ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: THE WEDDING PRESENT

I've been going to see The Wedding Pesent play live since 1986 and this is one of the best gigs I've seen them play. A nice taster for the 'Seamonsters' tour next year. I got talking to some bloke from 'XYZ Magazine' and he got a hold of me at the end of  the night. I gave him a 'soundbite' and a photo that probably won't make it into the magazine. Afterwards I was delighted to head off to the after show party (as the 'official WeddingPresent cartoonist' I have certain privileges!! - thanks David & Jessica for inviting me) which rounded off a spectacular day rather nicely.

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: BADLY DRAWN BOY

Self-deprecatingly entertaining. I'd not seen Mr Gough since he won the Mercury Music Prize all those years ago. Bitter about his fortunes these days? Maybe. Top bloke? Definitely. 

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: PINKY PIGLETS

This Japanese group nearly stole the show. Great rock 'n' roll attitude ('Make some fuckin' noise!!!!') and they performed a very nice cover of 'Kennedy' too.

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: THE STARS DOWN TO EARTH

Only got a couple of pics of these. Kind of reminded me of Los Campesinos (maybe it was the xylophone?!) but another great performance. Pepe Le Moko is soooo cool!

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: SUMMER CAMP

OMG! This pair held me transfixed. I said to Jessica that they sounded like 'Shelleyan Orphan' (for those of you old enough to remember that band) and having Elizabeth leave the stage to sing right in people's faces (including mine!) was wonderful. I checked them out on their MySpace page and was a bit disappointed to discover the 'electronic' sound of their records. I REALLY hope they release their stuff acoustically at some point as their You Tube acoustic stuff is amazing - no need for effects on the voclas - I love them!

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: SILVERMASH

Very 'shoegazer' sound from this lot, but very enjoyable. They kicked off with a Wedding Present song, but I can't remember which one!

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: PRECIOUS FEW

After a wonderful version of 'I'm From Further North Than You' I was kept captivated by this German duo.

ATEOTS AUGUST 2011: CINERAMA

An brilliant start to a brilliant day. 'Hard, Fast and Beautiful' had me on the verge of tears - such a beautiful song...

The Wedding Present - new book!

A new book that I've been heavily involved in (mainly illustration and design) will be available from Lulu in April. It contains 16 stories inspired by Wedding Present song titles, written by many talented young authors and illustrated by yours truly.