#callum really vibes that 80s look

[pooks]

poor Callum is so confused and Cecil doesn't help (he's like "what the fuck's going on here??")

( @sm0kebreaks i did another one, i just love your cecil design and your welcome to somewhere else is so wonderful and chaotic)

[jelzorz]

80.

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes there are days when Callum has lessons or meetings or other Prince-y things he's not allowed to bring Rayla to, and Rayla shuts down hard.

Soren kind of gets it. It's weird having an elf around. Callum having a girlfriend is weird, and Rayla turning up at dinner sometimes in Katolan red is weird, and the general vibe of seeing her wandering around the castle on her own is weird—but it's gotta be weirder still for her. Ezran hadn't been particularly specific about it, but Soren thinks she's here to begin with because she can't go home. Some stuff with her family or something and, well, Soren definitely gets that so he doesn't ask.

But the weird goes both ways, he thinks, and that's the point. She's quieter when she's on her own, and part of that is probably because she's a heck of a fish out of water without Callum glued to her side. Soren's seen the other guards watching her with various shades of scrutiny, some worse than others, and as awesome as it must be to live in the castle, she must miss home sometimes, and that's gotta suck one way or another.

Anyway. This is how he finds her one day. Callum's been dragged off to a meeting with an ambassador from Del Bar and they're not so comfortable with the idea of Rayla being in attendance just yet, so she's sitting cross legged on the wall overlooking the bailey. She's got her nose tucked into Callum's scarf, her fingers fidgeting absently with the end, her back hunched like she's trying to make herself smaller than she is, and Soren cocks his head at her and hoists himself onto the wall next to her without waiting to be invited.

He prods her shoulder. "Are you pining?"

Her nose twitches likes she's caught between a scowl and a snort. "You can't pine for someone who's already your boyfriend."

Soren smirks at her. "You look like you're waiting for him to come back from a war." He pitches his voice up and puts on his best impression of her accent. "Oh, Callum, I miss ye' sooo much."

"Moon and Stars," breathes Rayla.

"It's been twenty minutes and I'm so lost without you."

"I will push you off this wall."

"Come back to me soon, my heart can't take it."

"All right, we're done here." Rayla shoves him so hard he wobbles dangerously on the bricks, but Soren still catches the little spark of amusement in her eye and silently congratulates himself for a job well done. "Why're you here anyway? Shouldn't you be in that meeting with them?"

Soren shrugs at her. "Corvus and General Amaya are both in there with them, they don't need me. Besides. You looked sad."

Rayla glances at him sharply from the corner of her eye. "What's that got to do with you, exactly?"

Soren shrugs again. "Nothing, I guess. Just figured you could use a friend."

She doesn't argue. Soren tries not to look too surprised about it, but it's the way that she blinks that gets him: it's hard to miss the tears in her eyes. "It's not him I miss," she mutters.

Soren stares at her. He hadn't thought he'd get this far. He's never been good at feelings-y things and Rayla must be really sad if she's willingly talking about this to him. He coughs. "Oh?"

She snorts. "I miss my family," she whispers. "My mum and dad. Runaan. Ethari. It's—don't worry about. It's stupid."

And maybe Soren hadn't realised how similar they were to begin with, but hearing her admit to it feels like a punch in the gut. He snorts ruefully and pats her shoulder. "Not that stupid," he says quietly. "I miss mine too."

Rayla pauses. She stares. She scoffs. "Guess we're both pining a little then, huh?"

Soren lets out a sad chuckle. "I guess so."

[benzbantz]

Best 100 Songs of the decade!

As a new decade will be upon us shortly (the 20’s) I wanted to share some of my favourite tracks from the last 10 years. I’m a pop and rap guy mostly so that’s what you can mostly expect but hopefully a few surprises along the way. I’ll post 100 songs I really loved (in no particular order) then my top 25 absolute favourites at the end. Ok here we go

~Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

To limit myself to just one GaGa track is cruel and not easy, Edge of Glory and Born this Way are both anthems and technically this came out last moment 2009 ..but didn’t pop until 2010. A classic that makes it to most my playlists.

