Whether you wear it to keep your jeans up around your waist, halfway down your backside or even as a simple fashion statement, there is no doubt that the humble belt is an accessory found in most wardrobes.

As the need for something more stylish than a dodgy beige strap becomes apparent, we are pleased to announce our new range of ‘Seatbelt Belts’. These trademark Buckle-Down belts were “Inspired by the backseats of the coolest cars around.” and now we have a massive range of designs available just for you!

So if you are looking for a unique belt to finish off your fashion then check out some of our best selling designs below or visit Grindstore for the full range. We also have an awesome new zoom function which we are rolling out and all of these belts are up and running on this feature so check it out and get a good look at your favourite products!

The Geeky Ones:

The Super Heroes:

The Cute as a Button Ones:

The Music Buffs:

The Adventurers:

The Sci Fi Fanatics:

The Dramatic Ones:

The Grumpy One:

Back in May we opened our doors to you lovely lot and gave you the chance to go and see Sleeping With Sirens at one of their gigs for their 2013 UK tour. The entries came flooding in and we were pretty impressed with the quality of your arty skills!

Some of the winners were kind enough to send us in their pictures and videos from the gigs so we thought it only polite to put them into a blog for you all to admire. With plenty of pictures of Kellin and his daughter Copeland as special guest and loads more up close and personal pics of the SWS boys, this gallery of goodness is sure to keep you amused. Click on the pictures below to enlarge the thumbnails.

Norwich Waterfront – Megan Warner

London The Forum – Oliver Didd

Cardiff University – Sophie Owens

Southampton The Talking Heads – Ellen Alberti

Bristol O2 Academy – Hannah Giles

We would like to thank everyone who went to the gigs for their brilliant camera skills whilst no doubt bouncing around all over the place! We hope you enjoy your goodie bags which will be with you in the next few days.

As another Friday is upon us, we thought we would give you a little something have a look at over the weekend while you’re picking out your new tees for Download, so we would like to give you a peek at our new chart!

As you may or may not have seen, our very talented technical team have been making some changes to the Grindstore website over the past few months and things are looking good! One of our biggest new additions is the Grindstore Band Chart which features the top 50 selling bands and how they compared to their previous position. So make sure you are always ahead of the game and grab yourself some hot fashion with a little help from the band chart. As it stands today, the top 10 is looking a little something like this:

What a treat we have for you today!! If you want to be in with a chance of grabbing your 15 minutes of fame (and a goodie bag) then keep reading.

Have you ever wanted to strut your stuff and show off your favourite Grindstore merch to the world? Well we are offering you lovely lot the chance to appear in the Grindstore Summer 2013 catalogue!

Whether it’s a pair of shoes that you love to wear, maybe a t-shirt you are always seen out and about in or even your favourite belt buckle, we want you to pull out your best poses and send your pictures in to us. Every entry used will receive a Grindstore goodie bag and their place in Grindstore history! So if you fancy your chances, you have until 10th June 2013 to get your photos into us. Just email them to beccy@grindstore.com and the best entries will appear in the centre page spread of the summer catalogue. Check out the terms and conditions below before entering. Good Luck Everyone!!

Terms & Conditions

Participation in the competition signifies acceptance of these rules:

COPYRIGHT IN WINNING ENTRIES: You own the copyright to your Competition entry as it’s your image. However, if you win the Competition, your winning image will be published by Grindstore as part of a catalogue feature.

EXCLUSIVE LICENCE TO PUBLISH WINNING ENTRIES: If you win you hereby agree to grant Grindstore the exclusive, royalty-free, right and licence to publish your winning entry in the catalogue throughout the world in all media now known or created in the future in volume form once the competition has closed and all the winners have been announced.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CATALOGUE: The Catalogue will be available as a free insert in Magazines, as an online version and it will also be shipped out to our mailing list. No money will be made from the release of the catalogue, nor shall you be entitled to any compensation.

CLOSING DATE: The closing date of the Competition is the 10th June 2013, entries received after this date will not be considered.

USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION: By participating in the competition, entrants consent to the use and publication of their names and contributions by Grindstore for the purposes of announcing the winners and publication of the catalogue.

Fans of the Michigan band Sleeping With Sirens will know that they are about to embark on their UK tour with nine gigs spread across the country. Tickets are selling like hot cakes and some venues have already sold out…but fear not faithful fans! Thanks to our good friends at Plastichead, we have got our hands on a pair of tickets for EVERY VENUE!!  To be in with a chance to win check out the details below!

