Arctic Monkeyss: The News

At Lancashire County Cricket Ground

2006-12-14T11:34:00.002-08:00

Arctic Monkeys are pleased to announce their own special event at Lancashire County Cricket Ground, Manchester on Saturday 28th July 2007.

The show will follow the late Spring release of their second album. Arctic Monkeys are planning to invite support from some of their favourite bands - who will be announced shortly. They will play their longest set to date, incorporating tracks from their debut and their hugely anticipated new album.

The tickets for the 50,000 capacity event will go on general sale on Friday 15th December 2006 at 12.30pm. See below for details of how to purchase tickets.

Arctic Monkeys’ registered fans will have 24 hour exclusive access to the online pre-sale which begins on Thursday 14th December 2006 at 12.30pm. The pre-sale link and unique password will be sent to your registered email address later this week. To register, please join the mailing list by clicking here.

Tickets on sale Friday 15th December 12.30pm

CC Hotlines: 0871 220 0260 / 0871 230 6230 / 0161 832 1111
Buy online: www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk
In person at: Lancashire County Cricket Club box office, Palace Theatre box office Manchester, Piccadilly box office Manchester & Liverpool, Jacks Records Sheffield, Sheffield City Hall box office, Jumbo Records Leeds, Preston Guildhall box office.
Coach travel: 0870 060 3779 / 01253 299266

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

NME Album of the Year

2006-12-14T11:34:00.001-08:00

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not has been voted album of the year from the NME.

Congratulations!

Arctic Monkeys Reveal Six New Tracks

2006-12-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

Lately, Arctic Monkeys have been working hard on their new album. The band recently revealed that they've written six new tracks for the upcoming record.

No word yet when the album will be released, but the names of the tracks have been revealed. Uncut.col.uk notes that the songs include: "D Is For Danger," "Plastic Tramp, "The Bakery Song," "Balaclava" and "This House Is A Circus." The sixth track has yet to be named.

Speaking of the track "This House Is A Circus," lead singer Alex Turner said, "There's something about it. Maybe it's just new, but it's just exciting. It's got some good rhymes in. This House Is A Circus... berserk as f***. I suppose it's a place you keep going back to - it could be an actual physical building, I suppose, or a headspace you go into."

In other developments, Arctic Monkeys are set to perform their biggest concert to date with their own music festival scheduled for summer 2007. Tickets are expected to sell out to 50,000 eager fans.

Src: Allheadlinenews.com

Grammy Awards Nominations

2006-12-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Arctic Monkeys have today been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards in the US. The Awards take place next year on February 11th.
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
Chun Li's Flying Bird Kick

Best Alternative Music Album
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Alex Turner reveals his favourite Arctic Monkeys track

2006-12-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has revealed his favourite song on the band's debut album.
Speaking in this week's NME, Turner discussed the making of 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and his top tune from the album sessions.

"I think 'The View From The Afternoon''s probably my favourite," he said. "That was one of the last ones we wrote as well; that one just because it's interesting and groovy and that. And probably 'A Certain Romance'."

Speaking about the album's title, he said: "We didn't want to call it 'Arctic Monkeys' because we thought it was a bit of a cop out. Then I saw that 'Saturday Night And Sunday Morning' film. There's a bit where he says that line and the conviction with which he said it, it just rang a bell."

Turner was speaking as we get ready to reveal NME's Top 50 albums, tracks, DVDs and books of 2006.

Counting down all of the most essential releases of this year, get the full list in the issue of NME, out now, and in the meantime post your own Top Ten records of 2006 in the comments box below.

Also in that issue, Kasabian discuss their recent gig with Oasis's Noel Gallagher, plus Green Day finally reveal their plans to follow-up 'American Idiot'.

Plus get your free CD compiled specially by Modular records and featuring tracks from Wolfmother, New Young Pony Club and MSTRKFT.

Src: NME.com

Pink and Arctic Monkeys to team up?

2006-12-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

Pop star Pink is such a big fan of British rockers Arctic Monkeys, she has vowed to team up with the guitar band. The Nobody Knows singer was smitten by the Sheffield, north England band as soon as she heard their number one hit I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - and is hoping they will take up her offer of a star studded duet. She says, "The first time I heard the Arctic Monkeys was on Radio 1. I fell in love with their attitude - so original. "I would love to do a collaboration with them".

Src: Azcentral.com

Rhythms Del Mundo

2006-12-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Arctic Monkeys are appearing on the new Rhythms Del Mundo compilation with the proceeds going towards APE (Artists' Project Earth) which is helping to raise awareness of climate change. The concept came about when Kenny Young had the idea to mix Latin sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club with Western music.

The album features a latin inspired remix of Dancing Shoes. Its on sale now.

www.rhythmsdelmundo.com
www.apeuk.org

Tour Diary Part 2

2006-12-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

The new chapter of Arctic Monkeys worldwide tour diary is now online to view and shows the band and crew taking in the sites of Melbourne.

You can view it here.

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Snow Patrol spank Monkeys

2006-11-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

SNOW PATROL have beaten ARCTIC MONKEYS to the biggest-selling album of the year so far. Eyes Open went four-times platinum on Sunday, having sold a massive 1.2 million copies since its release in May.

Monkeys’ debut Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not only reached 1,115,000 at the weekend — and there is snow chance of it catching up by the end of the year.

'New band rumours are false'

2006-11-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

English rockers Arctic Monkeys have squashed rumours frontman Alex Turner is starting a new band called The Rascals, insisting all stories of the side-project are "false". The Rascals were reported to be playing their first gig at the Korova Bar in Liverpool, England, on Friday (01DEC06). However, fans need not fear the rising band's demise- the group's spokesperson has slammed the reports. She says, "It's all false. It's just the work of a mischievous promoter." The Sheffield-based group topped the UK charts earlier this year (16JAN06) with their hit single When The Sun Goes Down, from their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
Src: Contactmusic.com

Meteor Awards

2006-11-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

In a pretty unbelievable year for Arctic Monkeys around the World, they have now been nominated for 3 Awards in the 2007 Meteor Ireland Music Awards - Ireland’s equivalent to the Brits. Taking place in the Point Theatre on Thursday 1st February and broadcast on RTE Two at 9pm on Sunday 4th February 2007 Arctic Monkeys have been nominated for: Best Live Performance (Oxegen) Best International Album Best International Band Public voting will be live from today – Thursday 16th November for six public categories including Best Live Performance.
Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Noel Gallagher: "Arctic Monkeys are grumpy old men"

2006-11-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

OASIS rocker NOEL GALLAGHER has dismissed rising British band ARCTIC MONKEYS as "a bunch of grumpy old men". In a scathing attack on the young four-piece, Gallagher slammed their trademark 'real-life' lyrics and fears their success is going to inspire scores of copycat bands. He says, "Their public persona is now of a bunch of grumpy old men. I'm worried about what's going to follow in their wake. "It's gonna be c**ts with guitars going: 'And me mum works down the f**king chip shop, she met a geezer' and all that. "Great pop music is not about real life, it's about how great life can be. Real life's s**t." Despite Gallagher's description of the band as "old", the Arctic Monkeys range in age from 20 to 21. Src: Contactmusic.com

Arctic Monkeys going acoustic?

2006-11-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

Arctic Monkeys could ditch their trademark sound for the band's new album and move towards acoustic songwriting, fronman Alex turner has revealed. The band shot to the top of the charts - quickly garnering public affection - with their blend of gritty street poetry and angular guitars. However, speaking to Uncut Magazine, Turner says despite an incredibly busy 12 months, which has seen the Sheffield act take the Mercury Music Prize, he can't put his guitar down. "I can't stop writing songs, I don't know what else I'm going to do," he says, adding that the new material could be more relaxed than people think. "I've written quite a few slower ones- there's 13 or 14 songs, maybe a few more, in different states." Laurence Bell, the boss of their label Domino Records, is also quoted as saying that new track 'Brain Storm' is "very bright and metallic - it'll shock a few people."

Src: Soundgenerator.com

Bono loves Monkyes

2006-11-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Bono is a huge fan of the Arctic Monkeys.

The U2 frontman thinks the Sheffield rockers have been a breath of fresh air in the current music scene and loves frontman Alex Turner's lyrics.

