It’s official, Guns N’ Roses are lined up to play their first ever Belfast gig. Formed in 1985, Guns N’ Roses became one of the defining rock acts of the late 20th Century, selling over 100 million albums worldwide. However, tensions within the band would see the original line-up slowly crumble away, and by 1997 vocalist Axl Rose was the sole remaining original member. Despite this, Guns N’ Roses soldiered on with a new line-up and in 2008 made their comeback with the highly anticipated album

BY ANDREW SCOTT

Guns N’ Roses’ debut in Belfast marks a trend of popular rock/metal acts playing the city. 2010 has already seen Metallica perform in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1988, and Deep Purple’s first ever Northern Irish show. Bumblefoot was surprised to hear that Northern Ireland has often received the short straw when it comes to gigs. “My question is, why hasn’t it happened sooner? I have no idea why, I’m just glad it changed. I’m glad GNR and all these other bands are coming to Belfast now.” And as a music fanatic, he had a few kind words for some of Northern Ireland’s hottest emerging talent, “‘The Continuous Battle Of Order’ is cool, a real head trip! ‘Not Squares’ can get pretty ‘out there’. Then we have ‘Putrefy’ – sick fucking vocals! (laughs) Yeah, ‘The Answer’ are real good, great singing, and a real nice feeling ya get from their songs.”

When asked what role he felt music could play in times of conflict and transformation, highlighting the success of The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers during The Troubles, Bumblefoot said, “Music can be a strong voice in tough times. Whether it’s a voice of tolerance or to heat up the fight; it unifies people, fuels the fire, whatever your fire is. It can also be an escape from all that, to take you away from what’s weighing you down.”

Bumblefoot is looking forward to checking out the sights in Belfast, if G’N'R’s busy touring schedule allows for it. “I would love to check out the Waterfront, maybe go see Belfast Castle as well. My favourite thing is the real stuff, finding random local places, eat what y’all eat, drink what you drink, hang out and get a better sense of how life is.” Bumblefoot is refreshingly frank about life on the road, explaining “My favourite touring experiences are usually the ‘normal’ moments, when you’re with calm people having a nice conversation and you’re not getting bombarded. Then there’s the opposite extreme, and I won’t get into details of that! (laughs) I’ve had some great times in Russia, Japan, Latin America, and the UK as well. Whether it’s naked table hockey or a relaxing cup of tea, it’s the people you’re with that make the moment great.”

Concerning the Chinese Democracy album, Bumblefoot confirmed that fans in Belfast can expect some of the album’s finest tracks to be played live, including the thunderous title track, the hook-laden ‘Better’ and piano-ballad ‘Street Of Dreams’. It is abundantly clear that Bumblefoot loves to perform live. “Ya know what I’d love to do? Write a song every time we do a leg of a tour, record it, make it available to people, play it at the shows, and do that every time. Ya never know which one will really have a big impact on people.” However, fans looking forward to the next Guns N’ Roses album may be waiting a while longer. Bumblefoot admits he would love to make new music next, “but we will have to see what the future holds. For now I’m just looking at the immediate future, coming to Europe, coming to Belfast.”

While plenty of classic Guns N’ Roses material is played live, Bumblefoot does not feel that additional material will be taken from the band’s more experimental Use Your Illusion albums, released in 1991. “I’ll play any of ‘em, but right now it doesn’t look like we’re adding any more ‘Illusions’ songs to the set. Anything could change at any time, but that’s how it’s looking’ right now… I do sneak in a little piece of ‘Estranged’ during my solo.”

Of course, Guns N’ Roses are synonymous with Axl Rose, the band’s enigmatic vocalist and frontman. Chinese Democracy was worked on for a decade at an estimated cost of over $13 million, making it the most expensive album ever made. Rose has often been negatively portrayed by the media, accusing him of ruthless perfectionism and claiming the singer responsible for the break-up of the original line-up. Bumblefoot, however, insists that Axl does not deserve such a reputation, adding, “We’ve had plenty of fun times, some tough times in the trenches, but it’s all good.”

Aspiring guitarists need look no further than Bumblefoot for inspiration on how to reach the top of the rock n’ roll ladder. ”The first song I learned was a riff in ‘Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo’ from Rick Derringer. The riff before the first verse, and after each chorus. That was back in ’77, I was 7 years old. After that I think it was ‘Barracuda’ from Heart that I learned next, the intro riff. I got the sheet music for it, and man I had such a crush on the Wilson sisters. I was 8, they were sisters – perfect. Okay, it may not have worked out…I was big into the Beatles, KISS, AC/DC, Yes, Sex Pistols, Ramones as a kid, then got into Zep, Floyd, Who, Queen, Rush, Priest, then a lot of old-school metal.”

Famed for his unusual guitar designs, including his famous ‘foot’ guitar, Bumblefoot revealed that even his first guitar has received a unique makeover. “It’s gone through a few changes. I used to do a lot of guitar re-building as a teenager.”

It is apparent that Bumblefoot is a true rock star and a technical guitar maestro who is sure to give his all when Guns N’ Roses, once dubbed the world’s most dangerous band, perform in Belfast’s Odyssey arena in August.

