Search

Def Con Dos recently  touched down in Valencia to perform at the 16 Toneladas. A band more commonly known for headline festival slots and large venues - a night of music intensity was guaranteed in the snug surroundings of one of the best clubs in Valencia.   I might be a little biased, because the band have become friends of mine over the last couple of years - but you cannot ignore the fact that they are still one of Spains best Hip Hop / Rap Metal bands. Formed in 1988 by Cesar Strawberry (frontman of the band) they are Spains answer to the Beastie Boys - hard guitar riffs (Alberto Marin), looped samples, deep baselines (J. Al Andalusia) and funky hard drums (Kiki Tornado), fused with the voices of Cesar Strawberry, Sagan Ummo and Samuel Barranco make for an unforgettable sound.    Their songs focus on Spanish folklaw, Pop culture, Politics, news and current affairs - often offensive, always complex with plenty of humour thrown in. Cesar spent two year in jail because of his views and words, a band which stands by its beliefs.    So, back to the concert - tickets sold out months ago, 16 Toneladas was a heaving mass of partygoers, eagerly awaiting for the band to take the stage. When they did, the club erupted!    The next 90 minutes flew by in a blur of back to back Def Con Dos classics with crowd surfing, beer spraying and hardcore partying at its finest! Mara Gilbert from Strawberry Hardcore made a guest appearance for “A.M.V” and “Ellas Denunciaron) “El Did De La Bestia” from the movie of the same title is always a crowd pleaser - in fact every song that the band played pleased the crowd!    I hung out with band afterwards and what makes them special for me is that they are super nice, down to earth and genuinely cool people. There are no offstage ego’s in Def Con Dos - just a mutual respect for each other and a band I am proud to not only have photographed a lot, but one who have become friends. words & photos: Rhyan Paul

