RIP Jimmy Sullivan

This has to be the worst news ever. One of my favorite drummers, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away yesterday. He was only 28. At first I thought, 'No way, The Rev can't die' but after reading Avenged Sevenfold's blog it hit me. Actually, that's a lie, it hasn't hit me. I'm still in denial about it. I know he's passed away but part of me doesn't want to believe it. Of all the people that have passed away this year, Jimmy's death is the one that's affected me most. That may sound awful and very ignorant of me, but I'm pretty biased on this subject since A7X literally were my summer and autumn of 2007.

From late spring, possibly all the way through until 2008, my life seemed to revolve around this band. (It's so weird for me to think back on this) During the summer, all we would do was get together on a weekend, buy lots of crap food (chocolate, bread sticks, spreadable cheese and grapes) then go to someone's house and watch the 'All Excess' dvd and talk about our love for Jimmy and Brian. Thus, 'Gev Nights' were born. We even wrote fanfics on mibba because we loved them so much (oh how I miss those days...), granted, I never did finish any of mine. Still to this very day. As sad as this sounds, we adapted our favorite members' - Jimmy and Brian - stage names to our own. And I've only just remembered that I was nicknamed The Reverend Tholomew Faye. Oh my...

Back on point, A7X are an extremely important part of my life. I don't listen to them as much as I did back in '07, in all honesty, today's the first time I've listened to them properly in...a year and a half. Wow. This feels so surreal. Back then I suppose I took him for granted, assumed he'd just always be there. Now...I don't even know what to think.
I'm devastated, crushed, on-the-verge-of-tears (not trying to be dramatic), heartbroken...so I can't begin to imagine how his family and the rest of A7X feel...

All my personal feelings/memories aside, Jimmy was an amazingly talented drummer, who was far too young to be taken from the world. A7X won't ever be the same without him. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I hope he finds a Stallion Duck in heaven to chase around and be forever in awe of.

RIP JIMMY <3

Goodnight, Goodbye 2009

Watching: Taken
Listening to: The Fame Monster - Lady GaGa

Here's the obligatory end-of/round-up-of-the-year blog. Even though it's not the end of 09 yet.
Anyway...

Well I'm so releived xmas is over for another year. It was less painful than I expected, but then again I did get my Lady GaGa ticket and a new phone amongst other things, so it wasn't so bad. Now I'm just glad that I can look forward to the new year and all the amazing things that are set to happen. That said, this year has had some low points - quite early on - and the only way to explain how I felt during that time would be: "I'm-so-annoyed-I-want-to-headbutt-a-sword". One thing that I really appreciated was the super-long summer holiday. I finished in June rather than July and didn't start college until September. In those three months I basically went into hibernation, hardly went out, stayed holed-up in my room watching Gossip Girl online for about two weeks straight. Good times. Despite all that, here's a list of things that happened to make 2009 memorable:

Being part of the Divino McMat crew
Seeing ML for the second time,
meeting Harry & Kev from Yashin,
Callum from Flood of Red
and Danny from The Audition.
Having a win of a 16th bday party
Passing my GCSE's
Going to Edinburgh and York
Bumming about all summer watching Gossip Girl
KHK Stickam chats
Madii's innuendo's on Twitter
Papa Schlumpf, Schlumpfine and Schlaubi (L)
Coming in 2nd in KHK Mission #8
Getting commented off Kill Hannah
Alice In Wonderland themed tea party
Seeing Yashin again at the most insane show ever
Meeting Paul (the legend) from Yashin
NOT going to see New Spoon
Founding the Fail Club & Cool Kids Club with Madii
Crowing Paul, the legend, the elite member of the CKC
Paul telling Madii to propose to Lewis

And now that I can look back and say, 'Yeah, 2009 was pretty decent' without any hint of sarcasm, here's a list of things I've got to look forward to in 2010. It's mainly concerts but what the fuck ever, here we go:

Kerrang! Tour - 03/2/10
Yashin Street Team Promo Day
'Put Your Hands Where I Can See Them'
'Screamworks: Love In Theory and Practice'
'The Asylum For Wayward Victorian Girls' book
Lady GaGa 'The Monster Ball' tour 4/3/10
Emilie Autumn 'The Asylum' Tour 7/3/10
H.I.M - 16/3/10
Yashin and Glamour of the Kill - 24/3/10
AFI - 11/4/10
My 17th

As you can see, March is my busiest month thus far. Part of my new year's resolution is to go to as many concerts as I can and...I think I've got a pretty damn good start. The thing is, most (US) bands tour early in the year/in the spring then we don't see them again until autumn/winter. I guess that's just how it works, but the US gets Warped Tour. We should have a UK version. Please.

