Monthly Archives: February 2012

Protection Racket: Clem Burke (Blondie), Chris Fehn (Slipknot) and Six Other New Endorsees Join The Family

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Protection Racket proudly welcomes eight more amazing drummers to the Family. The new endorsees music represents a whole range of different genres including, rock, heavy metal, rap and pop.

Percussionist Chris Fehn, from the iconic metal band Slipknot, is one of the latest to enjoy the soft security offered by Protection Rackets tough lightweight cases.  Drumming legend, Clem Burke with a long and varied career, which includes Blondie, Bob Dylan and the Eurythmics, also joins this roster of world-class drummers. Then there is Richard Jupp from the well-established English rock band Elbow, Dane Campbell with the up and coming Welsh punk rockers, Straight Lines, and American session drummer Todd Demma currently playing with Avril Lavigne.

With Protection Racket’s universal appeal to drummers of all genres they have also signed drummer Chris Bond who plays with critically acclaimed acoustic singer/songwriter Ben Howard, whose album last year reached the top 10 in the UK charts and has since gone global. Also joining the artist list are Luke Harris and Jesse Grant – who play with Wretch 32 and Devlin respectively, both part of the Grime Collective rap scene. Last but not least is the accomplished music professional, Mike Pitman of the groove based metal band Xerath.

These new endorsees join a top-notch roster of globally renowned drummers including Abe Laboriel (Paul McCartney), Ian Matthews (Kasabian) and Ronnie Vannucci (The Killers). They, like many other drummers feel safe in the knowledge that they have some of the most uncompromising protection for their precious kits.

To find out more about the Protection Racket range and their endorsees visit www.protectionracket.co.uk.

Posted in Cases, Drums & Percussion, News

Doug Wimbish To Appear At Rotosound Stand At The London Bass Guitar Show 2012

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Doug Wimbish, best known for his work with the rock band Living Colour, is set to appear on the Rotosound Stand at the London Bass Guitar Show 2012, the Olymipia Conference Centre, London.

Considered to be a pioneer in hip hop bass playing and the use of bass effects, alternate tunings and extended hand techniques, Doug Wimbish is a real visionary when it comes to playing the bass. As an extremely versatile bassist he has worked with many of the music world’s greats including Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Madonna and Joe Satriani. He is an original on this instrument, technically great and groovy as hell.

You can meet Doug and chat with him at 1.00pm on Sunday 4th March on the Rotosound stand where you will also be able to see all the latest new products including the new range of accessories. Plus pick up a leaflet on the stand, answer three simple questions and you could be in with a chance to win a years supply of Rotosound strings. And remember you can also meet Bruce Foxton at 2.00pm on Saturday 3rd March on the Rotosound Stand.

For more information about Rotosound and its endorsees visit www.rotosound.com.

Posted in Bass, Events, Strings

The Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert London Palladium

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Planet-Musician

The Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert takes place for the first time in the UK at the world-famous London Palladium on 2nd April 2012. The world-class lineup is confirmed as Dave Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, John Blackwell and Gregg Potter from the USA with Ian Paice, Ginger Baker, Gavin Harrison and Elliott Henshaw from the UK. Plus singing supremo Tony Christie will also appear.

One of legendary drummer Buddy Rich’s last requests to his daughter, Cathy, was to keep his band working, his music alive, and to do something for young people. No easy task, but eventually Cathy decided that an annual memorial concert seemed the way to go. The first sellout memorial concert was in 1988 at the celebrated Carnegie Hall in New York. Since then, shows have followed in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Boston with the who’s who of the drumming world taking part and the shows being described as the ‘The Greatest Drum Show Of All Time’. Artists to grace the stage in previous years have included Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Stan Getz, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dennis Chambers.

This year, on the exact date of the 25th anniversary of Buddy’s death, it is the turn of the London Palladium to host this prestigious event. The show, co-hosted by Cathy herself, features the US-based Buddy Rich Big Band supported by UK session musicians who used to play with Buddy. Cathy will also present Lifetime Achievement Awards to three rock drumming legends.

On his involvement, the highly-respected Dave Weckl said, “anytime I get to pay tribute to one of the greatest players of our instrument, I am first in line. To be able to play with a great Big Band and play songs from the Buddy Rich book is one of my favourite things to do as a drummer.” Joining Dave Weckl are Gregg Bissonette, known most recently for his work with the Ringo Starr band; John Blackwell, currently playing with Prince; and Gregg Potter from the Buddy Rich Big Band. From the UK, Deep Purple’s distinguished drummer, Ian Paice; the renowned Cream drummer, Ginger Baker; respected session drummer Gavin Harrison; and Elliott Henshaw, veteran of over 20 West End shows and drummer for Tony Christie.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 0844 412 4657 or online at www.seetickets.com and are priced from £25 to £60. VIP tickets are available on a strictly limited basis only. They include the best seats in the house, an opportunity to meet the headline artists, admission to the after-show party and signed merchandise.

