Karma is a bitch... and so am I!

 




This is the second and last post about how just one action can change a persons whole day.






I was awoken by my dog Rocky at 7am this morning. There was no way I was moving until 8am at least. Luckily Rocky decided to go back to bed. It got to 7.50 and Rocky decided to try and get me to take him out again. I got up, got dressed in my dog walking gear and made sure I was wrapped up warm as it was freezing outside. I decided to take Rocky on the car park of a shopping precinct just down the road from where I live, it's always quiet at that time in the morning so no need to worry about cars going back and too. Morning walks are always the quick walks then afternoon walks are longer.

As I approached the car park I saw something under the sign of one of the shops, as I got nearer I realised it was a duvet with a homeless guy and his dog under it. The man didn't move but the dog looked up and looked a bit aggressive so I walked a bit quicker to the middle of the car park to play fetch with Rocky. I threw the ball a couple of times but then decided to move on as I'd felt unnerved  by the dog and his owner. I went a different way to the way I came as I really didn't fancy walking back the same way.

I got back home, fed Rocky and went about my day as I usually did. I was still feeling unnerved from the morning walk even when I was getting ready to go out to work at 1. I went to leave the house and get in my car but I couldn't find my keys. I looked for them until I finally found them in the living room. I totally forgot about the road works on my usual route to work and ended up getting stuck in traffic. I was on track to be late for work and was so stressed out. I somehow managed to get to work on time, just about. It seemed as though customers were asking daft questions all shift and the shift felt like it was 20 hours longer than it actually was. I knew I hadn't hit my target today.

On my way home close to the shopping precinct I saw a dog that looked very similar to the one I'd seen by the homeless guy earlier that day. It was walking slowly and looked wet and cold. I started feeling sorry for it and wondered what had happened to it's owner. The guilt fell upon me and I wondered if I could've missed the chance to save this dog's owners life and probably the dog's life. ''What if?'' I kept asking myself.



Now with these posts I'm not saying go up to complete strangers as and when, I'm saying spare a thought for those people in need. Also don't judge a book by it's cover, not everyone is the same and there's some people who are grateful for your help and how good that makes you feel knowing you've done what you can. Just a thought.

Karma is a bitch...

This post will be the first of two possibilities exploring how just one action made by a person can have a knock on effect to the rest of said person's day.







Saturday morning, I got up being awoken not by an alarm but by a dog wanting to be walked. It's Saturday, it was 7am, shouldn't I have a lie in at least until 8 o'clock? Never mind. My dog Rocky insisted we went for a walk right away, very important in the dog world. I got up, threw on my dog walking gear (pair of old jeans and a hoodie) and headed out. We didn't go too far just far enough to stretch Rocky's legs until the bigger walk later. I live only down the road from an outdoor shopping precinct so I usually take him on there for a run, it's quiet enough so we can walk on the car park without worrying about cars going back and too.

We approached the car park and I looked around just to be sure there were no cars when a dark figure caught my eye. It was just under one of the shop's signs, as we got closer I released it was a man wrapped up in a duvet with a dog right beside him under his own blanket. I felt sorry for this person and of course his faithful pet. The dog lifted his head having a good look at us, probably making sure we weren't going to harm his owner. Rocky and I carried on past this homeless person and went to play fetch for a little while until we decided to head back home for breakfast.

I couldn't stop thinking about the person under the blanket and how cold they must have been. It was mid January hardly shorts and t-shirt weather. Coming to think about it they didn't seem to move at all, I couldn't stop myself from wondering if he was still alive. I know there are thousands of homeless people dotted around everywhere and I have certainly passed a few in my years but this one seemed to stick in my head, I couldn't help but think how if I'd have spared some change he might get a drink and some food and potentially stay alive another day. I found an old flask that I didn't really need and filled it with nice hot tea and put a bit of Rocky's dog food in a bag and got some spare change together to go and take to the person later on that day.

