The Alarm, JA's Gene Loves Jezebel and Belouis Some coming to Buffalo on May 14th

During music television's heyday, music blossomed and proliferated... and three of the bands who were instrumental in building that explosion - The Alarm, Gene Loves Jezebel and Belouis Some - raked in massive amounts of TV time, radio hits, and cultural attention... and they're coming to Buffalo, NY on Tuesday, May 14th to Asbury Hall.

THE ALARM, JAY ASTON'S GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

and BELOUIS SOME

Announce LIVE TODAY LOVE TOMORROW TOUR MMXXIV

FEBRUARY 22, 2024 (New York, NY) – “This tour will be a chance for a generation of fans - both old and new - to step back into the future and celebrate a time that defined millions of people's life soundtracks when the era of Music Television ruled the earth,” says Mike Peters of The Alarm about the Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour MMXIV which was recently announced but due to unforeseen circumstances regarding The Blow Monkeys, now has a lineup change with Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel stepping up to the plate along with the UK's Belouis Some. 

A phalanx of British recording artists who all broke onto the North American Music scene with music that collectively blurred the lines between new wave, alternative rock and pop music as we know it.

Continues Peters, “All our bands made an initial impact through the medium of music, but it was driven deeper into the hearts and imaginations of people all over North America via Music Television - a then brand new format that allowed bands from all across the globe to be both heard and seen, paving the way for a new generation of artists and fans the like of which had never been witnessed before.”

“Having recently performed at Cruel World Festival in 2021, We are thrilled to be returning to the States again as part of the Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour,” expresses Jay Aston of Gene Loves Jezebel. “We look forward to sharing our past catalogue of music and hits with fans and also celebrating the release of our brand new album Love, Death, Sorrow which is out now.”

Adds Belouis Some, “I’m really looking forward to getting out on the road again with such a cool line-up... playing to the best audiences in the world!"

*The Alarm first arrived onto the US music scene in 1983 via an appearance on the original MTV Cutting Edge TV Show and a debut tour of America as the opening act for U2 on the War Tour. Subsequently described by Bono as “The second greatest rock and roll band in the world’, The Alarm has maintained a constant North American presence ever since with classic singles such as “The Stand,” “Strength,” and “Rain In The Summertime.” More recently, their last four albums - Equals (2018), Sigma (2019), Omega (2022) and Forwards (2023), have all featured in the top thirty of the Billboard Hot 100 Independent album chart.

*British goth rockers Gene Loves Jezebel also featured in heavy rotation across the MTV Network establishing their songs "Desire," "The Motion of Love" and "Jealous" as massive Billboard Hit singles. With their ever present and enigmatic front man at the helm, Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel recently performed at the inaugural Cruel World Festival in California 2022 appearing alongside the likes of Morrissey, Bauhaus and Blondie. The band have also recently signed to Cleopatra in the USA and have a brand new album Love Death Sorrow that will be available at all good record stores and online outlets during the Live Today Love Tomorrow MMXXIV tour.

*Belouis Some created the classic international hit singles “Imagination” and “Some People” in 1985, and while touring with Frankie Goes To Hollywood, caused controversy at MTV with a nude video created by the legendary Storm Thorgerson. In 1986, Belouis Some contributed the song “Round, Round” to the classic John Hughes’ era defining film soundtrack Pretty In Pink which was listed in Rolling Stone’s list of "The 25 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time” and (like The Alarm), also appeared as special guest to Freddie Mercury and Queen in the UK. More info here: https://linktr.ee/belouissome

“I’m excited that The Alarm can be part of this tour with two amazing artists who I have admired forever,” says Peters. “The Blow Monkeys and The Alarm are connected to times before our bands were even born and Belouis Some’s music is to be admired through musician connections to one of our collective heroes - David Bowie and beyond I'm sure this will be a tour where we all perform together at various times along the way.”