Speaking at Monday's (30.10.06) Q Awards, Bono said: "I think they are great. They write great tunes and they are really honest. Honesty can clear a room. They are young and they have a great future ahead of them."

Bono - whose band scooped the Q Award of Awards, while U2 guitarist The Edge landed the prize for Innovation in Sound at the prestigious event - also admitted he thought U2 were underserved winners of their prize.

He added: "There are loads of other bands who deserve this award, like Radiohead, Primal Scream or Oasis. I absolutely love Primal Scream."

Arctic Monkeys walked away with two gongs, Best Album for 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and The People's Choice Award.

Src: Monstersandcritics.com

Double-win for Arctic Monkeys at Q Awards

2006-11-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

Arctic Monkeys were double winners at this year's Q Awards, picking up the awards for Best Album and People's Choice.

Oasis also picked up two awards at the ceremony, claiming accolades for Best Act in the World Today and Classic Songwriter, which went to Noel Gallagher.

The Oasis star ridiculed his brother Liam, who was absent, when accepting his award. "He's gone to the zoo. The monkeys are bringing their kids to go and have a look at him," he said.

Boy George, who picked up the award for Classis Song for 'Karma Chameleon', said: "I'm so glad to get this award because it means you now recognise me again as a singer and not a road sweeper."

Take That won the Q Idol Award. Jason Orange said: "We didn't expect to get back together after 10 years, let alone be at the Q Awards so it's a pleasure to be here."

Arctic Monkeys star Alex Turner blasted Take That during his acceptance speech, claiming: "A lot of people make jokes about having awards for no reason just for the sake of having awards, and pretending they were good when they weren't."

Other winners included Corinne Bailey Rae, who picked up the award for Best New Act; Gnarls Barkley who picked up the Best Track award for 'Crazy' and Muse, who were named Best Live Act.

U2 picked up the Q Award of Awards; The Who claimed the Q Legend Award and Smokey Robinson won the Q Outstanding Contribution to Music Award.

Arctic Monkeys join the high society set

2006-10-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

SHEFFIELD'S Arctic Monkeys have added another accolade to their growing list - an entry in social etiquette book Debrett's.

They join Victoria Beckham, comedian Russell Brand, artist Damien Hirst and supermodel Kate Moss in receiving the seal of approval from Debrett's today in a list of the 100 People of the Year for 2006. A spokes woman for Debrett's - the arbiter of etiquette and behaviour for more than 200 years - said: "The people in the book have all shaped something this year, or done something particularly interesting. This is a celebration of our meritocratic society." Others in the book, which will be published annually after this first edition, include Tory leader David Cameron, Russian plutocrat Roman Abramovich, actress Dame Helen Mirren and tennis player Andy Murray. TV presenter Jonathan Ross and rock icons the Rolling Stones are also listed. The coffee table book will be in the stores next Monday. Src: Sheffieldtoday.net

Arctic Monkeys release three-song EP

2006-10-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys released an EP called Leave Before The Lights Come On on Tuesday, October 24th. The disc includes two brand new songs, including the title track and "Put Your Dukes Up, John," as well as a cover of "Baby I'm Yours" by R&B performer and composer Van McCoy. The EP follows up the British band's debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, which was released earlier this year to critical acclaim in the U.S. and near-hysteria in the U.K. Arctic Monkeys are nominated for four Q Awards, including Best Album, Best Live Act, Best Track and Best New Act. The awards will be presented on October 30th in London. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, walked away with England's prestigious Mercury Music Prize earlier this year. It was also the fastest-selling debut album in U.K. music history. Arctic Monkeys are currently at work on their second full-length effort. Src: Therockradio.com

Arctic Monkeys penning official autobiography

2006-10-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sheffield sensations Arctic Monkeys are planning to release an official biography in time for Christmas.

The band were apparently peeved off after someone they had never met or spoken to released an unofficial account of the group's meteoric rise over the last year.

It is thought that the new book will finally shed light on why drummer Andy Nicholson left the band earlier this year.

Alex Turner, Matt Helders, Jamie Cook and Nicholson's replacement Nick O'Malley are up for four Q magazine awards later this month, including best album for Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not, best live act, best track for I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and best breakthrough act.

'We're thrilled to bits to be nominated for four Q awards. It's great to be recognised for what we love doing, making music and playing live. It's a real honour. We keep thinking our year can't get any better,' an Arctic Monkeys statement said.

Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not made music history when it became the fastest-selling debut British album in February.

Src: Music.Monsterandcritics.com

New Official Site

2006-10-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Arcticmonkeys.com had changed! The new version is really great!
See it by yourself: www.arcticmonkeys.com

Arctic Monkeys set for triumph at Q awards

2006-10-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Mercury Prize-winners Arctic Monkeys are leading the nominations for this year's hotly anticipated Q music awards, with nods in an impressive four categories.

The rockers are up against competition from chart-topper Lily Allen, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Kooks and Orson for the accolade of Best New Act at the legendary British music magazine's honours ceremony.

The Mardy Bum stars are also up for Best Album with their 2005 debut release Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, Best Live Act and Best Track, for I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.

Rockers Muse have three nominations, including a nod in the Best Album category for Black Holes and Revelations.

Kasabian also are nominated in the Best Album category for new disc Empire, alongside Keane's Under The Iron Sea, Razorlight's eponymous new release and Snow Patrol's smash hit Eyes Open, and Arctic Monkeys.

Muse are also nominees in the Best Act in the World Today, against last year's winners Coldplay, Oasis, U2 and the Red Chili Peppers.

Src: Breakingnews.iol.ie

Ditch Sheffield for London

2006-10-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

British rockers ARCTIC MONKEYS have ditched their hometown of Sheffield, Northern England, to seek new inspiration in London. The band, who shot to fame with debut album WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM THAT'S WHAT I'M NOT, were praised for keeping their regional accent and peppering their songs with local slang, but they've decided to base themselves in London while recording a follow up. A source close to the band says, "The Monkeys are a confident bunch of lads and believe in their music. But they know all eyes and ears will be on the follow-up. "With that in mind they decided they didn't want any distractions. Fans turning up outside their studio in Sheffield would have altered their focus so it was decided to find a spot in London."

Src: Contactmusic.com

They snub awards show

2006-10-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

The ARCTIC MONKEYS are snubbing yet another award ceremony - and will be sending the man who features on their album cover to represent the band at tomorrow (11OCT06) night's Vodafone Live Music Awards in London. The I BET YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR hitmakers are allowing pal CHRIS MCCLURE, who is pictured unshaven and smoking on the cover of WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT'S WHAT I'M NOT, to take their place at all future industry bashes. A source close to the band says, "The boys will always thank Chris for not cashing in on his appearance on the sleeve. "They reckon he's the perfect man to pick up their awards in future due to his general couldn't-care-less attitude." Earlier this year (FEB06), the Sheffield, England, based foursome also failed to show up at the Brit Awards, although they later released a statement explaining prior commitments to the NME Awards tour had prevented them from attending the ceremony.

Src: Contactmusic.com

Official uploads

2006-10-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

OYE AWARD

'Wow, we're delighted to have won an award for Best New International Artist, thanks so much to those who voted for us! We really look forward to making it out to Mexico and south America hopefully next year.'

Arctic Monkeys

OUI FM
The 15th October will be 'Arctic Monkeys Day' on French rock radio station, Oui FM. The Austin Texas show will be broadcast in the evening at 9pm local time. You can listen to Oui FM at 102.3FM

Monkeys have top student anthem

2006-10-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys hit I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor has been voted the top student anthem of all time.

In a poll of 200 university DJs carried out by the NME, The Killers' Mr Brightside came second, followed by Kaiser Chiefs' I Predict a Riot.

Also featured in the top ten floorfillers are Franz Ferdinand's Take Me Out, The Stroke's Last Night, Bloc Party's Banquet and The Kooks' Naive.

NME student editor Dan Silver said: "It's no surprise that the Arctic Monkeys have taken the top spot.

'I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor is a worthy winner and always guaranteed to pack any Student Union bar with revellers."

The list does seem to indicate there is no longer a place for cheesy pop in the hallowed academic institutions of the UK.

