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

Slash, Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators - Manchester - Phones 4 U Arena 28/11/14

Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

Manchester

28/11/14

 

 

 

I haven't really written about any gigs since the Frank Turner one though I have been busy November was a jam packed month for me. From seeing Black Stone Cherry on Halloween, I then saw Motorhead, My Favourite Runner Up (local band) and Rise Against in the space of a week, then I travelled to Holland to see Slash, Myles and co. I have chosen to write about the Manchester date instead. So here goes...

 

 

I started this gig as I usually start my gigs in a queue of course! Where else?! Only a 3 hour wait till doors this time so not too bad. Doors were at 6. The more and more I go to the Phones 4 U Arena the more and more I get annoyed with them. You have to queue to then queue inside and then queue again as you slowly walk down the stairs behind the slow walking staff. I can understand the reasoning behind walking down the stairs slowly, to save everyone rushing, but snails were going faster than us and I was desperate to get to that barrier!
 

     When we got down to the floor I sprinted to the front and got a decent spot, now all we had to do was wait until the support acts came on. Twenty Two Hundred were the first support act, I hadn't heard anything from or about these but they were ok. I don't think I'd listen to them everyday but they weren't the worst band I'd ever heard, my friend and I spent most of their set trying to get a decent picture of their nice looking guitarist/bassist, because why not, right?

    Twenty Two Hundred made way for the second and main support California Breed, I'd only heard of these because they'd supported Alter Bridge on their recent tour in America. I also knew their singer Glen Hughes from somewhere I just couldn't figure out where until after the gig we looked him up, turns out he was in Deep Purple among other bands. Again they were alright as a support.

     Crowds started getting closer and closer together, you could tell it was the main band of the night on next. Oh boy was I excited.
 

      The legend that is Slash came on stage with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and burst into You're A Lie which was quite a good opener I think! They went straight into Guns 'N' Roses classic Night Train. The went bonkers, I joined in of course. I'm glad they mixed the setlist up a bit and played two different songs to what was played at the gig I was at Amsterdam a few days before. They'd replaced Standing In The Sun with Halo and Double Talkin' Jive (Which was awesome and a debut performance of this song) with You Could Be Mine. You Could Be Mine just happens to be one of my favourite Guns songs. Good times!

     Todd took over the vocals for 2 songs next with Dr. Alibi and You're Crazy. Todd has a really awesome voice as well, so it's nice to hear him singing a couple!

     Myles came back on stage and the band went into the song that had been stuck in my head all week, Shadow Life. When I first heard this song I honestly couldn't really get into it however after hearing it live on the Monday night in Holland it had been on repeat all week and is now one of my favourites.

    Beneath The Savage Sun next, this song is just insane, I can't even explain it, it's just something else live. It is clearly a crowd favourite, everyone was getting stuck into it. Pretty awesome to witness.

    Two Guns N Roses songs followed, Mr. Brownstone and Rocket Queen. The latter especially stuck out for me as Slash play like a 15 minute guitar solo. I just remember watching him and shaking my head like ''Woah he really is amazing'' I've been able to appreciate him more ever since starting to learn guitar myself. I got speaking to a guy standing next to me about 'how amazing' Slash was. 

     After that incredible solo and the ending of Rocket Queen they played Bent To Fly. It was one of the first songs I heard off the latest album World On Fire and I've loved it from the get go. I think Myles' vocals are outstanding on the record and no word of a lie they are nothing less than that live too. That wasn't just a one off every time I've seen them/him his vocals have been on point.

    Title track of the recent album release up next. This makes me smile in particular as when they got to the bridge (I think) of the song, Myles walked over to by us, looked at me and was just singing to me he did so for about 2 lines before moving on. I don't know how I didn't just fan girl there and then to be honest! (hehe!)
 

     Anastasia up next, I can actually play some of this song on guitar so its awesome to see how the master plays it live.

     It wouldn't be a slash concert without that one iconic riff that EVERYONE knows now would it? Yep you know which one I'm on about Sweet Child O Mine of course! Slash actually hit the wrong string to begin with, me and the guy I was speaking to about how amazing Slash was looked at each other and laughed. I think it's the high note of this song that buggared my throat up the most at this gig to be fair. Worth it though!
 

