TWISTED WHEEL - YOU STOLE THE SUN fan site

a Boxing Day party to remember at the Ruby Lounge, Manchester ~ 26/12/2011

2011-12-27T18:20:00.001Z

So, theres been a noticeable lack of Twisted Wheel news of late, but behind the scenes the lads have been feverishly rehearsing for this special gig, and they didn't disappoint! The Ruby Lounge was packed to the rafters, making the joint one hell of a sweaty place to enjoy a post Christmas pint or ten. Crowd surfers (both male AND female) 'n a couple of stage divers really made the bouncers earn their pennies.

The lads had prepared a totally different set, 23 songs long. Setting the pace with 'Racket' and 'Bad Candy', with newies 'Reggae', 'UK Blues', 'Better Man', 'New Boy' getting another airing. A new rendition of 'Smash It Up' went down well. Jonny played three acoustic numbers including the magic 'Merry Go Round'.

Manchester had waited a long time to see the Wheel again, but I'm sure they wont be waiting quite so long next time as the lads are locking themselves in the studio to master their second album, with a UK tour taking shape in early 2012 and even bigger news to come - so watch this space

2011-12-02T05:49:00.001Z

TWISTED WHEEL

AT THE

RUBY LOUNGE

MANCHESTER

BOXING DAY 26TH DECEMBER 2011

The lads are making a rare appearance at one of Manchester's smaller venues, before embarking on their National tour - which will include headlining at the Manchester Academy - next year

Tickets will be very limited so get yours quick!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

This will be a Boxing Day party to remember!!!!

'Tell The World' with stills form the recent tour

2011-07-17T21:40:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Napa Live 2011

2011-06-21T23:03:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel gig review @ The Victoria Inn, Derby 03/06/11

2011-06-04T23:11:00.005+01:00

To mark the relaunch (under old management) of The Victoria Inn, Derby, Twisted Wheel kindly agreed to appear at the opening night, and with the gig only arranged little under three weeks ago, it was a total sell out on the night, with people packed in to the hot n sweaty joint.

This was one of the Wheel's last gigs before locking themselves away in the studio to record their hotly anticipated second album. (only two more chances to see the band now - Napa Live in Cyprus 16/06/11 and the rescheduled Swindon gig -12 Bar, Swindon 30/07/11 - original May tickets still valid plus new tickets now available).

Being no strangers to Derby, the lads were pleased to be back playing in the town, and judging by the crowds outside the venue, the locals couldnt wait to welcome them back.

10pm, Twisted Wheel took to the stage, 'Lucy The Castle', 'Shes a Weapon', 'Racket' all prooved how much the lads appreciated being back. They played a fast tight set, superb vocals and sound tonight, mellowing out for 'Tell The World' - which the crowd loved and 'Strife' - got them chanting. Newie 'New Boy' went down a storm with the stomping guitar solo. A longer set tonight, with Jonny & Steve obviously enjoying themselves creating and unbreakable bond, instinctivley knowing what each was thinking. 'You Stole The Sun', 'We Are Us' and 'Oh What Have you Done' bringing the fantastic set to a close.

The audience loved it, chanting WWHHEEEELLLL long into the night. On the evidence of this gig, the lads have got plenty more to offer. Signing autographs and chatting to fans Twisted Wheel appreciate all the support and promise one hell of an album to come... stay tuned xx

more from FOM Festival, Manchester 2011

2011-06-04T22:15:00.000+01:00

click HERE for Katy's website

Twisted Wheel interview with Live4Ever.uk.com @ FOM Festival

Great set! You lads like playing the festivals?

Yeah, we like playing anywhere really, festivals, clubs whatever. We’ve been playing at weekends mostly, and in the week working in the studio putting the next album together. The next tour will be all the big cities and that but we’ll always play where other bands won’t play and where people want us to play.

How’s the album going? What’s it going to sound like?

I love that sound on some of them 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll tunes like Chuck Berry and old Sun records, the vocal on them, so going for something like that, but i’ts the same with the punk records from ’77-’79 and the sound they had. It’s just us mixing those things we really like, I just want it to sound mint, you know what I mean, we’ll be looking to release it September time hopefully.

Anyone on the bill you’ll be checking at today?

Where’s Strutter? – they’re mates from Mosley and live near us. I met Lee at footie and Paddy at school, they’re a great band and have really put the work in playing gigs and building up a name, getting their sound right and that, I love ‘em and think they’re ace.

I’ve been asking some of the Manchester bands today about the football, who supports who in Twisted Wheel?

Eoghan Clifford: Me and him (Stephen Evans) are worst for it; he’s a City Fan and I’m Utd. When City beat us in the F.A cup semi-final straight after the game my phone starts ringing and it’s him – any other City fan would have been dancing round the house, but the first thing he does is ring me up, that was his way of celebrating the derby – by giving my loads.

to view Live4Ever website click HERE

to view Ian's website click HERE

Carpe Musica review Twisted Wheel's set at FOM Manchester 21/5/11

2011-05-24T22:42:00.000+01:00

click HERE to view Carpe Musica web site

Twisted Wheel's set review and photos from Friends of Mine Festival, Manchester 21/05/11

2011-05-22T02:02:00.001+01:00

The 2011 festival season kicked off in fine style this weekend, with a brand spanking newie - Friends of Mine, Manchester. Set in the beautiful grounds of Capesthorne Hall, just 14 miles south of Manchester. Very well organised with two arenas and plenty of stages, two camp sites (and nice toilets - with sufficient paper!!) a birthing pool (well it looked like it), a big wheel and plenty more - to celebrate the best of the Manchester Scene (and beyond)

Saturday night and Twisted Wheel played the Lake Stage. The storm clouds had gathered but with the huge crowd of over 3,000 crammed infront of the stage they managed to generate enough heat to keep the rain at bay.
With the chants of 'Wheel' eminating from everywhere, the lads finally took to the stage (a little later than advertised due to the previous bands taking a little longer to offload their gear than anticipated) and proceeded to set the festival on fire with 'Lucy The Castle', 'Racket', 'Shes a Weapon', 'One night on the Street' and 'Strife'. The newie 'New Boy' getting an excellent response due to the demon guitar solo.