I've just looked on my Top 25 Most Played list on iTunes and discovered that Angel by Madina Lake is my most played song of 09 with 80 plays. Meh, doesn't sound like too much but w/e. Then (looking at artists) we've got Kill Hannah, Metro Station (HOW?), Yashin and Emilie Autumn. Hmm...stats suck. So here's a list, yes another one, of bands/artists that sum up this year for me:

Kill Hannah
Madina Lake
Yashin
Lady GaGa
AFI
Emilie Autumn
The Blackout
Young Guns
My Passion
Patrick Wolf

Resolutions for the new year? I has none, other than going to concerts and the obvious 'try-to-be-healthier' thing. But one thing I want to keep telling myself is work hard and allow myself to have fun. I feel like I've spent a good portion of this year being too bitter and cynical about everything in light of everything that happened. Though that's a good thing. It's helped me prioritise things a lot more. Anyway, here's some photos that I feel sum up my year perfectly.

Until 2010, chow x

Never too early to plan an outfit or three

I'm sat watching The Royal Variety Performance waiting for Lady GaGa to perform. Since it's pre-recorded, I've seen photos of her sat at a piano 10ft in the air, wearing a mad-fabulous red latex dress, with a huge Elizabethan style collar and red rhinestones around her eyes that makes her look like part of a circus act. Oh how I love. I'll post a photo later.

Speaking of GaGa, I need something to wear next year when I go see her. I found an amazing pair of sequined shorts in New Look last week, so I thought 'Hey, let's see what I can get from these.' And here's what I got:

Outfit #1

• black studded tshirt
• sequin shorts
• buckle and chain biker boots
• stretch gem bracelet

This outfit's quite nice and simple. The shorts are really the statement piece, which is kinda what I was going for, the gem bracelet fits in well with the sequins and the studs on the tshirt and the boots just tie things together nicely. I'd team this with a pair of tights, either simple black tights, possibly with a pair of net tights layered over the top. Or my pair of Amanda Palmer-esque vertical striped tights.

Outfit #2

• 

• light pink top
• sequin shorts
• sleeveless waistcoat
• wide silver waist belt
• metallic and net hair bow
• set of five bangles
  

A splash of colour here, which is different to most things I find myself wearing these days (haha). I'd have the tshirt tucked in the shorts with the wide belt over the top to hide the line between the two pieces, which just makes things look a bit more tidy and well-put together. I was looking for a cropped waistcoat or even better, a bolero jacket. But whatever. The accessories go together well, and just help finish the outfit. For the shoes, I'd probably wear the same boots in the above picture. Oh and a pair of tights. Just a side note on this one, it's inspired by an outfit Audrey Kitching wore earlier this year.



It was just so awkward trying to find a black bolero jacket anywhere online this time of year, since they're not really the kind of thing people are wearing now. And you'd think an elasticated sequin waist belt would be easy enough to find, right? No. Every other colour except pink.



One day I'll do a style blog on Audrey, since I find her style quite fabulous. I wish I could get away with wearing half the stuff she does. And yes, she was my inspiration for dying my hair pink.





Outfit #3

• large Misfits tshirt
• wet look leggings
• leather biker jacket
• heeled lace-up trainer boot
• multi-shimmer sequin hat
• safety pin hoop earings
• MAC glitter in silver
• MAC lipstick in Pink Nouveau

This isn't really an outfit I think I'd wear to a GaGa show, or any other show for that matter - well, maybe the leggings and baggy tshirt combo - but I do love it oh-so-much. I think this outfit would be perfect for going out on a weekend, doing shopping, hanging out with friends or just as an everyday look. I'm kinda in love with glitter as eyeshadow right now. I blame myself for watching clips from Labyrinth on youtube earlier today.

So now I've got some ideas of what I could wear to see GaGa - I mean, it's not like I'd out-do her is it? - and I'm probably going to have a bit of a spend on Saturday. Clothes, eye glitter, hair dye, sequins and a ticket for Kerrang! tour doesn't sound like a bad shopping list to me. Now excuse me, True Blood's starting...

Best of '09

Since it's getting to 'that-time-of-year', I felt like doing a run-down of my top ten albums from 2009. I was going to do a mini review for each of them, but then I thought that's gonna take up too much time & effort. So all I've done is summed up the album in a few words or phrases and pin-pointed my personal favorite tracks.

