PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Orange Goblin, Raging Speedhorn, The Broken Chords, Willie & The Bandits, King Kurt and Urban Voodoo Machine have all been confirmed to perform live at the 12th London Tattoo Convention, taking place over the weekend of September 23/24/25th at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, London E1W 2SF.
Having already announced over 400 of the world’s finest, most prestigious and elite tattoo artists as attending the most exciting, anticipated, spectacular and resoundingly successful celebration of body art in the world, the Tattoo Life Magazine organisers have upped the rock and metal music ante even higher than ever.
Orange Goblin, who have created “a unique, heavy sound that lies somewhere between doom, stoner, classic metal, 70’s inspired heavy-rock, punk, blues and everything in between” since forming in 1995, will play the headline slot on Saturday night, 24th September. The band’s eighth album, ‘Back From The Abyss’, which breached the Top 100 UK national album chart on release in October 2014, “Is the sound of Orange Goblin firing on all cylinders!” roars frontman Ben Ward, continuing “From the Sabbathian, weighty-groove of ‘Sabbath Hex’, the Motörhead-styled punk snarl of ‘The Devil’s Whip’, the epic, Maiden-esque gallop of ‘Mythical Knives’, through to the apocalyptic Doom of ‘The Shadow Over Innsmouth’; this is the best of all of our individual influences pulled together. We have created the definitive Orange Goblin album. Following the great, worldwide reception of ‘A Eulogy For The Damned’ and the subsequent 2 years of touring everywhere, we knew we had a lot to live up to. But we were prepared and entered the studio armed with an arsenal of killer riffs! They are all present on this album, continuing the Orange Goblin trend of never being afraid to move forward or trying something new. We worked with Jamie Dodd again as he did such a great job on the last record and I think he has even gone one better this time around! Adding Jamie’s amazing production to the outstanding performances and songwriting of the band, we have made an album we are all very proud of. Our last album gave the band new life and sent us off into the unknown. This new album sees Orange Goblin stretch ing the limits once more… ‘Back From The Abyss’ and ready to rock all over again!! www.orange-goblin.com
Raging Speedhorn, who fuse sludge metal, hardcore, and stoner elements to devastating effect at their explosive live shows, are set to headline the main stage on Friday night, September 23rd. Raging Speedhorn, who formed in 1998, soon won over a huge live following with their pounding basslines, heavily distorted riff-thick guitar work and songs about hedonism, drug-use, violence, antipathy for major band labels and depression. After releasing various chart bothering singles and four crushing, intense albums, touring continuously with the likes of Slipknot, Ill Nino, Rammstein and Will Haven, plus performing at countless festivals across the globe, (including Download festival on 3 occasions), the band imploded in 2008 at the end of a Japanese tour. Raging Speedhorn regrouped to play at the Sonisphere Festival in July 2014, and then an eleven date UK tour later that year. Having worked on new material throughout 2015, the band entered the studio to record their brand new album ‘Lost Ritual’ with producer Russ Russell (Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir, The Wildhearts) in January 2016. Guitarist Jim Palmer notes that “This album seems like a true reflection of everyone’s input, a slice of all of us, if you will. It has those typical Speedhorn, pumping rock ‘n’ roll moments, and some much darker ones too. Sound-wise, it’s got all the feedback, distortion, bad attitude and in-your-face antics you’d expect with a sound that should be more familiar to Speedhorn fans, but with a twist.” Metal Hammer awarded the album 8/10 in their August 2016 issue, stating that “The bruisers have lost none of their intensity and ‘Lost Ritual’ picks up exactly where they left off. Opening with the tooth rattlingly heavy ‘Bring Out Your Dead’, business really picks up on ‘Halfway To Hell’, which mixes together Maiden guitar harmonies and the meanness of Wade McNeil-era Gallows. ‘Evil Or Mental’ has a huge hook you could hang the moon off, while ‘Motörhead’, their most traditional track to date, is a fitting tribute. ‘Lost Ritual’ feels like a triumph and dual vocalists Frank and John are in the form of their lives. Welcome back, boys.” www.reverbnation.com/ragingspeedhorn
