Rebel Fans Rally to Send Love & Light to Leah

"Pull me up on either side, don't leave me standing alone in the light."

A couple of weeks ago, I was just about packed and ready to head to Los Angeles for Moon Block Party to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Angels and of course, my rebel family, when I got word the night before my departure that drummer Leah Shapiro was sick and the show was most likely going to get cancelled.  I made the tough decision to cancel my trip, thinking that the illness was probably just a bad case of the flu and that all was fine and that I'd just save my trip for another time.  The next day, as I was feeling regretful for canceling and wishing I had boarded that plane, the news finally came from Leah herself regarding her illness. 

 

She shared with us her personal story of what the last few months have been like for her as she started showing symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as Chiari Malformation, a condition that affects the fluid from the brain stem.  Because this was affecting her playing, the band regretfully announced that they would have to cancel this and any other upcoming shows in the near future so that Leah could have surgery and recover to get back to being the beautiful badass behind the kit she is.  Immediately, love and support from fellow fans and friends came pouring in and we were all left wondering how we could help.  My friends still attended the music festival BRMC was supposed to play and I just felt so sad being away from them during this time.  It really hit us all so hard that one of the brightest souls on the planet could be having to fight this battle and I can't imagine the fear and worry that she must also be going through as her livelihood is put on hold while she waits for relief. 

 

Leah has a smile that radiates whenever you see it.  You just want to be near her light.  I was late in joining this family and wasn't around during the Nick Jago days, but it is clear that since she has joined BRMC, she has brought something completely different to the band that has bonded them closer together.  They truly are like brothers and sister.  I had the amazing opportunity to say "hi" and meet Leah after their show in New Orleans last year.  She was rushing to meet friends as they were heading out on the road in just under an hour, but she took the time to let me tell her how much their music meant to me and that I loved watching her play.  She even took a picture with me, which sometimes getting her after a show can be a little difficult.  The fact that she did that when she could have just blown me off cemented why these three are so special in my heart.  I've grown up around music all my life, but it wasn't until I first saw Leah play that I was drawn towards her thriving beat of the drums.  Even when I listen to their albums, I just listen in awe at how fierce yet delicate she really is.  Her fierceness and drive will be what carries her through this along with all of the love and support from the rebel family across the world.

 

Leah and I after the Civic Theater show in New Orleans last year. 

 

And family is what we indeed are.  In less than a week after a Go Fund Me account, entitled Pass the Helmet for Leah, was set up by my good friend and brother iAN Ottaway, we are already halfway to our goal of $33,300.00 which will go towards her surgery taking place at the end of November along with her subsequent recovery.  The band has also released a special edition "I Want to Beleah" t-shirt which will also go towards this very special cause.  I believe the first day those shirts were on sale, they had already sold out of almost every size, another testament to how special this band is to its fans.  We still have a ways to go, but every little bit helps and it just keeps that spirit alive that there are still a lot of really good people out there.  I can't wait to be back with my rebel family watching Leah, Robert and Peter take the stage that first time after her recovery.  Until then, her light will continue to shine brightly as she blazes through this journey with a world of love by her side. 

 

 

Here's to You My Little Love: Paying Tribute to Michael Been

For two nights in April of last year, the stars aligned and magic was made as the members of The Call and Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club came together to pay tribute to Robert's father and The Call frontman, Michael Been, who had passed away back in 2010.  I remember being with my parents that night here in Texas and telling my father, who was fortunate to see The Call back in 1986 on their 'Reconciled' tour, that these shows were happening and how cool it would have been to be able to be there and experience it live.  Being a thousand miles and two time zones away, I had no idea the magnitude of those nights, but lucky for me I would be able to still be a part of bringing one of those nights to life for everyone to enjoy.  And little did I know that in just over a week another Been would be forever changing my life when Robert and his band came to Houston for that fateful night.