“It’s going to be exciting touring with Mike and The Alarm,” concludes Dr. Roberts. “The connection between the two bands goes way back and, of course, I know Belouis Some from our time sharing stages and TV screens in the ‘80s. We can’t wait to play our music, new and old, to American audiences again. It’s been far too long and it’s time to build up a new connection. Hasta Pronto!”

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

*   The Alarm only

**   The Alarm / Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel only

 May 01 2024       New Orleans, LA         House of Blues

May 02 2024       Austin, TX                  Emo’s       

May 03 2024       Houston, TX               House of Blues  

May 04 2024       Ft. Worth, TX              Tannahill's

May 07 2024       Kansas City, MO         Knuckleheads

May 08 2024       Minneapolis, MN        TBA

May 09 2024       Chicago, IL                 Des Plaines Theatre

May 10 2024       Detroit, MI                 Magic Bag

May 11 2024       Los Angeles, CA         Cruel World *

May 12 2024       Pittsburgh, PA            Jergels

May 13 2024       Toronto, ON              El  Mocambo

*May 14 2024       Buffalo, NY                Asbury Hall

May 15 2024       Cleveland, OH           Temple Live @ Masonic

May 16 2024       Asbury Park, NJ         Asbury Lanes

May 17 2024       Philadelphia, PA        Colonial Theater (Phoenixville)

May 18 2024       Falls Church, VA        State Theater (Wash DC)

May 19 2024       Richmond, VA           The National

May 22 2024       Huntington, NY         Paramount

May 23 2024       Pawling, NY               Daryl's House **

May 24 2024       NYC, NY                     Irving Plaza

May 25 2024       Salisbury, MA             Blue Ocean Music Hall

May 26 2024       New Haven, CT          Toad's Place

May 28 2024       TBA                           TBA

May 29 2024       Boston, MA                Brighton Music Hall

May 31 2024       Cincinnati, OH           Ludlow Garage

More Dates to be announced

Youtube video links

The Alarm "Rain in the Summertime"

 https://youtu.be/8D6pPgwafq0?si=v3AX5m2M8bbc_-Zh

Gene Loves Jezebel "Desire"

  https://youtu.be/_RLTUguVO8g?si=cetlcg9N4fJzH1rZ

Belouis Some "Some People"

  https://youtu.be/Firti40JqJw?si=ADXr54Ibv-6ngS9m

Bad Friends With Black Cats - I Want To Move EP Release

 

Bad Friends With Black Cats - Toronto, Canada

Bad Friends With Black Cats, a Canadian folk-punk rock duo from Toronto, epitomizes the DIY ethos. Formed by Paul Harrison (vocals/guitar) and Marcelo Maltez (drums), they draw inspiration from bands like The Front Bottoms, PUP, and Jeff Rosenstock. Their music intertwines infectious hooks, confessional lyrics, and explosive guitar riffs, rooted in personal narratives and gritty urban realities. 

Lead singer Paul describes the 3rd track on their upcoming EP, "3 HOURS AND 47 MINUTES" as exploring loneliness and feeling like an outsider. Their EP 'I WANT TO MOVE' (5/17/24) serves as a cathartic outlet, delving into themes of self-loathing and existential ponderings. It delivers a high-octane, emotionally charged sound that resonates with listeners seeking genuine expression and raw intensity in music.

https://www.facebook.com/badfriendswithblackcats

https://www.instagram.com/badfriendswithblackcats/

Joe D's Comic Book and Toy Show - Niagara Falls, NY

Buffalo Rock City II - Western New York's Tribute To KISS

KISS THIS - Buffalo NY

New shows with New lineup! 

Buffalo Rock City II - WNY's Tribute to KISS

“BRC II” is the sequel to the first “Buffalo Rock City,” the best KISS tribute album ever made! Proceeds from the sales of "BRC II" are earmarked to the Maria Love Convalescent Fund, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, providing immediate financial assistance to those in need.