Top 10 Ultimate Student Anthems:

I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor (Arctic Monkeys).

Mr Brightside (The Killers).

I Predict A Riot (Kaiser Chiefs).

Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand).

This Charming Man (The Smiths).

Hounds of Love (Futureheads).

Naive (The Kooks).

Last Nite (The Strokes).

Banquet (Bloc Party).

Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division).

What I really meant about liking Arctic Monkeys, by Gordon Brown

2006-09-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Chancellor admits he's more of a Coldplay man.

It was always one of the more unlikely passions in politics. But Gordon Brown's famous love of Arctic Monkeys, the Sheffield band who became an overnight phenomenon, is apparently not what it seemed.

Put on the spot by a men's magazine, the Chancellor proved unable to name a single track from their debut album beyond insisting that 'they are very loud'. And he confessed his favoured listening was actually Coldplay - the band music aficionados love to despise for their middle-of-the-road sound, described by Oasis's manager Alan McGee as 'music for bedwetters'.

The Arctic Monkeys debacle represents the first real snag for the much-touted Project Gordon makeover, supposed to rebrand the Chancellor as a softer, more engaging character en route to Number 10. Along with the lilac ties and family snapshots of Brown with his two boys has even come a new warmth to colleagues: he recently telephoned a string of junior ministers in the aftermath of the coup against Blair, dishing out his phone number and inviting them to call him any time.

Among the favoured were James Purnell and Liam Byrne, both previously close to Blair, and both part of a policy review announced by Downing Street last week. 'Gordon called James and said he was delighted he was part of the review,' said a source familiar with the conversation. 'The tone was very warm, and he gave him his telephone number to use whenever he had issues he might want to discuss.'

The most startling step of all in his makeover was his interview with New Woman magazine, which earlier this summer reported the Chancellor saying that Arctic Monkeys 'really wakes you up in the mornings' and that he loves Pop Idol. Newspaper reports that he sprang out of bed listening to the band on his iPod followed. But according to an interview with this month's GQ, that was all a misunderstanding.

Asked if he really liked the band, the Chancellor responded: 'You've got to laugh, because actually I was asked did I prefer Arctic Monkeys to James Blunt (of 'You're Beautiful' fame), and I think I said I'd prefer Coldplay. But I made a joke that Arctic Monkeys would certainly wake you up in the morning. So, I mean, I've heard Arctic Monkeys and they're very loud.'

Pressed on his favourite track, the Chancellor could only say: 'Well, I mean, I have got them. But they are very loud.'

Brown does own an iPod - his wife bought it for him - but it is said to contain largely speeches, including Bob Geldof's famous four-letter tirade at Live Aid, and classical music.

The Chancellor is on more comfortable ground in an interview today with BBC1's The Politics Show, for which veteran political reporter Jon Sopel followed him to New York last week. In that he defended the special relationship but cited differences with the Bush administration over the post-war redevelopment of Iraq, adding: 'We should have done more about the economic development of Iraq. We have made our views known... I, as someone who look as at economies and looks at what might have happened, know that we could have done that better.'

Sources close to him said Brown had challenged the White House over what he saw as too much focus on rebuilding the oil industry rather than examining measures to help communities return to normal. Gordon was very critical about, "Why are we just concentrating on getting the oil supplies running? Why haven't we done this in a way that we did the economic recovery plan in Europe (after the war)?"' said one.

Brown also denied in the interview, broadcast today, that he had demanded a public endorsement as Blair's anointed successor at the height of the crisis between them, adding: 'The discussions were actually about how I wanted Tony to be able to make his own decisions in his own way.'

However he failed to condemn Tom Watson, the ex-minister personally close to him who resigned after signing a letter encouraging Tony Blair to clarify his departure date. Asked if Watson was disloyal, Brown said only: 'He probably, reflecting on it, may wish to change his mind.'

'Project Gordon' will continue next week with the launch of a book of Brown's collected speeches, plus endorsements from figures like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan.

Src: Guardian.co.uk

Arctic Monkeys Break The Mould On Marketing Strategy

2006-09-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Music executives from all over the world are gathering together in Berlin’s International Congress Center for the 18th Popkomm international business platform for music and entertainment. All these executives are brainstorming to come up with strategies for saving the industry. Viral Marketing is one of these strategies, involving word-of-mouth marketing via blogs, internet forums and social networking websites.

Marketing strategists mentioned the Arctic Monkeys as an example for how to break the mould on traditional marketing.

The four young guys from UK defied conventional industry wisdom by side-stepping traditional marketing procedures and making their music available free of charge via the internet. The resulting word-of-mouth buzz propelled them to the top of the charts.

The band was not bothered by the fact that fans copied their CDs and distributed them to friends. The Arctic Monkeys accepted that as a necessary step towards fame and eventually to fortune.

This innovative marketing strategy paid off because by the time the Arctic Monkeys released their debut album last January, they were so well known that sales soared to 118,000 within days in Britain.

Src: Bizreport.com

The Arctic Monkeys almost split up before they career started - because they fought so much.

2006-09-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

Frontman Alex Turner has revealed that relations within the Sheffield band got so bad when they started out that they very nearly never made the first step on the road to success.
Alex told Britain's New magazine: "When we first started the band, we almost stopped doing it because we were getting so fed up - and that was before we' d played a gig. There was some drama, and we were like, 'We can't be a***d anymore!' So we stopped for a while, but then I thought, 'Oh I've got to do it.' It was like a drug." The Monkeys have already had one line-up change in their short career.
Original bassist Andy Nicholson left the band at the start of the summer after pulling out the group's tour of North America due to "fatigue" caused by the band's hectic schedule.
He was replaced by long-time friend of the rockers Nick O'Malley.

Src: Pr-inside.com

Arctic Monkeys offer details on new album

2006-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys hope to release their second album at the beginning of 2007, according to a new interview with Britain's NME. The group said that it has written most of the songs for the CD, which will follow up this year's award-winning and best-selling debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. Frontman Alex Turner told the magazine, "We'll do a few gigs in December, but...we're going in next month to do some recording."

Turner said the U.K. group had about "13 or 14" songs in different stages of preparation.

Although the quartet hoped to release its sophomore effort in January, drummer Matt Helders said it will "probably be a bit later."

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not won England's Mercury Music Prize for album of the year last week. The band plans to donate the approximate $38,000 cash prize to an undisclosed charity.

The CD has sold more than one million copies in its native England and was the fastest-selling debut in British music history. It has sold more than a quarter of a million copies in the U.S.

Src: TheRockRadio.com

Ex Arctic Monkeys Bassist Turns Hand To DJing

2006-09-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Former Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson has turned his hand towards a new career in the music industry.

Nicholson is being lined up for a series of DJ Sets with a confirmed date happening at Liverpool’s Korova on Friday October 20.

He joins Reverend and the Makers on the bill as part of their sprawling UK tour - a band featuring long-term Arctic Monkeys pal Jon McClure.

Also playing are Deadkids and the quite excellent goFASTER on the bill.

The full Reverend and the Makers tour dates are as follows:

Pontecraft Counting House - October 5
Hartlepool Jax Bar - 6
Sheffield Plug -7
York Fibbers - 8
Manchester Jabez Clegg - 9
Leeds Club Faversham - 11
Glasgow Barfly - 12
Aberdeen Tunnels - 13
Nottingham Social - 15
Wakefield Escobar - 16
Sunderland Voodoo Lounge - 17
Oxford Zodiac - 19
Liverpool Korova - 20
Hull Lamp - 21
Newcastle Other Rooms - 22
Blackpool West Coast Rock Cafe - 24
Birmingham Bar Academy - 25
London Fabric - 26
Brighton Sumo - 27
Coventry Colliseum - 28

Src: Gigwise.com

Arctic Monkeys back in studio

2006-09-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Arctic Monkeys are starting work on the follow-up to their Mercury Prize-winning debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.

"It's shaping up good. We started messing about with the new songs last Friday in our rehearsal room," drummer Matt Helders said. "We can't wait to get on with recording them. There's no pressure on us, no worries about that. We just can't wait to get going properly on them."

