Jackie LaPonza

Jackie with Mushroomhead, 2017. 

Photo by Alan Espinoza 

Jackie LaPonza of Unsaid Fate and Mushroomhead is currently on tour in the US, but four days ago Mushroomhead's tour bus crashed into two cars on the highway just outside of Houston, Texas. Fortunately no one involved in the collision was seriously injured. Then yesterday the band was forced to postpone a show in Oklahoma City due to bad weather conditions, so, during the calm before the storm, Jackie took some time out from an eventful week to answer some questions.

www.instagram.com/jackielaponza

Anyone that is familiar with you, Jackie, will know that you are super passionate about your music. You really seem to enjoy every moment of being in a band and performing. Can you tell me where this love for music first came from? 

I grew up in a musical family and household. My dad was a drummer for such bands as Blue Oyster Cult, Chuck Berry, and so on. As kids, my brothers and I fell asleep to the rumbling of music being played in our basement. Between my dad playing in bands and also managing bands, we had the foundation of music instilled in us long before most kids went to elementary school. I knew by the time I was four years old I wanted to be a famous rock star. I was jamming out on my coffee table to Barracuda by the band Heart when I first told my mom that's what I wanted to be. 

What was the alternative music scene like in Cleveland, Ohio, when you were growing up?

I always stood out from the crowd growing up, listening to more classic rock than most kids knew existed, ha ha. I remember telling kids about Styx and Benatar and they had no clue what I was talking about. 

What bands or artists had an influence on you?

I really loved me some No Doubt, Heart, Benatar, Joan Jett, you know the more badass chicks in the business. I have four brothers and grew up very much a tomboy. I could be as cool as them, and I was out to prove it! 

What do you remember about the first show you ever played?

I was shy beyond belief and nervous. Shyness took a while to go away and these days you'd never think that was the case for my past.

In 2014, Unsaid Fate released its debut EP Never Turning Back. What was the recording experience like for you, and how did it feel to have a finished product?

Well it was great, although it was not my first album; it was just the first for USF, and the new avenue we were headed in.

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You’ve also featured in several music videos, and you always look so natural and badass on camera. Do you enjoy making them?

I love videos for the simple fact that I get to play a character and portray whatever emotions I want and need to get out to the public. I write how I feel so I can sing it with feeling, ya know?

Last year you came to the UK as a vocalist for Mushroomhead where I saw you play two excellent shows in London and Reading. How was the tour for you?

That tour was amazing and my first time in the UK, so I felt blessed to have the opportunity and then to find out how many fans were waiting on USF to come over was flattering.

A standout moment from those shows for me was when you appear in that gorgeous white dress to sing One More Day, which is a hauntingly beautiful performance. What was the inspiration behind that?

That was to bring a little elegance to the stage and drama to truly let the song shine on such a dark typically creepy stage.

Mushroomhead, Reading, 2016.

What is your favourite part about being in a band?

I love performing, I also love having what feels like a large dysfunctional family. I call it a travelling circus, ha ha! But I also get to meet and collect great souls and see the world. It's not for everyone but seems to fit me just right. 

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If you weren’t a recording artist what do you think you would be doing instead?

Fashion and makeup was always fun to me. Anything that you can create something carries all my interests. I also love helping animals in any way possible. I'll save anything really, like even an ant or a spider. I get yelled at ‘cause I stop others from killing innocent lil bugs. 

You always seem to make a lot of time and show genuine appreciation for your fans, whether it's after shows, or on social media. Am I correct in saying that the connection you make with people is clearly quite important to you as an artist?

I truly do care for people. I feel that if I can make one person smile then I did my job for the day. If I can help one person get through a tough situation, I will try my best. If someone just needs to talk I'm here to listen. I try to make people realize that just by being positive and taking the negativity out of your day you can turn that into a chain reaction of positivity and that can in turn change someone else's day for the better. You can't wait on others to make the change; you have to be the change you want to see.

You’re currently on the road with Mushroomhead, how is the tour going so far?

Well it's been an eventful one, but none the less it's been a killer tour!

One of the shows you played recently was in Carrollton, Ohio, for Save 22 – a Suicide awareness and prevention for Veterans organisation. How did this show come about for you guys? 

Jeff Singer of Mushroomhead is great friends with one of the main guys that holds the event. He asked if we would be interested, and well of course we love to do what we can. It turned out great and we are already talking plans for more to come.

How did the show go? It sounds like a special day?