Enjoy.



10. Self Titled Album - The Audition


In a nutshell: upbeat, impressive vocals from Danny, energetic, breakdowns, multiple opertunities for sing-alongs, ultra catchy and crowd pleasing.
Best tracks: The Way You Move, My Temperature's Rising, It's Gonna Be Hard (When I'm Gone), Los Angeles

9. New Again - Taking Back Sunday


In a nutshell: heavier than 'Louder Now', fast-paced, edgy, perfect on a summer's day, lovely contrast between slower/heavier songs
Best tracks: Sink Into Me, Cut Me Up Jenny, Summer, Man

8. The Bachelor - Patrick Wolf



In a nutshell: electro, harpsichordaliscious, violins, folk-esque, piano, gorgeous layers of sound, uplifting,
Best tracks: Vulture, The Messenger, Oblivion

7. Corporate Flesh Party - My Passion


In a nutshell: slick electro-rock, catchy, masses of energy, like a private goth-disco in your ears, plenty of synth and crunching guitars
Best tracks: Play Dirty, Never Everland, Hot In The Dolls House

6. The Best In Town - The Blackout


In a nutshell: fast-paced, dual vocals mixing clean and scream, grinding guitars, gang vocals, easy to imagine being played live, heaps of energy,
Best tracks: Save Ourselves (The Warning), ShutTheFuckUppercut, The Fire

5. Knives - Aiden


In a nutshell: quick to the kill, furious, intense, emotive vocals from wiL, aggressive, fuck-you-fuck-religion-fuck-everyone attitude, dark lyrics and a release for anger
Best tracks: Let The Right One In, Crusifiction, The Asylum, King On Holiday

4. This Is War - 30 Seconds To Mars


In a nutshell: epic, intense, flawless vocal performance, wonderful atmophere, inspiring lyrics, groups of child singers, chilling and the potential to sound mind-blowing live
Best tracks: Night of The Hunter, Kings and Queens, Closer To The Edge

3. The Fame Monster - Lady GaGa


In a nutshell: radio-friendly, gothic inspired beats, heavy disco sound, emotional, stunning vocals, layers, darker and a bigger departure to 'The Fame'
Best tracks: Bad Romance, Monster, Dance In The Dark, Teeth

2. Attics To Eden - Madina Lake


In a nutshell: heavy guitars, more 'grown up' than the first cd, catchy melodies, inspiring lyrics, bright sound, programming adds intense layers, impressive vocal range
Best tracks: Legends, Not For This World, Welcome To Oblivion, Statistics

1. Wake Up The Sleepers - Kill Hannah


In a nutshell: intense, beautiful, heartbreaking, dark yet optimistic, range emotion in Mat's voice, emotionally heavy, surprising amount of danceable tracks, energy, inspiring and oppertunity to sound more brilliant live
Best tracks: Snowblinded, Mouth To Mouth, Escape Artistry, Laika

Wrong season for this music.

'Japanese Girl' - Metro Station



Ah, Metro Station. I remember the almost-month-long obsession I had with you back in the summer, such wonderful times. But now I'm baffled as to WHY I've chosen this time of year to get that MS bug. I see MS as more of a summer-y band, with their bright pop-synth melodies and catchy lyrics, so to be 'obsessed' with them in the winter is worrying. I blame the music ADD.

But anyway, this song - I actually love it. It just seems so much more catchier and danceable than some of their other songs. Although it might be the fact that this is a brand new song that hasn't been around for two years before being released in the UK.

And I know a lot of people slag Metro Station off and don't class them as a 'rock band' because of the connection to all things Miley Cyrus, but regardless of this I love me some 'shitty' pop-rock bands!

(For the record: Mason > Trace)

Do enjoy!

Gossip Girl style watch, what?

Lazy Sunday today. I'm re-dying my hair and trying to get as much textiles work done as I can before Thursday's deadline. Here's a bunch of stuff I found that wouldn't be too out-of-place on my Christmas list:

• Knitted penguin jumper (so cute!!)
• Anna Sui "Flight of Fancy"
• Alligator ring
• "Wake Up The Sleepers" by Kill Hannah
• The Big Bang Theory season 2
• White blond extensions (single strip x4)
• Leg warmers
• Buckle & lace shoes
• Owl ring

Since I mentioned it yesterday, I've had the sudden urge to watch Gossip Girl season 1 all over again. I kinda miss it. Don't get me wrong, the new season's wonderful but there seems to be a lack of bitching, back-stabbing and general OMG-ness. And I'm developing this thing against Vanessa, and I don't know why. But regardless, I think the stylist is doing a great job although...






















