Welcome to

So, it’s been 40 whole years since Woodstock’s massive effect on the world. Thousands turned up to see some of the most famous acts of the time, such as The Who, Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and many more brilliant bands. The turn out was amazing, over 400,000 people traveled from all around the world to be a part of this life changing experience.

The festival was an idea to change the way our world thought, it was a free event, to get as many people as possible to attend. The subject as we all know was for more peace and love on the planet, and indeed it was a weekend full of love, peace and happiness. Amazingly, there were no more than 6,000 injuries over the whole weekend and three deaths, one accident and two drug related deaths. Which is pretty impressive to say there were over 400,000 people at the Festival.

In 1999 Woodstock had another festival, again to bring peace and love to the world. This time there were around 200,000 fans entering the three day event. The ‘99 Woodstock did not go to plan. In fact it was a disaster, but come on, what did they think would happen. You put 200,000 people in a field in front of the likes of metal gods Metallica and Rage Against The Machine.. not exactly going to have a loving peaceful weekend are you. On paper the line up was incredible, well if you have James Brown and the Chilli Peppers on the same stage it’s going to be pretty special isn’t it. The festival soon turned into a full scale riot including huge fires and big brawls. The reason being, Woodstock 69 was a free event full of peace and tranquillity, 99 wasn’t free and people were even getting searched to make sure there was no food being brought into the festival. To me it seams like it was a scheme to make a lot of money, not an event to change the world!

I personally blame it on the amount of hardcore, heavy metal acts supporting Woodstock. Such as Korn and Limpbizkit, two bands that are notorious for getting their fans to go crazy. Silly if you ask me. If your looking for a peaceful weekend then James Brown and Elvis Costello are perfect, Insane Clown posse and Kid Rock not so much!

Now we’re in 2009, forty years after the original Woodstock. There is a special anniversary taking place in both New York (August 15th-16th) and Berlin, Germany (August 22nd – 23rd). It was a fantastic success in New York and i’m sure Germany will be the same. Woodfest is free like the 69 weekend and has a lot more sensible choices of acts.

All of you lucky enough to enter either events have an amazing weekend and enjoy all the bands you see. Also don’t forget why you are going to this festival, to appreciate the brilliant music and to help put more peace in this world, I’m sure you all will have a great few days and I hope to see some reviews on how the weekend went.

Cheers, Tom Playrecord.net

The Saltburn Folk Festival.

This was the 12th such gathering and the organisation and set-up was very slick. It was a great time for lots of performers, jammers, and friends to renew acquaintances.

With over 45 varied performances there was something for everyone. If that wasn’t enough, the bars were open for more improvised renditions of songs old and new.

The weather was fine for most of the weekend but very blustery and this affected some of the out door events and there was not a lot of jamming in the streets!

I know that I missed some good performances, here are some comments…

Johnny Silvo accompanied by Tim the Timpanist on an improvised percussion set, performed some old classics with lots of participation and appreciation for the public.

The New Rope String Band entertained and amused with a range of unusual yet very musical songs and dances, highly recommended when things are getting a bit too serious, laughter is a good medicine and there was plenty to be had.

Edwina Hayes sang some haunting songs from her own pen. The audience were taking notes as Edwina talked us through her varied love life and travels.

Kerfuffle were suffering from illness and their set did not include any vocal work which features well on their CD’s. Even so the instrumentals performed by Tom, Sam, Jamie and Hannah and Hannah’s clog dancing were very well performed and received.

Leap to your feet Appalachian Clog pulled some good moves and were very entertaining.

There was a song writing contest which produced a variety of styles from a mixed group of talented musicians, the winning song ‘Whistling Joe’ being performed in front of an appreciative audience by the composer.

A last jam on Sunday afternoon allowed Kath Edmonds some time in the limelight, lets hope we see her on stage there soon. The lovely Sue from Sunderland sang some delightful songs. A couple of Irish contributors got peoples feet tapping accompanied by fiddles and banjos.

All in all a very friendly gathering. I did not see one ‘incident’ even though people were in ‘party’ mode.

Follow this link for more details http://www.saltburnfolkfestival.ukforum.com/
and watch out for next years bash!

John at Playrecord

Les Paul, creator of the world famous Les Paul electric guitars dies at the age of 94. His legend will live on throughout the world for as long as a guitarist picks up and plays one of his designs.

Can you imagine Slash, cigarette in mouth, thrashing out with the jazzy tones of a fender telecaster?… And Joe perry, propping-up Steven Tylor with a 1/2 size classical?…no. Would it be fair to say that the Gibson Les Paul was so good, it became more of an icon than the rock god playing it?

If you are looking for an electric guitar shop then you have come to the right place.

For many of people including myself, there isn’t much time left until the festival is up and away!
I’ve heard many mixed views about how this year’s Leeds/Reading festival will turn out. Personally, I can’t wait for it. I know it’s tough competing with last years line up as it had some of the best metal bands on the planet, such as rock gods Metallica and Rage Against The Machine head lining, along with many other brilliant live acts.

This year on the other hand has rock legends, Faith No More headlining the NME/Radio 1 stage. Also, the amazing Radiohead headlining the main stage. That’s not it, there is a much better selection of bands to suite every taste this year!

Throughout the weekend there’s a wide range of music such as uber dance group, The Prodigy, who will be supporting the Arctic Monkeys on the main stage, Deadmau5 headlining the dance stage, Deftones right along side Fall Out Boy and FFAF plus many more massive names; Kings of Leon and the Lostprophets!

I’m sure most people will agree it is going to be a time to remember for many years to come. I hope all of you attending either Reading or Leeds have an awesome weekend and enjoy all the bands you are wishing to see! =D

Written by Tom B