kbps AAC encoding and no DRM (digital rights management), the iTunes Plus catalog is the largest DRM-free catalog in the world. And that means you can play iTunes Plus music on any iPod or other digital music player and an unlimited number of computers.

Okay, Amazon.... your turn!

News: Marilyn Manson as God?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 07:52:00 -0500

Marilyn Manson
photo courtesy gary miller

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

The Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Associated Press are reporting that 14 year old school shooter Asa Coon was wearing a black Marilyn Manson T-Shirt when he went on his rampage, and that he idolized Marilyn Manson. "Students said Monday's fight was over God â€” Coon told his classmates he didn't believe in God and instead worshiped rocker Marilyn Manson".

No stranger to controversy or lawsuits, it won't be long before the lawyers and media once again set upon the performer in a mis-begotten effort to shift the blame. It's not the first time that music has been made the scapegoat for societies and individuals ills.

Not only has Manson been targeted previously (and wrongly) in the Columbine shootings, performers such as Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer and Judas Priest have all been implicated in wrongful death lawsuits or criminal behavior attributed to their fans. Though the courts have come down in the favor of the artists so far, citing first amendment rights, the mainstream media in general has been less kind.

Is it right to hold artists responsible for the actions of mentally unbalanced fans?

News: SXSW08 anyone? Also Return of the Dinosaurs

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 22:10:10 -0500

If you haven't got your badge and hotel reservation for SXSW 2008 in Austin Texas you may already be a day late and a dollar short. Hotel rooms in the downtown area are almost all booked up for the music portion, and rooms for the interactive and film portions are filling fast. Badge prices went up on Saturday as well, and will go up again each month until the event.

One person that doesn't have to worry about a room reservation or a badge for SXSW08 will be Moby. As part of the 2008 SXSW Film Conference, Moby will participate in a session entitled â€œA Conversation with Mobyâ€?. The session, scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, will take a look at the musicianâ€™s relationship with cinema and will include a look at â€œmoby gratis,â€? the musicianâ€™s new endeavor to offer some of his music, free-of-charge, to independent filmmakers. For more on SXSW check out http://www.sxsw.com

Club kingsnake will be providing extensive pre-SXSW interviews and on scene coverage again this year for all 10 days of the event. We already have our badges and reservations and will be sending at least 3 staffers. If your a musician, band, or artist planning on performing or showcasing at SXSW 2008 and would like to be part of our coverage with an interview or performance video let us know! We will start providing coverage as soon as the band list is announced.

In other music news....

Did you hear the one about The Police, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and The Sex Pistols all reforming in the same year? I don't know what hellish alignment of planets was required for this to occur but if Fleetwood Mac announces a reunion as well I will have to assume the world is ending. The Pistols have announced they will be playing a private warm-up club date at the 500 seat Roxy in Los Angeles on October 25 before jetting off to the U.K for a tour. The U.K. tour, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of their Never Mind The Bollocks album, has added more dates after the 3 shows in London sold out in 15 minutes. Led Zeppelin on the other hand will play only one more "reunion" gig according to Robert Plant â€œThereâ€™ll be one show and thatâ€™ll be it,â€? the magazine Uncut quoted him as saying. â€œWe need to do one last great show because weâ€™ve done some shows and theyâ€™ve been crap,â€? he added. Led Zeppelin's sold out reunion show will be at the O2 Arena in London on November 26

Is Amazon the iTunes killer?

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:33:50 -0500

I was wandering around the Internets as I often do, and I was reading one of my personal favorite bloggers, Machinist, who mentioned that he loved Amazon's new beta music download store and thought it was much better than iTunes. He pointed out the tracks are recorded at 256 kpbs rather than 128 kpbs (which means much better sound quality), they are free of the restrictive Digital Rights Management software that means you can't play them on anything but an iPod or your computer, and that Amazon had a lot of music iTunes didn't -- although the reverse, he said, is also true, given that iTunes has 6 million sings and Amazon, so far, only 2 million.

So I went to Amazon and checked it out. And I found that:

With the installation of a tiny little helper program, the download is incredibly easy and pops the songs right into iTunes for you.

