BOWLING FOR SOUP 

A Night of Pure Soup Bowling For Soup on the menu at the Connexin Hull.

 February 24, 2024 by  Steve Shipley for Jace Media Music

Ninety’s punk pop band Bowling For Soup appeared at Hull Connexin for the YOU ASKED FOR IT TOUR  With support from the Vandoliers and Less Than Jake who were also big in the 90s with their punk pop Ska.

The show opened with the Vandoliers with their high-energy country punk from Texas the Vandoliers are a unique band with their version of country punk, giving a unique vibe of their own. They have a high-energy stage presence, this six-piece band can also turn it down a notch and they’re quite happy to do a ballad. These rollickin country punks gave a rowdy start creating an atmosphere ready for the rest of the show with Less Than Jake and Bowling For Soup.

Next up was Florida Ska punk band Less Than Jake, a top band from the 1990s, with 9 studio albums and 17 singles, Less Than Jake brought their American ska to Britain for this tour with Bowling For Soup, again, another high-energy band who have a big following in the UK, doing a total of 14 songs on their set, songs which included All My Friends Are Metalheads. History Of a Boring Town and The Rest Of My Life, among others.

Less Than Jake has the unique sound of ska giving an infectious connection with the crowd giving them an amazing build-up for the main act. Leaving smiles on the faces of those 90s Ska punk rockers who bought the records of these 90s legends.

The countdown was now on for those  90’s punk.pop legends.Bowling For Soup. The band consists of Jaret Reddick (lead singer) Chris Burney (Guitar and backing vocals) Gary Wiseman (Drums) and Rob Felicetti (Bass guitar and backing vocals). Coming on stage to their very own theme song, then the band did not waste any time opening with the fan’s favourite Emily before going on to other songs such as Out Of The Window, Ohio  (Come Back To Texas ), The Last Rockshow, Punk Rock 101 and 1985. Between the songs, there was plenty of humour with the band taking a little musically enhanced break with the backdrop of Rick Astley’s soundtrack Never Gonna Give You Up for the crowd to take photos of them on the stage in front of the big screen, all tongue in cheek with good humour. 

The band also gave a rendition of I Would Walk 500 Miles from The Proclaimers with the crowd enjoying every single word and singing along as though they were part of the band giving the 3500-capacity venue an amazing night to remember.

After the song Almost, the band ran a competition to win a signed guitar which the winner would be announced during the gig, the young girl could not believe her luck when she was announced the winner and brought up on the stage to receive this once-in-a-lifetime prize. There were also more lucky winners in the crowd that night.1 being lad in the crowd had a sign saying – can I play the guitar with you and was lucky enough to come on stage and play the guitar while another member of the crowd was also brought up on stage to sing along at the same time, this will be an unforgettable night for them both. 

The dynamic band then went into two of the fan’s favourite songs. The Bitch Song and Girl All The Bad Guys Want.

The band didn’t leave the stage for an encore, rather, they sat in the middle of the stage passing around a bottle of whiskey. Before getting up and carrying on with the unforgettable song 1985. 

This was a concert that gave plenty of nostalgia, humour, fireworks and ticker tape for an unforgettable night sending you right back to the 1990s. I am sure it is one that many people will never forget. 

My Wena

Out The Window

Ohio (Come Back To Texas)

Life AfterLisa

The Last Rock Show 

Two-Seater 

Today Is Gonna Be A Great Day 

Theme to Phineas 0 Ferb

High School Never Ends

Turbulence 

Almost

The Bitch Song 

Girl All The Bad Guys Want 

1985

EXAMPLE-

Electrifying Night of Example Banger Hits and New Bits Tour 2024 at Bridlington Spa

Review and photographs by Steve Shipley for Jace Media Music 

I had the pleasure of attending Example’s Banger Hits and New Bits Tour 2024 at Bridlington Spa, and what a night it was! The venue was buzzing with excitement as the crowd eagerly awaited the performance of the British sensation. Supported by the dynamic duo Beyond Chicago on the decks between artists and the local talents Plain Old Kev and Hayla, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of music.

The production value of the show was nothing short of spectacular. The light display, lasers, and video screen created a visual feast that complemented Example’s high-energy performance perfectly. The synchronization of lights with the beats added an immersive element to the experience, elevating the concert to new heights.

The lineup of supporting artists added diversity and flair to the evening. Beyond Chicago, with their expert DJ skills, kept the energy flowing between sets, ensuring the audience stayed engaged and pumped up. Local showed their talents as well Plain Old Kev and Hayla showcased their unique styles, providing a taste of the vibrant music scene in the area.

When Example hit the stage, the atmosphere reached its peak. The show was non-stop, with Example and his DJ delivering hit after hit for a thrilling 1 1/2 hours. The energy emanating from the stage was infectious, and the crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm. Example’s stage presence was undeniable, and his ability to connect with the audience made the entire experience unforgettable.

