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Latest  Blast News

Friday 06/09/2002  Bird In Hand Tomorrow Night

Looking forward to seeing as many people as possible at the bird tomorrow night. It's been quite a while since we've done a 2 setter so we'll be trawling through the archives. It'll be a mix of originals and covers so come and have a rockin' good time.   

Tuesday 03/09/2002  A&N/Celtic Warriors Fan Zone

Just sorting out the pix for these and they should be up on the site by the end of the week.   

Tuesday 03/09/2002  Celtic Warriors Big One - Wow

Having got used to playing 2 - 300 capacity venues and smaller, to walk into a 4000 capacity show jumping arena was inspiring to say the least. Playing our first cover set for a while we asked our good mate Stevie James from Redemption to join us for the gig (cheers dude) and the 5 piece format was very successful for large venues playing cover versions. It's certainly something we'll be keen to repeat in similar situations.

 

The gig itself was fabulous a real tribute to the organisation skills of the Celtic Warriors who really know how to put on a show. Large arena, 10 K + PA, Lights, Smoke, Pyros a thousand people watching - what more could a band want. We seemed to go down fairly well, left them chanting for more at the end and the club themselves seemed satisfied with us. All in all a fantastic experience that we are keen to repeat.   

Tuesday 03/09/2002  Good But Painful Night At The Army & Navy

A short but sharp set of original material at the recent Army & Navy was generally well received but the evening ended in rather spectacular though painful fashion. Lead singer Jamie fired up on adrenalin went to leap from the stage during the final number but unfortunately misjudge the head clearance. For those of you unfamiliar with the venue, the monitors at the A&N are above the stage mounted on a scaffold pole. Jamie flew headlong into the pole and landed somewhat pole axed on the floor. It's a tribute to his rock 'n' roll instinct that the stunned singer was able to crawl back onto the stage and somehow stumble through to the end of the set. Post gig a six hour wait in casualty before butterfly tapes and a tetanus job repaired the damage was scant reward for a flat out (no pun intended) performance but that's rock 'n' roll.

Thursday 14/08/2002  Join The Mailing List, Sign The GuestBook

Whilst we are delighted to see the ever increasing number of visitors to the web site, we would like to know who you are and keep in touch so we can inform you of developments with the band. To help this we have a mailing list for our monthly newsletter and a guest book for your comments. Click on the buttons at the bottom left hand side of the screen for more details.

Thursday 14/08/2002  First 2003 Date Added

Good to report that in what is a predominately quiet time in terms of band activity, a lot of work is still going on behind the scenes. The first gig in what is likely to be the bands busiest year to date has been added to the schedule with a first appearance at South Woodham Ferrers Town Crier on January 18.

Sunday 04/08/2002  What A Night In Putney

A think anyone who was there - and that was quite a few - will agree it was a great night. From the fun and games organised by Aphrodite on the coach to the actual gig it was a lot of fun. Too many people to thank all by name but special mentions must go to Karen for putting it all together, Jenni and Mo for persuading (bullying ?) people into buying tickets and Stevie for getting me out of the pooh pooh again when another string bit the dust. To everyone else thanks for your support as ever, we would be nothing without you.

 

Check out the pictures and the fan zone for the night and please sign the guestbook - it's nice to know that other people actually look at the site.

Sunday 04/08/2002  Pam's Bar Rescheduled

The rescheduled date of the Pam's bar gig in Brentwood is Saturday 21st September.

Wednesday 26/07/2002  Return Of The Fan Zone

The fan zone feature of the site is going to be re-launched at The Half Moon tonight. Essentially this involves someone taking a lot of pictures that focus solely on the audience at the gig in an attempt to capture the ambience of the event. We will also be passing out slips that allow people to make any comments on the proceedings and the more repeatable of these will be posted on the fan zone.

Wednesday 26/07/2002  Don't Be Late For The Coach

If you're coming by coach to The Half Moon tonight please don't be late, the pick up times are:

 

6:45   The White Hart, Little Waltham

6:55   Chelmsford Riverside Car Park

7:15   Ingatestone, The Bell

7:30   Harveys, Rainham

If you have any problem making the pick up contact Karen on 07970 983619. In the unfortunate event of missing the coach the nearest tube station to the venue is Putney Bridge, you'll still be able to gain admission to the venue with your ticket and obviously catch the coach home.

Wednesday 26/07/2002  Pam's Bar Postponed      Important

Apologies for the late notice but Fridays gig at Pam's bar in Brentwood has had to be postponed until September due to Family illness at the venue. The BLAST would like to wish the person concerned a speedy recovery and look forward to announcing the re-scheduled date within the next couple of days.