With Jonny suffering from a slight sore throat, the audience were only too glad to help by singing along, word for word, in perfect time, 'We Are Us', 'You Stole The Sun' and 'Oh What have you Done'

The crowd loving every drop and not wanting the lads to leave the stage, Jonny pleaded with the organisers to do one more, but it wasnt to be.

Neverthe less, it was a rip roaring set, with I guess many new Twisted Wheel fans being added to the ever growing list.

# all words and visuals by Jane, if you want to use them feel free, but its only polite to ask!#

Photos from Twisted Wheel set PJs, Dunfermline 06/05/11

2011-05-07T20:10:00.000+01:00

Photos by Steve Gunn

click HERE for Steve's website

2011-05-04T06:12:00.002+01:00

Twisted Wheel gig review @ The Lamp, Hull 15/4/11 by Gerald Wiley

2011-05-02T21:53:00.000+01:00

It is around a year since Twisted Wheel last played The Lamp in Hull and the atmosphere was alive with expectation for Liam and Noel’s favourite support band. Jonny Brown sauntered around the venue beforehand looking decidedly relaxed. Of the support acts, the undoubted favourites were local Hull band and “ones to watch” The Black Delta Movement. This four piece, play a mix of psyched out, 60’s tinged garage blues. A 25 minute set concluded with many of the crowd shouting for more. A short wait as the bands swapped gear onstage and the club was ready. As soon as Twisted Wheel took to the stage to the sound of Lucy The Castle, the wilder element of the crowd immediately invaded the stage and began the crowd surfing that continued throughout the performance. The last time Twisted Wheel played Hull they brought their own security; they ditched it this time deciding on a sound engineer instead. Something they probably regret with Jonny’s monitor being knocked out early on during their set. The set list was a mix of new songs from their up and coming album due later this year and the majority of their debut release. Listen out for “New Boy” “Better Man” and especially “UK Blues” The band rolled out the favourites “Bad Candy,” “She’s A Weapon,” “Oh, what have you done,” ”You Stole The Sun”and “Strife” amongst others. However, the new stuff sounds pretty good too – probably a little more melodic than their last release but with a spiky, punky feel. The energy of the band, the frantic playing of the Epiphone/Rickenbacker guitars and the sound they produce invoke the spirit of 1976 with a distinct punk / new wave feel to the evening’s proceedings. There are certainly elements of The Jam and The Clash in Twisted Wheel’s sound and stage performance. Notably, Jonny Browns singing and guitar playing. There was a definite feel of the chaos and excitement that surrounded ‘The Pogues’ during their heyday. It couldn’t have been easy for the band with continual stage invasions throughout their set, members of the audience intent on sharing their idols microphones and lights, monitors amongst other things being dragged down by stage divers. Jonny and the boys performed admirably, tearing through their set at 100mph. There were no encores tonight as the band closed with an extended “We Are Us” which was a definite highlight. The Lamp proved to be a great venue for the band, with its low ceiling and narrow room which certainly helped the atmosphere by ensuring the audience crowded into the small area to get the best view and sound. Having seen the band supporting Paul Weller and Oasis at larger venues it is obvious that their sound it more suited to the smaller venues. If the new album is successful this may be the last opportunity to see them perform in a small intimate venue The spirit of The Jam, The Clash and 1976 is alive with the Wheel. Catch them on this tour and sample the atmosphere! Another quintessentially English rock and roll band perfecting their craft. Hopefully, there are great things to come.

2011-04-30T16:10:00.000+01:00

Twisted Wheel apologies, The 12 Bar, in Swindon gig tonight (30/4/11) has been cancelled due to ill health, the gig will be rescheduled - tickets will still be valid for rescheduled gig

or can be refunded

Southampton Soul Cellar gig photos 23/4/11

2011-04-24T15:24:00.005+01:00

From the quiet backwater of Hemel Hempstead, the lads made their way down to the southcoast for their next gig over the Easter weekend, at the Soul Cellar in Southampton which is just a stones throw away from the Guildhall where they played supporting The Enemy a couple of years ago. A lot has changed since then.

The sun was beaming down, and the attraction of the sea was too strong for some people..... a real holiday atmosphere, with seaweed between the toes, a spot of footie and a couple of St Georges (without a dragon in sight) complete with chain mail turned up at the gig!

With 12 Dirty Bullets supporting, you just knew it was gonna be a belter.

