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.

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.

]]> http://blog.grindstore.com/2013/03/13/for-the-people-by-the-people-ii/feed/ 0 grindstore http://blog.grindstore.com/2013/03/05/a-brilliant-resolution-for-randy-blythe/ http://blog.grindstore.com/2013/03/05/a-brilliant-resolution-for-randy-blythe/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:19:27 +0000 grindstore.com http://blog.grindstore.com/?p=1875 ]]> 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. It is all I can do, except be honest & fight for my freedom in my own way. I also have heard of some people (not on here) talking smack about the Czech Republic, saying “Fuck the Czech Republic”, etc. This not how it should be. This is a very sad case, not something to rage at people you do not know over. I am not angry with the Czechs at all. A fan of my band is dead- what do I have to be angry about? I am an INNOCENT man, but I am also a very sad man right now. To not be sad in this instance would be inhuman. But mad at the Czech people? Why would I be mad at them? Here, look at this picture- a mother watches her baby. The child reaches out for something new, laughing and chasing a pretty picture in the air. It is the same here as everywhere else. Do you see?!?!? Life is beautiful. I hope to see y’all soon.”

12^th February 2013

“drandallblythe We finished walking and got on a subway back to the center of Prague. I was glad I came to look at the prison. I would love to have a camera in there- it’s amazing inside, in a really messed up way. I do not know what the future holds for me- maybe I will return to behind these walls- but I do know that I have to do the right thing as my conscious dictates. For me that is going back to finish the trial, as I said I would. The family of the young man who is dead is in court everyday, along with mine. They have shown remarkable kindness by not attacking me in the press or anywhere else. It must be very difficult for them to look at my face, regardless of my guilt or innocence. They have behaved honorably, and so shall I. I will do my best to give them the answers they deserve. I ask people not to judge the family of this young man for wanting these answers- their family has lost a son- who would not want answers? I’m not so sure I would have displayed the class and reserve they have if the tables were turned. Remember, no story has just one side. Try to look at everything from different angles, to not make snap judgements. Put yourself in another’s shoes for a second. Otherwise we all just remain in a prison of our own making. Thanks for all your support. I will put up some cheerier pictures soon, I promise.”

5^th March 2013

“drandallblythe It’s a beautiful morning in Prague, & time for me to go to what is (hopefully) my final day in court here- supposedly judgement will be passed today & I will move on with my life in one direction or the other. Which direction that is, I do not know. I could walk free, or conversely go to prison for up to ten years. Such is my life right now, & I must stay in this moment until its resolution. Whatever happens to me, do not feel sorry for me, for I am at peace & refuse to feel sorry for myself. Life happens. Deal with it. Some people cannot understand why I have returned, saying I should not come back here. KNOW THIS, & mark my words well- it would be absolutely intolerable for me to hide from this situation. I am an innocent man, but a family suffers the loss of a son, a fan of my band. That is what this whole thing is truly about, not prison, not money, not politics, not ME- it is about a young man who lost his life at just 19 years of age. He will never come back, & it breaks my heart. I would not be able to sleep at night knowing that I did not behave honorably & try to give his family some answers. That would be disgraceful, and I do not wish to dishonor myself or my family by acting in such a cowardly manner. I was raised to face my problems head on. For me, this is BEING A MAN. I categorically refuse to live in a constant state of guilt & fear. I would rather die. My morality & convictions are not dependent upon unforeseeable circumstance, nor malleable when difficulty arises. So I walk this morning to court with my head held high, no matter what others opinions of me may be. I have to face myself in the mirror, & tomorrow morning, where ever I may wake up, I will be able to do that without regret. This is THE ONLY path to true freedom for me- peace within myself. This is the manner in which I choose to try my best to live my life, & I hope you all do the same- do your best to do what is right, no matter how difficult it may be. I promise you, this will bring you peace. I thank you all for your support, I wish you all a good day, & to quote one of my favorite movies: STRENGTH AND HONOR.”

This latest entry is a picture perfect ending to the last 10 months as Blythe stands below a sign in the subway which reads “Just Go Home”.

5^th March 2013

“drandallblythe I have been found not guilty & acquitted of all charges against me. I am a free man. This photo was taken by my friend @aceyslade- it says it all. Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your thoughts & prayers in this difficult time. I only wish for them peace. Thank you for your support- Randy”

Although the prosecution intends to appeal the “not guilty” verdict, we hope that today’s result is the end of a long battle and that Randy can return home to lead his life and continue gigging with one of metal’s most adrenaline fuelled bands.

From everyone at Grindstore we would like to send our congratulations to Randy and we hope that he enjoys his undoubted innocence and deserved freedom \m/(>_<)\m/

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

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to thank you all for your patience…but the time has finally come to unveil our new line of Amp.Ink merchandise!!