It was a night about three years in the making ever since Robert reconnected with his extended musical family, those guys in his dad's band that he grew up with, Tom Ferrier, Scott Musick and Jim Goodwin.  You see, The Call never disbanded due to some high amount of drama or falling out.  Michael was just simply ready to hang up his bass guitar, but the remaining members always had that fire burning in their hearts to play together again.  When Michael passed away in August 2010, the seed was planted, but to make it grow would take a couple more years.  Then, in the midst of Robert preparing to embark on his own tour with BRMC upon their latest album release, he was still able to give The Call fans something they had been hoping would happen for many years, a reunion.  This wouldn't just be any reunion, however, as Robert would take the helm as frontman for the evening, singing his father's lyrics and even playing that very popular bass that his father played for so many years.  The very same bass that was stolen years before, but thankfully some vigilant Call fan spotted it, saved it and returned it to its rightful owner.  Robert is no stranger to his father's music.  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club do a very remarkable cover of "Let the Day Begin" and Robert's version of "You Run" never ceases to bring a tear to my eye, but on these two nights he would have to deliver in a way that would not disappoint those long time Call fans.  

Robert Levon Been with original members of The Call.

Not too long after the shows, The Call and BRMC announced that they were launching a Pledge Campaign in an effort to bring the Troubador show from April 19th to those that couldn't be there and allow those that were there a chance to relive it for years to come.  So, I quickly pledged to receive my T-Shirt, DVD and digital download.  Months went by, the goal was met and then we started receiving our gifts.  First the shirt, then the download of the album, but there was no word of the DVD.  We then started receiving messages from The Call that it was a work in progress because they wanted it to be perfect.  And then, after months and months of waiting, we received our DVD of that beautiful and magical night.  I was so excited to finally receive this gem in the mail because this was going to possibly be the only way I'd ever get to see The Call perform live in my lifetime.  

Once I received my DVD, I let it sit for a couple of weeks, because if you've read any of my other pieces, you know it has to be the "right" moment for me to experience music.  I knew that this performance could be a little emotional for me, so I waited until I had that perfect bottle of wine to accompany me and then I just pushed play.  I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I had seen the teasers that were sent to those that pledged and I had seen videos from those nights on YouTube, but there can sort of be this idea that when a band that hasn't played together in years gets together, a band that has "aged," you might cringe at them getting up there and maybe taking a chance of embarrassing themselves.  That was not the case at all with these guys.  It was almost as if time stood still and picked up where they left off.  And Robert.  Well, Michael had a voice that probably no one could ever match, but Robert blew me away the way he brought his own touch to his father's music yet keeping it original at the same time.  These guys played together so tightly and sounded so perfect for only being able to rehearse for a short amount of time.  Robert looked like he was at home on stage with those guys just like he does with his own bandmates.  Robert even admits that the songs seemed easier when listening to them on the record, but he played them and sang his heart out as if he had written them himself.  I think my favorite moment was when they did "I Don't Wanna." It was so emotional and I truly felt like at that moment Michael was sitting up there watching this show with the biggest smile on his face.  There are some great surprises and bonus features as well, but you have to get your own copy to see.  I shed a few tears, but it was all in good love for two bands that I adore.

To say my life has changed ever since BRMC stepped into my heart would be an understatement, but The Call also played a huge part in my life growing up and I am thankful I was able to be a part of this Pledge Campaign to make this happen.  There are still plenty of copies left, they're even signed by the band members, so go and get yours and bring home this special piece of music history for you to experience for yourself.   And maybe if we're lucky and Robert's crazy enough, they'll embark on a mini tour for all of us to experience live.  Thank you to all that were involved.  You made this girl very happy.  Until next time, sweet friends.   

A Little Texas Heart + Soul Heads to the Rebel West

It's been months since my last hit and the withdrawals have been brutal. There's nothing like that almost out of body experience that takes you out of your head and into a happier place. That rush from the energy around you when nothing else matters but that moment. It's the dope in my black tar veins that keeps me feeling alive. I try to quit but this addiction will hold me for the rest of my life for it is in that moment when I finally feel at home. And in just a few weeks, heaven will surround me once again. 

I am of course talking about a concert, but not just any concert.  In just a few short weeks, I will be heading west to Los Angeles to see my third Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show.  A show that I honestly did not think would happen this soon.  Partly because of logistics of getting there and partly because after their European tour earlier this year, Rob told a good friend of mine that they were done for the year and taking a much needed and much deserved break.  Luckily for us, that break did not last very long as summer dates started trickling in and the dream was lit alive once again.  

 

Peter Hayes and brother iAN after the last L.A. show in October.


