Just to thank everyone who turned up to support the night in Bridgnorth on Saturday.
It was a fabulous evening, and fair play to Carla for putting it together. She raised a shed load of cash for cancer research, and that's what it was all about.
Cancer is an absolute bastard, which has hit most of our lives in one way or another, and we've got to beat it. For Jeff. For Vinny. For Roz. And for all of the others who we've known and lost along the way.
Great to see so many friends, who made it to the heady peak of High Town, and as always thanks especially to Cozy for his faultless rendition of 'Seek and Destroy'. We even had him singing this time!
Hope to see you all on the road very soon.
Keep it loud and metal!
Date Added: 23/01/2012
Happy New Year
Mentallica would wish to thank everyone who has made 2011 such a special one.
It's been a year of huge highs, and terrible lows. But thanks for everyone who has shared it with us through thick and thin. We really do appreciate it.
So have a great New Year. Lots of beer, plenty of heavy metal, and just the right amount of craziness!
See you on the road on 2012!
All the very best.
Date Added: 30/12/2011
A Message From Dave
Just to let everyone know that, after much agonising, I’ve taken the heartbreaking decision to retire from Mentallica at the end of March 2012.
It’s not a decision I have taken lightly, and one to which I have given a huge amount of thought over a considerable period.
However, changes in my life mean I can no longer give Mentallica the love and attention she deserves, and I therefore feel it is best to bow out in a few months time, rather than hold the band back, which I am sure I would at some stage have to do.
I would like to thank everyone who has made the last fifteen years so special for me. I won’t name you all at this stage, as I have a few months left to be sentimental. But I will say I’ll miss every single friend that I have made on the road, some of whom I have known for the whole lifetime of the band, and all of whom I would not know at all, was it not for the incredible music of Metallica.
I’ve managed to shake the hands of a few such friends at gigs around the country over the last few weeks, and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to say ‘farewell and thanks’ in person to many other people and venues over the next few months.
The good folks on the road have literally been my family for the last fifteen years, and I thank you all from the very bottom of my heart.
I know I’m leaving Mentallica in extremely safe hands with Wayne, Chris, Mart, and now Craig, on board. They know, as I do, that there really is no feeling in the world like sharing this music. It’s a feeling that will be irreplaceable in my life, but I have to be honest with myself in realising that my neck, back and knees just won’t take much more!
I hope to see you all on the road for a ‘rock hug’ in the coming months.
It has been, and will continue to be, an honour and a privilege.
All the very best, my good friends.
Dave
Date Added: 21/11/2011
Nuneaton and Milton Keynes
And so it was that a surprising empty Herman the Gervan took the relatively short trip to Nuneaton on Friday. Some trepidation was evident on the way, as there was an empty space where our great friend and long time Captain Kirk always used to sit.
Much like 'A Christmas Carol', and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, there was a symbolic crutch next to the fireplace. I say a crutch, but it was more like a huge pile of crumbs from his final sandwich and packet of crisps enjoyed with us (Thinking about it, for 'Fireplace', also subsitute 'Door'. And, whilst we're at it, we'd better replace 'A Christmas Carol' with 'A Stinking Van', but the analogy still works).
All the same, we're going to leave those ever more mouldy crumbs there, in rememberence of him! Our thoughts were very much with Aid as we clocked up the miles.
Thank goodness for Joe, who had agreed to take up lead guitar duties for the weekend. However, as we had never played with, or even met him, the sense of 'bricking it' on the journey was palpable. And tangible, as the stench in said van was worse than normal!
We met Joe for the first time outside a dodgy hotel in Nuneaton, where he had chosen to spend the night. 'Bates Motel' came to mind as we peered through the gloom into the one lightbulb that hung from the ceiling of reception. Taxidermy, anyone?
'Yes, deary?', asked on of the wizended crones behing the counter. 'How may an ordinary man defeat, and kill the Gorgon?', was the enquiry. 'Seek ye the Gorgon? Come closer. My sisters are deaf', said one... etc.
Not really, but you get the idea that this was indeed a scary place.
Joe has earned his chops playing Metallica over many years, and we really shouldn't have worried. Over a short soundcheck, it was obvious that everything was going to be alright for the weekend, as Joe thrahsed out riff after impressive riff.
Support at the Queens Hall came from 'Re-Inventing the Treadkill', a Pantera Tribute who got an impressive mosh out of the large crowd that had gathered to watch them. Check out Re-Inventing the Treadkill if you can - they are a great band, and super bunch of lads. Just don't get into any kind of drinking situation with them, as they impressively caned several crates of Budweiser (other beers are available), at least one bottle of Jack, and another bottle of expensive Canadian import bourbon.
Mentallica then thrashed out a set of classic Metallica, with Joe fitting in impressively well, not only with his top guitar playing, but also baiting of the crowd. 'Any other Yorkshireman in?', he enquired in his unmistakable northern accent. The chorus of boos was the predictable response!
Great to see some friendly faces in the crowd, with John and Cozy at the front throughout. Cozy even joined us on stage with his huge bass guitar for 'Seek and Destroy', and played perfectly as always! Cozy's appearance acted as a magnet to the Pantera boys, who also got up on stage and thrahsed out a few chords in Seek!
Thanks also to Tracey, who looked after us royally throughout the evening.
All in all a top night!
Saturday brought a trip to sunny Milton Keynes, which can be summed up as, 100 yards, island, 100 yards, island (repeat ad infinitum). But a great town, and great people. The venue was a sports hall, with the biggest stage we've seen in years!
It was great to see our mates Mart and Reg the bikers, and Mart's older brother Gareth, who made the trip to see us. Good also to meet Joe and Hailey (I hope I've got your names right!), who made the trip by train to see us, in order that they could sample the delights of the Leisure Centre bar.
Another evening of Metallica hits followed, ably played by Joe. Loud crowd, too, with the lady in the hat out-screaming many of her contemporaries!
Thanks to everyone who came down to see us over the weekend, and shared the music that we all love, in addition to a couple of beers! Also, thanks to Nils, the sound engineer who was suffering from some kind of virus, but managed to stick around until the end! I've now started to cough, but I won't hold it against you, Nils!
I hope we get to play with Joe again soon. He's a top bloke, and it's a privilege to have met and shared a stage with him. He even offered to buy me a pint - shattering the long culitvated image of the Yorkshireman as projected by the likes of Michael Parkinson, Michael Vaughan, Jeffrey Boycott, etc.
Mention especially to our adopted mascot Cozy, who it is always great to see. We've all shed some tears over the last week mate, but please never forget that you'll always be close to Chris. Mart, Aid, Jim, and my, hearts.
Thanks to everyone for their support over the last week. We really, really, do appreciate it. Especially so with regard to Wayne, who, without his enormous efforts, the weekend would not have been possible.
And so we roll on to Leicester and Poole over next weekend. Craig will be taking up lead guitar duties for this one. We've had the luxury of a couple of practices with him, and we're excited about his lightning fingered abilities! He can play the guitar too!
So keep it loud.
Keep it metal.
Date Added: 24/10/2011
Glitch in the Matrix!
We appear to be having some problems with our IT. This is possibly due to the adverse effects connected to the end of the world, as predicted by the ever reliable evangelist, Harry Camping.
Anyhoo, thanks to our IT genius for sorting it out .
Hope to see you on the road - providing of course the world doesn't end this evening.
Dave
Date Added: 21/10/2011
3 Cheers for the Captain!
I awoke yesterday to the sad news that the one and only Captain Kirk Hamster had called it a day. I would like to place on record my massive thanks for all of the help and advice he has given me since I have become the Manager of Mentallica in April 2009 and all of the memorable stories and nights where we have drunk ourselves silly. Without doubt one of the best guitarists I have met and also one of the nicest people I will ever meet. You will be sadly missed but not forgotten and I hope to share a few ciders with you in the near future \m/
Date Added: 17/10/2011
Mentallica Over the Next Few Weeks
Mentallica would wish to confirm that we will be honouring all of the shows on our gig list.
Whilst we will look to find our new Captain Kirk Hamster in due course, an old friend has agreed to take up the mantle for the next few weeks.
Hope to see you on the road soon.
Date Added: 17/10/2011
A sad day for The Captain
It is with a great deal of sadness that the following is announced.
After almost six fantastic years on the strings with Mentallica Capt. Kirk Hamster has been put out to pasture. The gruelling none stop touring schedule has taken its toll on Aid’s old bones and unfortunately he has made the somewhat sudden decision to retire for the sake of his health. It’s been a brilliant time and the memories are intense and to quote James Earl Jones in ‘Field of Dreams’ so thick you sometimes have to wipe them away from your face.
Thinking back to February 4th 2006 its difficult to imagine that the Captains first show at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, it has to be said a slightly stuttering one after only four weeks of prep, would lead to over 350 shows all over the country and as far afield as Europe and Bilston.
The Hamster has also met many wonderful folks and looks forward to seeing them at bike rallies and watering holes in the future. Thanks to everyone I’ve met, got drunk with, fallen over with and laughed with. I loved every minute of it.
Finally Capt Kirk wants to thank Dave, Chris, Mart, Wayne and Jim for best time a bloke could have and wishes Mentallica success in all that they do now and always. He’ll miss the vile stench of life on the road and will be thinking of their plight this and every Saturday nights as he is forced to endure Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor. Reminds me of the old joke . . . What’s white and crawls across the floor? Come Dancing! Most of all he’ll miss the sparing and stupidity with Saft Dave. You’re a top bloke mate. Keep the faith . . .
Love you all. X
Aid (AKA Capt Kirk Hamster)
Keep it Loud
Keep it Metal
Keep out of my comfy Chair.
Date Added: 16/10/2011
30 Years ago on this day . . .
So on this day 30 years ago in San Francisco a thrash metal band was formed by four kids. That band is now the biggest metal band on the Planet and continue to tour none stop. The band of course is Metallica and today October 15th has been officially accepted as the day of that formation.
Official Metallica celebrations will be going on in San Francisco while Mentallica celebrations will be taking place on the equally glamourous English seaboard in sunny Hull. Hollywood and Vine on Beverly Road is the setting and it kicks off around 9.
Today is the 25th anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of Metallica's Cliff Burton. So tonight as you do whatever it is that you do, stop for a moment, raise a glass (although he would proberly prefer it to be a spliff!) and think about Cliff Burton. The legacy he left behind in Metallica's music and what he might have achieved with more time. RIP.
Date Added: 27/09/2011
Legends of Rock, Wolverhampton 8th October
Only two weeks to go until Wolverhampton's Slade Rooms hosts the Legends of Rock spectacular. You can see sets from The UK Cult, Faith No Man, Guns 2 Roses, Higher on Maiden and Mentallica for just £12 advance, Click here for tickets (Tickets are £20 on the door).
Mentallica have been asked to step in at Fat Lil's Live Music and Comedy Club Witney next Friday 30th September due to their regular Met tribute being forced to pull out of the show. Their singer has been seriously ill and is recovering after a pretty torrid time. We know everyone will join us in wishing Rick a complete and speedy recovery and they'll be back next year.
In the meantime you can check out Mentallica at Fat Lil's this Friday 30th September at 9.30 pm. Bring a neck brace!
Date Added: 24/09/2011
A grand day out in the country
Congratulations to Sian and Dave who got wed on Saturday. They had a great day in the fantastic surroundings of Gants Mill, Bruton and rounded the whole thing off with two hours of Mentallica! Not surprisingly a lot of the more. . . . mature guests decided to retire to a quieter area leaving Sian, Dave and a hardcore of their mates to go mental. The set was chosen entirely by the happy couple for maximum enjoyment and enjoy they did. Thanks to Sian and Dave for allowing us to be part of their day and hopefully making it even more memorable.
Many thanks to Greg, top dog at Gants Mill who organised, MC'd and entertained with stories from his youth in the music bizz.
Lets all wish Sian and Dave a long and happy life together.
See you soon
Date Added: 20/09/2011
David and Sian
We all want to wish David and Sian all the best for their big day today. They're getting wed this afternoon and Mentallica will be joining in the celebrations later on this evening. Have a great day.
Date Added: 17/09/2011
Happy Birthday . . . Again!
So September 14th has arrived again and it's a day to celebrate and to remember.
Dave (aka Jason/Rob) has achieved yet another birthday. Lets all shout Happy Birthday loudly and bid him "Drink, drink, drink, drink" as the pages fly from the calendar in cartoon "gust of wind through an open window style" as if Walt Disney himself had been thawed out and penned the animation in his own inimitable anti-Semitic way.
Today is also the birthday of our pal Jeff. The old tart was prone to be a bit of a misery at times when we didn't do stuff his way but he was a great friend who worked minor miracles for the band and we all still miss him.
Date Added: 13/09/2011
Kavern MCC
Do my eyes decieve me? We're playing at a rally, and there are no sheets of torrential rain or localised flooding?
Is that the sun I espy?
Bring it on.
Date Added: 02/09/2011
Tribfest and Ware
Last Friday saw the travelling Mentallica circus head for Hull, and the long-awaited Tribfest.
As far as gigs go, this was a monster, with the organisers clearly putting in shed loads of work to make everyone’s festival experience a positive one.
Although Mentallica had been earlier told that they would have the honour of opening the party, the band were outraged to find that it was in fact Dean Windass, formerly of Hull City, who was to take to the stage first! However, his rendition of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ (or was it Cemetery Gates, by Pantera?) went down an absolute storm.
To the strains of ‘L’ecstcy del Oro, Mentallica then emerged from the gloom, and thrashed away to a large crowd of loud, shouty, metallers, to include bunny girls, hillbillies and bananas (some people were in fancy dress, too!). Chris even finished the proceedings by jumping into the melee for the last few bars of ‘Seek and Destroy’. I’ve seen some great pictures on Facebook, but, alas, do not have the technical know-how to add them here. I’ve tried shouting at the computer, and hitting it with a stick, but it’s just no use. No doubt our technical wizard will be stepping in shortly. He has a bigger stick.
Set over, and the band retired to the beer tent to catch the last of a Blues Brothers tribute, and then Claptomania on the main stage. Over the course of the night, we also managed to catch the Jilted Generation guys again, performing to their usual high energy standard.
As the evening wore on, jugs of Pimms were discovered, which helped put paid to any degree of sense, allowing the band to communicate in dribbling gibberish. The aforementioned Mr Windass looked predictably overjoyed in the early hours, when Dave drunkenly approached him for a photograph.
Unable to erect their tents earlier in the day, it seemed perfectly acceptable, using alcohol diminished reasoning powers, to sleep on the main stage. It was sort of tent-ish, after all, and beer always makes these decisions seem more rational.
All in all a great day, with the Mentallica Legion D’Honneur being again awarded to Jim for his pre-meditated abuse of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. Special mention to manager Wayne for obtaining yet another hideous injury whilst heavily under the influence of the lager beer. And also to Aid, who managed to remain standing despite large doses of Sambucca and Bourbon.
Mention also to Chris Darcy, and his sidekick, who have promised to live up to earlier promises on the Forum, and get the first beer in at the Lancashire Rock and Bike Show.
We’d have happily stayed for the whole weekend to soak up the atmosphere, but on Saturday, the call of Ware was heard, and, like an unexplained mass sponge migration, Mentallica were inexorably drawn to Hertfordshire.
With fine weather in complete contrast to Jim’s grey face, the hundred and sixty odd miles were happily covered, with just the odd few puke-stops. Happily, Wayne was able to provide his shoes for members of the party to throw up into. Thanks Wayne.
Mentallica have never played a ‘Private Party’ before, and didn’t really know what to expect. With hindsight, it was never going to be as Dave had hoped, and the organisers politely but firmly told him to put his clothes back on.
The stage was an outdoor affair, and the early fine weather had gradually turned to pouring rain as the journey southwards had progressed. But the sun eventually shone on the righteous, with the stage drying just in time to load the gear on to it.
And so a heavy set was played underneath the moon and stars. Big thanks to the amazing crowd that were loud as hell, and moshed the night away! Slightly worrying was the amount of dew and condensation that accumulated on guitars, drums, and amps. However, no-one got electrocuted, and therefore we can only conclude that this whole water-electricity danger thing is but an evil lie concocted by the ‘Society for Making Water and Electricity Seem More Scary Than It Really Is’.
Hope the lady who lit the bonfire with petrol and a match is now OK! It seems that the ‘Society for Making Fire Sound Really Dangerous’ were right all along, and we salute them for their sterling work. Possibly a big awareness push needed in the Hertfordshire area, though, I think!
It was fabulous to be joined by our mates the bikers, Mart, Reg, Chilly, Skully, Carol and Andy – who knew everyone at the party by the end of the evening.
A shout must also go out to the guys from ‘Monsters In Your Attic’, who started the night with a few acoustic numbers to showcase their talents.
But the measure of a good night must always be how you wake up in the morning. Never truer than for ever impressive drinking machine, Tino, who regained consciousness in a field, with no knowledge of the previous eight hours, covered in his own piss. We assume, therefore, that his evening had been a stormer! To be fair, Dave was also sniffing tentatively at a stain found on his coat! Chris’s morning eyes remained their usual healthy red.
Thanks must go to Dan and his brothers, who had given up a large amount of their time to make the evening a success, and who also drank like heroes as the night wore on.
Again, thanks for looking after us and our mates.
And thanks to all who shared such an amazing weekend with us. It is one I will never forget. Hope to see you on the road soon.
Date Added: 25/08/2011
Winchester Rock Festival Cancelled
Unfortunately the dire state of respect for live music continues to plumb new depths with an outrageous show by those good people who want to make a quick buck. We received this from the organisers this evening: -
Dear friends,
We are extremely disappointed to announce Winchester Rock Fest 2011 is CANCELLED!
Due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to cancel this event.
The owners of the venue have applied to have it demolished and have already done a deal with a housing builder for the property.Planning has been applied for and awaiting decision from the local authority which could come in as little as 2 weeks.
Not only that but the owners have threatened the current manager that, if he went ahead with this event, they would effectively shut him down immediately. A sign that they do not want the venue to have any more success and in fact would rather see it die a death to add fuel to their argument. Under these circumstances it is an impossible financial risk for us to continue.
As you can imagine we have already lost a substantial amount of money but more importantly are truly gutted for all of you who had agreed to play. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Pre-sales had reached 373 before we cancelled the event. A true indication that it would have been a huge success. Our on line ticket sales are in the process of being refunded by We Got Tickets so at least the customers/fans will get their money back.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success for the future.
Please keep in touch as we have many smaller events throughout the year and we're always open to new suggestions. We will continue to promote and support Live Music despite those without vision who wish to see all the venues close for short term profit.
Rock On!
Yours regretfully
Peter Dunne
Winchester Rock Fest Team
Date Added: 08/08/2011
Happy birthday Cozy
Today is Mentallica mascot Cozy's birthday. We all want to wish him a happy birthday and hope you have a brilliant day. See you soon. Aid, Chris, Dave, Jim and Mart.
Date Added: 06/08/2011
After three . . . . Happy Birthday to you,. . .
. . . Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday James Hetfield, Happy Birthday to you.
Yep, surely be, t'is right. Today is the birthday of Metallica's very own front man James. All hail and give a big shout out to his Metalliness!
Date Added: 03/08/2011
Guernsey - They don’t pay tax you know . . . .
They don't!
So Chaos7 came and went. The weather promised . . . but then like a cheap Taiwanese watch with a bamboo spring . . . let us down.
All seemed well as we set off from sunny Weymouth in the early hours with a belly full of hopes and ale. An easy crossing and soon along with Enraged we were perched atop our Cliffside retreat quaffing the native tipple and slapping on sun cream not aware that in a few hours time we would be sheltering from hurricane ‘spoil the weekend’. To be honest it made the weekend a little bit wet but didn’t really spoil the fun. There were still many bands to enjoy . . . or not depending on your tolerance levels. Sponge once again proved themselves to be worthy drinking opponents and to rub it in they had given themselves a whole days head start.
We managed to catch some of Sponge’s set before going off to prepare for our own slot. Show time arrived and Mentallica blasted through an hour of Metallihits interspersed with T-shirt giveaways. A breakneck swap over later and we all enjoying Enraged as they rocked the marquee . . . or was that the ever increasing wind? No matter, business out of the way it was off to the infamous bunker for light refreshments and binge level drinking.
Saturday came. More rain came. More wind came. . . and after a day of investigating the inside of local café’s and pubs we returned to site and. . . SUNSHINE! Not wasting time the beer came out, the football came out, the genitals came out. . . .a footie match between Enratallica and I think Broken Union ended with a suspected broken toe, a creased hat and a stereo streak from Mentallidave and Mentallimart. James proved to be man of the weekend for his demolition of Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum (Other brands are available . . . if you live in a doorway) consuming eight in a little over twenty minutes and still managing to produce a standing leg sweep of Mentallichris.
There were more bands to enjoy that evening including a rockabilly master class from Jack Rabbit Slim and a fantastic set from Breed77. As the music stopped the rain came and a retreat to the bunker was made and suddenly the weekend was over.
The return journey on the mighty Condor Cat was interesting to say the least with only the most concrete stomached passengers not feeling green and ejecting their lunch into an impossibly small paper bag.
All in all a memorable if damp weekend. We have to thank lots of people for asking us back and looking out for us so in no order and probably omissions thanks to Greeman GSY MCC, Shifty, Ozzy Chris, Wayne, Fast Eddie, G, Loodles, Tweedy, Charlie, Midge and Matt of Enraged and everyone who made the weekend great.
Date Added: 22/07/2011
Waynestock is almost here
Saturday July 30th will see the first Waynestock festival at Readings Facebar. The all day show boasts 15 bands on two stages over 12 hours. Top original bands including Koru, Karrion and No Americana will be appearing as well as a number of the countries top tribute acts including Higher on Maiden (Iron Maiden), Stiff Bizkit (Limp Bizkit), Steal This Band (System of A Down) and of course Mentallica.
It promises to be a memorable day of live and loud music. It all kicks off at 1pm on Saturday 30th July. Tickets are just £7.50 (Under 18's just £6) in advance and are availble on line here.
Mentallica's very own Kirk Hamster is as pleased as Punch with his KH holy Trinity of guitars . . . If only he were as good looking as Punch!
Tributes to The Mummy, The Spider and The Holy shit it's a White Ouija Board guitar (the most recent acquisition)! Many thanks to Wayne and to guitar wizard Bob Barry for weaving his magic.
We've managed to get a few pics from the recent Moxters of Rock weekend which don't contain band members members or acts of vile and prosecutable debauchery . . . or something.
The Mentalliwagon recently called in on Mentallica Mascot Cozy on the way to a show and enjoyed a few hours in the sun with Cozy and his folks. Jim and Martin also enjoyed some fun on Cozy's trampoline.
We want to thank Cozy for the 'licence plate' he brought us back from his holidays. He designed it himself and it takes pride of place within Herman the Gervan
Sadly next weeks Lancashire Rock and Bike show gig in Blackpool has had to be postponed. The whole thing has been shelved despite healthy advanced ticket sales but a new date is already pencilled in for September this year. More news as we get it.
