TCM that charming man
ÂŁ2.50
6672307123
THE TCM POLL
6
8 12
EVERYDAY CHARMERS
GEORGIA LEE EDITOR
ADAM STEER EDITOR
ASHLEIGH JONES EMILY REED ART DIRECTOR DEPUTY EDITOR
Taking a keen interest in the ever-evolving worlds of music and entertainment, image and diversity harnessing a piercing insight into the visual world - more importantly, the people within it. We hold a definitive appreciation for the aesthetic of the male and the charismatic charm many of them portray within the celebrity world. An exciting crescendo from a culmination of efforts resulting in the creation of That Charming Man; a magazine which explores and discusses the aesthetics and personality traits behind the socially regarded ‘charming man’. The changing months relate to the seasons that pass by, and in turn; the shifting worlds of music, lifestyle and culture expand nearly as fast as the vibrant characters that are submerged within them. Exposing the sometimes elusive individuals that immerse themselves in music has forever been a challenge task, and because of this; the desire to embrace their charm or occasional lack of it extends our curiosity. We share and indulge ourselves in the reader’s cultural interests and endeavors whilst seamlessly creating a platform of education and lust for the male musician. We aim to portray the musicians of our time in an addictive and alluring read whilst harnessing the interests of our reader to ensure a captivating visual experience.
JOE KENNEDY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
HEMI CORDELL SUB EDITOR
that charming man
IS IT THE VOICE OR THE FACE? WHEN I WAS YOUNGER FACES
FOR
RADIO
THEATRICALLY ATTRACTIVE
2832
ESTIMATED MORTALITY
KIRSTIE SOUTHCOTT
EDITOR
34
36
JARED LETO
38
TATTOOS ARE FOREVER
50 56
DREAMLAND WELCOMES YOU MATT CORBY RIPPED BODY OR RIPPED CLOTHES
58
DYSFUNCTIONAL LOVE
60
66 LIST 70
THE SILVER FOX PHENOMENOM
GIG REVIEWS
DESIGN ASSOCIATE MUSIC
24
ALEX DAVIES
THE INSTRUMENT
HANNAH TAYLOR
18
72
the TCM poll
words by emily reed
R E A D E R S
R E S P O N S E
Is make-up on guys attractive? Its okay on stage especially if it adds to the theme of the concert, but offstage it can look a bit try hard.
alex christian, 16, bristol I think guys should take as much pride in their appearance as girls do, it shows that they care.
steph howland, 15, ormskirk I think it can look really sexy as long as they don’t go too overboard.
sophie mepham, 15, london
25%
said yes
75%
Depends what sort of make-up. If it’s subtle stuff for lighting, not really a concern. If it’s Bowie lightning bolts or KISS masks, maybe not my cup of tea. And I like tea.
kim chung, 14, essex
Personally I don’t think it’s attractive. I think it’s dated, it was something done back in the 80s and there’s no reason for it to come back. A little bit of eyeliner is fine, but not when they go all out - even if it is for stage show purposes.
fran morey, 16, isle of man
said no
Would you date a musician? R E A D E R S
R E S P O N S E
Because we could make sweet music together. They could teach me to play an instrument and other girls would be jealous.
louisa last, 17, surrey
18.7% said no
I myself am passionate about music, so we already have something in common. It’s ignorant to say all musicians are irresponsible. So I’m saying I’d be willing to date a musician the same way I’m saying I’d be inclined to date anyone else
said yes
mary ellis, 15, london It depends really, but at the end of the day no. If they’re constantly on tour you’re never going to see them. They’re going to be busy all the time. And I don’t know if I’d be able to handle all of the attention they’d get from their girl fans.
hanna stoner, 18, swansea
I find musicians to be really in touch with their feelings, and quite expressive. They also tend to be a bit more romantic and emotional.
jess leonard, 17, essex
ROCKERS RESPONSE
kelsie turner, 14, keele
Why not? I used to be with a professional singer and it was awesome hearing her sing, apart from some slight jealousy (to be expected I think though).
% 3 . 1 8
“Yes, but I feel like if they were a touring musciian, it would make the relationship even more difficult, as we would probably never be home at the same time and we would rarely be able to see each other. But I don’t care what someone’s profession is. If I have feelings for someone, it really doesn’t matter to me what they do” BEN BRUCE, ASKING ALEXANDRIA vic fuentes, pierce the veil
“Personally, I don’t think I would want to date a muscian. I tour so much, it’s already very difficult for me to develop a relationship with someone because I’m never home. If I dated another touring musician, we would probably literally never see each other. I believe this is one of the biggest sacrifices musicians have to make when they decide to take on a life touring”.
everyday charmers
STREET STYLE
Adam - 26 - Brixton
TIM - 24 - KENSINGTON
JACK - 23- GUILDFORD
MICHAEL - 24 - EPSOM
I pretty much live in skinny jeans, hat and sunglasses, everything else changed. I love a girl who likes to look nice but doesnt make too much effort. I prefer the cute look to the sexy look and would actually like to be able to have a nice conversation with her without all the giggling.
My favourite place to hang out is Covent Garden as it has cool places to have a drink. My type of girl is one that can be cute, well dressed but casual, not afraid to go out wearing makeup, smart and funny. I’m very lucky that my girlfriend is all of those things.
I dress casual, but would never dress sloppy. My Converse only come off my feet when I sleep. I don’t really have a type, but I do have a soft spot for pretty girls who can get away with having short hair. But if I can have a good conversation with them, they have a pretty good chance.
As long as I’m having a good time with my friends, I don’t mind where I am. Denim is my thing. A girl that can carry off one of my Fred Perry shirts is a winner, but I do like them a few years older than me as they tend to be wiser and more interesting.
everyday charmers
STEVE - 23 - GREENWICH I’m embarassed you caught me in a rush as I forgot I had pink stripey socks on, iIdon’t ususally wear that! I love my dessert shoes though. I spend my free time at gigs or live music nights as they are very chilled and I love music. This is where I usually meet my ladies as they have similar interests to me.
TOMMY - 24 - SOUTHAMPTON I go to University in Southampton, studying Graphic Design. I love coming to London to hang out as it’s where my friends and family are. My girlfriend is from Southampton also, she’s a star and makes me laugh, the best quality in a lady.
STREET STYLE
PHIL - 22 - READING
JOE - 21 - SHOREDITCH
I am an all wearing black with a beany hat kinda guy. It’s comfy and easy. People would be shocked if I wore colour. I love skateboarding and hanging out at the skate park and I love a good Budweiser with the guys. I like the quiet girls than not many people notice.
I like my clothes and spend ages getting ready in the morning! My coat is Burberry and probably my most prized posession. I don’t expect my girl to be really well dressed, but don’t go wearing sweat pants in public!
Voice Face? Is it the or the
words by Georgia Lee
7/10 Face
Simon Neil
8/10 Voice
There’s absolutely no need to tiptoe around the fact that male musicians have a certain allure that’s specifically attributed to their chosen profession. We’ve all had the awkward conversation with a friend, trying to convince them that a certain guy is ridiculously attractive only to be shot down. Until, of course, you just give up and run to Spotify for support. Your friend’s confusion melts almost instantly into lust as the first few notes of his voice lilts through the speakers and you can finally relax, safe in the knowledge that you’ll now you’ll finally have company when you need to spend an evening scrolling through his tag on Tumblr. Take Simon Neil for example, would he be as appealing if it weren’t for his stunning singing voice, effortlessly embellished with his Scottish accent? Sure, it doesn’t hurt that he spends most of his time topless and flaunting his tattoos while he dances around onstage or on pirate ships, but there aren’t a lot of people in the world who can rock the whole hobo-with-a-guitar look. Disregarding his blonde phase and the fact that he kind of looks like Naboo from The Mighty Boosh, if I could, my walls would still be covered in posters of his charmingly bedraggled face.
Pondering the subject on a broader scale, a man’s voice can affect his attractiveness whether he can sing or not. If you were to find yourself in conversation with a slightly good-looking guy, there’s no denying that a small hallelujah chorus would fill your head if he were to respond with an Australian twang or a French drawl. If that accent could be heard through his singing voice that’s even better. Lets take a second to think about the history of this; after all it’s been this way for years. Look back to the days of Elvis and The Beatles – women would literally fall at their feet. There’s such a hype surrounding the phenomenon of new music that’s exciting and powerful, its difficult not to get caught up in the hysteria it causes. Geoffrey Miller, author of ‘Mating Mad’, writes “Musical ability, along with other creative skills, are rather like a human version of the peacock’s tail; something that has no survival value, but has evolved precisely because it is found attractive by the opposite sex.” And it’s easy to see where he’s coming from. A musical performance is effectively a massive display of talent, kind of similar to a mating ritual. These singers have based their entire career around impressing you, that’s why they tour the country showing off their music rather than sticking to singing in the shower.