Prizes

• 9 x Prizes: Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to Sleeping With Sirens’ 2013 tour at one of the following venues:

• 14th May 2013: Norwich, Waterfront @ 7.30pm
• 16th May 2013: London, The Forum @ 7.00pm
• 17th May 2013: Bristol, O2 Academy @ 6.30pm
• 18th May 2013: Cardiff, Cardiff Uni @ 7.30pm
• 20th May 2013: Nottingham, The Rescue Rooms @ 6.30pm
• 21st May 2013: Newcastle Upon Tyne, O2 Academy @ 7.00pm
• 22nd May 2013: Glasgow, O2 ABC @ 7.00pm
• 23rd May 2013: Manchester, The Ritz @ 7.30pm
• 1st June 2013: Southampton, The Talking Heads @ 7.15pm

**As a bonus prize, we are also offering a SWS tee and hoodie to each competition winner who submits a photo from their gig experience**

Question

Below you will find the track list to Sleeping With Sirens 2013 album ‘Feel’. All you have to do is pick a track and design your very own cover for the single. Just download the GIF or PDF template below and get colouring!

1. Feel
2. Here We Go
3. Free Now
4. Alone
5. I’ll Take You There
6. The Best There Ever Was
7. Low
8. Congratulations
9. Deja Vu
10. These Things I’ve Done
11. Sorry
12. Satellites

• .GIF CD Cover Template file
• .PDF CD Cover Template file

How to Enter

Just email your entry to beccy@grindstore.com along with the following details:

• Your name
• The tickets you are applying for (eg: Norwich / Newcastle / London etc)
• Name of the person you will be taking if you win
• Contact telephone number
• You address (for sending your merch to if you submit your photo from the gig) and the size required
• The track you have chosen

Closing Date

Each competition will close on a different date depending on the venue and the winner will be contacted via email. You and your friends’ names will be sent to the box office and your names will be put on the guest list. Start and closing dates are detailed below:

Check out our awesome range of Sleeping With Sirens Merch!!

As with all ticket competitions, please ensure that you can attend the event BEFORE entering as we cannot offer alternative venues/prizes once the winners have been chosen.

“Being in this band for the past 12 years has been a true blessing. We’ve gotten to go places we never knew we would. We’ve been able to see and experience things we never imagined possible. We’ve shared the stage with people we admire, people we look up to, and best of all, our friends. And now, like all great things, it has come time for it to end. Thanks for all of your support, and for being part of the adventure.”

—My Chemical Romance

They first came about in 2001 mere days after the tragic September 11th plane crash when Gerard Way realised that he wanted to do something proactive with his life…and gosh didn’t he do it with a bang! So for anyone who has ever been touched by the influence of My Chemical Romance, this blog is a little homage to some of the band’s best bits from over the years to help you keep the memory of MRC alive and kicking.

Albums

	In 2002, My Chemical Romance released their first album ‘I Brought You Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love’ which included the first track written by Gerard Way ‘Skylines and Turnstiles’ as well as ‘Vampires Will Never Hurt You’ and ‘Romance’.
	In 2004 the band released the album which put them in the limelight ‘Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge’ which featured the massive hit ‘I’m not Okay (I Promise)’ as well as ‘Helena’ and ‘The Ghost Of You’.
	2006 saw the release of My Chemical Romance’s defining album ‘The Black Parade’ which shot the band into the eyes of the world through its concept feel and relatable lyrics. The multi-platinum selling album was home to chart topping hits including ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’, ‘Teenagers’, ‘I Don’t Love You’ as well as stand out album tracks ‘This Is How I Disappear’ and ‘Disenchanted’. Reflecting on life, death and the afterlife, this concept album was the beginning of something big for Gerard, Frank, Ray and Mikey.
	After the overwhelming success of ‘The Black Parade’ MCR continued with the concept album theme (although not specifically stating it was a concept piece) when they released ‘Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys’ in 2010. Set in a post-apocalyptic California in 2019, the four Killjoys Party Poison” (Gerard Way), “Jet Star” (Ray Toro), “Fun Ghoul” (Frank Iero), and “Kobra Kid” (Mikey Way) are fighting against the evil corporation ‘Better Living Industries’ aka BL/ind. Creating a new wave of the MCRmy, this album brought life to Killjoys across the world, forming an even greater alliance amongst the fans.
	‘Conventional Weapons’ was the fifth (and ultimately final) release by My Chemical Romance which was originally released as five double A-sides consisting of 10 previously unreleased tracks from 2009. Bringing with it a new band logo, this album could be seen as the beginning of the end of the sensational era of My Chemical Romance.

Logos

Since the bands arrival in 2001, their logo became somewhat of an icon with its simplistic and bold presence gracing the covers of albums, singles and merchandise.
With the release of ‘The Black Parade’ the logo became more edgy and took on the appearance of a name scrawled into the back of a school book, giving it an even greater appeal to those wanting to show their love for the band.
In 2012 to coincide with the release of ‘Conventional Weapons’ the logo was completely revamped with a more “manufactured” appearance. Completely losing the full band name in the logo, the use of the initials goes to prove the recognisability of the franchise with the circular forms representing a sense of infinity and enclosure.