We were shocked this week to discover that questions had been raised about the integrity of our close friend, promoter and manager Wayne. We started to work with Wayne after the sad death of our former manager Jeff just over two years ago. We had thought it would be impossible to get anyone else of the same standing as Jeff. Wayne has proved us wrong. From our point of view and over our collective 70 plus years in this business it pretty hard to think of many other people who are as genuine, committed, honest and industrious in this line of work. We have played over 150 successful shows for Wayne.
If any detractors out there would like confirmation just drop us a note and we'll give you a call. We can alternatively put you in touch with quite a few worthless 'sharks' who are only in this business to make money for themselves. We HAVE come across a lot of those which is why we deal exclusively with Wayne and no one else.
Date Added: 02/06/2011
Glastonbudget and Scream Lounge
Alas . . .No time for Crabbies
We had a great time last weekend playing at Glastonbudget and The Scream Lounge in Croydon.
Glastonbudget was a memorable if short day. Due to a prior booking we arrived on site at Midday and there wasn’t much time to spare before we were backstage at The Big Top stage preparing to kick some ass.
If you're thinking of going to Glastonbudget this year you can buy your ticket right here through the official Glastonbudget Ticket Link and register your support for Mentallica. Just click below to go to Glastonbudgets secure on line ticket shop and get your tickets for a brilliant weekend of music and mayhem!
After the terrible demise of the web majesties magic internet box there's been a lack of silliness posted regarding Mentallica's trips around the UK.
In Mid April the guys teamed up with Higher on Maiden for a memorable weekend of fun and stupidity. Shows at The Tropic Ruislip and The Bitter End In Romford were interspersed with nonsense, excessive drinking, excessive male nudity and the odd football fan trapped in a Travelodge lift . . . was one of them the devil . . . we shall never know, but he was pissed if he was there. We all spent a post gig night sat in the Travelodge lounge discussing the finer points of the long ball system with some Man Utd fans who were there in anticipation of the FA Cup semi Final the following day. We imagine some of them would have rather have stayed trapped in the lift!
Anyhoo we had a fabulous time with Higher on Maiden and it was pleasing to see Steve's JD Explorer in one peace and sounding sweet. This is of course the guitar that Aid unfortunately broke in two in Bristol last year.
April also saw Mentallica pay a first visit to The Grey Horse in Kingston upon Thames. As Dave so eloquently put it mid set "We thought you were going to be posh . . . but you're all scum like us!" Fortunately the slur was taken in good humour! Was great to meet Richard who runs the show and John who made a cracking job of the sound. We’ll be back there in 2012
The HMS Mentallica also made port at a favourite place in The Riga of Southend. Always a pleasure to meet up with Steve who runs a first rate club and is always fitting something new or refurbishing things. He really does work hard at it. First band on were Reaper and Aid was insanely jealous and full of admiration in equal measures for the bands guitarists who was sporting Brian May signature Vox AC30 amps and more impressively a Brian May signature guitar . . . me want me want! They played a great set, not metal by any means but it was very much enjoyed by the appreciative crowd. Mentallica's set was a mix of old, very old, very new and as is become normal lately a never before played track. A great night and we shall return next year.
So a great month of fun and good company. A few weeks off in May to recharge the drained batteries. Some of us will take our newly betrothed on a well deserved Honeymoon, some will enjoy a break away from home with new friends. Some of us will enjoy Soccer Saturday Special drinking Guinness. Who knows . . .?
The guys return at the end of May with a crammed weekend. Friday 27th sees them doubling up with the brilliant Megadeth UK at The Agincourt in Camberley, Surrey. Then on Saturday 28th HMS Mentallica docks at Glastonbudget in the afternoon before sprouting wings to travel to The Scream Lounge in Croydon. Thank God we get an extra day to recover!
Apologies for the lack of action on the site. Problems at t'mill of internet connection magic box has meant the all powerfull web majesty hasn't been able to add dates and stuff. Rest assured much has been happening and dates need to be addded and will be as soon as the magic internet box fairy has visited.
Sent from my blackberry yoghurt pot 14:48 08/05/11
Date Added: 09/05/2011
Moxters is coming . . .
Get some Crabbies in Jon!
As the days get longer and the nights get warmer it can only mean one thing . . . No, you haven't got malaria, it's almost time for the legendary MOXTERS OF ROCK at The Vic in Coalville. 2 days of live music and loud drinking and some Pagan morris dancers doing strange things with sticks.
Jon has worked hard to keep this thing going so lets all support him and make it a sell out. The show starts on the evening of Friday 17th June with live music. Then it all kicks off around lunchtime on Saturday 18th for a day full of some of the best tribute bands around. To check out this fantastic biker friendly place and to buy tickets click on the flyer.
Date Added: 11/04/2011
Top Totti – ngton show
All Crabbies must go!
Last Saturday saw a first trip for Mentallica to Tottington and The Hark To Towler . . . and what a great night it was. Good to meet Jo who runs the show and always nice to be greeted with light, cool, triple filtered Coors (Other brands of the larger beer are available). Mark was marshalling the loud desk and squeezed every breath of life from it to produce a thumping sound.
Hi to Sal and Lee from Manchester Rockss who interviewed the badly behaved bunch of miscreants for the MR site. Check out Manchester Rockss here
Greenman MCC's Chaos 2011 rally on the sunshine isle of Guernsey is hotting up to be a top weekend. With the incredible Rage against The Machine tribute Enraged already confirmed to headline Friday, Spunge and Breed 77 have been announceed for Saturday.
Spunge ripped everyone in the crowd a new orifice last year with their intense performance and Breed 77 need little introduction. So along with all the local talent taking to the stages, an ex-Nazi bunker full of ale and sunshine guaranteed this is going to be one hell of a time . . . oh yeah. Mentallica are playing too.
A vid of the guys performing Cyanide has been uploaded to Youtube. It was recorded in Tavistock on the legendary night of the runny bottoms! A suspect breakfast in Swindon had rendered the tummy money a little too fluid. Aid didn't move much during this show as he couldn't get too far away from the bucket awaiting him stage right! Take a look . . . not at the bucket . . . at the video!
Date Added: 05/04/2011
Three ’Countries’ in Three days . . .
technically 1 State, 1 Principality 1 Country
I’m sure this will be edited at regular intervals as more stupidity is remembered but for now . . .
What an incredible three days we’ve just enjoyed. From Jersey to Bristol via Cardiff, almost a thousand miles, lots of friends and far too much alcohol and pub grub!
Jersey
Our trip to The Drift in St Helier was one of our easier journey’s with a short drive to Birmingham’s International Airport and a ride on a big silver bird . . . well . . . small prop driven sparrow! We enjoyed a brief tour of the town, saw the sea and quickly found ourselves inside the most unlikely ‘Sports Bar’ anywhere! If you live in any major city in the UK you may well wince at the thought of going to drink in a sports bar. Usually they are filled with alcohol and testosterone fuelled cavemen watching violent sports on dozens of bad quality TV’s all intent on having a ‘good rumble’, finding blood in the toilet sinks and generally feeling very uncomfortable as you are stared at by various members of the shrewdness of cavemen. Our sports bar in St Helier was slightly different in that upon entering we reduced the average age by around 50 years! The only uncomfortable experience was the glare I got as I walked in front of the TV to get to the bar. The shrewdness of old folk quickly returned to their viewing and left us to dine in the corner . . . which they had assured us were ‘The best seats in the house’ but probably more importantly they were not in line of site to the TV. After a wonderfully pleasant stay it was off to attend to the business of the day.
It’s always great to go the drift. They treat us like Royalty and feed us lots of beer and the best steak’s this side of the Atlantic. Thanks to Craig for organising everything, Steve for marshalling us and DJ’ing, Stage Two for sound and light and especially to Rob who made the trip across the island to lend us a very nice guitar which fortunately we didn’t need. Hope you're enjoying your time in the smoke this week. We enjoyed every minute of the show and after show drinking. Jim was a star on the dance floor as he had his own pop punk half hour and managed to produce a one man circle pit! There were a few moist eyes late on as at the stroke of midnight we raised our glasses to our much missed friend Jeff Powles who had left us two years ago on this day. Always with us mate, never forgotten.
A great time was had in Jersey but in a flash it was all over and we were wearily making our way back the airport to start the second leg of the weekend.
Cardiff
After landing back on Blighty we made off to The Wales and their capital city of Cardiff. Originally this gig was meant to be at Bogiez in the city centre but unforeseen circumstances meant a switch to The Globe. It’s a fantastic venue (Stairs excepted!) and Tom was once again a Wizard on the sound desk. Many thanks to Allan for entertaining us with stories of his past life. The guy has spent a lifetime in the music business and certainly knows how to run a good club. We all had a great time and it was good to meet up with Andy, Mel, Helen, Jaspa, Andy, Emma, Jamie and Ewan who joined us early on in the pub. Dave’s good lady Lucy joined up with us too after braving public transport for the long train journey from equatorial Coseley down to Cardiff. A long hot set later and with beer and wine in hand, leg two was all over. Many thanks go to Andy and Mel for allowing us to stop at their house and providing breakfast and entertainment! Good luck to Jamie and Ewan who are expecting a new member of The Welsh race very soon . . . and thanks for the tea and bacon sandwiches. Youngest family member Sam was a superstar. Baffling us all with the blur that was his fingers whilst playing guitar Hero Metallica . . . everything on Expert mode and barely missing a note. Jim joined him on drums and made a spectacle of himself! Not because he was bad, au contraire, just because of the bizarre wasy he was sat! Keep on being a superstar Sam and be yourself, don't worry about the hair nazi's! We left at lunchtime and after a brief stop at our favourite Welsh Wetherspoons Pub in Pontypool where Chris expressed his liking for the lavatories there . . . he doesn’t get out much . . . it was off to complete the final leg of our trip.
Bristol
It was a swift trip to Bristol taking only an hour so it left time to meander up and down Bedminster High Street. That took all of seven minutes including a Subway stop for nourishment. Realising there was little to do we retired to spend an hour in Herman the Gervan and marvelled at the football. West Brom fans cheered, Wolves fans groaned, Man Utd fans swore angrily into the camera!
The show at Fiddlers was meant to be a double header with Higher on Maiden. Unfortunately the mechanical gremlins had climbed aboard their van and rendered it dead on the A19 around Saturday lunchtime. So what we had expected to be our shortest set of the weekend turned into a 2 ¼ hour marathon. Not that the folk in the room seemed to mind. There was a guy in what looked like a cycling suit and wearing Mickey Mouse hands . . . we hope he was on his stag night and not just weird! He really had a great time completing several perfect stage dives. Complete in the sense that he managed to find the people who were trying to catch him! Thanks to Dave for putting the show on, Owen for great work on sound and to Joe and his staff for running a top venue. Once again Jaspa, Andy and Emma made the trip to see us. Helen appeared to have more sense and stayed at home! We’ll see you in August at The Garden Party.
Jim was his usual busy self and has now added another string to his bow . . . no! Not a vinegar one . . . he now enjoys being a lampy and proved himself to be pretty good at it. Top man!
Safe to say we all knackered, aching from the neck, sweaty and a few pounds lighter after our exertions but we enjoyed every minute of all three nights and look forward to returning to all of these towns and venues soon. We enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones, drinking beer, eating bangers and mash, drinking Guinness, each others company, drinking wine and being able to play the best music in the world ever volume 37.
Biggest cheer of the weekend goes to Wayne for making all of this happen. Cheers mate. You’ll have to come and enjoy one these lunatic stop outs you arrange for us. It’s been too long.
Date Added: 04/04/2011
Live update from Jersey
Live at 0153hrs
We're still standing after a great night in Jersey. . . and still drinking! Thanks to Craig and Steve at The Drift for treating us like Royalty and for all the beer and to Steve for DJ'ing.! Special thanks to Rob for the loan of the lovely Jackson Rhodes Guitar even though the Gods smiled and we didn't need it. Apologies to Emma for keeping Rob so late with your trip pressing! Thanks to the guy who bought us shots during the set. Muchly enjoyed. Thanks Wayne for making it happen and thanks to Jeff for being part of our lives.
Date Added: 01/04/2011
A busy weekend ahead
Oh s**t! I think I left the iron on . . .
A busy weekend beckons this week. Starting tomorow (Thursday) with a trip to the sunshine isle of Jersey, then the capital city of the foreign land know only as The Wales and then on to Bristol where madam there'll be a lovely pair on show. . . Higher on Maiden and Mentallica. . . What did you think I meant?
A weekend of rememberence and celebration too as we toast our mentor and mother Jeff Powles who left us suddenly 2 years ago this Friday. We'll also raise a glass to our current fairy God Father Wayne who came on board at a very difficult time for us and has pushed us onward and upward ever since. . . but wait . . . all these toasts could lead to intoxication. . . this would never do. No no no no no! This will never do at all!
Friday 1st April's show at Bogiez in Cardiff has been moved to The Globe. The God of all things aqua conspired to deposit 200 gallons of water into the bar at Bogiez thus much mopping of brows and floors will be undertaken.
The Globe is a top venue and the guys are looking forward to a brilliant night.
Last weekend brought a trip to East Angle Iron and a Norfolk-Suffolk-Borderlinetastic weekend. Friday’s first visit to The Beer House in Ipswich was a top night. Lot’s of in your face metal ed’s all out for a good time. Hot and sweaty it was too but copious amounts of Jim Beam kept the old confused guitarist cool enough to continue without the aid of a chair. It seems that everyone had a great night and it was good to chat after the show. . . .and drink beer . . . and Jim Beam . . . and stuff. After a load out a b-line was made for the 24hour ASDA we had espied on the way in. There are always strange looks cast our way as our rag tag mob makes it way toward the beer and wine section. Chris discovered the wonders of modern technology in self service tills . . . alas discovery is not the same as mastery, his furry paw lodged in the machine desperately seeking his change.
Many thanks to the traffic Wombles who barred our way to the Promised Land that is Travelodge. What was a coned off 600 yard trip entailed a near 10 mile detour. Booooo! But their efforts were in vain for the alcohol tasted just as sweet upon touchdown accompanied by episodes of Modern Toss and My Name is Earl. Take that Traffic Wombles.
Saturday saw a leisurely and pleasant drive to Norwich. We amused ourselves with that favourite East Angle Iron game, Spot The Hill. After a Nil, Nil, Nil, Nil. Nil draw we had the chance to explore Norwich. Very surprising it was too with ancient church after ancient church and two cathedrals. The most important building though and the one that took the most seeking was that most hallowed of premises. . . A Wetherspoons pub. After much detective work and Mid Bridge dancing displays The Glasshouse was found and we dined on Bangers and Mash as we watched with glee as The Italians beat those cheese eating surrender monkey’s known as The French. Oooorah! Thanks to Beth for handling all those sausages with ease and not complaining once as much gravy was spilled about the place.
After our Princely feast we headed for The Brickie’s for what is always a brilliant night. Lot’s of familiar faces in the room too. Good to see Lee and co who appeared to be well oiled before the show began. As always we had a storming time and Beth had to put up with all the sausage and gravy gags. The heavy price you pay for serving this gang of miscreants their lunch! Thanks to Charlie, Pam and all the Brickie’s staff for looking after us and we’ll be back again later this year in December.
This week takes the SS Mentallican into the Principality of Wales with shows in Pontypool and Swansea. Yaki-Dah!
Date Added: 16/03/2011
Swindon and Tavistock
Friday 4th March saw the good ship Mentallica set sail for the far shores of… erm…Swindon – that bastion of the confusing traffic island. The Victoria is a venue we have not played in a long time, and thanks to the efforts of our genial host, Dave, it is a great and much improved venue.
The band thrashed out a highly enjoyable gig, playing to Swindon’s finest, including our travelling friends Helene and Jaspa. Great, crazy, loud and characteristically mental crowd. Fabulous!
The evening concluded with the playing of several top ‘choons’ courtesy of the aforementioned Dave, to the accompaniment of many beers, and shooters, to include ‘mini Guinness’ and ‘jam roly poly’. All of which were enjoyed by Mentallica, right until the point when Chris started chucking up. Dirty Chris! Filthy Chris! Thanks go to Dave for his top rate hospitality.
And so back to the customary Travelodge, with the all too familiar foul stench that seems to follow the band lurking as always in the background.
An early morning trip to Wetherspoons for a breakfast (minus an ashen-faced Chris) followed, preceded the 150 mile drive to Tavistock.
Although we’ve been to the Wharf a few times now, we’ve never arrived early enough to do anything but soundcheck, and play. Saturday gave us the opportunity to have a look around, and it really is a lovely town. It never ceases to amaze us that this beautiful, rural idyll, is chock to the gunnels with full-on metallers!
The Wharf is a great venue, with Tom the sound engineer and Jess the stage manager making us feel welcome, and ensuring that all went smoothly.
Another highly enjoyable gig – with special mention going to the hero in the mosh pit who had turned up in a neck brace! Also great to see Pat (Plukie) and Darryl, Pat resplendent in high heeled Doc Martens! Always a treat to see our drunken friend Clayton, too. Talked to some great folk after the gig, including Andy, who has been to see Metallica over twenty times over the course of the last twenty or so years. He had hundreds of patches sewn onto his jacket to prove it!
Thanks again to Jess for his military running of the backstage area, and Tom for the monster sound. See you all next year!
And so on to the mobile kebab shop, the wares of which did nothing to dilute or dispel the gut-wrenching odours that quickly filled the van for the two hundred mile return trip!
Another fabulous weekend. Lots of beers with my mates, ridiculous gigging, and sharing the music we love with the great people that we meet along the way. Thanks as always to Jim for his sterling hard work, and Wayne for making it all happen. Can’t wait for the next one – see you on the road in Ipswich or Norwich this week.
Date Added: 10/03/2011
G'day for an Antipodean engagement . . . .
Out of the pouch . . . Now!
We'd like to send our best wishes to Lloyd (He at the helm of Legends of Rock) as he and his lovely lady Kim will be getting engaged on the 12th March in sunny Dublin. This is sure to be one of the party's of the year . . . measured in consumption of alcohol and having a riot. . . Have a great time and we'll see you both soon.
Saturday’s trip to Manchester was much anticipated by all aboard the HMS Mentallica. Of course The Ruby Lounge is not only a great venue with guaranteed thunder spewing forth from the PA but also a lap dancing bar! So semi naked women mingling with the crowd was only to be expected.
Mentallica were sharing the stage with Korn trib’ Korn Again and what a brilliant band they are too. Spot on reproduction of the tricky guitar sounds. Get out and see them soon. Check them out if you get the chance. They’ll be sharing the night with Mentallica at Plinston Hall in Letchworth on Saturday 3rd June. They’re also at The Facebar in Reading on Friday 13th May.
Lots of thank you’s as usual. To Korn for being easy to get along with and being a great band. To Luke for herding us in the general direction we needed to be going in. To Claire for a great job on the sound desk and not snapping after being called ‘Love’ constantly by . . . . , hope your big day goes well later this year. To Joolz for having us and having us back again late this year/ early next. To all the lovely ladies plying their trade in room of full of drunken metal ed’s, and of course to Jim for his work in sorting us out
Of course after the usual festivities we hung about for a while and enjoyed the scenery as it floated by. As is the norm at this place Chris returned most of his gains from whence it had come, leaving with just enough for a few pints and some noody books! We’ve been promised a ‘proper’ party next time. I have no idea what that means but I sense in the context of the discussion it will not involve clowns, jelly and pinning the tail on the donkey . . . well maybe the last one but . . .
Was great to see Pippa and Gaz again. Thanks for the prezzies Pippa. See you soon in Farnworth.
A weekend in Swindon and Tavistock coming up. Break out the Resolve!
Date Added: 28/02/2011
Chaos 2011 - Guernsey
A word from our sponsors
It brought a tear to the eye to read these warming words upon the official Greenman MCC Chaos website. We're eager and gagging for it . . . pardon the pun. Anyway this is what were said:-
"If you were at Chaos last year you will remember two things about the mighty Mentallica - How awesome their set was and the riduculous amount of alcohol they consumed in the bunker. Well they are back in 2011 with a longer set to be even more awesome and with a mission to drink even more..."
. . . and we accept the challenge!
Date Added: 24/02/2011
Sound Circus Pics Up
Dirty girl! Take them down at once.
Thanks to Emma for lots of pics from the Sound Circus show. Good to see Emma and her mate Amy having a great time. . . and displaying such wonderful artistic flare . . .
Aid's demons surface as things get manic! Click the monsters to see more.
Date Added: 21/02/2011
Sound Circus and Face Bar
Buy one get one free . . . . . . . . . .
The first of many stop outs of 2011 proved to be a fantastic one. With only a few mishaps . . .including Mart trapping his fingers in the van door late. . . or early on Saturday morning! How he laughed as he stood in the pouring rain waiting for the key to open the door again . . . or . . . how he screamed!
First stop was at Bournemouth’s Sound Circus. A great venue with a fantastic crowd of lunatic metal ed’s to enjoy the night with. Keith was in charge and what a top bloke he is. Our opinion is in no way influenced by his invitation of free beer! Thanks to Chaosbomb who opened the night and got everyone going with an unrelenting set of hard and heavy stuff. Mentallica’s set flashed by as the beer kept coming and soon it was time to go to the bar! Apologies for the shortened set but with the late start and Nazi style "Threat of death" curfew imposed by the local council we had to finish!
The Good . . .
There was a lovely canvas supplied for the band to add their names to. The scribbled and illegible signature would be that of Mentallica’s own Capt. Kirk Hamster. It’s been a while since he was that close to a pair of big bouncy breasts so he was a bit shakey! Fortunately the girl was safe . . . from Hamster at least . . . as he explained, the only thing liable to make him hard was Rigor mortis! Although Chris was akin to a rat up a pipe . . . or perhaps more like an excitable Labrador! Thanks to the girls who distracted Aid and Dave with a girl on girl show (tongues only you understand) then stole a supply of pics whilst cameras were being hurriedly prepared. Good as always to see Emma and her mate Amy.
The Bad . . . (Sean of The Dead impersonater)
The free beer was enjoyed until early and then a short trip back to bed. . . where Mart attempted to chop off his fingers in Herman’s door. Fortunately lots of swearing and some cold water later he was looking a little bit less white. Could we ask the two naked men who appeared at our hotel room door to return the towels they borrowed to hide their embarrassment . . . washing them would be appreciated!
. . . and The Ugly!
Saturday saw a drive up to Reading to Mentallica manager Wayne’s venue, The Face Bar for an all day feast of metal and more. 7 bands all told and it was a great day. Bands on show were Memories in Torment, Strike Offensive, Ataraxy, Mutant Zombie Foetus and the brilliant Karrion. Matt was on sound all day so deserves a salute for coping with the madness! Great to see Andy and Mel from the valleys and Helene, Jasper and Andy. The place was rammed and it looked like everyone enjoyed a great day. During Mentallica’s set Aid got to fulfil an ambition and pay tribute to one of his heroes Gary Moore by bashing out the start of GM classic End of The World. Mart’s injury proved to be sore but not a hindrance as he performed to his usual perfect best. The only thing he dropped all night was his beer. . .and probably his guts!
