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Tune in, rock out with wotchamacallit

Conrad Astley
28/ 4/2006

Give It A Name

MEN Arena, April 29-30

THE biggest indoor rock weekender in Europe gets under way tomorrow (Saturday). Give It A Name, which shares a stage with Earl's Court in London, will feature performances from up and coming British and American bands.

The concert sold out in a week when it was held in the capital last year, so organisers have decided to expand it - holding it over two cities and two days.

My Chemical Romance will headline the event on Sunday, with The Lost Prophets, led by Ian Watkins (pictured) headlining on Saturday. The two bands will play at the London event on alternate days.

Rock bands Hundred Reasons, We Are Scientists, Billy Talent, Thrice and Gym Class Heroes have also added their names to the event.

The two days will see acts from 26 new rock bands, while fans will also be able to get their heroes' autographs at the NME signing tent.

Craig David

Apollo, April 28

IT must be slightly irritating for Craig David to know that some fool with a comedy mask almost single-handedly destroyed his career.

A few years ago, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing young Craig's tea-cosy hairdo, immaculately drawn-on facial hair, and strange vest/hat combination.

Then along came Leigh Francis with Bo' Selecta! a show which almost seemed to be dedicated to the poor young Southampton lad who lived with his mum. Bizarrely recasting Craig in the kitchen sink film Kes, the masked impressionist also featured him having a catheter fitted.

At one point, the singer even made the decision to appear in one of the episodes, as Craig Davis - desperately trying to follow in the footsteps of his hero Craig David, played by Francis. He hadn't thought that one through.

Anyway, the comeback has started, and the real Craig can be seen in action tonight.

Just don't ask him what the time is, you'll be there all week.

Billy Bragg

Bridgewater Hall, April 28

BILLY Bragg is a relic from another time, when you could pick up a guitar, shout "this one's for the workers" and then do a little bit of politics, without expecting people to laugh at you.

An avid supporter of Red Wedge during the early 80s, his folk pop may have been more responsible for the populace not voting for Kinnock than any Saatchi And Saatchi advertising campaign.

Even in these apathetic times, he continues to be involved in politics - currently going out on tour to campaign against the BNP.

All very worthy stuff, but you can't help but feel that columnist Deborah Ross had a point a few years ago when she said: "He's a socialist - but he once bought a £1,000 guitar. He doesn't like globalisation - but he drinks coffee from Coffee Republic. He has a street named after him in Barking - but he lives in a posh Dorset house by the sea."

Unfortunately, a similar point was also made by Gary Bushell, which makes it difficult to decide which side to come down on.