tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42203403895681484262024-03-13T08:26:00.370-07:00New DistractionsNEW DISTRACTIONS - original Distractions, Mike Finney & Alex Sidebottom, plus Joe, Chris & Jonny, 2017-2020granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-22959523172209254382020-06-18T05:14:00.002-07:002020-06-18T05:14:50.568-07:00New Distractions <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">NEW DISTRACTIONS</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mike Finney and Alex Sidebottom are joined by live band members, Joe, Chris and Jonny, in a new band: New Distractions</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following the third and final album by The Distractions (Kindly Leave The Stage, 2017) and the triumphant reissue of Nobody's Perfect, the gigging band of the last 4 years are starting a new chapter with new tracks (though classic Distractions tracks will never be far from setlists). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
New Distractions will release a charity single on Friday 19th June 2020 in support of the COVID-19 Community Response in Manchester. In the tradition of songs about girls, <b>'Juliet' </b>/<b> 'Stacey' </b>are 2019 studio recordings by New Distractions, and will be available to download on 19th June 2020 with proceeds to the charity. Further details to follow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VZYsYQ4Vl4pqKbT-uxFBfCDvbCYCRZjF06xVtx4V9DJTcutSRTWnLfpP1wjZHsMvUUKrPPAqTGjmQdqPS3uzU8xa8By__pE_Yabk3l1neWLehTGIaF-hHgMC4z3zYYNFnQdMIT_w4nI/s1600/Vrehon+V3+-+Copy_Trim+%25282%2529.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VZYsYQ4Vl4pqKbT-uxFBfCDvbCYCRZjF06xVtx4V9DJTcutSRTWnLfpP1wjZHsMvUUKrPPAqTGjmQdqPS3uzU8xa8By__pE_Yabk3l1neWLehTGIaF-hHgMC4z3zYYNFnQdMIT_w4nI/s1600/Vrehon+V3+-+Copy_Trim+%25282%2529.mp4" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-27400127856839774972020-02-03T05:33:00.001-08:002020-02-03T05:33:40.628-08:00Stage times for the Pete Shelley Memorial Campaign gig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHjADve3xxxZd-RhTB1CfE-01zZvUyL_sRRVSlSIMBuu_nYBs4islVSIBKzk-tr9LxdK07YUbByjedm_UOSndZLcTQaanygKECDoAA90Tp5aQ3U9iKZZ9Al955Ahy1ROFHumsrLXvrrs/s1600/download.jpeg-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHjADve3xxxZd-RhTB1CfE-01zZvUyL_sRRVSlSIMBuu_nYBs4islVSIBKzk-tr9LxdK07YUbByjedm_UOSndZLcTQaanygKECDoAA90Tp5aQ3U9iKZZ9Al955Ahy1ROFHumsrLXvrrs/s320/download.jpeg-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These are the approximate stage times for the Pete Shelley Memorial Gig at St Joseph's Hall in Leigh on Saturday 15th February (tickets selling fast <b><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-distractions-the-drones-benefit-state-fast-cars-and-notsensibles-tickets-83424945257">here</a></b>): </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6pm - Benefit State</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7pm - The Notsensibles</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>8pm - The Distractions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9pm - Fast Cars</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10pm - The Drones</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Compere - Simon Williams </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXfvLs86ccWT_bOvh_lBRVh9fzdYr0TKocIoBqn_FzFb-cB8qij-WF7AVY9Yut0OL4zCh47Td-9BRCXz7zu3AbnJvQpmEtlb7LsU7IumptWtKHOQJbABZDkc6DuB1mu0OAClFFyaUGQ/s1600/download.jpeg-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="208" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXfvLs86ccWT_bOvh_lBRVh9fzdYr0TKocIoBqn_FzFb-cB8qij-WF7AVY9Yut0OL4zCh47Td-9BRCXz7zu3AbnJvQpmEtlb7LsU7IumptWtKHOQJbABZDkc6DuB1mu0OAClFFyaUGQ/s320/download.jpeg-2.jpg" style="opacity: 1;" width="275" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-82489840924961818462020-02-03T05:01:00.000-08:002020-02-03T05:39:27.380-08:00Pre-order the Nobody's Perfect 2CD & LP reissues now<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="https://www.occultation.co.uk/Occultation_Space/Releases/YMIR7E4070/Orders/np2020_details.html">Occultation Recordings</a></b> are thrilled to be taking pre-orders of the Nobody's Perfect 40th anniversary double CD and LP reissue that is being released officially on 20th March 2020 in conjunction with Man In The Moon Records.<br />
<br />
Pre-ordering now means that your order will be sent to you as soon as they are received from the manufacturers, several weeks before the official release date. As a thank you for your support (and patience), initial copies ordered from Occultation will come with extra content:<br />
<br />
- Initial CD orders will come with an exclusive limited 5" laminated art print with a hot-foil effect.<br />
- Initial LP orders will include the 5" print plus a poster.<br />
- All orders come with an immediate download of the 14 tracks administered by Occultation (standalone download available at <b><a href="https://thedistractionsmcr.bandcamp.com/album/nobodys-perfect-2020-40th-anniversary-expanded-reissue">Bandcamp</a></b>).<br />
<br />
<b>Order Nobody's Perfect from Occultation <a href="https://www.occultation.co.uk/Occultation_Space/Releases/YMIR7E4070/Orders/np2020_details.html">HERE</a></b>. You can also pick up previous LPs and CDs in bundles that save you a fair bit.<br />
<br />
Our friends at <b><a href="https://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/the-distractions-nobodys-perfect-2020-two-cd-deluxe-reissue-and-vinyl/">SuperDeluxeEdition</a></b> are also offering similar, exclusive deals on this set as well as the other Distractions albums.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xDcgtaMp2Z2Wrha34IDo8B-f6HDWlcBnaedfLYD50hwySawObAbtPH4sQI-vDGmZtgCjC7R4rENGLBn9eR_NmzrAcg0vx7YmGy-BxXpZQoCVMOTw1Qaz1n6N1Slv8T6YSYCH_U1UuBs/s1600/Screenshot_20200203-125715_Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1040" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xDcgtaMp2Z2Wrha34IDo8B-f6HDWlcBnaedfLYD50hwySawObAbtPH4sQI-vDGmZtgCjC7R4rENGLBn9eR_NmzrAcg0vx7YmGy-BxXpZQoCVMOTw1Qaz1n6N1Slv8T6YSYCH_U1UuBs/s320/Screenshot_20200203-125715_Twitter.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Track listing for the 2CD and LP versions are as follows:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CD1: "Nobody’s Perfect”, 1979-81</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Waiting For Lorraine</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Something for the Weekend</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Boys cry (when no one can see them)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Sick and tired</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Leave you to dream</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Louise</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Paracetamol Paralysis</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. (Stuck in a) Fantasy</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Nothing</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Wonder Girl</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. Still it doesn't ring</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. Untitled</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Looking for a Ghost</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
14. Valerie</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
15. It doesn’t bother me</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
16. One Way Love</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
17. Something for the Weekend</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What’s the use?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
19.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Twenty-Four Hours</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
20.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ghost of a Chance</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
21.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Love is not for me</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
22. Leave me</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CD2: "Ride Your Ideas Ragged”, 1978-80</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Pillow Fight</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Sick and tired</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Still it doesn’t ring</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Valerie</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Doesn’t bother me</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Nothing</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Maybe it’s Love</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Too Young</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Time goes by so slow</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Pillow Fight</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. It doesn’t bother me</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. One Way Love</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Waiting For Lorraine</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
14. Something for the Weekend</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
15. Boys cry (when no one can see them)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
16. Sick and tired</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
17. Leave you to dream</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18. Louise</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
19. Paracetamol Paralysis</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
20. (Stuck in a) Fantasy</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
21. Nothing</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
22. Wonder Girl</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
23. Still it doesn't ring</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
24. Untitled</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
25. Looking for a Ghost</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
26. Valerie</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>LP: Nobody's Perfect 2020 remix </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The LP version features CD2 tracks 13-26, i.e. the remixed version of the album.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-22066181604658169012019-12-23T04:53:00.000-08:002019-12-23T05:00:18.692-08:00Back with Buzzcocks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObSv7UShtl_799WVItSjiUDt_NJA44qtKjiDlIB8DMVzFwOtp8yBFdpi_ALHyXzIE4Fuog-m6vb_MXqtmTOYpXBqrWwv2_a7wsg6epCwj7SGDubnYzZH3y6thpO1WVjOm996WBTS3-JQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1577103691384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObSv7UShtl_799WVItSjiUDt_NJA44qtKjiDlIB8DMVzFwOtp8yBFdpi_ALHyXzIE4Fuog-m6vb_MXqtmTOYpXBqrWwv2_a7wsg6epCwj7SGDubnYzZH3y6thpO1WVjOm996WBTS3-JQ/s320/FB_IMG_1577103691384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Last weekend, on Saturday 14th December, <b>The Distractions</b> opened for Steve Diggle's <b>Buzzcocks</b> at 53 Degrees in Preston, rekindling a relationship between the two bands that goes back four decades.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64ryERu8WCArVsY1d4LMPQu4xXBYDUZWP0VjSpJID5KR-e1QfKKTsijRVhmNbuNa8tMfjw_5jdGsQ4LzQ7y4dFoSWCy5TT2sDIoMJXvBdIPMJimi1tOSZU_yqdA9ktncwwlE8lT5nkoQ/s1600/IMG_20191223_122224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64ryERu8WCArVsY1d4LMPQu4xXBYDUZWP0VjSpJID5KR-e1QfKKTsijRVhmNbuNa8tMfjw_5jdGsQ4LzQ7y4dFoSWCy5TT2sDIoMJXvBdIPMJimi1tOSZU_yqdA9ktncwwlE8lT5nkoQ/s320/IMG_20191223_122224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Gary M Hough Photography.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In an appreciative audience, that grew throughout a short but powerful support set, were a few expert photographers who've kindly provided some wonderful shots of the band.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTow2UeCDm_CH0ULUyuLc7tircNWbNRqM3t9FoXizHrSuwXn29stN3jV8VIqJxdDV18mhdP5v73UEDdKc211SMI2Ohh4GFWga8D8L97AvzpofzV_QGW3OgF8lzGow6pHWrikFcUd4JN8/s1600/IMG_20191223_122229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1080" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTow2UeCDm_CH0ULUyuLc7tircNWbNRqM3t9FoXizHrSuwXn29stN3jV8VIqJxdDV18mhdP5v73UEDdKc211SMI2Ohh4GFWga8D8L97AvzpofzV_QGW3OgF8lzGow6pHWrikFcUd4JN8/s320/IMG_20191223_122229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Gary M Hough Photography.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The set list was a mix of classics old and new. To whet your whistle for the Nobody's Perfect 2CD and LP reissue, which is less than three months away, here is the set list with the 2CD release details for each track:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. <b><i>Nothing</i></b> (original EP, original LP mix and LP remixed versions)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. <b><i>Waiting For Lorraine</i></b> (original and remix)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. <i><b>Juliet</b></i> (new)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. <b><i>Stacey</i></b> (new)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. <b><i>Time Goes By So Slow</i></b> (remastered 7")</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. <b><i>Time & Time Again</i></b> (new)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. <b><i>Stuck in a Fantasy</i></b> (original and remix)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8.