Wow, it's already May.
The significance of this is we’ve only got one more month to enjoy Underworld. As you have likely heard, hostile neighbors and political incompetence have conspired to shut down this landmark venue. On my band’s trip to Tainan last month, everyone I met wanted to talk with me about it. “Will they move/re-open elsewhere?” I was repeatedly asked. I honestly have no idea. Even if the ownership has the resources & desire, the city is still a piece of shit and there has been zero progress made to establish laws supporting livehouses. Plus, who knows how the Shida Asshole Society’s smear tactics may have damaged Underworld’s reputation. Could they make a move so easily in such a climate? So as it is, Underworld will close its doors on June 15.
But before it is all said and done, there is still some fun to be had. The biggest event on the horizon is a two-day, 12-band bonanza on the weekend of May 25-26. Predator Production has arranged to record all of the bands’ live performances with the help of 阿傑 from Taipei’s Rebel Sound Studio. The result will be a free compilation CD, to be available to the public on the livehouse’s final day, (if I understand things correctly). From concerts by Atari Teenage Riot & Deathface to numerous crazy parties, Predator Production is always looking out for us. Thanks guys!
This massive event will mark the final Underworld gigs of local favorites Forests, Long Hair Monster, Qi Lai Observatory, Acidy Peeping Tom, Formosa Romance, Manic Sheep, Sign of Human, Guntzepaula, Mass Man, 月亮警察, The White Eyes, and my band, Floaty.
Tickets will be available for pre-sale beginning May 9, and space is limited. Let’s all gather together to celebrate these awesome bands and this wonderful bar. It should be a special, lively weekend.
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As you have already come to learn, there is always a lot more going on on this island. GigGuide.tw is excited to be sponsoring the Taiwan appearances of New Zealand’s So So Modern. The Bossman, a fellow Kiwi, wouldn’t endorse anything less than stellar music. In my own Interweb investigations, I’ve found So So Modern to have the chops, energy, and talent to merit the hype. This is a really good band. Learn more about ‘em here: www.gigguide.tw/ssm
The Bossman is also giving the thumbs-up to a night of hardcore at the aforementioned Underworld. Providence (from France) team up with Taipei’s Human Brutality. Rooooaaarrrrr!
And although Blur cancelled, there will still be other friends visiting from overseas, most notably Nouvelle Vague, Cradle of Filth, As I Lay Dying, and the return of Bob Log III. You may remember this one-man blues freak from the Urban Nomad party a few years back. He’s got 4 gigs planned around the island. I expect the show with David Chen & Muddy Basin Ramblers and La Cumbia Balkanska at Taipei Artist Village should be especially wild.
From our own homegrown talent, Elephant Gym will release their first EP with gigs at Legacy in Taipei and The Wall in Kaohsiung. They’re definitely one of the scene’s rising stars.
1976 have a show at Kafka on the Shore, but it is no real surprise to learn that has sold-out. Hope you are one of the lucky ones!
Finally, it’s gonna get loud by the river on May 18. Pipe hosts a brutal lineup, featuring our own Revilement, who earlier this year tore it up in both Europe and Vietnam. Also on the bill are Bazöoka, Stench of Lust (Revilement Joe’s other band), No Order, Japan’s Terror Squad, and Hammerhed from Finland. Stretch your neck well, and get the first aid kit handy.