Thanks as always to Jim for his company, entertainment value and hard work . . . and thanks also to Toby who experienced his first trip out with the band and we think had rather a good time.
Biggest and final thanks must go to Wayne for working so hard to ensure that this day went well and ensuring every gig goes well, providing us with beer and being our manager and friend.
Top weekend. Can’t wait for the next one.
Date Added: 21/02/2011
Saturday at The Musician, Leicester
First day back after the big holidays
We had a fantastic time in Leicester at The Musician last weekend. Was great to be back on the road even if it was a relatively short road trip. Sharing the stage with us were two top bands. First up were Temple of Lies playing some quality stuff. Then came an outstanding Slayer tribute, South of Heaven.
Thanks to Christine and co for looking after us and providing much appreciated tea and stuff. Thanks to Malcolm for sound duties and a top job he did too.
Three great bands, beer, a bit of moshing and finish off with a kebab . . . the perfect night.
We'll be back at The Musician toward the end of the
year.
Date Added: 08/02/2011
Lanc's Rock & Bike Show details confirmed.
Eeeeee. Turned out nice again!
We now have full details of the Satan's Slaves Lancashire Rock & Bike Show 2011. The event takes place on the weekend of 24-25-26 June and will be held at Cropper Road, Blackpool. At a mere £12 in advance (£15 on the gate) it all sounds like a top weekend involving loud music, loud bikes maybe a trip to the beach for some gritty fish and chips / ice cream and of course the odd adult strength lager beer shandy . . . In all we can't wait to get there!
Click the poster to go to the Lancashire Chapter site for ticket order details.
Date Added: 08/02/2011
Congratulations!
Hip Hip Oooorah!
Here's raising a glass of our favourite tipple to our good friends Helene and Jaspa, who have finally done the decent thing, and got engaged.
We are all very happy for you both, and wish you all the best for the future.
But there will need to be a celebration. May we suggest one of your famed barbeque parties, with lots of pear cider?
Date Added: 08/02/2011
More video's up
Lubricant needed to get them down again . . .
There's been a change in our media section with some of the older stuff replaced with more recent performances. Check out vids for Master, Sandman and more HERE
Date Added: 07/02/2011
Gary Moore 1952-2011 RIP
A sad day for some of us. Gary Moore died today in Spain. Aid is very sad as GM was one of his very first guitar heroes. So there'll be lots of guitar solo's going on in rememberance today.
Thanks Gary
For those who weren't sure he 'also' did blues not 'only'
Date Added: 07/02/2011
He's alive i tell you . . . ALIVE!
Slightly over dramatic news on transport
We are all very happy to have Herman the Gervan back in the bosom of the Mentallica family. Six weeks ago it was all very grim. His front end looked like a poorly prepared builder’s breakfast and there was much fretting about his future with the band. There were disturbing dreams of a third plot alongside our previous steeds Chuggaboom and Wolfgang in Eddie Van Heaven. But help came from the West (Cradley is West of Dudley by 2.3 miles) and like a phoenix Herman lives again.
Immeasurable thanks goes to Damien and Nick at Heath Auto Bodies in equatorial Cradley who did a brilliant job and have made Herman look so new . . . we are now embarrassed into cleaning the rest of him to match his new panels.
We set out for Sunny Leicester tomorrow as a complete family again for the first time since Birkenhead. We can't wait.
Well after a bumper year of shows in 2010 we decided to have January 2011 off. It can be a bit hit and miss this time of the year anyway with purses a little lighter after Christmas and all that New Year fun.
So we kick off again on February 5th at Leicester's 'The Musician'. There'll be a local band on first to start proceedings. Then it's more or less back to the relentless motorway miles, service station toilets and weary bodies on Monday mornings . . . but we wouldn't have it any other way!
See you out on the town!
Date Added: 25/01/2011
Korn Again join us at The Caged Asylum
All you good folk coming to see Mentallica at Manchesters Caged Asylum are in for a treat as the guys will be sharing the stage with Top Korn Tribute KORN AGAIN.
It will no doubt end in a pile of drunken bodies and illness but . . . the weekend of April 15th and 16th see's Mentallica and Higher on Maiden sharing two stages, lots of beer and no doubt whilst Higher on Maiden are on stage far too many sightings of members of Mentallica's . . . members!
We've enjoyed brilliant nights with the chaps from H-O-M and can't wait for this weekend. Travelodge beware! Must check out 24hour supermarkets in the locale! Beer and munchies - Mmmmmmmmm!
Friday 15th's show will be at The Tropic in Ruislip.
Saturday 16th's show will be at The Bitter End in Romford.
I must remember to pack ample amounts of Alka Seltzer XS! Ugh!
Date Added: 21/01/2011
Sad day brings change of venue and town . . .
Sadly with the closing of Sheffields The Boardwalk our planned show there due to take place on Saturday 23rd April has had to be cancelled. Instead on the day of St George Mentallica will travel to Kingston upon Thames in London to play The Grey Horse. Gav form G2R reckons it's a top venue so we are looking forward to it.
Date Added: 21/01/2011
Norfolk Suffolk borderline-tastic
Friday March 11th will see the first leg of an East Anglian double. Starting at the marvellously named Beer House in Ipswich. The following day Saturday 12th sees a return to a favourite venue, The Brickmakers in Norwich.
Date Added: 11/01/2011
Double Header with MEGADETH UK
On Friday 27th May Mentallica will be sharing the stage at Camberley's The Agincourt with the brilliant MEGADETH UK. Its been a while since we teamed up but a top night is guaranteed. I know I can't wait!
Mentallica seem to have found the ideal place to perform! The aptly named 'The Krazy House' in the heart of Liverpool. 3 Floors of all things Metal, Rock, Nu wave, Punk and everything in between. Saturday November 26th 2011 is the date so put a ring around that date and prepare for mayhem
Date Added: 04/01/2011
2010 . . . an excellent vintage
2010 was a brilliant year for Mentallica. Just shy of 60 shows performed all over the UK recruiting new members of the Mentallica family along the way. Unfortunately we’ve lost some friends on the way too but thanks to many others we’ll remember them always. Many top venues have also gone to the wall in 2010. The saddest loss of all as most closed purely due to lack of bums on seats. Live music is still one of the best ways to spend a night out so why more people don’t is bemusing.
We got a new mascot in the shape of Cozy. 11 years old and mad for all things Metallica. He can be seen regularly right down the front playing air guitar and shaking his head throughout the set. He’s great and we’re sure in years to come he’ll surprise everyone with his achievements. A big thank you to his dad John for making the long trips and putting up with the late nights!
Some top nights have been enjoyed in 2010. Jersey and Guernsey shows were undoubtedly highlights. Both were brilliant shows with outrageous riders and both were followed by unbelievable weekends of excess and fun. We’ve enjoyed some great nights with Legends of Rock and teaming up with Higher on Maiden, Guns 2 Roses and many more. There was the fantastic Rock Radio Birthday bash at The Ritz Manchester with the aforementioned and Dressed to Kill. More great night have been shared with one of if not the best Tribute band out there at the minute, Enraged.
2011 is already lining up to outdo 2010 by some way. Returns to the Channel Islands are confirmed. Another Halloween show at Mr Kyps in Poole and we’ll be returning to a lot of favourite venues as well as once more taking the Mentallica circus to new towns and cities across The UK.
There are so many people we have shared the year with. A few who crop up all too often and have made the year even better are (in no particular order) Andy and Mel from the Valleys of Wales, Pippa from Bolton, Helen and Jasper from Cheltenham, Cozy and John from Redditch, Rich and Emma from ‘The other side of Wolverhampton’, Darryl and Pat from Plymouth, Emma Christine and Camilla from Hull . . . and many many others. Lloyd has put in unbelievable efforts into Legends and Rock and is now starting to see some kind of reward for all of his work . . .pity about the Ashes though mate!Thanks to the venues, owners, overworked sound engineers and bar staff and especially very big West Brom’ supporting doormen.
Jim has been an ever present companion and worked above and beyond in 2010. He’s as much a part of the band as any one of us. As is Wayne who works tirelessly to push us on to bigger and better things. . . and being the biggest Metallica fan you’ll ever meet he is very difficult to please but we manage it most of the time!
Sadly our spiritual home of JB’s in Dudley could have closed it’s doors for the last time in the early hours of this morning. Fortunately we had a chance to pay our respects and give a big thanks to JB’s just before Christmas. Sam has given a lot of people the best nights of their lives within those walls so we thank you for all of them and wish you well for the future.
Happy new year to everyone and keep on spreading the gospel according to the four wise men of METALLICA!
KEEP IT LOUD!
KEEP IT METAL!
KEEP IT METALLICA!
Date Added: 01/01/2011
2010- What A Year!
It's been a fabulous year on the road for Mentallica. We've met a load of new friends, and caught up with loads of friends we have made over the years, not to mention holding aloft glasses of alcohol, and remembering the amazing people we've met, and lost, along the way.
So, before I clear off to JB's for a New Year Drinkathon, I'd just like to say thanks to everyone for making this year such a memorable one for us. So (big breath), cheers to Helene, Jaspa, Magpie, Emo, Andy, Mart, Reg, Chili, Skully, Dee, Dill, Rich, Mrs Rich, Al, Gaz, Dafty, Emma, Rich, Andy, Mel, Jamie, Charlie, Lloyd, Kim, Rob, Emma and the gang in Poole, the crew in Norwich, Sam, Rich, Big Eddie, Tom, Jenny, Keith, John, Steve, Crickett, Ralph, Jo, Balf, Spanner, Jen, Dave, Chris's Sister, Chris's brother-in-law, Anna, Fiona, Tommo, Dave the medical miracle, Lucy, Lisa, Will, Samantha, John at The Vic, Ozzy Chris, Loodles, Gee, Pat, Darryl, Clayton, Pippa, Enraged, Higher On Maiden, Guns to Roses, Dizzy Lizzy, [Spunge], of course our adopted mascot Cozy, his dad John the maker of metal coffins, and everyone else who have joined us on the road this this year.
Not forgetting the band - Aid, Chris, Mart, Jim and Crazy Wayne, who have been good friends and drinking buddies on a consistent basis!
And especially not forgetting Jeff, a bloke who will always be close to our hearts, and Vinny - a true lover of the music. I'll be raising a glass to both, and all of the above, later.
See you all at the bar next year.
Dave
Date Added: 31/12/2010
Snow Joke!
Apologies to everyone who was planning to make the trip to The Empire in Abertillery on Saturday. With the snow came impassable roads and the venue had no choice but to cancel the show early on Saturday morning. A rearranged date is on the horizon so hopefully some time in February the show featuring Mentallica and the incredible Enraged should go ahead.
The cancellation was in a way fortunate as some arsehole had caused serious damage to Herman the Gervan by driving into the poor teutonic wretch, fetching him a hefty blow a midships and leaving him for dead whilst parked up overnight in Birkenhead. Hours of pointless phone calls to apparently the fourth emergency service were fruitless as despite being a member they decided they couldn't help. Fortunately Mentallica and Herman are made of sturdy stuff so despite the damage and with consumate ease and at a leisurely pace along the wonderfully picturesque A41 Herman delivered us back home through what were at times pretty horrendous driving conditions to soft furnishings, hot cocoa and hot baths . . . and of course copious amounts of cider/ale/spirits/wine (delete as applicable)!
May we wish a pox, a terminal illness, a dry unsavoury turkey and an empty stocking this Christmas Day upon the mindless chav who caused harm to Herman and drove off without a thought. Hope your vehicle is a right off and you are in need of medical assistance!
Also fowl blessings and ill wishes to The AA who left us in the snow with no regard for our freezing toes. You are not the fourth emergency service. You are a bunch of mercenary scoundrels. I shall take my £36 a year elsewhere with immediate effect and sneer vigourosly every time I see one you custard coloured vehicles. Be gone with you. Now, Greenflag or RAC? Decisions decisions.
On a brighter note we had a great time at The Revolver in Birkenhead other than the vehicular misshap. Despite the Arctic conditions many hardy souls turned out to share the night with us. We stopped there and enjoyed a hearty drink into the small hours. Thanks to Mick and Kate for looking after us. Also many thanks to Sauasge, AKA Ruben the giant Doberman for not eating any of us!
Date Added: 19/12/2010
Rushden show Pics
There are some pics of the Rushden Show now up in the gallery.
Taken by Glyn Shepherd, you can see more of his work here.
Click a pic to go to the gallery index.
Date Added: 08/12/2010
Rushden & Diamond Head Show
Last Saturdays’ show in Rusdhen was a great night. We were sharing the stage with Moor Road, The More I See, Metal Messiah and of course the legend that is Diamond Head. Thanks to the guys from Moor Road who were awash with youthful enthusiasm and helped us and everyone else carry stuff up those lovely stairs. Great bunch of blokes.
I'm sure there was more than a hint of the surreal as the chaps from Mentallica sat around early on awaiting late arrivals farting, eating pre-packed sandwiches and discussing the theory of Relativity. . . . Trains, walking along them at light speed et all . . . suppose it makes a change from them talking about icey mikes and birds with big hooters?
As always with these occasions things ran over from early on but that didn’t take away from a great night of metal new, old and classic culminating with Brian Tatler’s Diamond Head showing everyone what the NWOBHM was all about (some of us were there - old as . . . ) mixed with newer material from more recent recordings.
Thanks to Jon at Attic Promotions for putting the whole thing on, to Bob for many hours running around keeping everything in order and to Melvyn. We’ll be back at The Athletic club in March for a full set of Metallica classics.
Tickets are already available at WWW.WEGOTTICKETS.COM/EVENT/101543.
See you all March 26th at Rusdhen Athletic Club
Date Added: 07/12/2010
JB's last stand - Saturday 11th December. 9pm
A tribute to Colin
Well its a very sad time for lots of folk in these parts. The December 11th Show at JB's Dudley could well be the last time Mentallica grace the stage there as the venue has been sold after being in administration and as yet no one seems to know what's going to happen to it once Sam closes the doors for the final time in the early hours of New Years Day 2011.
Sam has given many of us the best nights of our lives inside JB's old and new incarnations so we're putting out a rallying call to everyone. Get to JB's on December 11th for what could possibly be the last time for us. Come and thank Sam for over 40 years of un-ending hard work bringing great music and great times to our small part of the World. We salute you Sam.
It's going to be a farewell party so bring your drinking boots and a handkerchief!
Hopefully see lots of you there.
. . . and here's that list again of a few of the legendary bands who've visited 'our' club.
SPEAR OF DESTINY
SISTERS OF MERCY
BEDOUIN (EX HAWKWIND)
NEUROSIS
HAMMERFALL
PAGANDS MIND
SONATA ARCTICA
THE CHARLATANS
OZRIC TENTICLES
MUCKY PUP
THE OYSTER BAND
EDGUY
GAY BIKERS ON ACID
DIRE STRAITS
THE ALMIGHTY
LITTLE ANGELS
WOLFSBANE
THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS
THE PRETENDERS
THE TOURISTS
TOM ROBINSON BAND
CATHEDRAL
10CC
N
EVE 6
EARTH CRISIS
THE SEERS
INSANE CLOWN POSSE
BALAAM AND THE ANGEL
TEARDROP EXPLODES
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN
ORCHESTRAL MANOUVERS IN THE DARK
DR. JOHN
BIOHAZARD
HONEYCRACK
KERBDOG
ORANGE GOBLIN
SQUEEZE
TESTEMENT
SEPULTURA
NEDS ATOMIC DUSTBIN
CANNIBAL CORPSE
DAVE SWARBRICK
THE POLICE
WAYNE/JAYNE COUNTY
HEADSWIM
SKUNK ANANSIE
TERRORVISION
SICK OF IT ALL
PITCHSHIFTER
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
ZAKK WYLDE
PARADISE LOST
THERAPY?
BACKYARD BABIES
RADIATOR
WILDHEARTS
THE YO-YO’S
CYCLEFLY
TURA SATANA
BRUCE DICKINSON
SKIN
THE DAMNED
THE EXPLOITED
999
THE SELECTER
JUDGE DREAD
BERNIE MARSDEN & MICK MOODY (WHITESNAKE)
JOE ELLIOT & PHIL COLLEN (DEF LEPPARD)
BLUR
FREAK OF NATURE
SHED 7
SUPERGRASS
THE STONE ROSES
EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS
THE WILD HEARTS
FASTER PUSSYCAT
LOVE/HATE
THE UNDERTONES
DOG EAT DOG
CRAZYHEAD
THE SHAMEN
GIRLSCHOOL
PRIMAL SCREAM
SAVOY BROWN
KING PRAWN
KING KURT
SPACEMEN 3
Y&T
WASP
TESLA
HAYSEED DIXIE
BAD COMPANY
ENISFERUM
TYR
FISH
CUBE
TOPLOADER
YOUNGER YOUNGER 28’S
TEN POLE TUDOR
WILD WILLY BARRETT
THE MACC LADDS
CREDIT TO THE NATION
THE STRANGLERS
FISCHER Z
LOVE HATE
JESUS JONES
JOHN OTTWAY
THE GRIP
THE CHAMELEONS
THE MISSION
THE SPECIALS
BAD MANNERS
ORE)
THE WALKABOUTS
XTC
MOONSPELL
THERION
THE WONDER STUFF
JOHN MELLENCAMP
GIRLSCHOOL
GENERATION X
THE RUTS
EDWIN STARR
THE FALL
MAGAZINE
PENETRATION
THUNDER
DARTS
CARTER USM
MINDFUNK
BRIAN TATLER
JOOLZ
T’PAU
THE WEDDING PRESENT
PAUL DI’ANNO’S BATTLEZONE
MY BLOODY VALENTINE
RUBY TURNER
FRANK SIDEBOTTOM
JIM MARTIN (FAITH NO MORE)
GWAR
THE METEORS
FM
BAY CITY ROLLERS
THE SWEET
DEBBIE BONHAM
DR & THE MEDICS
SHAM 69
JUDAS PRIEST
ROBERT PLANT
U2
UB40
CHUMBAWUMBA
SUB-HUM-ANS
UK SUBS
BEKKI BONDAGE
PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES
THE VIBRATORS
SAXON
DARKSIDE
DAWN AFTER DARK
DEAD CAN DANCE
SULTANS OF PING FC
RED BEARDS FROM TEXAS
TYKETTO
XMAL DEUTCHLAND
STEVE GIBBONS
TREVOR BURTON
THE SAINTS
NINE BELOW ZERO
ELUVEITE
OUT
PULKAS
SKINLAB
ENTOMBED
ENTWINED
MISERY LOVES CO
CLAWFINGER
ROCK BITCH
PHANTOM BLUE
SUGAR RAY
THE CURE
STRAY CATS
THE ROAD CONES
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY
SENSER
THE LEVELLERS
AL ATKINS/ HOLY R
Date Added: 03/12/2010
Fiddlers in Bristol -Double header
Saturday 2nd April 2011 will see the boys team up with Higher on Maiden at The Fiddlers Club in Bristol. Always a great night with the Maiden boys. Bring it on!
The last week has been a busy one taking in shows at Darlington, Hull, Birmingham and West Bromwich. The Darlington/Hull weekend was highly enjoyable and the all night drinking in our luxurious travel lodge may have been ill advised but it was great. As the beer and wine flowed we put the world right, invented foolproof goal line technology, dismantled Buddhism and devised many ways to combat hunger and poverty . . . and then spent the other 6 hours talking about birds with big hooters and generally getting to the bottom of the lovely beer keg with a funny looking fox alien called Fuchshen . . . Some pictures of the month coming soon!
The Forum show in Darlington was a top night. Thanks to everyone for sharing and we certainly hope that the ‘Save The Forum’ group is successful because it is a top venue as well as bar, rehearsal rooms and studio. Good to see Danny again and chat about nothing and everything.
Sundays return to The Polar Bear in Hull was a happy one. Good to see Craig and the regular crew. Thanks for looking after us. A great place to spend a Sunday afternoon especially with so many friendly metal heads in tow.
Tuesday saw a short journey into Birmingham and a much love place, The Roadhouse. Tonight Mentallica were helping out the brilliant Nervana by opening the show with 45 minutes of metal mayhem. Nervana (a tribute to Nirvana . . . just in case you weren’t sure!) hail from Boston USA and Ireland. What an incredible likeness to the real thing they are. They come across to the UK regularly si if you get the chance to see them don’t let it pass by.
Finally an even shorter trip to The Public in West Bromwich. A bit surreal to load into a fully fledged art gallery complete with exhibits and strange décor. Having played at Fudgestock earlier in the year the guys were really looking forward to this show and weren’t disappointed. JP wound up the PA to bursting point and many ears will still be ringing! Good to see lots of familiar faces and many more new ones. Pudsey bear put in an appearance . . . everywhere. Pics soon. Thanks to Mickey and to Lee for the impromptu sound check assistance after Mart had been held up by traffic.
All in all a very memorable week with some peculiar pics to prove it. This weekend sees shows in Liverpool at the O2 Academy with Legends of Rock also featuring Higher on Maiden and Guns 2 Roses. Then on Sunday a trip to Storbridge and The River Rooms (Ex Rock Cafe). It’s been a while but we’re all ready to rock.
See you soon
Date Added: 22/11/2010
Mr Kyps Halloween fright night!
Its a long way off but the guys are looking forward to celebrating Halloween 2011 at Mr Kyps in Poole. Saturday 29th October is the date. Fancy dress optional!
Date Added: 12/11/2010
Onslaught Radio
Onslaught Radio is an on-line station that brings the you the best in metal. I just logged on and songs just played were The Kovenant -In the Name of the Future, Akercocke-Verdelet, Soilwork-Two Lives Worth Of Reckoning, The Haunted-Moronic Colossus and Benediction-I Bow to None. Some top stuff for those who like our metal as heavy and hard as F**K! Click on the link to check Onslaught Radio out.
Date Added: 11/11/2010
Sweden Calling
Exciting times on the far horizon. Late September 2011 will see the Mentallicraft take a long journey to scandinavia with the prospect of 4 gigs in Sweden. Venues and cities will be announced soon.
Ingrid . . . You need to teach us that drinking song again!
went something like . . .
Helan går
Sjung hopp faderallan lallan lej
Helan går
Sjung hopp faderallan lej
Och den som inte helan tar
Han heller inte halvan får
Helan gåååååår
Sjung hopp faderallan lej
Thanks Ingrid.
Date Added: 11/11/2010
The Brickmakers & Plinston Hall
Mentallica will be returning to Norwich's finest on Saturday 12th March 2011. Always a great welcome and fantastic night.
On Friday 3rd June sees a welcome return to Plinston Hall in Letchworth. It's been many years since the guys played a show here and they're all geared up to go back.
