New Model Army, Sept. 16, Asbury Park

You know how there's always that one guy at shows who's REALLY into it? Well, he's been around the last three times I've seen New Model Army and guess who was the first person I saw when I walked in the door... 4th times a charm, no? Though I was a little upset that he didn't start as many fights or stick his fists up that much, I enjoyed his company so here's to you THAT GUY! I think no New Model Army show is complete without you.

This must have been the first show in a while that I actually liked all the opening bands. The Obvious sounded like a mix of X, The Rezillos, and Hole with their crooning singers and goofy stage antics. The F Bombers were a nice clean punk band with raspy female vocals and fun bass lines.

Like I've said before New Model Army ALWAYS brings something new each time I've seen them. Whether it's new t-shirts with some of Joolz's awesome artwork or new songs, it always puts a smile on my face.

They did an amazing job playing and the set list was great. Most off them were off Today Is A Good Day, High, Thunder And Consolation, and one song off of Strange Brotherhood. It's cool how they don't have to play all their hits to get the crowd going. Though I was a little surprised they didn't play anything off of The Ghost of Cain, the songs off of the new album made up for it, so please support the band and buy it! They're so underrated and deserve so much more acknowledgement for their talent.

Shame on the DJ for announcing that NMA is from London. I did however enjoy some guy singing The Smiths' "Panic" at the end of the show. HANG THE DJ!

So the plan according to Justin Sullivan is to meet up in 15 years on Sept. 16 at The Saint with the same lineup and I'll be there, right next to THAT GUY.







A little clip of their song,"White Coats."

New Model Army Coming To The Jersey Shore!

original article from The Aquarian

I love how every time I’ve seen New Model Army, I’ve never had to pay over $15 and I leave feeling like I’ve experienced something new. Having punk undertones with a touch of goth and folk rock, it’s hard to categorize this band as they keep on reinventing themselves. With Justin Sullivan’s manic stares, poetic lyrics, and dynamic voice, it’s surprising how the band injects the same amount of talent into their militant, yet soulful sound. From their visas being denied to long time managers dying unexpectedly, it seems that after 30 years nothing can stop this band from touring. They will be playing The Saint in Asbury Park on Sept. 16. Ages18 and up.

BUY TICKETS

photo by Ralf

The Damned at the Stone Pony

It’s hard for people like me, who were born a couple decades too late, to actually get to see a band that was around when punk music was at its prime. Some of these punk bands that are still around now consist of just one original member and put on horrible shows and makes me wonder why they still use the original band name. Then there are bands that may have had a few line up changes, but allow fans to go back in time and enjoy a taste of punk rock bliss. The Damned did just that when they played at the Stone Pony yesterday.

The bands that opened up for them were Electric Frankenstein and The BellRays.

Though EF seemed to pump up some people in the crowd, others just stood around. They’re one of those bands that feel the need to turn up their scratchy guitars up way too much, when really; they could use a cleaner crisp sound and some more melodies. There wasn’t even a need for the singer to have a guitar honestly. It’s not that they’re a horrible band, they just sound like a lot of other generic bands that I’ve seen.

The Bellrays on the other hand, really blew me away. If the MC5 had a woman with a huge afro singing, that’s what the Bellrays sound is. Wayne Kramer himself has shared the stage with them in the past. They got the crowd energized with singer, Lisa Kekaula’s shrieks and soulful voice. They were really tight!

The place wasn’t that packed, but once Pinch came out to his drums, more people edged their way up to the front. Captain Sensible (guitar) with his red beret, Monty Oxymoron (keyboards) wearing a skull patterned shirt, Stu West (bassist) wearing his striped shirt, and Dave Vanian (vocals) in a suit, white button down shirt, and a black cravat.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, How do!”

The Damned put on such a great show. From fixing the light fixtures themselves, to the traditional stage banter, to Captain and Monty drum soloing, to Dave dancing with one of EF’s daughters during, “Little Miss Disaster;” it was a very memorable night.

Their set list ranged from early Damned songs like “Love Song,” to their infamous cover of “Alone Again or” (they sang the trumpet solo), to songs like “Dr. Woofenstein,” from their newest album, So, Who’s Paranoid? It’s nice to see a band that doesn’t just play their new album with one or two old songs. Though I wouldn’t mind a few more off the new album, it’s pretty good!

The Damned definitely made sure they hit different songs from the different decades they’ve been around for. Captain Sensible talked about being able to jump from decade to decade with songs and joked about how bands like Green Day couldn’t do that.

My only complaint was that I couldn't hear Monty that well, but it could’ve been because I was on the opposite side right up front by where Captain was.

My face hurts today because I was smiling all night long. I hadn’t seen them since 2002. I love seeing this band live, it gets better and better. I hope they come back soon!

SET LIST

Love Song
Second Time Around
Anti-Pope
New Rose
Alone Again or
Under the Wheels
There will come a day
Disco Man
Dr. Woofenstein
Eloise
Perfect Sunday
Neat Neat Neat
Dark Asteroid

Encore
Curtain Call
Noise Noise Noise
Little Miss Disaster

Melody Lee
Smash it Up

Bellrays photo by Mosieur J.

Damned Photos by Tim Bugbee
(Check out his awesome photography here and here)

(photos are actually from the Boston show, but the band wore the same thing)

Billy Idol, Stone Pony Sept. 12th, 2003

this one is going to be short... sorry guys!

The bassist comes out, along with the drummer, and STEVE STEVENS!!! Everybody is going insane.

Most of the crowd were 80s moms and older people. My friends and I were probably the only 17-year-olds there.

Billy Idol comes out and wow. I love this man even if he's the biggest asshole on earth! He puts on AN AMAZING show. If he ever comes around your town, GO!

Steve Stevens sounded awesome. He had great solos, including a classical spanish guitar sounding one. good stuff!

I thought "Blue Highway" was the best sounding song that night. It was really together and amped me up alot and it's not one of my favorite songs by him.

Billy Idol changes clothing during guitar solos, which I thought was pretty funny. Despite his outfit changes, Billy Idol has a great stage presence.

They only played one Generation X song, Ready Steady Go... Though it was expected, I'll take it!!!

It was really windy and he was wearing an open shirt and the wind blew it back! NO HUGE CHEESEY FAN NEEDED... it looked so perfect. all in all, a fun show.



photos by Suzi Blakely