~Airplanes- B.O.B ft Hayley Williams (A classic no need to say more.)

~Love the Way you Lie - Eminem ft Rihanna

A absolutely brutal tune about a toxic relationship full of of lies and abuse, the powerful video really sells the tone of the song.

~Rescue Me - Skepta

Used to love Grime but gone off it for a while now. I wouldn’t call this an outright grime track but Skepta def brings the gritty uk rap scene on this one.

~Forget you ~ Ceeloo Green

Thou I prefer the Gnarls Barkley music style, this is still a awesome tune. Always fun to tell someone to do one in a sing song melody.

~Written in the Stars- Tinie Tempah ft Eric Turner

Used to love me some TT, this was a real catchy banger with great chorus by Eric Turner.

~Raise your glass - Pink (Not much to say, a pop classic)

~I need a Dr - Eminem, ft Dr Dre and Skylar Grey

This is such a underrated song. You have to really know your Dre and Em history to catch everything being said (which I won’t go into here) Brilliant tune and my fave they both worked on together that decade.

~Animal- Neon Trees

Really catchy little number that I enjoyed from first hearing.

~Look at me now - Chris Brown ft Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes rap, that is all!

~Moves like Jagger - Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera

A great sing a long featuring two artists I’m not mad about really so a surprise like from me.

~ In the heat of the moment - Noah Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

What a tune, completely missed this first time around heard on a tv show recently checked it was this decade and then added it right on the list. Banger.

~Summertime Sadness AND ~Love - Lana Del Ray

2 for 1. When Summertime Sadness came out I was mesmerised by Lana’s voice had never heard anything like it before. Safe to say she is my artist of the decade but haven’t raided this count down with all her music. A couple here and a couple of my absolute faves in my ultimate top 25. Love was very heard to keep out of my top 25.

~Stronger (What doesn’t kill you) - Kelly Clarkson

Come on now, if you haven’t belted this one out the top of your lungs at least once I don’t know what you’ve been doing the last ten years.

~Somebody that I used to know - Goyte ft Kimbra

Went thru moments of really liking this song then it really irritating me (played on radio A LOT), thankfully years later the hype has died so I can appreciate it once more.

Midnight City- M83

This is not really my sort of music at all ,so much so I’m not even sure how to describe it. Has a 80’s feel which I love. Just love the infusion of synths and instrumental. Plus the singer has a very calm melodic voice. Great track.

~T.H.E - Will.I.Am ft Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez

Absolutely love this song so catchy very Fergie era BEP sounding, with a great guest solo from Mick Jagger.

~212 - Azealia Banks (not much to add on this, banger!)

~Too Close - Alex Close

If you don’t recognise this song from title you will once you hear it, such a forgotten gem.

~Picking up the Pieces - Paloma Faith

Another unique voice that def makes my top ten newly discovered artists this decade is Paloma Faith, her cover of Mama Cass’s Make your own kind of music also deserves a strong mention. Also not related to the music but Paloma is mad as a box of frogs in real life which I love.

~Bangarang- Skrillex

Yeah you’re not leaving alive from this post without a Skrillex nod I’m afraid, not a big dubstep fan but jumped aboard the band wagon when it was big for five minutes, this songs only thing that made it back with me thou.

~Hall of Fame - The Script ft Will.I.Am

First let’s clear this up I’m not a massive Will.I.Am fan or anything, he was just in EVERYTHING for the first few years of the 10’s. It’s a great song regardless.

~Harder then You think - Public Enemy (What a track, can’t say much more, banger.)

~Locked out of Heaven- Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars had some amazing tracks his debut album Doo Wops and Hooligans featured some brilliant tunes which sadly I just didn’t have space for in this countdown, Grenade, lazy song , Just the way you are, but I’m showing some love to Unorthodox Jukebox here and it’s best track giving Bruno Mars a edgier new vibe.