I went back to the shopping precinct on my way to work about 1pm so the car park was so busy by this point. I found a space and walked to the homeless guy. I approached him and the dog cautiously and handed him the flask, dog food and the couple of pound I scraped together. He seemed reluctant to take it and kept saying ''it's yours'', needless to say I insisted and he took it. He was so grateful. I found the whole thing so uplifting, this guy had literally nothing but the love of his dog and he made sure I was 100% sure I wanted to part with these couple of things. I patted the dog on the head then shot off to work. I went the wrong way to work, I forgot about road works and ended up getting stuck in traffic but even so I couldn't help but smile and when I finally got to work I was in such a good mood going in, because even though yes my job is dull and boring, I felt like I'd really helped someone today and achieved something. Customers can tell when you're in a good mood as they seem to chat to you more etc.

I got home after the 4 hour shift, took Rocky for his long walk then settled down for the night watching films. Every time I thought back to the day's events I felt happy and pleased and I hoped the homeless guy found a shelter that could take him in.

The next post is the flip side of this same story. Check it out!

Frank Turner - Manchester - Night And Day Cafe - 28th January 2015

Frank Turner

Manchester

 Night And Day Café

 28th January 2015

 

 

 

First gig of the year for me this one couldn't have been a better way to start my gigging calendar. Although I was suffering with my nerves big time before we got to Manchester they soon eased when we reached the Night And Day Cafe. I'd never been there before and had no idea what to expect from it really. I'd heard that it was small so I just pictured something like my local venue Central Station, Wrexham. It was even smaller than i expected but looked so cool, I was very happy with the venue!

We actually arrived at the Night and Day cafe very early, we had no idea how to judge the queue for this gig, I'd queued for 6 hours to see Frank last year but that was at Manchester Arena, slightly different situations. Anyway we got there and sat down after walking around Manchester in the nice cold weather for a while. There was a few fans already inside having a drink, which is always nice to see, I've met a fair few awesome people from getting to gigs early. We were sitting in the window of the place people watching (as you do) and Frank Turner walks passed the window and casually walks in the night and day cafe. I found this hilarious and surreal even though I've met him a couple of times before. We didn't bother him though just let him get on with it. A few minutes passed and this random guy, later to be a new friend called Frank (dog coffee) asked us and the other fans if we wanted to go to a pre gig gig in a little room in a pub down the road. We thought it'd be fun so why not!

 

We got to the pub and entered this tiny tiny room with a stage which can only be described as a step and watched as about 6 or 7 different artists played an acoustic set. I'd never heard of any of them however I'm always partial to listening to new music. I've even looked some of them up after the gig, Hugo Kensdale and Felix Hagan to be precise. I looked to my right during the last acoustic set and there was Frank listening and watching these guys! It was amazing to see that kind of support from everyone.

 

The pre gig gig finished and we headed on over back to the night and day cafe. We ended up second row in front of the stage and had an amazing view. It wasn't long before the first support act came on. Oxygen Thief this guy was called. I'd never heard of him before I must admit but I quite like what I'd heard and he seemed to get the crowds attention. Esme Patterson followed, I thought she was super talented but it just wasn't for me. Skinny Lister were the last support band, I thought these were the perfect support band. They got the crowd participating in songs and even passed out a little rum. One can't complain at that!

 

And now for the main event, Mr Frank Turner!  This was my 6th time seeing Frank Turner but I'd never seen him at a small intimate venue where he didn't have the Sleeping Souls backing him up. As much as I love the Sleeping Souls (and I do) I thought it was just an incredible experience. Frank kicked off his set with If Ever I Stray. The crowd were unbelievably loud, I actually never thought so few people could male such noise. I honestly couldn't believe it. Most of my favourite songs were played during the 1.5 hour long set including; The Way I Tend To Be, Fathers Day and Try This At Home, actually thinking about it that list could go on. I was very happy that he put a couple of his new songs in the set as well. Get Better is already one of my favourite songs and it's not even released properly yet. It caught my attention when I heard it last year and this Wednesday reminded me of why. I look forward to the studio version of it which Frank said wasn't too far away from being released. Exciting stuff.

The second to last song was a cover of Tom Jones' Delilah. I must admit I never expected to be singing a Tom Jones song but everyone knows the lyrics to that song so why not sing it at the top of your lungs? And if you don't know the chorus at least..... Have you been living under a rock like Patrick star?

Frank finished his set with Ballad Of Me and My Friends. He let the crowd sing basically all of it. It was definitely one of those 'holy shit' moments. Frank came to the edge of the stage and was just playing guitar and watching everyone sing his song back to him.... And then he broke a string. Which is quite ironic because the first time I spoke to him he told me a string pinged when he supported Green Day in 2010, maybe it's me, maybe I'm a bad omen for strings.