6/10 Face
Dallas Green
Of course there are far more variables to take into consideration when investigating exactly why we find these kinds of guys so captivating. Music undoubtedly has a way of working its way into our hearts, and the people that create it just seem to follow. Think back to the complete euphoria you felt when you attended your first gig. After spending months fretting and planning the perfect evening, it finally arrives. Your heart nearly skips a beat when the background music stops and the lights dim. He finally steps on stage and begins singing the songs that you can sing along to word-
9/10 Voice
for-word. Everything about the evening is just so exquisite, how could you not fall in love with the person who played the biggest part in something you will always remember as one of the best nights of your entire life? These charming frontmen themselves are as clueless as I find myself when it comes to the reasoning behind their magnetism. Dallas Green of ‘Alexisonfire’ and ‘City And Colour’ fame said in a recent interview with ‘Gay Calgary Magazine’ “I am not a horn tooter, I really don’t think I am that special, I just try and write songs that make me happy and I feel good about playing, that’s it. My goal is that someone gets what I am going for, listens to it and can relate to it.” Perhaps it’s this modesty that contributes to making Dallas and his peers so lovable. It’s a well-known fact that us girls find musicians sexy, one that is portrayed in all sorts of films and books that are marketed towards females from an early age. However, this is often received negatively within the mainstream media. The connection we feel with these singers is often trivialised, making us appear to be nothing more than money grabbing fame whores. Sure, there will always be gold diggers, but that doesn’t mean that female fans should suffer for the reputation of a very small number of people. When guys talk about women in the music industry that they find good-looking people don’t assume that they find her attractive because of her money, and I don’t understand why there’s a difference. Most girls are more likely to be drawn to a man’s appearance than his money if anything.
The majority of the time we find ourselves attracted to people that are always there for us, that seem to understand us and somehow manage to express our innermost thoughts and feelings with an eloquence we had no idea was possible. It doesn’t matter that you haven’t met him; creating music is such a personal and deeply expressive thing that for all intents and purposes, you feel like you actually know him. And that’s okay, despite the fact that some fans can cross the border into the world of weirdly obsessive stalkers, most of us are okay with dealing with unrequited love so early on in our lives; just as long as he keeps recording. The fact that he is putting all this effort into maintaining a successful band portrays the kind of qualities we look for in men, it shows they are deep, thoughtful and committed. Journalist Mairi McLeod from ‘The Scotsman’ muses that “The initial preference for creativity could have come from the fact that only a high-quality man could have the time to spend on creating great music or nice pictures – the rest would be too busy just surviving to think about knocking out a hit single.” All in all I truly believe that subconsciously, we are by no means attracted to musicians because of their appearance. We fall for the hopeless romantic they express through their lyrics, the dedication they show to their fans and most of all their incredible vocal abilities. Obviously their seemingly effortless outfits and coiffed hairdos that have been carefully created by stylists might catch your eye at first, but it’s the quality and relatability of the music that you invest your time and feelings in.
I am not a horn tooter, I really don’t think I am that special, I just try and write songs that make me happy and I feel good about playing, that’s it.
When I was younger “When I was older I promised you both. I would headline Wembley.”
WORDS BY KIRSTIE SOUTHCOTT
Let’s go back to your first ever gig, do you remember the excitement you felt? How you annoyed your mum by running around the house shouting ‘ I’m seeing You Me At Six soon, I’m seeing You Me At Six soon!’ The frustration across her face as you have been reminding her for the last week. As it gets closer, you go through your wardrobe thinking ‘what do I wear?’ The choices are endless; edgy, casual, overdressed, underdressed. This is an important night in your calendar, 27th October 2008. It is finally the day of the gig, the day you have been waiting for since the tickets came through the post. You make sure you have everything you need. Phone fully charged, camera all sorted, tickets, money for merch and the perfect outfit. Travelling to the venue seems like the longest journey you will ever do. As you approach the destination you see other fans and cannot help but start singing songs and getting all hyped up for what is about to be the best experience of your teenage years. Standing outside, you think to yourself ‘not long now.’ Walking in and grabbing your friend out of pure excitement going ‘this is it’. Finding that perfect spot is always crucial for a good night, it is only after this that the real fun begins. The first support, Farewell, takes to the stage as it is time for the show to get started. Being 17 and not having a care in the world, about to see a band I had been listening to for over a year was starting to hit me. I couldn’t believe that in about an hour and half, You Me At Six would be on the London Astoria stage playing to 2,000 screaming fans. As the first support band left, I couldn’t hold it any more, my adrenaline was running in overdrive.
The next band, Houston Calls, took to the stage ‘no get off’ I kept thinking, I just want to see Josh in real life. I am sure many of you can relate to that right? All I wanted was to see his beautiful face and to sing all their songs badly and out of tune. So when this time came, I didn’t know what to do. Josh Franceschi was on the stage, only metres away from me. As the set went on, I still couldn’t believe that I was seeing them live. The band played their debut album ‘Take Off Your Colours’; halfway through their performance of ‘You’ve Made Your Bed’ tears start streaming down my face, ruining my makeup. This song had so much meaning for me so hearing it live hit a chord. ‘The Rumour’ was the perfect way to end a night full of first experiences. Once everything was over Josh expressed how the band felt leading up to the show, ‘’on the day of our headline show we were all sh**ing ourselves. No one was putting pressure on us, but we had built this day up in our heads for the last three years that we wanted everything to be perfect. Best night of our lives and I am so happy we have it on film! RIP The Astoria!’’ That was it; I had the gigging bug, I was hooked. It was only a year later in 2009 that I went for my next fix. This time I was headed to see Bring Me The Horizon playing at the Camden Roundhouse; it was sold out. Standing outside the venue in October freezing to death with friends around me, I didn’t know what to expect, in all honesty I was more excited about seeing support act, A Day To Remember, as they are a band I’d been hooked on for years. A Day To Remember’s set never fails to make me smile. Seeing them play ‘The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle’ holds very fond memories. Bring Me The Horizon’s performance holds different emotions, with crowd surfing and hardcore dancing all around me. Talking to my friend about the gig after “I didn’t really like Bring Me The Horizon till I went to go see A Day To Remember. When Bring Me came on and we moved from near the front to right down the back. I thought that they were going to be rubbish but I saw them, I liked them and because of that time I have seen them 4 times and I will still go see them now.” Fast forward to the beginning of 2012 at The Forum, Kentish Town, where
JOSH FRANCESCHI
metalcore act Asking Alexandria were playing. The main support band Blessthefall took to the stage and left a lasting impression. Lead singer, Beau Bokan livened up the show by jumping off the left side staircase and straight into the crowd; a stunt that could have gone horribly wrong. Luckily, he had enough faith in the crowd to have kept him from doing some serious damage. As Asking Alexandria came on with their ripped jeans and boyish charm, it was inevitable that the whole place was going to explode. The band made sure to play fan favourites, ‘ Not The Average American’ and ‘The Final Episode’ to keep the crowd happy. The end of the year was rounded off the only way I know how to; You Me At Six. Selling out at Wembley Arena, the 8th December 2012 was the ‘Final Night Of Sin’. With 12,000 adoring fans watching their every move, You Me At Six were about to set the place on fire. The atmosphere was something I could never imagine in my wildest dreams. Comparing 2008 to now, I have seen them grow as performers and as a band. I’ve had the chance to see them 7 times; a choice I have no regrets about. Tonight was a celebration of how much they had grown. Standing in Wembley Arena and knowing the reason I was there made me smile. A lot of people thought I was mad, but they didn’t understand what it meant to ¬be part of something that huge. This wasn’t just any gig; it was being filmed for DVD something that could be kept and replayed over and over and over again. Their set was perfect, they didn’t hold back. They gave the best performance of their lives and got the praise they deserved from music publications. A gig is where you get to lose all your inhibitions for a few hours. A night of escaping from the real world and watching bands that have in some way helped you through tough times. Gigs are where people come together from all over the country and world to be in one place appreciating the music and the hard work bands have put.
oli sykes
Faces for Radio WORDS BY ASHLEIGH JONES
MATT BELLAMY
From Matt Bellamy to Pete Doherty, the list of strangely attractive male musicians is never ending. Both of these talented vocalists have won numerous awards entitled ‘hottest male’ despite their unconventional looks. So why is it that many of their fans still seem to find them attractive? It could be because of their talents or their charm, or it could simply be the appeal of being rich and famous.
It is no secret that many girls are easily attracted to men that have both fame and money, regardless of whether or not they are particularly good looking; Hugh Hefner is hardly the best looking guy in the world, and yet he has countless girls lining up for him (or his money). In the world of Hollywood there is no shortage of old, washed up celebrities that have somehow ended up marrying girls that look as though they have come straight out of a Victoria’s Secret catalogue. The unexplainable attraction toward musicians is certainly not a revelation. The existence of groupies and supermodel girlfriends within the music industry is proof of this; they have been around for as long as the music itself. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger are key examples of musicians who, despite their less than charming looks, managed to gain a lot of female attention. Adding to the worshipping fans and adoring groupies, Richards and Jagger married models Patti Hansen and Jerry Hall, adding to their long list of admirers. In recent years, music magazines have begun to pay more attention to musician’s looks, rather than just talent. From NME to Kerrang!, their awards now include categories with names like ‘sexiest male’, an award made to celebrate the looks of a musician, regardless of his talent. When asked why she believes people find musicians so attractive, Jen Walker of Kerrang! replied ‘probably because they have some degree of talent, and that’s an attractive quality whatever area it’s in. But mostly because they’re more unattainable than regular guys and a lot of people want what they can’t have.’ So it comes as no surprise that we are constantly seeing new lists in magazines or online that claim to hold the ‘sexiest male musicians’. What is a little shocking is that the majority of these look nothing like what most women would consider their charming man. While these awards may come across as superficial, there are many ways in which people find unconventional musicians attractive, from the way that they dress to how talented they are. If these polls were based purely on looks, I am sure that their results would have come out very differently.