Super special show for a great cause and the awareness is being spread to help those in need. http://save22.vet/

In June, Unsaid Fate will be supporting Mushroomhead. Will you still be a part of the Mushroomhead show?

Of course, I'm always out performing with Shroom, especially when USF is on the bill.

Can you give any updates on Unsaid Fate’s new album? Is it close to being finished, and what can we expect from you this time around?

The new album is gonna make some heads turn. It should be out fall 2017, and I cannot wait for you all to hear it.

Will we see more awesome hair styles?

My hair will be forever changing... never knowing what it will be next. It's always a last minute decision on the color, ha! 

Do you think we will get to see you tour the album this side of the pond?

Absolutely! We plan on getting the new album out and touring all over the world with this one and plenty more to come. As long as you all come support.

Jackie, it’s been an absolute pleasure to have been able to interview you. I wish you all the best with the upcoming tours and the new album, which I can’t wait to hear! Thank you for your time. Take care!

Thank you so much for the love. God bless and rock on!

Words by Christopher Yeoman, 2017.

Deftones

Alexandra Palace was already heaving with fans cramming themselves into the historic building by the time AFI bounded onto the stage. The Californian rockers opened the night with Girls not Grey from their 2003 album, Sing the Sorrow, and followed with This Celluloid Dream. The crowd joined lead singer, Davey Havok, in belting out the catchy choruses as he raced around the stage. Their set also included a couple of new tracks from their recent release AFI (The Blood Album), as well as AFI hits The Leaving Song Pt.II and Miss Murder, which they concluded their performance with. The band sounded great and Havok’s vocals were on point, despite jumping around and spin kicking the air like a kung-fu punk master.

AFI at Alexandra Palace. Photo credit: www.derekbremner.com

The London venue, which has a capacity of 10,400 people, was packed with fans eagerly awaiting the appearance of the Sacramento headliners. The crowd was suddenly re-awakened from its slumber when Deftones came out guns blazing with two heavy tracks from White Pony, Korea and Elite.

Chino, Alexandra Palace.

Photo credit: www.facebook.com/JPRPhotog

Frontman Chino Moreno was in beast mode right off the bat. You would never have believed that just a week ago he broke the top of his foot due to a stage fall in Belgium. His distinctive vocals, which can go from emotively soothing to a shrilling scream in seconds, ignited the crowd like dynamite.

The steamrolling of London continued when drummer Abe Cunningham introduced My Own Summer (Shove it) with two unmistakable beats that were immediately followed by Steph Carpenter’s legendary Drop C# guitar riff. Chino roared the chorus at the crowd and the crowd roared back, while Sergio Vega's chest rattling bass threatened to demolish the building. 

Stephen Carpenter, Alexandra Palace. Photo credit: Adam Harman

Deftones are one of the rare band’s that truly have a unique and original sound all of their own making. Since 1995 they have released eight studio albums which catalogue the band’s growth and experimental depth. They are consistently true to their creative instincts, never shying away from taking risks which has produced a refreshing complexity to their music. Their setlist is a testament to this diversity. They performed brutal tracks like Teething and Headup, amongst songs like Phantom Bride from their newest album Gore. The latter offered London a gorgeous guitar solo from Chino.

Photo credit: Adam Harman

Witnessing Deftones live is an experience like no other. There were no special effects at the Palace, just an exceptionally prolific band which emanates raw energy and creates a spellbinding atmosphere. 

Photo credit: www.derekbremner.com

Throughout the night Chino expressed his thanks to the crowd and seemed taken aback by the number of people who had come out to the show.

Another highlight of the night was Hexagram, a song born to be played live. Chino stood before the audience singing the line ‘And the crowd goes wild’, which perfectly summed up the situation in the mosh pit. Perhaps the biggest thrill of the night for the London crowd was when Deftones blasted out the fan favourite White Pony track, Passenger. 

Deftones saved Back to School- Mini Maggit for the final song of the night which sent the audience into overdrive. It had been a memorable show from a trailblazing band.

Deftones, Alexandra Palace. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/deftones/

Deftones Setlist, Alexandra Palace, 05/05/2017: Korea, Elite, My Own Summer (Shove It), Lhabia, Tempest, Swerve City, Kimdracula, Cherry Waves, Hexagram, Phantom Bride, Geometric Headdress, Sextape, Teething, Digital Bath, Change (In the House of Flies, Passenger, Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away), Headup. Encore: Rocket Skates, Back to School- Mini Maggit.