Tours

In 2007, My Chemical Romance embarked on one of the most ambitious tours of the decade with their ‘The Black Parade World Tour’ which included 5 legs and over 100 venues. During each show the band performed the entire ‘The Black Parade’ album in the setlist as well as a second setlist / encore which included ‘I’m Not Okay (I Promise)’, ‘Helena’ and ‘Give ‘Em Hell, Kid’. Dressed to the nines in black marching uniforms with an insane display of pyrotechnics, ‘The Black Parade World Tour’ was considered one of the most comprehensive and long running tours of all time.

In late 2010 the band set out on another world tour entitled ‘The World Contamination Tour’ which was a celebration of their ‘Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys’ and every show was opened with the sing along ‘Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)’. Including supports acts of Twin Atlantic, The Blackout and The Architects, it was nothing short of a sensational final tour for the fans to remember.

Famous Last Words

Since the announcement of the band’s split on Friday 23rd March 2013, the internet has been flooded with statements, quotes and messages from both the band and the fans so we feel it is only appropriate to include the (very) long and very heartfelt statement from the mastermind behind one of the most successful bands in recent music history followed by the aptly titled ‘Famous Last Words’ video for your viewing pleasure. From Gerard Way’s official Twitter account to anyone who has ever been touched by the words of MCR…

‘A Vigil, On Birds and Glass’

“My Chemical Romance is done. But it can never die.
It is alive in me, in the guys, and it is alive inside all of you.
I always knew that, and I think you did too.

Because it is not a band-
it is an idea.”

It’s coming up to that time of year when we can sit and stuff ourselves with chocolate without feeling guilty.

First of all we are going to unleash the top 30 rock songs that you lot have chosen to help you get your weekend off to a rocking start and then…its competition time.

Last week we asked you to vote for your favourite rock song since the year 2000 and the votes came flooding in from all angles!

Here for your listening pleasure are the top 30 rock songs as chosen by you, so get your generic MP3 players at the ready and start your weekend on a good note with the help of some of these awesome tunes.

See below for how to enter…

Now, its time to get onto more serious matters…COMPETITION TIME!!! We figured a worldwide Easter egg hunt was a little over enthusiastic so instead we’re giving you the chance to win a Grindstore goodie bag bursting with everything you need to put a spring in your step!

Prizes

1 x Prize: The winner will receive a Grindstore goodie bag filled with everything you need to get you in the mood for an awesome spring including some NEW SEASON IRON FIST merch!!

Question

•  Just download or print off the template of our favourite friend and his Easter goodies and decorate him how you wish: Easter Skully Template PDF (or download JPG)

How to Enter

• Just post your entries on the blog, email them to beccy@grindstore.com or post them to Grindstore, 2 Heath Drive, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6ER. Remember to include your name and contact details!

Closing Date

• This competition will end at mid-day on 28th March (for internet AND postal entries) and the winner will be announced during the afternoon.

Back in March of 2011, we put together an A-Z of the top rock songs of all time with the help of you lot. Two exciting years of music on and it’s time for round two of ‘For The People…By The People’…with a twist! Since we published the list all those months ago, we have seen an utter explosion of metal, thrash, rock and punk bands emerging onto the scene and some of the names have already concreted themselves into the foundations of the genres. To picture just a few of these once tiny whispers on the microphone and those bands who hadn’t even featured on a “What’s hot” list somewhere on the world wide web:

Can you imagine a world without Andy Biersack and co? Can you envision a land where Tonight Alive weren’t bringing the taste of down under to the stages of the world? Well neither can we!

So we think it’s time to compile a list of the top 30 rock, punk, metal and thrash songs of the 21st century. You can’t beat the classics but it’s time to let the youth shine through so drop us an email, join in on Facebook or Twitter (#Grindstoretop30), write us a letter or comment on the blog, let us know the name of the band and the song you think deserves the number one spot. If you need a little inspiration then make sure you check out the 2011 poll RIGHT HERE! This poll of utterly insane tunes will be running until Thursday 21st March and we will then publish the final list on Friday 22nd March to make sure that your weekend gets off to a rockin’ start.

So put your generic MP3 players on shuffle and get your votes in NOW! Eligible entries are any releases from 1st January 2000 – present day.

Today sees the end of the harrowing journey for Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe as the court in Prague acquits the singer of causing a 19 year old fans death. After nearly 10 months of uncertainty surrounding the future of Blythe and Lamb of God, he is finally free to live his life as an innocent man and continue doing what he does best.

In recognition of the singer’s continued integrity and positivity throughout the whole ordeal, this blog takes a look back at some of the mile stone events which have taken place since his arrest in June 2012.