Src: Star-ecentral.com

Panic May Add Woodie To Award Collection; Arctic Monkeys, Imogen Heap Lead mtvU Nominations

2006-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Panic! at the Disco already own the Moonman for Video of the Year, and now they're poised to add a Woodie to their collection.

On Tuesday (September 12) nominations were announced for the third annual mtvU Woodie Awards, and thetight-trousered lads once again find themselves competing for the evening's top award. They'll go up against Angels & Airwaves, Atmosphere and fellow Decaydance Records artists the Academy Is ... and Gym Class Heroes for the Woodie of the Year, mtvU's equivalent of Artist of the Year.

But Panic aren't even the night's most-nominated artists. That honor is shared by some Brits: Mercury Prize winners the Arctic Monkeys and avant-folkie Imogen Heap, who scored three Woodie noms apiece.

The Monkeys and Heap will compete against each other in both the Breaking Woodie (given to the year's best newcomer) and the Streaming Woodie (bestowed upon the most-downloaded artist at mtvU.com) categories. The Monkeys are also nominated for the International Woodie, alongside Sia, Corinne Bailey Rae, the Subways and Cham. Heap is up against Gogol Bordello, Gnarls Barkley, Lady Sovereign and Wolfmother in the race for the Left Field Woodie — the award given to an artist who defies categorization.

Other categories include the Good Woodie, given to the artist whose commitment to social change made the biggest difference over the past year, and the Road Woodie, handed out to the act that toured the hardest. Over all, almost 50 artists landed nominations, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chamillionaire, 30 Seconds to Mars and Gorillaz.

Fans can log on to mtvU.com between now and October 20 to vote for their favorites in all 10 categories. Winners will be announced at a live concert October 25 at New York's Roseland Ballroom, and the show will air on MTV, MTV2 and mtvU the following week.

My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy and Death Cab for Cutie were the big winners at last year's Woodies, which were handed out at a raucous ceremony that featured live sets by Matisyahu, Saul Williams and the Go! Team, as well as gratuitous Lou Reed action (see "My Chemical Romance Win Woodie Of The Year At mtvU Awards").

Nominees for the 2006 mtvU Woodie Awards:

Woodie of the Year

Angels & Airwaves
Atmosphere
Gym Class Heroes
Panic! at the Disco
The Academy Is ...

The Breaking Woodie

Arctic Monkeys
Chamillionaire
Imogen Heap
Lupe Fiasco
Plain White T's

Left Field Woodie

Gnarls Barkley
Gogol Bordello
Imogen Heap
Lady Sovereign
Wolfmother

Best Video Woodie - Live

30 Seconds to Mars - "The Kill"
Feist - "Mushaboom"
Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - "Rise Up With Fists"
Jurassic 5 - "Work It Out"
The Raconteurs - "Steady, as She Goes"

Best Video Woodie - Animated

Against Me! - "From Her Lips to God's Ears"
Gnarls Barkley - "Crazy"
Gorillaz - "El Mañana"
Mark Ronson - "Just"
Psapp - "Hi"

The Good Woodie

Juvenile - Hurricane Katrina relief efforts
Ludacris - Hurricane Katrina relief efforts
Pearl Jam - environmental protection
Rise Against - political awareness and activism
Serj Tankian (System of a Down) - Armenian genocide

Road Woodie

Cartel
Hellogoodbye
Nightmare of You
Taking Back Sunday
The Fray

International Woodie

Arctic Monkeys
Cham
Corinne Bailey Rae
Sia
The Subways

Alumni Woodie

AFI
Fiona Apple
Ghostface Killah
Muse
Red Hot Chili Peppers

Streaming Woodie (Nominees are broken up into four groups, and voting takes place over four weeks) Week One

Atmosphere - "Say Hey There (Gotta Go to Mexico)" (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Gym Class Heroes - "Cupid's Chokehold" (Fueled by Ramen/ Atlantic Records)
Plain White T's - "Hey There Delilah" (East West Records)
The Academy Is ... - "Checkmarks" (Fueled by Ramen/ Atlantic Records)

Week Two

All-American Rejects - "Move Along" (Interscope/ A&M Records)
Matisyahu - "Youth" (Epic Records)
Motion City Soundtrack - "Hold Me Down" (Epitaph Records)
O.A.R. - "Lay Down" (Atlantic Records)
Taking Back Sunday - "Makedamnsure" (Warner Bros. Records)

Week Three

Armor for Sleep - "The Truth About Heaven" (Equal Vision)
Death Cab for Cutie - "Crooked Teeth" (Atlantic Records)
Hellogoodbye - "Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn" (Drive Thru Records)
Imogen Heap - "Hide and Seek" (RCA Victor Records)
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Dani California" (Warner Bros. Records)

Week Four

Arctic Monkeys - "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" (Domino Records)
Cage - "Shoot Frank" (Definitive Jux Records)
Nightmare of You - "I Want to Be Buried in Your Backyard" (East West Records)
Panic! at the Disco - "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies" (Fueled by Ramen/ Atlantic Records)
The Academy Is ... - "Slow Down" (Fueled by Ramen/ Atlantic Records

Src: Mtv.com

Another old boy with Monkeys on his back

2006-09-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

According to the teenage musicologist in our household, there is only one creature in the known universe sadder than a middle-aged man expressing an enthusiasm for the Arctic Monkeys. And that, she said, as she thumbed through a Sunday supplement talking them up as the modern incarnation of Mozart, is a middle-aged man writing about how much he likes the Arctic Monkeys.

Quite where on the scale of saddery that leaves the middle-aged man writing about discovering the Arctic Monkeys some six months after everyone else has moved on to eulogising the Kooks has yet to be measured.

But the fact is, I have recently developed an affection for the Sheffield band. So much so that when they appeared on the Today programme last week following their winning of the Mercury Music Prize, I, unlike most of the listening public, who would have leapt across the room to turn the volume down, found myself singing along. Which is particularly sad on the 8.15 train.

Good words, too. If not quite Leonard Cohen, anyone who rhymes "classic Reeboks" with "tracky bottoms tucked in socks" demonstrates a lyrical ingenuity beyond the reach of most pop performers.

Besides, by outing myself as an – albeit late – arrival on the Monkey bandwagon, I am in distinguished company. Gordon Brown recently revealed that he has the Monkeys on his iPod. Their music helps him, he said, wake up in the morning.

He needs a bit of power pop after a broken night attending to the needs of Little John and Wee Fraser and he finds that no one is better at freshening him up ahead of a day of internecine feuding – sorry, running the fifth-largest economy in the world.

Almost from the moment Mr Brown revealed his morning listening, it was scoured for significance. That's what happens with politicians' iPods; their contents are reckoned part of the armoury in building up the right image, and are thus assumed to have been carefully selected by focus group.

Though quite what George Bush's people were hoping to achieve when they revealed that his contains My Sharona by the Knack is hard to fathom.

Still, you imagine whole teams of advisers would have spent days in Notting Hill's pricier eateries preparing the contents of David Cameron's personal listening device as revealed on Desert Island Discs. Why on earth would he have claimed to listen to Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) unless it was to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to Britain's small dairy producers?

My first thought was that the Chancellor's affection for the Monkeys was a PR concoction, dreamed up to prove that, far from being psychologically unsuitable, this was a modern, forward-looking PM-in-waiting.

My assumption was that the band was suggested by Ed Balls to give a notorious geek some hip credentials in his battle with Tony "I was in a rock band once" Blair.

And a smokescreen, too, to disguise the fact that his real choice of listening, as he stumbles bleary-eyed around Downing Street, is the Beatles' Taxman, with its many ideas for new policy initiatives: "If you drive a car, I'll tax the street / If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat / If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat / If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet."

But watching the events of the past few days unfold from my new perspective as a Monkeys aficionado, I am now not so sure.

In fact, I think the Monkeys, with their musical tales of urban disappointment and thwarted ambition, of mates who let you down and psychotic bouncers blocking the entrances of buildings that you are desperate to get into, would provide the perfect paranoid soundtrack to Mr Brown's past week.

Most of all, I can see him now, bouncing around Number 11 first thing in the morning, shouting through the walls at his neighbour the lyrics of the song When the Sun Goes Down: "What a scummy man / Just give him half a chance / I bet he'll rob you if he can / Can see it in his eyes that he's got a nasty plan."