10.30pm and Twisted Wheel took to the stage and the venue turned into a (good natured) riot. 'Shes A Weapon', 'Lucy The Castle', 'One Night on the Street' and all the old classics went down a storm. Newies 'New Boy' and 'UK Blues' had the crowd baying for more. People dancin, on each others shoulders and trying to get Jonny to shake their hands. The lads performed a rip roaring set, 50 mins long & the crowd loved every second of it. Undoubtedly, Twisted Wheel WILL return.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

++ ALL WORDS AND VISUALS ARE MOULDED BY ME, IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM FEEL FREE, BUT ITS NICE TO BE ASKED (because I ask permission - its polite!!) ++

Twisted Wheel interview with Dunfermline Press 11/04/11

2011-04-14T04:10:00.004+01:00

Twisted Wheel rocking and rolling over chart 'dross'

LIAM Gallagher says they are a "breath of fresh air" and Paul Weller is also a big fan, attending their gigs and asking them to play support.

Twisted Wheel are the band in question and singer Jonny Brown has been telling the Press that they are ready to take on the "dross" in the charts and on the radiowaves with their new album.

The Oldham trio - who supported Oasis in front of a 70,000 crowd at Heaton Park in 2009 - are coming PJs in Dunfermline next month and when we spoke to Jonny earlier this week he had just returned home from a jaunt north to play the Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh.

"It's always good for us in Scotland. We seem to do down well when we play there. Get a good crowd. It was our first gig for about three or four months so I'll tell you what, it took it out of me.
"It's so much energy you've got to put into it, it's so fast and furious."
However, Jonny wasn't taking things easy on getting home. He said, "I'm smashing a house to bits at the minute, renovating it in my spare time."

The band are working on a new album due out later in the summer and Jonny's also looking forward to getting out on the road.
"I can't wait. We played Dunfermline before, a couple of years back didn't we?

We're going to rock out. It's about time we got some proper rock n roll back again.

"You get bands like The Vaccines coming along and they say this is punk but that's just pop music. Eventually rock and roll will break through again. It's bound to and our second album will be at the front of it.

"The album will be out about August. We've got all the songs for it but there may be more added. We're still writing songs, still recording demos and experimenting and in late May we'll go in and record the album. It sounds sh** hot man. Full-blown punk rock and roll music."

What was it like to have the backing of rock and roll giants like Weller and Gallagher?
"Yeah, well any band, any band in the world would be privileged to hear a good word from people like that.
"We just appreciate the fact they actually listen to us. There's so many bands that get mentioned to them so the fact they listen to us and they're into it means a lot.
"And then beyond that, supporting them and playing with them is just an honour.
"Also it's great because supporting them they get to play to their crowd, you play to new people with your new rock and roll music so it's works well both ways, I think.

The band have also proved a big hit in Japan. "They're mad for it over there. I think they're dying for some hard core punk rock and roll music just the same as in Scotland or England. They want some furious rock and roll."

Jonny runs through some of the music that influenced him as a youngster. "The Clash, The Jam, even bands like the Small Faces, The Faces, I loved The Animals, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, obviously Oasis, Stone Roses, Joy Division, The Undertones, The Buzzcocks.
"I don't get bored with those bands. I listen to those bands every single day. I never get bored with them and I never will either."
It's obvious that the music has to have a message for Jonny.
"Yeah definitely. There's too many songs that are just nonsense. I put the radio on and it's just nonsense.
"It's like people are just writing little jingles. They hope it'll stick in someone's head and they'll make a song out of it.
"It's good to have catchy songs but nobody's thinking and there's no meaning with these bands around today.
"It's just dross. No-one's saying anything, no-one means it, no-one's singing from their heart, no-one's passionate. It's just half-hearted f***** money making s****.
"But you know what I'm not bothered me. I'll just keep writing songs and doing gigs.
"I know that we've got a fan base and no matter how many people are into the populist, popular music there will also be people looking for the stuff we're doing. That keeps us going and we'll keep going and going and eventually we'll break through."

Link to dunfermlinepress.com - Twisted Wheel interview by Gary Fitzpatrick

Jonny Brown's Acoustic set in Oldham 19/03/11

2011-03-21T22:36:00.017Z

The Wheel lads were on hand to judge Oldham's Battle of the Bands on Saturday night. Always on the look out to help the local musical talent, they gave up their saturday night, to sit on the panel. This years venue was Oldham's Library, and NO ONE was gonna get chucked out for being too noisey (and drinking the odd can of beer!)

Before the Under 16s took to the stage, Jonny performed one of his rare acoustic sets, featuring 'Bouncing Bomb', 'Bang of the Beat' and 'You Stole The Sun'. The audience loved it, some even sung along.

Straight after Jonny's performance it was down to work, judging the under 16s. This proved to be quite something, as there were obviously some very talented young musicians playing who really impressed the lads. From the fantastic grunge metal band, to a young band playing a Bon Jovi cover.

The eventual winners of the under 16s were metal band Unholy Messiah, while the over 16s title went to Urban Empire.

~~ONCE AGAIN ALL WORDS AND VISUALS BY ME~~

2011-01-17T22:37:00.002Z

Twisted Wheel are set to play Friends of Mine Festival

Capesthorne Hall

Cheshire

(a 25 min train trip from Manchester's Piccadilly)

21st/22nd May

other artists confirmed are: The Charlatans, The Buzzcocks, & many more

click HERE for tickets

2011-01-15T00:25:00.002Z

Twisted Wheel will be playing at the Napa Forum 16th June 2011 @ 11pm

click HERE for tickets

Small music venues documentary video featuring Jonny Brown & the 'We Are Us' video

2010-12-16T20:54:00.001Z

Jonny is featured in a documentary about the music industry's small venues.