This is one show not to be missed – the world’s greatest musicians in the world’s greatest theatre paying tribute to “the world’s greatest drummer”. Be there!

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Events, News

New! Quick Licks Gary Moore Volume 2 guitar lessons from Lick Library

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Learn up to 30 killer Gary Moore style rock and blues guitar licks with Lick Library’s new Quick Licks Gary Moore Volume 2. DVD. Professional player and teacher Jamie Humphries presents the easy to follow guitar lessons, which will help you build your repertoire and technique.

The DVD takes you through over 30 Gary Moore style licks from two distinct periods in his career; 80’s style hard rock and the blues. The guitar lessons illustrate techniques such as fast alternate picking, scale sequences, tremolo picking and fast pentatonic phrases and lines, a guitar jam track is also included.

The scope of Gary Moore’s guitar talent reached far beyond mainstream rock and roll. His naturally soulful style ensured he was one of the most widely respected guitarists of his generation. He developed a clean sound and a distinctive sustained tone that allowed him to express all emotions through his guitar.

Quick Licks Gary Moore Volume 2 (RRP£19.99) is available now. Check out this superb DVD and a whole range of other Gary Moore and other blues inspired lessons at www.licklibrary.com.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

Rotosound Unveil New Guitar Picks

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Rotosound is delighted to add their range over forty new Guitar Picks to its ever-expanding selection of guitar accessories, helping guitar players everywhere in their search for the perfect pick. The guitar picks come in packs of six and are made from either celluloid, Delrin or PVC and are priced from £1.50 each inc.vat.

Historically celluloid was the first plastic ever used to make guitar picks. These picks are the ones that most closely resemble the feel and sound of real tortoise shell and come in the standard celluloid or pearloid finish. They both feel smooth to the touch with their polished finish and have a warm vintage sound. The celluloid guitar picks are available in four thicknesses, the classic shape in classic, small and large sizes, the heart shape, the small teardrop shape and the small shark tooth shape. The pearloid guitar picks are available in the classic size and shape.

Delrin guitar picks are less rigid than the celluloid ones and come in a wider range of thicknesses. They have a warm woody tone that emphasises the lower order harmonics. The Delrin guitar picks are extremely durable with a matte surface that makes the pick easier to grip, particularly with sweaty hands. These picks are available in the classic size and shape, in the shark tooth shape (same basic size, but with a more aggressive point for precision playing), or in a large classic shape.

If you need a more affordable guitar pick, then Rotosound can offer PVC guitar picks, in three different thicknesses in the classic size and shape with either an opaque or transparent finish.

To find our more about the guitar pick range visit www.rotosound.com.

Posted in Accessories, Guitar, Strings

National Learn to Play Day Saturday March 31st, 2012

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Free Music Instrument lessons for the Public

Music for All, the charity of the UK musical instrument industry is proud to announce the first, annual, National Learn to Play Day taking place on March 31st, 2012.

On this day, the UK’s musical instrument shops will open their doors and offer free instrument “taster” lessons to the general public.

There are 15 million people in the UK that either want to play an instrument or used to play one. The Day is designed to welcome people into music shops and to inspire them to get playing. People are often surprised to discover that they ARE musical and simply need a musical “experience” to get them inspired to start playing.

The Day will offer free lessons on a variety of instruments, supported by music teachers and additional guidance on getting started learning to play music. The UK’s instrument manufacturers will also be supporting the event with staff, instruments and special offers!

Paul McManus, Chief Executive of Music For All commenting on the event said, “Music for All knows how much music can change and enrich people’s lives. We are hosting the annual Learn to Play Day to allow as many people as possible to experience the wonderful world of making music”.

The charity is also proud to have partnered for the event with the Musicians’ Union, Arts Council England’s Take it away scheme, MusicTeachers.co.uk and Musicradar.com

Full details of the event including participating shops can be found at www.learntoplayday.com.

Posted in Education, Events, Music

The Institute launches innovative new Music Business degree

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Planet-Musician

The London-based Institute of Contemporary Music performance has announced the launch of an innovative and exciting new BA (Hons) Music Business degree course commencing September 2012.