By Jim White for Telegraph.co.uk

Arctic Monkeys Enjoy The Benefits Of The Mercury Music Prize

2006-09-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sales of the debut album by Arctic Monkeys have increased by almost 100% since the Sheffield band won

the 2006 Mercury Music Prize this week.

The band's Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not album scooped the band a £20,000 prize which they then donated to charity.

Several days later and UK record chain HMV say that sales of the album have no risen by 98%.

Other artists said to benefit from the award ceremony are Richard Hawley and Lou Rhodes - both who are enjoying an increase of 300%.

Arctic Monkeys meanwhile, are starting to work on their second album. They commented at the Awards: "As for the near future, we are really looking forward to taking a break to continue writing our new album."

Src: Angryape.com

Arctic Monkeys asked for IDs

2006-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Recent Mercury Music Award winners Arctic Monkeys were asked for identification at a London club for not looking old enough to enter.

The band members were stopped by bouncers at the Met Bar and asked for their identification.

However, a source realised who they were and they were let into the party, which also had the presence of radio presenter Jo Whiley, The Killers and Muse.

Src: Star-ecentral.com

Arctic Monkeys Donate Mercury Prize Money To Charity

2006-09-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys have donated their £20,000 prize money for winning the Mercury Music Prize earlier this week to an un-named charity.

The band released a joint statement, along with departed bassist Andy Nicholson, revealing the generous donation citing their reasons for giving up the money.

The Sheffield band picked up the award on Tuesday night for their hugely successful debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am. That's What I'm Not'.

The statement read: "We had a fantastic night and we're really chuffed with winning the award. It was unexpected but it means a lot to us as the competition was from other musicians we really respect.

"We strongly believe in the ethos of the Nationwide Mercury Prize in that it is about the music and not everything else that goes with it and are therefore really flattered by the decision.

"Regarding the £20,000 cheque, we are going to donate it to a worthy charity which we would prefer to keep private. We have discussed it with Andy, who played an equal part in the making of the album, and he is happy with our choice.

"As for the near future, we are really looking forward to taking a break to continue writing our new album."

Src: Stereoboard.com

The Nationwide Music Prize is tomorrow!

2006-09-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow brings with it not only cloudier skies and cooler weather than we’ve been used to these past few weeks, but also the announcement of the winner of this year’s Nationwide Mercury Prize. You know: voted for by a panel of industry specialists (although we’ve not been invited to provide an opinion – what’s that about?), comes with a fat cheque and a skip-load of recognition, and was won by an American last year. Or, rather, an Englishman that’d not lived in England for many a year. Oooh, taste the controversy.

Could we taste it again? Possibly: one of the short-listed twelve acts is Isobel Campbell (pictured), the one-time Belle & Sebastian member turned solo to brilliant effect. Her Ballad Of The Broken Seas LP – an outsider in the betting stakes at the time of writing, but don’t go thinking that means she can’t win – features many a vocal contribution from former Screaming Trees man Mark Lanegan. In case you don’t know, he’s American. DiS spoke to Isobel ahead of the award ceremony on September 5.

“I’ve been so used to being the kid outside the sweetie shop with my nose pressed against the glass for so long that it felt quite funny to be publicly recognised for my work,” says the singer of her nomination. “Although it does seem like I have been working hard and paying my dues over the last few years and it feels to me that the timing is right.”

Campbell continues: “The recognition is really just an added bonus for me and could potentially mean that I don’t have to be as broke as I have been in the past three years. If this album had failed I would have had to seriously question whether I was in the right line of work or not. Opened doors are better than closed ones.”

And what about Mark’s contributions? Will they have a detrimental effect on Ballad Of The Broken Seas’ chances?

“It probably does mean that I can’t win. If it did it would be a bit controversial, especially as last year, weren’t people unsure whether Antony (And The Johnsons) was American or British?”

But what if she did win?

“Winning would be grand but if it’s not meant to be then there can be luck in leisure - sometimes winners are known just because they win. I want to try and make some more beautiful albums and try and learn more about my craft. That’s important to me. Though everyone wants to sell records – right?”

Favourites to scoop the yearly award at the time of writing are Arctic Monkeys – their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not was released early this year to a flood of critical acclaim. Commercial success duly followed, but the record wasn’t one of DiS’s picks back when the nominations were announced in July. Our four, picked by four separate individuals, were Campbell’s already mentioned effort, Hot Chip’s The Warning (current odds of around 12/1), Muse’s Black Holes And Revelations (around 14/1), and Guillemots’ much-acclaimed debut Through The Windowpane. At the time of writing, it seems that the latter album is offering Arctic Monkeys the sternest competition with odds of around 4/1.

Will any of our selections come home first, or will those all-conquering Monkey boys be gifted another shining achievement to add to their always-growing CV? Only time will tell, and not all that much of it. The clock’s ticking: see you here, tomorrow, when we announce the winner as we get it.

Just to refresh your memory, the twelve albums in contention for the Nationwide Mercury Prize, announced tomorrow, are:

Thom Yorke The Eraser
Scritti Politti White Bread Black Beer
Sway This Is My Demo
Hot Chip The Warning
Lou Rhodes Beloved One
Muse Black Holes And Revelations
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan Ballad Of The Broken Seas
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not
Editors The Back Room
Guillemots Through The Windowpane
Zoe Rahman Melting Pot
Richard Hawley Coles Corner

Src: Drownedinsound.com

Ibiza & Australia

2006-09-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Al,Matt and Nick will be playing a DJ set this Fri 1st Sept at M Bar in San Antonio Bay on Ibiza.

Also the album 'Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not' has just gone platinum in Australia.

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Leave Before The Lights Come On in Charts

2006-09-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Ireland Top 20: #16
UK Top 20: #4

Src: Top40-Charts.com

Arctic Monkeys re-unite in Leeds

2006-08-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys have re-united with former bassist Andy Nicholson at Carling Weekend: Leeds today (August 27).

The Sheffield four-piece met up with their original bassist backstage, despite his recent sacking from the band.

Drummer Matt Helders chatted with his fellow founding member plus a group of friends in the backstage bar as Arctic Monkeys took in the atmosphere ahead of their main stage appearence this evening.

Later on he met with singer Alex Turner and in a nice twist he was seen shaking hands and chatting with new bassist Nick O'Malley (pictured).

As previously reported on NME.COM, Nicholson left the band after he announced that he didn't want to play on this year's US tour and was replaced by Nick O'Malley.

His absence was blamed on "fatigue" at the time but Turner later explained: "We sorta found ourselves in a situation where we wanted to move forward.

"It weren't like us wanting to carry on like this as punishment for him wanting to opt out."

Guitarist Jamie Cooke added: "Everyone might say we're wankers and we shit on him, but they don't know. We know, Andy knows and that's all that really matters."

Elsewhere, the bands continue to rock the final day of Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival. Wakefield band The Cribs have played one of their biggest ever homecoming shows in the early afternoon, while The Futurheads also performed on the Main Stage this afternoon and instigated a few crowd singalongs.

Before former single 'A To B' guitarist Ross Millard said: "The best thing about festivals is that you guys get to sing with us...everybody clap and sing!"

The biggest cheers were reserved for singles 'Decent Days And Nights' and 'Skip To The End', while 'Hounds Of Love' received one of the best receptions of the day so far.

Dirty Pretty Things captivated the crowd from the outset, opening with recent single 'Deadwood'.

Carl Barat, his arm again in a Union Jack sling after breaking his collarbone, also ran through Libertines' songs 'Death On The Stairs' and 'I Get Along'.

Stay tuned to nme.com/festivals for full coverage from both sites of the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals including news, pictures and blogs, and check out next week's issue of NME - out August 30 - for the ultimate festival review.

Src: Nme.com

Monkeys sign off at Leeds

2006-08-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Former Arctic Monkeys bass player Andy Nicholson watched from backstage as the band played their final UK show of 2006.

Nicholson was sacked by the band after refusing to go on their US tour earlier this year, but was invited to hang out with his former bandmates at the Leeds Festival on Sunday.

The band, who hail from nearby Sheffield, thrilled a massive crowd with hits including 'Mardy Bum', 'A Certain Romance' and 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor'.