~Chocolate- 1975

Not my sort of music usually but really enjoyed this laid back rock number,

~Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft Pharrell Williams

Disco is back! Or is was in 2013 when this tune came out, one of the biggest selling singles worldwide in the 2010’s so not much more detail needed on its inclusion.

~Let her Go- Passenger

Nice little number, always liked this one, never really got into there other stuff but had to give this a shout out.

~Can’t hold us - Macklemore ft Ryan Lewis

The Heist is one of my fave albums from the last decade features some great tracks, same love and Thrift Shop get a shout out but this track was my fave, uplifting and full of energy.

~La La La - Naughty Boy feat Sam Smith

This was Sam Smith’s big feature hit before they became the successful solo artist they are now. Great track very different to the music Sam does now.

~Work Bitch - Britney Spears

Don’t roll your eyes! This is a banger, now get to work bitch!

~Rap God - Eminem

For Eminem’s big solo feature on this countdown it was between this, The Ringer or Not afraid. You may of guessed I’m a Eminem fan and have tried to keep his entries down but one does not simply do a music countdown and not include Rap God.

~Of the Night - Bastille

Really like this band they have some great hits, Pompeii is another great song of theirs that I didn’t have space to include. I went for this eerie cover version of the Corona 90’s dance classic as my pick.

~Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus (Leave me alone it’s a good song ok 😂)

~Riptide- Vance Joy

A little hidden gem I’d forgotten about until I put this list together.

~Who did that to you? - John Legend

Was going to obviously include All of me in this spot but then I remembered this absolute hit from Django unchained which sneaks in and takes the spot. Both great songs thou.

~Nobody to Love - Sigma (Great little dance track not much to add)

~ When the Party’s Over - Billy Eilish

Yes I’m a 35 year old Billy Eilish fan ok leave me alone lol. Seriously thou this girl is super talented and she’s up there in my fave artists of the decade. There will be more of her in my top 25 but this haunting track deserves a mention.

~Turn down for What - DJ Snake ft Lil Jon

It’s Lil Jon yelling really load of course it’s a banger. Also worth mentioning Ice T did a awesome Rap rock version of this song and it’s amazing!

~Problem- Ariana Grane ft Iggy Azalea

Those saxophone’s thou! Groovy little number no explanation needed.

~Chandelier- Sia

Such a power anthem, I came out as trans in 2014 so this song holds a lot of personal meaning with me but regardless is a great song anyway.

~Thinking Out Load - Ed Sheeran

I’m not the biggest Ed Sheeran fan ,take him or most often leave him ,but did like this sweet ballad. Nothing against his voice it’s his songs that don’t often do it for me but this was great.

~Good Kisser- Usher

Never been huge Usher fan ,liked his earlier stuff, confessions and all that. This was a surprise jazzy bluesy type number thou that I really enjoyed.

~Rude- Magic (A catchy sing along tune)

~Zombie - Jamie T

This guy was one of my fave artists of the 00’s, and thou his newest stuff imo doesn’t compare to his older this was still a tune.

~I - Kendrick Lemar

This is actually best when played after the song ‘U’ , the latter being a self hating song ‘loving you Is complicated’ vs I’s ‘I love myself’ different ends of the spectrum I just included ‘I’as you can enjoy that one on its own but to get the best out of that track I highly recommend listening to U first.

~See you again- Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth

A sad song given it’s a tribute to Paul Walker who died in a car accident. Was overplayed a lot at the time but stands strong several years later.

~Dark Times - The Weeked an Ed Sheeran

What a track, their voices mesh perfectly together in this somber number.

~ Trouble - Iggy Azalea ft Jennifer Hudson (Banger)

~Hotline Bling - Drake

So many Drake songs I could of included, (he will appear again in the top 25) gods plan, headlines, in my feelings, nice for what, all absolutely great tracks but I had to go for my personal fave out of the bunch.