The sound quality is much, much better.

The files play on anything, my iPod, my computer, can be burned onto a CD, and can be played on any other kind of MP3 player, made by Apple or not.

The songs cost either less, or the same, as iTunes -- and you don't pay extra for unrestricted tracks, likeyou do on iTunes; that's all Amazon sells.

And it was all done with one click, using my pre-existing Amazon account.

So I sat around and looked at the pretty shiny iTunes store where I've spent so many happy hours, downloading songs and TV shows and feeling a little thrill every time I pressed the button to buy something. I petted my iPod, which I love more than I've loved any other inanimate object except perhaps the black leather, high-heeled lace-up boots with red, turned down perforated leather cuffs that Prince would have killed for in the 80s, and I thought: Machinist is right.

Amazon's gonna kill iTunes. Check it out here.

Tour News: Austin Rocks in October, Cure Announces Tour

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:01:00 -0500

Protest The Hero - more photos...
photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

October is shaping up to be pretty hard rocking month here in Austin, with a whole bunch of neat tours coming through town, but with a whole bunch of interesting conflicts. Even the Frank Erwin Center is getting in on the act.

Canada's Protest The Hero will be playing, along with All That Remains down at Emo's on 10/5, but I'm torn because thats the same night The Meat Puppets and Sonic Youth will be playing at Stubb's. I don't know if I can see both shows but I am willing to try. Luckily nothing seems to conflict when fellow Canadians Alexis On Fire play Emo's on 10/11.

Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush will be dusting off their amps and playing at Antone's on 10/6. Talk about classic rock, I think I still have an LP of theirs from the 70's somewhere around here. For even more classic rock, check out Peter Frampton out at The Backyard on 10/18, or the Doobie Brothers on 10/26. Chris Isaak will also be playing The Backyard on 10/13.

Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah - more photos...
photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer

Korn will be bringing their back-assward logo typewriter to town, on 10/17, along with Vinnie Paul's Hell Yeah, Five Finger Death Punch, and Droid over at the Frank Erwin Center. If you can't catch that show, then head over to Emo's on the same night to catch the Melvins.

Another set of Canadians, the Tragically Hip, will be playing La Zona Rosa on 10/18 and that conflicts
with Chevelle's make up set on the same night at Stubb's.

The Erwin Center will be the scene of mobs of teenagers on 10/23 for Cute Is What We Aim For, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes and the Plain White T's. A mob of grown up teen's will probably be at the show by former teen hearthrobs Hanson at La Zona Rosa on 10/27.

Finishing out the month on 10/28 we have Sinead O'Connor at Hogg Memorial Auditorium, Dax Riggs on 10/30 at Stubb's Bar-B-Q and make sure to wear a costume on Halloween when you catch The Dandy Warhols at La Zona Rosa.

Thats just a FEW of the interesting road shows coming next month. Looking WAAAAAAY off in the distance Robert Smith and The Cure will be playing at the remodeled Austin Music Hall on June 8th, 2008 and thats a show I will be at, photo pass or not.

News: What Stripes?

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:33:12 -0500

While the rest of the world is still busy coming up with alliterative comments to describe Brittany Spears' performance on MTV's music awards show, Austin is all a twitter with rumors after the White Stripes pulled out of both ACL Fest and their after-show performance at Stubb's. While there is no refund available for ACL tickets, those who purchased tickets for their show at Stubb's can contact them about a refund.

Fans moved quickly to start lots of rumors about replacement acts (U2, ZZ Top, and just about everyone imaginable), but Charles Attal of C3 productions equally quickly quashed those rumors by announcing that the other bands would just move their sets back, with Muse taking the White Stripes' slot. This now makes three acts, the others being Amy Winehouse and Rodrigo Y Gabriela, that have canceled their ACL appearances this year, leaving fans wondering if there are more cancellations on the horizon.