Date Added: 08/11/2010
Barrow in Furness - Bad News/ Good News
Apologies to all in Barrow who were looking forward to a night a mayhem at The Canteen in November. The venue has new owners and as with most new owners at venues the first thing they see fit to do is cancel gigs. Nothing the band could do about it and we are all very dissapointed in the way this has been handled so close to the date. We just want to be sure it's understood that the show was cancelled by the venue and not the band.
On a brighter note our friends at The Nines in Barrow are looking to get Mentallica back up there early 2011. Maybe if the new owners at The Canteen had been witness to the fantastic nights we've had there they may have reconsidered. See you back in Barrow soon
Date Added: 03/11/2010
Mr Kyps, Cox's Yard and a Coffin full of sweets .
Two more great gigs last weekend. From Poole to Stratford upon Avon in two shakes of a head.
Mr Kyps as always provided a top night. Sharing the stage were Maniacal Edge and having played with them before we knew they would have no trouble whipping the crowd up with their own brand of melodic death metal.
Chris loses his head . . .
Good to see Kyle again who tried to squeeze 20 minutes of sense from the guys for an interview. He was in a bit of a bad way as he was nursing three broken ribs. Hope they mend soon old sauce. His review will be posted soon. Also good to see Emma and thanks for the pics which will be posted in the gallery later. The set flashed by and we all look forward to getting back down to Poole in 2011.
Saturdays trip to Cox’s Yard was welcome as always and we got to see a few old mates too. First band on was Gethika. These guys are currently on a tour promoting the release of their first EP entitled This New World. Well worth a listen check out their music and gig dates below
A top band and great bunch of blokes. Good luck with your tour and EP.
We got to see our adopted mascot Cozy again as he and his dad brought the band a gift. A coffin shaped lunch box packed with ghoulish sweets. Thanks to John for fashioning the box and an exceptional job it is too. It’s now our task to get pictures of us and the coffin everywhere we go . . . starting with Prague! See you both in November.
Thanks to everyone at Kyps and Cox's Yard for a great time.
So we now head off for a few weeks away from Mentallica as a travelling musical circus at least. The circus itself now heads for Prague for a wedding and many visits to The Beer Museum . . . minds boggling already!
The band hit the road again on November 13th when they return to The Forum in Darlington and the 14th when they visit The Polar Bear in Hull. See you there.
Date Added: 26/10/2010
Queens Hall date change
The show at Nuneatons queens Hall has been put back to Saturday September 17th 2011.
Date Added: 26/10/2010
The Brickmakers . . . and a comedy fart!
Last weekend was a filled with fun, friends and . . . farts. A trip back to one of the bands favourite venues, The Brickmakers Arms in Norwich. Great to see some old friends out to share the night with us. The usual Norwich crew were in attendance as were Alan and his good lady who had travelled no small distance yet again. I was privileged to see Alan’s telephone wall paper, marvellous . . . although I didn’t get to see them flash! As always we were glad to see Charlie, Pam and the rest of The Brickie’s crew.
Like a bad teacher Chris struggles to control his pupils!
First band up were Storm and they whipped one up with a selection of classic rock and metal tracks. Mentallica opened up with ‘That was Just Your Life’ for a change and it didn’t take long for a mosh to develop and continue throughout the night.
Wayne joins in and . . . We can only guess what Aid is doing!
As Midnight passed things came to an end with Hit The Lights. A great night and Wayne certainly enjoyed after show chat as you can see . . .
Wayne dives for pearls . . .
. . . Alas despite the good times spent in Norwich the weekend will be forever more remembered for an incident in an A14 service station. Upon emptying one kind of tank and filling another we found ourselves within the walls of the shop. Temptations in every direction . . .Food, Drink, Pornography, chamois leathers and those little packs of replacement car bulbs . . .which have only one of each kind in them? As a queue formed one gentleman busying himself by musing over his choice of savoury snack let rip a spectacular rasping fart which turned heads in the entire shop. Strangely the only folk who seemed to find it amusing were us and the shop keeper who struggled to complete his transaction with Dave due to their giggling. As the rest of the Mentallicrew guffawed along the remainder of the queue stood with lips pressed together, no glimmer of amusement. It’s a sad day when you can’t enjoy a good fart with a complete stranger!
We’ll be back at The Brickmakers next year and we look forward to that and to stopping at those services on the off chance that the bringer of laughter will be there again.
Sir. We salute you.
Date Added: 21/10/2010
Return to favourite places
A few dates to announce as the band return to favourite venues in 2011. The Moses Gate in Farnworth on Saturday May 7th 2011. "The Revolver in Birkenhead" which is of course in Birkenhead on Friday 1st April and The Roadhouse in Birmingham on Saturday 4th June 2011. Always a good time and great people guaranteed. See you all there.
Date Added: 15/10/2010
Metalliville - The place to find out . . .
Metalliville is the hottest online metal magazine featuring CD/DVD reviews, Interviews and all the news about what's happening in the world of metal. You can also buy all of your tickets via their Ticketmaster link.
Click the link to find out what your missing in the news . . .
Date Added: 14/10/2010
Sheffield and Old Skool Coventry
Two new shows to announce. On Friday December 10th Mentallica return to Coventry and The Rising Sun to play a strictly old skool set. Part of The Rising Suns annual run up to Christmas with lots of metal throughout December.
On April 23rd 2011 we celebrate St Georges Day with a double header at Sheffileds Boardwalk with Iron On Maiden. This promises to be a top night.
Date Added: 13/10/2010
Return to The Scream Lounge
Hot on the heels on our return from Croydon a new date has been confirmed at The Scream Lounge on Saturday 28th May. Read the review below and see what a top night we had there a few days ago.
Date Added: 11/10/2010
Croydon . . . What a Scream!
Saturday saw Mentallica journey to Croydon and the Scream Lounge. Aid’s wittering and dicky bladder necessitated a diversion to the M4 and Charlton Heston services. An empty P-sack and large frothy coffee later we hit the road. Unfortunately we hadn’t manage to catch a glimpse of the well known Hollywood star and champion of the National Rifle Association . . . rumour has it that he’s dead? Any clues . . . but Anyhoo . . . The diversion meant a drive through London and a wonderful change it was to the endless monotonous motorway miles. What fun we had woman spotting, pudding spotting and Jay-Z spotting. Traffic was predictably a pain in the Kirk Douglarse but eventually we arrived having enjoyed our Autumnal adventure through our nations Capital.
On arrival we were chuffed as always to find stairs . . . but with the ever present Jim along the graft was over swiftly. If only the hunt for a parking space was as easy! The Scream Lounge is a brilliant place. Compact, bijou and all set up for in your face sweaty metal. Gavin was on sound and created a thundering noise out front. A big thanks to mike for setting up a top light show . . . how we laughed on stage . . . mid song . . . in the dark . . . unable to see! The lighting throughout was brilliant though.
As soon as we waked on stage we knew this was going to be one those nights you remember more than most. Our fellow metal heads in the crowd were moshing from the start. The further into the set we ventured the more the arms, heads and bodies were flung about. By the time we’d reached the last quarter of the set and gone completely Old Skool there was close to a friendly mass brawl down front. Only when the crowd had cleared did we see the mass of broken glass and somewhat worryingly a fair amount of blood! We discovered that the blood was due to a guy falling onto glass and cutting his hand so not too serious but still painful. A rather less fortunate chap was being nursed with a damaged back from moshing and hitting something . . . probably the floor! Hope you both get back to normal very soon.
A special mention for a couple from Brazil who had, believe it or not, changed their scheduled flight to Lisbon, Portugal to be able to see us and then fly out on Sunday. He was a real Old Skool Metallica fan sporting a Cliff Burton Hoody . . . fortunately for us he had a great night. . .He was a very big chap and I was please to see him having a good time right down the front. Was a pleasure to see Anna and Fiona too, sorry we couldn’t give you a lift back. It would have been very, very late!
As seems to be the way over the last few years within a day of playing at this new venue a return date has already been agreed and the SS Mentallica will be back at The Scream Lounge on May 28th 2011.
Thanks to everyone for a great night and we can't wait to get back.
. . . for our friends from Brazil. . .
MANTENHA-O ALTO
MANTENHA-O METAL
MANTENHA-O METALLICA
Date Added: 11/10/2010
George at The Tropic, Ruislip.
Sad news to share this evening after we heard that George from The Tropic in Ruislip has passed away. He and Philip were the team who promoted shows at The Tropic and were great chaps. We enjoyed a great night of their hospitality with Higher on Maiden earlier this year. Our thoughts are with George's family and freinds and with Philip.
Date Added: 07/10/2010
Night Owls, Slade and Sheds . . .
A top weekend aboard the good ship Mentallica. Certainly the Night Owl was a top venue . . . literally. The very top . . .six flights of fire escape and an archaic open plan lift to the top! But regardless of the efforts exerted to get the ridiculous amount of equipment that makes the Mentallica show to the venue it was a brilliant night. Opening proceedings were Aggressor and they made short work of getting the crowd going. Good to see Helene, Jaspa, Andy and all celebrating the H’s birthday weekend. Sound was courtesy of Ryan who did a great job.
Moses Gate is a place we always look forward to returning to. A gig we got by accident many years ago has become one of Mentallica's favourite haunts. By no means the biggest venue in the country by size but certainly one of the biggest in great people. Uncle Ray (our mission to get everyone calling Uncle Ray Uncle Ray is going well) was on form as always. Good to see Harry and the usual MG team.
Amongst the crowd were many people we know and some new faces. Pippa once again ended the evening with little or no voice and was ferried back home in the Mentaliwagon. Luke was a trooper. Forced to sit for some of the show due to various ailments, still right at the front, he stayed till the end. Hope your aching limbs improve mate. Thanks to everyone for being in our face for 2 hours plus and making it a brilliant night.
Special thanks to Keith for producing a great sound on and off stage. Its always nice to hear those three magic words from an engineer . . . "Backline up lads".
Mentallica will be back at Moses Gate in 2011 and as always it will be a highlight. . . and don't forget. It's not Ray it's UNCLE RAY!
Cheers
Date Added: 01/10/2010
CHAOS RALLY GUERNSEY 2011 CONFIRMED!
After one of the best weekends of all time last year Mentallica are buzzing with the news that they have been rebooked for 2011's show on sunny Guernsey. The Chaos Rally is organised by Greenman MCC and what a top job these chaps do. We can't wait to get back there.
To make the weekend even better the brilliant Enraged will also be on the Bill, headlining Friday night. Could be a rowdy sea crossing with us all travelling together!
Date Added: 29/09/2010
South Wales weekend
The SS Mentallica steams south in March 2011 to Pontypool and Swansea for a great weekend on the road. On Friday 18th March we return to The Hog and Hosper in Pontypool. Now part of the Redeemer chain of rock clubs another top night is in store.
After a weary making night of fun the guys will head further into the Welsh interior and on to Swansea ( Saturday 19th March) and the brilliantlly named Sin City club. A weekend of excess guaranteed, don't forget the Alka Seltzer XS!
Date Added: 29/09/2010
Cliff Burton - 24 years on.
Today is the 24th anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of Metallica's Cliff Burton. So tonight as you do whatever it is that you do, stop for a moment, raise a glass (although he would proberly prefer it to be a spliff!) and think about Cliff Burton. The legacy he left behind in Metallica's music and what he might have achieved with more time. RIP.
Date Added: 27/09/2010
Nervana comes to town
A fantastic US tribute to Nirvana will be in town on November 16th. Nervana will include a show at The Roadhouse, Birmingham on their UK tour. Mentallica main man Wayne was blown away by Nervana in Hull recently and had damp patches in his undercrackers to prove it. Mentallica will be along as special guests for the show.
Check out Nervana here . . . have tissues at the ready!
Date Added: 27/09/2010
Satans Slaves MC & Wanderers MCC Rallies up!
The good ship Mentallica is buzzing with excitement after the first of many bike rallies for 2011 have been confirmed.
The guys will be taking the lids of Marquees for Satans Slaves MC in Lancashire (Site will be announced ASAP) on Saturday June 25th 2011.
The good folk from Wanderers MCC Bishop Auckland (Site will be announced ASAP) will play hosts to Mentallica on Saturday August 13th.
Date Added: 27/09/2010
A Public return
After a great day at The Fudgestock fund raiser earlier this year Mentallica have been asked to return to The Public, West Bromwich to play a show on Friday November 19th 2010.
Date Added: 17/09/2010
Cozy at The Roadhouse
The Roadhouse
A celebratory return to The Roadhouse in Birmingham as it was Dave’s birthday . . . or was it. Yes, it was. . . or was it . . . Dave is of an age that if he were fine champagne he would have James Bond salivating in anticipation . . . unfortunately he isn’t . . . and doesn’t. He did though drink copious amounts of Rose wine . . . from the bottle. Phillistine! Anyhoo. . .
The Roadhouse has recently changed hands but it’s good to see the venue and staff remains the same. Tommo was as always on top form and gave us a great sound for the show.
We had a guest of honour tonight and it was 10 year old Cozy. Cozy had impressed us all on our last visit to the roadhouse with his head banging and air guitar playing throughout the set. Since then Cozy has been very busy and will soon have a short story published in a schools anthology. Cozy had to come up with a story in no more than fifty words. Within those fifty words he managed to incorporate his favourite band, Metallica. It’s quite an achievement in itself but consider this. Cozy suffers from acute Autism and six short months ago struggled to read and write. It’s nothing short of miraculous that in that time, with help from parents and teachers he has improved both skills so much that he will soon be in print.
Cozy with the band.
We spent some time talking to Cozy and his dad John before Saturdays show and Cozy is a great kid. He loves Metallica so much and insisted that his dad brought some pic’s of his bedroom along. Every available space is adorned with Metallica posters and memorabilia . . . including the bedroom door and window! He also plays the guitar and told us that he already has five!
Hopefully his love for Metallica and music will help him develop in other ways and see him overcome the problems that he lives with very soon. As always he enjoyed Mentallica’s show, stood right in front of the stage playing air guitar and shaking his head to every song. He seemed to particularly enjoy Cyanide.
This is Cozy’s story. He’s very proud of it and we are very proud of him.
Date Added: 14/09/2010
Happy day - Sad day
Birthday boys
Today, 14th September is both a happy and sad day. It's the birthday of two people very important to Mentallica. Our own Jason Bedstead AKA Dave celebrates yet another birthday today and was no doubt up early, excitedly unwrapping his carpet and upholstery related gifts.
The day is also tinged with sadness as today is also the birthday of Mentallica mother and mentor Jeff Powles. It's the second time we've celebrated his birthday without him and as long as we carry on doing that he'll always be with us.
Date Added: 14/09/2010
Cardiff Resurrected - The Globe
There was much sadness last month with the closure of Cardiff Barfly but in no time at all a return to Wales' Capital is secured. The venue is The Globe and it's an awesome looking place. The date is Friday 21st January 2011. Can't wait!
Mentallica's very own Kirk Hamster (Aid) is to appear on a compilation CD due for release on September 17th 2010. The track, Heart of Every Man is by Hodson. The brainchild of all round musical genius Paul Hodson. The Epic track clocks in at a touch over 9 minutes and has the honour of opening the CD. You can check out a preview of the track here. The Hamster plays guitar on the track and is joined by Mentallica's Jason (Dave) on of all things a Gothic choir!
Force of Dark and Light is a release by Melodic Rock.com, the worlds biggest MR website receiving millions of hits per year at its website based in Australia. The Double release features 31 tracks of the hottest Melodic Rock about and can be purchased from Melodic Rock.com or other webstores.
Check out Force of Dark and Light
Date Added: 11/09/2010
Row row row your boat. . .
Down to The River Rooms
A return to Stourbridge and The River Rooms has now been confirmed for Sunday 28th November 2010. Dave considers this is home town gig so it's always special to go back.
Date Added: 09/09/2010
The Boardwalk – Sheffield
Where do we turn right . . . .
We almost made it. . . almost . . . but not quite. . . we almost got there without getting lost! Alas yes, this fine city built upon steel and hard graft sends the mentallisatnav into a frenzy once we get within a 1000 yards of our destination. ‘Calculating Route’ is the only kind of sense we can get from the damned machine. . . but anyway we got there.
We were once again sharing the stage with the brilliant Enraged and once again enjoyed spending some time with guys and gal that make up the band. There were some concerned looks as show time approached due to lack of bodies but almost as if planned the place started to fill up as Enraged Siren whaled to signal the start of their set. As always Enrageds’ angst and energy transferred itself to the crowd and it was only a few tracks before they’d been won over and were lapping up Rage Against The Machines finest. Check out Enraged here.
Mentallica followed and ploughed through another set of Classic Metallica hits. As always introducing new songs never before played at this venue. Aid introduced yet more guitars . . . now he must learn to play them!
Fester provided great expertise on the sound which was greatly appreciated by both bands. I didn’t get to see his mammoth 1700cc bike but certainly heard him leave! As if Thor had unleashed something rather unpleasant! Maybe next time. My illegally adopted offspring James also provided his expertise as Drum/ guitar/ bass/ vocal tech/ driver/ drink expediter, entertainer, friend and thoroughly good egg. Thanks for sharing this bizarre lifestyle with us.
Thanks to Chris, Nick and Joolz at The Boardwalk. The latter of which I enjoyed a lengthy chat with and discovered we are both VERY YOUNG forty somethings! Great bloke, great night.
This Saturday see’s us head off down the road to Birmingham and a favourite venue, The Roadhouse where we are expecting a very special guest. A young man by the name of Cozy who we met here last time. We got a great buzz from seeing a 10 year old right down the front enjoying the music of Metallica so much. He has recently written a short story about Metallica which will soon be published. We look forward to seeing him again on Saturday and to reading his story.
See you there.
Keep it loud
Keep it Metal
Keep it METALLICA
Date Added: 08/09/2010
JBs needs your help . . .
Terrible news indeed today with the reports that JB's in Dudley has gone into administration. The club continues to trade for the time being but needs as much support as can be mustered so lets do everything we can to keep this 41 year old venue alive and running for many more years. Sam as given us all too many incredible nights to remember over 4 decades and so many of the Worlds top bands have performed on JB's hallowed stages so lets not let the place go without a fight. Go and spend some time and money at JB's.
These are just a few of the bands that we've been able to see just down the road at our local club!
SPEAR OF DESTINY
SISTERS OF MERCY
BEDOUIN (EX HAWKWIND)
NEUROSIS
HAMMERFALL
PAGANDS MIND
SONATA ARCTICA
THE CHARLATANS
OZRIC TENTICLES
MUCKY PUP
THE OYSTER BAND
EDGUY
GAY BIKERS ON ACID
DIRE STRAITS
THE ALMIGHTY
LITTLE ANGELS
WOLFSBANE
THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS
THE PRETENDERS
THE TOURISTS
TOM ROBINSON BAND
CATHEDRAL
10CC
N
EVE 6
EARTH CRISIS
THE SEERS
INSANE CLOWN POSSE
BALAAM AND THE ANGEL
TEARDROP EXPLODES
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN
ORCHESTRAL MANOUVERS IN THE DARK
DR. JOHN
BIOHAZARD
HONEYCRACK
KERBDOG
ORANGE GOBLIN
SQUEEZE
TESTEMENT
SEPULTURA
NEDS ATOMIC DUSTBIN
CANNIBAL CORPSE
DAVE SWARBRICK
THE POLICE
WAYNE/JAYNE COUNTY
HEADSWIM
SKUNK ANANSIE
TERRORVISION
SICK OF IT ALL
PITCHSHIFTER
ONE MINUTE SILENCE
ZAKK WYLDE
PARADISE LOST
THERAPY?
BACKYARD BABIES
RADIATOR
WILDHEARTS
THE YO-YO’S
CYCLEFLY
TURA SATANA
BRUCE DICKINSON
SKIN
THE DAMNED
THE EXPLOITED
999
THE SELECTER
JUDGE DREAD
BERNIE MARSDEN & MICK MOODY (WHITESNAKE)
JOE ELLIOT & PHIL COLLEN (DEF LEPPARD)
BLUR
FREAK OF NATURE
SHED 7
SUPERGRASS
THE STONE ROSES
EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS
THE WILD HEARTS
FASTER PUSSYCAT
LOVE/HATE
THE UNDERTONES
DOG EAT DOG
CRAZYHEAD
THE SHAMEN
GIRLSCHOOL
PRIMAL SCREAM
SAVOY BROWN
KING PRAWN
KING KURT
SPACEMEN 3
Y&T
WASP
TESLA
HAYSEED DIXIE
BAD COMPANY
ENISFERUM
TYR
FISH
CUBE
TOPLOADER
YOUNGER YOUNGER 28’S
TEN POLE TUDOR
WILD WILLY BARRETT
THE MACC LADDS
CREDIT TO THE NATION
THE STRANGLERS
FISCHER Z
LOVE HATE
JESUS JONES
JOHN OTTWAY
THE GRIP
THE CHAMELEONS
THE MISSION
THE SPECIALS
BAD MANNERS
ORE)
THE WALKABOUTS
XTC
MOONSPELL
THERION
THE WONDER STUFF
JOHN MELLENCAMP
GIRLSCHOOL
GENERATION X
THE RUTS
EDWIN STARR
THE FALL
MAGAZINE
PENETRATION
THUNDER
DARTS
CARTER USM
MINDFUNK
BRIAN TATLER
JOOLZ
T’PAU
THE WEDDING PRESENT
PAUL DI’ANNO’S BATTLEZONE
MY BLOODY VALENTINE
RUBY TURNER
FRANK SIDEBOTTOM
JIM MARTIN (FAITH NO MORE)
GWAR
THE METEORS
FM
BAY CITY ROLLERS
THE SWEET
DEBBIE BONHAM
DR & THE MEDICS
SHAM 69
JUDAS PRIEST
ROBERT PLANT
U2
UB40
CHUMBAWUMBA
SUB-HUM-ANS
UK SUBS
BEKKI BONDAGE
PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES
THE VIBRATORS
SAXON
DARKSIDE
DAWN AFTER DARK
DEAD CAN DANCE
SULTANS OF PING FC
RED BEARDS FROM TEXAS
TYKETTO
XMAL DEUTCHLAND
STEVE GIBBONS
TREVOR BURTON
THE SAINTS
NINE BELOW ZERO
ELUVEITE
OUT
PULKAS
SKINLAB
ENTOMBED
ENTWINED
MISERY LOVES CO
CLAWFINGER
ROCK BITCH
PHANTOM BLUE
SUGAR RAY
THE CURE
STRAY CATS
THE ROAD CONES
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY
SENSER
THE LEVELLERS
AL ATKINS/ HOLY R
Date Added: 03/09/2010
Swindon & Nuneaton gigs confirmed for 2011
A return to Swindon has been confirmed for Friday 4th March 2011. This time to The Vic. The Vic is run by David Young and he's been a great person to work with in the past so we're all happy to be working with him again.