When I caught up with BRMC in New Orleans last October, I was fortunate to also finally get to meet and spend a lot of time with the famous iAN Ottaway from "Ask iAN" on the band's website.  It was like meeting someone you had known your entire life, which is pretty much how it goes in this family, and we shared a lot of great things that night; stories, Cheez-its, a bed.  Hey, keep it clean here, I was helping out a friend.  Anyways, I had a good heart to heart with iAN about something and three words that he told me that night have stuck with me ever since, almost becoming my new mantra or motto.  "Make it Happen." That was what he told me and I took it straight to heart.  So a few days later when he posted this picture of himself and Peter after the last show in Los Angeles, I said right then and there that I will be at the next L.A. show no matter what.  While I had *hoped* that my chance would come soon, I hesitated to get my hopes up too high because I knew they were going to want a break soon, yet something kept telling me I would be seeing them sooner than I thought.  Slowly but surely, dates started trickling in for summer festivals and one off shows in Spain and Italy.  They announced they were opening for Pearl Jam in the UK and for the Arctic Monkeys in Los Angeles.  I almost pulled the trigger on that show, but that same voice from earlier told me to wait since seeing them for their own show is the way to go.  Then, that magical day in May happened and BRMC announced they would be doing a show in August before their Arctic Monkeys date.  I, of course, freaked out like a little girl and immediately started making plans to get out there.  And quickly it all fell into place.  Like magic.    

  

This trip is going to mean a lot to me.  Not only will I get to see a band that I adore who has brought so much good into my life since falling in love with them, but I get to see my brother iAN again and finally meet so many members of my rebel family.  Of course, not everyone will be able to be there, but that just keeps the dream alive that one day we will all be at that mega show.  Until then, I hope California is ready for this Texas girl because I'm ready for you, all ready for you!  

Dirty Glitter: Changing Lives One Track at a Time

My good friend and partner in crime, Brody Ramone, DJ extraordinaire to her internationally syndicated indie radio show Dirty Glitter, is doing something that is pretty awesome! She has recently partnered with Liquid Spins to help change the world through the power of music- one track at a time.

Log into Brody's official music store and for every download, LiquidSpins will split 50% of the profits to help a non profit organization. From March-May the proceeds will benefit Focus - Family Outreach Community United Services in Toledo Ohio.

The next time you want the latest hit song, or a classic from days gone bye - Log on to her store and together we can all make a difference in someone's life!

Here are some benefits when you purchase music from Brody's store :

1. LiquidSpins is splitting the profit 50/50 on ALL music sales with Focus of Toledo.

2. All music purchased from her store is DRM FREE. This means you can install your music on ALL of your personal devices!

3. Music downloaded on Liquid Spins may be played using any audio application including iTunes.

4. With 50% of the profit going to FOCUS, the organization will be able to provide more help and services to the community's homeless families and individuals.

Brody will select a different non-profit group within the U.S. every three months! Such an easy way to get some great music and do a little good for your soul. 

Dirty Glitter + Loudest Sound Join Forces

When I first discovered and fell in love with that certain band last year, I never dreamed of the amount of inspiring friends I would gain as a result.  One of those amazing people that fell into my world was a rockin' lady named Brody Ramone.  Brody is like my sister from another mister and she has been a great sense of support when it comes to my writing and just an all-around fantastic friend to have my back.  

Brody also has pretty awesome taste in music.  I mean, she does love Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but it does not stop there.  For the last three years, Brody has been the host and producer of her own indie radio show called Dirty Glitter.  Every week, Brody plays the latest and greatest in indie music and she recently went global and is now syndicated in England on Hoxton FM with the possibility of other syndications waiting in the wings.  In addition to her radio show, Ramone has formed collaborations with YAY! LA Magazine and High Voltage Magazine furthering her presence in the indie music world.

So, it is with great honor, excitement, joy and gratitude that I get to announce that I have now teamed up with Brody to keep this machine going and see just how far we can go.  Loudest Sound and Dirty Glitter will now be working together to continue bringing the world the best music has to offer.  When I first met Brody, I knew that I needed to figure out a way to work with her and absorb that knowledge she has stored up in that brain of hers and felt this was a great way for me to push myself and get out there and take this little blog of  mine to the next level.  I will be assisting Brody with interviews, reviews and other stories so keep your eyes peeled for those to start rolling in.  I am so thankful to have this wonderful opportunity.  This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship and I cannot wait to see where things go from here.  Watch out world!