Straight from the mind of Bullet For My Valentine’s Jay, this contemporary and rebellious new fashion line captures oriental styles, fantasy themes and most of all, it is guaranteed to give your wardrobe the winter warm up it’s been craving. All items are part of only one print run so once it’s gone it’s gone!

Amp.Ink Freebies!!

We also have some awesome freebies from the lovely people at Amp.Ink to give away:

• T-Shirts signed by Jay
• Plectrums
• Badges

We’re giving these away on a first-come, first-served basis with the first few orders we receive for Amp.Ink merch, so get your order in early to be in with your chance to get some lovely extras – absolutely free! LIMITED STOCK SO ORDER NOW!!

To whet your appetite, here are just a couple of the designs we now have in stock…and you can check out the full range of Amp.Ink merch RIGHT HERE!!

Fancy a bit of newness in your life? Then keep an eye on Grindstore for some eye popping new merch including the new line of clothing by Bullet For My Valentine’s Jay…

Amp.Ink is rebellious, intense and an absolute must have for anyone who wants to combine their love of music with their style.

So watch out for the launch of Amp.Ink as well as merchandise from our “Ones to Watch” Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens as well as loads more gear throughout the year!

Sleeping With Sirens

If you love a bit of post-hardcore then make sure you open your ears to Sleeping With Sirens who are five lads from Florida that can pin posh words like ‘tenor ‘and ‘leggiero’ to their board of vocal awesomeness.

If you fancy a listen then get your mitts on ‘With Eats to See and Eyes to Hear’ and ‘Let’s Cheers to This’ and make some space on your generic MP3 player for their upcoming (and as yet untitled) 2013 album!!

Pierce The Veil

2013 looks like it’s going to be the year for post-hardcore and we can’t wait to hear what American rockers Pierce The Veil have up their sleeves.

These modest lads have already gone and won Best Live Band of the Year, Album of the Year and Artist of the Year in the ‘Alternative Press’ readers poll so we’re very excited to see what else is hiding around the corner.

If you want to wrap your ear holes around some of their tracks then make sure you pick up ‘A Flair for the Dramatic’, ‘Selfish Machines’ and ‘Collide with the Sky.

Top Bands of 2012

We have seen a truck load of new bands emerge from the darkness over the last 12 months as well as old names kicking up some dust, but some of the stand out rockers from 2012 (in our humble opinion) have got to be:

Asking Alexandria

Motionless In White

Black Veil Brides

Avenged Sevenfold

Bring Me The Horizon

If you love these bands then why not check out some of our best sellers from the store and add some rock ‘n’ roll to your wardrobe.

Best Selling Merch of 2012

Do you fancy adding some awesome to your wardrobe? Then why not check out out top ten products from 2012 which were an instant hit with music fans, TV buffs and fashionistas.

Super Massive Last Day!!

Seeing as its Christmas tomorrow, we’re feeling ever so generous!

Prizes

• 2 x £100 Grindstore Gift Vouchers
• 2 x £50 Grindstore Gift Vouchers
• 10% Discount Code
• FREE Downloadable Wallpapers

Mega Draw

Everyone who has entered one of our advent competitions over the past 23 days will be automatically included in the draw for Grindstore Gift Vouchers!

You’ve done all the hard work now so all you have to do is download your wallpapers, get your 10% off and keep checking those in-boxes to see if you’ve won the big prizes!

10% Off Discount Code

• Use discount code ADVENT10 to get 10% off!

• Put your goodies in your basket and when you get to the checkout, just enter the discount code ADVENT10 in the ‘Promotional Code’ box and hit GO!

• Available today only!!

Green Santa Skully Wallpaper

• Green Santa Skully 1024×786
• Green Santa Skully 1024×1024
• Green Santa Skully 1280×1024
• Green Santa Skully 1366×768
• Green Santa Skully 1440×900
• Green Santa Skully 1600×900
• Green Santa Skully 1680×1050
• Green Santa Skully 1920×1080
• Green Santa Skully 2048×2048

Supernatural Snowman Skully Wallpaper

• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1024×786
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1024×1024
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1280×1024
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1366×768
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1440×900
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1600×900
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1680×1050
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 1920×1080
• Supernatural Snowman Skully 2048×2048

Blue Santa Skully Wallpaper

• Blue Santa Skully 1024×786
• Blue Santa Skully 1024×1024
• Blue Santa Skully 1280×1024
• Blue Santa Skully 1366×768
• Blue Santa Skully 1440×900
• Blue Santa Skully 1600×900
• Blue Santa Skully 1680×1050
• Blue Santa Skully 1920×1080
• Blue Santa Skully 2048×2048

Closing Date

The voucher winners will be announced on 27th December at mid-day

The 10% discount code ADVENT10 will end at 11.59pm TONIGHT

FROM EVERYONE AT GRINDSTORE
WE WISH YOU A ROCKING CHRISTMAS
AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!