<b><i> It Doesn't Bother Me</i></b> (original EP, original LP and remix)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCj3EbQe2TLSq0_cqQNARfLjHZ2iLgWuAqD0HOfLbGNo7P4ajY0BzSjGpV9dXtVnxVS5OrrnNvWGHSzk9f8aV-xncaAOaVYucQjAc1Q9svsQcLDKlJ0e4GA97FgVmpBt25JfY7FirWnM/s1600/IMG_20191223_122227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCj3EbQe2TLSq0_cqQNARfLjHZ2iLgWuAqD0HOfLbGNo7P4ajY0BzSjGpV9dXtVnxVS5OrrnNvWGHSzk9f8aV-xncaAOaVYucQjAc1Q9svsQcLDKlJ0e4GA97FgVmpBt25JfY7FirWnM/s320/IMG_20191223_122227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Gary M Hough Photography.</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tracks 3, 4 and 6 - already live favourites slotting seamlessly amongst late '70s classics - have already been recorded and mastered in the studio and are planned to be released in 2020.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyggaT9rsIUZRu30h9oOeVgtjhmwoHOLAJnyXmd68jLTf5dkVh9VkWoRptwdyV7m6a7JYgI0O80eDGCAIj3Sk7oHOsYIs8CYTTOoRXfirQEXYs3qLKbLD1NqUYe-rcA3EsRjw18e_cUmU/s1600/FB_IMG_1577104071082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyggaT9rsIUZRu30h9oOeVgtjhmwoHOLAJnyXmd68jLTf5dkVh9VkWoRptwdyV7m6a7JYgI0O80eDGCAIj3Sk7oHOsYIs8CYTTOoRXfirQEXYs3qLKbLD1NqUYe-rcA3EsRjw18e_cUmU/s320/FB_IMG_1577104071082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Steve White.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The band mingled with fans afterwards, while email addresses were collected for the first of two competitions to win signed Nobody's Perfect 2CD sets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mOkh9SII0Uu12hKuIONnx4RMFPWqr7qUfMf95BH1SAe1sv2hG_lCJkE0SADNG391amjJ4-9UFjlaat8FJl9ct9yGlC3KMAGt76yU32_7GS5dMErPM-8AnuL2JwcoYBV1J4ZNW_QCUQI/s1600/Screenshot_20191223-113849_Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1080" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mOkh9SII0Uu12hKuIONnx4RMFPWqr7qUfMf95BH1SAe1sv2hG_lCJkE0SADNG391amjJ4-9UFjlaat8FJl9ct9yGlC3KMAGt76yU32_7GS5dMErPM-8AnuL2JwcoYBV1J4ZNW_QCUQI/s320/Screenshot_20191223-113849_Twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Mike Glassey.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It was especially nice to meet two new fans - father and son - who stated that The Distractions were the finest support act they'd seen. Cheers chaps! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNAFGfZKCs8stq9H94gmtk52F26MX0PDKes-hhiwotBoDT8A5kLbvgnDBfHIEK5tg1SdpStbe2xb9CTtKaLZ-BAFdgi1t63NySqQZlJLeDI_f99FLV-MjDablRqrPC82b5tflAI5uUKM/s1600/FB_IMG_1577104058878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1078" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNAFGfZKCs8stq9H94gmtk52F26MX0PDKes-hhiwotBoDT8A5kLbvgnDBfHIEK5tg1SdpStbe2xb9CTtKaLZ-BAFdgi1t63NySqQZlJLeDI_f99FLV-MjDablRqrPC82b5tflAI5uUKM/s320/FB_IMG_1577104058878.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Steve White.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Then it was over to Mr Diggle who delivered a storming set; Pete Shelley would have been proud! After the show Steve and Mike found time for a chat and who knows, maybe more Buzzcocks and Distractions shows will follow, maintaining the link that goes back to September 1977? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5o4lJrw-BtPeCirQWl4WsE_2C2KHndtuHTiP_5n1umPzsm5a4Xp1bLYbaHD9pOxAfz4XKd0u7_6Y9GmvCEgTNsQ6Vk5E1r7e6mIJSBX7RzdyCaPrJOoNoaIFVBQOO_zMpqD2ErDOfJM/s1600/Screenshot_20191223-113614_Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5o4lJrw-BtPeCirQWl4WsE_2C2KHndtuHTiP_5n1umPzsm5a4Xp1bLYbaHD9pOxAfz4XKd0u7_6Y9GmvCEgTNsQ6Vk5E1r7e6mIJSBX7RzdyCaPrJOoNoaIFVBQOO_zMpqD2ErDOfJM/s320/Screenshot_20191223-113614_Twitter.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(C) Mike Glassey.</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Don't forget that The Distractions will be playing the Pete Shelley memorial gig in Leigh on 15th February 2020. Get your tickets <b><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-distractions-the-drones-benefit-state-fast-cars-and-notsensibles-tickets-83424945257?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">here</a></b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDtNs8hl-GDznnm-FWsj7ZY-KyXO3wNYlZa1syoVU4Eb8fMlc98rgAQzTosjnaWlelTnnEs_gO64tKmGxErdb1MFw5PPS-dECIQYecw637iWQCslzGaO3W-kVXIL6amBeYqhCTOaFQ3M/s1600/Screenshot_20191215-190729_Samsung+Internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1080" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDtNs8hl-GDznnm-FWsj7ZY-KyXO3wNYlZa1syoVU4Eb8fMlc98rgAQzTosjnaWlelTnnEs_gO64tKmGxErdb1MFw5PPS-dECIQYecw637iWQCslzGaO3W-kVXIL6amBeYqhCTOaFQ3M/s320/Screenshot_20191215-190729_Samsung+Internet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Huge thanks to Gary M Hough Photography, Steve White, and Mike Glassey, for the photos.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-12034519270405450502019-12-09T12:24:00.001-08:002019-12-09T12:29:17.513-08:00The Distractions and Buzzcocks<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are delighted to announce that <b>The Distractions</b> will be opening for old friends <b>Buzzcocks </b>this Saturday 14th December at 53 Degrees in Preston. Doors are from 7pm and we will confirm stage times nearer the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKYVKuKHglgRbswHf3lvmtPwYZHFN9PO8VLs5Ti9hMRTtuac_UvwpJaNnFy53A2cuYSquVbKtXMLtK1HZ-TgiLWQdxtC66yy090wPNo7o7b6tE8uRFtKFxHO1QyZeoabGXl_te6LK0ks/s1600/received_979172032438145.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKYVKuKHglgRbswHf3lvmtPwYZHFN9PO8VLs5Ti9hMRTtuac_UvwpJaNnFy53A2cuYSquVbKtXMLtK1HZ-TgiLWQdxtC66yy090wPNo7o7b6tE8uRFtKFxHO1QyZeoabGXl_te6LK0ks/s400/received_979172032438145.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tickets are available from several online ticket retailers but the promoters suggest Eventim: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/buzzcocks-53-degrees-12339320/">www.eventim.co.uk/event/buzzcocks-53-degrees-12339320/</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
You can also find them here: <a href="https://www.seetickets.com/event/buzzcocks/53-degrees/1444310">www.seetickets.com/event/buzzcocks/53-degrees/1444310</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/buzzcocks-53-degrees-tickets/9952165?REFERRAL_ID=tmfeed">www.ticketweb.uk/event/buzzcocks-53-degrees-tickets/9952165</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvLrjUrzEPIb9TmsPAIKqo_XpoUZKji6kHNw3p_WLh6_t0VVKUMGvpjy82YqZk5Kx-5hw68anlfr5-Hd5BivlseIf_UsT5na-3K-ZBkgRfg8esg35He9veEEugWQEroJtFyBNnFU69zs/s1600/Screenshot_20191209-194105_Gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="998" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvLrjUrzEPIb9TmsPAIKqo_XpoUZKji6kHNw3p_WLh6_t0VVKUMGvpjy82YqZk5Kx-5hw68anlfr5-Hd5BivlseIf_UsT5na-3K-ZBkgRfg8esg35He9veEEugWQEroJtFyBNnFU69zs/s400/Screenshot_20191209-194105_Gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This will be the last date in what's been a pretty busy year for everyone involved with all things Distractions - live shows, in the studio recording new songs, and the Nobody's Perfect reissue. The chance to support Steve Diggle and new band had to be taken, particuarly since passing of Pete Shelley last year. The Distractions will also be supporting the Pete Shelley memorial gig in Leigh next February.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mbZhCkw-2vwcR7ed3HTaZYeRA2FrKy2Ibqbzn6KVfk0w03RcZ8pQASqY9JMj2Jvx9qq2AJAQny9S1GZbc-7lL3lNMyMgEnz09OBvkLB7vMqneg8dEpZ0NIv2kHQHU0ahfPHvLpd9daA/s1600/buzzcocks-1866005088-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mbZhCkw-2vwcR7ed3HTaZYeRA2FrKy2Ibqbzn6KVfk0w03RcZ8pQASqY9JMj2Jvx9qq2AJAQny9S1GZbc-7lL3lNMyMgEnz09OBvkLB7vMqneg8dEpZ0NIv2kHQHU0ahfPHvLpd9daA/s1600/buzzcocks-1866005088-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I am going to raise the mast & set the sails for the next voyage of the good ship,
Buzzcocks" - Steve Diggle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the untimely passing of Pete Shelley in December 2018, Buzzcocks will continue to record and play live shows with founding member, Steve Diggle, taking over vocal duties to front the band. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steve has sung with the band from the very beginning, writing 50 songs, including hits "Promises", "Fast Cards" & "Harmony in my Head". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He will be joined by the long term current line-up of Danny Farrent (drums) & Chris Remmington (bass) performing all the classic Buzzcock hits & more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-75036316221872135492019-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:002019-09-03T14:08:13.264-07:00Power pop meets punk<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">A reminder of a recent local gig, as The Distractions live band gear up for more outings next month, first in York on 18th October then Salford on 25th. By then we should have more definitive news of the Nobody's Perfect reissue which really is shaping up to be something special...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Distractions: The Spinning Top, Stockport – live review</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
30 July 2017 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spinning Top is a pub on the lower side of Wellington Road just down from the train station in Stockport town centre. Bar on the right, stage on the left and the loveliest staff you’re ever likely to meet. It’s standing room only for The Distractions who are playing in the town for the first time since 1979. Nigel Carr reports back for <a href="https://louderthanwar.com/the-distractions-spinning-top-stockport-live-review/"><b><i>Louder Than War</i></b></a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3c0aVvNxzTAMRvrwU0YJRWNMakHgYsBjzbBk4B5MYqkPvQr81nAYZSMrSBcnLcn_8yD6rvJ2Qdl2o4OZ9GAZRsURbtffJ3ocTiodyM6V4K_ZJcF3YrLgwZnHOzdydfaAUDs3ArjRxaQ/s1600/Screenshot_20190903-215541_Samsung+Internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1490" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3c0aVvNxzTAMRvrwU0YJRWNMakHgYsBjzbBk4B5MYqkPvQr81nAYZSMrSBcnLcn_8yD6rvJ2Qdl2o4OZ9GAZRsURbtffJ3ocTiodyM6V4K_ZJcF3YrLgwZnHOzdydfaAUDs3ArjRxaQ/s320/Screenshot_20190903-215541_Samsung+Internet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Support is the super talented and frankly hilarious <b><a href="https://www.egriega.co.uk/">Peter Egriega</a></b> [previously known as the former Distraction, Arthur Kadmon]. He brings us a short set of what can only be described as life tales, sung in a variety of styles backed by just a hand slapped box and double bass. Songs full of heart and pathos – ‘I knew your father before he was a knob’ and the one about Dogging in Alderley Edge. He’s a rare talent with a big heart and I couldn’t help but warm to his big smile and rough-ass delivery! A very British Seasick Steve but way funnier. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Hgeh4JgrFRZf5eIC7sAOZMobeh_4pqnCCG3cfqIqc7qeUCWdek_ECDxGI0ABjS0l-s8YQ66inbDzA_nisyHQ6hjE8cH4pLj_KhIWDjOvKsga_MY11Dd8CtCsisfWR9sCewrsC78X-tY/s1600/Peter-Egriega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Hgeh4JgrFRZf5eIC7sAOZMobeh_4pqnCCG3cfqIqc7qeUCWdek_ECDxGI0ABjS0l-s8YQ66inbDzA_nisyHQ6hjE8cH4pLj_KhIWDjOvKsga_MY11Dd8CtCsisfWR9sCewrsC78X-tY/s400/Peter-Egriega.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Distractions</b> burst on to the Manchester music scene in 1979 with their first release, the 12” ‘You’re Not Going Out Like That’ EP on TJM Records. Tony Davidson who ran the label also owned the famous rehearsal studios on Little Peter Street opposite what became The Hacienda. Joy Division, V2, Buzzcocks and many other nascent Manchester outfits used to rehearse there. There is a famous photograph of Joy Division taken in one of the rooms by Kevin Cummings, now immortalised in a ten feet high freeze at the True Faith exhibition at The Manchester Art Gallery.
The Distractions went through a number of line-up changes in their short career, even signing to Island Records in 1980, before imploding in 1981. What they left behind was a stunning body of work; a vastly underrated collection of jaunty power pop meets punk ditties. Similar in vein to Buzzcocks – Pete Shelley once famously admitted to copying their la la style backing vocals. (According to the Ramones T Shirt wearing man on the door anyway!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKuT9xk0V8NM7La9nBh170zg3-6EEBIZ_4dC1P0h10nIcjFZ9c7T2EV0Ht8rHnvL_2aVkxFiiTZ2GCH9heE-W_dMWe-SS38PJJFSLyvRm_0B0wS0H0WW9ExRJ6DLzLx1faQ8rdfEsBYA/s1600/The-Distractions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKuT9xk0V8NM7La9nBh170zg3-6EEBIZ_4dC1P0h10nIcjFZ9c7T2EV0Ht8rHnvL_2aVkxFiiTZ2GCH9heE-W_dMWe-SS38PJJFSLyvRm_0B0wS0H0WW9ExRJ6DLzLx1faQ8rdfEsBYA/s400/The-Distractions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Original members, lead singer Mike Finney and drummer Alex Sidebottom are joined tonight by a new touring band.