BY KERRI-ANNE CAMPBELL

The correct academic costume is compulsory for all students who wish to graduate at Queen’s. Any graduate who is not appropriately dressed, or who is not wearing the hood in the approved manner, is not permitted to take part in the ceremony. Gowns must be returned by a specific time and late returns will be cost an additional fee of £150. Any student who fails to return their gown or hood will be charged a fee of £300.

A concerned parent of a final year student said:

“I just presumed that there was no cost. Cost didn’t even enter my head. When I think of the amount of money I have paid Queen’s in the last four years, and now we have to pay them to graduate? It’s scandalous. An absolute disgrace. As if Queen’s couldn’t afford to hold graduation ceremonies and provide gowns, etc. for students who have paid them up to fourteen grand on fees. I’m glad this is being publicised.”

Another parent commented in disbelief, “You’d think that at that price a three course meal would be on offer!”

Most students are not notified of these fees until just a few weeks before graduation. Final year students at Queen’s have expressed their concerns.

One final year English student commented: “I couldn’t believe it costs £55 to graduate at Queen’s. And you don’t even get to keep your gown. I have had to ask my parents for the money because I can’t afford it. It is ridiculous. You would think that Queen’s would have the decency to supply the funds, especially since students pay thousands for fees, books etc… What is even more ridiculous is that we have to pay £5 to receive our degree transcripts. It is a disgrace!”

Another final year student said, “It is unbelievable that students at Queen’s have to pay to attend their own graduation. What about those who can’t afford it? They just aren’t allowed to graduate.”

The first graduation ceremony will take place on Monday 5th July. Queen’s urge that “cheques should be made payable to Queen’s University and prompt payment is appreciated”. Graduates are instructed to pay online, in person or by post. It seems clear that Queen’s are using student graduations as a money making opportunity. When asked to comment on the substantial fees, the QUB alumni office, the organisers of the event, failed to respond.

We have one pair of tickets to see In Case of Fire play at the Limelight on 17th December.  We also have one pair of tickets for Bad Manners’ gig on 12th December in Spring & Airbrake up for grabs. AND we have a pair of tickets to see That Petrol  the band on 7th December in Spring & Airbrake to give away!

To enter the competition, just email us your name and mobile number to info@thegown.org.uk, with ‘In Case of Fire’,  ‘Bad Manners’ or ‘That Petrol Emotion’ in the subject line. We’ll pluck a lucky person at random for each of the performances.

Competition closes on Friday 4th December 2009 at 9:00am.

The Pogues are set to play St. George’s Market on 2nd December. Courtesy of CDC Leisure, we have one pair of tickets to give away for the gig!

Formed in 1982, The Pogues scored a string of hit albums combining traditional Irish folk with a punk sprit, embodied by their notorious frontman Shane MacGowan.

To enter the competition, just email us your name and mobile number to info@thegown.org.uk, with ‘Pogues’ in the subject line. We’ll pluck a lucky person at random.

Competition closes on Friday  27 November 2009 at 9:00am.

The Gown, in association with Cinemagic, is offering you the chance to win passes to some exciting festival events.

Each ‘pass’ entitles you to four tickets. We have two passes for the Mark Kermode Film Night on Sat 28th Nov at 7pm in Odeon Cinemas. Film critic, broadcaster and journalist Mark Kermode is returning to Cinemagic to introduce and discuss Bill Forsyth’s classic drama ‘Local Hero’. Mark will also be sharing his thoughts on the year’s new film releases before answering questions from the audience.

We also have two passes for the Sci-Fi Anime All Night Movie Marathon on Fri 20th Nov at 11.30pm (exit 8.00am approx Sat 21^st Nov) in Odeon Cinemas. Cinemagic has teamed up with Sci-Fi London to bring an exciting feast of movie magic to Belfast. Sci-Fi London will be transporting its hugely successful Ocktoberfest anime programme to Odeon Cinemas, Belfast, for an all night movie marathon of new sci-fi previews. 

To be in with a chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, just send your name and mobile number to info@thegown.org.uk, along with the competition you’d like enter. Competition closes on Thursday 12 November at 9:00am.

We have 2 pairs of tickets for Cymbals Eat Guitars to give away courtesy of CDC Leisure, who are playing in Auntie Annies on 15 November.

To enter the competition, just email us your name and mobile number to info@thegown.org.uk, with ‘Cymbals Eat Guitars’ in the subject line. We’ll pick two lucky people at random.

Competition closes on Friday 6 November 2009 at 12noon.

Open House Festival have given us tickets for two lucky students to see Noah and the Whale in Custom House Square THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT (23rd September)!

THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER LAURA HAWTHORNE.

LOOK OUT FOR MORE GREAT COMPETITIONS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD!

Best known for their infectious hit single ’5 years time’, the band combine diverse instruments with harmonised vocals to create a bitter sweet sound that is pure summer.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, just take part in our fun challenge:

If you were in charge of Noah’s Ark, what two animals would you bring and why?

Send your answers to info@thegown.org.uk along with your name and mobile number (so we can contact you if you win). The most striking, creative entries will win both the tickets. You can enter as many times as you like, so get cracking.

Competition closes on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 at 12noon. For more information on the bands playing in the Coors Light Open House Festival and to book tickets, visit their website:

www.openhousefestival.com