Bellamy and Doherty are among the many musicians that have somehow managed to be named in numerous lists of ‘sexiest males’ despite their unconventional looks, with Bellamy winning NME’s ‘Hottest Male’ award an incredible five times in the past seven years. Whilst the Muse front man may not be the worst looking musician to have ever hit the stage, he certainly isn’t the best and I am constantly finding myself asking how he has attained such a title. Even the singer himself thought the award could have been a joke; upon winning for the second year, Bellamy questioned the validity of his success. ‘That’s like a little joke, isn’t it? I’m too short to be sexythat’s why I don’t understand it!’ stated the vocalist, claiming that the award should have gone to the band’s drummer, Dominic Howard, who was also up for nomination. Of course, winning such an award once is an achievement in itself, but doing so five times is borderline ridiculous. Part of the reason for his many wins is unquestionably down to the band’s extremely large following, which were even voted ‘most loyal fans’ in 2012s NME awards. Despite many of Bellamy’s fans voting more along the basis of his music, rather than his looks, it is undeniable that at least some of the voters must find the singer attractive in some way.
‘ This words melt Sheeran is perhaps the perfect your heart … andEd example of a male musician who, you can always turnbefore his music, was by no means the epitome of the perfect man. out the light.’ Nevertheless, the singer’s rise in fame
and popularity with the opposite sex has seemingly gone hand in hand. Only a few years ago, the 22 year old was almost unheard of and now his name is written in love hearts by girls all around the world. Despite his less than average looks, Sheeran has the ability to win over almost any girl with his charming lyrics and undoubtedly talented voice. Add this to his genuine, honest, down to earth personality and the vocalist is hard to beat. As one fan so eloquently put it. On the other side of the scale, we have Nickleback’s lead singer, Chad Kroeger, who is constantly being slated for his bad looks and has even been named ‘Ugliest Man in Rock’ on more than one occasion.
American Idol judge Randy Jackson once stated that Kroeger was ‘like 45 years old and ugly as sin.’ While his 2012 engagement to Avril Lavigne may be part of the reason, I’ve recently found myself questioning these assertions. I am certainly not saying that Kroeger should be collecting awards for his looks or lining the walls of bedrooms everywhere, but surely ‘Ugliest Man in Rock’ is a little harsh to say the least. So, apart from the obvious good looks, what is it that makes us find certain musicians so attractive- or unattractive? Of course, their musical ability has to come in to play; it should almost be a rule that the more talented a musician is, the more attractive they will be to their fans. Maybe this is a part of Kroeger’s issues and why he is always winning such awards. In terms of unattractiveness, it cannot be simply his looks that have given him this title; it could also be his talent- or lack thereof. We often find musicians attractive based on their talent or music, yet with Nickleback’s less than wonderful reputation as musicians, down goes Kroeger’s reputation as anything more than unattractive. It could also be that one magazine decides
that a musician is attractive, causing other magazines to take an interest in his looks. It almost becomes a competition between publications, with various teams fighting over these new unconventional cover stars, such as aforementioned Matt Bellamy. Once we see somebody on the front cover of a magazine, we automatically assume that they are credible eye-candy. Whether it is because the photos are always so perfectly edited or because the person was deemed worthy enough for the cover, readers always consider cover stars to be good looking. It just happens. While we feel as though our initial attraction is due to physical looks, when it comes to musicians, this rule seems to go out the window. These performers are put on such pedestals that we look up to and admire them for so many reasons. Once fans begin to feel as though they know a musician, whether it is from seeing them performing at a concert or chatting away in an interview, they feel a sort of instant connection that often deepens their attraction. Beauty within the music industry is definitely more than skin deep.
?
Tattractive heatric? ally WORDS BY EMILY REED
Longer hair than most, skin-tight clothing and more mascara than any girl and these guys are still in the race for our hearts. Or some of us at least. ing of past make-up heroes, Bowie-esque or Alice Cooper inspired, is at sial bands such as Black Veil Brides, it’s still an apparent trend in music
would ever choose to wear Whether or not the mimickthe fault of the controverthat can’t go unquestioned.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES
With recent stars Black Veil Brides on the scene is the make-up phase coming back? The Hollywood-bred bunch are known for their incredibly distinct appearance and stage persona, similarly styled to the legendary Gene Simmons and 80s glam metal favourites Motley Crüe. After bands, such as the iconic KISS, faces painted white covered in copious amounts of black paint, as well as the crazy metallic and leather outfits, the whole scene shouldn’t really come as a shock for us; especially in rock music. But what is it that is so attractive about hiding behind a scary façade? Pamela Des Barres, former rock n’ roll groupie and magazine author, says how some girls feel they can relate to their favourite artist if they have the courage to dress with no regrets, “there’s a safety there, even though the danger comes along with it. They understand you. You can share lip-gloss. You can primp with the same hair products and wear the same clothes”. So perhaps it’s so attractive because we feel connected through their bold image.
In a survey created by That Charming Man, we asked you for your opinion on the topic. 57% of you said that makeup on musicians looks good (44% sitting on the fence with a ‘sometimes’), now compared to this issues poll that is an outstanding difference. We asked you last time ‘is make-up attractive on guys?’ and an alarming 75% of you said no. The majority also disagreed, quite surprisingly, that they would not be put off by the large amount of hairspray a guy uses or if they wear tighter jeans than most girls. There’s a definite line for you guys when it comes to theatrics. Plenty of you were adamant that it was attractive, and different, anonymous comments complimenting the bravery of such musicians; ‘it accentuates their personality’, ‘it’s cool when guys can embrace their feminist side’, ‘it gives them an edge, it’s interesting and sexy’, proved that perhaps I’m missing out on some hidden eyecandy. Being in a band and on stage gives you permission to mess about with eye-shadow and lip-stick, but when you consider your day-to-day charming man, it’s a nogo. There’s a line that can be crossed, and sometimes it’s taken a bit too far. If you take a look into the rock industry now there’s plenty of musicians that take a leaf out of the old glam rock bands, or even Viking-metal, take bands such as Turisas who take war-paint to a whole new level. The list is endless. Motionless in White; tar like make-up and white face paint, Slipknot; elaborate masks fit with orange prison jumpsuits, Hollywood Undead; characterized hockey masks and Halloween style scarves, Steel Panther; leopard print tights and gallons of hairspray, and the new ‘death-pop’ five piece Fearless Vampire Killers.
“You rarely see someone go to a Tim Burton movie and yell, “fag!” at Johnny Depp”
People like me for example I’ll admit, need to understand, so I took it upon myself to investigate the mystery of males and their make-up. For most musicians that enjoy spending a little more time on their appearance than usual it is all for the performance. On stage they are different people and these characters they create whether through sticks of kohl eyeliner or pots of gold glitter are all for the show. But these artists are eager to defend themselves, “we’re entertainers. We’re theatrical. Nobody is convinced that Johnny Depp goes to Wal-Mart dressed as Sweeney Todd but everyone expects us to”, frontman of Black Veil Brides (Andy Biersack) says with a tinge of bitterness, that they receive so much negativity where their image is concerned, “you rarely see someone go to a Tim Burton movie and yell, “fag!” at Johnny Depp for having worn make-up”. The list of men in the music industry that quite possibly own more cosmetics than us girls is surprisingly long. Even if it isn’t for pleasure, and all about the music, it’s still quite hard to believe. Marilyn Manson, back in the day, was a big fan of the coloured eye shadow and painted white face, alongside fellow frontmen Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and Nicholas Matthews (Get Scared). Andy Biersack and Ashley Purdey (both from previously mentioned Black Veil Brides) were both nominated for Kerrang! Magazines ‘hottest male’ award in 2012, and although not fortunate enough to win the title, still get noticed frequently for their standout use of eyeliner. Considering it’s been around for plenty of years now you wouldn’t of thought the guys in question would get that much stick for it. But really, guys wearing make-up? How is that attractive? I’ve seriously questioned my sanity for finding Marilyn Manson and his terrifying get up actually quite appealing. From Bowie to Mercury (lightning bolts and sparkly leotards), Alice Cooper to Adam Lambert (giant pythons and miraculously high heels) and Slipknot to Fearless Vampire Killers (creepy prison masks and baby powder), we’ve got quite the collection.
ADAM LAMBERT
Adam Lambert, former American Idol contestant and now successful singer-songwriter, is constantly asked about his appearance and sexuality. His look definitely portrays personality and he answers all queries with one simple fact: It’s a performance. “Pop is a little bit theatrical, that’s the whole vibe, that’s the point”, he explains, “it’s great music, great melodies, great hooks. But, on top of it, it’s a presentation. There’s a showmanship about it”. Adam, in the past, has uploaded his own make-up tutorials on YouTube and being openly gay and unafraid of the taunting believes that people should be allowed to express themselves through music and appearance.
Fearless Vampire Killers fans are incredibly passionate about their image, “Fearless Vampire Killers pay close attention to every detail outside of their music too: from their clothing and make-up to the artwork and even their own comic books. Every sketch, painting, and cartoon is created by the band themselves. Right down to printing their own merchandise, everything is a personal handmade artifact’. The band have a very different outlook compared to the likes of Motley Crue and are making what was once in fashion come back in a new and interesting way. So even though we think the look may be dated; Motionless In White should leave the face paint to Marilyn Manson and Hollywood Undead have nothing on Slipknot – but it’s still very current. Whether we like it or not there is something special about these guys. Stevie Chick, freelance journalist, agrees, “there’s still something trangressive about a man in make-up, so many years on from Bowie et al – the sigh of a rocker with eye make-up and nail polish is still enough to make an old fart grumble, and that will always be a potent power in pop, that sense of aggravating an out of touch generation. A man in make-up sets himself apart from the norm – it’s like he’s removing himself from the mainstream, making a clear and potent statement. It’s like an instant signifier that one is an artist”. We may not understand. But it’s still extraordinary. “It’s kind of sexy, and I’m not really sure why” he continues, “there’s a power in androgyny and ambiguity”. When you think about it the mystery behind this ideal is never really going to be explained. Some of us don’t understand why Black Veil Brides are so popular right now, some of us never will. Some of us are inspired by the bravery and the guts to prance around on stage dressed head to toe in skin-tight leather. Are they theatrically attractive? There is, after all, no straight answer. People are always going to find make-up on males interesting, whether it good, or bad.