The perfectly crafted garage meets punk <i>'Something For The Weekend'</i> gives way to lead singer’s favourite <i>'(Stuck In A) Fantasy'</i> and there is nothing but big smiles and appreciation around the room. It’s an older audience of course, most remember the band from the first time around.
There is an increasing punk intensity as the gig progresses; highlight <i>'Waiting For Lorraine'</i> ends with the line "Waiting for Lorraine to drop dead" as Finney slams his arms across his chest. He even drops into a little shimmy on down during <i>‘It Doesn’t Bother Me’</i>! “The single was released by Island on white 12” vinyl to coincide with the Christmas market, only the label messed up and it didn’t come out until April!”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="169" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m4QgS2HknIY" width="300"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finney plays the perfect front man, self-deprecating and humble and these wonderful songs still ring in my ears as I leave to catch the train home. Proper memorable pop-punk with great hooks & harmonies with searing guitar licks underpinned by Sidebottom’s incredible drumming. It’s a shame that today’s younger gig goers who are clamouring for fresh post-punk don’t latch on to some of the finer bands that existed back in the day. Nearly forty years on and The Distractions are as good as ever, sounding tight, vibrant and fresh.
If you get the chance go and see them – I’ll be there in Preston on November 10th – I hope you are too!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
~</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions are:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mike Finney - Vocals</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alex Sidebottom – Drums</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Joe Brehony – Bass</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonny Poole – Guitar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chris Dutton – Guitar<br />
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-72085631676708349202019-07-28T09:07:00.001-07:002019-07-28T09:30:40.664-07:00Classic punk-pop in London<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a fine review from The Distractions' triumphant return to London in January 2018. It appeared in issue 447 of <i><a href="https://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/distractions">Record Collector </a></i>magazine courtesy of Paul Welsby.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWaLj9gjdJ4Vfp7UV9G9WF2fjUlbZnE0qe5unI7AWydEALwx4qu15zy2dXboSMBFGe7b593MnjMXv4uOloTGG0bGo9N4vNlWwY4EudNQ6d-4NEKgGx9jHO-SpsB2rBDifTjnMi8W1rbU/s1600/Screenshot_20190728-170418_Samsung+Internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="767" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWaLj9gjdJ4Vfp7UV9G9WF2fjUlbZnE0qe5unI7AWydEALwx4qu15zy2dXboSMBFGe7b593MnjMXv4uOloTGG0bGo9N4vNlWwY4EudNQ6d-4NEKgGx9jHO-SpsB2rBDifTjnMi8W1rbU/s400/Screenshot_20190728-170418_Samsung+Internet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVNRRCAQ_025bMht9ez5LGCw0PPXmqtWuKd94ncWl9VQ7k1sAYgUQfXiRHfpsh6egotTUUx8cnsmsjegyeFvAwFJc4impmKpeHNXuj8BvbYk7QoBKxfeZ4zNJBA8EzC4mWl_oCfHi6-4/s1600/Screenshot_20190728-170439_Samsung+Internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="647" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVNRRCAQ_025bMht9ez5LGCw0PPXmqtWuKd94ncWl9VQ7k1sAYgUQfXiRHfpsh6egotTUUx8cnsmsjegyeFvAwFJc4impmKpeHNXuj8BvbYk7QoBKxfeZ4zNJBA8EzC4mWl_oCfHi6-4/s400/Screenshot_20190728-170439_Samsung+Internet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE DISTRACTIONS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">LONDON, CAMDEN, DUBLIN CASTLE</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">27TH JANUARY, 2018</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
View: standing, front.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After last year’s final album, 'Kindly Leave The Stage', The Distractions’ frontman Mike Finney made the left-field decision to put together a new version of the band to revisit their late-'70s post-punk oeuvre. Joined by ‘classic’ line-up drummer Alex Sidebottom, plus new guitarists Chris Dutton and Johnny Poole, and bassist Joe Brehoney, 2017 saw the band play several gigs around hometown Manchester. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finney greeted London for the first time in 30-odd years with a self-deprecating “lock up your grandmas,” and it was classic punk-pop all the way. Despite critical plaudits for their new material, there was no room for it in the set, the gig leaning heavily on 1980’s 'Nobody’s Perfect'. Even sedate songs such as <i>Leave You To Dream</i> were given a rattling overhaul. The Distractions’ secret weapon was always Finney’s soulful voice, and the intervening years have rendered it even more potent, no more noticeable than on the sole ballad, the beautiful <i>Looking For A Ghost</i>. The set closed with the raucous Valerie and the Velvets’ <i>Sweet Jane.</i> Now that’s what I call punk. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reviewed by Paul Welsby<br />
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-46427088969238221252019-07-26T07:28:00.001-07:002019-07-30T13:46:52.689-07:00Nobody's Perfect reissue<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are pleased and excited to announce that plans are now in place for the, ahem, long-awaited reissue - on vinyl LP and its CD debut - of The Distractions' debut album, <b>Nobody's Perfect</b>, originally released by Island Records in May 1980. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBQ4Ns_GEJzP2ty90gdKeJM-zD1FCfgKL28hOYRRxVU3KYdhft7hyRTKDUYvxeVJlqRJEIOTz4gNpMxmrCq1dVs8lKjSoapTlt5AzNMWLzqU5O6EvmDpPE6LlbO91b-Hs-zQOEQRLFUU/s1600/R-844313-1166528644.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBQ4Ns_GEJzP2ty90gdKeJM-zD1FCfgKL28hOYRRxVU3KYdhft7hyRTKDUYvxeVJlqRJEIOTz4gNpMxmrCq1dVs8lKjSoapTlt5AzNMWLzqU5O6EvmDpPE6LlbO91b-Hs-zQOEQRLFUU/s1600/R-844313-1166528644.jpeg.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whilst full details are yet to be confirmed, we can reveal that the plan is for the album to be reissued by <i><a href="https://www.maninthemoonrecords.com/">Man In The Moon Records</a></i>, the label established by former Island man, Nick 'The Captain' Stewart. It was, of course, Nick who signed The Distractions to Island from Tony Wilson's Factory Records, almost 40 years ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuZdjiQ88I-LKyzbsQW6DnDfaPIxn60cy1MshUeGTUuuya4vWgdg6VJkmveij-YB6zQhr-QMb6OPE86dAUfTAjzQAmKt1u5GNCRropo9Or0gLeFuyEoUWhk87mg2LyadqYKZcywYm1FY/s1600/Screenshot_20190721-191959_Samsung+Internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1055" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuZdjiQ88I-LKyzbsQW6DnDfaPIxn60cy1MshUeGTUuuya4vWgdg6VJkmveij-YB6zQhr-QMb6OPE86dAUfTAjzQAmKt1u5GNCRropo9Or0gLeFuyEoUWhk87mg2LyadqYKZcywYm1FY/s320/Screenshot_20190721-191959_Samsung+Internet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More details on tracks and timings will follow in due course, so please check in on <a href="https://facebook.com/thedistractionsuk/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/DistractionsMcr">Twitter</a> for the latest news on this eagerly anticipated release. We've had a couple of false stats with the <i>Parabolically Yours</i> and <i>Age+Geography</i> sets, which just couldn't work out, so here's to third time lucky...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vtyj3WFrkTeQjlp6nzxrTH2T4wslLOiPPtMMDMVaB1SIVYhI3CylNvAJq-JJpMK6xaRowgh18RQSb0L90tnji_IRGAy6vA7nqGRtKRknxNiDdTyb3o0jb25s_tiKavPyFa_MaJHAUK0/s1600/R-11318934-1514121861-6545.jpeg-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vtyj3WFrkTeQjlp6nzxrTH2T4wslLOiPPtMMDMVaB1SIVYhI3CylNvAJq-JJpMK6xaRowgh18RQSb0L90tnji_IRGAy6vA7nqGRtKRknxNiDdTyb3o0jb25s_tiKavPyFa_MaJHAUK0/s1600/R-11318934-1514121861-6545.jpeg-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Also, keep your eyes and ears open for even more exciting news regarding a <b>new</b> Distractions release from what until now has been the live band...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-52026671765171943502019-02-13T12:38:00.003-08:002019-02-14T03:17:34.146-08:00Live in 2019!<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are pleased to confirm some upcoming gigs in the northwest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Friday 5th April, Spinning Top, Stockport </b>(The Distractions + Same As It Ever Woz + The Awkwards)<br />
<a href="http://www.thespinningtopbar.co.uk/whats-on/">http://www.thespinningtopbar.co.uk/whats-on</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3Lr-MpMv4Imzl2GFm1kIGqAVn4dBQYqZI9QXfJCqE4Oak-_iWqmZcBQ-b8pYrZcdgQmnbClNzFLvEbjxnJEyDIivHL5-feOFjLKZCshsERq1P3l9vDKxp3K-QZQJMjZatMLdWQd_OC8/s1600/FB_IMG_1550089253233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3Lr-MpMv4Imzl2GFm1kIGqAVn4dBQYqZI9QXfJCqE4Oak-_iWqmZcBQ-b8pYrZcdgQmnbClNzFLvEbjxnJEyDIivHL5-feOFjLKZCshsERq1P3l9vDKxp3K-QZQJMjZatMLdWQd_OC8/s400/FB_IMG_1550089253233.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Saturday 11th May, London Road Inn, Buxton </b>(The Distractions + support)<br />
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/londonroadinn/">https://m.facebook.com/londonroadinn</a><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday 8th June, Peer Hat, Manchester </b>(Jon The Postman tribute evening: The Distractions + The Sandells + Harvey's Rabbit)<br />
<a href="http://thepeerhat.co.uk/">http://thepeerhat.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0nyIE2vgr9sBANSDaE3aK6Z3gUbBA6NSNB5HtvHZ0GBsV0aDPhnqsD9fEph9YKPMy9PgM5n2ir-IcUwsbYS72OSx4tjhqz_r8Qhh9Wbp7kk3dnebHX4T8Sne6ad9OlqQAzC9cby_Pt4/s1600/FB_IMG_1549909962124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0nyIE2vgr9sBANSDaE3aK6Z3gUbBA6NSNB5HtvHZ0GBsV0aDPhnqsD9fEph9YKPMy9PgM5n2ir-IcUwsbYS72OSx4tjhqz_r8Qhh9Wbp7kk3dnebHX4T8Sne6ad9OlqQAzC9cby_Pt4/s400/FB_IMG_1549909962124.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-10283716605042199172018-06-23T03:02:00.001-07:002018-06-23T03:10:00.723-07:00Connection <div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the second part of the piece in <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847725082/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_8F6gBbDW03R8W">Torn Apart: The Life of Ian Curtis</a></i></b>, by Mick Middles and Lindsay Reade. The first part is <a href="https://distractionsnothing.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-welcome-refuge.html">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLs2VezOuxu3M7yP_Sr2qI5Ls-OhsMZQ-c4FyT8WIAfOFzPyZI_JJmEI0ZoSpvyKD1AGYz3UpCXt1M8b09pdbDjhcRNmSBTyHwWEQvT8GIAPiBlFucYaqaoBW6P7V9JPEzRreV5JmL7s/s1600/1083770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLs2VezOuxu3M7yP_Sr2qI5Ls-OhsMZQ-c4FyT8WIAfOFzPyZI_JJmEI0ZoSpvyKD1AGYz3UpCXt1M8b09pdbDjhcRNmSBTyHwWEQvT8GIAPiBlFucYaqaoBW6P7V9JPEzRreV5JmL7s/s320/1083770.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
"Ian was always extremely open and agreeable with me," says Finney. "When we played with Joy Division he absolutely went out of his way to seek me out and talk about the two bands. It seemed natural at first, because that's how I always knew him. Then, slowly, I started to realise that perhaps he wasn't like that with everyone. I also noticed that the rest of Joy Division, while always being perfectly OK with us, were also a little way because we were very much a live band. I am not saying for one minute that we were on the same planet as them in terms of sheer talent... we weren't. We were a dance, pop soul band who liked to get up on stage and lighten up the crowd."<br />
<br />
"He once... it could have been at <a href="http://distractionsnothing.blogspot.com/2010/01/zoo-meets-factory-half-way.html">Leigh</a>... I am not sure... but he once went on on about "<i>Time Goes By So Slow</i>". He wanted to know when it was written. Had it been written immediately after a break up? Was it written in a state of despair, I suppose that, looking back, you could look too deeply into that. My theory is that he was just discovering that song-writing could be cathartic. I don't know if that was ever the point with Joy Division but I did sense that that was what he was thinking. I knew nothing about his private life. I don't remember meeting Deborah and, frankly, The Distractions were a sexual and emotional minefield at the time. I think Ian wanted to know how we dealt with all that. I don't know, frankly. But there was a kind of link between us."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