Lifelong KISS fan and KISS THIS! founder/guitarist, John Jeffrey, has, once again, assembled a who’s who of artists, largely representing the Western New York music scene. Among the artists are original “Buffalo Rock City" alumni-- Shawn Przybylak (drums), Gene Schmidt (guitar), Joe Teresi (guitar), Rock Rollain (bass) and Nat Peace (vocals). "II" features WNY “newcomers” to the studio project - Larry Kremer (drums), Kylie Velletta (vocals) & Debbie Knight (who made her first "BRC" appearance on 2022's, "Buffalo Rock City ALIVE!"). The 2 headlining bands returning to “Buffalo Rock City II” album, are tribute band, KISS THIS! and DoDriver, an all-original act, handpicked by KISS and their manager Doc McGhee, to open for KISS on the Sonic Boom tour at Darien Lake on August 13, 2010.

Another WNY artist bassist Billy Sheehan spearheads the list of international rock artists contributing to the project. The album features John Corabi (vocals), Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), John Gioeli (vocals), Jean Beauvoir (vocals), Tommy Henriksen (vocals), Tommy Denander (guitar), Howie Simon (guitar), Rafael Moreira (guitar) Deen Castronovo (drums/vocals), Steve Blaze (guitar), Philip Shouse (bass), Dave Comer (vocals) & Mitch Weissman (vocals). These "celebrity guests" have toured and recorded with Ace Frehley, Alice Cooper, Warlock, Accept, David Lee Roth, Hardline, Talas, KillSET, Gene Simmons, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, The Hollywood Vampires, Lillian Axe, Winger, Stryper, Tesla, Michael Jackson, Motley Crue, The Dead Daisies, The Ramones, The Plasmatics, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Stanley, Soul Station and Beatlemania.

Mitch Weissman, who sang on “Buffalo Rock City,” returns with his co-write with Gene Simmons, "What You See Is What You Get." Originally demoed by Weissman and Simmons for the 1987, Ron Nevison produced KISS album, "Crazy Nights," the Mitch and BCR’s producer John cleared 30-year old cobwebs to complete this special song.

Making an additional note in "KISStory," Jean Beauvoir plays a significant role, recording a brand new version of "Who Wants To Be Lonely," which he originally contributed to KISS' 1985 release, "Asylum."

"Buffalo Rock City II" was mixed by C.Wood (Brian McKnight, Rascal Flatts, Alicia Keys, Leann Rimes, Lenny Kravitz, Justin Timberlake, Kenny G & Slash) and David Julian. Julian is an established producer and songwriter, who has written songs for Jack Russell (Great White) and Ace Frehley.

Keeping in tradition with the great KISS album covers, Kevin Conrad, the comic artist who penciled and inked the front cover of “Buffalo Rock City,” created a masterpiece once again-- the front and back art for "II." A life-long KISS fan, Kevin’s most known for ink all 31 issues of Todd McFarlane’s "KISS - Psycho Circus" comic book series. This new "BCR II" cover art depicts the KISS members that the musicians in KISS THIS! portray and personify. The cover is an homage to the iconic KISS "Love Gun" album artwork, featuring Buffalo's Albright Knox Art Gallery as the centerpiece.

As the first album, “Buffalo Rock City” focused on topical/non-cock rock KISS songs, it was decided that "Buffalo Rock City II," while serving a greater purpose, would focus exclusively on all the fun "love" themed songs in the catalog.

“Buffalo Rock City”- Greatest KISS Tribute Album Featuring Significant People in "KISStory" Raising Funds to Fight Homelessness. The recording’s proceeds are geared to help the Compass House Foundation, a charitable organization which helps the homeless youth in Buffalo, New York.

Lifelong KISS fan and tribute band, KISS THIS! founder and guitarist, John Jeffrey, assembled the album. He felt it important to have a quality, KISS related release, which was large in part, represented the Western New York music scene.

