Get those air guitars tuned up and get ready to get down and RAWK - 'cos the Paradise City crue are back in business.
The dynamic quartet that make up Belfast's best team of classic rock and metal DJs have just confirmed the dates for a whole raft of PC shows between now and the end of November.
All gigs will take place in the superb venue that is Upstairs @ Morrisons, on Belfast's Bedford Street, on the following dates: Friday 10 June, Friday 15 July, Friday 26 August, Friday 23 September, Friday 14 October and Friday 18 November.
Doors for all shows will be 9pm, and admission is £5. As Paradise City is the host clubhouse for Hard Rock Hell Northern Ireland, the usual members' discounted admission charge (£3) will apply on all nights.
Get those dates in your diaries folks, 'cos there's gonna be some rockin' in the heart of the city!
Showing posts with label Paradise City Belfast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paradise City Belfast. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Pull the Trigger...
So, did everyone have as good a Saturday as I did? Lots to drink, lots of music and lots of gorgeous women? No? Tough fucking shit, then!
The drinking? Yep, check that box... Evidently, given the stinker of the hangover the Monk has this morning!
The music? Well... I suppose this where I have to get serious and do a review of the evening’s proceedings, which is supposed to be the purpose of this ‘ere blog thing...
It was the first time in too long that I had wandered into the Slimer on a Saturday afternoon, and one of Mr James Loveday’s excellent promotions therein – always a good time guaranteed, with booze and banter a plenty. Awk sure, what more could an ageing rocker ask for?
First up were Dubliners Lace Weeper, making their Belfast debut with a damn fine set of downtuned stoner rock, driven home by the charisma of Polish-born frontman Sebastian Florek, who is a damn fine vocalist. Not a genre I’m into, I admit, but the set was enjoyable and I wouldn’t be averse to catching them again.
I’m not going to say much about Skypilot, except they drove me and my mate Adam to the back wall, and nearly out the door. It’s not that they were bad – they are excellent musicians and a tight unit – it’s just that we didn’t like them.
But, the night was always going to be about Triggerman. No, make that TRIGGERMAN. This a band who deserve capital letters. They deserve to be shouted about. They are definitely one of THE best bands on the circuit, and this set proved their status. Bap – one of the politest frontmen you’ll ever come across – led his troops through a rollickingly rambunctious set which had every head in the place banging with a vengeance (yes, my neck hurts as bad as my head!), especially with old favourites such as ‘I Got The Lurgy’ (which probably would be completely lost on audiences outside li’l ol’ Norn Iron), ‘Road To Damascus’ and the always hellraising encore of ‘Horns’.
A perfect set up for a night of drunkenness and whatever else Walhalla decided to throw my way. Which reminds me, did I forget something? Drink? Check. Music? Check. Er, scroll back... ah, yes, women? Mmmm... let’s just say, she was gorgeous, a lot more sober than I was – and married!
Catch ya next time \m/
The drinking? Yep, check that box... Evidently, given the stinker of the hangover the Monk has this morning!
The music? Well... I suppose this where I have to get serious and do a review of the evening’s proceedings, which is supposed to be the purpose of this ‘ere blog thing...
It was the first time in too long that I had wandered into the Slimer on a Saturday afternoon, and one of Mr James Loveday’s excellent promotions therein – always a good time guaranteed, with booze and banter a plenty. Awk sure, what more could an ageing rocker ask for?
First up were Dubliners Lace Weeper, making their Belfast debut with a damn fine set of downtuned stoner rock, driven home by the charisma of Polish-born frontman Sebastian Florek, who is a damn fine vocalist. Not a genre I’m into, I admit, but the set was enjoyable and I wouldn’t be averse to catching them again.
I’m not going to say much about Skypilot, except they drove me and my mate Adam to the back wall, and nearly out the door. It’s not that they were bad – they are excellent musicians and a tight unit – it’s just that we didn’t like them.
But, the night was always going to be about Triggerman. No, make that TRIGGERMAN. This a band who deserve capital letters. They deserve to be shouted about. They are definitely one of THE best bands on the circuit, and this set proved their status. Bap – one of the politest frontmen you’ll ever come across – led his troops through a rollickingly rambunctious set which had every head in the place banging with a vengeance (yes, my neck hurts as bad as my head!), especially with old favourites such as ‘I Got The Lurgy’ (which probably would be completely lost on audiences outside li’l ol’ Norn Iron), ‘Road To Damascus’ and the always hellraising encore of ‘Horns’.