(C) Mick Middles & Lindsay Reade.</div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-9432340013430964292018-06-09T05:43:00.005-07:002018-06-09T05:44:29.744-07:00A welcome refugeAfter last week's lovely return to the Salford Arms (pics and video to follow), the band are having a mid-summer rest, until more gigs in August (Bury) and September (Camden).<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
For something a bit different, here's the first part of a nice little piece in <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847725082/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_8F6gBbDW03R8W">Torn Apart: The Life of Ian Curtis</a></i></b>, by Mick Middles and Lindsay Reade.</div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLs2VezOuxu3M7yP_Sr2qI5Ls-OhsMZQ-c4FyT8WIAfOFzPyZI_JJmEI0ZoSpvyKD1AGYz3UpCXt1M8b09pdbDjhcRNmSBTyHwWEQvT8GIAPiBlFucYaqaoBW6P7V9JPEzRreV5JmL7s/s1600/1083770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLs2VezOuxu3M7yP_Sr2qI5Ls-OhsMZQ-c4FyT8WIAfOFzPyZI_JJmEI0ZoSpvyKD1AGYz3UpCXt1M8b09pdbDjhcRNmSBTyHwWEQvT8GIAPiBlFucYaqaoBW6P7V9JPEzRreV5JmL7s/s320/1083770.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
The link between The Distractions, who performed early on the Leigh bill, and Joy Division is worthy of a mention. Although only fleetingly a Factory band, with one albeit great single, <i>"Time Goes By So Slow"</i>, the connection between the two bands was forged on a series of dates during which the lightness of their pop songs perfectly balanced Joy Division's dark introversion. Inspired by these gigs, Paul Morley once claimed: "If Joy Division are the perfect rock band for the Eighties, The Distractions are the perfect pop band". Intriguingly, while the remainder of Joy Division shied away from the hip core who surrounded The Distractions (who have been largely written out of their considerable central role in the Manchester scene), Ian Curtis warmed to Mike Finney, whose cheery bonhomie may have seemed a welcome refuge.</div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: right;">
(C) Mick Middles &amp; Lindsay Reade.</div>
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-80002407524475587032018-05-25T07:50:00.003-07:002018-05-25T07:54:33.387-07:00Salford 1st June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSfylJFuHiSzcuX9inQT2pNm_6VIKJ7ZQr9L9mSgu22hJP7d9GhXkwihPYhkMU9miB061d_iHtb5QtigufMHkaKewAGMohkrr6l3oMOVudXYk7tjJBS6TpNfxnUgZB-PAV412qHPFJR8/s1600/FB_IMG_1527259728309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="695" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSfylJFuHiSzcuX9inQT2pNm_6VIKJ7ZQr9L9mSgu22hJP7d9GhXkwihPYhkMU9miB061d_iHtb5QtigufMHkaKewAGMohkrr6l3oMOVudXYk7tjJBS6TpNfxnUgZB-PAV412qHPFJR8/s400/FB_IMG_1527259728309.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Tickets are £8 in advance or the same price on the night at The Kings Arms, Bloom Street, Salford (just off Deansgate near Salford Central station). See you there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFQbe9L4UAqRpx0IUg2_HRn45sMNP8lfI7ey51QuF5GehhJm-XnQCM94pA0PBFhg52hyHjwRV-kK4M1tPGjxgaojvZKGRZqFFjmd_K7f2_oZhw4Xb92BkUpawWruk9c6xJc5w7p8daLk/s1600/FB_IMG_1527253901635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFQbe9L4UAqRpx0IUg2_HRn45sMNP8lfI7ey51QuF5GehhJm-XnQCM94pA0PBFhg52hyHjwRV-kK4M1tPGjxgaojvZKGRZqFFjmd_K7f2_oZhw4Xb92BkUpawWruk9c6xJc5w7p8daLk/s320/FB_IMG_1527253901635.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-31334588809690896032018-02-22T07:46:00.000-08:002018-02-22T07:58:52.846-08:00Dublin Castle review at 'Louder Than War'<div style="text-align: justify;">
We will be bringing you photos, videos and comments of our own from last months' utterly triumphant return to London (after a 37 year wait) at the Dublin Castle. But before that, please enjoy this lovely review by <a href="http://louderthanwar.com/author/ian-canty/">Ian Canty</a> from the essential post-punk indie website and magazine, <a href="http://louderthanwar.com/">Louder Than War</a> (thanks, Ian and Rob!). You can read the full review, including more pics and comments, <b><a href="http://louderthanwar.com/distractions-27th-january-2018-dublin-castle-london-live-review/">here</a>: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://louderthanwar.com/distractions-27th-january-2018-dublin-castle-london-live-review/">http://louderthanwar.com/distractions-27th-january-2018-dublin-castle-london-live-review</a>. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CSsJSL5foXkW4CLa938_nKTwDqHZpi3_u9qc5Dk3N8J7e-NWcUysHx0T1cR9qvtUCMZlb9Xkd41e_B5BUlfeyu_uABXt4G205o8e7MpU25Wd84QzrZh_kjZ955Ol5T3CIC35UB0N4pw/s1600/Louder+than+war.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="118" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CSsJSL5foXkW4CLa938_nKTwDqHZpi3_u9qc5Dk3N8J7e-NWcUysHx0T1cR9qvtUCMZlb9Xkd41e_B5BUlfeyu_uABXt4G205o8e7MpU25Wd84QzrZh_kjZ955Ol5T3CIC35UB0N4pw/s1600/Louder+than+war.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Distractions – Dublin Castle, London – Live Review</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Written by Ian Canty, 30 January, 2018</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Distractions - </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dublin Castle</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>27th January 2018</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Manchester New Wave/Post Punk Legends make a triumphant return to the London stage after a gap of over 30 years… our man Ian Canty was on hand to witness a stunning display of Perfect Punk Pop……</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions, in their original incarnation, only lasted a brief while in the limelight. Formed in 1975 by Mike Finney and Steve Perrin while still at college, after a major reshuffle two years later with the advent of Punk, they added Pip Nicholls on bass, Alec Sidebottom (drummer in '60s band the Purple Gang of <i>'Granny Takes A Trip fame'</i>) and guitarist/song writer Adrian Wright. This was the classic line-up of the band, which only changed very late on when Ludus guitarist Arthur Kadmon replaced Perrin in 1981 and with Debbie Shure coming in too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The influence of Punk and particularly their near neighbours Buzzcocks showed. The Buzzers’ success demonstrated that emotions, honestly stated, were not taboo subject matter and their influence was considerable on the newly re-aligned outfit. The Distractions’ strengths lay in writing shrewd and unusual songs with classic Pop tunes, talking about life’s trials in a real way which did not feel forced, a bit like whispered truths in unguarded moments. They were fortunate to possess a great natural singer in Finney and also having the Punky Power Pop musical muscle to back him up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early in 1979 they released their first record, the 'You’re Not Going Out Dressed Like That' EP on TJM, which showed their rare class, the perfect mid-point between Punk attitude and 1960s craftsmanship. In its own way as flawless a document as 'Spiral Scratch', this EP included what could arguably be their most well-known song in <i>'It Doesn’t Bother Me'</i>. Tony Wilson was clearly a fan, so their next single, <i>'Time Goes By So Slow'</i>, subsequently appeared in September 1979 on the Factory label. It was another stone cold classic and I know it is unlikely that this single influenced The Smiths, but it is feasible if you listen to it, with similar great guitar lines and elegant delivery. This record might just be the best thing Factory ever put out. With this run of form it was inevitable that the majors would come knocking on their door.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaELRpTgDCDN1Dw_eMjy0eUD_EJQ50Y7HrbOgnR5KfNmlU84cjz6lw76tObkxWx5OL3PwkMSn7XNB0vK2aywG_NWYSV-A-Hh1gr-0s1toBTlzeyun9hLI0g7RzIK4aXDQk2V_xaYG5dVI/s1600/Louser1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaELRpTgDCDN1Dw_eMjy0eUD_EJQ50Y7HrbOgnR5KfNmlU84cjz6lw76tObkxWx5OL3PwkMSn7XNB0vK2aywG_NWYSV-A-Hh1gr-0s1toBTlzeyun9hLI0g7RzIK4aXDQk2V_xaYG5dVI/s200/Louser1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So indeed they did and The Distractions signed their names on a contract for Chris Blackwell’s Island label around the time the Factory single appeared. This should have been the prelude to them going onto chart success, but for some reason it didn’t happen. Perhaps Island didn’t have a handle on this new-fangled New Wave stuff? Maybe, but a re-recorded take of <i>'It Doesn’t Bother Me'</i> and the version of Eden Kane’s '60s hit <i>'Boys Cry' </i>did not make the expected breakthrough. The parent LP 'Nobody’s Perfect' emerged in 1980 and despite critical acclaim and appearances in the music press including <i>Smash Hits </i>and <i>The Face</i> (despite being a pretty much the antithesis of the usual bands featured in those mags) again they missed out on the charts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After one more single (the cheekily titled <i>'Something For The Weekend'</i>) they were back on an Indie, the That label, for their '24 Hours' EP. Again the reviews were broadly approving, but momentum had been lost and the band ground to a halt in 1981. A few low-key reformations happened in the '90s, but the band began in earnest again in 2010 and since then have issued two more albums, 'End Of The Pier' in 2012 and 2017’s “final” (say it ain’t so?) LP 'Kindly Leave The Stage'. As a live entity they have been revitalised too and when a gig at the Dublin Castle (with a set list that revisited those glory days) was announced I was always going to go along. So I did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the night the Wah Wah Club warmed up the crowd well and Kajiki Volt impressed with some novel interpretations of Garage Punk (was one of them in Silverfish?). So that nicely set the stage for The Distractions, who were absolutely stunning. With an excellent new line up featuring Mike and Alex with newcomers Johnny Poole and Chris Dutton on guitars and bass player Joe Brehony (also in The Things) they stormed it, in their own unassuming manner. Starting out of the traps with three songs from that first EP <i>'Maybe It’s Love'</i>, <i>'Too Young'</i> and <i>'Nothing'</i>, we’re not so much sent back through a time machine to 1980 or whatever, this is just the greatest now, thrilling, fast songs full of heart and soul, Punk but with melody, Power Pop with more grit, more feeling.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA_3VCND-KioswqUy0aVpFwwG8TslOGZDQ8GLKPWMhblMUtvBYLlt-cmMPiK7zEeSvUVKT7kML2DTMMFpyk7EhlG8fU9e4IbfXRlBcYxwLrt4FsbcgAX4ev_atqL6hWB8zX3tkbRAQEM/s1600/Louder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="700" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA_3VCND-KioswqUy0aVpFwwG8TslOGZDQ8GLKPWMhblMUtvBYLlt-cmMPiK7zEeSvUVKT7kML2DTMMFpyk7EhlG8fU9e4IbfXRlBcYxwLrt4FsbcgAX4ev_atqL6hWB8zX3tkbRAQEM/s200/Louder2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mike Finney is a revelation – still relentlessly anti-fashion, he looks like just an average guy but when he sings… well with some bands you’ve just got a person going through songs, but watching him, he’s singing about life in a way that is so true and clear, perfectly fitting in with the the energy of the band. I think David Quantick said he was perhaps the only Soul singer to come out of Punk, he’s rarely incorrect and spot on in this case. In addition to that The Distractions are a fiery live band, with Alex on drums like a man a fraction of his age and both Johnny and Joe more than play their parts. Chris I’ve seen play with three bands, and they’ve all been brilliant, and he’s right on the money tonight too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contradicting their song, time with The Distractions goes by so quickly – they’re one of the few bands that can play something as great as <i>'It Doesn’t Bother Me'</i> almost midway through the set, when others would have to leave something of its quality back for the encore. 18 songs were played and most all of them are perfect, heart-breaking Pop/Punk. <i>'Looking For A Ghost'</i> is wonderful, a great change of pace and the Island-period hit that should have been, <i>'Something For The Weekend'</i>, lovely. <i>'Time Goes By So Slow'</i> is simply beautiful, one of the very best of the era and still a brilliant song today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a shout out of course to Mark E, how could there not be, the man was so well respected. Mike says he helped them, although they are probably the only five people from Manchester who weren’t ever in The Fall, before realising he had miscalculated and Alex might have had a spell behind the kit for them! The crowd (not all older folks as you might be thinking) are totally into it and having a great time and why wouldn’t they be? The smiles on people’s faces are ear to ear.