A very long overdue return to Nuneatons Queen Hall has also been nailed down. It's been many years since the guys visited this venue . . . probably because of all those stairs . . . but they'll be back on Saturday 19th March 2011.
See you all soon
Date Added: 02/09/2010
Pics from JB's
Pictures from the JB's gig can be browsed in the gallery now. Thanks to Lucy for them.
Date Added: 31/08/2010
JB's return announced. Oooorah!
Even before the hangover had chance to clear up a return date for JB's, Dudley has been confirmed for Saturday 11th December. This will also be the official Mentallica Christmas Party. So silly hats, balloons, over indulgence, bouncy castles and naked women (or bouncy castle naked women) will all be expected. Details and times will be posted closer to the day.
See you all there.
Date Added: 24/08/2010
Home for a rest . . .
JB’s Dudley
After recent great nights in Cardiff and Doncaster it was time for a much shorter journey to a much loved place. Saturday’s return to the hallowed portals of JB’s Dudley was a fabulous night all round. It was great to see so many friendly faces about the place. Some of whom had travelled silly miles to spend the night with us . . . but not in the Roman sense you understand. Mel and Andy made the long drive from Cardiff and enjoyed their ‘quality’ hotel immensely. Anna and Fiona travelled up from London too but I’m not sure if they endured . . . sorry, enjoyed the accommodation in the same style. So many others we know were in attendance so thank you all for spending a few hours drinking and shaking heads with us.
Mentallica were sharing the stage tonight with the brilliant Enraged. As I’ve written many times before these chaps are unbelievably good and as close to Rage Against The Machine as it’s possible to get. Energy, angst and skill oozing forth in all the correct places and they gave another top performance which made them a lot of friends and fans at JB’s. Their performance made Mentallica’s job that much easier with the crowd already bubbling after what they had just enjoyed. The guys ripped through a top set which included the classics such as Creeping Death, For Whom The Bells Toll, Ride The Lightning, One, Enter Sandman and Seek & Destroy and more . Newer material in Cyanide and The Day That Never Comes and a few more obscure tracks like The brilliant Thing That Should Not Be, Damage Inc and Motorbreath. All in all a wide ranging set taking in six albums within the first eight tracks. An encore was demanded and Battery was the reply. The crowd would have gone on for a few more encores but the night was drawing on and the bar was due to close in a few hours!
Thanks to Mart and Pete for their skills on sound and light and unique brand of whit and sarcasm! Always a pleasure chaps. Thanks to Sam for allowing us to soil this great venue at regular intervals although he wasn’t too chuffed when we were still under his feet at 0330hrs on Sunday morning. Most of all thanks to Rich (and Mrs Rich), Charlie, Matt and James who are Enraged and continue to be a great bunch of blokes to spend time with and who will soon (if justice prevails) be acknowledged as one of the top tribute bands anywhere. Also a big thank you to the very honest guy who threw a lost i-phone to Aid during the set. The owner was grateful beyond words.
Finally thanks to Wayne for continuing to conjure up dates and venues at a frightening rate and keeping the good ship Mentitanica sailing the oceans. Cheers mate.
Holiday time for a week and then the Death Paralytic tour presses on through to the end of the year and beyond with very few let ups in the schedule except for the marriage of one of our number in October. See you out on the road.
Keep it loud
Keep it Metal
KEEP IT METALLICA!
Date Added: 24/08/2010
Buckets and spades at the ready . . . .
Bournemouth and Southend shows confirmed
More dates have now been added to the 2011 diary. Brisk sea breezes and fish and chips in the rain can be expected when the band travels to the coast to visit Bournemouth and Westcliff on Sea near Southend. Friday 18th February is the date for the bands first appearance to The Sound Circus in Bournemouth.
Saturday March 12th sees a welcome return to Southend's Riga Music Bar. Some great nights have been enjoyed at The Riga and this will be no different.
Date Added: 16/08/2010
A bit of a doo . . .
Fudgestock 2010 - The Public, West Bromwich
Saturday’s all day Fudgestock event at West Bromwich’s The Public turned out to be a great day for everyone who attended. Mentallica were forced from their respective pits at early O’clock (for a Saturday anyway) and arrived bleary eyed and listless at 10am . . . good job it’s only a few miles away! A brief sound check later and it was all down to a long wait until show time.
The idea behind this annual all dayer is to raise money for a chosen charity. This year McMillan Nurses were the recipients of the fund and hopefully a great deal of cash was raised. No doubt a figure will be announced soon. There was lots going on throughout the day and although the band didn’t return until 6pm, ‘nTallica stalwart Al seemed to have enjoyed taking advantage of his favourite exhibit in the gallery . . . The Strongbow pump at the bar! Racking up an impressive 7 pints by such an early point in proceedings. We doff our cap to you sir, indeed we do. Anyhoo. .. Lots of friends were there. Helene, Jasper, Andy and a selection of sproggs came to share some fun as did Mr and Mrs Jones of J. Hatstand parentage. Lee had the mammoth task of conducting events and he did a top job even though with a slightly heavy heart because as with so many of us he had recently lost someone close to him to cancer, his brother. A large poster celebrated his life at the entrance to the venue.
After a day filled with live music on three stages Show time arrived and after some urine taking and obvious looks of disgust . . . a pointer and something to think about chaps. Your distain and dislike of us mere tribute bands is maybe in some ways understandable but alas we were in your position a long time ago. Struggling young metal-heads trying to get people to take notice of our wares . . . and alas in 10 to 15 years time most of you will have given up music all together and the hardy few, like us will be playing in a tribute band. . . So show time arrived and although we only had an hour many classics were crammed in to the pleasure of most. Thanks to the resident sound engineer who had spent all day pressing buttons and turning knobs to make it all work. Had we not misplaced our cap we would doff it to you sir, indeed we would. A top day in a good cause. Thanks to all especially for arranging and to those attending, playing and drinking.
After an unusually early finish plans had already been laid to retire to a local watering hole for quiet conversation and an almond latte. . . but they had none so lager, Guinness and JD were in order . A great finish to the day with a band outing to Ye Old Foundry in equatorial Dudley which we all enjoyed . . . until hangover time of course!
Next week is gig free and sees some of us travel to Sonisphere, some of us meeting young ladies and some of us enjoying time with our betrothed. Whatever you do have fun and drink just enough to be happy . . . Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy or Dopey . . . whichever one you have the costume for . . . .
Date Added: 29/07/2010
The Revolver, Birkenhead
A welcome return to Birkenhead came around this week. The Revolver (formerly The Hotel California) has been a great place to visit in the past and remains the same.
The customary late start was on the cards and the time was past in various ways. Blocking and then unblocking the lavatory (Shakes hand…) . . . drinking beer and other hearty nourishment and telling tails of the amazing video's that you can view on 'some' websites . . . that usually can’t be viewed in a public place! All this fun and enjoyment soon brought around 1130 and show time.
It’s been a few years since Mentallica last played here so a fair chunk of the set was new to The Revolver. Stuff from Death Magnetic, Ride The Lightning and Motorbreath amongst the debutant tracks for this venue. A thundering sound was provided by the resident Russian sound engineer whose name I can’t pronounce never mind forget. . .but I did forget. Many thanks to our comrade for his work on the desk.
Unfortunately a late starts means an “Oh my God it’s late . . .or is it early” finish and thus we found ourselves touching down in our native land at around breakfast time. Some of us dined in style at the fine establishment that is McDonalds. Others, who may well need to seek the assistance of a specialist dined on the lager beer! Rock and Roll!
Thanks to all who made us welcome and to Mick the gaffer for a great night. A return visit is already in the pipeline so check the gig list for a new date early in 2011.
Next week it’s a local show at The Public in West Bromwich. An all day festival set inside the towns very own Art Gallery. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Nurses. Very deserving folk very close to our hearts with past events in mind.
It looks like being a great day out with clowns, bearded ladies and music . . . and that’s just Mentallica’s set!
Thanks to Mrs Dave or Lucy as she is more usually known for providing more great pics from the Chaos Rally weekend. Some more happy memories here and Aid even appears on some of them . . . he couldn't believe it! Click him to go to the gallery.
Told you!
Date Added: 19/07/2010
New Pics . . . at last!
We've finally managed to get some pics posted from recentish events. The delay was caused by a freak tossed salad and we apologise to lovers of the green leaf and sincerely hope that this hasn't spoiled your grazing pleasure.
Take a look at pics from Rock Radio's 2nd birthday party at The Ritz, Manchester, Mr Kyps recent Sunday night Special, The trips to The Drift at Jersey and Greenman MCC Chaos Rally on Guernsey and Moxters of Rock 2010 at Coalville's finest, The Vic.
A couple of nice views of some lovely nesting birds can be seen in The Ritz gallery. (Pic courtesy of The Daily Sport).
Some of these have been ripped from Facebook so many thanks to the good folk who come out to share a night and a beer with us and keep us in great memories.
Click on a pic to go the the gallery
The Ritz, Manchester.
The Drift, Jersey.
Mr. Kyps, Poole
Greenman MCC Chaos Rally, Guernsey.
Moxters of Rock 2010. The Vic, Coalville.
Date Added: 15/07/2010
The Wharf, Tavistock confirmed.
A return to Tavistock's 'The Wharf' has been confirmed for Saturday 5th March 2011. Always a great night it's another top show to look forward to. See you all there.
Date Added: 14/07/2010
Greenman MCC Chaos Rally - Guernsey
All are in agreement that this has been one of if not the best band related Jolly in Mentallica’s long history. Starting at 6am on Friday for the long trip down to Weymouth and the high speed Cat thing crossing to Guernsey! As with Moxters the Gods smiled and the sun shone fiercely all weekend.
The crossing was an adventure in itself. On boarding and securing Herman the Gervan a bee-line was made for the bar and much was consumed upon the deck of the ferry. Most civilised it was too. Dave damping down our chavish lager swilling by bringing a little decorum to proceedings by drinking wine . . . from a plastic cup! Top man, roadie and friend Jim was also aboard as was Dave’s soon to be Mrs Dave, Lucy.
After a brief 2 hour journey and a Condor burger? That’s what we thought. . . .we arrived at St Peters Port and decided to head off in one direction or another on the premise that the island is so small we would eventually arrive at our destination. Arrive we did but not before taking in some of Guernsey which in places seems to be stuck in a glorious time warp. We can only imagine that this is what England was like in the pre war years. Marvellous.
Anyhoo, on following a funny car for a mile or two we arrived on site at Chaos. Met by Ozzy Chris of the Greenman MCC we were shown to the beer tent and our camping area which was to be shared with other bands including Ska Punk merchants Spunge. The view we have to say was truly terrible as you can see from the pics. . . but we coped!
Show time arrived and once again a line of Mentallica shirts permeated the front rows . . . where do they come from? I’m sure we haven’t sold this many! A few technical hitches prior to Mentallica’s set meant that show time was reduced to around 90 minutes but what a 90 minutes it was. Chris almost losing some teeth as the mosh spilled up onto the stage and his mic stand! There were many sweaty bodies all around and a great time was had by all.
After the set and a quick pack down it was off to Greenman MCC’s best kept secret . . . their club house. A World War 2 German underground bunker nestled beneath a huge concrete look out tower! 8ft thick walls, no one can hear you puke down here!
The local brew is called Breda and it was met with approval by all. Many beer tokens spent the night was awash with blurs and strangely enough a cat woman. That is, a woman dressed as Batman’s nemesis. Not a particularly unsavoury female who whispers about her freinds when they're out of earshot. . . but we digest. . . Save to say the mask was passed about and almost everyone can be seen on Facebook wearing it at one point or another.
The night seemed to last . . .all night . . . and soon it was morning and once again the terrible view had to be endured! The next two days were our own and after a quick trip to St Peters for breakfast and to pick up essentials . . . ICE, most of us walked down to the beach and spent a great afternoon messing about in the water. After a brief lie in the sun and visit to The Imperial Hotel for sustenance we headed off back to the site.
Chris had spent the afternoon getting clattered and provided much amusement for all as amongst other things he chased a pigeon and fell out of his tent! Time for a bite to eat and then off to see what was happening around the place.
There were many bands from Guernsey and Jersey all of whom went down very well. Also on the bill was Pete Frampton . . . No not that one. As we found out it was not he of Humble Pie and Frampton Comes Alive fame but Pete J Frampton a music lecturer from Warrington. Good set from him and his band though. Some cringing has been done since as we relive the chat we all had on such subjects as Family Guy and The Simpson’s which Peter Frampton has appeared on . . . just not our Pete Frampton! But beer is a quick healer and we were all soon in fine fettle as Spunge took to the stage blowing everyone away with their high octane brand of Ska Punk. A brilliant band who got everyone jumping and having a good time. They’re a great bunch of folks too who we enjoyed sharing some time with.
The bunker beckoned again and more ale was downed by various means including the beer bong. Human buckaroo was being enjoyed by many in another room apart from the poor wretch who had taken an alcohol fuelled nap and was having various items piled upon his slumped head. Two Strongbow cans and a plastic cup caused this mule to buck-buck-BUCKAROO! Our own Chris had not heeded the warning signs of men walking around with painted faces and was unfortunate enough to fall asleep in the bunker and according to house rules he was drawn on. Coloured in teeth and whiskers were quite difficult to distinguish from his usual appearance!
The night ebbed away and an early morning return to bed was soon upon us. Many grey faces were spotted the following morning but the view from the compound was still terrible! Another lazy day passed until around 2.30 when a mad dash was made for The Imperial hotel to watch the football of which we shall speak no more. Just before kick off Spunge arrived too and much groaning and shouting at Uruguayan officials ensued. With hopes dashed and the ferry home beckoning it was time to leave for St Peters Port.
Another swift journey across the sea and we were soon arriving home on Monday morning!
Many thanks to Greenman MCC for a top weekend. Ozzy Chris and his compatriots were top people and we hope to meet up with some of them in September at Drink, Drop & Doss.
An unforgettable weekend and now a few weeks off to recover and spend time at home. July 17th sees a trip to The Revolver in Birkenhead and July 24th an all day fund raiser at West Bromwich Gallery, The Public.
Date Added: 10/07/2010
Moxters of Rock 2010!
At last a fine weekend of weather to accompany a fine weekend of music. We shall of course skirt neatly around the football . . . An early start for the hardy few and it was great to see Al, Damien, Wayne, Max, Andy and Mel (all the way from South Wales!) there to enjoy the premature kick off!
The big day brought more folk including good mates like Jai and 12 of the UK’s top tribute bands and it was top stuff with slots for Guns 2 Roses, Red Mock Chilli Peppers, The Adams Jovi Experience, The pistols, Hells Bells, Volkerstein, Oases, Free At Last. Dep Leppard, Cloned Stones and Enraged. The sun shone all day, Mentallica managed to stay completely sober until their late afternoon slot came around and produced a top, if shortened set, in the marquee. It was great to see a line of Mentallica T-shirt clad folk right down the front too.
With business out of the way we set about drinking all of the alcohol in town. Aid proclaimed that it was Pimms O’clock and mixed up the world’s biggest ‘single’ measure in his Bubba Keg!
Highlights of the day for me were Volkerstein (Rammstein), Enraged and as always Free At Last all of whom produced some great stuff. Everyone will have their own faves and everyone there will have memories of a great weekend.
As in past fine weather years a crowd gathered in the camping area (Car Park) once the portals of the Vic were slammed shut and we chatted into the early hours. Great to spend time with Mick (Free at Last) and his good (Scary) lady! Top bloke and is regularly amongst the last standing! Also good to meet the lads from Manchester who drank with us until falling over O’clock.
So it’s all over for another year. But more memories to cram into the already bursting bank. Great to spend the weekend with so many people that we’ve met on the road and kept in touch with. Special mention to Andy and Mel for travelling from South Wales for the weekend. Troopers both. Hope to see you in August at The Cardiff Barfly!
As always many thanks to Jon for his tireless work in organising the event and next years Moxters of Rock is already up and running with the same line up. No excuses for missing it. . . and no football to wind us all up!
See you all on Saturday June 18th 2011
Date Added: 10/07/2010
Hull & Cheltenham dates added for 2010
Two more dates have been shoe horned into the busy end of year diary. Friday 1st October sees a return to Cheltenham and the towns rock and metal hotspot The Night Owl. Sunday 14th November sees the Mentallicacraft drop anchor on the way back from the north East at Hulls Polar Bear for a Sunday special. The last one was a sell out so get yout tickets early.
Date Added: 29/06/2010
Catching ones breath!
Ahoy shipmates. There has been lots going on aboard the good ship HMS Mentallica. Lots of stories and pictures to post from two glorious and memorable weekends of sun, fun, beer, good friends and metal. . . just as soon as I catch my breath . . . and sleep. . . Mmmmmmmmm. Sleep!
Yet again another brilliant weekend out on the highways and bye-ways of this great land for Mentallica.
Friday night saw a return to another favourite venue in Swindon’s 12 Bar. David keeps a tight ship and we always enjoy washing up on his shores. Very hot and sweaty it was too. Sharing tonight’s festivities were Rammstein tribute Volkerstein and they gave a thumping metronomic performance that Germany’s finest would have been slapping their lederhosen clad thighs. Great to see Pete and co and we look forward to some fun at next weeks Moxters of Rock which Volkerstein will also appear at. With World Cup football, Download and glorious sunny weather this had the potential for an attendance disaster but thanks to the combination of two bands a respectable crowd watched both sets. Big thanks to Gaz who performed admirably on sound and lights in very sticky and oppressive conditions . . . the weather didn’t help either!. Many thanks again to David and his good lady whose name has escaped my addled brain! Hope to see you again very soon.
After a night spent in Swindon’s finest Travelodge and a Wetherspoons big breakfast the Mentallivan was hurtling south to Plymouth and The Junction. Another glorious day for the journey, we arrived in plenty of time to be ready for the impending England V USA World cup match. Pat and Darryl were there to meet us. We first met these guys in Tavistock and really appreciate their continuing friendship and their skills with Camera and video. It was a truly wonderful afternoon spent meandering and doing not a lot in the sun . . . well in the pub but the sun was out!
Show time arrived . . . football show time that is and nerves were jangling for all of three minutes until we took the lead. The joy, as with a Taiwanese watch with a bamboo spring . . . didn’t last long and the nerves once again needed to be quelled with finest beer. Not the worst result in the world by the end but being England we expect victory . . . usually unreasonably!
Josh was in control of knobs and cables tonight and battled against some ghosts and gremlins in the machine that caused a few sound issues early on. The disappointment of the football was forgotten quickly as a salvo of four tracks from Ride The Lightning were blasted out. Seems to be becoming a regular and very much enjoyed opening. After finishing and then being called back for another couple of Metallica classics the guys retired weary and sweaty for a brief rest. Thanks to Pete and to everyone at The Junction for making it a thoroughly enjoyable day for us. As always it was good to see Pat and Darryl and we look forward to seeing you both again soon.
Onward and upward as . . . I think he was a gynaecologist . . . once said. This weekend brings the mother of all weekends. . . MOXTERS OF ROCK. No words can describe the event. All we pray for is Sun, Sun, Sun, beer, a victory against the mighty Algeria, sun and good times. We advise parental caution and a sturdy gut!
Date Added: 17/06/2010
New video footage posted
Mentallica have uploaded some new video footage. Taken from Rock Radio's 2nd Birthday bash at The Ritz in Manchester. As well as Creeping Death (Below) you can also see Master of Puppets, One, Enter Sandman and Seek & Destroy.
Date Added: 15/06/2010
New date at Rushden
A return date for Rushden WMC has been confirmed for Saturday 26th March 2011. Sharing the evening will be top Rage Against The Machine Tribute Enraged. See you there.
Date Added: 10/06/2010
Remembering old friends in Cheltenham . . .
Saturdays events in Cheltenham were a combination of celebrating the lives of friends no longer with us and eating and drinking as much as possible whilst remembering there was a show to play later! A hearty BBQ followed by an equally roasting show at The Frog and Fiddle.
The whole day had been arranged, organised and orchestrated by Helene and Jasper . . . well probably more Helen unless there was beer to be drunk! (Sorry Jasp but us blokes are all the same when it comes to organising . . .). Anyway, it was all to celebrate the life of their and our friend Vinnie who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. We also remembered Mentallica’s friend, mother, mentor and moaner Jeff who also succumbed to this terrible disease in April 2009.
Vinnie and Jeff.
Events kicked off with a BBQ at Helene and Jaspers house in Cheltenham in their huge and incredibly well kempt garden. Hats off to Helene for that. Also have to mention Jasper’s wall of guitar in the living room. Very eye catching and tastefully done . . . one gripe though mate . . . no pearlescent pink BC Rich Bitch? If you have deep pockets I may be able to help out there! Outside there were lots of giddy folk eating and drinking the pair out of house and home. Jasper barely able to keep up with the demand for his gourmet burgers and sausages (Not a euphemism). Eventually turning over his spatula to a cider wearied Al who battled through ‘till the end.
Beer and Burgers . . . Mmmmmmmelicious!
There were many people at the BBQ including the stoical Andy who was Vinnie’s partner – a top bloke, man mountain American footballer Phil – a mountain top bloke, lots of kids being surprisingly ‘ruly, some lizards, a dog, a cat, the odd locust. . . all the usual things you’d expect. Was good to meet so many people who had known Vinnie and wanted to party with her. But the day drew on and Showtime beckoned. . . . and it was still uncomfortably warm!
A few miles away in the heart of historic Cheltenham lay the venue for the festivities. The Frog and Fiddle. Not really sure what to expect we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival by the purpose built venue bolted on to the side of this favourite watering hole. Providing sound for the evening was Mike (Yeehaa! I remembered). All the way from the US and now living in the UK this Washingtonian-Floridian- Tennessean was a top bloke and avid guitar collector. At last someone who actually liked and appreciated my Pearlescent Pink BC Rich Bitch with very metal pointy up headstock! Great job Mike in all departments.
. . . time for a quick sauna?
The set for tonight was penned by Helene to reflect Vinnie’s favourite stuff and seemed to be very popular. Featuring classics such as Sanitarium, One, Sandman, Master and Seek. Also a peppering of lesser played tunes like Fuel and Memory Remains. A couple of thrashier numbers were added by the band for spice. The legendary Orion as always was received very well. The set proper closed with a poignant and especially on this occasion emotional song, Fade to Black. How the band managed to keep the majority of the crowd inside the room all night with the temperature climbing ever higher was a minor miracle. The guys left the stage looking like they had just walked through a shower fully clothed! It really was hot and tiring . . . but as always well worth the effort, tonight maybe more so.
We remembered two people very close to us and enjoyed a day spent with people who are still very close to us.
Organisers of the day. Helene and Jasper take refreshment. Thanks for making it all very special for us and every one involved.
A few more pics from the day can be seen in the gallery section.
Date Added: 10/06/2010
Twistin' by the Poole . . .
Just a few days after the fantastic Bank Holiday special at Mr Kyps we can confirm a return date to the South Coast on Friday 22nd October 2010.