We have endeavored to contact as many people as we can regarding the change but if you are aware of anyone planning to attend please let them know - thanks. The concessionary admission for people attending tonights Putney Half Moon gig will still apply to the revised date.

Friday 26/07/2002  Half Moon Nearly There

Ticket sales for next Wednesdays gig at the Half Moon in Putney are nearly complete. Just six seats left on the coach plus a number of entry only tickets will see us taking an entourage of nearly 60 people with us. For a Wednesday night this represents a monumental effort mainly thanks to the efforts of Karen with help from Jenni and Mo - Thanks girls.

For those of you who are going to be there thanks for your support. If you haven't got a ticket yet let us know quickly and we'll reserve you one.

Friday 26/07/2002  More Gigs Added

Pleased to confirm a couple of new dates at the Chequers in Billericay on Thursday September 19 and the Friday Night of The Celtic Warriors rally on August 31.

Friday 26/07/2002  A Busy Week

Completion of a busy week for The BLAST - by our standards anyway. A couple of shows at The Amersham Arms in New Cross - not many people but a great venue and an excellent sound - and the Portland Arms in Cambridge, a much more intimate but equally enjoyable affair that marked our first all original set.

Wednesday 10/07/2002  2 New Gigs Added

Pleased to announce another couple of dates on the schedule. A return to The Riga in Southend, this time supporting our mates Counterfeit Quo (aka Piledriver) on Friday September 13 and a date at The Retreat in Bocking on Saturday October 5th

Wednesday 10/07/2002  OK Night at The Riga

All right let's be honest it wasn't the best performance we've ever given - not helped by a guitarist who was struck down by the lurgh, closely followed by his wah wah pedal. Overall though it was a good night and we got a decent reaction from a fairly large crowd. Thanks as ever to Steve, Steve and Clive for making the venue one of the most pleasant to play and to the guys and their ladies from 'The Sabbath' who were a genuine good bunch who I hope we'll work with again in the future. Big thanks to all the Chelmsford (and Ingatestone) crew who made the trip especially my music bro for driving half of them up there.

Wednesday 03/07/2002  Few Days To The Riga

Not long to Saturdays performance at Club Riga in Southend. Always enjoy playing here as the staff are fantastic. Hope there will be a decent crowd for the Sabbath tribute and it would be nice to see some familiar faces, we're on stage at around 9:45.

Wednesday 03/07/2002  A Week Of Media Frenzy

Following on from the news of our radio exposure, an article about the band has also appeared in last weeks edition of the Romford Recorder. OK it may not be Kerrang or Rolling Stone but from little acorns etc etc.

Wednesday 03/07/2002  BLAST On The Radio

Delighted to inform you that one of the tracks from our recently released CD is to be featured on the 'Digital Blues' show on the Brentwood internet radio station Phoenix FM (www.phoenixfm.com). Whilst we make no claims to be a blues band as such there is a fair overlap with the rock genre and hopefully we can appeal to followers of both. The track chosen is our cover of 'Black Magic Woman' and our thanks go to Ashwyn for including us in his show.


Archive News From The Blast

Saturday 29/06/2002  New Logo Arrives

The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed a new design logo creeping into our flyers etc over recent weeks. This is the new BLAST logo and the site will shortly be changed to reflect it. The reason for the change was partly symbolic to mark the transformation of the band from purely covers to a mix of standards and originals. It is intended to be a design that is simpler to translate onto back drops and T-Shirts etc.

The old logo has served us well and will be retired gracefully to a seaside location where it can run free and live out the rest of it's days in peace (honest).

Saturday 29/06/2002  Good Night at The White Hart

As is customary a great night was had by all at The White Hart last Friday. The occasion this time was the Friday night of The Pissed and Confused Motor Cycle Club rally. Thanks to the P&C and all the other clubs for making the night a lot of fun and respect as ever to our Dirty Doz mates Redemption and SMO.

Saturday 29/06/2002  And The Gig List Keeps Growing ....

A couple of new dates have been added to the list at The Amersham Arms in New Cross and Pam's Bar in Brentwood. We won't be running a coach to New Cross as the administration of having 2 coach trips running simultaneously is too much. However we would like to take some people so if you fancy that one let us know and we'll sort out a way to get you there. Pam's bar is a couple of days after the half moon gig but it will be a different show being a 2 setters mixing covers and originals. A concessionary rate for the Pam's gig will be available for anyone who attends the Half Moon - please keep hold of your ticket stubs

Tuesday 25/06/2002  All Original Shows On The Way

As part of our continued diversification into original material, two of our upcoming shows at The Portland in Cambridge and The Half Moon in Putney will feature us playing sets composed entirely of BLAST originals.