Dan Kavanagh

After a phenomenal show at Scala, London, I caught up with heavyweight drummer Dan Kavanagh to talk about the 2017 JAMIE LENMAN tour.

At what age did you start to learn the drums, and what inspired you to want to play them in the first place?

I was nine years old, my brother brought home the Black album by Metallica on vinyl and it was the first time I connected with music. I became obsessed with that record and band, and I guess I just wanted to get involved somehow, just listening wasn’t enough. I also got hold of the videos A year and a half in the life of Metallica, and seeing all the studio stuff, the instruments and how something I loved was made, really fascinated me.

What was the first Metallica song that you nailed and how did you feel when you did it?

I wouldn’t dare say I nailed it, but the first song I learnt was For Whom the Bell Tolls.  That’s the one where I thought, “I can do this”. It’s obviously not the most complex drum track, but learning that there was a definite structure, which fill went where etc., was where it all started.

What is it about Lars Ulrich’s style as a drummer that you admire?

People love criticising Lars, but he’s my fucking hero. I think stylistically he plays the song rather than a drum part, so you’ll get snares and crashes that are a little weird in the context of a drum beat, but they’re following and accenting a guitar or vocal melody while still holding it all together - that’s a fine art. You get that with Keith Moon, too, but don’t think he’s light on technique, listen to Dyers Eve or Battery. Some clown on YouTube might lay into him, but has he recorded Master of Puppets?  No, he’s sat in a bedroom taking a break from Call of Duty and slagging off someone who’s created a masterpiece.   

What do you think about Metallica’s new album, Hardwired to Self-Destruct and are there any tracks in particular that stick out, which cements Lars as an inspiration to you?

I love it, it’s a brilliant record. Hardwired is such a good opener, and Spit Out the Bone is a song only Metallica could do right. The one I really love at the moment is Now That We’re Dead.  Lars has been cemented as an inspiration since I was nine, nothing they do or don’t do can change that.  

What other drummers have or do influence you today?

1.    There are so many out there today. A big hero these days is Joey Castillo, and a couple of years ago I toured for a band called Red Racer, promoting a record he’d laid down drums on. So to be playing his beats (and deemed worthy to do so) meant a hell of a lot to me. JP Gaster of Clutch is another huge inspiration, that guy is a joy to watch. And then there’s Dave Elitch, who’s a genius. I had a lesson with him in LA and it was absolutely incredible!

Do you ever stop learning, and if not, then how do you continue to work and improve your craft?

Nope, never. The lesson I had with Dave was some technique stuff, working on the way I was holding the sticks and the angle of attack and it’s made me so much better, and that’s only a few months on. But even aside from direct lessons, you improve by working with other people - Jamie has made me a way better drummer, as did working with Godsized, as did working on a totally different record with Jasmine Rodgers and all the producers. They all need different skills, different feels, and different dynamics. The best thing to do to get better is play with other people and try and do the job they want.

How often do you practice?

Never enough, but as much as I can. I’m usually working on something specific, generally learning songs for a tour or recording, or the set of skills required (i.e. gonna need to get the double kick up to scratch), but I love practising just to improve when I get the chance.

In early 2016, you parted ways with Godsized, after two full-length album releases and many successful tours over the years. How did you arrive at the decision to call it a day?

Yeah that was a bummer. I loved that band, and it was absolutely nothing to do with the band members and touring crew, I’m still on good terms with them all. 

I didn’t agree with the direction we were headed with the label, management, live agent, their expectations of what we should be doing and how the second record was released. They’d tell you a different story of course, that I was hard to work with and don’t know what I’m talking about, and the truth is probably somewhere in the middle, I guess everyone’s a little at fault. It really didn’t end well for me though, all kinds of threats of legal action against me personally and making me record more stuff etc. It was a long way from playing drums in a rock band.

I’d sacrificed a lot for that band, and kind of ended up managing it. Tour management, with all the budgeting and arrangements for a European tour aren’t straightforward, especially when you’re relying on t-shirt sales to pay for gas. Lots of things in my personal life suffered, I missed one of my best pals weddings to play a fucking terrible show in the arse end of Germany, my relationship at the time fell apart and I was not in great shape, drinking and getting fucked up (mainly with Chris from Godsized who was in the same sinking boat!). I was just arguing with people every day, so I just thought, “fuck this”. 

What are the highlights for you when reflecting on your time with Godsized?

Oh man, it was amazing right until the end. We played some incredible shows and went to some awesome countries and places you wouldn’t usually visit, and I love the second record. A lot of the cliched rock 'n roll debauchery, but that’s kinda why we all do it.

