December 2008 Archives

IN case you hadn't noticed, it's December 31, the end of our glorious cultural party year. But don't let that get you down. Dress up in your best party frock, let your hair down, and party like there's no tomorrow. Given the current economic climate, there may well not be.
If you're still looking for something memorable to mark the end of 08 and the beginning of the brave new world, here's my pick of the best tonight has to offer...

WHAT a year it's been on the Merseyside music scene...
From Sir Paul McCartney's triumphant return to the MTV Europe Music Awards at the ECHO Arena, Liverpool was rarely far from the headlines in 2008.
Here is a roundup of some of the best - and worst - bits.

Here's a bumper pack of non-Christmas releases...

Capital of Culture year changed it all for Liverpool quartet The Mission Babies. It gave singer Kenny Van Johnston the inspiration to leave the Royal Marines after serving three and a half years to pursue his life long dream to start a band.
"Its only this year things have really started to take off," he explains. "But I've been playing guitar and writing songs since I was eight years old.
"We are one of Liverpool Carling Academy's showcase bands. We sold the venue out in June. Since then our fanbase has been growing and growing."

I'LL make this clear from the beginning - I loathe New Year's Eve. It's the one evening of the year that local pubs think they can get away with charging for entry, it's the night of warm Champagne, divided loyalties and umpteen reprises of the dreadful crossed-arms, shaky-hands business of Auld Lang Syne, which beats even the Hokey Cokey in the award for the world's most ungainly dance.
So, imagine my delight when those lovely Coral boys offered a viable alternative to the traditional trauma. They're playing a one-off gig at the Carling Academy to sing out the old year and hail in the new.

EVERY generation in Liverpool has its musical home. From The Cavern to Eric's and then The Bandwagon...

Reviews of the latest releases from Danny Elfman, T.I. feat Rhianna, and Nickleback

And now, the end is near.... Yes, 2008 is almost no more. Liverpool's Capital of Culture year is coming to an end. But what have been the highs and lows for its music scene. Here's your chance to have your views.

It's always good to have friends in high places as The Redwalls are quickly finding out.
First spotted by Oasis, then Keane and now touring as The Zutons' support band, they're taking the country by storm...

Here, Amsterdam singer Ian Prowse gives his view of the events that have shaped our capital of culture year. He's seen many of the key events from the inside, and offers a great perspective on what has been such a vital year in the city's history...