Date Added: 06/06/2010
Six months in . . .
Six months in to 2010 and we've seen some great times this year. Also the occasional sad moment has been endured with the passing of some friends along the way. The World also lost some much bigger names such as Ronnie James Dio, Pete Steele of Type O Negative, Paul Gray from Slipknot, Malcolm McLaren of Sex Pistols fame and Brian Damage once of Misfits amongst many.
But lives go on and what a month June promises to be for everyone.
Starting with a celebration of the life of our friend Vinnie at The Frog & Fiddle in Cheltenham on the 5th. A BBQ, sunny weather lots of mates and some good memories old and new guaranteed.
The 11th see's a journey to Swindon and a favourite venue, The 12 Bar. The stage will be shared with Deutsche Elctro metal tribute Volkerstein (Rammstein). The following day the Mentallivan rolls on to sunny Plymouth and where we hope to meet up with Pat and Darryl for Fish and chips on the beach before the show at The Junction. The evening should be another celebration. This one for victory over USA in the World Cup, fingers crossed.
On the 19th the great day arrives. Yup, Moxters of Rock at The Vic in Coalville, Leicestershire. A mammoth day of top music, entertainment and the odd refreshing lager beer as Barley Scotch from Hayseed Dixie would put it.
Moxter of Rock (Click poster to goto Moxters site)
The 25th see's what should be another stand out show. A trip via rowboat to Guernsey and The Greenman MCC Chaos Rally. As you can see the three days will be packed with music. Fortunately Mentallica headline on Friday so they get to enjoy a leisurely Saturday watching everyone having to stay sober until late!
Greenman MCC Chaos Rally (Click poster to goto Chaos site)
A few weeks off then beckon for the band. Hopefully some sunny weather. Some Joy on the football pitch and of course the odd pint of the lager beer . . . .
Date Added: 03/06/2010
England support Mentallica in Plymouth sensation!
It's true! Well not really.
Mentallica's show at The Junction in Plymouth is on the same evening as Englands first World Cup group game against The USA and a World Cup size dilema has been averted. No need to choose between our nations passion for football and your passion for Metallica. The whole match will be screened from 7 O'clock throughout the Junction with no interruption from rowdy musicians. Yep. No support band, no disco just nail biting, beer swilling joyous football. Just a short stroll of an ampley stocked bar and no need to rush down to The Junction when the match ends . . . you're already there!
When the dust has settled and victory is ours what better way to celebrate than with some your favourite live metal.
You know it makes sense!
Date Added: 02/06/2010
Mr Kyps Bank Holiday special
Last Sunday saw a trip to Poole and one of our favourite and the South coast‘s finest venues, Mr Kyps. Being a Sunday, as this was a Bank Holiday special made for a leisurely journey down. Not sure what to expect on a Bank holiday eve there were reservations but it wasn’t long before the place started to fill up and the band could relax. On a sad note our old friend and abuser of anyone from the Midlands Rich has left Mr Kyps to pursue adventures elsewhere. Always a good mate to us and a wizard behind the mixing desk he will be sadly missed by Mentallica. I used to enjoy our lengthy chats about his RC Helicopter competitions. Amazing to see. But all things change and now in control of decibels and ear defenders at Mr Kyps is Ralph. Didn’t take long to get to know him and he did a top job much to the appreciation of the crowd and both bands.
First up tonight were Basingstoke based Karrion. A fantastic bunch of guys who put on a top show with some brilliantly written original music and the odd exceptional cover thrown in. These guys have a fantastic style and stage show. Look out for the smoke breathing Vulturesque skeleton too! Trying to steal the status as star of the show was the huge solid aluminium double neck V (or W?) bass guitar. “Chops” is certainly a better man than I to be able to support this mammoth beast upon his shoulder and play at the same time. From memory I think he said it tips the scales at around 38Kg in weight! Check them out at WWW.KARRION.CO.UK.
Mentallica took to the stage and tonight started with Creeping Death. This time following it up with three more tracks from Ride The Lightning before mixing up the set up with old, new and all the favourites. Great participation from the crowd made for a brilliant show.
A year or so back at Mr Kyps the band were asked to dedicate a song to a guy named Jasper and his wife. That song was Nothing Else Matters. Tonight and very sadly we were dedicating another song to Jasper who tragically left us for the big show in the sky recently. The track choice of his wife and friends was Whiskey in The Jar and we all raised a glass to Jasper and had a small musical celebration of his all too brief stay in this World.
At times like that the title from the other song seems more appropriate . . .Nothing Else Matters.
Date Added: 02/06/2010
Sheffield and Manchester beckon. . .
Saturday September 4th sees a welcome return to Sheffields Boardwalk. Sharing the stage will be Rage Against The Machine tribute Enraged. Definately a great night in store. Don't miss it.
Far in the future but it will soon be upon us a return trip to the famous Caged Asylum in the heart of Manchester is booked for February 26th 2011. Of course at this show the band battle to keep the attention of the crowd whilst many lovely ladies mingle offering the odd lap dance . . . some of the band will no doubt be doing odd dances of their own!
Date Added: 02/06/2010
MENtallica & MISStallica
Guys & Gals
Earlier this week a few of us hardy souls in the band payed a visit to The O2 Academy in Birmingham to see a Metallica tribute band . . . What's this I hear. This was a Metallica tribute band with a difference. Four ladies all the way from the US on a tour of the UK with Misstallica. They were pretty fantastic too . . . No . . . not just in that department! Fantastic musically and nailed every song. Set list was very old school which pleased Wayne. Nothing after . . . And Justice For all. Was great to meet up with them and to have a chat after the show.
Wayne moves in for the kill. . . watch those sticks though mate! Jim looks on . . .
Group shot. I know which ones I don't fancy!
Left to right: "James", Wayne, "Lars", Jim, "Kirk", "Cliff".
Boyish sexual innuendo aside Misstallica are a top band, well worth seeing if you get the chance before they go home to Sunny America
Date Added: 01/06/2010
Doncaster and Birmingham shows added
Sunday August 8th sees the Mentallivan travel to Doncaster for The Tattoo Expo after show party at The Walkabouts Bar. This will be a great night!
Saturday 11th September will take the guys back to The Roadhouse in Birmingham. Top venue and we always appreciate the hospitality shown by Chris, DeeDee and Tommo. See you there.
Date Added: 26/05/2010
Ruislip 1 Bimingham too.
It's getting predictable and tedious but . . . Another great weekend on the road for the guys.
Friday saw a wonderfully sunny journey Southward to Ruislip and the aptly named 'The Tropic'. This place is actually nailed on to the side of Wealdstone Football Club but we didn't see any players around . . . perhaps their all off to the World Cup . . . but we digest. This was the last of the planned Slavery of Puppets shows with Higher on Maiden. As usual we had a great time and it's almost like being one big family with these chaps. The twins Dave and Martin always discussing porn. . . what is youjizz? . . . Aid and Steve discussing broken guitars . . . Rob and Mart apparently having a legolas lookalike competition and the others all in the corner eating Steves midget gems! Higher on Maidens set as usual went down a storm and sharing the midget gems with the crowd was a fantatsic idea . . . wish I'd thought of that! Mentallicas set came and went, this time with no six string casualties . . . and a great time was had by all. As is usual these days the set ended with the crowd demanding more . . . unforunately the local council had put an end to such thoughts!
Philip was the MC for the eveing and performed above and beyond making this a great night for everyone there. Looking forward to a return next year.
Saturday was memorably warm and sunny. A day spent watching and celebrating the minnows of Blackpool reach footballs promised land and then into Herman the Gervan for the short jaunt to Birminghams Roadhouse. We should just put 'see previous review ' because we were looked after regally, as usual. We we entertained by top soundman Tommo, as usual. We had a great night playing to a near packed house, as usual. Was great to see a young fan, a mere 10 years old we found out later, playing air guitar right down the front. Deserving of a T-shirt we thought and so obliged. Good to see Rob again. Not seen him for a while, he's enjoying being recently married.
A great weekend for all involved.
Next week sees a Sunday trip to Poole and Mr Kyps for a Bank Holiday special. We're all loaded and ready!
Date Added: 26/05/2010
New gig in Hairy Biker Land
Our resident alchemist Wayne has been working his magic again and there's another date to add to the gig list. The Mentalliwagon will journey to the hometown of the famous Hairy biker, baker and eater of food Dave Meyers. The town of Barrow in Furness. The venue will be The Canteen and all looks set for a top night. The date is Saturday 20th November. Ooooooooooh Kingy!
We'll be sharing the stage with top original band Codejak. With a recently released video for their track "Hell Yeah!" aired on Scuzz and Kerrang TV and a string of glowing reviews in the industry press we're sure to be in for a brilliant night. Check out Codejak below and see the video.
Date Added: 24/05/2010
Support slot with Diamond Head
The guys are very pleased to announce that they have been given the opportunity to support the legendary Diamond Head. As is well documented Diamond Head were pretty much the single inspiration behind the beast that is the mighty Metallica. Many years have passed since the days of NWOBHM and line ups of both bands have changed since then. The figurehead and much heralded guitarist that is Brian Tatler remains and having met up with Brian a few months back at Liverpools O2 Academy this will be a very exciting night for Mentallica. The venue will be The Attic in Rushden on Saturday December 4th and we're already getting prepared!
Date Added: 23/05/2010
Ronnie James Dio
It was extremely sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Ronnie James Dio early this evening. I was just 9 years old when my brother gave me Rainbow Rising for Christmas . . . a long time ago indeed! That was the record that got me into rock and eventually metal. A recording I still have on my MP3 player and listen to to this day. Probably why I gave Tarot Woman a spin after hearing the news.
A couple of us went to see RJD with Heaven and Hell a few years back and he was still beltting out that instantly recognisable vocal and it was a fantastic night. I've received a lot of messages in the last few hours from mates both old . . . very old and young who can't believe the news. We forget that even Rock Gods get old. But his legacy is in the music and whether you heard it when it was new or 30 years later it's still quality stuff and will continue to attract new fans to Rainbow, Heaven and Hell and Dio.
Maybe a downoad Christmas number one for Dio would be a fitting tribute?
Keep rockin' Ronnie.
Aid
Date Added: 16/05/2010
New gig in Croydon
Another new gig has been added to the list. This one will be at the fantastically named Scream Lounge in Croydon. Sounds and looks like a place to get hot, bothered and manic with a bit of your favourite metal music! The date will be 9th October. The time 2030hrs. The idea . . . to have a great night. See you there.
Date Added: 12/05/2010
New gigs home and away. . .
Two more great nights to look forward to in 2011. On Feb 5th the guys return to The Musician in Leicester. Top night earlier this year and we expect the same again. On March 24th 2011 we journey back to Jersey to The Fabulous Drift. The show a few months ago was a monster and we can't wait!
Date Added: 12/05/2010
Rush down to Rushden . . .
The day after arrived and the Mentallivan was once again earning it's corn, transporting the band to Northamptonshire and the hamlet of Rushden and the WMC and Institute. The nemesis of all bands greeted us on arrival . . . STAIRS! So deep breaths and many trips up and down later all was well . . . and wheezy!
Good to see Paul and Ginni again. Paul as usual seemed to have been enjoying himself before they arrived and was well oiled much to the chagrin of his lovely lady by the end of the night . . . bad boy. . . you'll have it! Also good to see Karren again who was expanding her photography portfolio . . . With pictures of this band it might be titled a trip to the zoo! Karren has taken many stunning pictures of the band which can be seen in the gallery section.
The band gave the usual and now expected energetic performance, taking in all era's of the mighty Metallica . . . except that one of course . . . and by the end and after another encore they retired to consider the implications of a coalition Government . . .Nah, not really.
Many thanks to Mel for his work in organising and making it all fit together. Thanks also to the sound crew who like ourselves had to carry many heavy things up many stairs . . . we are kindred spirits! Great job on the sound and hope to see you soon. Huge thanks to . . . alas I don't know your name! . . .but regardless considerable thanks to fun red haired girl for shifting so many T-shirts for us. The pile of hot cakes nearby didn't sell at all but the T-shirts . . . tell us your name and abuse us for not knowing it!
On a gastronomic point I have to say Rushden has the best Fish and Chips I've eaten in a long time. Another good reason to return next year.
So once again a top weekend of fun frolics and fusic . . . The memory bank overflowing with thoughts of good times. . . and now. . .
. . . A rare beast indeed approaches . . . a weekend off! A much earned and deserved few days off will be spent doing not a lot. Oooorah! Some of us will take our lovely ladies away for a few days. . . they always find their way back though don't they! Some of us will sleep. Some of us will arrange flowers. All of us will drink . . . in moderation you understand. Above all a chance to recharge the batteries for the following weekend when another Slavery of Puppets show will take place with Higher on Maiden at The Tropic in Ruislip. Then a return visit to The Roadhouse in Birmingham to see DeeDee and Chris. . . get the kettle on!
Have fun, See you somewhere
Keep it loud
Keep it Metal
KEEP IT METALLICA
Date Added: 12/05/2010
Tea at The Ritz
This has to be one the best nights in recent times. 1300 feverish folk on the lash ready for a night of rock/metal/glam! The Ritz is rightly a legendary venue and when you see the beying crowd from the stage you immediately understand why. Tonight it hosted Rock Radio Manchester's 2nd birthday party.
It was a slightly surreal scene early on with tributes to Guns n Roses, Iron Maiden, Metallica and Kiss all sharing a spacious dressing room along with original band Hell To Pay. You might expect trouble with all these ego's shoe horned into the same room but worry not. We know most of these reprobates and enjoy meeting up with them whenever we can to sink some ale and tell tall stories of 'nearly shags'!. . . . . . . . . Oh, that must just be me . . .sorry . . .have to say that not only were Hell to Pay annoyingly talented for their annoyingly young age but they were genuinely good blokes who we all enjoyed sharing the night with.
(Akin to a line up from Crimewatch . . . the usual suspects look on. . . )
Needless to say there was plenty of hairspray and makeup about . . . but enough of Aid's handbag! There was much talk of beer and drinking of the same along with pointing and giggling at some scantily clad womenfolk leaving their very small clothing items at the cloakroom just across the corridor. Dave found a soulmate in Higher on Maidens Martin (Steve Harris) as they discussed their favourite artistic movies. . . amongst other things!
First up on stage were original band Hell to Pay and they belted through their set and got the crowd bouncing with some great tunes. Definately a band to look out for. Next came Guns 2 Roses. Gav, Niles and the crew giving their usual top display of GnR's finest.
Mentallica were on next and slightly distracted by a couple of near undressed page 3 girls took to the stage to whip the crowd up into a party mood. . .but still thinking about the near undressed page 3 girls! Pumped up by the manic crowd the guys really went for it, giving everything and leaving the stage in a state of near ecstacy . . . probably because they were about to be photographed with the near undressed page 3 girls . . .
(There's a band in there somewhere. . . )
Higher on Maiden followed and gave a brilliant performance as always. Dressed To Kill finished off the night with a great show, proving why they are regarded as one of the top tribute bands.
This is of course an abridged version of events because it would go on for hours if we tried to fit it all in. Needless to say there was beer, spirits, beer, women, beer, women, beer, falling over, some more beer, the odd prawn sandwich and then some more beer!
There'll also footage of Mentallica's show which will be posted here soon.
Many thanks to everyone who made the night run smoothly and to the guys from Hell To Pay, Guns 2 Roses, Higher on Maiden and Dressed To Kill for being up for a laugh and sharing a memorable night.
Date Added: 11/05/2010
Moxters of Rock . . . . The clock is ticking
Yes folks it's almost that time of year again. A little over six weeks to go to the event of the year at The Vic in Coalville. Moxters of Rock is almost upon us once more. Mentallica return for the umpteenth year and may well be the only band to have played at every Moxters show since its inception many years ago. Confirmed acts for this year include the fantastic ENRAGED, top blokes FREE AT LAST and the usual suspects including ourselves, GUNS 2 ROSES, RED MOCK CHILLI PEPPERS, ZZ STOP and many more. . . and let's not forget Bad Axe as compere!
Kicking off on Friday night with feisty conversation, political debate and alcohol abuse the weekend will be long, hopefully sunny and unforgettable. Tickets available from The Vic website.
Gentlemen . . . Start your engines!
Date Added: 05/05/2010
New gig . . . ammended gig
Hot on the heels of a brilliant show at The Brickmakers in Norwich a return date has been announced. Mentallica will return to The Brickmakers on Saturday 16th October.
An ammendment to the gig at JB's has been forced. The clamour for Mentallimetal in Dudley is greater than understood and the December show has been brought forward to August 21st at some insistance.
See you . . . here, there and everywhere!
Date Added: 05/05/2010
The Brickmakers Polar Bear . . .
. . . no, not a bizarre Norwegian fairy tale but the story of Mentallica's weekend. Friday saw a tedious and traffic filled journey to The Brickmakers in Norwich. As usual the long drive was well worth it as a packed Brickmakers enjoyed another great night of metal. Good to see Pam, Charlie and Emma again. Also great to meet up with the Norwich crew who we've got to know over recent years. Sound was top and many thanks to . . . yes I've forgot . . . for a thorough and expert job on the desk. Already another date in the pipeline, we look forward to returning very soon.
After a well received day off the Mentallisatnav guided us to The Polar Bear in Hull on Sunday. We expected a good show as online ticket sales at We Got Tickets had been very good. It proved to be an outstanding show. Another packed house full of beer / cider / G&T? / wine drinking metaleds all beying for a little bit of thrash. The 2 hour set flashed by and as the last note of Ride The Lightning faded we had enjoyed a memorable show.
Thanks to Craig and everyone at The Polar Bear for a top day. Again we will be back here again. Maybe same time next year. We shall see.
More great memories on the road and a brilliant weekend to look forward to. Rock Radio's Monsters of Mock 2 at The Ritz in Manchester on Friday is already sold out and promises to be one of the events of the year. Saturday will see us journey to Rushden WMC in Northamptonshire. . . tickets sales are very good so prepare for another night of excess!
Date Added: 05/05/2010
Dudley to Abertillery. . . .
December sees a seasonal journey to the spiritual homeland that is JB's Dudley. So close to Christmas there'll definately be a party atmosphere and the odd pudding! PUDDDDDDDDIIIING!
The following week takes us to South Wales and The Empire in Abertillery. A double header with the fabulous ENRAGED. Celebrating a year since RATM topped the Christmas charts and with so many metal classics being touted for this year who knows if Metallica might do the same at Christmas 2010 . . . suggestions for a download number 1? Postcards or sealed down enevelopes please (You'll need to be of a certain age to understand that!)
Date Added: 30/04/2010
We Got Tickets WILL save you money. . .
. . . So you can drink more!
There have been a fair few sales via We Got Tickets since the link was set up so we just want to emphasise to everyone out there that if you want to buy in advance and you buy your gig tickets via We Got Tickets you get great value and save yourself some beer tokens. Unlike almost all other ticket resellers you pay face value plus 10%. So no hidden handling charges or booking fee which pop up at the checkout and as We Got Tickets issue E-tickets via E-mail, No postage. So an £8 ticket will cost you £8.80. On other ticket providers that we looked the same £8 ticket could cost you as much as £11.25! That's the cost of a whole pint of fizzy nectar!
The band take no commission from We Got Tickets. Just the satisfaction that YOU don't get ripped off. So if it's a choice between a venue ticket link and We Got Tickets you know which one to choose.
Go to We Got Tickets
Date Added: 29/04/2010
Brickmakers Norwich with Shrapnel
This Friday's show at The Brickmakers in Norwich will feature up and coming Norfolk old school Thrash merchants Shrapnel. The band is well known in East Anglia and attracting national attention. They will be on the bill with Sepultura on July 21st at The Waterfront Norwich. Check them out and listen to some great tunes here . . .
Date Added: 29/04/2010
Tea at The Ritz . . . .
Looks like the Monsters of Mock show at Manchesters famous Ritz venue will be a fantastic night. If you haven't already got your ticket . . . .its too late! All 1350 sold out this week! Going to be some great music on display celebrating 30 years of Monsters of Rock. Four legendary headline acts form across the decades are represented at The Ritz by Guns 2 Roses, Mentallica, Higher on Maiden and Dressed To Kill. The show will be opened by Rock Radio Battle of The Band winners Hell To Pay.
There'll also be appearences by some of The Daily Sports top page three beauites and a more macabre Full Monty show featuring Rock Radio DJ's assuming enough cash is raised for their chosen charity. . .
Mentallica continued their mission to take the gospel according to Metallica to new audiences this weekend when they infiltrated Birminghams clubbing central, Broad Street. Not usually where you would expect to find thrash metal madness, more your Bouncy (is that her name?), Ndubs and other such wonders of the dance music scene. Australian themed bar Walkabouts was hosting tonight and despite initial thoughts of "What are we doing here?" the band 'metallica'd' the crowd to within an inch of their lives. Balf was MC down at the front orchestrating proceedings and the crowd whilst being kept in beer by his good lady Hannah. Have a great holiday when you finally get there!
We all had a great time at Walkabouts and the reactions during and after the show told us that so did everyone else there. Thanks to our resident sound engineer whose name I have once again forgotten . . . and I wasn’t even drunk this time! A return to Walkabouts is on the cards so we look forward to seeing you all again.
This week sees the Mentallicopter journey from East Anglia to Humberside with shows in Norwich and Hull. Both shows look set to be great nights so . . . . take copious amounts of ale, add metal and shake . . . . your head!
See you there.
Keep it loud
Keep it Metal
KEEP IT METALLICA
Date Added: 27/04/2010
Slavery of puppets in Bristol
Saturday brought Mentallica together with the brilliant Higher on Maiden at Bristol's The Fleece for another of the Slavery of Puppets shows. The evening was marred by what seemed at first like a laughable mishap on stage but unfortunately had more serious consequences.
First band up were local lads Twisted who got the Fleece going with the own brand of rock/metal. Next was Mentallica who after a dead CD player took to the stage with Blackened. All went well with the crowd getting involved and enjoying Metallica's top songs. Into The day That Never Comes and again all was going well until . . . exiting the solo Aid moved back to his position stage left but not before tripping over a stand and falling into his Marshall stack. Needles to say it went everywhere, falling backwards off stage . . . and this is where it becomes serious . . . onto the guitars of Higer on Maidens Steve 'Adrian Smith'. Amp and cabs were retrieved to reveal a battle field of wounded guitars and sadly one dead one. Bereft of its neck the creature was carried away. Mentallica's set continued to an end but certainly for those who had seen the aftermath there was a sense of misery. Hopefully it will be possible to repair the guitar and it may breath life . . . and fire again.
Higher on Maiden took to the stage and blasted through classic tune after classic tune. By far the best Maiden tribute I've seen you have to get to one of their shows as soon as you can. Their new 'Steve Harris' fitted in seemlessly and as always the band went down a storm.