“Thin Lizzy” and “Grand Slam” are bands that everyone knows. The man behind both was Phil Lynott, who died far too young. I recently sat down with Laurence Archer - who not only played guitar in both bands but also co-wrote many of the songs with Phil Lynott.   Born in the UK in 1961, one of Archers first bands was “Lautrec” with his stepfather, before moving on to perform in and write for “Wild Horses”, “Stampede”, UFO and later X-UFO. He has lived with Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), toured with “Saxon” on the original “Wheels Of Steel” tour, worked worldwide in the film industry and is now back with the second coming of “Grand Slam”     Laurence, you have been associated with many bands over the years – Wild Horses, Stampede, UFO, Grand Slam and probably most notably – Thin Lizzy.   Yes, “Think Lizzy” and “Grand Slam” is who most people associate me, but also UFO and now the new “Grand Slam”. Over the years I have been in many bands and back in the early days we supported “Saxon” on the “Wheels Of Steel” tour. That band never had a proper record deal, but we had great management and put out independent releases -  that was back in 1979 / 1980. That was my starting block for the future.     How did you meet Phil Lynott and become part of “Thin Lizzy”   I met Phil because just before the “Stampede” era I played with a band called “Wild Horses”.  Jimmy Bain, who was the bass player from “The Wild Horses” and “Rainbow” asked me cover for Brian Robinson who had left the band, which was also managed by the same management company as Thin Lizzy.  Phil came to see three of shows that we did with “Wild Horses” one gig at the old marquee Phil got up on stage with and that’s really where I got to know him. He immediately asked me to come down to the studio where they were recording “China Town”.   I spent time in the studio with him, just playing and that's when Lizzie management approached me and said Phil wanted me to be the next “Thin Lizzy” guitarist.  Every project I have ever been involved in, I have been a major part of the writing, production and arrangement.   From an early age I have loved being in the studio – so it wasn’t long before I was writing and getting involved in the production with Phil as well.   The first time I played with “Thin Lizzy” was in Ireland, being a young man – everything blew me away! I was in awe of Phil and the whole entourage as well.  For me it was a new thing, it was almost an out of body experience! It was great fun, and we had a great connection because he saw my vision as a writer, rather than just a guitar player. That come through even more as I wrote a lot of the material for “Grand Slam”   We would spend days in the studio he had in his back garden, sitting there for hours writing, re-writing until we were happy with it, we would rehearse it and then go out and play it live. Out of all of it, my best memory of that time is my writing connection with Phil.     Then came “Grand Slam” – tell me about that.   There was a gap between “Thin Lizzy” ending and “Grand Slam” starting. At the time Phil had a solo project he was working on, when John Sykes went off to join “Whitesnake” Phil called me and said let’s do this new project (Grand Slam) together. We immediately went into the studio and start writing and rehearsing, then came lots of recording and I moved to Dublin for 6 months and I lived in Phils house with Phil and his mum in Hove. We were using the village hall in this tiny fishing village to rehearse and hone the set.   After that we did 6 or 7 shows around Ireland as “Grand Slam” We didn’t know what to expect when we got to the venues, but when we got there it was crazy! We couldn’t get into the venue ourselves because there would be 2 or 3 thousand people outside trying to get in!  This is when I first realised “Grand Slam” could be a really big thing, the response was incredible. I will never forget those days of because of it, Ireland will always be a very special place for me.   I still find it very emotional to think about Phils death. Just before he died, I went to America to record some songs for the “Grand Slam” project and Huey Lewis was going to produce it so. I ended up in America with “Huey Lewis and The News” doing the arrangements. Phil at that time didn't have a current passport and because of the convictions he had with being caught with drugs he couldn't get a visa to come over. I ended up spending some time playing with Huey and then Phil eventually did come over on an out of date an Irish passport. I still don’t know to this day how it did it!   This is the first time I really realised that Phil was not in a good way – he was smoking heavily, his voice wasn’t in good shape, he was coughing and overweight, still using drugs. We tried to record a track, but it didn’t really work out. Phil wasn’t in great shape and his voice just wasn’t working.   We came back to England and I went to the management company and I said “I really don’t want these tracks to be released” and I discussed having another project whilst we assessed how Phil was progressing. However, the management company used the songs to get a solo artist recording deal for Phil and recorded the track “19” which I co-wrote. I wasn’t very happy with that.   Then I am getting a telephone call from Jimmy Baine saying he cannot get into Phils house - he had gone there for Christmas, along with Phils ex-wife and children. This is when Phil was found unconscious in his bed. That was late December 1986. Then shortly afterwards he died in hospital – he had overdosed, and his body just started shutting down.   At that age, I wasn’t used to losing friends, it was a really hard to comprehend.     Jumping forwards 30 years to 2016 – you and Mark announced you were reforming “Grand Slam”   The story behind that is that the promoter of “Sweden Rock” is a massive “Grand Slam” and “Thin Lizzy” Fan, so he phoned me and Mark up and asked if we would play the festival in 2016.  So we put a band together and it was a fun thing to do, we didn’t really have any plans for it to be a long term thing.  However, it did get me thinking about re-recording the songs I had written with Phil, so that the fans could hear them as we had planned for them to sound. Various people along the way have released bootlegs of our material and labels have released Boxsets, of unfinished material tracks - all of varying quality and not how they should sound.   In 2017 I did a 3G guitar show where I performed with two other guitarists and in my set, I played songs I had written with UFO, Stampede and Grand Slam – and the band I put together to perform it essentially became “Grand Slam”. I had Benji Reid on drums, David Boyce on Bass (the original “Grand Slam” bassist) and Mike Dyer singing. The band sounded good, and the “Grand Slam” material sounded great, so Mike and I went through all the old material new stuff I had written, the band went into the studio, and we recorded the “Hit The Ground” album!   We had no idea what where it is was going as a project and we didn’t have a record deal or management. It was a big investment for us and quite an emotional thing to do – we were all apprehensive that people might accuse us of trying to jump on the “Phil Lynott” bandwagon. Then we got management interest, and a record deal came along – we released the album and things started to progress. In many ways I wished I had called the band something else! We have people wondering is this a retrospective band or is this a new band? This is a new band, and the new album “Wheel of Fortune” has only one track that we wrote when Phil was alive.   The “Wheel of Fortune” Album has been a fantastic project so far.  Rocky Newton has replaced David Boyce on Bass – me and Rocky have crossed paths in many bands and worked together in X-UFO.  We wrote the songs here in Spain and have produced and most of the music videos for the individual tracks here as well.   As a band we have a great relationship and strong friendship - we all get on really well, there are no egos in “Grand Slam” One thing that was really important for me from the start was that I wanted all the band members to be on the same wavelength, to get along and be happy with what we are doing together.  We all have out strange quirks, but the most important thing for us is the music and when we play live it comes across that we are passionate about it, and we all get along together. We recently did a Spain and Portugal tour and the reception was just fantastic, it really cemented us together as a band.   We are all looking forward to 2025, with a concert in Dublin in January then in February we are off on a 25 date European tour, supporting “Saxon” - which we are really looking forwards to. It’s taking us into new territories, so we are hoping it expands the fanbase of the band and introduces us in countries we have not played before.  For me personally its quite special – I toured with them on the original “Wheels Of Steel” tour and to be doing again is really something special.   We are writing new tracks for the new album, recording new videos to support the tracks. We have just released our version of “Whiskey In The Jar” - I never thought I would ever be recording it myself. We did it as a special release to celebrate Phils birthday.  We were worried we were going to get criticized for doing it, but we have had nothing but positive feedback from it, it’s already got 250k views on YouTube!  The record label is going to release it as a limited edition with some special artwork on it – which will be amazing for the hardcore fans.   We will be releasing the new album; we have a charity concert coming up to raise money for victims of the DANA.  2025 is going to be a really busy year, because we still feel we are catching up from the two years everyone lost because of the Covid pandemic.   Aside from “Grand Slam” My solo album from 1986 is being re-released with some bonus tracks and new material. That’s being released on a record label in Japan, because in 1986 it went to number one in Japan and number five on the import charts in the UK.   Yeah - the music industry is “do or Die” and that’s what we are doing, putting our heart and soul into it and giving it our everything!!  I’m not into star signs, but I am hoping 2025 is the “Year of the Archer”! Interview & photo: Rhyan Paul