~You don’t own me - Grace ft G-Easy

This may be an odd one to some but I’ve always loved the original by Lesley Gore and this is a amazing cover. Grace has a lovely voice (and there is a non rap version if you’re so inclined) Love a good cover version and this is a awesome cover version.

~Side to Side - Ariana Grande ft Nicki Minaj

Hmm guess I’m a Ariana Grande fan, who knew. A cheeky little number and the first appearance in this countdown of a certain fave rapper of mine.

~Panda - Desiigner (another one where there’s not much I need to add, great tune)

~Dancing on my own - Robyn OR Callum Scott

Take your pick the Robyn original or the Callum Scott cover version, both stand alone great tracks, the original more a melancholy dance track the cover a somber ballad. Both brilliant.

~Alarm - Anne-Marie

A nice little pop tune, really like her voice

~Rockabye- Clean Bandit ft Anne-Marie and Sean Paul

Speaking of Anne-Marie, another great pop track. Super catchy sing along. Sean Paul can be hit or miss for me but works well with this track.

~Human - Rag N Bone Man

This is another one there’s not much I can add this guy’s voice is amazing. Brilliant song particularly love the chains you can hear rattling throughout (reminds me of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ain’t no grave’)

~Black Beatles - Rae Stremmurd ft Gucci Mane

Yep that’s some mumble rap to add to the list (told you my music taste was varied) As a whole I don’t love mumble rap but there’s some stand out tracks including this one.

~Thunder- Imagine Dragons

One of my favourite bands from the last decade, like most there stuff. This song has a great song along chorus. Really catchy track.

~New Rules And IDGAF - Dua Lipa

Honestly couldn’t pick from the two really like them both equally. So you get a double. Catchy pop tracks.

~Sorry not Sorry - Demi Lovato

It was between this or Sober (another great Demi track) but ultimately went with the more upbeat pop number.

~Havana - Camila Cabelllo ft Young Thug (A nice chilled Latino style track.)

~Perfect - Ed Sheeran

A beautiful song by Ed Sheeran,other then ‘sing’ and the previous mentions I’m not really into his stuff but this is lovely track.

~Feel it Still - Portugal the Man

Really catchy song can’t help but tap your toes along to it.

~False Alarm- The Weekend

This was something different from the Weekend, really enjoy this song, Weekend is one of my other fave artists to come out the 2010’s.

~Sanctify — Years and years

Wasn’t keen on there earlier dance stuff but when they found there sound I really enjoyed them.

~This is America- Childish Gambino

Great as this song is you really need to watch the music video as well for the song to have its full impact. Love Childish Gambino could of put several of his songs in this list, excited for future music from this guy.

~Solo - Clean Bandit ft Demi Lovato

A cheeky little pop number you can’t help but sing along to.

~Shotgun - George Ezra

One of those artists I can’t decide if I’m into or not, like one song then not keen on the next, it’s strange, but no denying this is a great song.

~Lucid Dreams - Juice WRLD (RIP)

First off Rest in peace Juice, recently died at 21, very sad. The guy was super talented and was looking forward to his future stuff. Could of picked a few tracks but this was the first song I heard of his so that’s got to be my shout out.

~Only You - Cheat Codes ft Little Mix

Although I don’t mind Little Mix this is there only entry on my list. A nice catchy sing along with a dance beat.

~Lost Without You - Freya Ridings

This almost made it into my top 25, just couldn’t find a space for it. Haunting, melodic song with Freya’s stunning vocals. Don’t play this one after a break up or a death.

~Nothing Breaks like a heart- Mark Ronson ft Miley Cyrus

~Someone you loved - Lewis Capaldi

Think this guys going to be another Ed Sheeran for me, meh most the time with the occasional great song. This one no exception.

~Shut Down - Skepta

With lyrics like ‘Ring ring pussy, it’s shut down’ how can it not be a banger 😂 Not the best song in the world I admit but good fun.