It also features the video of 'We Are Us'.

click HERE to view the video by Joe Wilson

2010-12-07T22:49:00.001Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/powbiffprod/sets

Liverpool Masque Theatre

2010-12-07T22:14:00.003Z

Last time we reviewed Twisted Wheel it was at the O2 Liverpool and for a different publication. This time around they are playing the Masque Theatre and a lot has changed since then.

As soon we headed into the auditorium in The Masque all you could hear was the crowd chanting “Wheel!! Wheel!! Wheel!!”as loud as they could in eager anticipation for their beloved Twisted Wheel to appear.

The excitement from the crowd, mainly young and indie, was intense and the feeling of urgency was almost tangible. Pretty soon they arrived on stage to thundering applause and from the 1st note both them and the crowd exuded so much energy it was difficult to decide who to watch. The band themselves were once again on their finest rock form as they blasted out “You Stole the Sun”, “She’s A Weapon” and “Lucy The Castle” with the crowd singing along to every word. This reminded me of the reaction to Oasis back in their hey day.

These guys maybe young but have a maturity that is beyond their years but when it comes to a live gig they definitely know how to work up a crowd into a bouncing near mosh pit frenzy. Crowd surfing and dancing along side the band was not enough for this crowd and on their final song " Oh What Have You Done" the young fans stormed the stage and engulfed lead singer Jonny Brown in a sea of hormones so much so that he vanished from the stage leaving only the drummer belting out the beat and the crowd still singing along as they sang and bounced along.

Leaving with that image and the lyrics of Twisted Wheel songs going round my head has only strengthened my belief that this band are on the verge of great things and not before time. Review by: Alison Goggin

musicmafiauk.blogspot.com

Photos by Ryan Moore

STAGE INVASION !!!!

SheffieldScenester - Twisted Wheel @ The Leadmill, Sheffield 19/11/10

2010-12-07T21:53:00.004Z

www.thesheffieldscenester.co.uk

Twisted Wheel @ The Auditorium, Leicester 27/11/2010

2010-11-30T00:08:00.006Z

After the treacherous driving conditions on the way home from the previous nights' gig, it was with some trepidation that we sent out for the drive down the M1 to Leicester... The last time Twisted Wheel graced the stage in the town was at the Music cafe, which has now sadly closed down, leaving Leicester without any real venues for upcoming bands, hence tonights gig at the larger Auditorium. Its a good venue, but with the temperature well below freezing outside, it was no warmer inside, therefore it was no surprise that the band wore wolly hats for the soundcheck, before trying to warm themselves up in the dressing room with the small fan heater (which blew up) or running the hot tap in the bath (yes, a bath in the dressing room!) only to find it was just pumping out freezing water. One bright note tho - the manger bought down some fan mail for the band to read (addressed to Twisted Wheel c/o the Auditorium) and duely signed some photos for the fans who couldnt make it to the gig.... In a bid to get warm, off we marched to find a warm pub serving hot food, after a couple of false promises, we managed to find the Slug & Lettuce - which we highly recommend (particularly their Cottage Pie with abundance of red wine, and the reggae reggae chicken burger!)...

Suitably nourished, its back to the venue to prepare for the gig.....

10.30 and The Wheel take to the stage, with the usual chants of wHHHEEElllll... getting the crowd warmed up with 'Lucy The Castle' and 'Shes a Weapon'. Lots of friendly banter ensue with the locals appreciating the mix of new songs as well as old. The dry ice/smoke machines are on overdrive tonight, playing havoc with dry mouths, so more beer has to be consumed I guess. The place warms up, and so does the pace of Twisted Wheel, with their never ending energy and enthusiasum like any decent punk rock band should have, Leicester just doesnt know its luck, with a set of over an hour long, its with great sadness when they finnish with 'Oh What Have You Done'. The Lads stick around once more to chat to their fans and have a beer or three with them. This is one thing that Twisted Wheel feel strongly about, they ALWAYS have time for their fans... so much so.... that there may be a surprise Christmas gig for their fans ~ watch this space!

Now theres only four more chances to catch sight of Twisted Wheel before they lock themselves away recording their hotly tipped and eagerly anticipated new album...

~~PLEASE NOTE - all words and visuals by me, if you want to use them, feel free,

but it is polite to ask~~

Twisted Wheel @ Inside Out, Darlington gig review & photos 26/11/10

2010-11-29T22:13:00.000Z

One of Twisted Wheel's favourite venues is Inside Out in Darlington, as its like playing in the comfort of your own home, with comfy sofas and chairs, TVs, radios, mirrors and flock wallpaper and even a washing machine (not forgetting the VW camper van that doubles as a mixing desk), all thats missing is a roaring log fire (well, the temperature outside IS freezing), so here I am settled down into one of the comfy chairs, with coats piled on top of me to keep me warm whilst watching the sound check, I hear the first chords of 'Turnaround', ahhh its been such a long time since they've played that song, it was sooo good to hear that guitar rifff once again, its a real strong contender for the top track on their new album (to be released early 2011)... stay tuned for more information.....

Getting down to business, later on in the evening, Twisted Wheel play a rip roaring set to the crowd, who mosh from start to finnish (btw a gold star award for the two girls down at the front giving as good as they got!). Starting off with 'Lucy The Castle', 'Shes a Weapon' and 'Racket'. The newies 'Better Man' and 'New Boy' go down a storm, and brand spanking newie 'Ipod Generation' also getting a good reception. The crowd barrier gets dismanteled a few times during the set, well, what more do you expect at a good old punk rock n roll gig??? The bouncers are polite and let the crowd enjoy themselves, with the audience at the back singing along, this is how a good natured, fun, foot stomping gig should be!