One ACL artist showing no signs of canceling is Bob Dylan. Still slotted as the ACL headliner, Bob has announced that he will be doing an ACL aftershow at Stubb's. Fans hoping for tickets shouldn''t worry, as there are none available. Tickets were offered first to Bob's fan club members, then one thousand were made available to the public on Monday through a pre-sale. Those didn't even last an hour.

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news, rumors, and buzz compiled from around the web by the club.kingsnake staff

News: Gearing up for a busy concert month in Austin

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:53:25 -0500

Incubus at La Zona Rosa- more photos...
photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

It seems like I have hardly recovered from yet another miserable Delta Airlines experience flying back from Daytona when I have to gear up to travel again. After having to share half my seat, literally, with a morbidly obese woman on an over-sold flight out of Atlanta, who could have figured that Delta's policy(according to my flight attendant Micheal Lamb), was to ask ME to take a later flight or squeeze in between my seat mates. While they continued to board stand-by passengers, I found it odd that I should have to either donate half the seat I paid for or suffer. The seat frighteningly almost collapsed under our weight on take off.

After Delta left me stranded on the tarmac in Atlanta for 4 hours last year and for 8 hours in Dallas the year before that, you'd think I'd have learned my lesson by now. Come to think of it of the last 7 flights I took on Delta, 3 of them qualify for listing in the "worst flights of my life" category. I would sooner pedal a unicycle naked to Florida than fly Delta again.

After spending almost 2 hours crammed into half a seat either between or upon my 2 seat mates, it's no wonder I came down with a monster head cold. It left me floored and unable to see ANY shows for the last week, even missing Perry Ferrell's Satellite Party when they came to Emo's over the weekend. I am still not 100% but luckily my first show back, September 1st, only requires that I travel to San Antonio. I will be heading down on Saturday to check out the Slayer/Marilyn Manson show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, courtesy of Kerry King and the boys in Slayer. I may get lucky and if Kerry has the time we might just squeeze in an interview. If not, see below...

If Slayer/Manson wasn't playing on the 1st it would be a tough call on who to go see. The Goo Goo Dolls are playing at The Backyard on September 1st as well, and UK based "trance-core" punk musicians Enter Shikari are playing down at Emo's. Tickets are available for both. One thing tickets are NOT available for is the sold-out Incubus gig out at The Backyard on September 3rd, but tickets are still available for The Black Crowes on September 5th, also at The Backyard. We have requested passes to both so we may get lucky and have some great pictures from those shows.

On September 7th I will board another great silver bird and will fly out to California to cover the NARBC expo for our reptile web site. You can bet that I will NOT be flying Delta.

While I am in Anaheim I MAY get Kerry King to let me film his reptile collection, and I am for sure going to cover a neat indie band called the Hymns playing out in West Hollywood on Saturday Sept 8th. I should be doing stills, an interview and some live performance footage. I had hoped to cover Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on their home turf on Friday September 7th, but haven't been able to hook up with them.

Ok so that covers the FIRST week of September. If I survive that I might try to squeeze in a little of ACL fest, but the rest of September appears to be just as busy. Thanks to Kerry for the Slayer hook up, to Jason Roberts of the Hymns for getting me a music gig while I'm in in California, and as always thanks to the whole team at Direct Events and The Backyard. It's been a great summer concert season and it's not even over yet.

News: He's just lucky he didn't pick an Oasis song...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:31:38 -0500

Not even Simon Cowell's criticism is as painful as that of Seattle's Lindsey Lawrence. Lawrence, who apparently has a problem with songs by the band Coldplay, pummeled an "unnamed victim" in a karaoke bar with more than just harsh words when the victim chose to sing Coldplay's song "Yellow". After telling the singer that his "singing sucked" that the song "fucking sucked", Lawrence grabbed the mic and then began punching the vocalist in an effort to get him to stop singing. (This sounds a lot like my brothers wedding reception.)

While we empathize with her sentiments regarding some of the music emanating from the Isles of late, we can only wonder how long before she gets her own show on FOX as well. For more on this see the complete story and police report at The Smoking Gun.

News: Free Willie, Van Halenagain, and More Tour Info...

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:28:36 -0500

Gee whiz, didn't we do this story back in February?....