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They finish the main set fittingly with <i>'Nothing Lasts'</i>, but they stay on stage for encore of (their own) Valerie and a nicely chaotic version of the Velvets’ <i>'Sweet Jane'</i>. I’m late for the train, but I’m going nowhere until they reach the very end. Transfixed, because I am watching a great band on at the very top of their game, all these years on and they are undimmed by time. Simply majestic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If The Distractions play anywhere near you it is a total no-brainer – the magic they still weave in 2018 might be seem simple on the surface, but rarely is it carried off so well, hugely appealing and full of vim. Go along and you are simply watching masters at work – these opportunities are seldom, so make the very most of them and get yourself along to support one of Manchester’s best kept secrets – you won’t regret a moment of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0K-O7gzHqsYwTdJrlMkhT9UVIPNHSmTjElvjkQHY_bONQTUKTxs0peef2oChVe9uNlDPK5YTle3NbInnY7H1OqalvMS6RfJ5Sb2ZEVZCWiNkpD-M1XYNvVte6WxsgIJMCji4PggDfXI/s1600/Louder+War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0K-O7gzHqsYwTdJrlMkhT9UVIPNHSmTjElvjkQHY_bONQTUKTxs0peef2oChVe9uNlDPK5YTle3NbInnY7H1OqalvMS6RfJ5Sb2ZEVZCWiNkpD-M1XYNvVte6WxsgIJMCji4PggDfXI/s320/Louder+War.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>(c) <a href="http://louderthanwar.com/author/ian-canty/">Ian Canty</a> at <a href="http://louderthanwar.com/distractions-27th-january-2018-dublin-castle-london-live-review/">Louder Than War</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-82998153066118981292018-01-21T06:10:00.002-08:002018-01-27T03:30:33.594-08:00Dublin Castle, Camden gig<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next weekend sees The Distractions live band return to London for the first time in at least 36 years! The band are headlining at the legendary Dublin Castle in Camden next Saturday 27th January, with several other bands providing support for what will be a long and loud night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More details on <b><a href="https://www.list.co.uk/event/905929-the-distractions/">The List</a></b>, and you can buy tickets in advance, saving a couple of quid, from <b><a href="https://www.wegottickets.com/event/422662">WeGotTickets</a></b>. The gig starts at 7:30pm, and we'll try to bring you approximate stage times a bit near the time.<b> UPDATE: Distractions about 10pm.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWURKwRF2dOAA95pPknYwXByrAFvFR0PDTnKScipQUISMWdN7Ltl05NtpeL7T7zxqbX32VpNEnqhbwGQshP6p2O9JHNhq_LRTNZq7shBaHZdaX2qgVw6ruUvnvLxD_dGVJ6SXzmEN1Tuk/s1600/Distractions+Dublin+Castle+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="679" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWURKwRF2dOAA95pPknYwXByrAFvFR0PDTnKScipQUISMWdN7Ltl05NtpeL7T7zxqbX32VpNEnqhbwGQshP6p2O9JHNhq_LRTNZq7shBaHZdaX2qgVw6ruUvnvLxD_dGVJ6SXzmEN1Tuk/s400/Distractions+Dublin+Castle+poster.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Distractions</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The five-piece outfit from Manchester play post punk originals. With support from Kajiki Volt, Master Thieves and Wah Wah Club.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>The Distractions </b>- One of the great lost bands of the New Wave era (Blurt magazine, USA). The Distractions in the late '70s and early '80s were very well known on the post-punk music scene. They released records on the TJM, Factory, Island and Rough Trade labels to excellent reviews, as well as sharing bills with Joy Division, Buzzcocks, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Fall, The Members, Squeeze, and many others. They played all corners of the UK and Ireland as well as doing gigs in New York before splitting up. David Hepworth described their debut album, 'Nobody's Perfect' as, <i>"An enchanting and vaguely disturbing collection of vulnerable pop"</i>. Last year two of the original members, vocalist Mike Finney and drummer Alex Sidebottom, got together with some friends after being asked to play at a memorial gig for Manchester punk legend, Jon the Postman. It went down so well they decided to continue as a live act playing their singles as well as songs from the album 'Nobody's Perfect'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lC7guFvBfbPpCw1sI4YZIqJuP29eWphNkVqhNLym81q78JGEMxT1mnG3jZ7SgWjPDivdnD1T-TPyqT32WTozGhoolA8ftx82U3H7Kp7846FA4UWCulmy52o4u1xVgdew2TJvia5sC44/s1600/Castle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="124" data-original-width="573" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lC7guFvBfbPpCw1sI4YZIqJuP29eWphNkVqhNLym81q78JGEMxT1mnG3jZ7SgWjPDivdnD1T-TPyqT32WTozGhoolA8ftx82U3H7Kp7846FA4UWCulmy52o4u1xVgdew2TJvia5sC44/s400/Castle.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlYSrUlU15R2A8XXaNPzHLzAnt8MzusJt1cVvMrREsyjYEVxrVzDfV3oZnp-ujrkEYKtuqKFV7KmACcaGxgPQed9cXQ5_zP56t1_t5DpTbtJfhXmfVD8Nds2kb_2W8zsp_MsOgNQJn_A/s1600/venue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="454" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlYSrUlU15R2A8XXaNPzHLzAnt8MzusJt1cVvMrREsyjYEVxrVzDfV3oZnp-ujrkEYKtuqKFV7KmACcaGxgPQed9cXQ5_zP56t1_t5DpTbtJfhXmfVD8Nds2kb_2W8zsp_MsOgNQJn_A/s400/venue.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Kajiki Volt </b>- Post punk through a surf guitar- garage punk lens, think a more frenetic Gun Club via Magazine, shades of Gallon Drunk and the sorely missed Penthouse too. Great tunes interesting arrangements, played with conviction. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD4YBVvFIJ6-nXVK0aJvguOSqnPUTi9glUrSDwVDnEzPA57bFKSkR5lRvQfehLDAmhhF5kHa4SeO4gPC8KJC63AxfJOFbt-8c2lS4PX_hj8IxqxxNWWrcROzvDpgHyLmstKabIrKB8DQ/s1600/at+Dublin+Castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="807" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD4YBVvFIJ6-nXVK0aJvguOSqnPUTi9glUrSDwVDnEzPA57bFKSkR5lRvQfehLDAmhhF5kHa4SeO4gPC8KJC63AxfJOFbt-8c2lS4PX_hj8IxqxxNWWrcROzvDpgHyLmstKabIrKB8DQ/s320/at+Dublin+Castle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Desert Falls </b>- An eminantly danceable melange of of Folk, Klezmer, high life and surf played by an (sort-of) all-star indie-alt cast of Dom Green (Penny Orchids), and featuring Caz Hellbent (Desperate Journalist, Yeah And She Has Red Lips Too), Jasper Future (Art Brut), Phil Whaite (Penny Orchids, Thee Faction), Tom Harrison (Penny Orchids), Ellie Khan & Shona Macmillan (Rebekah Delgado band), Lucy Morgan & Melissa Reardon (Thee Faction), and Andy Cooper (Cursors). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Wah Wah Club</b> - Good 'ol indie pop with a high melody quotient hooks a plenty, trace elements of Vaccines but pretty much their own sound, great stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cspMZa3P-hgv6JLZGPimjNHX8Qv9ZHW_cWUUAOyRhMZRPtc14rE9UyMZJT2uEEKJPEzsyzvfDkAnRbsTEGH2aeIYgsfjkkQmI08AiNHENVAp32cauukGjNkVrdkgb1jBdf9RKJxC1tQ/s1600/bug+bear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="918" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cspMZa3P-hgv6JLZGPimjNHX8Qv9ZHW_cWUUAOyRhMZRPtc14rE9UyMZJT2uEEKJPEzsyzvfDkAnRbsTEGH2aeIYgsfjkkQmI08AiNHENVAp32cauukGjNkVrdkgb1jBdf9RKJxC1tQ/s400/bug+bear.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-14845474163094179722018-01-21T05:36:00.001-08:002018-01-21T06:45:55.689-08:00Manchester's best kept secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here we have one of the earliest pieces of Distractions history, courtesy of Stuart Murray and Mark Windsor of those other legendary Manchester post-punk groups, <a href="http://www.thefastcars.com/">Fast Cars</a> and V2. It was in <i>Sounds</i> in late 1978 or early '79, featuring TJM Records, Tony Davidson's famous Manchester label. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Tony takes up the story. "The advert was in <i>Sounds</i> music paper and it was of the first 5 releases on the TJM label. It was a half-page advert and cost £600 plus VAT. At this stage of the record company it was all systems go, to get as much profile and sales for TJM as possible. Looking back, I was taking the profits from the rehearsal rooms and pouring them into the record label. Many thanks to Stuart Murray for the memory."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You can hear Mike, Alex and The Distractions live band belt out the EP in its entirety (and many more of the late '70s and early '80s classics!) at the live gigs coming in 2018. First stop London, and the <b><a href="https://thedistractionslive.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/dublin-castle-camden-gig.html">Dublin Castle</a></b>...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazYdnFEdx8m3CzfHRn4Nk3eJUXDhTdY9JAHa39AOs9Ju2fxb2fl-Jrj3xLDjnlP_JTsGIlTnNKjw7sFsMP0xFDYLXTE7eS2jBG1trn9gjKMqidmvbHTu5Jdtp0px_XICfVtlQMX0QLEg/s1600/FB_IMG_1516306570194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1344" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazYdnFEdx8m3CzfHRn4Nk3eJUXDhTdY9JAHa39AOs9Ju2fxb2fl-Jrj3xLDjnlP_JTsGIlTnNKjw7sFsMP0xFDYLXTE7eS2jBG1trn9gjKMqidmvbHTu5Jdtp0px_XICfVtlQMX0QLEg/s400/FB_IMG_1516306570194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TJM</b> RECORDS </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
announce the inception of a Manchester based Record Company.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The label for the discerning record buyer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">TJM RECORDS</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The sound of tomorrow</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>made for today</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
35 Little Peter Street</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Knott Mill</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Manchester</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
061 236 2717</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Distributors: Virgin Records, Rough Trade, Small Wonder Records, Bonaparte Records, Lightning, Discount Records, Wind-up Records</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Watch out for the TJM tour this spring</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIubYe8iTebN6v6E9JzvepxTzN2FiPzW9ASvfK7lkdJQzGkt6g3ylOAclXf12e4itL6Uj9vV7VY5XrWfyIdgZ9NZ0N6KHR0pxN1P3VQVaeVxtOjl8vcxzmeQs8h_fB2oRU4IiQnoEIeE/s1600/Screenshot_20180118-201632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="985" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIubYe8iTebN6v6E9JzvepxTzN2FiPzW9ASvfK7lkdJQzGkt6g3ylOAclXf12e4itL6Uj9vV7VY5XrWfyIdgZ9NZ0N6KHR0pxN1P3VQVaeVxtOjl8vcxzmeQs8h_fB2oRU4IiQnoEIeE/s400/Screenshot_20180118-201632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Manchester's best kept secret"</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MICK MIDDLES, SOUNDS OCT '78</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TJM2</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE <span style="font-size: large;">DISTRACTIONS</span> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"You're Not Going Out Dressed Like That"</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 tracks, Limited edition of 6000</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
12 inch EP, Availble Feb 1st<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3gZgNrmgTCLgcxw9RU8lp8pk0cMphOtDmb1fOb2LZaaLfNyP70BBaFZAGzNWIth7R11r5Sjz-lBJXn9pminmJSgSI_BcMnIETO9Rt4qyF6Q7P74-oiqCFPoJu8dWDhZk7PB0LHVoKw4/s1600/FB_IMG_1516376353788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1364" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3gZgNrmgTCLgcxw9RU8lp8pk0cMphOtDmb1fOb2LZaaLfNyP70BBaFZAGzNWIth7R11r5Sjz-lBJXn9pminmJSgSI_BcMnIETO9Rt4qyF6Q7P74-oiqCFPoJu8dWDhZk7PB0LHVoKw4/s400/FB_IMG_1516376353788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-68850922026085724942018-01-04T12:27:00.000-08:002018-01-21T06:21:59.692-08:00Spinning Top pics<div style="text-align: justify;">