After the gig, the band stick around to talk to thair fans, but on venturing outside they find their van already warm and waiting as the snow had started to come down thick and fast, 4cm already on the road and a long journey back down the motorway (with a stop off at a snow bound service station to warm everyone up with hot drinks and chips) loomed.

Thanks to everyone who turned up at the gig despite some atrocious weather conditions - hope you all got home safely.

Twisted Wheel gig review @ The Leadmill, Sheffield 19/11/2010

2010-11-21T06:02:00.008Z

^ photos by Charly Murgatroyd

Twisted Wheel Sheffield Leadmill

19th November 2010 by Tony Beesley

Photos from the band’s February gig on the Steel stage by Kevin Wells.

(For more Twisted Wheel photos check out the book 'This is Our Generation Calling')

Unveiling a new line up with only the leader singer/guitarist Jonny Brown remaining, the classic 3 piece Twisted Wheel from Oldham show they still have what it takes to a Leadmill crowd on a dreary November Friday night. New members Stephen Evans on bass and Eoghan Clifford on drums have certainly made themselves at home well and tonight’s gig convinces me that all is well in the Wheel camp.

Twisted Wheel played the smaller Steel stage earlier this year but have now claimed the main room to showcase their high energised rock n’ roll set. Blending a pot purée of frantic Rhythm and Blues, Punk, Indie Rock and Mod into their own individual sound, the band still have the confidence and talent to make it much further in the biz! Based on tonight's excellent set, mixing the bulk of their debut album with a scattering of new songs, Twisted Wheel have so much to offer and I personally want to have it all!

Opening up with single ‘Lucy the Castle’ the front of the stage soon erupted into an electrified throng of singalong fans, leaping bodies and excitable stage invaders: hats off to the Manchester posse who - some being friends of the band - were keen to show their exuberance and love of Twisted Wheel. A sing-along onstage with Jonny Brown resulted in one young lad being escorted off by three bouncers before being ejected from the venue. This kind of over-reaction is becoming more prevalent at Rock gigs of late: Health and Safety rules are stifling the Rock n’ Roll live experience and whilst fingers can’t be pointed as to who exactly is to blame, I wonder how far is it gonna go before we are really treat like clones and told not to get over-excited with the live music on show…Do not move until the show is over and the like? To be fair, the security guys and venues staff only do their jobs, but it still indicates how controlled and monitored live music actually is. Relax the policies to suit the style of the band performing in my opinion… in other words enter at your own risk!

Back to the Wheel: the energy of the band continued unabated throughout, only the solo rendition of ‘Bouncing Bomb’ and the pure Mancunian pronounced ‘Strife’ slowing things down. ‘She’s a Weapon’, ‘We are Us’, ‘Let them have it all’, ‘You stole the Sun’ and one of my faves ‘Oh what have you done’ are all here. The dynamic energy oozes from the stage and feeds through all willing participants creating a true Punk Rock injected experience. All the frenetic speed of the best in UK first wave Punk have been thrown into the recipe book… think Slaughter and the Dogs, The Clash and The Jam meeting a healthy does of sixties beat sensibilty and a slight extra sprinkling of the more recent sounds of the Arctic Monkeys and ‘Rock n’ Roll Star’ template song Oasis and you’re nearly there. But… above all it’s the final delivery and serving that belongs to the Wheel and in all instances, be it on disc or onstage, the band retain their own true identity. Along with a handful of UK young bands out there at the moment, I have high hopes for the Wheel and can’t wait to hear their new stuff come out. Second album stumbling block scenario should not be the case with these guys. I foresee them going from strength to strength. Take note: the future of Rock music is in good and capable hands. Let’s not let it get crushed by the political correctness of the modern world!!!

click HERE to buy the book 'This is our Generation Calling' by Tony Beesley

Twisted Wheel @ The Nines, Barrow in Furness 13/11/10

2010-11-15T22:16:00.010Z

After the eventful night in Leeds, the Twisted Wheel bus takes a long trip through the Lakes up to the remote small industrial town of Barrow. Now, not many bands play in Barrow as its way off the beaten track, but, of course, Twisted Wheel are no ordinary band, if fans make a request for them to play somewhere, the Wheel will endeavour to fulfill their fan's wishes. So, on this rainy windswept night, here we are, in a fantastic venue that wouldn't look out of place in an episode of Pheonix Nights, with it's glitter ball over top the dance floor and amazing hypnotising lights behind the bar, we waited patiently for..... Peter Kay...... (only joking!)

The place is buzzing, no one can quite believe that the mighty Wheel are gonna be on the stage tonight. There's loads of kids outside (about 50 in total), come to see their heros play, but a problem with a ticket supplier has left them out in the cold, on hearing this news, in true Twisted Wheel style Jonny goes out to see them, to sign t shirts and pose for photos with them, he tells them that they will be getting passes to future gigs of their choice to make up for their disappointment - later, during the set, he dedicates 'We Are Us' to them.

The lucky ones that made it inside were in for a treat. Storming on stage, straight into 'Lucy The Castle' followed by 'Shes A Weapon'. The lads are on fire tonight, sounding fresh and tight. With newies 'New Boy', and 'UK Blues' go down excelently with the crowd. Highlights of the set were 'Strife' and 'You Stole The Sun'. All too soon, its over with 'Oh What Have You Done' closing the magnificent night's set.

Its all over for another night. Crowds of girls squeeze into the tiny dressingroom with the plan of kidnapping the lads....... They know they'e on to a good thing when they see one!!!