With amps at the doctors and guitars in the morgue this week it's a bit difficult to look forward but that we must and another Slavery of Puppets show is due soon at The Tropic at Ruislip. This Sunday see's Mentallica travel down the road to Birmingham and the famous Broad Street Walkabouts bar. Hopefully that will be far less eventful than Bristols show!
See you all soon.
Date Added: 21/04/2010
From Bilston to Swansea
Friday saw a trip down the road to The Robin in Bilston. Great to share the stage with Enraged. Said it before "GO AND SEE THEM" you won't be disappointed. Many thanks to Shaun for being a top bloke on the desk and for fixing thatnice new bass!
Saturday saw a lengthier trip down to Swansea and The Vice Club. Was good to see Tom on sound having done such a briliant job for us at The Barfly in Cardiff. Once again he got the building quaking. Was good to see new faces and make new friends. Especially the lovely ladies who we chatted too later. Nice basque!!!!!!!
So onto next week and a night to look out for at the legendary Fleece in Bristol. Higher on Maiden, Mentallica and a local band to get things on going. Also a chance to celebrate Mart's birthday.. . . prepare to recieve hangovers!
Date Added: 17/04/2010
New gig in York
Mentallica are pleased to be heading North to York on Saturday August 21st and Fibbers on The Stonebow. This is Yorks top live music venue and promises to be just the ticket for a great night of metal. See you all there.
Date Added: 07/04/2010
12 months on
Hard to believe that it's been 12 months since our great friend Jeff Powles left us for the big show in the sky. He may have been a moaner and hard task master but he was our mate and we still miss the old tart and are sure he's causing havoc up there!
We know he will be very happy that we've managed to get through over 50 gigs in that twelve months and have many more lined up.
Miss you loads mate, give 'em hell!
Date Added: 06/04/2010
Bill and Ben at The Flowerpot then!
Another great night on the road as the Mentalliwagon touched down at Derby's Flowerpot. This is a top venue. Compact with a kicking sound system and an expert purveyor of thunderous sounds in engineer Sid. Always manages to tweak every last watt of power from the PA and created a great sound. Another healthy crowd of metal heads shoe horned into the place made for a sweaty and breathless night of Metallica classics.
This crowd certainly enjoyed themselves. Shouting down the disco at the end of the set so Mentallica could take to the stage for another number. As seems usual these days the choice was left to the baying crowd. . . their choice this week was Battery inadvertently left out of the set in the first place!
Amongst the crowd was our mate Chris. He's had a rotten year but picked himself up and proved what a top bloke he is. Great to see him and to remember Kat
Many to thanks to Allan and to Sid for work at the sound desk.
See you back in Derby next year.
Cheers
Date Added: 06/04/2010
J for Jersey, JB's, Jucking Hell . . . Part 2
. . .But wait. This wasn’t the end. We were heading off for our spiritual homeland, JB’s in Dudley for another show on Saturday night.
After a quick run into and around our respective houses it was time to hit the road again and make the very short journey to the Holy Land that is JB's. Some venues have special meaning this one more so than most. For it is where Aid grew up in the early 90's. Spending too many nights between 1990-1994 drinking the beloved Brown Ale and watching some legendary bands perform. Dave and Chris also have a long history of hangovers as a direct result of JB's hospitality! Mart alas would have been a mere babe in arms and wouldn't have been old enough to enter the hallowed portals of JB's King Street incarnation.
But things change and as we all wearily humped the huge amount of equipment that makes Mentallica's show into the new JB's there was a mix of excitement and will I still be awake at 11 tonight!
The usual band of JB's stalwarts were on hand to rip the pi** from us in the usual and fondly accepted manner. An interesting conversation ensued in the lobby between 2 Wolves, 2 West Brom and a Villa fan. At times this could be a recipe for a punch up fortunately Aston Villas capitulation to the mighty Chelsea meant it was just four blokes taking the pi** out of 1 bloke. . . but not too much . . .he was bigger than all of us!
First up on stage were the up and coming Forlorn. If you like your metal of the death variety and as heavy as a fat birds lunchbox then you will enjoy seeing these guys. Keep an eye out for them.
Show time arrived and the flow of adrenaline meant the fatigue was forgotten for a while. Chris gave sterling service battling against many ailments including sinusitis but he kept going right till the end. We gave him a rest by bringing out Orion and it went down a treat. Even after three big shows in three nights Mentallica were still tempted back out after chants of 'More' and after asking what the crowd wanted to hear blasted through Whiplash.
Thanks to Sam, Si, Martin, Kelvin and everyone who continues to make JB's a great place to play and to see live music.
Good to see so many friendly faces at a home town gig. Helen and Jasper made the long journey from Cheltenham and Pipa came down from Bolton. There were many more but far too many to name individually. Thanks to all of you. Will see some of you at The Robin in April.
So a mammoth weekend was drawing to an end and as if to take the pi** a little more we were about to be robbed of an hours sleep! We drank some more beer, sat down a lot and thought of our nice comfortable beds and nice comfortable wives/partners (those who have such). Aid was also thinking of toast and cocoa . . . OLD BASTARD!
The only regret we had from this incredible three days is that our faithful Techy and friend Jim wasn't able to make the journey to Jersey with us. But rest assured his name will top the list for the next one!
Date Added: 31/03/2010
Interview by Gig Junkie.
Thanks to Felicity Hall from Gig Junkie for interviewing the guys. . . not that there's much sense to it!
The venue for the interview and band dressing room for the night was borrowed from the lovely lady lump lap dancers who work at Caged Asylum. That explains away the occasional interruptions and glances of disbelief from various members of the crew.
Date Added: 30/03/2010
J for Jersey, JB's & Jucking Hell! What a weekend!
What an incredible weekend was had on Jersey.
In chronological order . . . .
The journey started at Birmingham International Airport early on Thursday morning. Dave introduced us all to an apparently little known condition of air travel. If you are going on your jollies or ‘business’ trip such as ours you are required by aviation law to consume alcohol for breakfast. Not wanting to offend the lawmakers Judge Fudge dined on Guinness. . . a wholesome and meaty breakfast.
A short flight later we were on Jersey. The first and biggest thanks must go to Rob and Emma. Friends of our Jersey grown friend and manager Wayne, Rob and Emma met us at the airport and looked after us for the entire weekend. First trip was to the harbour for a princely breakfast that was so good most of us had two!
We arrived at the Drift and began sorting stuff for the impending performance. Craig was master of ceremonies and along with Steve and the techs from Stage 2 proved to be top people who we can’t thank enough for their time and contribution to a memorable weekend.
Also we would like to pay homage to the cow that was unfortunate enough to provide what has to be the best steaks that you could ever eat anywhere which we devoured in the grill at The Royal Yacht. Apologies to the waitress who Dave inadvertently launched his loose change at after asking for £5.25's worth of red wine!
Thursday’s show at The Drift was pretty stunning to be part of. 700 metal hungry Jerseyites all ready for a night of musical and alcoholic excess! Pre-show entertainment was provided by Sean, a well known purveyor of quality music on this sunshine isle and from the accounts of those we met a frighteningly talented guitarist too. As with everyone else we met he was a top bloke who also provided a great ‘house’ disco in the early hours of Saturday morning but more of that later! Also providing music and compare for the night was DJ Nelson. The kind of bloke you’d want as your best mate. Full of energy with more stories than you can get through in a lifetime. Both of them got the room bubbling for what was to follow with some banging music.
From the opening tune, That Was Just Your Life, it was plain to see that this was going to be one of those special nights and it certainly was. Mentallica banged through a classic set including, Battery, Blackened, Fade to Black, Creeping Death, Disposable Heroes, One, Sandman, Sanitarium, Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, Harvester and more. Also included were a few newer tracks from later albums and the more recent Death Magnetic. The 2 hours plus set flashed by and suddenly most of the rider had been consumed! The great atmosphere continued after the show and the guys chatted and drank the night away with anyone and everyone who would get involved. Dave introduced us all to another little known statute which is that Guinness must be purchased by the pair after Midnight in the Channel Isles. Again Dave conformed to the law. Thanks to the generous guy who bought Aid and Mart a Jager Bomb and a beer and a big round of applause to the gent who although apparently in a completely incoherent state proceeded to purchase 9 Jager bombs in one go as the night drew to an end . . . needless to say he didn’t drink all of them. . . in fact I don’t think he managed one!
Retiring to our luxurious hotel rooms at stupid O’clock a brief sleep followed and it was Friday. Originally planned as a day of rest and consuming beer plans changed when Mentallica were asked to perform again on Friday night. A shorter and more ‘mellow’ set was asked for and we obliged with some of Metallica’s lesser played tunes such as Memory remains, I disappear and a classic which always goes down very very well, Orion. Many thanks to Rob for providing Aid with a guitar to play Nothing Else Matters . . . even though his advancing years meant he struggled with the technology! Again the set flew by and before we knew it was all over and once again almost all of the rider had gone. . . oh what a fickle bed fellow is fate. . . or something.
So after two unbelievable nights we were crow barred from the hotel and headed off for a house party arranged by our new best friends Rob and Emma. They seem to reside in some kind of stately home which was amazing and there were lots of folk milling about sharing a drink, chat and some other sweet smelling substances. Sean provided a top disco with music for all tastes and seemed to be able to conjure up any request regardless of how obtuse.
Again after no sleep at all it was Saturday morning and the airport beckoned. Again Rob and Emma gave us their time and ferried us to the airport and hung about while we waited for the silver . . .well . . . grey bird home. Hopefully Rob got enough sleep to be fit for work later in the day and Emma too who had been the consummate hostess and not slept at all.
So we left the isle of Wayne’s birth and headed back to Blighty. A weekend none us will forget in a hurry if at all. Jersey is a beautiful place and everyone we met was friendly and helpful in the extreme. We aim to be back soon and are looking forward to it already. Once again thanks to Rob, Emma, Craig, Steve, Sean, DJ Nelson, all at Stage 2, Bobby’s bites, to Wayne for making it happen and everybody else I can’t remember. . .
. . .But wait. This wasn’t the end. We were heading off for our spiritual homeland, JB’s in Dudley for another show on Saturday night.
After a quick run into and around our respective houses it was time to hit the road again and make the very short journey to the Holy Land that is JB's. Some venues have special meaning this one more so than most. For it is where Aid grew up in the early 90's. Spending too many nights between 1990-1994 drinking the beloved Brown Ale and watching some legendary bands perform. Dave and Chris also have a long history of hangovers as a direct result of JB's hospitality! Mart alas would have been a mere babe in arms and wouldn't have been old enough to enter the hallowed portals of JB's King Street incarnation.
But things change and as we all wearily humped the huge amount of equipment that makes Mentallica's show into the new JB's there was a mix of excitement and will I still be awake at 11 tonight!
The usual band of JB's stalwarts were on hand to rip the pi** from us in the usual and fondly accepted manner. An interesting conversation ensued in the lobby between 2 Wolves, 2 West Brom and a Villa fan. At times this could be a recipe for a punch up fortunately Aston Villas capitulation to the mighty Chelsea meant it was just four blokes taking the pi** out of 1 bloke. . . but not too much . . .he was bigger than all of us!
First up on stage were the up and coming Forlorn. If you like your metal of the death variety and as heavy as a fat birds lunchbox then you will enjoy seeing these guys. Keep an eye out for them.
Show time arrived and the flow of adrenaline meant the fatigue was forgotten for a while. Chris gave sterling service battling against many ailments including sinusitis but he kept going right till the end. We gave him a rest by bringing out Orion and it went down a treat. Even after three big shows in three nights Mentallica were still tempted back out after chants of 'More' and after asking what the crowd wanted to hear, blasted through Whiplash.
Thanks to Sam, Si, Martin, Kelvin and everyone who continues to make JB's a great place to play and to see live music.
Good to see so many friendly faces at a home town gig. Helen and Jasper made the long journey from Cheltenham and Pipa came down from Bolton. There were many more but far too many to name individually. Thanks to all of you. Will see some of you at The Robin in April.
So a mammoth weekend was drawing to an end and as if to take the pi** a little more we were about to be robbed of an hours sleep! We drank some more beer, sat down a lot and thought of our nice comfortable beds and nice comfortable wives/partners (those who have such). Aid was also thinking of toast and cocoa . . . OLD BASTARD!
The only regret we had from this incredible three days is that our faithful Techy and friend Jim wasn't able to make the journey to Jersey with us. But rest assured his name will top the list for the next one!
Date Added: 29/03/2010
Rock FM Radio - Manchester
Mentallica continue to prove their credentials as one of the top tributes in the country with an appearence at ROCK FM's Monsters of Mock at The Ritz, Manchester. They join three other top tributes for the evening. Dressed To Kill, Higher on Maiden and Guns 2 Roses. It promises to be a fantastic sell out show so get tickets fast.
Date Added: 22/03/2010
Weekend + Metal + Beer = Fun
Another weekend . . . another road trip . . . another great time had.
Friday took the mentallicopter to Surrey. Camberely to be precise and The Agincourt Rock Club. This was the first of The Slavery of Puppets Tour and the Bill tonight consisted of Volkerstein, Mentallica and Higher on Maiden. All the metal a growing boy (or girl) needs for a night out. Just add beer and shake. . . your head! First up with a new band line up were Volkerstein - A tribute to Deutsche metal monster Rammstein. Higher on Maiden came next and galloped through a fantastic set. These guys are incredible and you should see them if you get the chance. Last on were Mentallica and as always banged there heads for the duration of the set. A great night was had by all. Thanks to Ash and Max and to their daughter who finally revealled the secret ingredient in Relentless . . . Bull Semen. . . quite a conversation stopper coming from a ten year old!
As Southend beckoned the next day we stayed within spitting distance of The Agincourt at the luxurious Travelodge. Of course a detour via the local 24hr store to buy beer. . . and wine. . . and cider . . . and . . . croissants was our first prority. A very civilised chat on such varied topics as politics, relegion, football and girls with big tits followed stretching well into the small hours.
Showers, Mcbreakfasts and nasty unhuman odours later and the mentallicraft was hurtling around the M25 Southend bound. We had a lazy day on the freezing cold promenade taking in the invigorating air and . . . brown sea?
At The Riga Steve was showing of his new PA and what great toy it is. The sound on and off stage was incredible which is maybe why the set grew to another 2 hour plus show. Was good as always to see Tony 'I Don't look like Freddie Mercury' amongst others.
So another memorable weekend came to an end. Inflatable guitar specialist Wayne was ejected in St Albans as he had a prior engagement and the rest of us went home to recover in time for next weekends jolly in South Wales.
In the words of James Hetfield, "It's all fun and games untill someone loses an eye. . . . . . . then it's still fun and games but you can't see it anymore. . . ".
Date Added: 11/03/2010
Death Paralytic 2010 T shirts now available
The T-shirt fairy has arrived in Mentalliland with a ship load of 2010 Death Paralytic tour shirts. With the fantastic bleeding eye front design and back print featuring dates from part 1 of the 2010 tour.
These are available from gigs for the princely sum of £10 or by contacting us here at Mentallicaworld.
Date Added: 08/03/2010
We Got Tickets will save you money -
so you can drink more!
There have been a fair few sales via We Got Tickets since the link was set up so we just want to emphasise to everyone out there that if you want to buy in advance and you buy your gig tickets via We Got Tickets you get great value and save yourself some beer tokens. Unlike almost all other ticket resellers you pay face value plus 10%. So no hidden handling charges or booking fee which pop up at the checkout and as We Got Tickets issue E-tickets via E-mail, No postage. So an £8 ticket will cost you £8.80. On other ticket providers that we looked the same £8 ticket could cost you as much as £11.25!
The band take no commission from We Got Tickets. Just the satisfaction that YOU don't get ripped off. So if it's a choice between a venue ticket link and We Got Tickets you know which one to choose.
Date Added: 08/03/2010
New Gig
Another new venue is added to the Mentallilist when the band visit Swansea on Saturday April 10th and play The Vice Rock Club.
Date Added: 03/03/2010
New Gig
A return date to The Riverside club in Stowmarket has been confirmed for Friday 15th October. See you all there.
Date Added: 01/03/2010
The Riverside, Stowmarket & Caged Asylum Mancheste
More good times on the road last weekend. Friday saw Mentallica journey South to Stowmarket in Suffolk and The Riverside Club. A great venue. Fleece and Matt provided a great sound only tempered by an enforced lack of volume . . . neighbours eh! But we have been barred from some venues for being too loud and as a place we want to return to we were happy for a quiter show! Thanks to everyone who came, had a good time and drank beer! Also thanks to the folks who came backstage to chat and get T-shirts. . . You travelled so far! Thank You.
Saturday brought one of the events of the year. A trip to Manchesters Caged Asylum. A sterling venue with a sound system capable of causing earthquakes . . . wait one darned moment. . . . Earthquake in Chile? Coincidence?. . . this reporter thinks not! Many thanks to Dave for creating a stunning sound. The curse of the Nothing Else Matters guitar struck again as Aid, sporting his most recent acquisition cracked the headstock on the mic stand toward the end of the track giving rise to . . . some. . . .er . . . improvisation. . . A few tracks we don't wheel out that often were requested in the shape of Fuel and Don't Tread On Me and both went down a storm.
Caged Asylum also offers something a little different from the usual metal venue in the form of lovely ladies in the business of Private Dancing of the lap variety. Needless to say Chris's cash was held for him less he spend the lot on lovely lady dances! Others in the band got free dances from members of the crowd later . . . why not me? Never me. . . Booo!
Hi to Flick and Lauren from Gig Junkie whom it was a pleasure to meet. . . Will they be brave enough to air that interview? We'll wait and see!
Good to see Daniel, Luke, Pippa,Tina, John & Vicki and a special mention to Lee Gosselin from Jersey who made it to our gig the night after seeing Machine Head. Thanks to Joolz for running the show and we'll be back some time soon. Check out Facebook for pics.
Date Added: 01/03/2010
The Musician gig
with Enraged
What another great night on the road. Taking point tonight was Enraged. They're a Rage Against The Machine tribute and I really don't think you can get closer to the real thing. Guitar is spot on as is vocals, bass and drums. But that's not enough. . . Enraged have that extra unknown ingredient which makes them stunning. If you get the chance get out and see them. You will not be disappointed. Check them out here. . .
Mentallica will be spending a few nights with Enraged and we're all looking forward to it 'cos they're top blokes as well as top musicians.
The Musician is a great venue with a great sound system that really does make the ground move in the deft hands of their engineer! Thanks to him (Yes, I have forgotten his name . . again!) and for his DJ ing skills. It's nice to hear some proper metal for a change. Good to meet Rachael (mad), Nicky(mad) and Cheryl(mad) amongst many others.
Thanks to Christine for being a great host - coffee and cookies much appreciated. We'll be back in the future for another night of madness and metal!
Cheers
Date Added: 23/02/2010
More Wharf Pics
More pictures from The Wharf, Tavistock can be viewed on The Gallery. It was a fantastic night and these pics bring it all to life. Thanks to Plukie for her expertise and friendship. See you and Daryll in Plymouth.
Aid is as excited as can be at the prospect of a delivery of new T-shirts for 2010. A Pushead inspired design which Aid refers to with affection as 'Bleeding Eyeball' which is the product of many many hours sat in front of a PC going bleary eyed himself. Fortunately Aid is a sad bloke who never goes out. . . hence he is now called pilot light. . . so no loss there! The shirt is part of the aptly named Death Paralytic Tour 2010. . . not sure about the death reference but the paralytic bit speaks for itself! Using the classic logo with Death Magnetic inspired additions.
Date Added: 15/02/2010
New Gig at The Barfly
A mere 24 hours after performing to a sell out crowd a return date has been confirmed for Cardiff's Barfly. This promises to be another special night. So put a ring around Saturday 21st August on your calander. Avoid missing out and get your tickets at www.wegottickets.com/mentallica
Date Added: 15/02/2010
The Barfly - Cardiff
There were a few concerns as we headed for Cardiff on Saturday lunchtime. As the bands journey progressed toward the city, just down the road at a little place called The Millennium Stadium the visiting Scots Rugby team were running amok and went in at half time with a commanding lead. Talk in the Mentalliwagon was of disgruntled Welshmen at the gig. Fortunately the Scots shot themselves in the foot with some awful decision making and were invalided back to porridge-land with nothing but battered pride. . .which led to an incredible evening at The Barfly.
We knew that pre-sales were doing very well with over 100 sold and it didn't take long for the place to fill in anticipation of the nights events. A big thanks to the sound engineer (sorry once again I forgot his name) who produced a thunderous sound from the ample PA. First up were Elsid, a local band who provided Stirling support and got the house going for Mentallica. Check them out at www.myspace.com/Elsid.
Mentallica took to the stage and the guys battled through some technical problems which started with the intro dying part way through. Fortunately the crowd were happy to finish it off with the fine Welsh choir version of The Ecstasy of Gold. Broken strings and a temperamental guitar later it was all over and it has to be one of the best nights in recent times.
Such a great time was had that before old aged Aid had caught up on his lost sleep The Barfly have confirmed a return date for August.
It may be an idea to buy tickets in advance for this show as chances are it will be a sell out.
Thanks to Jim as always for his industry during the night, to Ben and all at The Barfly who helped make it a brilliant night, to Elsid for sharing the stage with us and Wayne for making it all happen . . . and thanks to the Welsh rugby team for winning and making it just that little bit more special. . .Just a good job they didn't beat England!
Date Added: 15/02/2010
Yet more gigs-Manchester, West Bromwich and Swindo
The phone keeps on ringing with news of more gigs for Mentallica.
An exciting prospect as the guys visit Manchester and the famous Australian Walkabout Bar on April 27th.
On July 24th Mentallica will take part in an all day event at the The Public in West Bromwich. This purpose built art gallery now plays host to live music and is another new venue for the guys. More details will be posted soon.
A return to Swindon's Top 12 Bar is also confirmed for Friday 11th June. This will be a great weekend as the Mentalliwagon rolls on to Plymouth the following day! Ooooorah!
Date Added: 11/02/2010
We Got Tickets
Mentallica have teamed up with the web based ticket office We Got Tickets. You can get tickets for selected gigs from the dealer. Just click on the website link for the gig of your choice to buy tickets from the comfort of your own castle. This is a 'paperless' system so you could also save yourself a few beer tokens by purchasing on line.
Date Added: 10/02/2010
Barrow on Friday, Walsall on Saturday
A fantastic weekend on the road for Mentallica. Friday's trip to The Nines in Barrow was well worth the long drive. The crowd were many and mental! Thanks to Dave for setting it all up and to his wife Nik for providing much appreciated food for the band. Also thanks to Chris for his work on the sound desk. We hope that the unfortunate lady who fell in the mosh, damaged her leg and was subsequently taken away in an ambulance is on the mend. Hope to see you back in Barrow some time soon.