 

 

 

 

 

As the room cleared after Frank left the stage we decided to sit down and cool down as we hoped we could to meet Frank again. We did which I was very pleased about as he his one of my idols. I definitely look up to this dude and can't wait until 1. The new song, Get Better. 2. The new album. And 3. Of course seeing him and the sleeping souls again.

 

 

 

 

He is such a genuine guy and always has time for the fans. He also supports Independent Venue Week which was what these gigs were in aid of. IVW is a very good cause I think. It helps the little venues that are struggling at the moment to get the support and backing they need to actually stay open and continue putting on shows. Afterall, every band has to start somewhere.

All in all absolute killer of a gig that came round at the right time.

2014: Best Year Yet? - Adventures Of A Rock Idiot

Recap of 2014 - Part 2

July: July kicked off with a festival. Sonisphere in Hertfordshire. What an incredible weekend that was. I saw the legends that are Metallica and Iron Maiden and so many others. I was second row for Metallica and managed to get one of Kirk Hammett's guitar pics. During this weekend I also got to meet Frank Turner for the first time. That was so cool. We chatted about him supporting Green Day way back in 2010. I could go on and on about the awesomeness of that weekend but i'll stop there. I got back from Soni and it wasn't long before I was on my travels again, this time to Barnsley for Fake Festival to see Green Date again. Guess what?! I sang on stage again. This time was for a whole song and I remembered every lyric, not only that I didn't get booed off. It's a miracle. 27th I was gigging back in my hometown for an all day event. I mainly went to this to support My Favourite Runner Up as they were headlining. Another great set from them.


August: Just the one gig in August and that was Emily's Army, well Swimmers as they are now known. This was a secret gig as they didn't actually announce it but I found out about it anyway because well... I know people! :) They are a lovely bunch of guys. Everyone wanted autographs and pictures with them but the venue were kicking us out so the lads in Swimmers said let's go outside so they had time for everyone. Not many bands I know of would do that.
We also had a party to celebrate my gran and granddad's 60th wedding anniversary. Lovely day.


September: Again it was just the one gig in September. Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls for the third time in 2014. I travelled to Leicester for this gig. Another new place. I queued for 5 (I think) hours to get into this one. It was worth it as I ended up right in the middle of barrier directly in front of Frank. We then waited outside to meet the band. They were all lovely. I had a hug off Frank and he was kind enough to record a message for my friend who had a birthday that day but couldn't make the gig. I also went to Aberdovey this month, that was such a nice holiday.


October: Black Stone Cherry on Halloween was my only gig in Oct. It was quite weird actually, they played at the Phones 4 U Arena on 31st, that is where I saw Green Day for the first time which just happened to be my first ever proper gig, so it was like a 5 year anniversary gig.


November: Well this was a very busy month, busiest of the year for me I think. It kicked off on 4th with Motorhead supported by The Damned. It was freezing waiting in the queue but was awesome. We were on barrier so had an incredible view of the legend that is Lemmy. I also caught a guitar pic from Motorhead's guitarist. 7th November I was back at Central Station see My Favourite Runner Up (Again). The following day I went back to Manchester to the same venue I saw Motorhead to see Rise Against supported by Swimmers. That was an insane gig. The barrier actually broke it was that mad. My next gig wasn't even in the UK, it was in Holland. We'd travelled to Holland on 22nd and the gig was 24th. It was nice exploring Amsterdam, and by exploring I mean getting lost. Haha! Nah just kidding we kinda knew where we were going. It was nice seeing all the bikes there and how their lifestyles are so much different to ours over here. Slash, Myles and co gig was amazing. Setlist was just out of this world. They even debuted a song live and the band were enjoying themselves so much they added an extra song onto the encore. We came back home the following day. A few days after I went to see Slash, Myles and co again this time in Manchester. I ended up on barrier. I got the birthday project to Myles, which I was so happy about as I got it together with the fan page I own. He said Thanks. Holy shit balls. A day after the Slash gig in Manchester I went to Chester Winter Wonderland with some friends I don't get chance to see much, it was nice to have a day out with them and catch up. 30th November was yet another awesome day. It was Wales Comic Con. I got to meet two Supernatural stars, including the guy that plays my favourite character in the entire series. To finish that day we went to the after show and saw Funeral For A Friend. Another good night.