     I don't know why but in the last quarter or so of the song I decided to get out the birthday card I'd got together with the Myles Kennedy fan page I run (Myles 'Miraculous' Kennedy). People had sent in messages to Myles, so I was determined to get this project to him. Turns out it was the perfect time to do so as after Sweet Child had finished they started introducing the band. Slash introduced Myles and said it was his birthday so I held up the card which had 'Happy Birthday Myles Messages from your fans enclosed' on the front. He saw it, smiled and nodded. I think he thought it was just a sign to begin with, when I caught his eye again I  pointed to the envelope and then pointed at him and said it's for you kind of thing. He immediately ran over to me to take the envelope. He held it against his chest like he was hugging it and said 'Thank you so much'. On of my idols said thank you to me, seriously he does not need to say thank you to me, him and his music helps me on a daily basis it's me that needs to be saying thank you. He put the card at the back of the stage and the band went on to play Slither. I thought the crowd couldn't get even more crazy they proved me wrong. That was the last song of the set. As they were going off stage Myles went to pick up the card, smiled at me again, put his thumbs up and left the stage with the rest of the band.

      Of course the band came back on to finish the night with absolute classic Paradise City. 3rd time hearing that song for me, it never gets old. Even before the confetti bursts out, it's just so full of energy. It's something you can never forget.

    When they'd finished they threw their guitar pics and drumsticks into the crowd. Frank who I was standing in front the whole gig picked up his setlist looked at me then told the security guard to pass it to the girl a couple of people down from me on barrier then laughed at me. He then disappeared to the other side of the stage and came back with another setlist, this time he told the security guard to pass it to me. I actually couldn't believe it, I never manage to get setlists from big gigs and here I was stood there with Slash's setlist.

 

The band are just full of energy. They have no problem coming right to the edge of the stage and doing some crowd interaction. Second night in a week of seeing to of my idols, one being my guitar idol the other being one of my main idols. I couldn't quite believe it, surreal gig to say the least!

 

Until next time folks! Thanks for reading! Recap of Manic Street Preachers Holy Bible gig coming soon!

 

-Kat


 

Rocktober Challenge Day 18

I've been doing this every day and only just realised I haven't written about the actual genre of rock n roll.

There are many types of sub genres in the Rock N Roll category.

My favourites are Punk and Metal.

Punk Music: This was the first kind of rock music I got into. I love it. I love what it stands for. Ramones is probably the most famous punk band out there. It is annoying that clothing stores use their logo as fashion nowadays, with people buying these t-shirts thinking the Ramones is a designer.... idiots! Punk music is something I always find interesting. Without Punk I wouldn't have Green Day as my favourite band, now that would be a horrible world.

Metal Music: Getting into this type of music came a bit later on. I started listening to heavier music as I got older, though I've always been a Metallica fan. I can really get into and appreciate long, epic guitar solos more. Thankfully I do.

I guess you could say I'm half punk, half metal - head.... best of both worlds!

Rocktober Challenge Day 17

Continuing from the previous posts... 5-1 best gig experiences. Let's find out what I've put as my favourite gig experience...


5. Sonisphere Festival - Knebworth - 2014
This was amazing. I got to see the legends that are Metallica and Iron Maiden, which was insane. I got Kirk Hammett's guitar pick which is unreal. They were both out of this world. I also got to meet Frank Turner for the first time that weekend. Amazing.

4.Frank Turner - Manchester/ Leicester 2013
Frank has become one of my idols. I finally got to meet him at Sonisphere and did so at Leicester. Leicester was amazing I was right in front of Frank, on barrier for the whole thing.  Manchester was awesome too, it was the first time seeing Frank in a big Arena. Also, I got to see one of my best friends that I never really see. Awesome times.

3. Slash - Blackpool - Ballroom - 2013
I saw Slash on my 18th birthday. What a way to celebrate a birthday! It was my first time seeing Myles Kennedy live too. Hearing Paradise City, one of my all time favourite songs, live on my birthday was amazing. I still can't believe I celebrated my 18th with a couple of thousand slash fans and the man himself. What's that about!