Jenny Humphrey's style feels a bit too much like Taylor Momsen's rather than a grown-up Jenny. I get that she had this big change during season 2, but come on, how many schools (even though it is a tv show) would let girls wear shorts, fish-nets and heels?

Left: Taylor off screen. Right: Taylor as Jenny























Left: This one isn't all that bad, I like the shades of grey and the jacket/waistcoat is quite nice, those shoes - I want. And although she is wearing tights, the dress could be a little longer.

Right: I don't mind this outfit, teaming a leather jacket with a dress is a big thumbs up from me, and the shoes and accessories work well, but maybe a pair of tights would make an improvement.






















This outfit I do really like. I actually wore something similar back in October when I could get away with wearing tights outside without freezing. (Switching fishnets for plain black tights.) I like the colour coordination of the blues, with the tie, the skirt and the long sleeved top. The fishnets...eh, maybe they're not so bad in this case since the skirt's longer than the shorts in the picture above. I also like the idea of layering necklaces over a tie, it works really well, as does having the bracelets over the sleeve. Shoe boots and big slouchy bag? Double thumbs up.

I might post more stuff like this as and when I find things to write about (:

GaGa, ooo-la-la

I'm kinda in love with Lady GaGa right now. As if you couldn't tell by the new header. I've been looking at photos and videos from The Monster Ball tour that's making the rounds in the US right now, and I've never been so excited for something in my whole life. All the outfits look fabulous and the "Forced Perspective" stage set-up definitely adds to it more. Only 88 days left. Is it sad that I'm counting down this early? Speaking of fabulous outfits and such, here's some recent magazine shots I found.

From the Elle photo shoot for the January issue:


I love this Hansel and Gretal concept, from Vogue US. It's a wonderful spin on the fairy-tale, making it more twisted and modern.


Check out the shoes she's wearing, they're almost as crazy as the Alexander McQueen ones she wears in the 'Bad Romance' video.



And GaGa on Gossip Girl? Can this show get any better?! Season Three has been amazing anyway - Chair action, hello! - and now we have GaGa in a sort of... Gothic Secret Society private show. This reminds me, I'm one episode behind. Need to change that sharpish.



Sorry, couldn't resist :)

Remember me, when you are famous

In a word, Saturday was EPIC. I'm not lying when I say this: it was by far the best gig I've ever been to. Despite feeling sick through all of the support bands and having to put up with back-ache, I'd do it all over again. Managed to get right up front and stayed there all the way through the show, until Kev crowd surfed over me during the last song, 'Remember Me', and I got tangled up in the mic wire and dragged over the other side of the stage. Good times!

Somehow, three shirts got ripped. Kev's was first to get ruined, then Mike's (as in original singer Mike!) and even Harry couldn't escape the wrath of the hands. There were numerous times when Harry and Kev came up to the barrier and hung over the crowd, and I had to hold them up with my hand. And I never thought I'd enjoy hearing a Britney Spears song so much. The 'Everytime' cover had to be one of the highlights of the night. They played a bunch of new songs including a brand new one which I think was called 'Joanna', but don't quote me on that.
(EDIT: it's actually called 'Black Summer'.) Unfortunately, there was a 10pm curfew, so the encore was cut short ('Let It Go' didn't get played. Sad face.) and security tried to get us all out as quick as. Did manage to meet Paul outside of the academy afterward, he signed our tickets but didn't get a photo. Oh well. He said they'll announce more dates in a few weeks, and I see no reason why they wouldn't come back to Newcastle. If every gig's as insane as Saturday's, they should come back every week.


Insert photo spam......NOW.

Kev

Harry in the pit during 'Heroes'

Paul

Mike
Mike and Harry

Harry, Andy, Lewis

I'll try uploading a video later.

She's a tramp, she's a vamp

Quick, quick, quick.

Guess who's going to see Lady GaGa next year? Didn't manage to buy tickets from the box office, but ebay was the silver lining; despite the tickets costing about double the original face value. Utter rage. But at least we're going, and in the Golden Circle no less. Also bought tickets for AFI. So, so, so excited. Found out that HIM are playing in March next year. Oh my effing Jesus shitting chirst on a bicycle! Diez. I have to go, no question about that.

This Saturday is Yashin. I honestly cannot wait, they've promised this show is going to be epic. It is their second last show of the year after all. I do a write up next week, if I'm not too bogged down with work. Ugh FML.