Born Tonight: An Evening With Plowboy

It was not a typical winter’s night in Dallas last Friday.  The air was slightly warmer than the usual Texas version of frigid temperatures.   When the wind blew, it was as if it was filled with an excited electric current that pulsed to your heart.  Poor David’s Pub was brimming with a collective anticipation as a large crowd began to form waiting for the band to take the stage.   That band was the very impressive Plowboy.

Young Dallas band Plowboy has had a pretty formidable year.  On the heels of their debut album release, Headlong and Roaming, they scored the chance of a lifetime opening up for their heroes Black Rebel Motorcycle Club who was on tour in support of their latest album.  Plowboy struck gold again when BRMC invited them back out to play that magical night in New Orleans.  With all of the support they garnered from those very special shows, tonight was to be all about them.  No frills, no fuss, just pure rock and roll. 

If Led Zeppelin, The Doors and BRMC had a love child, its sound would be Plowboy.  And when Jonah and company take the stage, some may be surprised to see that these rockers are barely old enough to have their driver’s license let alone know who those classic bands are, but do not let that fool you.  Nobody ever told these guys they were too young to rock.  The sound these four young souls create is enough to blow the roof off the joint while commanding an audience to their feet and keeping them captivated for their entire set.  It is pretty evident from the first few chords of opening song, “Reaching,” that there is a huge amount of pure, raw talent developing that rivals that of many bands twice their age.  Frontman Jonah Smith belts out each lyric with his powerful voice as he fiercely plucks each string on his guitar, as if each one had wronged him in some way.  Then there's lead guitarist, Evan O'Brien, who wickedly makes his guitar sing with every lick and note while rhythm section Isaac and Colin maintain that driving force, never missing a heart stopping beat.  “Wits End” gets the audience fired up and from there the band plows through their catalog of tracks including "Hard Right," "Cold Fever," and "I Wouldn't Touch Her She Smells Like Suburbia." A grand mixture of songs from their debut album as well as newer gems that will certainly find their home on Plowboy’s next recording endeavor. 

As usual with great live shows, the end comes much too quickly leaving the fans always wanting more.  Plowboy is not done with their magic just yet as they dive into the melodic and shoegaze inspired piece, “Love You from a Distance,” which carries that little spark of influence from their heroes.  It also happens to be my favorite song by the band.  And then, just like that, the set was over and the withdrawals begin to set in. 

This young band certainly continues to leave its mark in the hearts of those that get to experience their soulful light in person. Their originality and pragmatic ways will keep them around for many years to come as they carry on that rock and roll torch, sharing their music with the world. 



Set List:

Reaching
High Strung
Wits End
Hard Right
Get Moved
Ever-Change
Cold Fever
I Wouldn't Touch Her She Smells Like Suburbia
Love You From a Distance

Plowboy are: Jonah Smith (lead vocals/guitar), Evan Obrien (lead guitar), Isaac "Iko" Brodsky (bass/vocals), Colin Scruggs (drums)

The Cure, Temples Announce Upcoming Shows

Monday morning was met with great news as two bands that I adore, The Cure and English psychedelic band Temples, announced their upcoming plans for 2014.

 

Last week it was announced that The Cure would headline the Teenage Cancer Trust event that will be held in London at Royal Albert Hall in late March.  The original March 29th date quickly sold out in a matter of seconds forcing the band to add on a second date for March 28th which also sold out.  Knowing that those two dates would not be enough to quench the thirst for more Cure shows, the band made an official announcement that it has plans to finally release the long awaited "dark" album that was supposedly recorded during 2008's 4:13 Dream sessions as well as release several live DVDs.  The biggest, and most exciting news, was that there were also plans to do another "Trilogy" tour this time featuring the albums The Top, Head on the Door and Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me putting to rest the rumors that were circulating that this would indeed happen.  Dates have not been announced yet, but hopefully that information will be coming soon as I can already bet that I will have to do some traveling to catch this show. 

 

And as if that news was not enough to make my head spin on this cold Monday, British band Temples announced that they were going to be making an appearance at this year's Austin Psych Fest which will be held May 2-4, 2014.  I had been toying with the idea of going since the lineup so far had been pretty great with more artist announcements coming soon, but this news might have been the tipping point in that decision.  I suppose I better start saving my pennies for all of these shows I plan to attend this year.  It is looking to be another fantastic year in live music.  I already have some stellar shows lined up and hope to continue to add to the list as the months go on.