2. Alter Bridge - Birmingham (LG Arena) and  Manchester (Phones 4 U Arena)
These were the first few times I saw AB live. Birmingham was the first, I managed to get onto barrier right in front of Mark Tremonti for the whole gig, which is beyond awesome. Myles Kennedy walked over to that side whilst singing Broken Wings and bent down to our level and shook my hand. When he threw his guitar picks at the end of the gig, one dropped in front of me, so I nearly flipped myself over barrier getting it. Probably a hilarious sight.
The Manchester gig.. I was directly in front of Myles, on barrier once again. He smiled at me during Ghost Of Days Gone By and when they were going off I did devil horns to him so he did them back then put his thumbs up to me. Brian pointed to me and threw a guitar pick at me so I caught that and he nodded at me! I still can't believe it!
I saw Alter Bridge for a third time at Download Festival. Got barrier again. We had a welsh flag which had 'Alter Bridge' written on it, Myles and Mark acknowledged it. During Metallingus Myles came down to the crowd and I shook his hand again. This band is awesome.

 

1. Green Day - London -  Emirates Stadium - 2013
This is and will be for a long time my favourite gig experience. I camped out 23 hours just to get close to my idols. I did manage to get close to my idols. What a gig it was. Green Day played a 30 song set. They debuted a song live. It was amazing to see. I noticed Billie turn around to Mike and Tre at one point and was just like 'oh my god, is this crowd really for us?''. The crowd was amazing. Such a good welcome back to Green Day! I just wish they'd done more dates here! One of the things that stands out for me from this gig is when Bohemian Rhapsody was playing just before Green Day entered the stage, everyone stopped talking and starting singing and jumping around to it. Another thing that stands out for me is the last song Green Day played 'Brutal Love'. I remember a light catching my eye, I turned round to see thousand of lights up the air, from phones, cameras, lighters. I will NEVER forget that moment. These are just two things that stand out from my best gig experience... it's going to take something special to replace Green Day at Emirates at my number 1 spot.

Rocktober Challenge Day 16

Todays post is 10 - 6 of the best gig experience countdown!

10. Simple Plan - Manchester - Ritz - 2012
This was special for a different reason than just seeing an awesome band. I got to meet one of my best friends for the first time after speaking to her online for years. We have been to countless gigs together now.

9. Royal Republic - Wrexham - Central Station - 2012
I've mentioned this particular gig quite a lot..I wore my Metallica tee for this as I didn't own a RR tee. Adam Grahn (Singer) pointed at me and did devil horns, so I did them back as that's obviously the polite thing to do. They later went on to play a Metallica song, once again he pointed to me but this time said ''This one's for you!'' when they'd finished playing their whole set he came off stage and walked straight to me and give me his guitar pic. I later went to meet them at the merch stand, he was a lovely chap, well they all were, but I was talking to Adam the longest, we chatted about Metallica.

8 Avenged Sevenfold - Manchester - Phones 4 U Arena - 2013
I had been waiting to see these for ages as well. Their set was amazing. I was in the seated area for a change so was nice to see stuff from a different perspective. Best and worst part of the gig was them playing the song Fiction. Hearing the revs voice made me tear up, and they shone a spotlight on nothing on stage... did make me emotional and I don't get like that very easy.

7. Leeds Festival - Leeds (Duh) - Bramham Park - 2013
This was my first festival experience so always gunna be a special one. What an experience it was. The first day I got sunburnt... later on that day I was lying in my tent under a thunderstorm. We had enough mud to last a life time. Best part was obviously Green Day for me,  getting to see my idols with one of my other best friends was awesome!

6. Green Day - Manchester - Manchester Arena - 2009
This was my first concert ever. It was an extra special one to kick things off. Not only was it my idols playing a 2.5 hour set, they played 3 songs as the Foxboro Hot Tubs. I still can't believe it now.

Rocktober Challenge Day 15

Continuing counting down my best gig experiences.