Organisers estimated that the band had a bigger crowd than any other single act in the history of Leeds Festival.

They were followed on the main stage by Muse, who brough the event to a close in torrential rain.

However, festival-goers were warmed by a stunning set, which included 'Plug In Baby', 'Starlight' and a cover of Nina Simone's 'Feeling Good', which singer Matt Bellamy dedicated to the rain.

Earlier in the day, The Streets played in front of a rainbow and Futureheads, Dirty Pretty Things and The Cribs rocked the main stage.

A limited number of tickets for next year's Leeds Festival go on sale on Tuesday August 29 at 10am.

I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor Festival

2006-08-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Carling Weekend may have been in two places at once, but all the talk was of one band - Arctic Monkeys.

Ex-bassist Andy Nicholson met his old bandmates in Leeds on Sunday but it seemed there was no hard feelings over him having quit the group.

Over in Reading, Mike Skinner of The Streets pinched their lyrics to sing "I bet you look good in the dance tent" to a woman in the crowd.

Meanwhile, fans had a problem in Leeds as Franz Ferdinand and Primal Scream were on different stages at the same time.

Src: Dailyrecord.co.uk

Monkeys rock main stage

2006-08-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

A YEAR ago ARCTIC MONKEYS played the small Carling Tent at Reading. This time, they were the penultimate act on the main stage.

ALEX TURNER and the band were great. But I sense Monkey mania waning.

New bassist NICK O’MALLEY has changed the sound. They used to play songs straight. Now they’re going prog – giving tunes remixes.

VERDICT: 7/10

Src: TheSun.co.uk

The Streets cover Arctic Monkeys

2006-08-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Streets covered the Arctic Monkeys during their Carling: Weekend Reading Festival set tonight (August 26). Mike Skinner sang the lyrics: "I bet you look good in the dance tent" to a woman in the crowd during his own song 'Don't Mug Yourself'. He continued his tribute to indie during 'Let's Push Things Forward' by referencing Razorlight, singing: "In the morning you won't remember a thing/ Because you'll be off your face." The band closed with 'Fit But You Know It', where Skinner got members of the crowd to twirl their tops round their heads. The Fratellis played to a Carling Stage tent bursting at the seams, sparking memories of Arctic Monkeys' show there last year. They played highlights from their forthcoming debut album 'Costello Music', including 'Henrietta' and the single 'Chelsea Dagger'. Meanwhile, Jet continued their comeback at the NME/ Radio 1 Tent previewing tracks from their forthcoming album 'Shine On', including 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is'. However it was signature tune 'Are You Going To Be My Girl' that send the large crowd wild. "We love playing at UK festivals," drummer Chris Cester told NME.COM. "The crowds are always really nutty!" Earlier, in the Carling Tent The View filled in for The Organ who had earlier pulled out, however their fans were well aware of the change. With the band's chant "The View, The View are on fire ringing around the solid tent, the band were clearly impressed by the fans. "It's good to see the chant has made it all the way to Reading," bassist Kieren Webster told the crowd as the band played a raucous set including single 'Wasted Little DJs'. Stay tuned to NME.COM/festivals for full coverage from both sites of the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals including news, pictures and blogs, and check out next week's issue of NME out August 30 for the ultimate festival review.

Src: Nme.com

Arctic Monkeys Play Exclusive London Show [tracklist!]

2006-08-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

As a warm up for their upcoming Reading and Leeds festival appearances, Sheffield's finest played a brilliant intimate gig at the Kentish Town Forum.

Following the lead of Franz Ferdinand, who had also used the intimate setting of the Kentish Town Forum the previous night to warm up for their upcoming appearance at the Reading and Leeds festivals, last night (August 24) the Arctic Monkeys played a blistering hour long set for those fans lucky enough to get into what proved to be a very sweaty night inside the Forum.

Taking to the stage just after 9.30 to the theme tune of 'The Long Good Friday' the new look Monkeys tore thorugh what is likely to be a similar set at this weekends festivals launching straight into a frantic 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor'. Rarely taking their foot off the pace the band played every track from their Mercury nominated debut including a sublime melody of 'Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But..' and 'Dancing Shoes' plus new single 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' which sent the crowd into near delirium.

Only 'Cigarette Smoker Fiona' featured from their recent EP and old b-side 'Bigger Boys And Stolen Sweathearts' was dusted off much to the audience's delight. A friend of the band called Scott was brought on to the stage to play lead guitar on 'Fake Tales Of San Francisco' and did so with aplomp and chants of 'Scotty! Scotty!' ensued following encouragement from frontman Alex Turner.

'When The Sun Goes Down' and 'A Certain Romance' brought the set to a blistering conclusion with this being the last indoor show for the next few months at least as they go into the studio to record album number two. On this kind of form that can't come soon enough.

The Arctic Monkeys played:

'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor'
'Still Take You Home'
'You Probably Couldn't See For The Lights...'
'Leave Before The Lights Come On'
'Cigarette Smoker Fiona'
'Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But..'
'Dancing Shoes'
'Riot Van'
'The View From The Afternoon'
'Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured'
'Bigger Boys And Stolen Sweethearts'
'From The Ritz To The Rubble'
'Fake Tales Of San Francisco'
'Mardy Bum'
'When The Sun Goes Down'
'A Certain Romance'

Src: Xfm.co.uk

Hip Arctic Monkeys Go Straight in ahead of Shakira

2006-08-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

SHE might be UK No.1, but it seems Shakira doesn't do it for Scots. Arctic Monkeys score another Scottish chart-topper with Leave Before The Lights Come On, despite Shakira's Hips Don't Lie notching up a month at the top of the UK-wide chart. They jump straight in to knock off The View, who fall from one to 10 with Wasted Little DJ's. Second new entry goes to Micky Modelle v Jessy with Dancing In the Dark. Rapper Chamillionaire gets a third highest placing with Ridin' at No.5. Elsewhere in the Scottish Top 20 two of last year's X Factor live finalists don't do as well as expected. Maria Lawson's debut Sleepwalking makes it to No.15 (No.20 in the UK-wide chart) while Chico's second single - a cover of Disco - only reaches No.16 (and 24 in the UK-wide chart). Time up, Chico?

1 Arctic Monkeys Leave Before The Lights Come On
2 Shakira Hips Don't Lie
3 Cascada Everytime We Touch
4 Micky Modelle v Jessy Dancing In The Dark
5 Chamillionaire ft Krayzie Ridin'
6 David Guetta vs The Egg Love Don't Let Me Go
7 Ronan Keating Iris
8 Rogue Traders Voodoo Child
9 Rihanna Unfaithful
10 The View Wasted Little DJ's
11 Paris Stars Are Blind
12 Christina Aguilera Ain't No Other Man
13 Cassie Me & U
14 Paolo Nutini Last Request
15 Maria Lawson Sleepwalking
16 Chico Disco
17 Alesha Lipstick
18 James Morrison You Give Me Something
19 Kasabian Empire
20 Lily Allen Smile

Src: Dailyrecord.co.uk

Arctic Monkeys speak about bassist

2006-08-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys have spoken about the motivation behind bassist Andy Nicholson's decision to leave the band. Nicholson announced he no longer wanted to play with the British hitmakers just before their first US tour, but until now speculation has been rife as to what his reasons had been. Clarifying the situation, frontman Alex Turner told NME: "We sorta found ourselves in a situations where we wanted to move forward. It weren't like us wanting to carry on like this as punishment for him wanting to opt out." The band's guitarist Jamie Cooke continued: "Everyone might say we're w**kers and we sh** on him, but they don't know. We know, Andy knows and that's all that really matters."

Src: Digitalspy.co.uk

Leap in guitar sales as Arctic Monkeys fuel trend

2006-08-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

SALES of guitars in the UK have risen by 18 per cent over the past year to £120 million, as the popularity of rock bands such as Franz Ferdinand and the Arctic Monkeys persuades the nation to get strumming.

The number of guitars sold has more than doubled since 1999 as City bankers hunting trophy guitars and young would-be rock stars flock to guitar shops such as those in London’s Denmark Street.

Guitar is now the most popular instrument being played by children in schools, rather than the more traditional orchestral instruments favoured ten or 20 years ago.