Collaborating locally and via remote locations, "Buffalo Rock City" was carefully recorded, to ensure the final product would sound like a complete album of work. To create a solid foundation, ALL the drum and bed tracks were recorded in the SAME studio on the SAME day.

Being that "Buffalo Rock City" serves a greater purpose, it was decided the songs would, generally, elevate those in need. The choices are all NON-cock rock KISS songs. John Jeffrey says, “While KISS is famous for their tongue-in-cheek innuendo, it made sense to record songs which resonate with the struggles some people may experience, and interpersonal things most people may struggle with, day to day.”

The album presents hits and GREAT B-sides from KISS’ entire history as a recording band. This includes songs from their 1974 self-titled debut, all the way up to the last ever (so far!) KISS studio album from 2012, "Monster." The album features remakes of songs that were first sung by all FOUR original members of KISS (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley & Peter Criss). It includes songs originally played by all members of the group: all FIVE lead guitarists (Ace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick & Tommy Thayer) and the focal drummers from the band’s studio recordings: Peter Criss, Eric Carr, Eric Singer, and Anton Fig.

"Buffalo Rock City" features the "best of the best" musicians from Western New York. In addition to KISS THIS!, there’s DoDriver, an all original act, handpicked by KISS members and their manager Doc McGhee, to open for KISS on the Sonic Boom tour at Darien Lake on August 13, 2010. Contributions to the collaboration album were also made by National/World-wide recording artists, Robby Takac (vocals), Tommy Henriksen (vocals/bass), Tommy Denander (guitar), Deen Castronovo (vocals), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (guitar), Philip Shouse (bass/guitar), Jeremy Asbrock (guitar), Ryan Spencer Cook (vocals) & Mitch Weissman (vocals). These "celebrity guests" have toured and recorded with Asia, Ace Frehley, Alice Cooper, Doro, Accept, Gene Simmons, Guns N' Roses, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, The Hollywood Vampires, Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Jackson, Toto, The Dead Daisies, Paul Stanley, and Beatlemania.

Mitch Weissman's lead vocals in his “While The City Sleeps” marks a significant note in "KISStory." His song originally appeared on KISS' 1984 release, "Animalize." This is the first time a KISS co-writer re-recorded a new studio version of a KISS song that he wrote with the band!

Another legend in KISS recording lore is Jay Messina. Messina, who mastered “Buffalo Rock City,” has been working with KISS since 1976, engineering and mixing the band's breakout album "Destroyer." He engineered and mixed 1979’s "Dynasty" and co-mixed the next album, "Unmasked" (1980). John Jeffrey says, “Jay Messina knows what a KISS album should sound like; he did an amazing job in the mastering process of ‘Buffalo Rock City.’"

In tradition with the great KISS album covers, comic artist Kevin Conrad did the pencils and inks for the front cover of “Buffalo Rock City.” A life-long KISS fan, Kevin’s known for his work with Todd McFarlane, who hired him to ink all 31 issues of his "KISS - Psycho Circus" comic book series. The cover art depicts KISS THIS! musicians wearing their favorite era costumes for the KISS member they personify. The band follows the iconic KISS "Destroyer" poses in front of Buffalo's City Hall.

The Compass House Foundation is the charity recipient of proceeds of “Buffalo Rock City." Located in Buffalo, NY, its mission is to provide runaway, homeless and street youth with safe shelter and services, in an environment that supports dignity, respect and self-reliance.

“Buffalo Rock City" tracks:

"Black Diamond" (Bumblefoot & Deen Castronovo)

"Detroit Rock City" (KISS THIS!)