December's gig at the Spinning Top in Stockport was possibly the best Distractions Live show of the year. Following a brilliant and amusing acoustic set from The Trend's Mark 'Rev' Revell, The Distractions opened with a slight false start but then followed that with a long, loud and and lovely set chock-full of all the classics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS3CFA6b8SreHowthZ4k8P5A771tENK07VaDA3bSKTZ3IEB6aoWixzcdkKGHRiZUuozFImmOBEr7QPX0DWwSMOnbm4M36wSW0q1HAXcTCQdPjnT7mvJxppbwklDRaoEAqSrsUDVwJC-g/s1600/FB_IMG_1515098776421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="640" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS3CFA6b8SreHowthZ4k8P5A771tENK07VaDA3bSKTZ3IEB6aoWixzcdkKGHRiZUuozFImmOBEr7QPX0DWwSMOnbm4M36wSW0q1HAXcTCQdPjnT7mvJxppbwklDRaoEAqSrsUDVwJC-g/s320/FB_IMG_1515098776421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Perhaps only <i>'Pillow Fight'</i> (almost the A-side on the Factory single) and <i>'Sick & Tired'</i> (the superior version is the unreleased rockabilly track on the as-yet unreleased Cargo EP) are missing from their early repertoire of classics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIMGLCZns7_I0b94AA1cHOdGIDkqFpphrYNoK0HIBNZw-rSWHCwuJOV_ZEBM2R7Pf6WSGqW5zZarp6v6hIRD-ikn_Za_rWaYz6Grzv1eBArzBLjH0rixdeo9B1e-_5yUo7pjVHT8GyYQ/s1600/20171201_224855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIMGLCZns7_I0b94AA1cHOdGIDkqFpphrYNoK0HIBNZw-rSWHCwuJOV_ZEBM2R7Pf6WSGqW5zZarp6v6hIRD-ikn_Za_rWaYz6Grzv1eBArzBLjH0rixdeo9B1e-_5yUo7pjVHT8GyYQ/s320/20171201_224855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple of old Man City chaps from back in the day actually got up to dance, while a few of the crowd enjoyed the luxury of front row seating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80Foogl_ssHUTJ3KQ4n5Df-eoZ_yQj0HJ2eS5ASU1TsyHs-Xs8JnLE9uZsNpkc4DBUcDGPA5-koz8yHqBJqi63jH8GXbtrXER_ckkZ6tHdMcnwlv4T9pZjAai-YejssfkVnJUZHvAPYk/s1600/20171202_013815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80Foogl_ssHUTJ3KQ4n5Df-eoZ_yQj0HJ2eS5ASU1TsyHs-Xs8JnLE9uZsNpkc4DBUcDGPA5-koz8yHqBJqi63jH8GXbtrXER_ckkZ6tHdMcnwlv4T9pZjAai-YejssfkVnJUZHvAPYk/s320/20171202_013815.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Old and new fans alike enjoyed the gig, and the famous Tony Davidson of TJM popped in to see the band too. Tony had a few words to say afterwards...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcVDTk7kgyhsU3XTNfLZLKsKfSCdUh5b-fbj7ojiRJtIVGpGlglfpU8yrV7pTj9gCNvem8ugk4mbsymhH8vKK9MBU3GK1gZu9-bBchZDV-bmIPmBO7qQj_iGZH8rtQvgmgSEh9G1bTfc/s1600/20171201_232946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcVDTk7kgyhsU3XTNfLZLKsKfSCdUh5b-fbj7ojiRJtIVGpGlglfpU8yrV7pTj9gCNvem8ugk4mbsymhH8vKK9MBU3GK1gZu9-bBchZDV-bmIPmBO7qQj_iGZH8rtQvgmgSEh9G1bTfc/s320/20171201_232946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>"The Distractions never fail to deliver a brilliant gig. The band were on their A-game: Alex, Joe, Johnny and Chris were really tight musically. As for Mike, it's all been said about his voice, his delivery of his songs, and the interaction with the crowd was great to watch. So pleased I saw them tonight, great entertainment. The crowd loved them!"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iXomFKGhfvI3QHII73wdiU8LwEiC4W4WPE-BMqn4aPjImRf8qFFEqxiHsAfxmwlp4BaNv4Er9-In7jkTDil0xt3Sh1-YkBjGXJQ3HuEiE8F7zDRA82OeTQA0-fcUcS-WU85JQJCqcgA/s1600/IMG_1512152633982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iXomFKGhfvI3QHII73wdiU8LwEiC4W4WPE-BMqn4aPjImRf8qFFEqxiHsAfxmwlp4BaNv4Er9-In7jkTDil0xt3Sh1-YkBjGXJQ3HuEiE8F7zDRA82OeTQA0-fcUcS-WU85JQJCqcgA/s320/IMG_1512152633982.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
T-shirts sporting the <i>'Time Goes By So Slow'</i> artwork are now available from Alex (look him up on Facebook and message him for details), as are badges showing the Adrian Wright-inspired <i>Parabolic </i>Hulme arch!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GWOHH2tw0lIxd9bLtnNzaN93YDWIs5x9T5EjZ-SjexoWyVvK4M3F5qEmznnmvW8UtQ3szRtLSZDuR52WH8-quDfcL_jdHj3DmxUGqL9mYEx11WPyfPONaOr-ue9KaMTvvPjRjfFBMjI/s1600/20171202_132811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GWOHH2tw0lIxd9bLtnNzaN93YDWIs5x9T5EjZ-SjexoWyVvK4M3F5qEmznnmvW8UtQ3szRtLSZDuR52WH8-quDfcL_jdHj3DmxUGqL9mYEx11WPyfPONaOr-ue9KaMTvvPjRjfFBMjI/s320/20171202_132811.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
T-shirts and badges will be available at the next Distractions Live show, which is a cracker, headlining at the famous <b><a href="https://thedistractionslive.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/dublin-castle-camden-gig.html">Dublin Castle</a></b> in Camden, London on Saturday 27th January. Get your tickets here for just 6 quid! <a href="http://www.wegottickets.com/event/422662"><b>www.wegottickets.com/event/422662</b></a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNCY0lW6MNaLMcf8KFTB0JSxyCNslue2BxB34VoDRMqSAX7ol2Azj9dBQryl1XB85V37cEGFiYBOtkOeXLbYInvKsARN-awW3HpNElIv0X40VJ47Xs9-rfrhcRSRtxRZ8ohRlB4yPzZo/s1600/Dublin+Castle+flier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="960" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNCY0lW6MNaLMcf8KFTB0JSxyCNslue2BxB34VoDRMqSAX7ol2Azj9dBQryl1XB85V37cEGFiYBOtkOeXLbYInvKsARN-awW3HpNElIv0X40VJ47Xs9-rfrhcRSRtxRZ8ohRlB4yPzZo/s320/Dublin+Castle+flier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-36336531351871178692017-11-16T06:57:00.005-08:002017-11-16T11:45:02.151-08:00Penetration + The Distractions review<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">16 November 2017</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
The Distractions' tenth 'Live' show (yes, we're counting 2015's <a href="http://distractionsnothing.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/jon-postman-tribute-pt1.html">Jon The Postman tribute night</a> at the Tiger Lounge) was a triumph here in support of punk legends, Penetration, and after local band, Three Day Weekend. The large crowd at Preston's brilliant venue, The Continental, was admittedly mainly here for Pauline Murray and Co., but the reception after a tight Distractions set full of energy was terrific. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa2W0YN-Ys-Jt2m8hqtUo69gLz1xuSLVTuTbhHCKS6UXZBpYngI-41v_oX9oEOpzFNh5M1jZ3DxR1rDtSZh0T5WkS6fOKIQ8Rr89mE73PmGsHegDp-f-B27p4Xd4QfUGcHnbwJhWSIqU/s1600/Preston+warm+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa2W0YN-Ys-Jt2m8hqtUo69gLz1xuSLVTuTbhHCKS6UXZBpYngI-41v_oX9oEOpzFNh5M1jZ3DxR1rDtSZh0T5WkS6fOKIQ8Rr89mE73PmGsHegDp-f-B27p4Xd4QfUGcHnbwJhWSIqU/s320/Preston+warm+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Soundcheck</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kicking off with tracks from the debut EP, <i>Maybe It's Love</i> and <i>Too Young</i>, a strong set of 45-minutes plus included all the favourites, <i>Nothing</i>, <i>(Untitled)</i>, <i>Stuck In A Fantasy</i>, <i>It Doesn't Bother Me</i>, <i>Something For The Weekend</i>, <i>Still It Doesn't Ring </i>and <i>Waiting For Lorraine. </i>Mike briefly missing his line just seemed like part of the show!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuEWYXuSVUmDdp_UszPfJ8wtivzUyp6c-KCqf6Km8KvCQd85UJMgBMtCZ3aacA0EUEOdjncwA85iMc8TVXHhwbYRo1MB8LPlnxhwQN5QKjvEBeWweqTrEE-Buhy_y4oEWyAz1cBX77rw/s1600/20171110_205842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuEWYXuSVUmDdp_UszPfJ8wtivzUyp6c-KCqf6Km8KvCQd85UJMgBMtCZ3aacA0EUEOdjncwA85iMc8TVXHhwbYRo1MB8LPlnxhwQN5QKjvEBeWweqTrEE-Buhy_y4oEWyAz1cBX77rw/s320/20171110_205842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Plenty of the knowledgeable punk crowd seemed familiar with <i>Time Goes By Slow</i>, and the now standard closer, the stunning reworking of Adrian Wright's <i>Nothing Lasts</i>,<i> </i>brought the show to and end. It earned a tremendous and well-deserved reception from the crowd, as well as the lively Distractions fans down the front.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDzOoE5WBaMfKTMj801fMOaZUC_IppXmGpMh_7byj0UWft62O5UYWCFLDKqCnrBSAq4egVvD_4gbf3rwrTUoLv9rBQVgVExw-4tlDlOC1v9AnqrkTTRv5yfC-pp9D0GqK_nb4hGDNQNM/s1600/Preston+rear+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDzOoE5WBaMfKTMj801fMOaZUC_IppXmGpMh_7byj0UWft62O5UYWCFLDKqCnrBSAq4egVvD_4gbf3rwrTUoLv9rBQVgVExw-4tlDlOC1v9AnqrkTTRv5yfC-pp9D0GqK_nb4hGDNQNM/s320/Preston+rear+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Penetration need no introduction or review from us - just check the <a href="http://www.getintothis.co.uk/2017/10/penetration-vermin-suicides-o2-academy-liverpool/">glowing</a> <a href="http://www.music-news.com/review/UK/12896/Live/Penetration">reviews</a> they are <a href="https://thecarouser.com/penetration-islington-academy-review/">receiving</a> during the current <a href="http://louderthanwar.com/penetration-announce-uk-tour-exclusive-new-song-listen/">'40 Years' UK tour</a>! The set from Pauline and the band, and the huge, loud and loving crowd, crowned what was surely the best night for the new Distractions Live line-up yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV3V28DonG2ZSQFnLPakBavMq3nfwHvGmGac-HZC7sPLsofSaTXd2YbzOVl7zOPoTkdDc6QhFCN85uJui5EzB9YvBJER7CwiLdL0ZuhaVA_y3IUMcqeMlZ1Ju6yxbll51ukOUlUhT05E/s1600/20171110_212044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV3V28DonG2ZSQFnLPakBavMq3nfwHvGmGac-HZC7sPLsofSaTXd2YbzOVl7zOPoTkdDc6QhFCN85uJui5EzB9YvBJER7CwiLdL0ZuhaVA_y3IUMcqeMlZ1Ju6yxbll51ukOUlUhT05E/s320/20171110_212044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There was plenty of positive feedback on the night and we have had more since via social media:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><i><b>"Great set gents. Good to see a band happy in their work. </b></i><i><b>My first intro to you last night. Will be investing in your music."</b></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><i>"Really enjoyed seeing & hearing you for the first time last night. I'll definitely look out for you again."</i></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><b>"We really enjoyed seeing you in Preston and will definitely come and see you again. I will be hunting down a copy of the first album."</b></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><b>"Really enjoyed your set."</b></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><b>"Well done Distractions. Best gig so far!"</b></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><b>"@DistractionsMcr superb again."</b></i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRMbuIa1NTJAzGMXFQnwgLo-rgsU2ZQqmvbtfGVeqOpuPVtHULgKWIFoxiNgvHX_KpINHjbhElaS7-yiYTOxYbTItSP-6wK1lyqq5pxlwrS5IjQzfNXxgy_ippyNJluaXRbSxaFxak0M/s1600/preston+ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="635" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRMbuIa1NTJAzGMXFQnwgLo-rgsU2ZQqmvbtfGVeqOpuPVtHULgKWIFoxiNgvHX_KpINHjbhElaS7-yiYTOxYbTItSP-6wK1lyqq5pxlwrS5IjQzfNXxgy_ippyNJluaXRbSxaFxak0M/s320/preston+ticket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) www.shanksticketprinting.co.uk</span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next up is a return to Stockport at the <a href="https://thedistractionslive.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/back-to-stockport.html">Spinning Top</a> on Friday 1st December. Then, the one that many have been waiting for, The Distractions Live in London - at the famous Dublin Castle in Camden on Saturday 27th January 2018.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-37170571225998137772017-11-16T05:42:00.004-08:002017-11-16T11:31:08.171-08:00Back to Stockport<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">11 November 2017</b><br />
<br />
The Distractions Live return to the venue where they played a homecoming show in summer, the <a href="http://www.thespinningtopbar.co.uk/whats-on/">Spinning Top</a> in Stockport. This cracking venue is close to Stockport station, and several of the town's best pubs, on Wellington Road South. The gig is on Friday 1st December, entry is free, plus support comes from The Trend's Mark Revell, so see you there!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVMvV7HXKUPp3106TruMH2g_3L_udfqbM1xlIrENHTqzYhwmaksUzGCyOK8CGYvuR9jclpyP4M6FDc5kzJR0AXQWfoLi2NMGq-2Dn0EyJB4G9X-DlI-SonRzOhjIf6ohdIDbGCJKBAi4/s1600/Distractions-Dec-17+spin+top.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="678" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVMvV7HXKUPp3106TruMH2g_3L_udfqbM1xlIrENHTqzYhwmaksUzGCyOK8CGYvuR9jclpyP4M6FDc5kzJR0AXQWfoLi2NMGq-2Dn0EyJB4G9X-DlI-SonRzOhjIf6ohdIDbGCJKBAi4/s400/Distractions-Dec-17+spin+top.png" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Friday 1st Dec – THE DISTRACTIONS + support from MARK ‘REV’ REVELL (front man from THE TREND & ex ICICLE WORKS)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcoming back The Distractions after their great gig in the summer!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions were around in the late '70s and early '80s and were well known in Manchester and beyond on the post-punk music scene and released records on the TJM, Factory, Island and Rough Trade labels. They played with Joy Division, The Fall, The Members, Stiff Little Fingers, Squeeze and many others as well as touring the UK and Ireland as well as doing gigs in New York before splitting up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