Broken Chords, a British hard rock trio from Essex/Herts serving up classic riffy sounds that reference Led Zep and Cream while sitting firmly in the 21st century UK rock camp, will also perform on the main stage of the Convention. Melodic axe riffs, seasoned, dramatic vocals and relentless exuberance has propelled Broken Chords, who formed in 2013, from their local music scene to headline shows across the UK and a year of national touring, including academy supports for the legendary Bernie Torme (Gillan, Ozzy Osbourne), Kyshera, Temperance Movement and Australian rockers Electric Mary (O2 Academy). Headline appearances at Hard Rock Hell Helloween and Hard Rock Hell Ibiza, two shows at The Great Escape, Camden Rocks Festival, and a full electric slot at Download Festival 2015 ensued. The band’s debut single, ‘Get Some’ was greatly welcomed across the media and airwaves on release in 2014, receiving regular airplay on BBC Radio, Amazing Radio, Shoreditch Radio, Classic Rock and myriad internet rock sites. The blazing Paul Tipler produced ‘Rock & Stone EP’, released in April 2015, signalled a new progression for the band, a more mature sound with a harder edge. Anthemic title track ‘Rock & Stone’ rightfully made the Classic Rock Magazine on-line videos of the week. 2016’s new self-titled ‘Broken Chords’ EP showcases a natural progression in sound and song writing. Opening track, ‘I Do Believe’ is a dark blues fuelled kickback to the sound of the 70’s, while stadium worthy, ‘Tell Them Of Us’ highly defines what Broken Chords are really about. The lowdown, dirty licks of ‘Wild Child’ with its underground grit, really hits you with the essence of true rock & roll. ‘First & Only Kind’ is just effortlessly classic through and through. www.brokenchordsmusic.com
Wille and the Bandits, a classic blues rock three piece in the vein of Cream or The Jimi Hendrix Experience, absolutely bursting at the seams with textures, originality and soul, have also been confirmed to star on the main stage. The band’s use of more bizarre instrumentation and eclectic influences in their song writing takes their sound way beyond what is expected of such a traditional line up. Throughout a performance the band can be seen playing a range of instruments, sometimes simultaneously, sometimes switching between various guitars, basses and percussion within the same song. Wille’s exquisite slide guitar playing and powerful vocals are given perfect momentum with Andy’s innovative drumming, while virtuoso Matt, with his 6 string bass and double bass, adds a class and polish rarely seen in a Rock act. Their great musicianship with infectious songs has inspired praise from Rock legends such as Ian Paice, Joe Bonamassa and Francis Rossi, leading to their debut single reaching number 2 in the UK blues chart on downloads alone. The group were listed in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury 2014 by BBC Radio 1, and were personally invited to perform on the German TV show Rockpalast; a musical institution of global import. www.willeandthebandits.com
King Kurt – the absolutely bonkers psychobilly prankster rockers who stormed the UK singles charts in the early-mid 1980’s with hits like ‘Destination Zululand’, ‘Mac The Knife’ and ‘Banana Banana’ are set to headline the Voodoo Crypt stage. King Kurt built up a massive, frenzied following at their riotous gigs, famously strewn with all sorts of muck – thrown both at and from the audience – whilst also offering haircuts and drinking competitions! Musically a bizarre mix of roots rock-a-billy, funk, African rhythms and pop infused with their own unique humour, King Kurt, who released two full length albums (‘Ooh Wallah Wallah’ on Stiff Records in 1983 and ‘Big Cock’ on Polydor in 1986),
are at their blistering, mystifying, absolute best, live on stage; definitely a set not to be missed! www.kingkurt.com
Urban Voodoo Machine – Part Gogol Bordello and part demented cabaret, this London collective, which marries a whole cavalcade of genres, including mariachi, gypsy punk and sideshow rock ‘n’ roll, have also been confirmed to play on the Voodoo Crypt Stage. Led by Norwegian born Paul-Ronney Angel, Urban Voodoo Machine feature between 7 to 12 musicians playing guitars, drums, fiddle, trumpet, banjo, washboard, upright bass, gong, mandolin, accordion, harmonicas, saxophone, tuba, sousaphone and even empty bottles & tie racks to build their unique brand of bourbon soaked ‘Gypsy Blues Bop ‘n’ Stroll’. With their lurching sea shanties, debauched murder ballads, messed-up tangos and whiskey-soaked gypsy stomps, some reckon they’re from the same stable of stallions as Tom Waits and Nick Cave; others point out the last gang in town swagger of The Clash and the hellbound blues that John Lee Hooker first dragged out of the swamp. Major festival appearances under their belt include Glastonbury, Download, Latitude, Edinburgh, Sziget, Hard Rock Calling alongside Paul McCartney, Bestival, Bulldog Bash and Ukraine Stadium alongside Goran Bregovic, plus they have performed everywhere from prisons, schools and churches!