This doesn't mean we have turned our back on covers rather that we will continue to do both in varying proportions for the time being, depending on the gig. Long term we believe our future is with the self penned material and we hope you will all become as familiar with them as your current favorite standards.

Tuesday 25/06/2002  Cambridge Portland Added To Gig List

The recent rush of activity by the Aphrodite promotion team has seen another gig added to the ever expanding roster. Venue this time is The Portland in Cambridge on Monday 22nd July and we will be playing around 8:30 so don't be late. This is a new band night with 2 other acts playing after us and admission is just £2.50.

Saturday 22/06/2002  BLAST To Play Half Moon

Excellent news just in is the The BLAST have secured a gig at the legendary Half Moon in Putney. This is one of the longest established venues in London and has seen bands such as The Stones, The Who and U2 grace its stage on the way to stardom.

The gig will be held on Wednesday 31st July and there will be 2 other bands on the bill. In order to secure a decent following we are running a coach to the venue. Cost will be just £10 and that includes the return coach trip from Chelmsford and entrance to the venue. Tickets are on a first come first serve basis so get in quick. Contact can be via e-mail or see us directly at any of our gigs.

Saturday 22/06/2002  BLAST Off - The Official News Letter

Karen Tucker who is currently involved in the promotion of all BLAST activities has decided to put together a monthly news letter for informing people (including some of the band) of what events are occurring in the near future. 

A mailing list is being set up and if you want to receive a regular copy of a slightly less than reverend review of all things BLAST then send her an e-mail to the link below - or sign the guest book there's loads of space honest. 

glitterplanet33@hotmail.com

Thursday 13/06/2002  Move Over The Osbournes

Expect to hear quite a bit from The BLAST in the coming months as Karen Tucker wife of bass player John has been persuaded to take an active interest in band affairs. Promoters etc everywhere you have been warned we are on our way.

Thursday 13/06/2002  New Gigs

Things have been happening on the gig front lately with 3 new dates announced at the Army & Navy, club Riga and the Bird In Hand. See gig guide for details.

Thursday 13/06/2002  A&N Goldfest Thanks

Big thank you to everyone who turned up to watch these recent gigs, your continued support is vital to us.

Wednesday 29/05/2002  The CD Is Here !!!!

People thought it was just a rumor but no the Blast CD has arrived. Chase Away The Rain is the self penned title track of this mini album with 4 cover tracks of Dazed & Confused, Ain't no love, Paradise City and Black magic woman. Cost is just £3.00 and it will be on sale at all Blast gigs from Friday or from The White Hart in Little Waltham. Alternatively contact us via this site if you want a copy (Add 50p for post & packing).

Wednesday 29/05/2002  Goldfest 2002

Monday 3rd June is the date for Goldfest 2002 potentially the largest festival in the history of music. Ok so maybe I'm over elaborating a little but it's going to be a good one. Spectacular weather has been ordered for the day, the organisation and sound quality will be better than Ozzfest (not very difficult) and the line up is better than V2002 (again not much of a challenge but you can only beat what's put in front of you). If you still need convincing it's absolutely free. Confirmed line up beginning at 1pm includes 3-2 Blues, Bullet, Redemption, Double Cross, Electric Sky, Six Months On, Freddie Collins and finally us at around 9:30.

Wednesday 29/05/2002  Army & Navy This Friday

Just 2 days away folks and the dirty dozen ride again. Doors open at 8:00 and the music starts at 8:15 so don't be late. Admission is a paltry £3.00

Sunday 24/02/2002  Recording Resumes

The demo recording with a gestation period to rival an elephant has taken a few steps closer to completion this week with a couple of sessions putting the finishing touches to guitar and vocal tracks. The product should see release prior to the Club Riga gig on April 26th.

Sunday 24/02/2002  'GoldFest' Preparations Underway 

Preparations are underway for the June 'GoldFest' a charity event to commemorate the royal golden jubilee. Bands so far confirmed include The BLAST, Redemption, Six Months On, Electric Sky, Hokus and Swine Fever.  

Sunday 24/02/2002  Army & Navy Confirmed

The dirty dozen return date at the Army and Navy Chelmsford has been confirmed for Friday 31st May. Thanks to Sean the promoter for mentioning last times event in his promoters diary and let's hope we can impress him further next time.

Saturday 16/02/2002  Army & Navy

A provisional date of Friday 31st May has been set for the second appearance of the dirty dozen at the Army & Navy in Chelmsford. Featuring ourselves along with Redemption and Six Months On, the last time we pulled in 200 people so let's try and top it this time and absolutely pack the place. Watch this space for confirmation.