Now theres not many more dates to catch the Wheel before they embark on recording their second album, so for goodness sake, don't miss the opportunity, you'll be kicking yourself next year!!

All the remaining gigs have new lower age limits for their young fans
so dont miss out!!

Leadmill (main room),Sheffield 19/11/10 14+

Inside Out, Darlington 26/11/10 16+

Auditorium, Leicester 27/11/10 16+

Fibbers, York 3/12/10 14+

The Masque, Liverpool 4/12/10 14+

Riverside, Newcastle 9/12/10 14+

Tokyo Project, Huddersfield 11/12/10 14+

~stay tuned - perhaps a Manchester date???~

~click HERE for tickets~

*please note Darlington, York, Newcastle & Huddersfield gigs, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+) - please bring your id with you

Twisted Wheel @ Leeds Cockpit 12/11/10 gig review

2010-11-14T17:35:00.004Z

Twisted Wheel have a vast hoard of rowdy fans in Leeds, and tonights gig was another epic event that will surely go down in the realms of Wheel history as one of pure punk rock mayhem!

The Cockpit has played host to the lads a few times now, so it was no surprise that the venue had started to fill up quickly, and long before the lads came on stage it was impossible to move down at the front, with eager fans making sure they got the best view available.

The lads stormed on stage, straight in to 'Lucy The Castle', followed quickly by 'Shes a Weapon'. The crowd going mad, clearly, they've been starved of the punk rock vibe that the Wheel so generously give. 'Racket', Bad Candy' 'One night on The Street', the pace is astounding. Newie 'New Boy' gets a great response. Slowing things down slightly, the whole room sings along to 'Tell The World' [almost brings atear to the eye], a fantastic tune - btw it's still available on FREE download!! 'UK Blues', even tho its a newie, alot of the crowd know it and the mayhem esculates. Luckily, the security guys seem to have a more relaxed attitude, probably because Jonny had a go at them last time for being OTT!!!

'Strife' brings the house down, with everyone in the building singing along. Jonny is then left alone on stage for an electric version of 'Bouncing Bomb', bringing the singalong to another level. With the return of Eoghan and Steve, its back down to business, with crowd surfers by the dozen. When they hit the first chords of 'You Stole The Sun' the audience can no longer contain themselves, lads get on stage and the diving starts... but thats NOTHING compared to the antics bought on by the brilliant 'Oh What Have You Done', people start to climb on stage, lads sing in Jonny's mike in perfect time, now theres a dozen people on stage, singing and dancing, a truely exhilerating experience and all good natured.

The Cockpit witnessed one hell of a night. To all of the doubters (are there any left?) - punk rock is alive and kicking, living in Saddleworth and oozing its way to the length and breadth of this barren land. For too long now, the masses have been fed a load of tripe, the finer grade of punk is here to stay - Twisted Wheel will conquer the blinkered and ignorant, the re-education is underway!!!

The Wheel keeps on Turning - Clashmusic.com

2010-11-14T17:15:00.002Z

Twisted Wheel (if you follow the usual indie-rock trajectory) should’ve disappeared by now.

Rapidly signed by a major following a surge of support, strong songs and an In The City performance in Manchester, the band went on to support Oasis, Kasabian, Paul Weller and other hot potatoes over the past two years as well as their own headline tours. However, limited releases and unreleases led to the realisation that control was not theirs. Their eponymous debut album press presented them even further away as ‘your local Manchester lads’ – a confusing contradiction to the punk random intensity of their songs.

Indie-heads looking for a fashionable easy-to-digest image and sound became scathing while punters demanded more. Instead of the band’s own hand-drawn graphics, a photo of anorak-clad Mancunian likelies was the selling image. Maybe that rubbed off on the bass player and drummer who, after three years of non-stop touring, rehearsing and recording, decided they’d ‘rather have regular lives and jobs and see their girlfriends more.’

Which left Jonny Brown plus tunes and his rather irrepressive imagination. Even mighty men would have folded at this point (summer 2010), especially when his mother suddenly died after he spent a month by her bedside in a Spanish intensive care unit. But some bizarre phoenix seems to have been born instead… along with 28 new tracks and a determination to seize back the reins.

With a fervent drummer, Eoghan Clifford, and bassist, Stephen Evans, rigorous seven-days-a week-rehearsals and no holds on Brown’s sharp observational wit or the machine-like ferocity he bears upon both vocals and playing, the wheel has indeed grown in momentum. While contemporaries go for cardboard cut-out rock’n’roll, Twisted Wheel look like being the rawest outfit in the country as the sold-out understated gigs testify.

The new songs are a return to the grit and sweat, rhythm and blues of the 50s and 60s. They are about sound. The songs, The feel, texture. Not the clothes, the haircut, the trophy girlfriends. Image is dead. This is real punk. The songs don’t grow on you – they leap on you, copulate and become a part of you before you’ve even learnt the name. In fact, some of them are so new, they don’t even have names. They’re just feral, fierce and very fanciable. So good, they’re offensive.

Or so it seemed to me when I reluctantly attended one of their recent gigs in the Midlands. ‘UK Blues’ is a meteorite, a roar of outrage at the state of the nation while everyone else is moaning at the state of their own purse. ‘Do It Again’ is raw punk, ‘Poppy Love ’is a rabid romantic riot in the capsule of 50s rockabilly punk and a staccato chorus over which Brown’s vocals rip with unrelenting fierce vulnerability. Then there’s ‘Better Man’ with its searing melodies and a reggae-inflected track without a title which had everyone clapping two bars in. Obviously the old songs get the sing-back but it’s the new songs that blow me away. Just when you thought the Britain couldn’t get any littler, with every last melody pimped out to production houses in America and Jay Z, here comes the artillery – this time with some original ammunition.