~As we enter- Nas and Damian Marley

Words can’t express how much Iove this track, such a hidden gem. A reggae- rap blend of uplifting brilliance. Great gym playlist track.

~Better Now - Post Malone

Another artist I enjoy on occasion. This is my favourite of Malone’s songs so far.

~Bad at Love - Halsey (another great pop track)

~Bitch Don’t kill my vibe- Kendrick Lamar

Could of picked a number of Kendrick tracks King Kunta, DNA, M.a.a.a.d City, If these walls could talk, just to name a few but I’ll go with the first Kendrick track I heard and loved.

~Heartbeat - Childish Gambino

So gutted I couldn’t find a spot for this banger in my 25 but I had to include it on its own. Unless you’re a CG fan it’s unlikely you’ve heard it. Highly recommended a listen. I can’t even really describe it.

~No role Models- J. Cole

A anthem with a similar feel to Keep your head up by 2pac, a sad song somewhat but with a more upbeat tempo. My personal fave J. Cole song.

~Power - Kanye West

Wow our first Kanye track. I like Kanye ,prefer his older stuff. My dark twisted fantasy was the last album of his I really liked. This was a absolute monster of a tune. Also really liked the song Runaway from the same album. Both have great intros.

~Antidote- Travis Scott

~ No Sleep- Wiz Khalifa

Super catchy song, very anthem sounding.

~Young, Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars

Another catchy tune, powerhouse of a team up.

~Rack City - Tyga

~ Romans Revenge- Nicki Minaj ft Eminem

Absolute banger double up from the king and queen of rap. Also a version she did with Lil Wayne which was very good but the Eminem version wins for me. Also will take the opportunity to give the Lil Wayne and Nicki song ‘knockout’ a shoutout.

~Blazin’- Nicki Minaj ft Kanye west

Another great Nicki Minaj track of the brilliant Pink Friday album. I know some of her more recent stuff hasn’t been great but she came out the gates strong in 2010.

~Pound The Alarm - Nicki Minaj

Last Nicki Minaj track I promise, could of picked this or starships as love them both equally.

~Trap Queen- Fetty Wap

Can’t lie this is something I never thought I’d like but the more I heard it the more I liked it.

~Ultimate- Denzel Curry

Yes the Vine meme song. Banger.

~Bad and Boujee - Migos

Yes more mumble rap, I’m not even sorry

~I’m not racist - Joyner Lucas

Wow maybe the most powerful song on this whole list. Nothing I explain can do it justice you have to give it a listen yourself (with the video)

~Cry Little Sister - Marilyn Manson

Boom, rap to rock just like that. I love Marilyn Manson covers, in the 00’s it was Tainted Love but this time around its this classic from The Lost Boys soundtrack. Creepy song but kinda perfect for Manson.

~Faster- Within Temptation

~End of Time - Beyoncé

Have to include some Beyoncé before this ends it’s the law. This was my favourite of hers.

~ Rumour has it - Adele

Not the biggest Adele fan but she has a few songs I enjoy, set fire to the rain and someone like you also good songs.

~Ugly Boy - Die Anwoord

Yep he’s a Die Antwoord fan 😆 I have no excuses, DA are one of my fave bands. Zef to death.

- Surf - Tommy Cash

Absolutely stupid lyrics but hilarious (need to watch the video also) it’s actually a good song with a awesome beat.

~Bang Bang Bang - Big Bang

To close the top 100 greatest songs of the decade out , some J-pop, I’m not a expert on Jpop I like a couple of artists and a few songs but had to close out with this... bang bang banger!

So here we go top 25 of my absolute faves from the 2010’s. (in no particular order)

~Radioactive- Image Dragons

This song featured in a Assassins creed game trailer (I forget which game) and I searched for it straight away, found it, fell in love, the rest is history. Great beat and vocals.

~Game Over - Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Professor Green, Giggs, Devlin, Example, Chip

Wow with that line up it was always going to be a banger. This might be my fave beat ever! Such a tune featuring Rap and grime mvp’s from the UK.