December: Two gigs to end the year. Stiff Little Fingers on 6th, they put on a really decent set. Then to Manic Street Preachers on 10th. What a gig to end my gigging year on. They played two sets, one being The Holy Bible in full the next being hits etc. We queued outside and nearly froze to death for that one, it was worth it, we'd got barrier. The weather had been pretty decent for all the queues I'd been in so I can't complain really. From the madness of the gigs to the madness of Christmas. I was ill, never mind it was still a nice time with my family. I saw the new year in with my mum, and some good friends and my best friend my dog, lucky. It was a good way to say greetings to 2015.


Happy New Year folks!
Thank you for reading!
See You Soon!

-Kat

2014: Best Year Yet? - Adventures Of A Rock Idiot

Recap of 2014 - Part 1

As I write this on the 1st January 2015 I wonder what this year will bring. I don't really have a lot booked but I think this year will be a catch up year before an almighty 2016 I honestly believe that. It is the first day and I know it sounds like I'm already writing this year off, but it's going to take a lot to beat 2014 and I have a feeling 2016 is going to challenge it. I still have a few things to look forward to this year though, and I'm one of those that likes a challenge. Anyways to my review of the incredible 2014.

January: I started this blog, woohoo! I didn't hesitate to kick start my gigging year. My first gig of the year was January 24th at my local venue seeing My Favourite Runner Up. Good way to start and get me back into my gigging routine (mcdonalds, queue, gig).


February: This month saw me travel to Manchester to see the amazingly talented Frank Turner on the 9th. I met up with my idiot friend from Sunderland who I rarely get to see, so that was awesome. It was the first time I'd seen Frank at an Arena where he was headlining. It was fantastic to be fair to the guy.


March: I turned 19 this month. Nothing exciting really, I don't really get excited about my birthday, unless I have a gig that day in which case.......wooooooooooooo! March was quite a busy month for gigs actually. Starting with 9th I saw Fearless Vampire Killers, a few days later I saw Tonight Alive who were being supported by My Favourite Runner Up. 17th March I went back to Manchester to see Fall Out Boy. I was having a rough time at this point and I nearly didn't go. I did actually miss 2 gigs that month, one because my bus was cancelled, one because I was that down in the dumps I didn't want to go, that is a very rare occasion.


April: April started and I still wasn't my excited self before a gig, however I made myself go. I saw Halestorm in Manchester on the 4th. It turned out to be the best pick me up. I met the whole band after the gig. Two days after that gig I was heading to Wolves to see Manic Street Preachers, that was a bit of a last minute gig which was awesome. I'd wanted to see the Manics for as long as I can remember and I finally got my chance. Just under a week after the Manics I saw Green Day's best tribute band, Green Date, at my local venue Central Station. This turned out to be a weirdly amazing gig. I sang on stage for the last part of Knowledge, yes you read that correctly. I made a complete dweeb of myself and forgot the one line I had to sing. Funny. Awesome. 25th April I was at the most surreal gig I'd ever been too. An acoustic performance for a radio show from Kids In Glass Houses, we were sat in bean bag chairs. I still shake my head in disbelief as I write this. There was only about 4 fans there including us 2, the band were more than happy to have a picture with us. Pretty cool. After that I then saw KIGH play a proper set. And that's April.


May: I had a gigless month this month. I did however have a family party for my Gran's 80th birthday. That was nice to see everyone.


June: Well what a month that was. 5th June I finally got to see Verses again. I'd already seen these guys a few times but not for 2+ years. I was very pleased I actually managed to get to this gig all be it I went by myself. 15th June, the day I went to Download just for the one day, mainly to see Alter Bridge. I got barrier by 3pm and stayed there. Myles Kennedy, if you didn't know he is one of my idols, came down to us and shook our hands. I also got to see Aerosmith that day, a band on my ''bands I need to see list'' another one ticked off. I saw the guys in My Favourite Runner Up for a third time this year on the 22nd. That was like a private gig for me and my friend as we were the only fans there. That was a hilarious night though. 26th June I was back in Chester to see the mighty band the Misfits.