Saturday 16/02/2002  The GoldFest

Preparations are underway for an all day bash to celebrate the queens golden jubilee this June. Dubbed the 'GoldFest' it will feature local bands all day among other attractions and should be a good day out.

Saturday 16/02/2002  Blastrock Is Here

After a long period of deliberation the fun area of the site has been posted. Known as the Blastrock it is a place for all bits and pieces, none of them serious. Hope you like it.

Tuesday 05/02/2002  A&N 2 ?

Hot off the press today negotiations are underway for a return of the 3 band show to the Army & Navy in Chelmsford. Provisional date for this is in May but watch this space. It won't be free this time - we have to eat as well you know - but we can promise superb value for money.

Tuesday 05/02/2002  And Back To The Studio

The seemingly never ending saga of the BLAST demo should take another step forward in the near future. Hard to believe we started it last June it better be worth the wait.

Tuesday 05/02/2002  Rocking Night At Tollsbury

Many thanks to the people of Tollsbury for making us welcome at the private birthday bash we played last Saturday. Great venue good fun and hello to our new mates 'Swine Fever' who really rocked the joint as well. There's a few pictures of the show in the photo gallery for anyone who's interested including a rare shot of the Fender bass in action after yet another Rotosound string bit the dust on the Overwater (only a week old as well they must be making them softer)

Saturday 26/01/2002  Pix At Last

As promised earlier in the week the photos from the recent A&N gig can now be seen in photo gallery 2.

Wednesday 23/01/2002  Photos and Stuff

About time we put up some new live photos of the band (dinosaurs still roamed the earth when we posted the last lot) and later this week a few shot from the recent Army and Navy gig will be added.

Wednesday 23/01/2002  New Gig Added

Big thanks to the reverend for putting us onto a new gig in Tollsbury on Saturday February 2nd. Think it's a private bash but if you want to come along contact us and we'll find out if it's possible.

Sunday 13/01/2002  So Why Did The Bass Player Fall Over

Anyone watching the BLAST set on Friday could hardly fail to notice the bass player stumbling sideways at the end of the set and crashing into the microphone. So was he drunk, overcome with emotion or what ? In fact he shouted so loud over the final chords of the set that oxygen starvation set in leading to light headedness at which point the weight of the bass guitar caused overbalancing and the resultant unplanned stage dive into the microphone. Now who says we don't suffer for our art.

Sunday 13/01/2002  Big Night At The A & N

Thanks to everyone who turned up last Friday making the 3 band night at the Army and Navy a big success. We had a great time and congratulations must go to our fellow acts 'Six Months On' and 'Redemption' for both excellent sets and contributing to a slick professional show. Squeezing three bands all playing full albeit shortened sets into a normal pub evening was no mean feat requiring a lot of co-operation from everyone. 

Wednesday 09/01/2002  Media Frenzy

Friday the 11ths Army and Navy bash is advertised in several places including a week long campaign on Chelmer FM (107.7), The Essex Chronicle (Thursday 10th) and the BBC Essex On Line Gig Guide. Here’s hoping that this will be a big one to start the year with.

Wednesday 09/01/2002    2002 Greetings And All That

And a happy new year to all our friends. After a relatively quiet period at the end of 2001 this year starts with a bang at the Army and Navy on Friday 11th Jan. This is the latest collaborative event with Six Months On and Redemption collectively termed ‘the (down and) dirty dozen – which is something of a misnomer as there’s only 11 of us in the three bands but it sounded good so what the hell. The doors open at 7:30 with the music starting just after 8. It’s a triple headline event meaning that each band plays for the same amount of time (40 mins) and this time is our turn to open proceedings so don’t be late or you’ll miss us. As a final incentive if a night of rock from 3 quality bands isn’t enough, the event is completely free. In a special one off gesture the venue has allowed us to waive the usual admission fee to try and get more bodies through the door.

Wednesday 09/01/2002  Case Of The Missing Sounds

So what happened to the recording we spoke about back in the summer. Well it’s still under construction as things have dragged on a bit with equipment and personnel unavailability coupled with the usual financial juggling causing things to be put back a bit. However the product should surface shortly (honest) watch this space.

Wednesday 09/01/2002   A New Direction

Not so much a new direction as an enhancement, we have discovered the joys of banging out our own stuff. Five self penned tunes are now in the repertoire with more in the pipeline and several of these will be aired at the forthcoming Army and Navy gig. This doesn’t mean we’re abandoning our classic rock roots however and cover songs will remain an integral part of The BLAST set-up for the foreseeable future. Having a set of our own material in addition to personal satisfaction gives us additional options regarding venues we can play at.  

 


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