Photo: www.facebook.com/dankavdrums/

What’s the craziest or weirdest thing that’s happened on tour?

Sex, drugs, rock ’n roll and a moody sat nav. There have been a thousand capers, all the cliches are basically there for a reason - Spinal Tap is pretty much verbatim how it really is.  I also can’t really give you much without breaking all kinds of code!  A tour where I had a fractured wrist with Godsized was insane, I basically had a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and a bucket of ice to numb it to get by. It was pretty stupid, but the only way through really.   

How do you keep motivated with all the travelling and boredom that occurs between shows?

It’s a privilege to tour, I wanted to do it for a long time before I got the chance, so it’s not hard. I like the travel generally speaking, and there’s always some tunes to listen to, plus I love my kindle. But my favourite thing is to just shoot the breeze with the gang and watch the world go by. I’ve always had a good crew in all the bands. We all have day jobs, and I respect that people have paid their hard earned money to watch me play, so I’m not gonna bitch about the drive or waiting around.    

Not too long after leaving Godsized you had an accident and suffered a dangerously serious head injury. Can you explain what happened and how it affected you, both health-wise and as a drummer?

Random one this! I went for a swim, felt fine taking a shower, next thing I know I’m being woken up to “Can you hear me? Are you alright?”. I’d fainted and went from standing to falling full blast on my jaw. The impact broke my skull, split my chin open pretty badly and I had blood and brain fluid coming out of my ears. It was fucking brutal, and I’m lucky to have survived. I made a recovery but it took a long time for my ears to recover, but there are no lasting problems. I had a lot of tests on my brain and heart since and it all looks good, but I guess it looked good before. Just bad luck I guess, but good luck to survive. It was a bit concerning when I couldn’t hear properly, I wasn’t sure where it would leave me with music, but it healed before that became a real concern. After a few months I sat in with the band LTNT (who are awesome by the way) for a few shows, and came through that with no problems, so I knew I was all good.

Jamie Lenman music video still, 2014.

So, you are currently on tour with Jamie Lenman. How is it all going?

Yeah, it’s been great so far. The show has been well received and everyone's been really sweet. It’s a difficult set technically, and there’s lots of backing vocals as there’s only two of us but it seems to be going down great. The fans have been awesome.

When did you first meet Jamie, and how did you end up being his drummer?

I worked at The Rooms Rehearsal Studios, and Reuben (Jamie’s former band) rehearsed there. We just became best of pals, and I went out as a roadie for those guys, doing the guitars, driving, selling merch etc.  It was amazing and they took me along for some amazing stuff, I learned a lot and had a great time. Years after they split, Jamie just wanted to write his album so he put a little band together of his mates, but not to actually be the band. I never thought I’d actually be the actual drummer as it was so technical, or if there’d even be a proper band, but by the time he was ready to record he’d whipped me into shape. Since then we’ve just kept on going, I make sure I’ve done my homework and we have a laugh, so that’s probably why I still have the gig.  

How does the creative process with Jamie differ from that of Godsized?

It’s totally different. I wrote a lot for Godsized, sometimes the complete track or we’d work it out as a band, whereas Jamie has a completely clear picture of what he wants drum wise.  He knows a lot of it is mental drumming and he’s mega patient with me so it’s all good. He’s a decent drummer to be fair.

So far this year, you guys have released two incredible singles, Mississippi and Waterloo Teeth. Are you pleased with the reception they have received?

Thanks! Yeah delighted, people seem to really be into it, and Mississippi hit number one in the Rock Chart on iTunes, so I’m mega proud of that.

Are you enjoying taking the new material out on the road?

Yeah, it’s really fun to play, and it’s rad to see the guys singing along to the new stuff.

How do you prepare for a show?

Once all the soundcheck is done, I either have to eat early or after the show. Preferably early, so I head out for some food. I have one last cigarette on the way back to the venue, then it’s time to warm up, and start getting lots of water in the system. I’ll do fifteen to thirty minutes on the pad depending on how I feel, working through some rudiments, then the trickier parts/fills in the show. Then warm up my vocals (I just warm up to the trickier parts), and try to catch a bit of the supports while all this is going on - this is a gripe of Jamie and I, you never really get to watch the supports as we have to prep for our set. Then it’s about getting your head right, I think about my heroes for a few seconds and try and do them justice. And that’s about it, get changed, me and Jimbo wish each other the best, and we go and give it our best shot.