The market is being driven partly by falling prices, with the cheapest acoustic instrument now well within a birthday present budget at £30.

Electric guitars have seen a 25 per cent drop in price over the past two years so that a package including an amplifier can be bought for less than £200 and a basic guitar for £50.

Paul Waller, the manager of Hanks, an acoustic guitar specialist, said: “The Chinese are making a lot of stuff, but they’re making it well. That’s made some of the higher-end North American manufacturers take note and compete better.”

Mr Waller said the shop's turnover was about £1.4 million last year and the business was growing by 10 per cent each year. With more products around and more guitars being made in China, there is more choice for customers, Mr Waller said, while the internet provides more information on the instrument.

Paul McManus, chief executive of the Music Industries Association, says that the rise in guitar sales to nearly a million last year backdates to the early 1990s.

He said: “It started with bands like Oasis, which started a return to guitar bands, and that has continued year on year up to the Arctic Monkeys.”

Up to 70 per cent of customers at Rockers, a store in Denmark Street that is renowned for selling heavy-metal guitars, are in their mid teens to late twenties, says Scott Avery, its manager.

“We get a lot of young people, mostly male,” he said. “It’s the influence of bands or being in their own bands. People are fed up with Pop Idol and X Factor and all that nonsense. People are more interested in listening to real music and playing in a band and doing it for themselves.”

However, the market is also being driven by baby-boomers trying to recapture their youth.

Mr McManus said: “Over a third of the population are now over 50 and we aren’t going quietly. A whole generation is returning to the obsessions of their youth, whether it is music or getting a Harley-Davidson.”

In Regent Sounds in Denmark Street, customers come to marvel at, sample and buy Fender guitars ranging from £359 to £4,000. They tend to be popular with City bankers with more money than talent, said Clement Coulom, the manager. “They want to spend a lot of money just to have a cool guitar even though they can’t play. Only a third of our customers are good guitar players. There’s a bit of talent involved. Not everyone’s got it. I can testify.”

Guitars would never go out of fashion, Mr Coulom said. “It’s exactly like denim or black,” he said.

Src: Timesonline.co.uk

Not too cool for school

2006-08-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

British rockers the ARCTIC MONKEYS have returned to their musical roots by recruiting their former teacher to perform at a secret school gig. The I BET YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR hitmakers wowed pupils at their old school Barnsley Sixth Form College in Yorkshire, England, with a show featuring music master RICHARD TOLSEN last night (23AUG06). The Sheffield band took to a makeshift stage in the sports hall, after first monopolising the school staff room to warm up and get changed. A source tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "Rich invited them back to play and they said 'yes' and asked him if he wanted to be on stage. "Rich is a great musician and plays in a band himself, so there was no problem there. He would either play a bit of guitar, or just shake a tambourine."

Src: Contactmusic.com

Monkeys play Barnsley

2006-08-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys played a triumphant homecoming show last night in Barnsley.

The guitar heroes put on a secret gig at the town's Citrus Club, just miles from where they grew up and were educated, with tickets only available on the door.

The concert precedes the band's show at the London Forum tomorrow night, which is a warm-up to this weekend's appearance at the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds.

The Monkeys played a host of familiar tracks at the Barnsley show, including "Sun Goes Down", "View From The Afternoon" and "Riot Van", according to the NME.

After the show, drummer Matt Helders commented: "It was wonderful to play local. The crowd were really up for it, and it was nice to play close to where we grew up and went to college.

"We won't get to do this very often so we really appreciate it when we can," he said.

The new Arctic Monkeys single, "Leave Before The Lights Come On", was a new entry in the UK charts last Sunday.

Src: Yahoo! News

Arctic Monkeys in charts

2006-08-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Who The Fuck Are The Arctic Monkeys? [EP]

Denmark Top 20: Place #16

Fake Tales Of San Francisco

Netherlands Top 40: Place #38

At The Citrus Room

2006-08-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

HOT NEWS: Tonight at The Citrus Rooms, Barnsley
Support from Gas Club

Doors 7.30pm

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Arctic Monkeys on split: "We wanted to move forward"

2006-08-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Band talk about Andy Nicholson departure

Arctic Monkeys have spoken for the first time on the real reasons behind Andy Nicholson's departure from the band. The bassist announced he didn't want to play on this year's US tour and was replaced by Nick O'Malley. Speaking exclusively to NME.COM, singer Alex Turner said: "We sorta found ourselves in a situations where we wanted to move forward. "It weren't like us wanting to carry on like this as punishment for him wanting to opt out." Guitarist Jamie Cooke added: "Everyone might say we're wankers and we shit on him, but they don't know. We know, Andy knows and that's all that really matters." The new look Monkeys are set to play the Main Stage of the Carling Reading and Leeds Festival this weekend (August 25-27). Meanwhile for the full Arctic Monkeys interview get this week's issue of NME, which is out nationwide now.

Src: NME.Com

The Forum, London

2006-08-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Please be aware that tickets for the Forum show in London are strictly non-transferable. To claim tickets you will need the email confirmation, the credit/debit card used to purchase them and also valid ID to prove that you are the cardholder. You will redeem the email confirmation for a ticket and wristband between 3 and 6pm on Thursday. If you do not have a valid ticket and are not wearing a wristband you will not being able to gain entry to the gig.

STAGE TIMES, THE FORUM, LONDON

The doors for the Forum gig in London will open at 7pm on the night. The support comes from Klaxons and they will be on stage at 8:15pm. Arctic Monkeys will be on at 9:30pm.

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Monkeys play London

2006-08-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys will play a warm-up for the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds this week, it has been announced.

The Sheffield sensation confirmed details this morning of the low-key show, which takes place at the Forum in London on Thursday, August 24.

Support on the date, which precedes their appearance at the three-day festival this weekend, comes from the Klaxons.

Tickets for the show went on-sale this morning and are limited to two per person. For more information, go to www.arcticmonkeys.com.

The new Arctic Monkeys single, "Leave Before The Lights Come On", was a new entry at number four in the UK singles chart on Sunday.

Src: Yahoo! News

New review for LBTLCO

2006-08-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys release one of the best songs on their biggest selling solo album. For once it actually feels like a proper song, rather than some demos lobbed together with ideas flying all over the place. The single is an ode to some dodgy behaviour while on nights out, too many drinks and waking up the next morning with a little more than a hangover. It's all very gritty and "grim up north" but the track moves with lightning pace. with a chorus that burrows into the head and then refuses to leave.

Src: Liverpool Daily Post

Arctic Monkeys Invite Fans to Phone In and Sound Off!

2006-08-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Got something you'd like to personally say to the Arctic Monkeys? Been dying tell Alex how good he looks on the dancefloor? Share some fabricated stories about the Bay Area? Tell the whole lot to sod off? Well here's your chance. The Arctics have just extended an open phoning invitation to their North American followers via fan community theriotvan.com. It's quite simple, really. Dial the magic number, then enter the second magic number, then enter the third magic number (all detailed below), and finally, leave a "SHORT, CLEAR, and WELL THOUGHT OUT" message for the Monkeys.

Profanity is OK, but not encouraged. Same goes for, ahem, monkey-business. Encouraged, at least on the website: addressing painfully boring topics such as "How did you first hear about the Arctic Monkeys?" Internet users of North America, we know you can do better than that.

So then what? Well, the Arctics will post their three favorite messages on theriotvan.com and hit their creators with prize packs. And then, who knows, maybe your voice will pop up on the follow-up to Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. Maybe the last track on that one will consist of a saccharine outpouring of answering machine fan-love. Maybe I'm totally talking about the new Christina Aguilera album, whoops!

Call quick-- the deadline is Monday, August 21-- and be warned: that's not a toll-free number. So right, the details, straight from the Riot Van: "STEP ONE: call #415-856-0205 and follow the prompts. STEP TWO: enter the Primary #: 718-385-4545 STEP THREE: enter the Pin #: 1120 STEP FOUR: LEAVE A YOUR MESSAGE!!! keep it SHORT, CLEAR and WELL THOUGHT OUT. STEP FIVE: press # to end your message. STEP SIX: press 1 to post your message and to finish the call. STEP SEVEN: press "2" to end the call."