~Gods and Monsters- Lana Del Ray

I know I said in no order but this might be my very favourite song from the last ten years. It’s not even regarded as Lana’s best but I just love everything about it, lyrics, melody and vocals. Perfect song.

~Born to Die - Lana Del Ray

Another melodic masterpiece from Lana Del Ray.

~Bad Girls - M.I.A

Yeah I’m a dude it’s weird this song gets me pumped seriously thou such a catchy song.

~In Paris - Kanye West and Jay -Z

Not much needs to be said, absolute classic.

~Over - Drake

Drake at his best imo, great beat, delivery and lyrics. My fave Drake song.

~Black Skin Head - Kanye West

Powerful song with a amazing beat, powerful lyrics, great gym song to get you pumped.

~Sail - AWOL Nation

You might have guessed by now I like a catchy sing along song with a pumping beat and somber tone. Check.

~Only love can hurt like this - Paloma Faith

Her voice in this is something else. I said it before Paloma Faith is so underrated.

~Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj

Not to be mistaken for Bang bang bang by big bang featured earlier. Great pop hit.

~Take me to church- Hozier

Powerful song and video.

~Humble- Kendrick Lemar

Banger, not much else I can say.

~Uptown Funk — Bruno Mars

Can’t go wrong with this one, great hit.

~Can’t feel my face- The Weekend

Like most of the stuff this guy brings out, this awesome hit just tops that list.

~Redbone- Childish Gambino

Ok sorry Lana Del Ray but I retract your number one spot for this one. Thought it was Macy Grey or the Delfonics singing when I first heard it then discovered who it was. This has a 70’s soul feel. It’s hard to explain ,if you’ve never heard it give it a listen I’m sure you’ll love it.

~Bad Guy - Billy Eilish

Such a catchy tune, the song that introduced me to her music. Great little dance/pop hit. Fun and a bit freaky. Duh!

~Bury a Friend- Billy Eilish

The way Billy Eilish’s mind works amazes me, how she sees the lyrics, the music and video all as one package. She’s extremely talented and look forward to her taking up most the spots on my 2020’s best of list.

~I miss the misery- Halestorm

Great rock hit, has a very 80’s feel. Lead singer has a amazing voice.

~Sweet but Psycho - Ava Max

Maybe my favourite pure manufactured pop hit of the decade, any female pop star could churn this out and it would do well. Hate to love it.

~Homicide - Logic feat Eminem

If you don’t like rap you won’t get it, if you do, you know where I’m at.

~Stronger then Ever - Raleigh Ritchie

Otherwise known as Grey Worm in Game of Thrones, this guy can hold a tune. Great uplifting track.

~Speedom- Tech N9nne, Eminem

Another great Eminem feature hit. Absolute masterpiece of a record.

~I need - Maverick Sabre

Nice somber melodic song, this guys super talented.

~Cookie Thumper - Die Antwoord

The South African rap rave group strikes again, this one is pretty much a Yolande solo, the beat is insane and thou half of it is in said/sung in Africans it’s still my fave DA song.

~Monster- Kanye West, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Bon Ivor

The title of this track doesn’t lie, beast of a track, arguably Nicki Minaj’s best guest verse ever (‘Where them girls at’ deserves a mention for sure) It’s in all my rap playlists, amazing song.

If you took the time to have a gander at my random countdown then I thank you, I fully expect you not to agree with everything, hopefully something you enjoy musically was mentioned I did my best to spread the genres as much as I enjoyed them. More music and other countdowns to come.

[devils-gatemedia]

Ask your average punter what the words, “gunter glieben glauchen globen” mean to them, you’re likely to be greeted with a shifty look and a hurried escape. Say it to a Def Leppard fan, and watch as that knowing smile creeps across their face, arms raised to the heavens declaring: “I got somethin’ to say!” It really is a special family of devoted enthusiasts the Sheffield boys call their fans, and as they proved on Tuesday night to a 13,000 strong crowd at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, they’ve got no intention of burning out or fading away just yet.