Supergeroup OFF! recently played at Primavera in Benidorm and did not disappoint! Photos by: Rhyan Paul

On Monday 7th April, The Horrors will play at Sala Moon in Valenica. A long awaited gig and part of the ir sellout tour of Spain- this is one not to be missed! It's almost a nice inside joke that The Horrors, a band that has made darkness their natural habitat, decide to title Night Life's new album. At this point, after almost two decades touring the darkest corners of rock, punk and synth-pop, that Faris Badwan and company have chosen that title is practically as if they were releasing an album of the same name. And it is that The Horrors have done nothing but flee the daylight at the same time that they escaped comparisons with illustrious darm like The Birthday Party, Bauhaus or The Cure. Disc by disc, they have been able to devise their own dark color palette. The Horrors will feature both Night Life and their new line-up (key player Amelia Kidd and drummer Jordan Cook have joined Rhys Webb, Joshua Hayward and Badwan himself). For tickets and more information: 16 Toneladas

Lady Gaga, 14 times winner of the Grammy Award, announces her tour "The MAYHEM Ball", with dates in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom this year, in which she will present her new album, MAYHEM, which received great recognition from critics and fans after its release and debuted at number 1 on Billboard 200. Seven years after her last visit to our country, Lady Gaga will return to the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on October 28 and 29. After her headliner concerts at Coachella 2025, her stadium residencys in Mexico City and Singapore, and her historic free concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Gaga will start The MAYHEM Ball tour on July 16 in Las Vegas, at the T-Mobile Arena. With multiple nights in Seattle, New York, Miami, Toronto, Chicago, London, Stockholm, Milan, Barcelona or Berlin among others, this tour marks its first series of concerts in North America and Europe/United Kingdom since its iconic Chromatica Ball Tour in 2022. "This is my first arena tour since 2018," Gaga said. "There's something electric in a stadium, and I love every moment of those shows. But with The MAYHEM Ball, I wanted to create a different experience: something more intimate, closer, more connected, that lends itself to the live theatrical art that I love to create." TICKETS Tickets on sale: on 3/04/25 at 12h on www.livenation.es Prices: from 55€ (+ distribution costs)

Brilla Torrevieja announces one of the most anticipated concerts of its fifth edition: Camilo, the acclaimed Colombian artist, will be in charge of inaugurating his long-awaited tour of the festival, with a unique date in Alicante and Murcia. The appointment will be on August 13 at Antonio Soria Park, promising an unforgettable night full of emotions. With a meteoric career that has consolidated him as one of the most influential figures of Latin music worldwide, Camilo has conquered stages from all over the planet with his authenticity, emotional lyrics and his characteristic fresh and fused sound. Winner of multiple Latin Grammy awards, the Colombian artist arrives at Brilla Torrevieja in the best moment of his career, after having filled stadiums in America, Europe and Latin America. Camilo's concert at Brilla Torrevieja will not only mark the beginning of his tour in Spain, but it will also be one of the most anticipated events of the summer. The magic of his songs, combined with a spectacular staging, will make this show become a unique experience for attendees. TICKETS FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE CONCERT WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM: BRILLATORREVIEJA.COM

THE MONSTERS + KAMIKAZE HELMETS + INDISPUESTAS Viernes 21 Marzo 202520:00h (puertas) / 20:30h (concierto) Entrada anticipada 18 €(+gg)  ( mutick.com ); 23€ taquilla. (Venta en taquilla sujeta a disponibilidad

British singer-songwriter James Arthur announces The Pisces World Tour, the tour to promote his latest album, "Pisces." As part of his extensive tour across Europe and the UK, which begins next fall, the artist will perform on November 18 at the Movistar Arena in Madrid. James Arthur rose to fame in 2012 after winning the UK edition of X Factor. Since then, he has released several studio albums, garnering millions of streams worldwide. His debut album reached number 1 in the UK in 2016 and went multi-platinum in numerous other countries. Additionally, songs like "Impossible" and "Can I Be Him" ​​have reached the Top 3 of the UK charts. In 2023, the single "Say You Won't Let Go" achieved Diamond status in the United States, making James Arthur one of the iconic artists in history to receive an RIAA Diamond Single certification. Now, the British composer returns with his new work, "Pisces," which will be released on April 25th and which he will perform live on The Pisces World Tour. Tickets availbel from Livenation.es and El Corte Ingles.