"Hard Luck Woman" (Robby Takac)

"New York Groove 78/80" (Tommy Henriksen & Tommy Denander)

"Dirty Livin'" (Ryan Spencer Cook & Philip Shouse)

"Hard Times" (Philip Shouse)

"I've Had Enough (Into the Fire)" (Various artists)

"Back on the Streets" (Various artists)

"Street Giveth and the Street Taketh Away" (Various artists)

"Jungle" (DoDriver)

"It's My Life" (Jeremy Asbrock)

"Freak" (Various artists)

*bonus collector's track* "While the City City Sleeps" (Mitch Weissman)

All ordering information can be found at www.BuffaloRockCity.com and more details can also be found at their social media page: Buffalo Rock City - KISS Tribute Album (facebook.com/WNYTribute2KISS)

Metal Militia - Buffalo NY

6/2/24

METAL MILITIA - FRIDAY, MAY 9th 2014

Metal Up Your Ass!

RockNRoll Heaven - West Seneca

The Metal Militia/Space Ace gig was great! 

For all of the Metallica and Metal Militia fans out there above is just a small sample of the current Metal Militia set list. 

Metal Militia plays the old school, heavy Metallica, when Cliff Burton played bass, yknow, all the good, thrash metal stuff from the 80's. 

Come out to see Metal Militia to hear the rest of their kick-ass set list!

Metal Militia, RockNRoll Heaven and Space Ace can be found on the Book.

Jimi Hendrix performed at famed The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium on 3/23/68

Latest Experience Hendrix 80th Birthday Celebration show flyer.

After Elvis appeared at The Buffalo War Memorial Auditorium (The Aud) in 1957... before The Aud was the home for The Buffalo Sabres starting in 1970, The Aud hosted basketball games and wrestling matches and in 1968 the Legendary Jimi Hendrix (The Greatest Guitarist of all time) made a stop in Buffalo on his Axis: Bold As Love tour in March of 1968, the 3rd show on a 11 day consecutive stint of shows. Thanks to Bruce Eaton, impresario of the Albright-Knox Jazz concert series, we have a first hand account of the performance.
According to Bruce the stage was only about 4 feet high and the Aud was filled to 1/2 it's capacity, only about 6000 people were there.
This was when the cheap seats were colored grey and way before The Aud was renovated to accomodate more people after the Sabres moved in.
Hendrix rocked out on "Fire", "Manic Depression" and "Purple Haze" etc. etc. "blah blah woof woof ...only cowboys stay in tune anyway".
Those songs and many more were inlcuded in the set and Hendrix violently smashed his equipment at the end of his performance, a trademark for Hendrix early in his career.

Bruce still has a piece of a smashed amplifier, which he politely asked 1 of the roadies for, that Hendrix graciously sacrificed for the Buffalo audience.
Upon learning that the scheduled opening act "Jesse's First Carnival" was stranded in a Cleveland snowstorm the concert promoter, Jerry Nathan quickly recruited his sons local band. After a emergency afternoon rehearshal Buffalos own "The Sinnermen" opened the show.
Before reading the recent article in Buffalo Spree http://www.buffalospree.com/
I learned of this show from the book, "Jimi Hendrix, Experience The Music" written by Belmo and Steve Loveless.
I also heard another first hand account from Phil when I was a member of the local Buffalo band "Wanted By The FBI" http://www.fbibluesrock.com/. Phil was in attendance.

A Big Thank You to "Buffalo Spree", the "Jimi Henrix, Experience The Music"book, Ed Adamczyk, Bruce Eaton, Tony Markellis, Jay Weisbeck, Jerry and Steve Nathan and Phil for sharing their "Experiences" with everyone and last but not least, Jimi Hendrix.
























Hendrix giving oral to his guitar, AKA playing with his teeth, was always an exciting trick Hendrix enjoyed and employed during his improvisational soloing.
"The cat in the blue hat" looks really excited.
Check out the spare sunburst Strat standing up against the Sunn cabinets.

Before James Hendrix became "Jimi Hendrix" Jimi was a sideman to many R&B touring bands, here's a rare pic from '65 when Jimi played McVans in Buffalo New York with Joey Dee and the Starlighters.
Photo courtesy of the book "Becoming Jimi Hendrix" by Steven Roby & Brad Schreiber.