It’s been 31 years since Def Leppard’s smash hit album ‘Hysteria’ was released, which has sold over 25m records worldwide and received widespread critical acclaim. As Joe Elliott proudly reminisces with a nostalgic sigh: “August 3rd 1987…” he takes a moment to glance around, eyes landing on a young fan at the front of the stage, “…You weren’t even born!”. Even though the years have weathered their appearance (although you could argue Phil Collen is in the shape of his life), their spirit and passion for the job clearly hasn’t wained.

As an anniversary tour, the main course tonight is of course a full rendition of ‘Hysteria’ from start to finish. The starter proved to be the ideal appetiser to such as feast, as Cheap trick came on to show they’re another ’80’s treasure that would rather sleep when they’re dead. The Glasgow revellers were instructed to brace themselves for “the best fucking rock band you’ve ever seen”, before Robin Zander stormed the stage in a diamanté jacket and white cowboy hat. An audacious start to the proceedings… Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for the Illinois four-piece to vibe with the Scots, and before long, the hall was bouncing to the sounds of “The Flame”, “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender”. Guitarist Rick Nielsen was on particularly good form, keeping the ageing rockers on their toes as he cycled through his never-ending carousel of custom made Hamer guitars (including the infamous 5-necked monstrosity).

The traditional Clint Eastwood curtain drop intro is tonight replaced by a digital countdown before the word ‘Glasgow’ in neon, lights up the backdrop and the spotlight lands on Phil Collen, shirtless, tartan trews, and massive boots. As the boys launch into “Women”, something is strikingly noticeable, on occasion the Hydro can suffer from sound issues but tonight, it is just superb. I thought I might have found the Hydro’s sweet spot but others from around the Arena concur, the sound was awesome. The first six songs from the “Hysteria” album are as strong a start to any gig you could wish for. 20+ million copies sold, 96 weeks in the US top 40, and the first six songs released as singles, with five hitting top twenty either at home or the US… and remember, this was back when a top twenty single actually meant something, but it is the seventh song that stands out tonight.

When Def Leppard graced the stage, it was clear that August 3rd 1987 wasn’t the only significant date being commemorated this evening. The life of Steve Clark, commencing April 23rd 1960 and ending far too soon on Jan 9th 1991, was emblazoned across an image of a wistful looking Steve, guitar across his knee, provoking a roar to rise up from the appreciative crowd, and tonight the prequel to “Gods Of War” is the Steve Clark solo from the “In The Round” video. It’s a fitting tribute and a classy move from the Def Leppard lads, as Clark is largely credited as being the principal songwriter on ‘Hysteria’, and despite his 27 year absence, he is still very much a part of the band today.

New boy, Viv Campbell gets his moment in the spotlight, looking very dapper and healthy after his recent health scare. Joe informs us that it’s taken five years for the band to fulfil their intention to tour the Vegas show, but it’s been well worth the wait. Closing off the album run through with “Love And affection”, it’s reitterated that there are no weak ‘filler’ songs.

So, after playing “Hysteria” in full, there is still some time to fill, and a 40 year back catalogue to choice from. The guys close the set with blistering renditions of “Let’s Get Rocked”, “When Love And Hate Collide” and two belters from “Pyromania”… “Rock Af Ages” and “Photograph”

Tonight, Def Leppard played a blinder. The sound was perfect, the light show was truly spectacular, and the guys played out of their skins. It is fitting that in the week that they finally get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, they have never sounded better or more deserving of the honour.

As always, Joe leaves the stage stating, “If you don’t forget about us, we won’t forget about you”. After that show… no chance. Gig of the year.

Review: Fraser Doig

Images: Callum Scott

Live Review: Def Leppard/Cheap Trick – Glasgow Ask your average punter what the words, "gunter glieben glauchen globen" mean to them, you're likely to be greeted with a shifty look and a hurried escape.