The chemistry between Example and his DJ was evident throughout the performance. Their seamless collaboration kept the momentum going, ensuring the audience was on their feet from start to finish. The setlist perfectly blended his classic bangers and exciting new tracks, pleasing both longtime fans and those eager to discover his latest musical creations.

Sell Out At Cafe Indie For Red Rum Club

Review By Steve Shipley for Jace Media Music 

Cafe Indie was the venue for Red Rum Club as they are finishing off the year with this sell-out gig promoted by Westview Live who is a supporter of grassroots music, supported by Sam Scherdel who is from Doncaster.

Red Rum Club are a six-piece band from Liverpool made up of Francis Doran (Lead Vocals), Tom Williams (Guitar and backing vocals), Michael (Guitar and backing vocals) Simon Hepworth (Bass Guitar) Neil Lawson (Drums and Percussion) and Joe Crosby (Trumpet). They all grew up within two miles of each other and Francis and Tom are cousins.

In 2018 the band had their first tour which included playing at Liverpool Sound City Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, and Tramlines in Sheffield, as well as playing a sold-out gig at The O2 Academy Liverpool in front of 1,200 people.

Godless- Opening with the very explosive Godless gives you an idea of what’s to come in the gig with a strong drum beat, the powerful trumpet and an electrifying guitar is an ideal song for the opener, this had the crowd hooked from the minute they walked out on to the stage.

Get Back Black Cat- Is once again an impressive high-energy song and one the fans know well, the guitar opening with the trumpet coming in is an integral feature in everything that is Red Rum Club, with the drum coming through with a catchy beat which is just pure joy to listen to.

Kids Addicted – Taken from the album Matador, Kids Addicted is a well-crafted song that all blends well together with powerful vocals and the interaction of the crowd, trumpet guitars, bass and drums add to the amazing dynamics of the band’s stage presence in this song.

Ballerino – Impressive vocals with a story of someone breaking the boundaries, a song to make you dance, blending well again with the guitar, trumpet and the vocals working well together, you find yourself wanting more of the lyrical masterpiece.

Nightcalling – A more mellow song with a catchy hook to this, giving an impressive energy that blends well with the trumpet for the chorus.

Undertaker – Opening with guitar, another well-crafted song that gets the body moving don’t let the title of this song put you off, it’s another impressive dynamic song.

Love Me Like You Wanna Be Loved – This is by far one my favourite songs from Red Rum Club an upbeat happy song with electrifying lyrics and the dynamic energy of the instruments you can not help but sing along to this upbeat tune.

Eighteen – Who wouldn’t want to wake up and be eighteen again? A slow mellow song with the gentle trumpet gives this song a unique energy to it.

Vibrate – A well-crafted song with powerful lyrics this song is a story of a love triangle that is well put together and all blends impressively.

Hole In My Home No Resolve – This song will be released in February from their new album coming out in 2024.

The Elevation – The trumpet and drums start to give this song the energy right from the start with upbeat lyrics and the unique sound of Red Rum Club.

Honey – Another great well-crafted song with strong and powerful vocals making this an unforgettable song once again.

Eleanor – A masterpiece for Red Rum Club and a fan’s favourite song of theirs, the impressive energy of the band makes this an unforgettable song on the night.

Matador – The title track off the album Matador.

Angeline – A faster song with a Mexican feel from the drum beat and the trumpet, showing how versatile the band can be, making this a very dynamic song.

Vanilla – This has to be the fan’s favourite song judging by the way everyone was jumping up and singing along with this tune with its hook it does get you hooked, with a great drum beat, guitar and trumpet riffs, and they have an amazing stage presence and the fans loved it.

Would You Rather Be Lonely – Finishing off with another fan favourite leaving the fans wanting more with another upbeat energy song.

It’s hard to say how good the band are with Joe’sTrumpet being so powerful to the sound of Red Rum Club but don’t let that fool you, the two guitars of Tom and Michael along with Simon’s bass are also a big factor in this band with them chipping in with the backing vocals too, the drum beat of Neil also take a big roll in this group, and lead vocals from Francis give this band their identity and unique sound like no other.

Having seen Red Rum Club twice this year I have to say that they are a stand-out band this year for me. Look out for their new album coming out in 2024 and if you want to see a great live band then you will not go wrong in going to see them, with gigs all over the UK including Don Valley Blow with The Sherlock’s headlining.

Cosmic Energy and Infectious Vibes: Spangled’s Electrifying Performance at Cafe Indie, Scunthorpe

Review By Steve Shipley for Jace Media Music 

Cafe Indie in Scunthorpe recently played host to an electrifying night of indie music, headlined by Manchester’s four-piece sensation, Spangled. Supported by the equally talented bands The Juice and ALRIGHT, the evening became a celebration of youthful, energetic indie sounds resonating from Manchester and Blackpool, igniting a palpable buzz among the crowd.

Spangled, fronted by the mesmerizing Ben Johnson, captivated the audience with their cosmic blend of indie tunes. Ben’s magnetic stage presence and cosmic dance moves, coupled with his impassioned vocals, enthralled the audience, making every song an immersive experience.