A whole feast of alternative attractions and numerous diverse distractions will also be vying for attendees’ attention, not least the FIRST EVER 2000AD ART EXHIBITION, featuring original artworks from the finest illustrators of the UK’s oldest and most iconic comic, will be on display, and attendees will be able to purchase numerous prints, books and other 2000AD merchandise at the convention. The full list of famous artists and illustrators who are set to be present at the exhibition, meeting fans and signing their unique prints, can be accessed here:- www.thelondontattooconvention.com/entertainment/guests/post/2000ad-art-exhibition-1/
Numerous other unforgettable collaborations of the arts are set to excite the eyes, including inspirational exhibitions from Joe Fenton (www.joefentonart.com)
Chris Guest (www.chrisguest.co.uk), Graham Humphries (www.grahamhumphreys.com), Christopher Lovell (www.christopherlovell.com), Haris Nukem (www.harisnukem.com) and Jim Philips’ The Art Of God Machine (http://godmachinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk),
The Fuel Girls, the electrifying, original and best fire-breathing tattooed acrobatic dance troupe in the world (http://fuelgirls.co.uk), will return to star as the resident performers on the ‘Fuel Stage’, which will also boast the debut appearance of the dynamic new Circus Of Men troupe (www.circusofmen.com) and much more.
Also new for this year is the ‘Pyrohex’ stage, hosted by the London based high octane pyro-fire-aerial performance group Pyrohex, who were such a hit at 2015’s tumultuous convention that they’ve now got their very own podium. Watch jaws drop as the sensational Cervena Fox, Shelly D inferno, Rebecca Crow and Sununu Hernandez amaze with their latest group act with fire (www.facebook.com/wearepyrohex).
The Main ‘Tattoo Life’ Stage will host new Tattoo Competitions for Saturday and Sunday, with a brand new catwalk allowing the public and press to fully appreciate and capture the tattoo competition entrants’ high caliber skin – inked artworks; for full details and timings click on www.thelondontattooconvention.com/entertainment/tattoo-comp-stage/post/tattoo-competition-2017.
Select stunning Alternative pin-up models will be signing merchandise and posing for pictures at the convention, including Sabine Kelly (www.sabinakelley.com), Jessica Wilde, (www.facebook.com/OfficialJessicaWilde), Karla Lambert (http://karlalambertaz.com), Bibiana Atada (www.bibiana-atada.com), Lauren Brock (www.facebook.com/TheLadyLauren), Eric Liyah Kane (www.facebook.com/EricLiyahKaneModel) Elegy Ellem (www.elegyellem.se), Anna Quinn (www.annaquinnuk.com), and Mz Bones (https://www.facebook.com/mzbonesaltmodel).
The huge, diverse vendors and traders market will be packed with even more head-turning alternative stuff than you can shake a stick at. The usual wide-ranging selection of food and drink which will also be on offer, including a massive choice of real ales, ciders, craft beers and cocktails, plus everything from Mexican to freshly cooked Malaysian foods, German Sausages, gourmet burgers and vegetarian options.
Don’t delay in making plans to immerse yourself in the most sublime, thrilling weekend on the planet. Advance tickets, priced at £20 for Friday, £30 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday or £50 for a weekend pass, are available to purchase via www.thelondontattooconvention.com. Admission for visitors under 14 is free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