It is commonly known that rock and metal gigs are packed with sweaty bodies and flailing limbs and on the odd occasion someone will probably get an elbow to the face or a studded and buckled boot to the shin. But it was all part and parcel of the genre which added to the intensity of the music and the overall excitement of the gigs.

In June 2012, the front man of one of metal’s most iconic bands was arrested on manslaughter charges when Lamb of God took to the Czech Republic for a gig at the Rock Café.

The Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was arrested on these charges for a gig which took place in Prague in 2010 where a fan – who got into an apparent altercation with singer after he climbed onto the stage – later died from his injuries. Almost instantly, the world of metal and far beyond exploded into an uproar of outrage at the allegations and the effects took over the world of social media on an unprecedented scale.

As of 28^th June 2012 ‘Free Randy Blythe’ spread across Facebook and Twitter like a rash with #FreeRandyBlythe trending worldwide on Twitter and a host of ‘Free Randy’ merchandise became available across the web. The most surprising and touching sentiment though had to be the support from people across the world that weren’t metal fans, some never having heard of Lamb of God.

After five weeks in Pankrác prison in Prague, an 8,000,000Kč (£254,000) bail and a lengthy trial in Czech Republic, it looks like this tragic case has finally come to a close.

After the trial was postponed in early February until the beginning of March due to unavailable witnesses, many eye witnesses, psychologists, defence and prosecution lawyers have battled their corners in their bids to prove or disprove Randy Blythe’s involvement in the death of fan Daniel Nosek in 2010.

Watch Randy’s closing statement here.

Throughout his arrest, prison stay, bail and trial, Randy Blythe has presented himself with nothing less that integrity, composure and honour which has shed a new light on the attitudes of heavy metal music. Through his Instagram account (drandallblythe) he has given a fascinating insight into his time in Pankrác prison and posted regular messages to his fans and supporters, all of which continue to display his admirable state of mind. Below are a few of his most heartfelt posts and photographs but we strongly advise checking out his page for the full and captivating picture

.

4^th February 2013

“drandallblythe And so it begins. I am calm & prepared. Everyone, thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. Have a nice day, y’all!”

5^th February 2013:

“drandallblythe I have read a few news reports of the progress of my case, and trust me- many things are incorrect. But this is the Internet, and of course things are half-baked anyway. Keep in mind that translation is difficult, and many things can be lost, for Czech is a VERY DIFFICULT language. So wait and see, as I am. Continue reading →

What: Kerrang! Tour 2013

Where: Norwich UEA

When: 8^th February 2013

Line Up:

• Black Veil Brides
• Tonight Alive
• Chiodos
• Fearless Vampire Killers

On 8^th February 2013, some of the Grindstore staff got in their cars and made their way to the Kerrang! Tour at Norwich UEA. And this is how it went down…

After making their way from the bar to the main floor, the first band that the guys and gals caught was the amazing Tonight Alive straight from down under. With Cam Adler rocking his rather awesome blonde locks and Whakaio Taahi with his fine example of facial hair, it promised to be a good show before the music had even started!

The set list included tracks off the band’s 2011 album ‘What Are You So Scared Of?’ including the brilliant ‘What Are You So Scared Of’, ‘Breaking and Entering’, ‘Wasting Light’, ‘Listening’ and the gorgeous ‘Amelia’ all sung with Jenna and Co’s infectious energy and style (as well as some rather smooth moves from the leading lady).

Chiodos took to the stage and basically battered the ear holes of everyone within a 5 mile radius! They were one of the biggest crowd pleasers of the evening and they even threw in a cover song from Craig’s other/former band D.R.U.G.S! And after all the thrashing around on stage Mr Owens even went to merch stand to get some pictures with his fans…what a legend.

Fearless Vampire Killers had a screaming pit of fans down the front and it was pretty clear that although they are still on their way up the rock food chain, they are certainly making an impression on every wrung that they climb!

The finale of the night was of course the mighty Black Veil Brides and not only did we get to witness them tearing up the stage but Andy Biersack made friends with our giant foam hand!

During the set, one of our brave gig goers made her way to the front of the crowd and got Andy’s attention with the help of our Grindstore foam hand which he then proceeded to thrash about on stage (check out the pictures). What with that and a mass of BVB plectrums flying through the air as well as an insane set list including ‘Fallen Angels’, ‘Wretched and Divine’, ‘New Religion’ AND ‘In the End’ (with a cheeky appearance from William Control) they were definitely a highlight of the evening.

Overall we had a brilliant night and it was great to see some of you sporting your Grindstore merch (kudos to you). If you have any of your own stories or pictures from Norwich or any of the other Kerrang! Tour’s so far this year, leave us a comment, find us on Facebook, give us a tweet or even write us a letter if you are that way inclined!

More pictures to follow next week once we dig them up so keep your eyes peeled