After the long jaunt of Friday came a very short journey down the road to Walsall and The Wharf 10 Bar. First time for the band in Walsall but it's good to know that wherever there's metal there are a bunch of folks who will drink beer and head bang all night long! Was great to see so many friends there, Al, Jasper, Helene & co, Helen and Rob, Mr and Mrs Jones(they who have the dubious pleasure of being parents to Mentallica's James Hatstand). . .and many more. Thanks also to Scott and Luke for all they did.
Have to admit though that after two nights of 2hr plus sets the necks of the band were starting to ache a little! Sunday was most assuredly a day of rest.
See you next week in sunny Cardiff!
Date Added: 08/02/2010
New Gigs - The Robin
The famous Robin 2 in Bilston has been confirmed for Friday April 9th this year. The stage will be shared with the brilliant ENRAGED. It promises to be a night not to be missed.
A long way of in the distant future a return to the fantastic 12 Bar in Swindon is confirmed for Saturday December 4th. Be good to see Dave and crew once again.
Also news of another event will be posted soon. An all day festival at an unlikely venue!
Date Added: 04/02/2010
The Day That Never Comes Video
You can see the video for The Day That Never Comes Here. The film was shot at The Wharf in Tavistock. Thanks to Daryll Stubbs for his expertise.
Date Added: 01/02/2010
New Gig - The Roadhouse
A quick return to The RoadHouse in Birmingham has been confirmed for Saturday 22nd May. This is a top venue. Extremely well run and with great crowds. We're al looking forward to this one. Hope to see you there!
Date Added: 28/01/2010
Great Photographs . . .
We want to thank Karen Chappell for some stunning pics of the band at work. Karen took pics at The Komedia, Mr Kyps and at The Crowbar. Take a look on The Gallery. Karen also specialises in motor sport photography and since 2006 has been Official club photographer for Lakeside Hammers Elite League Speedway team .You can see and buy her work by clicking on the banner below or going to www.fotoadventures.co.uk
Date Added: 28/01/2010
New date
Another new venue has been confirmed for Saturday 29th May 2010. The Club V is an exciting new venture in Fareham on the South Coast. The following day, Sunday 30th we travel West to Poole and the brilliant Mr. Kyps. Crash helmets to the ready this is going to be another great weekend by the sea!
Date Added: 27/01/2010
The Giffard / The Wharf weekend.
Another great weekend on the road for the guys. On Friday a first trip to The Giffard in Wolverhampton. Very close and personal, we all know The Giffard well as it's a regular wartering hole for the band. It's a great place to be if you like music. Classic rock/metal, Deathmetal or Grind Core this is the place to be all week! Thanks to Paul for arranging. Good to see Balf and Spanner again. Drinking to excess as usual! Well done.
Saturday saw a long trip down the M5 to Tavistock and The Wharf. One of our favourite venues and an excellent place it is. Thanks to Yvonne for hosting and to Dylan for his input. Also good to see Daryll and Plukie again . . . liking the purple hair. Always a pleasure to share the night with you. Sorry we couldn't play on - 2hrs 10 mins was pushing the curfew a bit! Good to have some beers later with the many people who came backstage to talk.
Plukie took somegreat pics some of which you can see on the gallery.
See you all soon
Cheers
Aid
Date Added: 25/01/2010
Purple day
Thusday 21st January 2010 is sadly the day that we say goodbye to Vinnie. She wanted her send off to be a purple occasion so just fora day or two the site goes purple sky.
One more thing regarding the T.P. quotes . . . .
". . .Kings are assassinated. They wouldn't be seen dead getting murdered!"
See you up there.
x
Date Added: 20/01/2010
Return to The Forum
It's a long way off but a return date for the fantastic Forum Music Centre in Darlington has been confirmed for Saturday November 13th. No doubt Dave will be keeping his hands firmly in his pockets on the journey there!
Date Added: 19/01/2010
The RoadHouse . . .
and the year ahead.
What a great way to kick off the 2010 tour with a trip to a packed RoadHouse in Birmingham.
A completely revised set went down a storm with the fans and after the best part of a month of for R and R the band were even more energetic than usual. Good to see some familiar faces such as Tom and his lovely lady, Al, Dave, Helen, Jasper, Andy, Mark and his friends who travelled from The Forest of Dean. Thanks for your friendship and support.
Many thanks to everyone at The Roadhouse. As we've said before this is a fantastic venue and Chris and DD work extremely hard to make this place a pleasure to go to and one of the top venues in the West Midlands.
Tommo provided us with a fantastic sound ably accompanied by medical miracle Dave. Top blokes all.
A few pictures can be seen in the gallery courtesy of Dave.
So touring starts again. With over 40 dates already confirmed or being confirmed (check out the giglist for a venue near you) this certainly looks like being the bands busiest year to date. So apologies to the long suffering families of Mentallica . . .although some will probably be glad at times to get rid of 'him' for a weekend or two! . . It's hard work for all involved but the buzz form being able to go out and play to so many people is a very addictive drug.
See you out there.
KEEP IT LOUD!
Date Added: 18/01/2010
New Dates
A long overdue return to Birkenhead is now confirmed when Mentallica visit The Revolver (formerly The Hotel California) on Saturday July 17th. The guys have had brilliant (and late) nights here so are really looking forward to the show.
Another new venue has been confirmed with The Champions Bar in Bournemouth which will take place on Saturday 3rd July. Always a good weekend out down by the sea!
Hope to see some old friends and make some new ones.
Date Added: 14/01/2010
The Giffard Arms
Word is that this show may well be a little bit over subscribed so if you're planning on getting there make it early!!
Date Added: 13/01/2010
The Frog & Fiddle, Cheltenham - A show for Vinnie
This will be a special show for everyone involved. It will be a celebration of the life of our friend Vinnie Guy.
Vinnie's close friends Helen and Jasper have helped make the arrangements which include a BBQ during the day and we are sure it will prove to be a very joyous if emotional day.
Date Added: 08/01/2010
New Dates for 2010
News of more dates for an already busy 2010.
The Slavery of Puppets tour in league with the stunning Higher on Maiden continues to grow in popularity and can now be seen at TJ's in Newport, Gwent on Saturday 10th July. You can also catch this exciting show at The Agincourt in Camberley, The Fleece in Bristol and The Tropic in Ruislip (see gig guide for dates).
A return to the spiritual homeland of JB's Dudley will take place on Saturday 27th March (an extra hours drinking time if we're lucky thanks to British Summer Time!). The guys also visit the Wharf 10 in Walsall on Saturday February 6th.
Date Added: 08/01/2010
More sad news
We're all gutted that our great friend Vinnie sadly passed away on 3rd January 2010. She was a real fighter, and an inspiration to us all.
Vinnie loved the music as much as we do, and we'll really miss her.
She was going to be married in April, and our thoughts are with her fantastic fiancee Andy - top bloke.
Also to Helen and Jaspa, our true friends - take care of yourselves.
Vinnie and her brother.
Date Added: 06/01/2010
A funny thing happened on the way to The Forum . .
Do not attempt to adjust your television set. We now control the horizontal, the vertical and the petrol pump. . .
Picture the scene, A Wolverhampton filling station on a Saturday afternoon. Its 2pm. The van is loaded with the band and two significant others. Al, long suffering in his commitment to Mentallica and Strongbow. Also on board is Emma who joined us from Poole for what she had foreseen as a regulation band weekend! The band is due in Darlington, a mere 190 miles away at 6pm. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh no Grommet! You’ve got the wrong fuel!
Alas yes, one of our number had inadvertently inserted 50 litres of Unleaded petrol instead of diesel. No names for the sake of band honour. . . . . . . . but we will just say he only has five strings on his guitar. . .
A brief period of panic ensues . . . The AA are called . . . they arrive an hour later . . . they mercilessly rip the piss from the unfortunate petrol/vehicle interface. Many thanks to Ian and Nick for being such great blokes. Many sad memories returned as Herman the Merc. was lifted onto the back of the tow truck. The terrible fate of Chuggaboom and Wolfgang made an unpleasant return.
It turns out that Nick is Metallica fan and he plays the masters of thrash metal all the way to our rescue point. Upon arrival the bad fuel is extracted. More thanks to Messrs. Kissain and Jeffries for a very quick job.
So we hit the road at 5.30pm en route to Darlington. A leaden foot followed and by some miracle, after keeping to the speed limit . . . er. . . we arrived at The Forum as the clock struck 8.15pm. A rapid load in and sound-check later and the band were ready to go. Performing what maybe the final complete rendition of The Master of Puppets album. It was a fantastic night, not withstanding the unfortunate chap who lost two teeth in the mosh. It was over in a flash and we retired, with a strange combination of fatigue and relief to our local budget hotel. Many beers and chatter later we fell asleep in preparation for the following days show at Newcastle’s O2 Academy with the Legends of Rock show.
Sunday was memorably uneventful after Saturday’s shenanigans. The worst we faced was hiding the beer/cider stash from Mart! So a mere hour after leaving Darlington and being somewhat disappointed at the size of The Angel of The North, we arrived at Newcastle’s O2.
The Legends of Rock show was to consist of Hells Bells, Dizzy Lizzy, Mentallica, Higher on Maiden and Sankebite. It was a great surprise to see Pete back in the Snakebite fold. The Bon Giovi lads were unable to make the show due to illness. The day was unforgettable. Hells Bells provided a stunning opening to the show and as with all the bands, taking advantage of the large stage that the O2 offers. The front of house sound was breathtaking.
The guys put on a top show. Opening with Blackened was a great feeling. Most of 2009 as seen the guys opening with stuff from Death Magnetic. The crowd were fantastic and got involved at every opportunity. After Mentallica’s show Dave was overcome with some kind of post traumatic stress and decided to streak. Just as Higher on Maiden are about to take the stage he appears stark bollock naked proclaiming “Look what happened to me!” Sadly we had to leave before Snakebite took to the stage as the five hour journey home looked better with a 9.30pm start.
All we can say is a huge thanks to Lloyd for allowing us to be part of this show and an equally large thanks to the rest of the bands for being so easy to get on with and to have a laugh with. The Legends of Rock tour will be back next year. Look out for details. It will take in major cities across the UK and beyond so we hope to see you there.
Date Added: 24/12/2009
Old Friend new star
Oscar Wilde once said, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars!”
Next time you’re lying in the gutter gazing up at the night sky take a glance across to the constellation of Orion and linger on it for a while. For it is here that our great friend Jeff Powles will live on in the form of star AGASC_ID 17833616, Right Ascension 6hr 18m 18.2s, Declination +2deg 52’ 25.9” or more simply “Jeff Powles”. Barely visible to ageing naked eyes but it’s location amongst the best known of all the constellations means we’ll always know where to look when we need to.
Jeff seemed to spend a lot of times looking up to the heavens for one reason or another when he was with us! He was always a star. As a man, a manager and a truly great friend so it’s apt that we named a star for him.
Shine on you old tart!
Date Added: 08/12/2009
Dates for 2010
We'll be Kicking off 2010 on Jan 16th at The Roadhouse in Birmingham. The following Friday the guys travel just up the road to The Gifford in Wolverhampton. Later on the Mentallibus travels to the brilliant Limelight in Crewe on Saturday May 22nd.
Date Added: 24/11/2009
More Sad News.
This year will be remembered for many things. Some good, some bad and some very sad. We found out today that another friend has left us. Chris contacted us to say that his wife Kat had recently passed away suddenly. We had met Kat and Chris at Wozwolf MCC Rally about 6 years ago and had a good time whenever we met up (usually the annual Wozwolf rally). Chris always down the front during the gig and Kat next to him. If it were needed it's yet another lesson that some things, if not all in this life are completely unimportant when we're faced with the loss of those close to us.
Stay safe Chris and we'll all be thinking of you and hopefully meet up soon.
Kat and Chris
Date Added: 24/11/2009
October
Derivative of ‘Oct’ meaning eight for the . . . . Tenth month? Oh Gregorian man, how baffling you are!
October started with a frankly unbelievable night in Soho, London at the legendary Crowbar. Mentallica were invited to perform by Joel McIver at the launch of his book ‘...To Live is to Die. The Life and Death of Metallica’s Cliff Burton’. It was up close and very personal and all the materiel came from the Cliff era. It was a privilege to be there and even more so to be able to play.
There were lots of music press and Met club representatives there and it all went very well . . . apart from me losing my phone! It was never the less so good to meet Joel and talk Metallica. His book is a must for any Metallica fan . . . or any metal fan for that matter.
The next day brought a trip into South Wales and The Hog and Hosper in Pontypool. The venue is run by Sam who for many years fronted ‘Into The Bleach’, the top Blondie Tribute of the time. I myself had a life-size poster of Debbie Harry in a very small plastic dress on my bedroom wall when I was but a mere boy and it proved most useful! The venue is a top gig. Not a big place but well run and a room full of metal heads all up for a good night out. We will return in the spring.
The following week was a little strange due to two cancellations. Both beyond our control and down to venue closures. A very sad sign of the difficult times we exist in. The remaining gig of The weekend was very local for us as we shared the stage with Sack Sabbath. A fabulous bunch of lads with the very same disturbing and sick sense of humour as us!
The following Friday brings a return to one of our favourite venues. The Moses Gate in Farnworth just South of Bolton. Uncle Ray runs a tight ship and he is genuinely one of the nicest people we’ve met on our travels. We have a lot of friends here and it’s always a pleasure to go and spend the night with them . . . not in a biblical sense you understand. Purely platonic! The evening completed with the usual detour to Ivanoe Street to drop off our passenger, you know who you are.
Next day was a trip to High Wycombe and the Nags Head where we shared the evening with the outstanding Enraged. This tribute to Rage Against The Machine is manned by great lads and they have nailed the Rage sound. If you get the chance go and see them. You won’t be disappointed.
Onward and the next weekend meant a trip back up a very poorly M6 to Bolton and our mate Gary. A three band extravaganza at The Soundhouse. Motley Crew, us and AC/DC UK made up the evenings entertainment. Some friends made the journey up the road from Farnwoth and we had a top night. The Motley Crew guys were fun to be with and hopefully we’ll meet up again.
So onto the final weekend of the month and Halloween weekend . . . oooooooh! Friday saw a short trip up the A38 to Sutton in Ashfield and The Diamond. Always a pleasure to go to well run venues and this is one of them. Gary, having been in the business on both sides of the fence for many years knows what bands need and provides it all. Good to see Jai and Lindsay again.
The final day of October saw a return to possibly the bands favourite venue, Mr Kyps in Poole. We were all pumped up for this one. Support came from the incredible Maniacal Edge, this band is featured in Metal hammer as an upcoming band to watch and seeing them you can see why. Hard, heavy, fast yet melodic. Well worth a listen.
Thanks to Kyle for interviewing us for the uni’ mag. Hope we weren’t too cryptic! There’s a copy of the review on the site. Have a look. Special thanks to Karan for being brave enough to be on stage at the same time as us and for taking so many fantastic photographs. You can see Karens work at www.fotoadventures.co.uk. Well worth taking a look if you're interested in metal or motorsport.
Was good to see Emma again and thanks for giving us the guided tour of Poole and Bournemouth on Sunday. It was a memorable day. Also good to see our old mate Al who travels relentless miles to spend time with us. Always good. By the way we still have your bedding mate!
Special thanks to Jim for his always appreciated time and assistance on the road. You’re a top roadie mate. Keep on drinkin’!
Onward to November and another month of good times. See you out there.
Date Added: 24/11/2009
The guys meet Brian Tatler . . .
This week at Liverpools O2 Academy the guys got to meet the legend that is Brian Tatler. Brian is guitarist in Diamondhead the band that inspired Metallica to greatness in the early 1980's. It's not the first time the guys have met him but the first time there was a camera and sobriety available! Brian explained how he'd taken control of the lighting console at a JB's gig some years ago and on another occasion had had to decline an invitation to join the band on stage due to , er, beer flu. . . We chatted for a while and it was a truly fantastic moment. . . although Daves attempts at mythical wit seemed to fail like a Greek Tragedy!
Date Added: 10/11/2009
More new dates for 2010
Here are another few dates for the 2010 diary. On February 13th the guys travel to Cardiff to perform at The Barfly. On May 7th the band travel to a favourite haunt when they return to The Moses Gate in Farnworth, Bolton and the following day on May 8th the Mentalliwagon rolls on into Northamptonshire and Rushden Athletic WMC.
Date Added: 03/11/2009
Mr Kyps Review.
By Kyle Reed
We had a great night at Kyps (once again). This review was written by Kyle Reed for the Bournmouth Uni Mag:-
“How do we get in?” is the first question of the night as we approach who we believe to be a roadie by the back entrance of Mr Kyps. Only he isn’t and, to be honest, we should have known better. He has it all- the long locks, the carefully groomed ‘Hetfield’ beard and the leather jacket. He has the cigarettes, the beer and, oddly, what looks like a bottle of sun cream. ‘Did you find your hair elixir?’ axe man Aid sniggers as his front man re-enters the room, fixing his metallic mane. He is Chris Jones and he leads the band hailed as ‘Europe’s No.1 tribute to Metallica.’ And I was about to find out just how justified that title is.
Dudley based Mentallica are a fantastic bunch. They’re laid back and care-free and yet remain welcoming and professional. They drink ‘girly cider’- not forgetting the ice. Best of all, they are relentless in the way they talk of how good things are for the band. “Mr Kyps is the greatest gig on the circuit,” co founder Dave Hadley beams. “Tonight is going to be good.” Tonight, of course, is Halloween. The full moon is blinding, the fog is rising and the crowd of 300 ‘tallica fans have not forgotten the occasion. It’s a rare delight to witness werewolf, zombie and ‘crazed topless fan waving blow up club’ embracing in mosh together. But that’s Halloween and that's metal.
In the hours before the gig- completed by drummer Mart- the guys laugh and bounce the answers towards me with a fun-filled passion. “There was no question- it was always going to be Metallica, although the name was debated once. I still believe it should be ‘The Chris Jones Quartet” Chris jests, with a cheeky smile. When asked if they’ve ever met their hero’s, excitable bassist Dave sits forward with a grin. “We’d love to meet them. But I’ll tell you what, their sound manager helped us out in our opening shows and came to us once with a message, ‘Metallica have heard of you and they wish you all the best.’ That’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
On stage the guys are no different. They smile and laugh at each other, clearly lapping up every second. “We’ve got some Metallica fans in here tonight, right?” The roar from the crowd says it all. Mentallica are a tight and well oiled machine. They appear to flawlessly attack each track as it comes, covering both fan favourites and their own. They have the backdrop, an array of crucifixes across the stage echoing the album art from ‘Master Of Puppets’ and an endless supply of beer. The show itself couldn’t be better and ‘tallica classics ‘Creeping Death ’, ‘Enter Sandman’ and ‘Whiplash’ go down as expected. You can’t help but think Hetfield’s crew would be proud.
Horns aloft, you can almost envisage the 300 strong crowd take to the spirit of dress-up and don their best Sparta voice- “this is ‘tallica!” It, of course, isn’t. But believe me, it’s as close as you can get and talk backstage suggests tonight was something special. “I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun.” Dave muses, grabbing a beer. “Just the right amount of alcohol, the perfect crowd and the greatest sound we’ve ever had.” They’re also a bright bunch and, as he slowly takes off his clothes, axe man Aid explains to me the importance of having clean t-shirt. “Heavy metal is a lot of things, but it’s not unhygienic.” 5/5
Date Added: 03/11/2009
More new dates for 2010
The dates for next year continue to build as we can announce three more gigs for 2010. The guys return to The Flowerpot in Derby on April 3rd. Two new venues for Mentallica are the legendary Fleece in Bristol which will feature a double header with the awesome Higher On Maiden on 17th April. The Tropic at Ruislip provides another new venue and the guys will play there on 21st May again teaming up with Higher On Maiden for another double header.
Date Added: 22/10/2009
So that was September. . .
. . .and what a great month it was. First up was a trip to sunny Brighton and The Komedia. What a fantastic night. A packed house saw support from Nakedium and The Rocket Dolls. Thanks to Mark for a top gig. Next came a trip to the spiritual homeland that is JB’s Dudley. Another healthy crowd enjoyed support from Plymouth’s Huron and a night of feverish drinking and shaking of the extremities.
The guys followed that with a trip to The English Riviera and Paignton’s The Parkers Arms. A gig arranged to celebrate Josh’s birthday and celebrate he /they did. Josh and co were scarily talented for their limited years. They were still jamming when we hit the road in the small hours. Thanks to Debra May and Tracey for making us so welcome and feeding us. Next time we WILL take up the offer of a room for the night and have a . . . little drink!!
The following week saw Mentallica head in the opposite direction and Stowmarket in Suffolk and The Riverside Club. A top venue and another big crowd enjoyed getting loud and . . . well . . . drunk. Or should that be well drunk? Good to meet Emma from the PRS and chat about stuff. The day after the Mentallibus was off to The Venue in Hinckley. Two great bands shared the stage with us. Original band Internal Conflict and System of A Down tribute “Fuck The System” were both brilliant.
So another month is done and still we press on toward Christmas and another new year. October will be another bumper month. Starting with a trip to Soho and the world famous Crobar to participate in the launch of the biography To Live is To Die The life and death of Metallica’s Cliff Burton written by Joel McIver.
See you out on the road.
KEEP IT LOUD
KEEP IT METALLICA
Date Added: 13/10/2009
The Riga - Southend
The guys make a long overdue return to Southend in March 2010 when they play Thr Riga once more.
Date Added: 13/10/2009
The Boardwalk Sheffield
The guys will be returning to The Boardwalk in Sheffield on Saturday March 13th 2010. A great support is being lined up so another date to look forward to.
Date Added: 02/10/2009
Cliff Burton Book Launch - Press Release
You are hereby invited to Cliff Burton At The Crobar on Friday 2 October, a reading/signing/headbanging/drinking event hosted by London's Crobar and Jawbone Press, publishers of To LIve Is To Die: The Life And Death Of Metallica's Cliff Burton.
The book, written by UK author Joel McIver ("the top scribe in the world right now" according to the new All Pens Blazing anthology), features a foreword by Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and is the first ever biography of Burton, who died in a 1986 coach crash aged only 24.
McIver will be reading excerpts from the book in between songs from Britain's premier Metallica tribute band, Mentallica, and signing copies. Books will be available to buy at a discounted rate at the event, which begins at 8pm -- but you're advised to get there early, as the evening has been publicised by Metal Hammer and Classic Rock magazines and crowds are expected.
"I can't think of a better venue for the UK book launch than the Crobar," commented McIver, "although I am slightly concerned that I may be heckled to death." Still, the sacrifice of one measly author is only appropriate for the cause of heavy metal: join us on Friday for the literary/metal crossover event of the year.
For more information, visit www.joelmciver.co.uk, www.jawbonepress,com or www.crobar.co.uk.
The Crobar
17 Manette St
Soho
London W1D 4AS
0207 439 0831
Award for most Guinness consumed must go to Dave for a valiant effort even discounting the two pints he tipped over himself and the one he tipped over Chris his eyeballs were still floating! 
Aid doesn’t get an award this year . . . just something else for him to moan about!
"