A perfect set up for a night of drunkenness and whatever else Walhalla decided to throw my way. Which reminds me, did I forget something? Drink? Check. Music? Check. Er, scroll back... ah, yes, women? Mmmm... let’s just say, she was gorgeous, a lot more sober than I was – and married!
Catch ya next time \m/
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Monk rambles on about some new releases...
OK, I’ll admit I’m a bit erratic when it comes to this blogging lark – too many other commitments? Or just sheer fucking laziness? – but I’m hoping to start a regular (which will probably turn out to be an extremely irregular) review of recent releases which have come to my attention. Some of them may not be ‘new’ releases, but stuff with which I’ve only just collided, but, what the fuck, it gives me an excuse to indulge in a wee bit of blogosphere rambling. (Is that the longest opening sentence I’ve ever written? Does anyone give a fuck?).
So, let’s start this little project rolling, with my thoughts on...
Within Temptation – ‘The Unforgiving’ (Roadrunner). After the distractions of the albeit brilliant ‘Black Symphony’ and acoustic projects, the Dutch quintet return to what they do best, with a concept album which is epic, sweepingly dramatic and bombastic (in the best sense). Stand out track: ‘Fire And Ice’.
Cavalera Conspiracy – ‘Blunt Force Trauma’ (Roadrunner). What else are you going to expect from Brazil’s most famous brothers? Lilting lullabies? Like fuck! BFT hits you with all the subtlety of – well, um – a blunt instrument. Brutally brilliant. The special edition features a fine cover of Sabbath’s ‘Electric Funeral’. Stand out track: ‘Genghis Khan’.
Darkest Era – ‘The Last Caress Of Light’ (Metal Blade). I’ve already said elsewhere that this could be the year in which celtic rock takes on its Scandinavian brethren at their own game – and, quite possibly, beat them! With new releases from Cruachan and Primordial looming large, Enniskillen’s Darkest Era have led the charge with fearless aplomb, with this delightful debut. Stand out track: ‘The Morrigan’.
Amon Amarth – ‘Surtur Rising’ (Metal Blade). Talking of Scandinavians, DE’s labelmates keep their flag flying proudly with their latest slab of Viking brutality. Quite frankly, AA always work better live (as their decimation of Dublin earlier this week proved), but the ten tracks offered (to Oden) here are nevertheless guaranteed to pillage even the finest stereo system and leave you a bleeding heap on the floor. Stand out track: ‘Destroyer Of The Universe’.
Artillery – ‘My Blood’ (Metal Mind). These Danes are doing their damndest to prove that EuroThrash is still very much a force to be reckoned with, while keeping the metal factor turned up to eleven. Very much from the Accept school of nailing your balls to the wall, but with a very traditional Bay Area influence, as evidenced on the likes of ‘Monster’ and ‘Ain’t Giving In’. Stand out track: ‘Thrasher’.
NeraNature – ‘Shattered’ (Metal Mind). This is the lead single of the forthcoming debut solo album by Polish chanteuse Nera. Apparently taking her influence from the earth, quite honestly, this one should be buried in it. It’s awful. It comes with a cover of ‘The World Is Not Enough’, which also is garbage (geddit?). See, I don’t write just nice things (although she is a bit of looker!).
Honey For Christ – ‘The Cruelty Of Great Expectations’ (Rundown). Well, it took them fucking long enough, didn’t it? I first came across HFC when I was working for the awful DV8 magazine (anyone remember it? No? Didn’t think so! Don’t blame you!), and that wasn’t yesterday! So, with such a wait, would the album live up to its monicker? Would the weight of expectation result in a cruel letdown? Thankfully, I have to say no. It has been worth the wait. The octet of tunes are carefully crafted, dynamically delivered, with beautifully balanced shades of light and dark, heaviness and subtlety, all coupled with a clear, precise production. I must admit to feeling a large Therapy? influence, especially in the instrumental sections of the likes of ‘Another Way Down’, but that is not a bad thing, and the trio do carve their own very clear creative path. Stand out track: ‘Liar Disciple’.