Twisted Wheel are the band that proves rock and roll is still alive and kicking in the United Kingdom. No major media support, no radio play, every bit of shit know to man thrown at ‘em and they’re still rocking, ripping up venues and are probably the one band actually commenting on the state of the nation, rallying pure punk troops.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it appears we’re going to have to deal with them. With a new album due to be released early next year and sold-out gigs across the UK on both sides of Christmas and beyond, they are recharting the territory, reclaiming music for the people by any means necessary.

As bonkers as their tunes? Time will tell whether they can really deliver the kickstart British music needs.

Words by Jaime Scrivener

go to http://www.clashmusic.com/ then click on the LIKE button

Twisted Wheel - the saviours of British punk - Viva Magazine Best of 2010 awards

2010-11-14T17:03:00.001Z

for viva magazine click HERE

Twisted Wheel @ Gatecrasher, Nottingham 29/10/10 (gig photos)

2010-10-30T13:51:00.053+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Brixton Jamm gig review 23/10/10

2010-10-24T22:11:00.007+01:00

The long journey down to London hand't dampened the lad's spirits, nor had the rain dampend the spirits of the expectant crowd queued patiently outside the Jamm.

The last time I'd been to this venue, Jonny was performing one of his rare acoustic sets, tonight he was back with his reloaded mighty Wheel, ready to make some noise.

The venue was packed way before the lads took to the stage, with shouts of Wwwhhhheeelll ringing out, they stormed straight into 'Shes a Weapon', the crowd cause a riot - from the first chords and all the way through the set, with stage divers & girls on shoulders, this sell out night was one to remember. The security guys had their hands full and made their presence felt, but Jonny protested, willing the crowd on.

The new songs tonight, 'Better Man' and 'UK Blues' went down really well with everyone dancing.

London was not disappointed ... Roll on Nottingham....

Set List

'Shes A Weapon'

'Racket'

'Bad Candy'

'Lucy The Castle'

'One Night on the Street'

'Let them have it All'

'Tell The World'

'Better Man'

'Strife'

'We Are Us'

'UK Blues'

'You Stole the Sun'

'Oh What have you Done'

'Big Issue'

Twisted Wheel Stoke gig review on Thisisstaffordshire.com

2010-10-20T22:05:00.002+01:00

Music Review: Twisted Wheel at The Underground, Hanley, October 15

ttp://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk

I WITNESSED a phenomenon – a feast of some of the best local bands topped off with the rawest rock and roll outfit going right now, the new line up of Twisted Wheel.

There remain very few true litmus tests of the rock and roll band but one sure one is playing Stoke-on-Trent particularly at the Underground – an iron box of a place, plonked on the edge of the city amid wasteland and car parks. The night sold out a week ago and it's already packing by the time first band, Faux Feet, take the stage at 8pm.

By 10pm, the box of the Underground is jammed up. You can't move. I find myself squished up against the disabled toilet door – the only alternative to rubbing ribcages with a tall rugby-player figure.

At 10.15pm, guitarist and vocalist, Jonny Brown, drummer Eoghan Clifford and bassist Stephen Evans take the stage – in every sense of the word, opening with the mortar-blast of She's A Weapon. As to who's doing the most singing, it's hard to say, as the crowd sing back word for word and bodies are already flying.

This is followed by the plucking jounce of Racket – a pure punk popsicle. Beer's flying and the new bassist actually moves! Quite a lot. This is a fight of a song with fervent drum thrashes – the most aggressive fun you can hear. Drummer Eoghan does it like he means it.
Bad Candy puts grins on all the punters. What's unusual is that there's as many girls as blokes here and ages range from pogoing 14 year olds in white trainers to groups of 40/50 year olds, nodding and smiling in satisfaction. 'Wheeeel!' is chanted in between songs, not that there's much space for that. When Lucy The Castle comes on, there's not one static body.
Tell The World , a song previously given out as a free download earlier this year, becomes a proper anthem now, with singbacks and Steve's backing vocals adding resonance. Despite the chants, the band move straight into Big Issue. Girls are moshing as much as the men, 50-year-olds punching the air. It appears the bassist is headbanging. People are grabbing each other's hands and swinging around. The bartender is the only one with very little to do.

Better Man is another new song, as fresh off rehearsals as can be, only finished this week apparently, but it sounds like it's been around forever. I've got it – the difference. The melodies have the absolution of passion. There's an uncontaminated ferocity in both delivery and structure which sets them light years ahead of previous contenders.

Jonny is bowled over by the audience response: 'Cheers! Thanks a lot for coming to watch us.'

You Stole The Sun predictably incites total mayhem. It's far too much fun for October. Even the band are in ecstasies, hugging each other. Brown states that this has been one of the best gigs he has ever played. The final song, Oh What Have You Done? is dedicated 'with love to the radio station'. That is Radio Stoke who, according to DJ Rob Adcock, had received 'more calls than for any band EVER before all day trying to get tickets'. The audience is two people deep during the final chorus and the end of set is dominated by the massive cheers.