I'll let you tear it up, if you don't wake me up

Listening to: all my AFI songs on shuffle
Reading: The Kite Runner


Currently caught in a twitter flurry with Si, Toni and Syb, talking about the concerts we're going to next year. This week I've added two more shows to my list, one of which I only found out about last night and I swear I stopped breathing for a moment. All the excitement aside, the three that I know the price for are going to set me back almost £60. This makes me a little sad on the inside, but then I think about the amazingness of what I'm paying for and then...it's a little less painful.

First-new-show-to-be-added-to-my-list: Lady Gaga.



Yes. Honestly. Fer realzies. I'm being dead serious, I want to go see Lady Gaga. She's my guilty pleasure that I feel not-even-guilty-in-the-slightest about. This show is the most painful for me to think about cost-wise, just under £30 it's costing me. GDI Gaga, why must you be so damn expensive?! Sad face. But at least I'm not one of these uber-fans forking out nearly 300 quid for a Meet and Greet, Golden Circle ticket, tour laminate, her new CD and pre-show hospitality, amongst other things. Not saying that wouldn't be amazing, I just don't have that amount of money to spend on one show. Though if people do have that kind on money, kudos to them. I am quite jealous. My friend and I decided that Meet and Greets are good though, 'specially in this case, I mean it's not like Gaga's gonna come out the back after the show is it? She'd probably get mobbed by fans, pinned to the floor and someone would try and feel her up to see if she does actually have a penis. Which, she won't have. I think.

NEXT BAND PLEASE!

Before I get into this, I need to walk you through this, then describe my reaction. Clears throat. Wandered onto the KHK forum. Saw the last post which was just a small list of dates. Looked down the list. See "11/4 Newcastle Academy". Stopped moving. Eyes widen. Zombie for a moment. Start saying "Oh my god" at the screen. Volume increases. Shout "OH MY GOD ANDREW" to my brother sat in his room. Reply "Whaaat?" Answer "OH MY GOD!!" Reply "What?!" Scramble off bed and run into brother's room. Dramatic pause. "Next year. 11th of April. Newcastle Academy...AFI!!"



That's right bitches, A-F-fucking-I !! I'm too excited for words. It also helps that I'm really into them at the moment, since the release of Crash Love, I've rediscovered how amazing they are. I tend to go through periods of obsessing over one band, then moving on like a week later. Must be some form of music ADD. Proof: end of September through to the middle of October, Kill Hannah. One week was Madina Lake. Next week, Kill Hannah again. Week after, AFI. Two days last week were dedicated to Lady Gaga. The day after was My Chemical Romance day. Half of yesterday was for Lostprophets and the rest for AFI. Just like now. And yes, I realise that's an old photo of AFI, circa 2006 I believe. But yknow what? I don't care. I miss Daveina like a fat man misses chocolate. I'm close to going way off topic here, so AFI!! I can't wait! I'm so excited! FER REALZIES! Seriously though, AFI haven't done a UK headlining tour since...oh, probably '06 when Decemberunderground came out, so I'm one happy little pink haired person right now.

So much so, that I'm considering joining The Despair Faction. Only thing I'm iffy about is I have to pay $29.99 to join. However, I do get a membership pack thing, with a poster, arm band, membership card, sticker, badge and tshirt. I don't know, I also get the opportunity for pre-sale tickets and all other good things, so maybe I will. And I've just realised how much of a tight-wad I sound now. I'm in pain at the fact that three shows are costing almost £60, I dislike the ticket price for Gaga and I'm iffy about paying to join a fan club. Oh, it's just like when I saw the prices for Lostprophets, £22.50. Hello? Are you fer realzies? There's only balcony seats left now though and that is just a big no-no. I refuse to be sitting down at ANY show. Only as a last resort. Like, if AFI somehow only have seating tickets left, I will go. Just because it's AFI. But I won't let that happen, if I join DF I might even get some pre-sale tickets. Eyebrow movement.

The twitter flurry has died down now, so maybe I should go do my Literature homework. But I really don't want to. Still looking at The Kite Runner. It's not really having an impact, idk why. Maybe it's the whole setting and concept of it. It's just too...yknow, I honestly don't know how to explain it. The fact that it's set around the time of the Afghan war, includes something about Russians and people moving to America just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe that's it. I don't know. If I figure it out, this blog will be probably one of the last to know. Sorry blog. And I have to do an exam on the fucking thing. Urgh. FML.