10 Years Of Loving Green Day

2014 not only marks 10 years of American Idiot, it marks 10 years of me being completely and totally in love and obsessed with Green Day.

I'm going to rewind and take you back to 2003 where the journey started. 2003 was the first time I heard a Green Day song, well it's the first time I'd heard of the band. Basket Case was the first song I heard and from then on there was no looking back. Thanks dad for having the rock music channel on! I was 8, at that point though, I was too young and wasn't buying my own music so that was the only time I'd heard them until 2004. Some might say 2004 was Green Day's
best year, as it saw the release of American Idiot. I saw AI advertised a lot during that time and I knew I had to get a copy of that cd. I was 9 at the time American Idiot was released, I remember bugging my mum to buy it so I could listen. Eventually she cracked and bought me a copy. The day I got American Idiot changed the way I looked at music forever. I was one of the lucky ones that realised what good music and talent was at an early stage in my life. I had people telling me for years that Green Day was just a phase, that I'd grow out of them, even now some people haven't given up and are still telling me the same. My reply is always even if I didn't like Green Day's new material I still love everything they've done from 1988-2014, nothing will change that.

After getting American Idiot I felt I needed to hear more music from this amazing band I had discovered. When I was old enough, and it was probably one of the first times I went around town with my friends, I bought Green Day's 2002 release International Superhits. Turns out I was hooked on this band. I went on to buy every single album, every single and any other bit and bobs I could find and continued to do so ever since.

The height of my Green Day cd collection early 2014

American Idiot is of course the most special album to me, its the album that made me find ''that band from 2003'', it's the album that made me fall in love with the trio and it's the album that practically saved my life. Even now that is the album I turn to when things get rough. It feels like American Idiot has been there for me not only through the bad times but for the good too.

Nimrod, however, is my favourite album. I'm not really sure why. It's just awesome. It has so much mixture on it, from fast punk songs to slower punk ballads it has a little something for everyone.

Mike Dirnt - Leeds Festival 2013

I finally got a chance to see Green Day live in 2009. To this day, Halloween 2009 is one of the best days of my life. I got to see my favourite band and my favourite band's side band, Foxboro Hot Tubs. Only a week after that gig tickets for the second leg of that tour went on sale. I knew I had to go. I saw them for a second time 16th June 2010, they were supported by Frank Turner, a guy I'd never heard of until that day. Frank Turner made a lasting impression and I've listened to him ever since. If it wasn't for Green Day I wouldn't have found the guy that's turned out to be one of my idols (next to Green Day of course!). 2013 saw me travel down to London to see Green Day for a third time. This was the first time I'd had a gig in London and I queued 23 hours outside the venue just to get into the golden circle. Some may say I'm crazy for doing that, so what? I am crazy and dedicated and my oh my was it worth it. That was the closest I'd got to Green Day. Green Day also played Leeds festival that year. I went to my first ever festival because they'd been announced as headliners. Another great experience.




Me on stage with Green Date singing Knowledge



 I have also seen Green Date twice this year. They got me on stage to sing Knowledge the first time, that was only a small crowd but the second time I saw them they brought me on stage again, this time to sing Longview to a few hundred people. For someone who suffers a bit of stage fright that was an experience, but I got through it and to be honest it was awesome!





I was also lucky enough to see the American Idiot Musical twice on its run over here. That was incredible. They'd done a really good job on it. I hope it comes back.


In 2010, I had a lot of time spare due to personal problems, so I decided to make a fan page dedicated to Green Day. Viva La Green Day will turn 5 years old on July 2nd 2015. Apart from times I've had someone cover for me when I was away, it's only ever been me as admin on it. I am proud of how far it's come and that's saying something because I'm not really proud of anything I do. From 0 likes to 4,700, I've spent a lot of time on this page and I've met so many people because of it. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Green Day are the reason I've met some of my best friends. Though we don't live in the same town or city, I know they are always there and it's awesome when we do meet up.

Lucky staring at Billie!

I didn't realise until after, but my dogs name is related to one of my favourite lyrics, ''Better thank your lucky stars''. My dog, my best friend, is called Lucky but she was originally going to be called Star. It feels like she's my lucky star. She cheers me up in my darkest hour and I am thankful I have her.