The British band led by Justin Young, arrives in Valencia, with the energy of their live, overwhelming guitar riffs and powerful choruses, which will ignite the stage and all of us, as only they know how to do. Other bands already confirmed include: Teenage Fanclub, Death in Vegas, Anna Of The North, Deadletter, Mr Sanchez and Faixa. Deleste Festival 17 & 18 May, Jardins de Vivers, Valencia For more information: https://delestefestival.com

Taylor Acorn a “Hometown” Show To Remember! On Friday the 13th at Lovedraft’s Brewing Company in the heart of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Headways local to the area took the stage to open the night for Taylor Acorn . The room was filled with fans of all ages, but that didn’t stop Headways as they took the stage playing “The Cut Up”. Despite this being the first time for many that didn’t stop the band, as they have an enormous stage presence. They finished out their set with “Ghost”, and the crowd was engaged more than ever. As the switchover began for Taylor Acorn to take the stage, many fans were exchanging posters and bracelets. As the lights dimmed, and music came to a halt Taylor Acorn came running up onto the stage ready to give it all she had. Going right into “Final Nail” the crowd sang along to every word. This show was what she called more of a hometown show to her seeing as she is from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. By the time she started singing her song “High Horse” nearly every fan in the room was holding up a sign that stated, “We Are So Proud Of You”. Truly a moment everyone in that room will never forget, as many young fans in the front reached out to grab her hand. By the set, many young girls were crowd surfing having the time of their lives. The venue’s staff ensured each person was safe. Many went up several times with smiles on their faces. Going right into her well-known song “Coma” in which she sings along with Cassadee Pope on her album. She mentioned this being one of her favorite songs to sing with her friend. One thing is for sure Taylor knows how to work the stage and keep the crowd engaged. As there was never a dull moment. She went right in and began singing two songs on acoustic guitar. After pausing she invited two fans up onstage. To everyone’s surprise, they were about to witness a proposal. The entire room cheered, and the two fans exchanging hugs walked off stage. She went into her last three songs for the evening, and as soon as her well-known song “Greener” began playing everyone was singing along to every lyric. Wrapping up her set with “Psycho” fans were begging for another song. Everyone in that room enjoyed this show.   Set List: Final Nail I Think I’m In Love Sticking Around High Horse Coma Wishing You Hell Nervous System In My Head   Acoustic People Watching Birds Still Sing   Certified Depressant Greener Shapeshifting Psycho Reviews & Photos: Ashley Pineyro

On October 4th, Koma performed at Festador Festival. Photos by: Rhyan Paul

Pirata La Mancha 2024, held on 31 August in Alcázar de San Juan, Castilla-La Mancha, marked a triumphant debut for the festival in the region. Drawing over 5,500 attendees, the event showcased a stellar lineup of punk and rock bands, delivering an unforgettable night of music and community spirit. The festival’s lineup featured some of Spain’s most iconic punk and rock acts: El Drogas : Celebrating his 65th birthday, the former Barricada frontman delivered a powerful performance, resonating with fans old and new.  Soziedad Alkoholika : The hardcore punk band from Vitoria-Gasteiz energized the crowd with tracks from their latest album, Confrontación.  Boikot : Known for their fusion of punk rock with Balkan influences, they kept the audience dancing throughout their set. Reincidentes : With nearly four decades in the music scene, their performance was a testament to their enduring appeal.  Narco : The Sevillian rap-metal band turned the venue into a high-energy party, delivering fan favorites with intensity.  Local talents The Gagarins and Hermana Morfina opened the festival, showcasing the region’s musical prowess. The night concluded with a dynamic DJ set by Plan B, keeping the energy alive until dawn.  Held at the Plaza Joven within the Alcázar de San Juan fairgrounds, the festival provided a spacious and accessible venue for attendees. The event was organized by Black Lotus , led by local promoter Jesús “Duke” Abengózar , who expressed pride in bringing the festival to his hometown.  The festival’s success was further amplified by its role in kickstarting the city’s Feria y Fiestas 2024, setting a high bar for the subsequent celebrations.  Pirata La Mancha 2024 delivered an electrifying blend of music, culture, and community spirit. With its successful debut in Alcázar de San Juan, the festival has firmly established itself as a must-attend event in Spain’s summer music calendar. Fans eagerly anticipate its return in the coming years. For more information on future events: Pirata Words and photos: Rhyan Paul