15. Kids In Glass Houses - Wrexham - 3B - 2014
This gig was surreal. Kids In Glass Houses played an acoustic set for the radio, I actually got to witness it.... sat on a bean bag chair, yes that's right! Never thought I'd get to one of those special performances. There wasn't many people there at all and we got to meet the whole band after they'd finished.

 

14. Green Date - Barnsley - 2014
I shake my head with embarrassment whilst writing this. So the first time I saw Green Date was actually in Wrexham a few months before the Barnsley gig. Joe, the singer pulled me up on stage to sing the last part of Knowledge... I forgot everything. Joe remembered me at the Barnsley gig and pulled me up on stage to sing the whole of Longview. I find it difficult to sing in front of my dog, nevermind 1500 people. Luckily I remembered the whole song and I actually got cheered and applauded off stage instead booed.

 

13. My Favourite Runner Up - Chester - The Compass - 2014
I was one of two fans at this gig... private gig... yay! We were sat watching the world cup with the band before they did their set. Pretty cool. There were these drunk people who stumbled in randomly, they kept dancing funnily and knocking into me. It was such a good night.

12. Download Festival - Donnington - 2014
I got to knock a band of my 'bands I want to see' list. I was on barrier for 9 hours. Worth it though. I got to shake Myles Kennedy's hand (this will be mentioned again a bit further on the list). I was so close to Aerosmith though, I couldn't believe it, I never imagined being able to get close for Aerosmith. Like I said worth the 9 hours being squashed on barrier and getting whacked over the head by crowd surfers!

11. Manic Street Preachers - Wolverhampton - Civic Hall - 2014
I had been wanting to see the Manics for years and never had the chance to go. I managed to get a ticket last minute, thankfully. I got second row, the crowd was actually quite rough I wasn't expecting it to be honest. All my favourite songs were played. Design For Life came on and James Dean Bradfield came right in front of us to sing it. I will never forget that moment.

 

 

Next post: 10- 6!

Check it out! ;)

Rocktober Challenge Day 14

I'm counting down 20 best gig experiences, 5 a day starting with today... let's do this... very hard task.

20. Twin Atlantic - Wrexham - Central Station - 2011
This was one of the gigs I went to when I first started getting into gigging. I think it was one of the first times I got mega squashed. I was second row, i'd lost all my friends, and I was seeing this band who were getting quite big at the time. What a night.

 
 

19. Emily's Army - Manchester - Sound Control - 2013/14
I've been to two of their gigs there now. I never thought i'd get a chance to see them live never mind actually meet them. Second time I saw/met them, they actually remembered me from the time before. Lovely bunch of guys! Awesome!

18. Misfits - Manchester - Academy - 2013
This stands out for me because not only did I get to see one of the most famous punk bands for the first time, I actually got my ticket signed by Jerry Only. Never expected that in a million years.

17. Black Stone Cherry - Wrexham - Central Station - 2012
I remember finding out about this about 1 in the morning, I was so shocked that they were playing in Wrexham I couldn't sleep at all that night. Such an amazing band was coming to my little town. That gig was packed out, it's most I've ever seen at Central.

16. Mike Herrera (supporting The Ataris) - Wrexham - Central Station - 2013
This makes me laugh every time I think back to it. Mike asked if anyone was actually from Wrexham, no one raised their hand.... except me, of course! Why do I do this to myself?! He laughed and said to everyone ''give this girl a round of applause for being the only one brave enough to admit she's from here'' I stood there awkwardly whilst I was taking my round of applause and people cheering at me... good times.

 

Next post: 15 - 11!

Rocktober Challenge Day 13

Rocks!

Rocks are a funny thing aren't they. They're all different shapes and sizes and yet the majority of them are the dull colour of grey. What's that about?


Rocks have been used for many years from skimming them in water to being used as tools in the stone age.

There are three major types of rocks.


Igneous - This type of rock is formed through a cooling and solidification process.







Metamorphic - These rise from existing rocks. They change form by being subjected to heat greater than 200'c and pressure (1500 bars).

Sedimentary - These are formed by the deposition of material at the earth's surface and within bodies of water. Sedimentary are also important sources of natural resources such as coal, fossil fuel and drinking water.