Alex Davies WORDS BY HANNAH TAYLOR
“It’s three yes’s Alex”, said Simon Cowell. Young Musician Alex Davies took the 2012 Britain’s Got Talent audition in Cardiff by storm and received an overwhelming three ‘yes’ verdict from the judges which included the hard to please Simon Cowell. He was described as ‘looking like Mark Owen’ by Simon and fellow judges, hosts Ant and Dec and the crowd gasped as baby faced alex replied with ‘I don’t know who that is but thank you. Judge David Walliams then told him he was the one with nicest hair from Take That to which he smiled with a polite “thanks”. But he let his talent do the talking with a superb performance which had the audience, and more importantly the judges, wanting more. Cowell said: “I really, really like you. You have a very distinct voice, and a very distinct style.” Dai Roberts, a finalist in last year’s Open Mic UK competition at the O2 and believes Alex is set for stardom, ‘He has talent that’s for sure, he blew the judges at the auditorium and I am confident he is set for big things’. Alex has been playing the guitar and keyboard since he was very young and has always loved performing, so Britain’s Got Talent felt like the right direction to go and has given him many gigs from being on the TV and given him the confidence to perform on stage. Since Britain’s got talent, Alex has played in many lo-
on stage. Since Britain’s Got Talent, Alex has played in many local festivals in Mid Wales, is gigging in the Alps now and has been on X Factor. He got through to the second round but forgot the lyrics so it didn’t go any further. His favourite gig has been Crash Festival as it’s a local event that has such a warm atmosphere, but he is very much looking forward to playing at Beach Break this summer!
I asked him if he had any crazy fan stories and was not expecting this reply, ‘The craziest fan story has been when a women asked me to sign a block of cheese.... of course I had to do it!’ I’m pretty sure that’s a new one! His inspirations are Ed Sheeran and Newton Faulkner, which is clearly shown in his music. Alex is a very chilled out guy that you would find riding on his BMX in his free time or snowboarding. His chat up line and party trick are ‘where did you get your shoes?’ Clever, girls like their shoes, and sticking a stick through one of his testicles as he made a hole in one when he jumped out of a tree..... ouch! If he was going to be a biscuit, he would be a digestive as it sounds a bit Welsh and his fridge contains horseradish, cream and dog food at the moment, interesting! He is a football over rugby, white bread over brown bread, Dad over Mum, Cute over sexy, tea over coffee, Batman over Spiderman, dog over cat, Mila Kunis over Megan Fox kind of guy!
If he was going to be a biscuit, he would be a digestive as it sounds a bit welsh!
ALEX DAVIES
Drugs: Booze:
D- D- D- D NNN
General Insanity:
ii
Julian Casablancas
f Dying o s d d O . e in / rack Coca C , e n s reunite i e o n r i e t r H e : b e i c L i f Cho 5% if The -2 ( % Narcotic o 0 5 : s r et jailed) a g e Y ’t n 5 s t e x o e d ll in the N and he sti ’t n o d y e +25% if th Julian considered his greatest musical influences as Sam Cookeand The Velvet Underground, more specifically the works of Lou Reed before, during and after his stint in the band. He even confirmed that he “obsesses on the lifestyles” of his idols, and has endured a career plagued with heroine and cocaine addiction based on the passages his major idols.
Booze:
D- D- DNNNN
General Insanity:
i
Drugs:
Narcotic o f Choice: A lcoh the Next 5 Years: 30% ol, Cocaine, Heroin e. Odds of ( clinic / D +20% if he -15% if he accepts c alls from h ying in continues is rehab )
Drugs: Booze:
D- D- DNNNN
General Insanity:
iiii
the Next n i g n i y D e. Odds of n i o r 40% if he e + H , / e n i r a o c h t o C au e: Alcohol, ecome an c b i o o t h C c i f s o u m Narcotic f he quits i 0 -2 ( % 0 rugs) 5 Years: 3 pleasure for hard d his re-ignites
Keith Richards
Good old Pete, the stereotypical educated waster. It’s hard to believe that this guy is actually still here, let alone swatting away permanent Libertines reunion rumours and still having the mental know-how to bed maximum calibre super models. Let’s just hope his upcoming Parisian film is better than his motivation to quit the needle.
Few could express the life of rock and roll more than Nikki Sixx, from Motley Crue to other musical ventures and a brief “fraudulent” entry into writing with his release of ‘The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star’. More or less being on tour since 1980, he still battles with an inconsistent case of sobriety and the depressive crashes of a hard-rock lifestyle.
Nikki Sixx
WORDS BY ADAM STEER
Balancing the exuberance of a musically successful life can be hard. We know this because each and every day our tabloids are covered with stories of excess, drugs, violence and suicide from what we now consider household names. However, the lifespan of these artists is often cut short; but in terms of educated estimation, how short?
Pete Doherty
EM
stimated ortality
More immortal than the lord himself, Keith Richards still strolls along harnessing abilities of survival Bear Grylls could only dream of. Forging a musical career now spanning over half a century, he continues to amaze the laws of humanity consistently performing and establishing his throne towards the top-end of the musical hall of fame.
Drugs: Booze:
D- D- D- D- D-u NnNNN
General Insanity:
iiiii
Narcotic of Choice : EVERYT Odds of D HING ying in th e Next 5 Ye 0% ars:
Out of this World
Actor, director, producer, musician; Jared Leto certainly has an impressive resume. From playing a wide variety of roles in films such as Fight Club and American Psycho, to directing his band’s own music videos, the singer seems to ooze talent. With over 20 film roles, three albums and endless charity work under his belt, nobody can say that Leto doesn’t put his all into everything that he does. This includes the greatly anticipated 30 Seconds to Mars album ‘Love Lust Faith + Dreams’, to be released on May 21, 2013. The new album is set to be completely different from the band’s 2009 ‘This is War’, with the vocalist stating ‘The last album was about closure. There was a battle and a war that we fought. This one is a new beginning’.
The album’s first single ‘Up in the Air’ is out of this world, literally. The track was launched into space on March 1 throughout a SpaceX cargo mission. Talking about the launch, Leto told the Associated Press that ‘it was amazing to feel it take off, the noise and the brightness was overwhelming, and you’re still a mile away.’ The song made its debut on March 18 and was released for digital download the following day. Even after a new album and a single launched into space, the enigmatic artist also has a new film lined up for release later this year. ‘The Dallas Buyers Club’ is the story of ‘a drug taking, women loving, homophobic man’ who gets diagnosed with AIDS and given only 30 days to live. The singer is playing a transsexual who also has the disease and from what we’ve seen, is looking very different to the charming man that his fans are used to seeing. As if all of this weren’t enough, Leto has supported various charities throughout the years, such as Red Cross, MusiCares and Haitian relief, as well as maintaining his role in supporting PETA.
JARED LETO
WORDS BY ASHLEIGH JONES
So aside from being good-looking and ridiculously talented, he’s filled with compassion and has a soft spot for animals; what more could you want? I’m going to be honest, to me, Leto is the ultimate charming man and I cannot help but stop what I’m doing and pay full attention whenever he is around. Whether it’s a film, song or his new Hugo Boss ad, if he is involved, so am I. There is no doubt that the singer is insanely attractive, having appeared twice on People magazine’s ’50 Most Beautiful People’ a decade before being named on their list of ‘Hottest Bachelors’. He is certainly high on our list of charming men anyway and despite the latest photos of his waxed eyebrows and feminine clothes, he isn’t moving from that spot any time soon.
Tattoos are forever Psychologists who conduct research on tattoos suffer from a mental block created for centuries that associated tattoos with an aberrant personality. Tattoo designs always carry a meaning and BY HANNAH TAYLOR tellWORDS you something about the person and his or her background. The fact is, tattoo-lovers are a proud lot and they have consciously taken the decision to tattoo their bodies and would like to proudly declare that they are what they are. They are ordinary people like you and me, except that they have a strong sense of identity they have no intention of hiding. They are not scared of public opinion and would love to let others know what they believe in, and good for them! Over the centuries, instead of becoming an extinct practice, tattoos have gained in popularity, proving it is now here to stay. It’s estimated that more than 25 percent of people under 30 are inking their skin to show personal expression, youthful impulsiveness and drunken mistakes. While it’s trendy, cool and even sexy, there are some risks to one’s health. Good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good, so be sure the little butterfly you think looks hot on your hip will be what you want 50 years from now, if you can still find it. In other words, think before you ink! Men get bigger stuff though, with women it’s stars, flowers, cherubs. John Mayer began his career performing mainly acoustic rock, but gradually began a transition towards the blues genre in 2005. John Mayer’s tattoos include: full sleeve elaborate design; a Japanese-inspired tattoo (left bicep); unknown/possible Japanese artwork (left inner upper arm, apparently done while in Dallas during the Continuum tour-June 2007); “Home Life”, it’s half of the “message” in each arm, representing how he feels about being on the road (left and right triceps, in the back); and 77 his birth year (left side of chest)
Fashion changes but tattoos are forever. The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos. The reason for tattoos is that they carry a meaning and tell you something about the person and his or her background. Tattoo lovers proud and they have chosen to tattoo their bodies and would like to proudly declare that they are what they are. They have a strong sense of identity and they have no intention of hiding it. They are not scared of public opinion and want to let others know what they believe in as they are proud, good for them! Over the centuries, instead of becoming an extinct practice, tattoos have gained in popularity, proving it is now here to stay. it’s estimated that more than 25 percent of people under 30 are inking their skin to show personal expression, youthful impulsiveness and drunken mistakes. While it’s trendy, cool and even sexy, there are some health risks. Good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good, so be sure the little butterfly you think looks hot on your hip will be what you want 50 years from now, if you can still find it!! In other words, think before you ink! Men get bigger stuff though whereas women tend to get stars, flowers or cherubs.