Without Green Day I probably wouldn't have found the courage to stand up for what I believe in or not care what people's opinion are of me. I am who I am and if you don't like that, then you don't like me, simple as. They've taught me to be myself and not be afraid to do so in a world full of judgement and disappointment. It is fair to say they are the reason I've found so many different bands including my other favourites Alter Bridge. If it wasn't for them who knows what I'd be listening to.

Green Day are the ones that helped me through everything. I hope I get a chance to personally thank you them one day.

Thank you Green Day, my heroes, my idols.

Here's to another 10 years!

 

Rage and Love

-Kat

(Welsh Idiot)

Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible Anniversary Tour - Manchester 10/12/14

Manic Street Preachers

The Holy Bible Anniversary Tour

Manchester Albert Hall

10/12/14

 

 

This was my last gig of the year and I had no doubt it'd be an awesome one. The weather had been quite kind to us in every queue this year, until this one! We got in the queue of about 15 people at around 4pm, doors were at 7pm. It was so cold and started to rain on and off. I kept looking at the time but it didn't seem to be getting any closer to 7 so I just stopped looking. At around half 5 we went to a nearby subway and got a hot drink each to warm up and a girl we'd been talking to in the queue was kind enough to save our spot.

 

 

We got back in the queue. Security came out and moved us to the other side of the door.. only to put barriers up for the queue to be in order and then moved us back over. I think all of us were quite glad of the movement because it was so cold. I continued to talk to the girl in front of us to pass the time. She was by herself and from Australia so was quite interesting. I had it confirmed that Australia is Manic Street Preachers most famous song over there. Always had wondered about that!

 

 

Finally it reached 7, doors opened about 5 past so not too bad. I actually couldn't feel my feet so was worried about trying to run up the stairs to get into the main hall. I was fine and managed to get on barrier without tripping over. That's an achievement right there!

 

 

We were in, we were on barrier now all we had to do was wait for the Manics to hit the stage. There was no support tonight just music picked by a DJ who has been a friend of the band for years. Most of the stuff played wasn't really my taste and I thought it didn't have much.....umph. It didn't take away the buzz of excitement I had though.

 

 

The Manic Street Preachers came on stage about 8.45 and started 1 of 2 sets. The first set was The Holy Bible in full. They played this whole set as a three piece band. The album is such a good bit of music and one of those classic albums that you can just listen to over and over. To get a chance to hear it live on the year of the 20th anniversary was amazing. There are some insane guitar solos on The Holy Bible, I was in awe of James Dean Bradfield when he went into them. The guy is one of my guitar heroes and a very underrated guitarist.

 

 

I think PCP and Archives Of Pain were the highlights from that set. They are two of my favourite Manics songs, especially PCP. The crowd went crazier than they already had been. Nicky said there'd be a short 15 minute break before the next set, which we all knew about anyways. Everyone was just buzzing from the first hour of the concert.

 

 

Hits, Curios and Futurology to finish the night, beginning this 11 song set with fan fave Motorcycle Emptiness. They played a mix of classics, b sides and new material off their latest release Futurology. Your Love Alone Is Not Enough  was followed by another of my favourites If You Tolerate This (Your Children Will Be Next). I found myself watching the 2nd guitarist a bit more during this song as he was playing the rhythm part on the guitar which I've learnt myself. Walk Me To The Bridge was next a song I didn't really expect in the set, I expected to hear Europa Geht Derch Mich instead. It was really amazing live to be fair, I didn't think it'd make a good live song, Manic Street Preachers you proved me wrong! Divine Youth up next, Nicky took lead vocals for this one as most of the studio version isn't sang by James but sang by Georgia Ruth who obviously wasn't there for the one song. When that song finished James proceeded to say ''Do you love us?'' the crowd replied with an almighty rawr as we knew what song was next... You Love Us of course. The set and night finished with Design For Life. Absolute classic. Half way through the song James moved his microphone stand to right in front of us, as he did earlier in the year when I saw them at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton. He also has a guitar that looks like mine which he uses for Design For Life. An unforgettable moment. An unforgettable gig.

Well that's it the last gig recap of 2014. Don't worry I have a few things lined up for 2015 which i'll be writing about.

Rage and Love
-Kat