Are there any songs in particular that are challenging to play live?

Fuck yes! Drum wise, The Six Fingered Hand is bad news, Fizzy Blood ain’t much fun. On this tour we’re doing the Reuben song Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, which is fun but hard. Guy is a fucking brilliant drummer and laid down an amazing drum track on that, and I kinda feel extra pressure on the Reuben stuff.  I’m a fan too, and I know those tracks mean a lot to a lot of people, so I want to do them justice.  

Scala, London, 02.05.2017 

Photo: www.facebook.com/dankavdrums/

Has there ever been a tour where you haven’t bled all over your kit? I noticed in Cardiff that you split your knuckles open...

Haha, no I don’t think so!

Do you prefer playing live or being in the studio?

I’ve had brilliant and difficult times doing both. Live is fun because you’re right there with the fans sharing the same moment, you can really see what it means. And funny stuff always happens, someone fucks up but you blag it, someone in the crowd is wearing something amusing - things like that. And when there’s a big crowd miles from where you’re from, singing something you and your buddies wrote, it’s a beautiful thing. But the studio is magic, absolutely magic. I’ve recorded in some famous places, knowing you’re where Black Sabbath or someone laid it down is really inspiring. Plus I’m good mates with some producers so it’s always a laugh, and I love the creative process. If it’s a relaxed environment in good company, I’d say the studio.  You’re just immersed in creating something with like-minded people, it’s about as cool as it gets.     

What can we expect next from you and Jamie?

He’s just signed to Big Scary Monsters, so I guess it’ll be about getting his second record done and out, then presumably more shows, but that’s 100% down to Jimbo.  Nothing is certain in music, I just focus on what’s in front of me, try and do a good job and hope there’s more work!

What drives you as a musician?

Usually a fella named Rupert! He’s a legend. To be honest, the idea of doing it full- time with a decent standard of living is a dream, but I won’t compromise the music I make. I just can’t find a place in my soul where playing on a cruise ship or wedding is anything other than lame. I mean, you just won’t find Josh Homme playing Blame it on the Boogie, will you? Not because he has to at least.

I have quite low self-esteem as a drummer to be honest, but I don’t prioritise my time to practice so I have to accept where I’m at. I’m always trying to learn and be a better player so that’s pretty much what keeps me going. I also love playing and writing on guitar, I have hours and hours of music that I should get into shape.

I guess I just want to be someone that made good music and was nice to hang out with. I’m proud of the records I’ve made. I’d hand any over to James Hetfield or Dave Grohl and say, “have a go on this”. I’m happy with that.

Photo: Marie GC.com 

Visit www.danthedrummer.com/

Words: Christopher Yeoman 2017

Jamie Lenman

Art by Jamie Lenman

The 16th April, was a quiet night in Aldershot town, until Jamie Lenman took to the stage at the West End Centre and unleashed his white, sticker-clad, Yamaha guitar to the modest sized audience. The reason for the small crowd was that it was a secret gig, used by Jamie and his drummer, Dan Kavanagh, to prepare for their upcoming tour which began eleven days later.

The headline act would not take to the stage for another hour, so those not in the know about the secret Lenman show were pleasantly surprised to learn that the ‘warm-up’ band was such a prestigious act.

For a two-piece band, Jamie and Dan create an enormous thick wall of sound. They are both experienced musicians and have clocked up an incredible amount of live shows between them. Jamie, of alternative-rock band Reuben fame, and Dan of heavy metal goliaths, Godsized, have combined their talents to create something truly special and refreshing for the alternative music scene.

The West End Centre audience was treated to a setlist of classic Reuben songs as well as Jamie Lenman’s innovative two recent single releases, Mississippi and Waterloo Teeth. They also covered a Kerbdog number called Mexican Wave, and debuted a new song called, All of England is a City.

Jamie and Dan were unapologetically upfront with the crowd about using the slot as a pre-tour practice session, which made for a laid-back atmosphere in-between their songs. They were casual and full of banter with each other and the audience but their set was still professional and of a high standard. At one point the stage lights cut out and both Jamie and Dan were forced to play in the dark. After they finished, Jamie thanked the lighting crew for timing the blackout just as they reached a complicated part of the song.

The Reuben numbers were warmly received by the crowd and both Jamie and Dan seemed like they were enjoying playing them. Jamie flicked between rhythm guitar and bass by using an effects pedal which really added some gravity to the sound. He stood firmly at the front of the stage, smartly dressed and confident, his vocals were strong and his guitar playing was exciting to witness live. Dan smashed his way through the night with quick precision drumming, played with ferocious power. His dynamic beats thundered out into the venue and his backing vocals perfectly complimented Jamie’s voice.