Travis Landon Barker is an American drummer and the current drummer for pop punk trio Blink–182. He has also been a drummer for several side projects including +44, Box Car Racer, Transplants and Expensive Taste. Travis Barker has a mix of old school tattoos and new school tattoos. His tattoos include a boom box radio, checkered flags, stars, musical notes, hearts, pinup girl tattoos, lots and lots of tattoo script, fire and flame tattoos, black and gray smoke and many more.
There is an extraordinary number of historical figures and modern day celebrities who have sported or currently have body art. FHM Magazine publish their annual list of the 100 Sexiest / Hottest Women in the World as voted by their readers. One of the things that many of the women picked have in common is body art! You’ll be astonished at how many of these beautiful women have tattoos, more than double the average female. Tattoos in male musicians are seen as a sexual symbol. It becomes more of an excuse for them to pose with their t-shirt on, and we are not complaining! John Mayer began his career performing mainly acoustic rock, but gradually began a transition towards the blues genre. His tattoos include a full sleeve elaborate design, a Japanese-inspired tattoo on his left bicep, unknown or possible Japanese artwork on his left inner upper arm, apparently done while in Dallas during the Continuum tour-June in 2007. He also has “Home Life”, it’s half of the message in each arm, representing how he feels about being on the road, which is on his left and right triceps, in the back. His last tattoo is 77 which is his birth year, inked on the left side of his chest.
adam levine
Lot of aggressive press coverage, over her discreet tattoo of a dolphin on her ankle, but how did tattoos become all right for “normal” people and, most of all, for women? A lot of people wanted tattoos years ago but they were associated with freaks and prostitutes. A lot of older women theyIII should haveby his stage name 50 Cent, is an Curtis Jamessay Jackson better known American rapper. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson had them 20 years ago. American-born Ly- has opted to have some of his very prominent tattoos removed, to better accommodate his career in Holnette Blinnelywood. took her daughter tobecause get on the movie set, if we got “I took some of theKristen tattoos off her first tattoo her call 16th birthday. then a sixon o’clock time, I have to The be there two o’clock the night before,” 50 told AllHipHop.com. “I gotta through 44-year-oldCent English teacher liked thegoidea so four hours of make up before we go ahead and play the role. So, I just took it off my arm. My right arm.” much that she got one on her own birthday, The G-Unit founder has not completely done away with his tattoo. He still a black cat.bears It isthe not lowlife as“50 Cent” and “Southside” tattoos. twoconsidered on his back, the signature it perhaps was once. Many people are now Tattoos seen on celebrities become a fashion trend and trickle down to going for their first tattoo in their the streets, for example the30s, ‘shhh’40s, seen on Rihanna’s finger and having 50s, 60s. Do teachers dotattoo’d. things The likemost common tattoos can be the English inside of your bottom lip seen in band lyrics, peoples names and this? You’ll find they do. You’ll find tattoos little in symbols. Band lyrics are the most common as devoted fans want to show their dedication to the band. accounting Tattoos and lawyers andcome every and piercing handstraightin hand, but only tattoos are permanent. up job. It isn’t just alternative people. People ministers’ wives, Lawyers or Doctors have them? So how just want toWould markprime themselves, put something did tattoos become so acceptable? You expect them on sailors, prisoners on that makes and them bikers, unique. which is very stereotypical of us but tattoos in the Western world were once the mark of the outcast, of the rocker and the rebel, of a certain kind of macho culture. But now when the latest celebrity tattoo is revealed the gist of the discussion is usually an evaluation of the merits of the design, of the choice of Latin script rather than the fact a public figure is displaying a prominent tattoo. It’s now just an everyday thing, an event like the International London Tattoo Convention can attract thousands of people, queuing round the block to get tattoos and to witness the human canvasses covered in eye-watering designs.
john mayer
David Cameron’s wife Samantha has attracted a lot of aggressive press coverage, over her discreet tattoo of a dolphin on her ankle, but how did tattoos become all right for “normal” people and, most of all, for women? A lot of people wanted tattoos years ago but they were associated with freaks and prostitutes. A lot of older women say they should have had them 20 years ago. American-born Lynette Blinne took her daughter Kristen to get her first tattoo on her 16th birthday. The then 44-year-old English teacher liked the idea so much that she got one on her own birthday, a black cat. It is not considered lowlife as it perhaps was once. Many people are now going for their first tattoo in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s. Do English teachers do things like this? You’ll find they do. You’ll find tattoos in accounting and lawyers and every straight-up job. It isn’t just alternative people. People just want to mark themselves, put something on that makes them unique.
BEN BRUCE
JARED LETO
MATT CORBY
Dreamland welcomes You.
WORDS BY JOE KENNEDY
Since Chas & Dave, Margate has been given a biased opinion of jellied eels and pinstripe deck chairs. – Until now. The jangly guitars and heart felt musicianship of ‘The Wildes’ provides a rare insight into a town that’s been slowly dying for years, showing that inspiration can come from just about anywhere. The band is fronted by Tom Akers, a young man with enough charm to cast a
TOM AKERS
spell on you, giving Peter Pan a run for his money. Tom likes to keep his time occupied, being a twenty year old in the desolate town of Margate doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Basing his outlook on life on the true icons of British culture, his notebook is full of inspiring quotes and deep poetry. Morrissey, Oscar Wilde, Paul Weller, Phillip Larkin, and John Lennon, all spring onto his influences; musical and inspirational.
“A year and a half ago, when I was visiting a friend in Glasgow. I ended up ‘woo-ing’ a lady, going home with her at 4am, being waken up at 6am for her to go to university, and asked to leave. Not having a clue how to get back to my friends flat, in the middle of Glasgow at 6am, in what was basically monsoonweather”
So Tom Akers, What would be the high point in your musical career to date? “Meeting Edwin Collins at Shepherds Bush Empire about a year ago, who’s an absolutely lovely guy. Surprisingly recovered from his double brain haemorrhage and gone out to release 2 new albums and still tours. He’s the man.” In terms of your musical influences, can you name us a few? “The Beatles, - obviously. The Smiths, Joy Division, Chas & Dave, The Field mice, The Style Council and The Flatmates. Lot’s of mid eighties Jangle Pop.” If you were to play at any particular venue, which would be your dream venue? “Probably Brixton Academy, because The Pixies have played there, as have Nirvana and The Smiths. Loads of incredible alternative bands have played there.” When you were five, what did you want to do with yourself? “I think I wanted to be Batman” What about in five years time? “Hopefully still playing music in the same band, or supporting The Smiths on that never-gonnahappen reunion tour.”
Eyes : Green, with a hint of blue Hair : Brunette Height : 5 ‘11 Facial Hair : Interesting
Moustache
Tom says his style is adapted from the mod scene in the 60’s and the Teddy Boy movement in the 50’s, this style is huge in the Indie, Britpop movement and is always a go to for style and appearance.
Party tricks? “Let me have a think… actually I can open a beer bottle with absolutely anything, and I can open tins of beans with spoons.” (*Editors note* which ended up being a bread knife) What’s your best chat-up line for girls? “You’re like a tin of beans, but I wouldn’t need a knife to open you up” “If you were beans, I’d let my cheese melt all onto you”.
You Have 24 hours to live, first three things you do? “Probably steal a lot of guitars, even though I wouldn’t have time to play them. Then say goodbye to all my family and friends, and then collect all the money I have in the world to fund a big night out.” Favourite lyrics? “I wanna be your vacuum cleaner, breathing in your dust, I wanna be your Ford Cortina, I will never rust.” I Wanna Be Yours – John Cooper Clark You’re on an island; you can take three items with you, no family members, no electricity, no nothing. “An IPod, with every song I have on it. A solar powered charger, and an unlimited supply of cigarettes.” Your favourite song off of the new EP, ‘Come & Go’ “Writing wise, ‘These Things Happen’, but from the production value and how good it’s going to sound – ‘Come & Go’ Which is the leading single.” Most embarrassing hangover memory? “A year and a half ago, when I was visiting a friend in Glasgow. I ended up ‘woo-ing’ a lady, going home with her at 4am, being waken up at 6am for her to go to university, and asked to leave. Not having a clue how to get back to my friends flat, in the middle of Glasgow at 6am, in what was basically monsoon weather” Who’s your music hero? “Either John Lennon, Johnny Marr, or Paul Weller.” What’s next for The Wildes? “We’re releasing a video soon for ‘Come & Go’ and then releasing the EP of the same name. 2013 is hopefully going to be a great year for The Wildes.”
In a quick fire round with Tom, we asked him some very deep and meaningful questions; Elephants or Mice? Mice Backstreet Boys or Boyzone? Boyzone (!) East Coast or West Coast? East Coast Lo-fi or Hi-fi? Lo-fi Breast or Bum? Bum Murderers or Burglars? Burglars Guns or Nuns? Nuns Toy Story or Monsters Inc? Toy story Beach Boys or Beatles? Beatles London or Manchester? London Sonic or Donkey Kong? Sonic Xbox 360 or Playstation 3? Xbox 360
? e t s a t t i s ’ w Ho Tom’s taste in women is very compatible with every other 20 year old, but he’s also a sweetheart; Hair : Long and blonde. Eyes : Green eyed love. Smile : Beautiful smile “I do believe in love at first site, but you have to be attracted to a woman’s physical appearance, to find the courage to love them.”
