Dedication's What You Need

When I was 16 I decided that I should buy records whenever possible instead of cassettes or CDs (for younger readers, records are large black CDs that you play with a needle and break if you even look at them funny). Way back in the early 90s, vinyl was still relatively easy to get your hands on and I quite often rode my penny farthing to the local record shop to pick up some new releases.

Cover Me

Some people say that cover versions are just laziness on the part of bands who can't be bothered to be original and write their own songs, but not everyone agrees with my mother. Pretty much every band ever formed has played cover songs, especially at the start of their careers, and some of them are better than the original versions.

Acting Like A Maniac

I saw Metallica for the first time at Milton Keynes Bowl on 5th June 1993, but this story actually starts the previous evening.

The Best Of 2011

Happy New Year blog fans! I know it's been a while, but I was busy/couldn't be arsed during the hectic festive period. Anyway, it's a bit dusty in here, so I'll tidy up a bit and then we can start.
2011 saw a number of fantastic musical releases and an even greater amount of dross. Without further ado, I give you my top 20 of 2011:

Monsters Of Rock

Think of Donington's Monsters Of Rock and you'll probably think of the Dunlop bridge, disgusting portaloos and botulism burgers. But would you think of grown men collapsing in pools of vomit and plastic cups of urine being hurled at the stage? You probably should.
Before the rubbishly-named Download Festival, Donington Park used to host the Monsters Of Rock festival most years. It was classed as a festival despite lasting only one day and showcased some of the best rock acts going. I was lucky enough to be there twice, in 1994 and '95.

Live In A World Full Of Albums

What's the point of live albums? you may ask. The point is they allow you to hear a band you like perform live anytime you want without paying £50 for a ticket and having to stand behind thousands of drunk people who "sing" along to all the songs and step on your feet as they "dance". They are also a better alternative to rip-off greatest hits compilations that some bands churn out with alarming regularity (yes, Rolling Stones, I'm looking at you). The following are some of my favourite live recordings:

Rock Night

As 16-year olds in the hardly bustling non-metropolis of Darlington, we weren't exactly spoiled for choice when it came to concerts or great evening entertainment, so when we heard about a regular rock night at a local bar called Perry's, it was like all our Christmases had come at once.