Take a step back and get saving...for the rock!

RIGHT rockers, metalheads and lovers of the loudness – right now is when you take step back, speak to your bank manager about an overdraft, sell that spare kidney online and wonder how the hell you are going to afford the summer’s gigging.

Seriously, to parphrase Harold Wilson, you’ve never had it so good...

We recently took a wee journey through the gigs being promoted by MCD, the Limelight/Shine, The Distortion Project, and the Diamond Rock Club, amongst others. And just starting from this week, here’s a wee list that you should keep your eye on...

This Thursday, June 6^th La Faro are at Limelight2 for what they leadman Johnny Black says harkens back to “...when rock music was still fun”. Tickets at the door.

Recover from that and you can sit back and hear true tales from the road and the studio as Anthrax founder and all round nice guy Scott Ian brings his spoken word tour to Limelight2. Ready to hear from the great man? Ready to ask questions? See you on Friday night then.

And, if you want to nip up the Comrades Rock Club on the same night in Ballyclare for Screaming Eagles and Baleful Creed plus a couple of others we’re sure taxis and helicopters can be provided.

Should you not make it to Ballyclare then fear not, because on Saturday, in the Limelight2 Screaming Eagles will be among the support acts for Maverick’s ep launch. Hard work...all part of the game for Adrian and co.

Keeping up so far? Good because I hope all those who managed to get Slayer tickets have their lungs, liver, kidney and rib cages insured for this Limelight1 fest to honour the titans and pay homage to the late Jeff Hanneman.

Recover from that and catch Trucker Diablo at the Black Box on the 13^th June...Year of the Truck just keeps on rolling...

The next Saturday things get punked up at RockD when The Organ Grinder head a four band line-up – pogoing is mandatory!

Alright, so punk might not be your thing, but Parkway Drive is, and they play the Mandella Hall on 18^th June in a 14+ gig. Better still the previous night Triggerman and Astralnaut support Red Fang’s assault on Ireland (17^th June).

Thursday the 20^th June sees Altus pick up from where they left off at Helfast with a date at the Voodoo, where they will be joined by Red Six and Scimitar.

Saturday 22^nd should be a laugh if you are in the Derry/Londonderry region. Triggerman are supporting ageing 12-bar boogie merchants Status Quo. Wonder what the Quo and their fans will make of it when the riff holds sway...

The same night Baleful Creed, Altus, Cutter and Rosco’s Riot are at RockD in Limelight2...

Now hold on a minute says you...can we hold out throughout June to payday? Well I haven’t even mentioned Lixx at the Voodoo and Pat MacManus at the Black Box...

And as for the rest of the summer...Wintersun and Darkest Era are at Limelight2 on July 20^th, a certain Mr Campbell will be reuniting Dio’s old band as Last in Line at Limelight1 on August 8^th and Lamb of God are back to crush the same venue on 12^th August.

And that’s not to mention Faster Pussycat, yer man’s version of New York Dolls, Harv  Look No Bands etc etc

Then you have Belsonic with Nine Inch Nails, Bullet for My Valentine, Bring Me the Horizon and Gojira...

And don’t forget Soundgarden, Avenged Sevenfold, The Answer, Black Star Riders and Black Sabbath...

Dear Mr Bank Manager...owing to this line-up of gigs I require an overdraft facility for beer tokens, merch vouchers and a plethora of tickets...

Thanks to Dino at Limelight, James at MCD, Andy at Metal Blade, NI Rocks gig guide, James Loveday for keeping us up to date with the rock...