Ok, so I actually kind of enjoyed looking up rocks for this daft post. Thanks to my mother for the idea of a post about actual rocks for Rocktober!

Back to Rock 'N' Roll tomorrow! ;)

Rocktober Challenge Day 12

Continued from the last post. Rock against mental health.


Personally I've always felt like a bit of an outcast. I've never liked the most popular music, I've never dressed to be fashionable, I've always dressed to be comfortable (band tee and jeans). It took a long time for me not to care what people thought of me but thanks to Green Day I finally realised there's no point worrying, I am who I am. I do not want to be a sheep like most of the people I went to school with, I want to be me, I want to be unique.

Rock music will always be there, it's no solution but we all deserve something that takes away the pain a little bit.

If you're suffering from a mental illness please speak up. There's always someone there who wants to help you. Never give up the fight despite feeling like you're losing the war.

I wouldn't have done half the thing I have if it wasn't for music.

''Music is the air that I breathe, it's the blood that pumps through my veins, keeps me alive, without it I don't know what I'd do'' - Billie Joe Armstrong

Rocktober Challenge Day 11

The post today is something that I feel needs to be spoken about.


Apparently it was World Mental Health day on 10th October. For many rock music is a great escape from all the bullshit in life, well just any music is really, I guess. Rock music just stands out for me as that's the one that's helped me most.

For me music has played a big part in my recovery from depression, although i say that, I don't believe you ever recover from depression, I do however believe it gets easier. I've listened to at least one piece of music every single day for as long as i can remember. If I feel nervous I pop on a song to take my mind off it for a while. It's not great to avoid your problems but there's nothing wrong with getting a bit of help.

People often say how depressing rock music is. These are the people that don't believe, they don't believe in depression, they don't believe in music. Lyrics are such a powerful thing, i feel i can relate to so many. I think that's one thing in particular people like me hold on to.

Music has the power to make you feel less alone. Even if you're not alone you feel like you are. You just need a helping hand to help you through the day. Music can be that helping hand. I love nothing more than sitting down at the end of the day with my headphones on and just get lost in the music.

Going to concerts helps greatly. It's like a sort of therapy. It's a chance to socialise to meet people who like the same things as you. You can leave all the rubbish from home at the door, and actually enjoy yourself and most importantly be yourself. We currently live in a society where people can't simply accept someone being ''different''. It's probably one of the biggest causes of bullying.

A few years ago, someone actually got killed for being themselves by a gang.  The sad story of Sophie Lancaster ( Link ), a charity has since been set up in honour of Sophie and to help stomp out all the hatred towards people who want to be themselves. http://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/

To be continued..

Rocktober Challenge Day 10

Continuing on from yesterdays post about meeting Frank Turner, I shall tell you about other awesome people I've had the pleasure of meeting!

One of my favourites has to be Royal Republic in Central Station, Wrexham. I wore my Metallica tee for this as I didn't own a RR tee. Adam Grahn (Singer) pointed at me and did devil horns, so I did them back as that's obviously the polite thing to do. They later went on to play a Metallica song, once again he pointed to me but this time said ''This one's for you!''
When they'd finished playing their whole set he came off stage and walked straight to me and give me his guitar pic. I later went to meet them at the merch stand, he was a lovely chap, well they all were, but I was talking to Adam the longest, we chatted about Metallica

 

I've met quite a few people on my travels. Halestorm, Emily's Army, The Ataris.... quite a few people really.
I waited an hour and half to meet Halestorm, it was well worth the wait.

The majority of people in bands I've met have been lovely. However there's always an odd few that think they are ''it'', they think they own the world and do not need to interact with the fans. They must forget that it's because of the fans they are even up on that stage with people wanting to meet them. If I was in that situation, I'd be so grateful to everyone who even wanted to speak to me.

Everyone has good and bad days, but there's no need to be rude.

Rocktober Challenge Day 9

Challenge Day 9

Meeting Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls

After the Frank Turner gig (Recap can be see here) had finished and I'd got my tour tee, wouldn't be without would I!