OK, folks, that’s yer little lot for the moment. I’ll be posting reviews of the new Cruachan and Primordial releases as soon I getting my mitts on ‘em, but hopefully this has given you something to think and talk about. As ever, I appreciate your feedback, either here or via the Paradise City Belfast / Hard Rock Hell NI Facebook pages.
Any bands / labels who want their stuff reviewed here, either pm me on Facebook or email paradisecitybelfast@hotmail.com and I’ll let you know where to send stuff.
Thanks for reading. Rock on. Monk out.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Back to blogging
Sorry that the Paradise City blog has been inactive for a while, but we've been really busy over the past few months and sometimes some things fall by the wayside. Anyway, we're going to be blogging on a more regular basis, with news on Paradise City activities, and on the Belfast rock scene, as well as gig and album reviews.
So, first a quick update on all things Paradise City... as some of you will know, we have returned to our roots, with a new monthly residency at Madison's Hotel on Botanic Avenue (we're down in the basement bar, which we've lovingly renamed the 'new Rock Bottom'). We're on the first Thursday of every month - which means this coming Thursday night, 5 August, peeps - with doors open at 9.30pm and admission a mere £3 (or free if you're an early bird and get down before 10.30). Since our last posting, Phil has progressed from co-promoter to DJ as well, and is doing really well, and he'll be opening proceedings, followed by the main man, the mysterious Monk and then our resident eye candy for the girlies, Stefano. We'll also have a request slot, so either post something online at www.facebook.com/paradisecitybelfast or speak to one of the terrible triumvirate on the night.
We're also launching a second night. Called Hangar 18, it's a bit heavier, with the emphasis more on the metal end of the spectrum, but still the same philosophy - it's old school! H18 launches at The Pavilion on Friday 20 August, and then will be on the third Friday of every month. As with PC, doors are 9.30pm and admission is £3. DJs on the first night will be Monk and Phil. Join us at www.facebook.com/hangar18belfast for updates and general banter.
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of working with our good friends RockRadioNI, as guest DJs at their first live night, also at the Pavilion. We're hoping to work with Philip and the team again very soon, with the possibility of some major news in the very near future, so please keep checking this blog and our Facebook for the news as it happens. We're also hoping to have news of another PC/RRNI development in the very near future, so again please keep checking back for updates on that.
That's about it for the moment. As I said, we're going to be blogging on a much more regular basis from now on, with our next post being a review of the brand new and long anticipated debut album from one of our favourite party bands, Trucker Diablo.
Ciao, peace, respect and \m/
So, first a quick update on all things Paradise City... as some of you will know, we have returned to our roots, with a new monthly residency at Madison's Hotel on Botanic Avenue (we're down in the basement bar, which we've lovingly renamed the 'new Rock Bottom'). We're on the first Thursday of every month - which means this coming Thursday night, 5 August, peeps - with doors open at 9.30pm and admission a mere £3 (or free if you're an early bird and get down before 10.30). Since our last posting, Phil has progressed from co-promoter to DJ as well, and is doing really well, and he'll be opening proceedings, followed by the main man, the mysterious Monk and then our resident eye candy for the girlies, Stefano. We'll also have a request slot, so either post something online at www.facebook.com/paradisecitybelfast or speak to one of the terrible triumvirate on the night.
We're also launching a second night. Called Hangar 18, it's a bit heavier, with the emphasis more on the metal end of the spectrum, but still the same philosophy - it's old school! H18 launches at The Pavilion on Friday 20 August, and then will be on the third Friday of every month. As with PC, doors are 9.30pm and admission is £3. DJs on the first night will be Monk and Phil. Join us at www.facebook.com/hangar18belfast for updates and general banter.
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of working with our good friends RockRadioNI, as guest DJs at their first live night, also at the Pavilion. We're hoping to work with Philip and the team again very soon, with the possibility of some major news in the very near future, so please keep checking this blog and our Facebook for the news as it happens. We're also hoping to have news of another PC/RRNI development in the very near future, so again please keep checking back for updates on that.
That's about it for the moment. As I said, we're going to be blogging on a much more regular basis from now on, with our next post being a review of the brand new and long anticipated debut album from one of our favourite party bands, Trucker Diablo.
Ciao, peace, respect and \m/
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Paradise City Belfast makes the headlines
Paradise City has been featured in the new edition of the South Belfast News, published today. See page 20.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Monk speaks about Paradise City Belfast
Hail and salutations, my brothers and sisters in rock ‘n’ roll.