WORDS BY GEORGIA LEE
With luscious, sandy locks that are halfway between dreads and effortless curls and eyes that seem to exude his natural charisma, Matt Corby is the epitome of a Charming Man. Not many 22-year-olds can boast of a career similar to that of Corby’s. In person he radiates a humbleness that must be incredibly difficult to maintain with the amount of praise that surrounds him. His phenomenal voice has transcended all the negative connotations of being an Australian Idol contestant, and after numerous secret garden shows, tours with the likes of Mumford & Sons and some exquisite tracks to his name, Corby seems to be going from strength to strength.
It hasn’t always been this way; thrust into the limelight aged sixteen within the harsh world of American Idol, he was initially frightened that no one would be able to take him seriously. With this in mind, he emerged from the shadows of Idol with the intention of releasing a few small EPs and avoiding major record labels, something that has without doubt reinstated his credibility. With the precision and raw talent of James Vincent McMorrow and an incomparable voice (ironically) akin to Jeff Buckley, Corby’s songs are almost like a work of art. He also keeps a keen eye on other current acts, citing a few of his favourites as Kendrick Lamar, Patrick Watson and Scott Matthews. 2013 promises to be a fantastic year for
Corby. After testing the waters with a few festivals and completing his stunning European tour at the end of 2012, he’s recently announced that he’ll be returning to the UK in Summer to perform at Blissfields, Barn on the Farm and Wilderness festival. After attending his gig at The Hackney Round Chapel in November, I for one can’t wait for him to come back. When he stepped out on stage there was an almost audible gasp from the crowd as his incredible, raw voice travelled around the chapel and it became clear that a recording studio limits this man. It was like nothing I’d seen or heard before. The power of his voice alone left the crowd unable to formulate a coherent thought. “How is that even possible?” I remember hearing the person next to me whisper, as his stupendous voice cascaded through the audience. The promise of Corby’s debut album (to be released at some point this year) is a truly thrilling one. Although he may not be the most famous musician here in England, not including Radio 1’s love of standout song ‘Brother’, I urge you to explore his back catalogue and join me in waiting patiently for what will surely be one of the best albums of 2013.
Matt Corby
Australian Idol
Ripped Body Or Ripped Clothes? WORDS BY HEMI CORDELL
The toned musician, a prehistoric - or what seems like a prehistoric form of musician - now ousted by the skinny jeans, exposed hairy chests and the 5 foot long beards that drown facials definitions into submission. The rise and fall of the Craig Davids. The scatty, undefined look is not a new phenomenon. The generation of the Woodstock folk were much more inclined to dress down, perhaps dressed in nothing at all, than to don Gucci suits and Rolex watches. However, despite the wonders of the 21st century, it has also provided us with many blunders as well. So why the backlash? Simple answer - people have had enough of the egotistical, vain, prettyboy image that is thrown shamelessly into the threshold of the unsuspecting youth who accept with graciously open arms any form of celebrity bullshit in your path. And now they’re being looked after! Musicians have been force fed a dangerous image which eventually led to an industry wide addiction to the well dressed, physiclly fit and sun glassed figure. Some, not all, have fragrances, clothes lines and lingerie outlets based purely on consumerism and completely seperate to artistic qualities - Paris Hilton has all of them, including a range of videos that have been shown on many projectors across the hillside villages of Bangladesh. Forget about rolling about in mud listening to Canned Heat, they’re rolling around in dollar bills listening to Destiny’s Child.
The boy band culture will never However, if we can take one cease to be, but neither will the life lesson from history, is that backlash and thus the fight the oppressor always gets for survival will also, always their comeuppance in the be. The competition is healthy end - and the time is nigh for for creative development, a sociological fight back..... however it also exposes the again. The Indie kids are vanity of ‘Hairy chests and hairy r e f u s i n g the Robbie beards over the outdated t h e Williams’ of trade of the world, ‘suave’ musician any day! To p m a n , and details Bruno Mars could do with the punk the creative a beard! Maybe his music k i d s v i r t u e s refuse would improve as well’ explored by everything Mumford and wear & Sons, whose dress sense bin liners and even the Hipconjures up images of hay Hop kids are wearing skinny barrels and sheep shearing jeans. Bring on the backlash, - far removed from the photo bring on the hairy chests! shoot style and pristinely dressed members of the elite.
DysfunctionalLove
Romeo and Juliet, the age old story of love and the adversities the turning world can throw at us as we embark upon the task to find an ever-lasting soul mate. But in reality, does the perfect romance even exist? Each and every one of us bares witness to couples breaking up WORDS BY ADAM STEER and emotionally tearing each other apart. Celebrity exposure teaches us that the stereotypical whirlwind of passion rarely materialises in to what we expect. The music industry takes the theory of love and hate to unexplored extremes. A world of twists and turns, insanity and excess, drugs and violence, yet couples still often cross paths and spark an insatiable attraction for each others madness. It’s easy to think of a handful of musical partnerships or like-minded musicians that have fell for each other over the years. Whether they be living or long dead, do we know what kick-started their delirious partnerships and what consisted of their demise?
How it s
tarted...
Sid & Nancy
How it started... ug fuelled love ’s dysfunctional dr ey tn ur Co d ter Cobaine’s an rt Ku over 20 years af es lin ad he e ll ak m continues to ionship many sti ly observed relat dib re inc r te an Af . As death. romance out this misguided e continue to talk ab b, Courtney mad clu ht nig on eg Or an in g tin of formally mee Kurt for reasons was shunned by sed by es pr im ll a move of which fe rt Ku entually in 1991, gan a commitment. Ev and they soon be the film industry in drug e y av he by ed her rising fam ell strong bond fu a on d se ba ip relationsh abuse.
How it ended...
se Kurt’s tragic story was of cour e th to g din en love struck the pair The definitive le and deteriorating ub tro of child d rio pe A suicide. their first and only of his life and sadly d ble en sta e un th to by up dly g de leadin ised single-han ra be to nd n hi ow be s labelled by hi Frances, was left bain himself was Co . ey to tn d ur ha e Co sh d ” drug craze osing so often... up dickhead, overd m out of wife as a “drugged all times to snap hi at r he e antidote on carry an immediat induced comas. his predictable drug
At the a ge York wh of 17, Nancy le ere she ft home e a beings and peo ntered a house nd moved to N ple harn ew full of m behavio e an ssing m ural pro ental illn y damaged blems; as norm a place ess and al. She she serious es as the c ity’s wild tablished a rep could finally be utation a child an as Aero o n the ro ccepted dw sm ck scen accusto ith and Ramon hilst touring w e it med to rejectio es, met Sid Vic h bands such junkies n by this ious. Na could n ncy was point as ot hand and epis le he even od an unqu es of sheer m r uncontrollable rock star a enchab mood s le attrac dness. Sid on wings depend th tion to th ency fo r drugs, is and b e other hand h quickly ad a s ex se became one of m , violence, fam d on a mutual e and in usics m fa ost vola tile topic my, they How it e s. n
ded...
Sid and N in Lond ancy moved to on once New Yo rk th outfit. N ow as S e Sex Pistols d together after their tim issolved id’s inde them in e pen to as establis the Chelsea ho dent manager, a musical h stable tel whils she boo t th str ked address . After n eams of incom ey attempted to umerou e and vio a n d hunt fo s re len r a fix escalate ce were report ports of brutal argume ed ed nigh d to a p t after n nts oint of w slumpe igh h d under the sink ich Nancy was t, situations wound found d in the s caused ead, mall ba he Sid nor throom. anyone r untimely end A single in mid O else wa the incis stab sc ctober 1 ion bein 97 g made harged with th e murde 8, yet by his o r wn pers onal kn despite ife
ed...
How it start
Kurt & Cou
rtney
er om a numb recognise fr ld she u n o e w h s w n 3 fa 1 r Kim as e age of o th , t tt a ll co a S fr h y g rs rl et Ma runnin om Kimbe ases, first m a harsh life r le e re ft l a ns ca ie b si b u e of m er D ating as tee by his moth lly began d a tu own n ir e ve e th f le o was taken in The coup t a place . e g se , u rk b o a w ic hool to Christmas domest ped out of sc individual dreams. On p ro d th o b and sing who also trate on peru their first child Hailie, n ce n talogue. co d n a birth to ’s musical ca ve m a e g in m im E K 5 in gs with g of two day 199 riety of son ty, consistin va in a a rt their in ce s n u re f featu ship o t wounds in d a relation r of gunsho re e u b d m n u e n . y a th e a h d T s an ’s de lting in Kim two divorce marriages, e nearly resu m o h ck a it sh North Detro
d...
How it ende
d that Kim ha ll found out a h rs c a ri M E , e g u rguin lleag of violent a and work co inem After years term friend mentally Em g , n n lo tio a ith w tu si g in e p ed th e lk e a lm sl st n ca bee ied to asions ough Kim tr merous occ u ed, lth n lis A n a r. o ri te d te rt n a a a H l action m his anger ta rb fa o cu N to s. d a filed struggle of firearm and in 2001 possession f his tether o r, Kim fell d te n Eric whilst in e la s e th th six mon came to st n o Ju . so all as e ife h w t l a u b ithfu cted M rsh inst his unfa stically effe ra d ter h h g ic u h a divorce aga w d their first ric’s child f E o g ith in w g t n n ri a r b pregn buste ‘89 the up wood block ould effect lly w o it H d re ith a w fe he ccess child and n after his su e father of her second -born Hailie. Soo th ng her new roke up with arshall, taki M d arose te ith a w Mile’, Kim b st ip y h sl r partners s previou e a h s d m te ys for le a b st w ro rp rein go their a home. Simila to part and ir a p k ic child into his -s ve used the lo and soon ca . e the final tim
Eminem & Kim
How it st
arted...