Haven't checked the with the Vegas odds makers on this yet but after The Police reunion's big payoff a Van Halen reunion is probably certain at this point, and reports are that tour dates will be announced Monday. Expect them to visit a huge stadium nowhere near you in the near future with ticket pricing nearing the stratosphere.

Willie Nelson is headlining Austin's Freedom Fest today along with Asleep At The Wheel, and his daughter Paula Nelson. Freedom Fest. A fund raising concert that focuses on the benefits of marijuana and supports four different policy reform gorups, will be at Austin's Backyard. Tickets are still available, but they have already run out of Doritos and they haven't finished the sound check yet. Lots of other munchies will be available for sale in the concession area and rumor is that Woody Harrelson will be there demonstrating a Segway made entirely of hemp. Hey, is that Matthew McConaughey on the bongos? Ask him if he's seen my car keys...

Isn't it ironic? Eddie Vedder is mad as hell and he's not going to take it any more. Pearl Jam's singer is miffed at AT&T's accidental editing of anti-Bush statements that he made at this weekends Lollapalooza. While AT&T, who provides web casts of major concert events through their free Blue Room service, admitted it occurred, was a mistake and not intentional, Eddie wasn't satisfied and took the opportunity to rail against the "increasingly consolidated control of the media". Of course the irony is that he did this using his BLOG which was picked up by every major wire service on the planet, as well as just about every music blogger in the world. Eddie if the internet has taught us anything its that any idiot, even me, can be a journalist and not even Dick Cheney can block us all.
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news, rumors, and buzz compiled from around the web by the club.kingsnake staff

News: Tours, CD Releases, On the Mend

nospam@example.com (Jeff Barringer) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:50:39 -0500

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in San Antonio, Sept. 1" />
Kerry King and Slayer will play the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
in San Antonio, Sept. 1 - more photos... photo by jeff barringer

by jeff barringer
club kingsnake staff

Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Paul Stanley of KISS, felled on their current tour by an irregular heartbeat. KISS decided to go on with the show at Soboba Casino in San Jacinto as a trio, but no word yet on the status of the tour or on Paul's medical status. Ozzy Osborne was in the hospital as well, suffering from a reported blood clot in the leg. After undergoing an outpatient procedure, Ozzy was released and, trooper that he is, is headed back out on the Ozzfest tour.

New CDs popping across our desk here include a new version of Carole King's Love Makes The World. Re-released as a 2-disc set on her own Rockingale Records, the expanded edition includes 5 bonus tracks, behind the scenes video footage, a "making of" feature, a rare in-depth interview, and videos for "Love Makes The World" and "Safe Again."

Also out is jazz and blues guitarist Charlie Hunter's new disc "Mistico.". This disc from the Charlie Hunter Trio, formerly on Blue Note, is available on the Fantasy Records imprint, and combines elements of jazz, fusion, rock, and blues in a recording that is in parts comparable to some of Jeff Beck's early work. Austin's Billy Harvey has a new disc out as well, called Bearsick, and it's distinctive and different, moody and brooding, and hard to categorize. Stripped, raw, and basic, the sound is dark, in a Chris Isaac or REM-at-half-speed sort of way. Bearsick is available on the Gold Records label.

The summer tour season chugs on in Austin, with Jesse Sublett of the Skunks doing another solo set at Flipnotics on Barton Springs this Friday, August 3. New York's Dream Theater is bringing their King Crimson-influenced progressive metal to the Backyard on Saturday, August 4, followed by the Austin Freedom Fest on Friday, August 10, with Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel headlining. The Backyard follows that with the Goo Goo Dolls on September 1, and as much as I want to be there, I'll be hooking up with Kerry King and Slayer, touring with Marilyn Manson, down in San Antonio at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on the same night. I'll be back at the Backyard on Sept. 3 covering the sold-out Incubus show, followed on Sept 5 by a Black Crowes gig.