Src: Pitchforkmedia.com

Friends worry about former Monkeys star

2006-08-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Friends of Andy Nicholson fear that he is suffering from depression following his departure from the Arctic Monkeys.

The band's former bassist apparently regrets his decision to quit and now rarely leaves the house.

A friend told The Sun: “Andy has been down ever since he left the group. He’s been at home most days watching telly while the band are on tour. He just doesn’t seem interested in anything.”

Src: Digitalspy.co.uk

Secret Show

2006-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

On Monday evening at 9pm, Steve Lamacq on Radio 1 will be announcing details of a secret Arctic Monkeys show. Mailing list subscribers will receive a link to a web page where you login with your email address. On this page will be details of how you can get tickets for this special gig. The majority of tickets for this event have been reserved for mailing list subscribers so if you are not a member click on the Mailing List link to join.

Mailing List

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

Summer Sonic 06: Fans go cool on Arctic Monkeys

2006-08-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

You might think it would be exciting for a band from a Sheffield suburb to play a huge festival in Japan. But when Arctic Monkeys played the packed Mountain Stage, it was without even the merest flicker of a smile. Preferring to bemoan the noise coming from the stage next door, vocalist Alex Turner seemed like the sulky boy at school who always refused to participate on sports day.

Arctic Monkeys vocalist Alex Turner (above) and Joe Trohman (left), guitarist with Fall Out Boy, took different approaches at Summer Sonic 06.

They were tighter live than on their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" but they played with a lack of vigor that was somehow . . . pathetic. Even the light show was more exciting than the band themselves.

Was it worth it for the fans that had queued to get in to the arena? Judging by the punters who streamed out after the band finished their breakthrough single "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor," obviously not.

Their attitude seemed especially sour after the overwhelming love coming from Fall Out Boy's set on the Marine Stage earlier that day. Bouncing and leaping around the stage, this is a band that appreciates every second spent in front of an audience. It helps that they're one of the few emo bands to actually have a sense of humor. "Where's all the Japanese girls at?" asked bassist Pete Wentz. "Everywhere!" replied an American fan.

The Chicago boys played a set full of heavy distortion and razor-sharp pop hooks as roadies tossed bottles of water from the band's own stash into a baking hot crowd. After such a display of affection, it's little wonder Arctic Monkeys left us cold.

Src: Japantimes.co.jp

All the videos!

2006-08-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

First of all, you can see the officials videos from Arctic Monkeys in the right side of the web, but now you can also see the unofficial videos get from concerts, interviews, and more

I hope you like them =)

Arctic Monkeys butt out

2006-08-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys have bowed to pressure and removed the cigarette from their album’s billboard poster.

The original black and white image on the cover of Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not is of the band’s mate Chris McClure taking a drag on a fag.

But the other day at the airport I spotted new posters of the album — with the nicotine stick missing.

So much for the Sheffield lads always doing their own thing and not taking any notice of what they are told.

Src: The Sun.Co.Uk

Better reviews

2006-08-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Despite being a firm believer that the hype surrounding New Yorkshire's success story, Arctic Monkeys, is entirely justified I didn't want to believe the latest hype surrounding them... that their new single was somewhat lacking. But I am pleased to say that on this occasion, people definitely should not believe the hype. It's understandable that this negative response has been circulating, as on the first listen of 'Leave Before The Lights Come On', the thing that grabs your attention is that there isn't anything in particular that is grabbing your attention. It sounds like the 'Monkeys alright, with Turner's distinctive northern lyrics and the classic, energetic 'Monkeys musical style, but there is something missing, that something that has previously been shoved in your face and made you stand up and pay attention to this band that have been critically acclaimed just about everywhere this past year. Imagine Arctic Monkeys were a wind up toy, which was fully wound up last summer prior to the release of 'Whatever People Say I Am... '. First impressions of this song make like they're finally running out of steam and are in need of being wound up again pretty soon... However, before the inevitable backlash happens and the 'Monkeys become just another indie band who has had their ten minutes of glory, have another listen. Alex Turner tells the tale of waking up next to someone after a heavy night out, and things looking that little bit different in the light of day. Bittersweet regret is the sentiment, with lyrics such as "Quick, let's leave, before the lights come on / 'Cos then you don't have to see / 'Cos then you don't have to see / What you've done" and "And how can you wake up / With someone you don't love? / And not feel slightly fazed by it". The song previously criticised for not being bold or instantly catchy compared to 'I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor' or 'When The Sun Goes Down' now seems to fit these lyrics, with the muted, almost passive sound of 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' perfectly complimenting these bittersweet sentiments. 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' is a different direction for the Arctic Monkeys, and they have proven that they can still deliver a good quality, thought provoking, social critiquing tune without relying on the instantly catchy boldness that has accompanied the previous songs. Nice work boys.

Rank: * * * *

by Lisa Farrell for leedsmusicscene.net

Please help us to get a Gold Camera Member =)

2006-08-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

How?
Just click here:

http://www.ganaungold.com/vota.php?id=5128
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If you think we are really the best arctic monkeys flog, click =)

So now you will be able to sign us everypost =)

Just one vote per IP per day

Just that, please help us =)

New 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' reviews

2006-08-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

I suppose it had to happen sooner or later - Arctic Monkeys have put out their first substandard material. "Leave Before The Lights Come On", albeit an admirably non-album track, sounds like a rushed effort, a hastily put together stab at Pulp-esque seediness or perhaps a dodgy early Oasis b-side. Oh, hang on a minute, all those early Oasis b-sides were brilliant. You get the idea though.

by Chris Watkeys for Soundgenerator.com

In what is to be the last release before the Arctic Monkeys disappear and write material for their second album, ‘Leave Before The Lights Come On’ is once again a witty social commentary about all the sleazy goings on in sweaty bars full of horny teens and indie disco scenesters. Or is it something more? Could it be a cleverly posed statement about their worry that ongoing success is based on constantly releasing stuff-“well this is a good idea/you wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t”, could it be their end note on a whirlwind tour of fame - “we woke up together not realizing how”. Leave before the lights come on or leave before we get really fucking bored of samey songs and over hyped single releases? Or maybe it's just them making sure that people are still listening to their hardly inspiring musical output that will be overlooked in a year or two. One can only guess.

by Lee Glin for Gigwise.com

'Leave Before The Lights Come On' can also be pre-ordered on the Internet

2006-08-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

The new single 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' can also be pre-ordered on download site 7 Digital by clicking the link below.

7 Digital
While, the band have just finished an incredible tour of New Zealand, Australia and Japan and look forward to seeing us all at Reading & Leeds festivals.

Src: Arcticmonkeys.com

They plan new songwriting style

2006-08-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Matt Helders has revealed that the Arctic Monkeys are planning to reinvent themselves. The band's drummer has warned fans their second album will break away from songs based on growing up in Sheffield. "I don't think we're going to do that again and that's why we won't - because we've already done it.," he told the Daily Star. "We've changed our subject matter; but it's still about actual circumstances and people we've met. We've got 13 or 14 songs we've been trying at soundcheck."

Src: DigitalSpy.co.uk

Lostprophets: Arctic Monkeys 'Didn't Break America, They Bounced Off'

2006-08-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

British band Lostprophets have laughed off reports that fellow band, the Arctic Monkeys have cracked America.

The Lostprophets have experienced dramatic success in the US but do not think the Monkeys are capable of doing the same.

The band’s frontman Ian Watkins said, according to GIGWise: "In the UK, the Arctic Monkeys connected with people singing about very introspective things that had to do with this country.

"Then they go to America and do Snl (Saturday Night Live) and everybody there was like, 'Woo, Arctic Monkeys, best band in the world.'

"And there's some guy in the Midwest going, 'Huh?' That guy doesn't give a fuck about social commentary on the streets of Sheffield. They didn't break America, they bounced off".

Source: Ultimate-Guitar.com

Welcome!

2006-08-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well I'm so happy to announce that the first Arctic Monkeys blog was open =)

If you wanna see the best pictures of the band, visit the best fotolog: http://www.fotolog.com/arcticmonkeyss ;)

Here, you'll read the hottest and latest news from the band =)

I hope you visit us daily =)

The Staff