The band’s lineup, comprising Niall McGovern on bass and backing vocals, Jamie Holiday on lead guitar, and Nathen Kenyon on drums, showcased a masterful command of their instruments. Their music, described as Cosmic Indie, draws inspiration from iconic bands like Blur, Sly and the Family Stone, Peter Hook, and The Stone Roses.

Kicking off their set with the explosive “Neptune,” featuring Jamie’s thunderous riffs and Ben’s dynamic vocals, the band set a high-energy tone. Tracks like “Underpants” from their 2023 album ‘Little Tom’ and the fan-favourite “Greenhills Superstar” kept the momentum alive with infectious melodies and catchy lyrics that had the crowd on their feet.

“Headspace,” a poignant track from the ‘Chasing Nebulas’ EP, delved into themes of inner turmoil and vulnerability, reminiscent of Joy Division’s emotive storytelling. The heartfelt tribute “Good life Better” paid homage to Ben’s father, a testament to the band’s emotional depth and connection with their audience.

Spangled’s rise has been meteoric, from Ben’s humble beginnings to gracing renowned stages like the Isle of Wight Festival and touring the UK with This Feeling. Their stage chemistry and unwavering passion for music are evident, promising a stellar future in the industry.

Despite the intimate setting of Cafe Indie, Spangled’s performance transcended venue size, exuding a grandeur fitting for any stage. Their cosmic tunes and high-octane stage presence guarantee an unforgettable experience, setting them on a trajectory to reach the stars.

As they gear up for a nationwide tour, starting with a guest set alongside Dundee’s Indie Rock band The View, Spangled is undoubtedly a band to watch. For those seeking a musical spark in their lives, catching Spangled live is an absolute must. Their cosmic indie tunes and magnetic performances will leave you absolutely SPANGLED.

McFly Review 

McFly 

The Cowbell

This will last with her forever playing the cowbell on stage for for McFly 

Steven Battelle on stage with McFly

I am sure the fans will remember this concert for a very long time 

The Lottery Winners 

Review and photographs by Steve Shipley for Jace Media Music 

The Lottery Winners are a four-piece indie band from Leigh, Manchester. Formed in 2008. And
they’re made up of Thom Rylance (vocals/guitar) Robert Lally (guitar/vocals) Katiee Lioyd
(Bass/vocals) and Joe Singleton (Drums). 2023 hopefully was their breakthrough year, having
the number one album Anxiety Replacement Therapy. This highly successful number 1 album
with collaborations with Boy George, Sean Ryder and Frank Turner, making it one of the
reasons why Westview Live Promotions brought The Lottery Winners to Cafe Indie, supported
by Crystal Tides who are from the south coast of England and an indie girl group Manchester
band The Deep Blue.
Worry Came on stage to a rapturous reception from the fans, their opening song was WORRY from
the number one album Anxiety Replacement Therapy. This is a song written by Thom about his
struggles with anxiety when he was at his lowest. The powerful lyrics of this song, give it
an energy that was to carry on right through the night.

21.
The guitars in this song give this a Manchester feel of the Stone Roses or the Happy Mondays,
the guitar riffs give this a powerful stage presence and a dynamic feel to this song.

Meaning Of Life.
Another impressive song with great lyrics and powerful energy is a masterpiece of a song and
the fan’s favourite, gets everybody up singing along to this song. The vocals are powerful with an
energy that’s felt right across the stage.

Sertraline
Sertraline is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, this song explores the
ability of the person trying to feel appreciated by others and their creative abilities going
unnoticed. Thom’s powerful vocals give this song the uplift that this subject needs with the
dynamic well-crafted tune, a subject that is at the forefront of everybody’s mind in this modern
day.

Favourite Flavour
A great fun time song that brings a hint of summer, what is your favourite flavour? This is a
proper feel-good song and will get you singing, dancing and partying, with great lyrics, and the
great hook. A proper fan favourite.

Let Me Down
The album Anxiety Replacement Therapy, this song features Boy George who says that it is
a proper earworm and the catchiest song he has heard since Karma Chameleon.

85 Trips.
85 Trips is a song sung by Kate showing what a fantastic voice she has, she should do more
singing if Thom would let her. This is a well-crafted song of pure joy, with uplifting lyrics and a
fantastic melody, showing what a versatile musician Katie is, while Kate was singing this song
Thom took it upon himself to draw a picture, I know this sounds a little unusual, but It also shows
that he has although hidden, a talent, and it’s all part of the experience of going to see the
Lottery Winners.

Overthinking Everything.It is a slow, soft, mellow song with a lot of feeling and powerful lyrics you can see that Thom puts his heart and soul into singing this song.
Much Better.A nice uplifting song with energy a powerful melody and stage presence, making this
another well-crafted song to sing along to.
You’re Not Alone. This is a song about the everyday struggles of life and money, the fact that you’re not alone, and everybody has these problems, with a drum beat and guitar riffs, making this a powerful
song giving the message that, once again, you are not alone.