About a year ago two of the original members, Alex on drums and vocalist Mike Finney, got together with some friends after being asked to play at a memorial gig for a huge fan of the band, Manchester punk legend, Jon The Postman. It went down so well and they had such a great time they thought it would be a good idea to continue as a live act performing the singles and the great songs from the album.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO3mqChRMVoF0u2gLqRlQyJN81iHdwKpVoo5Z45jBS9zPJgkmnqXn9Iwg0xlRpqY50xtfx9icQeGrCdlT3pofa22eeiWBff_z2AcFzNzseu1bLG3JFakU3bKfvcrD4bWKgyyW5XkopEE/s1600/Distractions-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO3mqChRMVoF0u2gLqRlQyJN81iHdwKpVoo5Z45jBS9zPJgkmnqXn9Iwg0xlRpqY50xtfx9icQeGrCdlT3pofa22eeiWBff_z2AcFzNzseu1bLG3JFakU3bKfvcrD4bWKgyyW5XkopEE/s320/Distractions-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After extensive rehearsals and finalising the line-up they have been playing headline gigs since the beginning of 2017 as well as supporting bands such as Eton Crop, The Flamin' Groovies and Penetration. In January 2018 they will be playing the iconic London venue The Dublin Castle, which gave a start to bands such as Oasis, Madness and Amy Winehouse, as well as several major festivals next summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions are attracting a new generation of fans who appreciate classic songs and storming live sets!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They have a major retrospective box set, <a href="https://hiddenmasters.net/the-distractions/">Age + Geography</a>, on the ‘Hidden Masters’ label coming out soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Check out the band’s <a href="https://www.musicglue.com/thedistractions/">Music Glue</a> page for lots more information, videos and downloadable tracks: <a href="https://www.musicglue.com/thedistractions/">www.musicglue.com/thedistractions</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzVsuOZuVn1Xge3UQlHzLcv2hyphenhyphenBn5bRK3Jq1OuEWw3_N6UU9Z_Xdhg25YXAqMQiAkNFS3_RLU3NKU6LFKvE8JPTpY1W8KU4vbmOil76xtEikz6quOUwlNU62VLrBrbZ5379CBZy0z94o/s1600/Distractions-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzVsuOZuVn1Xge3UQlHzLcv2hyphenhyphenBn5bRK3Jq1OuEWw3_N6UU9Z_Xdhg25YXAqMQiAkNFS3_RLU3NKU6LFKvE8JPTpY1W8KU4vbmOil76xtEikz6quOUwlNU62VLrBrbZ5379CBZy0z94o/s320/Distractions-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They are: Mike Finney (lead vocals)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Joe Brehoney (bass)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Johnny Poole (guitar)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chris Dutton (guitar)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alex Sidebottom (drums/percussion)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-56429040552509131532017-10-03T11:54:00.002-07:002017-10-03T13:48:02.105-07:00Live at the Peer Hat, Manchester <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">3 October 2017</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b>
The next Distractions Live date is again in central Manchester, this time supporting Dutch band, the Eton Crop, with Faerground Accidents, on Thursday 26th October. The venue is the new <b><a href="http://thepeerhat.com/">Peer Hat</a> </b>on Faraday Street, which is between Lever Street and Newton Street in the Northern Quarter, off Piccadilly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kkBO7U4SNMKAlPiFGhkPTWQUZsI38TQzwd98MwlbJDCjjkRHVZlYCNcrxSllltLG6bc2pNbNX6sh-xdidspBCbLt4TjDlcOnnHiwR4dPBmKruJewFB53TWV5Kd6wHyB5hqoAeQvzdZw/s1600/Peer+Hat+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="914" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kkBO7U4SNMKAlPiFGhkPTWQUZsI38TQzwd98MwlbJDCjjkRHVZlYCNcrxSllltLG6bc2pNbNX6sh-xdidspBCbLt4TjDlcOnnHiwR4dPBmKruJewFB53TWV5Kd6wHyB5hqoAeQvzdZw/s400/Peer+Hat+header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>The Distractions</b><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">They shared bills with the likes of Buzzcocks, Magazine and Joy Division, and their debut EP, 'You're Not Going Out Dressed Like That', released in 1979, led to a deal with Factory Records, who released the follow-up,</span><i style="text-align: justify;"> 'Time Goes By So Slow'</i><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
See the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1977289259157321/"><b>Facebook page</b></a> for the gig: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1977289259157321/">www.facebook.com/events/1977289259157321</a><br />
<br />
Buy tickets <b><a href="https://www.seetickets.com/event/eton-crop-nl-support/the-peer-hat-manchester/1124164">here</a></b> from just £5.50: <a href="https://www.seetickets.com/event/eton-crop-nl-support/the-peer-hat-manchester/1124164">www.seetickets.com/event/eton-crop-nl-support/the-peer-hat-manchester/1124164</a><br />
<br />granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-24389085805119682432017-09-25T15:04:00.002-07:002017-10-03T12:06:23.585-07:00Ruby Lounge review: The Distractions + Flamin' Groovies<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">25 September 2017</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
Two under-appreciated classic guitar pop bands graced the same stage in front of a loving and appreciative crowd at the Ruby Lounge, High Street, Manchester on Tuesday 19 September 2017.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lmV9ACNOO-NdVbtp6TIImWKGHw-QmmGoIox9wpBg8yazR77dfYqK1TJmIf6MJWutDPJB-xPrfP6vr6LvmxwZt44blmjbVEyrlehy4SpumLTpL-dUXnUGBpwqhWcse6jgSDrJsI1_U_I/s1600/Screenshot_20170918-223556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lmV9ACNOO-NdVbtp6TIImWKGHw-QmmGoIox9wpBg8yazR77dfYqK1TJmIf6MJWutDPJB-xPrfP6vr6LvmxwZt44blmjbVEyrlehy4SpumLTpL-dUXnUGBpwqhWcse6jgSDrJsI1_U_I/s400/Screenshot_20170918-223556.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Opening were local heroes, The Distractions, who are currently gigging in a live line-up including original singer Mike Finney and drummer Alex Sidebottom. The recording band have officially disbanded following their third and final album ('Kindly Leave The Stage') what with original guitarist Steve Perrin now living in New Zealand, while newer songwriter Nick Halliwell is at the other end of England. However, this new incarnation are currently gigging their late '70s and early '80s material to great success.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU1KeoyfjqongkqFAIY9BCElOkU4hzp0j8CxHWRutsaBM5x8QVHY-LBVXp5DTHAo-_JHjh7VQWW6uBPo5toqbZ6_iZEoMEhW74Ehgc8zVJhZ7iSNvNOVJnqedoKOsU23B2TMc2EGPTNY/s1600/FB_IMG_1505846974800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU1KeoyfjqongkqFAIY9BCElOkU4hzp0j8CxHWRutsaBM5x8QVHY-LBVXp5DTHAo-_JHjh7VQWW6uBPo5toqbZ6_iZEoMEhW74Ehgc8zVJhZ7iSNvNOVJnqedoKOsU23B2TMc2EGPTNY/s320/FB_IMG_1505846974800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) Nick Barber, 2017.</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A short but rocking set included <i>"Maybe It's Love"</i>, <i>"It Doesn't Bother Me"</i> and the timeless Factory Records single <i>"Time Goes By So Slow"</i>. A quite brilliant closer was a furious version of <i>"Nothing Lasts"</i> which the new live band - including Joe Brehony, Chris Dutton and Jonny Poole - have put their mark all over. The Distractions Live are a post-punk pop force to be reckoned with, and surely more gigs around the North West and hopefully beyond will follow. Next up it's <b><a href="https://thedistractionslive.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/live-at-peer-hat-manchester.html">The Peer Hat in Manchester</a> </b>on 26th October, then <a href="http://www.wegottickets.com/event/394990"><b>The Continental in Preston</b></a> in November supporting Penetration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqUcWJuabycIkolFw6csFKyBfwy37O8NHSdX-cauuFxH8bWf0wvTia5RaGVoejjuorw2xshPj63LcJgmnBVMlFu6cayw7q63j1NTLdM9uAIIqJjlDi41Ad7DmeLHTsTqrmy5gR6HdCKM/s1600/FB_IMG_1505861076449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1136" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqUcWJuabycIkolFw6csFKyBfwy37O8NHSdX-cauuFxH8bWf0wvTia5RaGVoejjuorw2xshPj63LcJgmnBVMlFu6cayw7q63j1NTLdM9uAIIqJjlDi41Ad7DmeLHTsTqrmy5gR6HdCKM/s400/FB_IMG_1505861076449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) Nick Barber, 2017.</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Joining several well-known local faces who turned out for The Distractions - such as CP Lee and Mick Middles - was Marc Riley (founder member of The Fall, and current BBC 6Music DJ) for the main attraction. Chris Wilson partnered the original Flamin' Groovie, Cyril Jordan, and they rolled back the years (65 and 69, respectively, Wilson informed us!) in a rocking hour-plus set.<br />
<br />
Tracks from their new album, 'Fantastic Plastic', like <i>"What The Hell's Going On?" </i>and <i>"End Of The World"</i>, were scattered amongst choice cuts from the late '60s and '70s. The inevitable and rightly lauded <i>"Shake Some Action"</i> brought the house down, and the smiles in the crowd lasted until after the show when Jordan and Wilson joined the fans for photos, chats and signatures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mhkCpG8B_LeqCWvQFon22gqymqZTbTiGLMpBfM0AnbUsAQeVt7LXPekVGWTr60kEjyYQo5kLUNsUnFuS1J11on71b__JKOg943MMmPvbPEZ_h47CmTpm74g-YahUydpHUQ4zilq7VOw/s1600/FB_IMG_1506371098841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mhkCpG8B_LeqCWvQFon22gqymqZTbTiGLMpBfM0AnbUsAQeVt7LXPekVGWTr60kEjyYQo5kLUNsUnFuS1J11on71b__JKOg943MMmPvbPEZ_h47CmTpm74g-YahUydpHUQ4zilq7VOw/s320/FB_IMG_1506371098841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) Nick Barber, 2017.</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These two legendary but still fresh-sounding bands hail from opposite sides of the pond, but are hewn from the same rock: melodic guitar pop rock. We can only hope that they will both be playing to appreciative Manchester audiences again in the not-too-distant future (update: The Distractions are playing at <a href="https://thedistractionslive.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/live-at-peer-hat-manchester.html"><b>The Peer Hat, Manchester on 26th October</b></a>).<br />
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-59812373362692906672017-09-18T14:55:00.002-07:002017-09-18T14:58:39.971-07:00Stage times for Ruby Lounge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">18 September 2017</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXV0Y3gpVzaYoyhWbYT83aN8xH8RdzkdtOR3xy4yGwwFD-hVdM8XBsW_A4WjcaJOCmWr0zsEFtb6jg8zh_2yMjXZTZDERMxghn4nM8oRUj3mwjJUmFQogxdh5ckW_EAbbmGhFDQpb9yM/s1600/Flamin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="752" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXV0Y3gpVzaYoyhWbYT83aN8xH8RdzkdtOR3xy4yGwwFD-hVdM8XBsW_A4WjcaJOCmWr0zsEFtb6jg8zh_2yMjXZTZDERMxghn4nM8oRUj3mwjJUmFQogxdh5ckW_EAbbmGhFDQpb9yM/s400/Flamin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have been advised that approximate stage times for the Flamin' Groovies and first of all, The Distractions, are as follows:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">19:30 - Doors </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">20:15 - The Distractions</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">21:15 - Flamin' Groovies</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See you there for what's going to be a memorable night of post-punk and power-pop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHiQc8CnqxvC_PO1UWCFYMAYhMtiULrI0WLTsinFFbU05pgvEqNPLeF-aZrjcJM6xf_S8kinBJE37ZvPfG3zlUDY3uGqNZ20EzAfOdIR7p8TFFdEI3pY1jiAcPdHZQ3uT7AfOZAP30E4/s1600/FB_IMG_1467714642242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="952" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHiQc8CnqxvC_PO1UWCFYMAYhMtiULrI0WLTsinFFbU05pgvEqNPLeF-aZrjcJM6xf_S8kinBJE37ZvPfG3zlUDY3uGqNZ20EzAfOdIR7p8TFFdEI3pY1jiAcPdHZQ3uT7AfOZAP30E4/s320/FB_IMG_1467714642242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-72258679151231116612017-09-17T13:29:00.001-07:002017-09-18T14:40:10.614-07:00Live in Manchester this week<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>16 September 2017</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIkXYoYqhuBae4Jlk5-EnLnzhlK57giFWZ6Kw8NH96PJvRurAfbmdv3lqkKOrB5ff6fOg8TFdGqTkuU_zOitEvj0njjlqJl67j18UtwqUmbpF_cOLgcNTcacuFh8Bowt7BUbqo0e3ddY/s1600/received_10154964033372039.