We went round the back to by the stage doors and tour buses. A lot of other fans had the same idea. The Sleeping Souls came out one by one and chatted, took photo's with and signed things for everyone. It's so nice seeing how down to earth these guys are. Ben (Guitarist) chatted to us the longest and was telling us they are going into the studio after the tour.

We almost missed meeting Matt but Ben went to get him from the tour bus for us then waved us down to by the door. Matt asked where we were from and seemed shocked we'd travelled 3 hours for the gig. Seriously nice guys.

It wasn't long after Frank came out. He seemed to shocked and humbled at how many people wanted to meet him. Everyone formed a queue, it took about twenty minutes for us to get to the front.
He shook our hands and asked our names as he always signs stuff ''To.... from Frank Turner''. When I said Kat, he asked ''with a K or a C?' as he did at Sonisphere. He laughed when I told him that he said exactly the same at the festival and said ''can't be getting it wrong now can I?!'

Finally I actually plucked up a bit of courage to tell him how his music inspires me and helps me. He looked so grateful then gave me a hug and said 'Thank you so much, it means a lot knowing my music that I've just written sat at home on an acoustic means so much to people like you''

Such a nice guy.

I asked if he could record a birthday message for my friend as well, he was happy too. As I said such a nice guy!

Rocktober Challenge Day 8

First day after idol week, I've chosen to write about my first experience of a rock concert.

Green Day was my first proper gig in Manchester Arena, Halloween 2009. This makes me smile like an idiot. I didn't buy tickets till about a month before the gig. I was so glad I decided/talked my mum round to taking me.

 

Not only did I get to see my favourite band, I got to see my favourite band's side band 'Foxboro Hot Tubs'. I actually couldn't believe it. There was people there that didn't even know it was Green Day 'undercover'. I believe this was one of the first times Foxboro Hot Tubs performed live in the UK. To be able to say I've seen them is just amazing.

Video of the whole Foxboro Hot Tubs set

They went off and Green Day's stage was all set up. Green Day were incredible, I was smiling and singing along all the way through. They played a 27 song set that night (not including FBHT songs), I actually couldn't believe it. I was in the same place as my idols for the very first time. Green Day were/are so good live even to this day I have to say they are one of the best live bands around.

This was my first experience of hearing one of Billie's speeches, this is one of the main things that has stuck with me even to this day 5 years later.

''Everyday is fuckin' Halloween as far as I'm concerned goddammit, be a fuckin' freak, be a fuckin' weirdo all the time, that's how you live goddammit, that's how you do it, tell the other people to fuck off'

Video of the halloween speech


This is still one of the best days of my life. Seeing your idols for the first time, it's a feeling you can't really describe.

Rocktober Challenge Day 7

Last day of idol week.

I've picked James Dean Bradfield. I have quite a lot of people I look up to I guess so it was hard choosing just 7, though the first 5 I wrote about are definitely my main ones.

James is probably a more recent one. I have huge respect for him, he taught himself how to play guitar and basically just followed his dreams. He didn't quit although that could've been the easiest thing to do especially when one member of the Manics went missing.

He actually has a really good voice too. When I saw the Manics I actually couldn't believe how good they were live. I noticed James had a guitar exactly like mine (probably a bit more expensive than mine but hey ho, still looks pretty). It is also awesome that he's from Wales.

Well that concludes idol week. Hope you've enjoyed reaing about the people I look up to.

Now onto the rest of the Rocktober Challenge.... believe or not I have it all planned.
Stay tuned!

-Grumpy Gig Kat

Rocktober - Challenge Day 6

Idol number 6 today is.............Slash!

What guitarist doesn't like Slash? I mean seriously the guy is a genius.

I didn't know what to think when he announced he was doing a solo album, I was sceptical. I thought he would never be able to beat the work he did with Guns 'N' Roses. The solo album actually worked and thanks to Slash I found Myles Kennedy.

 

 

 

I'm a big Les Paul fan so seeing his guitars is just heaven for me. They sound amazing.

I was lucky enough to see Slash on my 18th birthday, what a way to celebrate! I can't wait to see him live again.

 

This guy is so talented. Seeing some videos online of acoustic and electric performances. Sweet Child O Mine is an example, the acoustic version is just pretty much faultless. Near enough everyone knows that riff.