Designed with a view to creating the music business entrepreneurs of the future, students on the course will study the principles of business and management in the music sector alongside hundreds of aspiring and talented musicians, writers and performers. This will enable the development of practical artist management, marketing, radio, PR and publishing skills from day one. And with countless live gigs, showcases and events taking place every term at the Institute, the opportunities for learning, skill development network building throughout the course are unrivalled.

The course will count on a wide-ranging teaching faculty, combining experienced and specialised tutors with regular contributions from industry specialists from the world of promotion, radio, PR and publishing. This extensive faculty includes such names as Becky Jones (Saint Saviour), Ryan Farley (Warner/Chappell Publishing), Christian Ulf-Hansen (BMI), Polly Birkbeck (V2 Records), who will provide students with invaluable first-hand knowledge of what to expect and how to progress further within the music industry.

The Institute’s Music Business degree course provides students with a high level of contact teaching hours, delivered in specialist facilities in London. All undergraduates will have regular and active access to the Institute’s extensive network of music industry contacts and partners, and will be supported by the career and artist development teams. And as if that weren’t enough, tuition fees from 2012 are only £4,950 per annum – when other UK universities are charging almost double that amount!

For further information about the BA (Hons) Music Business degree and other courses at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Education, Music, News

Lick Library Present Learn to Play Chickenfoot

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Learn to play five Chickenfoot tracks! Licklibrary, the world leading suppliers of guitar lesson DVD’s, have just released Learn To Play Chickenfoot, including over two hours of guitars lessons for this rock supergroup that includes the awesome skills of guitar god Joe Satriani.

Who better than former Joe Satriani pupil, Danny Gill, to teach you the five Chickenfoot tracks. The DVD provides an easy way to learn Joe’s riffs and solos will help you develop an arsenal of licks and techniques. Each riff and solo is played both slowly and then up to tempo, and explained note by note.

Featured on Learn To Play Chickenfoot (RRP £23.99) are five high-octane tracks from both of their albums. From the first album comes the bluesy Soap On A Rope, Down The Drain which captures Chickenfoot’s unique sound and the darker Oh Yeah which builds and explodes then falls down again before rising through the guitar solo. Then Danny takes a look at the Zeppelin-esque Big Foot and works his way through the slamming barre chords combined with the super heavy licks of Last Temptation from their more recent second album.

This and the Chickenfoot Jam Trax (£9.99) are available from www.licklibrary.com. Or buy the Perfect Partner Set (RRP £28.98) saving £5.00.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

The Jam’s Bruce Foxton Appearing on Rotosound Stand At The London Bass Guitar Show 2012

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Planet-Musician

The Jam’s Fantastic Mr Foxton will be on the Rotosound stand at this years London Bass show, Olympia Conference Centre.

The former Jam bass player has recently been working Paul Weller’s in the studio on a new album with his band From The Jam featuring Russell Hastings on Guitar and Big Country’s drummer Mark Brzezicki. Paul Weller also guests on the new album, along with Steve Cropper and Ray Davies. The album will feature tracks made famous by The Jam as well as new original music from Bruce and Russell.

You will be able to chat Bruce at 2pm on Saturday 3rd March on the Rotosound stand and also be able to see all the latest new products including their new range of accessories. Rotosound will also have their staff on hand to answer any questions, plus running some special promotions on products purchased at the show.

For more information about Rotosound and its endorsees visit www.rotosound.com.

Posted in Bass, Events, Strings

Protection Racket Launch the Ultimate Hardware Bags

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Planet-Musician

When the going gets tough, the tough get Protection racket’s new hardware bags! The revamped and up-spec’d bags are seriously heavy duty and include a host of new features to protect your hardware and make life on the road as easy as possible.

Protection Racket’s new hardware cases comes with not just any old wheels, these are new heavy duty 4×4 wheels that are stronger, more durable and designed for smooth, no wobble transportation.  The new retractable handle also makes for easier handling and manoeuvrability.

Upgrades to the new bags include much stiffer poly-prop which runs up both ends and down the base of the case for much better rigidity and strength, protecting further the contents and making the bags very study. The wheel end is coated with PVV diamond plastic for extra strength where it really matters. The bags also include ergonomic handles at each end for lifting, large outer zipped pocket for all your accessories and internal adjustable webbing straps for holding hardware in place during transit.

The new cases are:

  • 5028W = 28″ length x 14″ wide by 10″ high RRP £  96.99
  • 5038W = 38″ length x 16″ wide by 10″ high RRP £109.99
  • 5047W = 47″ length x 18″ wide by 10″ high RRP £132.99 ( ideal for drum racks )

For further information please visit www.protectionracket.co.uk.

Posted in Cases, Drums & Percussion