Celebcity with Jo Brooks: Russell Brand joins the police force
Russell Brand joins the police force, The Special Ks go canine & a mystery star comes to The Regency
Brand’s new show
The world’s current divorcee du jour – the inimitable Russell Brand – took to the streets of Brighton last week with our very own Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett. After splitting with his pop-star wife Katy Perry earlier this year, it seems Russell is trying to re-Brand himself (sorry!) as a documentary maker. Apparently the long haired lothario was questioning Superintendent Bartlett on some serious police issues, for a show set to come out around the anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s death. It seems more than likely it will tackle drug-issues – which Brand has had highly publicised problems with in the past – so it’ll be interesting to see what the pair have to chat about.
Kickin’ back
Rizzle Kicks gave their Brighton school friends the much sought-after chance to support them at their gig in Brighton Dome last Sunday. Running Dogs – who describe their sound as ‘sexy, dark, pop twisted rock ’n’ roll’ – took to the stage before the ‘Stereo Typical’ singers rocked out for their storming show. The bands are also set to be one of the headline gigs for The Great Escape festival this year – playing at The Queens Hotel on 12 May. Their latest single – ‘Rumpunch’ – will be available as a limited edition 7” vinyl.
Rising stars
Rising stars The Special Ks have certainly caught our eyes here in the office with their latest video. After providing catchy backings to TV programmes such as Channel 4’s glamorous Made In Chelsea, The Special K’s are back with a brand new single – ‘New Ways’– and a disturbingly cute promo. The vid sees the usual band members – Brightonian’s Howard, Darren, Mat, Al and Gan – replaced by some (insanely cute) canine alter-egos, who are surprisingly adept at the whole music bit themselves. Fresh from their performance at the MIDEM festival (the band – not the dogs), The Special Ks’ latest single was released last week as a double A-side alongside the fantastic, if slightly darker, ‘Evil Woman’. Their sound has been likened to that of the brilliant Friendly Fires – who are popular with us in the office – and has garnered praise from fellow artists as diverse as dance supremos Chase & Status, indie-outfit Metronomy, and local lads Rizzle Kicks. We reckon it won’t be long before they smash the big time – so make sure you catch their storming ‘high energy’ shows while they’re still beside the seaside – you’d be barking mad not to! Check out the vid on their website: www.thespecialks.com – you’ll be hooked.
The Regency’s Mystery guest
So who’s the mystery Chinese superstar whose recent trip to The Regency Restaurant has led to the King’s Road fish restaurant becoming one of the most famous restaurants in China? Following the celebrity’s visit, which he or she blogged about online, The Regency has been inundated with fanatical customers from far, far away come to sample the famous fish!
Something new at The Amex
I popped down to the final match of the season at The Amex Stadium recently to cheer on the seagulls against Birmingham (thank God we drew!). The next time I’m down there it’ll be a whole different experience as I’ll be celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee at the first ever gigs in the new stadium, with none other than the jewel of the UK dance scene: Fatboy Slim. Taking reign over the American Express Community Stadium on 1 and 2 June, along with a whole legion of Lords and Ladies of Electronic Music, from Carl Cox and Annie Mac to The 2 Bears and DJ Fresh, Big Beach Bootique 5 will be the hedonist’s way to see in the year’s biggest Holiday. Make sure you get your tickets – priced at £35 for one night – at fatboyslim.net.