Slash is just a mega cool dude, that's all I can say really!

Rocktober Challenge Day 5

Today's Idol is Frank Turner.

 

 

I can't put into words how much I love and respect this guy, though I guess i'll give it a go.

I first heard of Frank back in 2010 when he supported Green Day, I checked his music out before the gig and been hooked ever since.

 

His music is not only catchy but clever too. The lyrics are very relatable. Frank is just pure talent, I remember Billie Joe saying about the support acts back in 2010 I believe Billie said... 'Frank Turner now he's a fuckin good song writer I'll tell you that right now' and he was right!  Always listen to Billie, see ;)

 

 

He's a fantastic guitarist as well, he plays the acoustic guitar mostly, it's kind of what he's known for.

 

 

A lot of Frank's lyrics are about getting away, you can tell he's speaking from own experience here, even his other lyrics he just tells it how it is. His music may not be mega punk rock but his personality and attitude sure is!

 

I finally got to meet Frank in July at Sonisphere, I was a bit shocked that Id actually met him so didn't really know what to say so I literally just said... 'you're awesome'... Well done Kat you successfully made a fool of yourself in front of an Idol!

 

I actually got to meet Frank again after his own gig in Leicester, I plucked up the courage to tell him what his music meant to me and how it helps me. He gave me a hug and said thanks. I was a bit in shock to say the least! He is such a down to earth guy, it is unreal.

 

Thanks for reading, another Idol coming tomorrow :)

 

Rocktober - Challenge - Day 4

Idol Week - Myles Kennedy

I don't know where to start with this one really. I guess i'll start with his voice. It is just amazing, the range he has. You can't really describe his voice, captivating would be one way of describing it.

 

Myles is so humble, I remember when I saw him (and alter bridge) live in Manchester he looked genuinely shocked at the reaction they were getting from the crowd. He appreciates the fans and always has time for them.

Singing with Slash (you must be pretty great to do that right?)

 

Not only is he a great singer, he's amazing at  loads of other instruments too.

Myles writes a lot of lyrics for both Alter Bridge and Slash. All of which are just spot on. He writes from his own experiences to stuff he's read in the news.

He is such a talent and although his fanbase is growing, it's a shame not many people know about this guy.

Rocktober Challenge Day 3

Idol week - Day 3 - Tre Cool

I couldn't have Billie and Mike as an idol and not Tre now could I?

Tre Cool is amazing. He is so random and unafraid of being himself, I think out of everyone he's the reason I have such a care free attitude. I generally don't care what people think of me, I'm not changing. Be yourself all the time.

 

 

He's absolutely insane, especially when he gets behind the drumkit. Tre can play a lot of instruments, drums, however are the best.

Tre's sense of humour is awesome as well. He's written some funny songs in his time.

He, like Mike and Billie, is also great with the fans.



Promise the idol tomorrow won't be Green Day related ;) 

Rocktober challenge day 2

Idol week: Day 2 - Mike Dirnt

Mike Dirnt, bassist of Green Day. I have huge respect for this guy. He's a great musician but I feel he's bit of an unsung hero, but bassists generally are, which sucks. Like his band mate, Billie Joe, he's an excellent lyricist and awesome family man. His wife was diagnosed with cancer a few months back and ever since Mike has shown support and encouragement to her and stuck by her throughout everything.

Mike_dosxx (instagram) : ''39.3 miles total for @batmansmom and the fight against Breast Cancer! #avonbreastcancerwalk #fuckcancer #fuckyoucancer @greendayig #WeLoveYouBatmansmom''

 

Mike can play a few instruments (very well) and can also sing. He actually has a pretty decent voice so it's nice to hear him sing on some songs.

 

 

 

He is also a nice genuine guy who appreciates the support fans give. He even replies to some fans via twitter which is amazing for him to spend time doing.

 

 

 

His sense of humour is amazing, he comes out with some funny saying and cracks some jokes.

And last but not least his laugh is just the most awesome thing EVER!

 

Link to video of Mike Dirnt's laugh... I promise it'll make your day!