For more than 15 long years I have kept my silence, but now I am silent no more. I have been away, but not, as I have been watching and listening, from afar and from upon near, and now I have returned. To here. And to now.
That here and now is, quite simply, Paradise City.
Several months ago, the seed was sown about the possibility of Monk stepping out of the darkness of retirement and into the limelight once more. Slowly, that seed took root and germinated: discussions took place long into many a night, and many a candle was burned as the idea that is now Paradise City was hatched and allowed to grow, almost organically.
It is as if Paradise City always has been my destiny. And it has arrived.
On Thursday 28 January, I step back behind the decks, in front of an audience, for the first time since 1993. I am nervous and excited. More so the latter. I have felt the hairs on my neck stand on end as I spend hours listening to my old album and singles collection putting together that vital first three-hour set. Songs have been selected, and then rejected, sometimes several times, as I strive to bring together a collection which summarises what Paradise City, to me, is going to be all about – good old fashioned, good time, old school, classic rock and metal. The sort of stuff I last played way back in 93 – and a lot of which probably hasn’t been heard in public since then!
By way of a taster, the first night so far will feature tracks by Guns N Roses (well, they do provide our title track), Teaze, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, The Almighty, Uriah Heep, The Wildhearts, Tesla, AC/DC, Ratt, Cheap N Nasty, Def Leppard, The Quireboys, Faith No More, Hanoi Rocks, Faster Pussycat, Dio, The Black Crowes and Golden Earring. I still have a very long list of material still under consideration, but it is virtually certain that there will be material from Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, UFO, Iron Maiden, Anvil, Badlands, Warrant, L A Guns, Bon Jovi and Dan Reed.
Be warned about one thing: the tracks played may not be the ones you’ll automatically expect – I’m digging out rare cuts, obscure early recordings and a few surprises.
Also, if there’s any artist you would like to hear, stick a comment on our Facebook page before 15 January and I’ll take it under advisement, as they say in certain trashy US cop programmes.
I have been away too long. But I am back. I am glad you can join me. It’s going to be one helluva ride.
Yours in rock, brothers and sisters,
Monk
For more than 15 long years I have kept my silence, but now I am silent no more. I have been away, but not, as I have been watching and listening, from afar and from upon near, and now I have returned. To here. And to now.
That here and now is, quite simply, Paradise City.
Several months ago, the seed was sown about the possibility of Monk stepping out of the darkness of retirement and into the limelight once more. Slowly, that seed took root and germinated: discussions took place long into many a night, and many a candle was burned as the idea that is now Paradise City was hatched and allowed to grow, almost organically.
It is as if Paradise City always has been my destiny. And it has arrived.
On Thursday 28 January, I step back behind the decks, in front of an audience, for the first time since 1993. I am nervous and excited. More so the latter. I have felt the hairs on my neck stand on end as I spend hours listening to my old album and singles collection putting together that vital first three-hour set. Songs have been selected, and then rejected, sometimes several times, as I strive to bring together a collection which summarises what Paradise City, to me, is going to be all about – good old fashioned, good time, old school, classic rock and metal. The sort of stuff I last played way back in 93 – and a lot of which probably hasn’t been heard in public since then!
By way of a taster, the first night so far will feature tracks by Guns N Roses (well, they do provide our title track), Teaze, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, The Almighty, Uriah Heep, The Wildhearts, Tesla, AC/DC, Ratt, Cheap N Nasty, Def Leppard, The Quireboys, Faith No More, Hanoi Rocks, Faster Pussycat, Dio, The Black Crowes and Golden Earring. I still have a very long list of material still under consideration, but it is virtually certain that there will be material from Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, UFO, Iron Maiden, Anvil, Badlands, Warrant, L A Guns, Bon Jovi and Dan Reed.
Be warned about one thing: the tracks played may not be the ones you’ll automatically expect – I’m digging out rare cuts, obscure early recordings and a few surprises.
Also, if there’s any artist you would like to hear, stick a comment on our Facebook page before 15 January and I’ll take it under advisement, as they say in certain trashy US cop programmes.
I have been away too long. But I am back. I am glad you can join me. It’s going to be one helluva ride.
Yours in rock, brothers and sisters,
Monk
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