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Showing posts from August, 2011

Metallica in India

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On Oct 28, 2011, Indians will probably witness one of the biggest events India has ever hosted – the ‘Metallica Tour of India’. The ‘thrash metal band’ will start their tour at F1 Rocks, Leisure Valley, Gurgaon near Delhi on Oct 28, celebrating the first ‘Grand Prix’ race ever held in India and on Oct 30 in Bangalore at the Palace Grounds as a part of the Sonisphere Festival, the worlds largest touring festival. Metallica is the pioneer in the ‘Thrash Metal’ music scenario. The band is also known as a ‘heavy metal’ band. The members consist of James Hetfield on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums and percussion, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar and backing vocals and Robert Trujillo on bass and backing vocals. The band was formed in 1981 and got nine albums till 2011 up their sleeves. The event organisers at ‘DNA Networks’ confirmed on their website the selling of tickets through various portals starting from Jul 2 to Oct 29, 2011. The tickets prices range from Rs1,650 to

John Bonham - an indefatigable drummer

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John Bonham John Bonham was born on May 31, 1948 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. He was a known for his powerful drumming and as a member of the band Led Zeppelin . He first learned to play drums at the age of five but never took any proper drum lessons. Bonham used the longest and heaviest sticks available, which he referred to as “trees”. His hard hitting style was displayed to great effect on many Led Zeppelin songs, including "Immigrant Song" (Led Zeppelin III), "When the Levee Breaks" (Led Zeppelin IV), "Kashmir" (Physical Graffiti), "The Ocean" (Houses of the Holy) etc. In 1964, Bonham joined his first band, Terry Webb and the Spiders. He also played in other bands such as The Nicky James Movement, The Blue Star Trio, and The Senators. The Senators, released a moderately successful single “She's a Mod”. Two years later, he joined A Way of Life, but the band soon became inactive. Later he joined a blues group called Crawling

Anna Hazare and 'Jan Lokpal Bill'

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‎ 10 things to know about Anna Hazare 'n Jan Lok Pal Bill.. ! 1. Who is Anna Hazare? An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War 2. What's so special about him? He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra 3. So what? This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village. 4. Ok,...? This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities. 5. Really, what is he fighting for? He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India. 6. How that can be possible? He is advocating for a Bil, The Jan Lokpal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (I

Independence Awakening!

Independence Awakening (Instrumental) (2011) by Jim Ankan After the completion of my documentary project on Nagaland (a state of North-East India) called " Nagaland, Journey Through the Choir of Clouds " in July, I came to a point where I was feeling little lazy to do anything. Suddenly it was August and a thought struck me. I have never created any patriotic song or music. As August 15 is celebrated as the 'Independence Day of India', I went on creating my first song inspired by my love for my country on Aug 14 for the occasion of Independence Day celebration. I call it the ' Independence Awakening ' as it is an awakening call for me after a long break since I brought into existence my last song. It is a simple tune that I composed and merged with the 'National Anthem' of India and recorded at Eastern Fare Music Studio in Koramangala, Bangalore. Instruments used - Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Djembe, Ride and Ambiance Sounds. Tha

Things that I Observe... Or, 'My Rambling'!!

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Bollywood Music will continue and endure just as long people hear it through their eyes instead of their ears and brains. It seems these days people don't care much about music. What everyone likes are sounds. Which is good for people, like me, who want to create music using utensils. People say my music is nice to hear - but from many kilometers away. Sometimes when I practice my guitar, my wife would increase the volume of the TV. And then I would increase the volume of my guitar and we don't speak for 2 days. I just don't understand whether I was hurting her feelings or my guitar's? If i don't play music I have nothing else to do. I can't cook or dance nor can I be a good house-husband. This is for all who ask me why I have chosen to be a musician. My music is better than it sounds. Alas, no one believes it...!! According to Igor Stravinsky 'A good composer does not imitate; he steals'. Is this the reason why so many Bollywood music directors are stea