[cpfmp-blog]

FINAL SHOOT

REF PAGES: 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85

On 26/05/17 I shot my final images for my FMP outcome. When planning my outfits I had pictured it to be cloudy, but bright. However on the day it was blue skies and extremely sunny, that meant I had to be very efficient as my models were wearing quite a few layers. This is where the schedule came in handy, because everyone knew what they were doing and we had times to work towards. I made sure to pack all of the garments and accessories the night before so nothing was forgotten, I also packed a bag that I would take on location carrying things like umbrellas (which came in very handy to shade the models in between shots and so that the headshots weren’t overexposed) and pieces from Kirsty’s hair and makeup kit that would be needed for touch ups. Although the umbrellas weren’t on the schedule, they were necessary, because of the unexpected sunny weather.

To start with Kirsty created a matte, smokey brown look on both of the girls, kept Ellie’s hair in natural waves and did three dutch braids in Hayley’s hair. I really like how this looked as it gave each of the models character, but their looks were still cohesive. For their first looks I recreated exactly what I had planned in the styling workshop, however, on set I ended up ripping Hayley’s blouse so you could see the motif on the t-shirt more and I added fishnet socks under Hayley’s boots. I think this worked really well, because you can see the layered items and the socks worked well for the worm’s eye view shots of Hayley’s shoes. When dressing Ellie I decided to knot the bottom of the slip dress to give it a bit of dimension and to make it the length that I wanted it. I think the bright blue and red ripped tights work nicely together to create a contrast whilst giving a nod to european fashion editorials that I had researched. 

For the second makeup looks, we dutch braided Ellie’s hair and added the safety pins (as we had in the trial). I think this looks much better on Ellie’s hair than it did on Hayley’s as her hair is longer and therefore creates more of a statement with the pins. We took Hayley’s hair down so it would cover the band of the crown (which it did really nicely). Kirsty added red, matte eyeshadow to dramatise the look, which I really liked, because both of the models were wearing more simple outfits this time - especially Hayley, who was in all black so it was nice to have a pop of colour.

For the second outfits, Hayley wore all black; featuring Callum’s oversized sweatshirt that he made for his FMP last year. It was really fun to get to use this as we’ve only seen it on a male before so it was cool to see how it would look unisex. I think the layering of the turtleneck, vest and bomber jacket in Ellie’s look was really effective. The combination of the tops with the paint splatted jeans and the mustard yellow leather belt combined all the pieces and made them work together. I really wanted to show off the safety pin accessories that I had made, because that really symbolises punk subculture. To do this I took lots of headshots to make sure the accessories were a key feature, one of the headshots of Hayley is one of my favourites and I think it will look amazing in black and white.

All of the outfits I used in my pictures worked really well to create a cohesive, grunge/punk look, which I am really happy with. The outfits in addition to hair, makeup, poses and camera angles look really effective and professional, which is exactly what I want. I think the photographs can only be strengthened with editing and filters.

After shooting I uploaded all of the images onto Google Drive and went through marking my favourite shots and pictures that were a definite no. This narrows down the possible images. Pictures with a cross through are ones where the lighting isn’t right, the clothes don’t look great or the model’s isn’t ready (due to the sun, in quite a few of the shots my models have their eyes closed or they’re squinting). Images that are circled are my favourites and they are the ones I am going to edit. From the basic edit (altering the contrast, saturation and temperature) I will narrow it down even more, then I’ll use those and add scratch filters and from there I’ll choose if I want any in black and white to add to the vibe of the shoot. After this process I should have a selection of final images that I am going to use in my showcase and hand in for my final outcome. 

We stuck to the schedule and the day, as a whole, was highly efficient. Kirsty also doubled up as my on-location assistant, which included holding the umbrellas and reflectors. This worked well as it meant I could focus on the photography and how the models looked on camera. I think this is one of the main reasons why my photographs were so successful!