In fact, September is so busy in Austin, with Henry Rollins, Tesla, and the Average White Band all performing at La Zona Rosa along with a whole slew of other artists, that, as much as I want to, I have too much on my schedule to provide ACL coverage this year. I'm sure some of our users will be submitting pics, and I can always log into AT&T's Blue Room to watch the highlights. That's what I'll be doing this weekend with their live streaming web coverage of Lolapalooza. Heck, I might even enter their contest and try to win a trip to see the Smashing Pumpkins at Red Rocks on September 30.

iTunes sells its 3 billionth song

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:14:22 -0500

With just a little help from me, Apple announced that today it sold its 3 billionth song. From one of my fave blogs ever, Machinist:

Apple announced this morning that it had sold its 3 billionth song on iTunes (for those of you who have trouble doing missing-penny math, the $.99-per-song take on that is $2,970,000,000). As Ars Technica notes, the milestone follows recent news that Apple, which sells about 10 percent of all music in the U.S., is now the third-largest music retailer in the country -- it's ahead of Amazon.com and behind only Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

The catch? Apple makes just about zero pennies from that, letting the music companies have all the cash. They do it so you'll keep buying iPods.

So far it's working, too. Story here.

Heavy metal helps pit bulls in need

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:31:21 -0500

It's not often I have a story that can be cross-posted to the PetHobbyist.com blog, but this one can.

From a report by Bad Rap:

We were so bummed: Our golf tournament fundraiser - the event that was supposed to kick off our Nemo Fund for emergency medical costs - was cancelled when too few people signed up to play. Boo hoo!

It's hard to know if golfers aren't big on pit bulls, or maybe pit bull people just don't do golf? Or maybe we're just really bad at advertising?

No worries, because Heavy Metal came to the rescue last night. Five bands played their hearts out for the pit bulls at Gilman Street and donated all costs to the cause. By the time security kicked in their fees and show goers emptied their pockets, the Nemo Fund was alive and well. Woot!

Worhorse came up from Los Angeles to do their good deed. They were in the line up with Attack Disarm Takeover, Arise, Wendol and Chromium Six. Our deaf dog Honky Tonk had no complaints about the loud music - He loved it!

Full story here, with more photos.

Congress tells industry: Don't kill web radio

nospam@example.com (Christie Keith) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:12:00 -0500

Web radio was about to be dealt a death blow by the implementation of a massive new royalty plan from SoundExchange, which collects music broadcast royalties, and the Copyright Royalty Board. From ace electronic gadget blogger Machinist:

Many Web radio outfits feared closure as their legal fight against staggering new music royalty rates met failure this week. On Thursday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to block the new rates, which are scheduled to go into effect Sunday. But as a result of public outcry -- which, in turn, sparked congressional outcry -- SoundExchange, the recording-industry group that collects royalties, has agreed not to immediately enforce the rates, pending negotiations with webcasters.

I just spoke to Tim Westergren, the founder of Pandora, the hugely popular Internet radio station that allows people to create personalized music channels. I asked Westergren if Pandora will shut down Sunday: "No, we won't," he said.

This is great news for small, independent and non-commercial websites that stream music to listeners. Or maybe not great, but at least, something less than deadly.

So, what happened? Wired reports:

Thursday's deal marks a sharp turnaround for SoundExchange, which told Wired News just hours before that the new online radio royalty rates are "etched in stone."

Observers credited lobbying by net radio listeners with helping bring pressure on SoundExchange. "This is a direct result of lobbying pressure, so if anyone thinks their call didn't matter, it did," said Westergren. "That's why this is happening."

The deal opens the door for longer-term solutions, including action from Congress. On Thursday, Rep. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) called parties representing record labels and webcasters before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to try to broker a deal that would allow online radio stations to survive in something similar to their current form, while still paying labels and artists their due.

Machinist credits people power with the victory, too:

The negotiations between SoundExchange and the webcasters now center on these rates -- and they're taking place, Westergren notes, "under the watchful eye of Congress." And that, he says, is the main news today. "The reason this deal is happening is because of congressional pressure, and congressional pressure is happening because of people calling in. Everybody needs to know that. A million people in the last three months have called Congress about this. And Congress has said, Look, if you don't solve this, we will. That's very explicit."