Sharon
ed...
How it start
& Ozzy
Sharon O sbourne (at the ti Ozzy at me Sharo the tend er age o n Arden the man f 18 whil ager of H st assisti ), first met husba eavy Me lost his p ng h nd tal outfit os Black Sa er father who wa and Sha ition as lead voc b s b ath. In 1 alis ron 979, Ozz After thre cautiously stepp t due to drug an y d ed in as e years o his mana alcohol abuse f the knot ge in 1982 o a steady relation s n hip, Ozz r as a solo artist. the life o y and Sh f the Osb the tropical islan aron tied d of Haw ou far as ha aii. For a rd-rock re rne’s seemed fa short wh irly norm lationship lifestyle ile al a of exces s go, but s began once aga nd placid as to cause in th e e doubtab le issues laborate How it .
ended...
For quite so alcohol a me time the ma rriage wa nd violen sd ce occasion s for vari , with both gettin ominated by dru g use, ous felon g arreste the norm d ies. Phys and Sha ical confr on numerous ron crea clashes o ted a pe call rsonalise ntations seemed defeated ed times of “bea d term fo t”. She o and a “b r their fte ro front tee th in a sta ken woman” afte n described hers elf as r Ozzy k te of ma was rife noc ss however as she h alcoholic intoxica ked out her throwing o tion. Reta spitalise a bottle o d him on liation f scotch him with two occa at his he a segme sions by a d, and o nt of bro endured nce by a ken drain the ssau pipe and initia ir most notoriou s of incid . In August 1989 lting lly charg ents, Oz ed with a Sharon a zy got arr the pair ttem fte ested himself in r a peace festiva pted murder for trying to l in Mosc to a reha stra o b w the attac ilitation c k and up entre for , Russia. He adm ngle on his ex three mo it she had it, Sharo nths as a ted “regaine n made d her str re charges sult o a statem ength in an ent sayin f their rela are toge d continuing their g ti o nship the dysfuncti onal marr ”, dropping all has only r, and with Ozzy no iage. Sti gre ll they testamen w stronger over w sober the bon d ti t to her c ommitme me and Sharon’s between them nt. vigilance proves
h und the nort rculating aro ci e . n lif o n d n ia o m L a, bohe Camden are most of her l, mainly the Amy spent t Blake e ita m p st ca fir h e lis g En t where sh e e tr -s ip with a parts of the h sh ig n h a relatio r on the a in b lly a et, a t a iti s in a r It w nne t they first m usic video ru the momen more m ro tle F lit l. d n ca in 2005, a m a to Blake ous city lo n m io a -f ct f n ra o tt n e a r d regula ppable e left si o ad an unsto ttooed on th h ta ” se ’s ’s u o ke ke h la la e Win had “B cket. B d-button po th later she than a mon side a close g love triangle n c lo a xi d to r te epic yet anothe d n a otics. her chest, d d e lv n array of arc later disso d a vicious n p to an a relationship u y rn m tu A , een him y failed to tw m e A b t, n e a ad found m g e b ”, and inste e they initially n r e to ft S a g n rs a lli nged vows. Two ye with “Ro they excha hoto shoot re p e h d w e i w m ie ia rv inte ce in M registry offi herself at a
d...
How it ende
to Winehouse introducing r 008 he fo 2 le in b d si n n caine, a bly respo co ta o ck nt n a cr is d n ke Bla eroine in fro roine a at “taking h such as he th o r ls e a p a is sp it , w hard drugs n l ne additio to a nationa f my life”. In s of o re ke tu ta ic expressed is p m d nake the biggest all r he traded of her was e same yea hange for sm sed th xc r e te in la t r a le a th e d ba d e a rt ip o to sh p r n re tou relatio she was on ng an entire ri th u o d b n e le t Amy whilst p u ils h , the co heroine. W d instability crime to amounts of breakup an , n en turned to io ft o ct n ke fu la ys B d iled d d n n a u n n a ro a dictio rglary d ja m mass ad 2011 for bu in to d in e p st e e e suffered fro rr d a s sunk eds. He wa h time Amy 11, she feed his ne ths, in whic n . In July 20 o m se u 2 3 g f ru o d d f o o ri e ks p ounts a e a m p a r fo ned essive and heighte me with exc o fatal h n ith e w d depression m se a in her C er overdo d th a o e n d a d , n m u w e their ays was fo er syst part and go d drugs in h to n a ir l a o p h k o ic lc a -s of love caused the effect. soon
Amy & Bl
ake
It is hard to establish exactly how much of an effect the excesses of the music industry can have on any given relationship. Heavy use of narcotics tend to make deep cuts into the realms of musical inspiration, as well as the powerful and immersive traits of love. Yet how can we judge any one else’s life, love and ultimately predict their untimely departure away from this world? We can’t. More importantly - we shouldn’t. Music revolves around an infinite multitude of choices and creative decisions. The orchestrators behind these selected judgments will forever become the victims of their own existence.
The
Silver Fox
Phenomenon WORDS BY HEMI CORDELL
Physical attraction or nostalgic lust?
We’ve all done it. Worn the Kurt Cobain t-shirts when we were 14, branded our walls with 9 foot long posters of Bob Marley and laden our Facebook pages with pictures of Mick Jagger with no top on. Despite Harry Styles being undeniably gorgeous, why would one be more attracted to an acid infused Jim Morrison? However, despite some having an unquenchable thirst for the older man, is there a sense of nostalgia that plays with your mind? Whether it is the rugged handsome look donned by Cat Stevens in his prime or the depth of personality that develops through time and encouraged by life experiences, there has always been a lust for the Silver Foxes of our society. This, to my delight, would leave the ‘pretty boy’ members of One Direction and JLS at the bottom of the heap when it comes to sexual attraction. However, despite my yearning for that to be true, it is sadly not. There is an irrefutable difference in personality between the young and the old, no matter what social situation presents itself on any given day. Identifying these traits is no easy task for a young male, however patience is a virtue and most will ease flawlessly into their mature stage. At some point!
5. Bedroom Experience
By the time a guy hits 35, he’s most likely had his fair share of sexual encounters. He’s no longer interested in a wham-bam thank you ma’am scenario. He now wants to worship his partner and make her feel like a queen.
4. Maturity
Older men are 9 times out of 10, more mature. They’ve had their one night stands. They’ve played with a girls emotions already. They’ve broken hearts.When that phase passes, they’re left with a nurturing maturity that is beyond sexy.
3. Romance
Older men have a way of thoughtfully putting together a romantic evening based on what their woman is interested in. Whereas, younger men get a skewed vision of romance based on films like American Pie and Knocked Up. Good films though!
2. No more mind games
Young men are typically fans of the mind games. They like to keep their options open, while still keeping their partner close. They expect their partner to be there, while older men work to keep them. Battleship is a game of destroying, while Monopoly is a long game of strategy. Which one would you choose?
1. Graceful ageing
Why watch the guy get better with age when you can just get a guy that has already aged and looks amazing?
6. Stability
You don’t have to worry about constantly paying for dinner because the guy who’s your age lost his job and now mooches off you instead of finding another.
7. Great Conversation
I’m not saying young men can’t hold a meaningful conversation, but the conversation is less mind stimulating and more mind boggling. They don’t appreciate the more articulate conversations involving politics, religion and world topics.
8. Less drama
An older man no longer cares that you have guy friends. He no longer cares if you go out by yourself. He trusts you and knows that you won’t stray.
9. Protective
Most men, regardless of age, are going to be protective of what they think is ‘theirs’. The difference between younger guys and older guys is that an older guy won’t act barbaric when it comes to protecting his girl.
10. Confidence – not cockiness
It’s not hard to tell confidence from cockiness. Older men are confident in themselves. They know they make you happy. They know they satisfy you. Younger guys only think they make you happy and satisfy you.
Granted, this may not always be true. Sometimes your favourite musicians are your favourite musicians purely based on their music and their talent. Again, this is where JLS and One Direction fall quickly and surely to the bottom of the heap – and if they don’t, then some serious thinking is need on your part.
Kate, obviously crying a river, has brought up an interesting point. The Silver Fox musician could be attractive because he’s ‘more’ now than what we knew of him before, and all of this development has been documented and viewed by his fans. He is the mature version of what he was, and because we have seen the progression, we feel we know him.