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="627" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIkXYoYqhuBae4Jlk5-EnLnzhlK57giFWZ6Kw8NH96PJvRurAfbmdv3lqkKOrB5ff6fOg8TFdGqTkuU_zOitEvj0njjlqJl67j18UtwqUmbpF_cOLgcNTcacuFh8Bowt7BUbqo0e3ddY/s400/received_10154964033372039.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions open for the Flamin' Groovies this Tuesday 19th September. Get your tickets here!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; color: white; font-family: "londrina solid", helvetica, roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://therubylounge.com/event/flamin-groovies">https://therubylounge.com/event/flamin-groovies</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; color: white; font-family: "londrina solid", helvetica, roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">The Flamin’ Groovies</b> story goes all the way back to 1965 when the band began as <b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">The Chosen Few</b> in their hometown of San Francisco, California. After a name change and a self-released 10 inch album called “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Sneakers</i>”, which sold amazingly well, the band caught the attention of Columbia who signed them up and sent them into the studio with a big budget to record their first real album, “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Supersnazz</i>”, on the Epic label. Their next two albums were on Kama Sutra (home of their heroes,<b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> The Lovin’ Spoonful</b>): “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Flamingo”</i>, and the now revered classic “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Teenage Head</i>”.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Lead singer <b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Roy Loney</b> left the band right after that and lead guitarist <b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Cyril Jordan</b> moved the group to England with <b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chris Wilson</b> taking over as front man. A few singles on United Artists, recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales with Dave Edmunds producing, followed in the early ‘70s. In ‘76 they signed to Sire Records, who released three true gems of power pop: “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Shake Some Action”, “Flamin’ Groovies Now</i>”, and “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Jumpin’ In The Night</i>”.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span style="background-color: white;">The band’s upcoming new album “<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Fantastic Plastic</i>” will receive a very limited European release on Otis Recordings and will be available ONLY at their live dates</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></b></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">“One of the great lost </b><b style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">bands of the New Wave era” (Blurt magazine. USA)</b></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span style="background-color: white;">The Distractions in the late 70s and early 80s were very well known on the post-punk music scene. They released records on the TJM, Factory, Island and Rough Trade labels to excellent reviews, as well as sharing bills with Joy Division, The Buzzcocks, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Fall, The Members, Squeeze and many others.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Londrina Solid", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span style="background-color: white;">They played all corners of the UK, Ireland as well as doing gigs in New York before splitting up. The present group has two of the original members: Mike Finney on vocals and Alex on drums as well as ex members of The Things and The Blue Orchids, all steeped in the Manchester music tradition. The Distractions (live) have been gigging regularly since the start of the year and are building up a new generation of fans who appreciate classic songs and storming live sets!</span></div>
</div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-49914611594209441762017-08-18T08:28:00.001-07:002017-09-18T14:40:46.517-07:00Ruby Lounge tickets - special offer<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<b style="color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">21 August 2017</b></div>
<div>
<b style="color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJyz2PmuHxRoYjQB9yqpTp18BrhcnvJxTSokSUjGRhFnc_teC5DO171diR8JuceQ3y9tiOUyTl9VP6abK1plqcEJQwW17ZAldq0kHn3EDoADHux7c_gYw3zTya6LHk7jnN0suwRTYT0g/s1600/Flamin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="752" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJyz2PmuHxRoYjQB9yqpTp18BrhcnvJxTSokSUjGRhFnc_teC5DO171diR8JuceQ3y9tiOUyTl9VP6abK1plqcEJQwW17ZAldq0kHn3EDoADHux7c_gYw3zTya6LHk7jnN0suwRTYT0g/s400/Flamin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We are pleased to announce that tickets for the Manchester gig at the Ruby Lounge with the Flamin Groovies on 19 Sept are on special offer, exclusively for Distractions friends and family!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Instead of the full price of </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">£</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">19.50 (which is great value for two legendary bands anyway!, you can pick up tickets using the details below for just <b>£7.50</b>. This is a limited offer so move quickly!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Go the the ticket site: <a href="https://agmp.ticketabc.com/events/flamin-groovies-1909/">https://agmp.ticketabc.com/events/flamin-groovies-1909/</a></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Enter the promo code</b>: <b>DISTRACTIONS01</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">See you there!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITAX2jXifW-aZWKuBWgz2orI4xIh5-JoOOkKs1ONMYzc7A6-Lb1sCDk5dbaz1CUgoV0S7b7ZQFxu2ExJ1EI7mON7Fj514U5A4o70FFdZxioXKsyLYgX9YjNgAcH9E_AzEK8g8O5fZtjw/s1600/Flamin+gigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITAX2jXifW-aZWKuBWgz2orI4xIh5-JoOOkKs1ONMYzc7A6-Lb1sCDk5dbaz1CUgoV0S7b7ZQFxu2ExJ1EI7mON7Fj514U5A4o70FFdZxioXKsyLYgX9YjNgAcH9E_AzEK8g8O5fZtjw/s320/Flamin+gigs.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqahH937lZodRBA8FpVQUeEAIaZMqfHAgzFsL61UU9fy4H9bJ6olRGT5r909_lVrHtDXEH7J8SoNnHB9Yg1eW097Yz-9EC6mUHWPDR-eCp6WgfXSIlWYwl2tnyTnhTtcGruSCoq336og/s1600/Flamin+gigs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqahH937lZodRBA8FpVQUeEAIaZMqfHAgzFsL61UU9fy4H9bJ6olRGT5r909_lVrHtDXEH7J8SoNnHB9Yg1eW097Yz-9EC6mUHWPDR-eCp6WgfXSIlWYwl2tnyTnhTtcGruSCoq336og/s320/Flamin+gigs+2.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-37339746514566646902017-08-02T12:32:00.000-07:002017-08-18T09:05:30.498-07:00Shake Some Action! - The Distractions Live in Manchester<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: left;">
<b style="color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">2 August 2017</b></div>
<div>
<b style="color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div>
We are delighted to announce that The Distractions Live will be supporting the legendary <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFlaminGroovies/">Flamin' Groovies</a></b> at the <b><a href="https://therubylounge.com/event/flamin-groovies">Ruby Lounge</a></b> in Manchester. Tickets for this unmissable show, on Tuesday 19th September 2017 from 19:30, are available via the link at the <a href="https://therubylounge.com/event/flamin-groovies#tickets"><b>Ruby Lounge website</b></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl4hyphenhyphenfx676EGx8QxvNxAcNmn8uHyRhY4QBsQEJOTgzD3Z9u1bfe5I_sbAyKfJP280u24_ssnpO2yvM3UkibTvxaFxELWg899KC2vo75gVvVXA8fpAYcWEwu0WwZxJpYJ0chTdnY_UnOM/s1600/Ruby+Lounge+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1349" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl4hyphenhyphenfx676EGx8QxvNxAcNmn8uHyRhY4QBsQEJOTgzD3Z9u1bfe5I_sbAyKfJP280u24_ssnpO2yvM3UkibTvxaFxELWg899KC2vo75gVvVXA8fpAYcWEwu0WwZxJpYJ0chTdnY_UnOM/s400/Ruby+Lounge+flyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions have featured on a couple of <a href="http://distractionsnothing.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/compilations.html">compilations</a> named after the Flamin' Groovies classic album, 'Shake Some Action'. On the original<i> Shake Some Action Volume 1</i>, <i>'It Doesn't Bother Me' </i>featured, while <i>Volume 3 </i>boasted <i>'Something For The Weekend'</i>. Here's more history from the gig webpage:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lfP_1Gcu4aOctqdS0dT3w6hyphenhyphen8CgK1QjldJEU7qbEE90sNSj2FXFqr3yZdLfmOggNHa7hHU2jhvzc5KGpmzNt3HFM0lmWbnXGyEkkGCGfLvHY9Cz3A4oZ8cm23gCPuRRncK2jbWVVG3w/s1600/RUby+press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="773" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lfP_1Gcu4aOctqdS0dT3w6hyphenhyphen8CgK1QjldJEU7qbEE90sNSj2FXFqr3yZdLfmOggNHa7hHU2jhvzc5KGpmzNt3HFM0lmWbnXGyEkkGCGfLvHY9Cz3A4oZ8cm23gCPuRRncK2jbWVVG3w/s400/RUby+press.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“One of the great lost bands of the New Wave era” (Blurt magazine, USA)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Distractions in the late '70s and early '80s were very well known on the post-punk music scene. They released records on the TJM, Factory, Island and Rough Trade labels to excellent reviews, as well as sharing bills with Joy Division, The Buzzcocks, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Fall, The Members, Squeeze and many others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They played all corners of the UK, Ireland as well as doing gigs in New York before splitting up. The present group has two of the original members: Mike Finney on vocals and Alex on drums as well as ex-members of The Things and The Blue Orchids, all steeped in the Manchester music tradition. The Distractions (Live) have been gigging regularly since the start of the year and are building up a new generation of fans who appreciate classic songs and storming live sets!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Buy your tickets here:</b> <strike>https://therubylounge.com/event/flamin-groovies </strike><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><a href="https://agmp.ticketabc.com/events/flamin-groovies-1909/"><b>https://agmp.ticketabc.com/events/flamin-groovies-1909/</b></a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">and enter the promo code: <b>DISTRACTIONS01</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220340389568148426.post-16887732099103239052017-07-09T11:52:00.001-07:002017-07-09T11:55:07.234-07:00Glaston-BURY<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">9 July 2017</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcxwU64Z8ss9X-RQUtYaJMN8RRnVNQqBWw11aGdcV3rWRFauS5pQvF3H-AvJyYxtpPPNNt5Bcc0Hm06JL7uh3ZJvnHP3tVxgn_lsnLsvoQ_mkb1CvWlKtgUhF_FnwX6wbqV7niA8AdjI/s1600/Glaston-BURY+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="681" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcxwU64Z8ss9X-RQUtYaJMN8RRnVNQqBWw11aGdcV3rWRFauS5pQvF3H-AvJyYxtpPPNNt5Bcc0Hm06JL7uh3ZJvnHP3tVxgn_lsnLsvoQ_mkb1CvWlKtgUhF_FnwX6wbqV7niA8AdjI/s400/Glaston-BURY+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After yesterday's #MancsGiving festival in Whalley Range (more photos and videos of that later), here's confirmation of the next festival appearance by The Distractions Live. While they never got round to performing in a farmer's field in Somerset, the next best thing is surely Bury's Glaston-BURY festival on August Bank Holiday Monday (28th). This huge festival is also in a great cause - Bury Hospice, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and other local charities. Just £7 in gets you 130 acts over 13 stages. Further details soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VtSxdzE2Bbfq6A7PtTZtsaXuOx7El0UryXF4rjqjLZ0hXWS0mAIP6BMIADDn7oJnDHURR9NkarXN6zYPB9-up39uTvBDlZFjGXu4tpjDNaMx21sHGtu5e06i-GmdO2RVE-5s4qRyKqw/s1600/Glaston-BURY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="681" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VtSxdzE2Bbfq6A7PtTZtsaXuOx7El0UryXF4rjqjLZ0hXWS0mAIP6BMIADDn7oJnDHURR9NkarXN6zYPB9-up39uTvBDlZFjGXu4tpjDNaMx21sHGtu5e06i-GmdO2RVE-5s4qRyKqw/s640/Glaston-BURY.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />granatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08551985686564886849noreply@blogger.com0