Before concluding the set Jamie played Mississippi, which was the first new release since his 2013, debut solo full-length double album, Muscle Memory. The single soared to the number one spot in the U.K. iTunes Rock Chart in January 2017.  It is a beautifully worded song, deeply personal and painfully honest. Hearing the song live was equally as hard-hitting as the lyrics.

When Jamie chugged out Mississippi’s sludgy, beefy riff, there was a rumble of excitement in the crowd. It was clearly already a favourite among fans. Dan further empowered the weighty riff with percussive vigour, while Jamie passionately testified of the song’s integrity by blasting his melodic vocals into the mic. The enormity of the song and the performance was almost wasted on a small venue, housing a passive crowd, but the pair remained expertly in sync and signed off with authority. The bands that followed were no match for the surprise opener.

The Jamie Lenman Tour began in Birmingham and continued in Cardiff, Britsol, Manchester, and London.

The London show took place at Scala, Kings Cross on 2nd May. For a Tuesday night, people came out in great numbers. By the time the first band, Frauds hit the stage the venue was already filling up. 

Two-piece band, Frauds, one of Lenman’s personal favourites, gave a fun, catchy performance, and really created an uplifting atmosphere for the evening. The second band, HCBP, was also a double-act consisting of a solid vocalist/guitarist and a very impressive drummer, who really got the crowd moving with a lively set of heavy numbers.

The venue was packed and the audience was bustling by the time the two men in white came out on stage. Dan was the first to appear. He strode over to his white Tama drum kit and kicked off with the Waterloo Teeth beat. Jamie soon followed and the crowd erupted. When the song finished Dan went straight into Fizzy Blood’s intro. The crowd exploded into a frenzy of thrashing limbs as Jamie screamed ‘Watch out!’ into the microphone. The audience were then treated to a Reuben number, Parties Break Hearts, which caused nostalgic hysteria among the fans.

Scala, London, 2.05.2017

One of the most impressive things about Lenman is the way in which he executes his diverse setlist. It’s not easy to pigeonhole his style into any one genre, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone to rival his ability to transition so naturally between the vast spectrum of his music catalogue.

The fact he can go from a melodic, grungy Reuben song like Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, to a chaotic onslaught like The Six Fingered Hand from Muscle Memory without it feeling anomalous, takes some doing. What is even more remarkable is how he went from sweeping the audience away with a pop-punky number like Blitzkrieg, to playing three acoustic folk songs from Muscle Memory before reverting back to heavier anthems.

The folk section of the night captivated the audience just as much as any other part did. It was amazing to witness the atmosphere at Scala turn from an electrical storm to a warm campfire-like setting. Lenman played Shotgun House, If You Have to Ask, You’ll Never Know, and It’s Hard to be a Gentleman and the crowd absolutely adored the change of pace. 

Lenman continued to prove what a charismatic frontman he is by continually interacting with his audience in between songs. He was full of his usual sharp wit, good humour and appreciation for his fans. There truly was a connection between Lenman and the crowd throughout the show, especially during songs like Mississippi where they joined him in singing the catchy ‘M-I double S-I-double S-I-PP-I’ parts. The new material is being well received and Jamie treats the crowd with another new song which hasn’t yet been released, All of England is a City.

Lenman at Scala. Photo by Chris Melbourne 

At the back of the stage Dan was equally as present throughout the show. His harmonies were excellent and he absolutely terrorised his drums on numbers like No News is Good News and All the Things You Hate About Me, I Hate Them Too. As usual Dan performed with incredible intensity and aggressive force that was exhausting to watch. Despite his hands being busted up with cut knuckles and bruises from playing just five shows so far, he didn't let up throughout the whole set and proved what a skilled drummer he really. When he crashed his drumsticks down for the very last time he got up and walked off stage like it was just business as usual for him. 

Photo credit: www.danthedrummer.com

As Jamie and Dan left the stage, the crowd showed their appreciation with loud cheers and applause. On the way out of the venue many conversations could be heard about how amazing the show was, and they were correct, for it really was a striking performance from the men in white. 

Photo credit: www.danthedrummer.com

After a day’s rest Jamie and Dan are back on the road to play a show in Milton Keynes, then Leeds, and finally the tour will conclude in Glasgow on the 6th May. 

www.facebook.com/jamielenman/.