For instance, in the case of Michael Jackson, he did not age gracefully either physically or mentally. His appearance definiteHarry Styles. Will he become a Silver Fox or stay a teenage ly changed, however completely unnaturally and sadly enough dream? he would have been better suited playing a role in a Marks and Spencer’s shop window as a mannequin – despite the close If Harry Styles has any notion of maturity, and this does not proximity he would may have to unsuspecting children. Howinclude making a charity music video with scenes of him dancever, there would be plenty of women, and men for that matter ing with an African tribe, he would have already ‘planned’ his who were attracted to him even journey to the twilight of the Silver ‘We’ve seen him grow up. Even though Fox. His journey will start with One when he looked like a plastic bag blowing in the wind, just as there he may not have acquired the complete Direction and move swiftly onto a would be men, and also possibly solo career which will be carried ‘Silver Fox’ look, he is now more mature by his boyish good looks. But they women, who would happily sleep with the Queen – although the rea- than we have ever seen him. He’s acting, will one day expire, and so bring sons may be differ on many levels. on the next stage of his developand acting very well at that. He’s still ment – the film industry. Once he Despite the heartbreaking hilarity making music, and still making great has conquered Hollywood, then of Jackson’s ‘development’, he is it’s time for him to release another one of the few who didn’t make the music as well. His smile is that of a album and BANG! He’s a Silver cut. Cat Stevens may have also mature man, not a young posing boy band Fox. disappointed his female fans to a member. THAT is the attraction. He’s now Sound acceptable? No, it does lesser extent as well. The bearded more of a man than we’ve ever known him not for he is not a Justin Timberlook may cut it in some respects, but Cat took it to a whole new level, to be. He’s my Silver Fox in an Armani suit.’ lake. Unfortunately, or maybe not fired by the ridiculousness of his unfortunately for Harry, he won’t - Kate Athka, Silver Fox admirer. ever achieve the distinguished title religious exploits. of Silver Fox. He will float lavishly about in the limbo that is young charm. He has already been formed and contortWith the fantastic Justin Timberlake, his development has ed into his life-long role as the smiling – all be it a very nice one been documented on the vast array of media forms the music – young chap who lets his flowing locks speak the magnitude of industry has to offer. From when he was the star of N-Sync, his life experience, and not his creative or musical endeavours. to his sometime embarrassing solo beat-boxing endeavours and now to his suave, sophisticated ‘mature’ stance, he is the The Silver Fox – it’s all about Justin Timberlake. Deadliest Catch. Although only 32, he is the definitive Silver Fox – the fox that rules over other foxes with an all-knowing, iron fist-type leadership that throws all other Silver Foxes into the background.
The Instrument List. Obsessing over musicians is a natural part of any teenage girls life, but it’s usually the frontmen. Very occasionally will there be a cult following of an attractive drummer; it’s just in nature to fancy the singer. Drummers are usually stereotyped as the fat guys who don’t manage to pull, the bassists are usually the idiots who gave up learning how to play the guitar and settled with bass. Guitarists are usually the mystical, self contained, quiet ones, and frontmen are usually always the attractive, arrogant, self righteous one of the bunch. That Charming Man took to the streets of London to research who is the most attractive member of today’s stars. We showed members of the public pictures of Lower Than Atlantis, Don Broco and
Don Broco, and Mallory Knox, keeping each band members instrument orientation anonymous. With each poll taking an hour, and asking every type of audience from 14 year old females to 35 year old businessmen. The results are as follows:
Lower Than Atlantis; Most girls already have an obsession with frontman ‘Mike Duce’, so asking certain audiences is already biased. Mike Duce (Frontman) – 40% of London found him the most attractive. Ben Sansom (Guitar) – 23% of London found him the most attractive. Dec Hart (Bass) – 16% of London found him the most attractive.
Eddy Thrower (Drums) – 21% Mallory Knox;
of London found him the most Following in the footsteps of the two attractive. prior bands, these guys are the next best thing. Mikey Chapman (Frontman) – Don Broco; Similar to Lower Than Atlantis, 14% of London found him the most these guys have made a huge attractive. name for themselves with their Joe Savins (Guitar) – 10% image helping that following grow. of London found him the most Rob Damiani (Frontman) attractive. -48% of London found him the Sam Douglas (Bass) – 26% most attractive. of London found him the most Matt Donnelly (Drums) – 12% attractive. of London found him the most James Gillett (Guitar) – 23% attractive. of London found him the most Simon Delaney (Guitar) – 25% attractive. of London found him the most Dave Rawling (Drums) – 27% attractive. of London found him the most Tom Doyle (Bass) – 15% attractive. of London found him the most attractive. Tom Doyle (Bass) – 15% of London found him the most WORDS BY JOE KENNEDY attractive.
% 6 1
23
%
21%
40
%
With Lower Than Atlantis and Don Broco being the more famous of the three, obviously the more we asked, the more biased they were towards Mike Duce & Rob Damiani. What astounds us is that with Mallory Knox, the biggest percentage went to Dave Rawling (Drums), purely on looks alone and not his occupation within the band. Unfortunately with the poll, it does show singers to come out on top over all. However, if this increase in sexy drummers continues, we could see a surge of fan girls running away from the singers, and into the arms of the drummer. What a great time to be able to play drums.
12%
48%
25%
15%
14% % 10% 26
27%
23%
miss may i
THE HAUNT, BRIGHTON - 18TH MARCH 2013 DEATH REMAINS, HEART IN HAND
The seaside town of Brighton, along the coast of East Sussex, had metal rockers Miss May I in town; they were playing the cramped looking Haunt. Fans patiently waited outside the small venue to be let in, despite the weather they were in good spirits. No amount of rain was going to hinder the excitement they were feeling. When doors opened at 7pm, the over hyped kids ran in to watch the first support. Death Remains, from London, took to the small confined space with courage. Looking as though they had dressed in the dark, these bunch of lads caused instant carnage. The mosh pits were below par, but you couldn’t fault the commitment. The guitarist and bassists hair was so long it was surprising they could see what they were doing. All in all, Death Remains were nothing special. The next support act, Heart in Hand, simply bored me to tears. Everything about them just made me angry; from the lead singers ridiculous tattoos and his whiny, screaming voice. There was nothing for me to enjoy. Oli Skyes wants his look back. Bring Me The Horizon want their line-up back. Everything about them screamed ‘fake’. ‘We’re Heart in Hand from sunny Bournemouth’ shouted the lead singer, making me happy. They had no star quality until; finally, their set came to an end. It took to the last song, ‘Nonetheless’, to impress me.
LEVI BENTON
As the stage was being cleared and rearranged for Miss May I you could sense the turnout wasn’t that great. Levi Benton (vocalist) would no doubt be able to cause total destruction within seconds. As the band finally took to the stage, carnage soon followed. Opening with ‘Hey Mister’ the band showed a clear indication of where this night was going; mosh pit central. Mayhem ensued as soon as the curly-haired vocalist opened his mouth. The crowd really got involved, singing, clapping, throwing their fists in the air, creating utter chaos through careless stage diving. The band’s performance was perfect, they played a set that any fan would have drooled over. New songs mixed with old was a wise decision, no one was left disappointed. They gave a knockout performance, showing that in a year or so they would be more than ready to headline shows at venues such as the infamous Camden Underworld. The potential of Miss May I is inevitable. The rockers got a taste of what young fans from a seaside town would bring. I got the chance to catch up with Levi after the show and was eager to hear how he felt, ‘I was surprised by how awesome the crowd was’, he told me, the happiness clear in his voice. Being from a town not far from Brighton it made me proud, proud of the area I was born. All in all it was a night of pure madness. Miss May I definitely got a glimpse of how the teens of the UK have fun. WORDS BY KIRSTIE SOUTHCOTT PHOTO BY JAKE OWENS
Despite the depressing weather outside hundreds of heavy metal fans flock to Camden in the pouring rain to catch the return of Welsh rock legends Bullet for My Valentine. London’s Roundhouse is the last UK venue they’ll tackle on their first full-length tour of latest album ‘Temper Temper’. You know what they say, save the best to last. Leaving the pyrotechnics behind this time, but bringing along two stunning US support bands, Miss May I and Halestorm, the night to come looks promising. Ohio-based Miss May I take to the stage exactly on time, opening with their biggest hit ‘Relentless Chaos’ they go down a treat, showing the crowd just how new metalcore is done with a banger from the new album ‘Day by Day’. Vocalist, Levi Benton, leaps around stage with enough energy for the whole band, his Slash-esque curls bouncing along hypnotically with every headbang. Fronted by the glamorous but terrifyingly badass Lzzy Hale, Halestorm are up next. Haleing from Pennsylvania with a Grammy Award behind them already and a tour back catalogue bigger than the English Dictionary these guys surely do know how to put on a rock show. With piercing vocals, illustrated effortlessly in new single ‘I Miss The Misery’, smashing drum solos from crazy redhead Arejay, and enough genuine rock and roll spirit to fill the whole venue in a second, they definitely don’t disappoint. Remember when Matt Tuck cut off those beautiful long locks? It was possibly one of 2013’s most shocking moments, and I’m not even kidding.
I nearly had a heart attack. I was convinced his hair was producing all of his talent, which must be why the band are always on top form whenever they step out on stage. Well, I was wrong. Bullet for my Valentine still cling to that special musical gift that they had back in 1998. Tonight was the first time seeing the new do in the flesh, but don’t worry girls, it’s safe to say that even without his luscious hair Matt Tuck is still a god. Fit with his favourite cut off denim jacket and trusty black vest and his spot on the ‘charming’ list is well and truly secure.
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE CAMDEN ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON - 17TH MARCH 2013 HALESTORM, MISS MAY I
Old and new fans are kept happy with the perfect set list; Bullet don’t shy away from the negatively received new songs but keep it interesting with some dusty oldies from their very first album ‘The Poison’ (released eight years ago, how times flies). Padge (lead guitar) demonstrates insane guitar skills at every chance he gets in between breaks keeping the crowd pleasantly fixated until Jay James’ (bass) beautiful arms return to the stage and Lzzy Hale’s guest vocals on newly improved live duet ‘Dirty Little Secret’ make all the ladies die with jealousy. As Matt Tuck recently told Rocksound, “there will come a day when Maiden and Metallica won’t be topping bills anymore, and whilst that’s a sad thing for rock music, there has to be a next generation”, without a doubt, Bullet For My Valentine are the next in line, chasing their way right to the very top. Their performance tonight did everything to prove they’ve earned it. WORDS: EMILY REED PHOTO BY JAKE OWENS
MATT TUCK