As soon as the gig's over, people leave on a high. I can't help feeling I've witnessed a phenomenon: the start of something new. I review a lot of gigs up and down the country but this time I feel I reviewed a revolution of the best kind. There was simplicity and easiness in the fun and the music. Stoke, one of the last true rock and roll cities, got what it deserved: a proper, un contained, punk rock and roll band, the only ones who could reinvent The Wheel. I can't wait for their new album.

Bob Garner

Twisted Wheel stole the sun & took it to the Underground, Stoke on Trent 15/10/10

2010-10-16T13:44:00.005+01:00

The atmosphere was electric last night, at the Undergound, Stoke. The place was totally packed, you couldn't have got another sardine in there!! The music was spot on, to get the crowd in the right mood, Small Faces, Happy Mondays, Oasis... you couldn't have asked for a better way to start an evening. Well before the band took to the stage there were huge chants of wwwwhhheeellll.

So let the mayhem commence... straight into 'Shes A Weapon', with the whole of Stoke present to sing along, it was obvious this was gonna be a gig to remember. With 'Racket' and 'Bad Candy' following in quick succesion. Plenty of news songs for the eager crowd tonight with another airing of 'Do It Again', & 'New Boy', 'UK Blues', and never played live before: 'Be There' & 'Reggae'.

Crowd surfers galore, beer and girls, it was an excellent night, Jonny thanked the crowd for being one of the best, and they truely were.

So the people of Stoke were totally impressed with the revamped Wheel, and showed their appreciation. With a special surprise for a young fan who chipped a tooth at the last outing - a chat with the band and a free t-shirt, it made her night. Twisted Wheel never forget their fans.

SET LIST

'Shes A Weapon'

'Racket'

'Bad Candy'

'Lucy The Castle'

'One night on the Street'

'Do it Again'

'Let Them have it All'

'Tell The World'

'Big Issue'

'New Boy'

'Better Man'

'We Ae Us'

'Reggae'

'Strife'

'UK Blues'

'You Stole The Sun'

'Oh What Have You Done'

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Earlier in the evening the band went along to BBC Stoke to play some exclusive acoustic tracks live on air, and an interview with Jonny talking about the new line up, new album, Oasis and getting the blame for a huge bar bill, X Factor amongst other things. Listen from 0.40 onwards xx

click HERE to listen

Elgin Festival gig reviews

2010-10-11T13:47:00.003+01:00

Elgin Festival gig reviews:

IT’S TIME TO TELL THE WORLD (the brakes are off Twisted Wheel)

Elgin Festival review by Robert Benson

It’s a brilliant bright blue September Saturday and the Twisted Wheel locomotive has driven 395 miles north of Oldham to the sublime heady heights of Elgin, Moray in Scotland. It will be the first of many gigs for the reinvented Wheel, with new bassist, Stephen Evans and not –quite-so-new drummer, Eoghan Clifford. Bands from the width and breadth of Scotland (including Dundee’s ‘Law City Soul’, Fife’s ‘Root System’, Glasgow’s ‘Figure 5’and Edinburgh’s ‘104s’) are scattered across the converted farm buildings, replacing pigs, sheep, cows, hens, horses, butter tubs, milking machines and tomato plants with more refined melodies if no better smells. Up on the hill, wooden wigwams house bands and festival-goers and a constant autumn barbecue. Twisted Wheel played Elgin last year – but in town – and it was their love of the crazy passion of the audience which brought them all the way back again this year.

10pm. Figure 5 with their Mexican-inflected fuselage and the 104s have been on and off. Eoghan has discovered his snare snapped in transit so is running around frantically with pieces of string. But by 11.55pm, they are cool, calm and collected. Somewhere. Although no one can find them.

Meanwhile, there’s a mini mayhem out front despite the late hour. The Loft crowd is a riotous knowledgeable, passionate mix of old and young, as many females as males and every one of them eager to see the new line up and hear the old songs. At last, a minute after midnight, the band enter stage.

The sixteen song strong set opens with ‘She’s a Weapon’ which has everyone up and at it but it’s the ravaging rage of new song ‘Do It Again’ which has them pogoing and yelping. This despite the fact that Stephen has discovered his bass is not working – as in wires-guitar relationship breakdown.

‘This is our new bassist, Stephen. It’s his first show and his bass isn’t working,’ announces Jonny. Stephen exits with dud bass while Jonny does an acoustic ‘Bang of The Beat’. The audience are mesmerised, no moans at bass situation. A kind supporting band member offers his bass, making his day and our night as Stephen returns, all plugged in and ready to go. Now the band have the pedal to the floor and roar through ‘Lucy The Castle’, One Night On The Streets’ (which gets a lot of cheers), ‘Let Them Have it All’, ‘Bad Candy’, ‘Racket’, ‘Strife’. ‘We Are Us’ and the irrepressible ‘You Stole The Sun’.

‘Tell The World’ is fresh to the giglist but welcomed as a stirring anthem with hands in the air and everyone seemingly knowing the chorus. Still, it’s new song ‘Poppy Love’ which is my favourite: a rabid romantic riot in the capsule of 50s rockabilly punk and a staccato chorus over which Brown’s vocals rip with unrelenting fierce vulnerability. Eoghan whips up the drums like unbridled monsters and the new dynamic bassist pulls out all the stops. Previously, the Wheel’s songs hinted at a crazy cosmos and imminent punk revolution but there was always a sense that someone was trying to drive at 90mph with the brakes on. Now the brakes are off, the cylinders full of fire and nothing’s clogging the throttle. At last, everything is working on the same energy and all-out craziness. Pure passion and the power of punk propel this intense threepiece and their uncompromising songs straight into the audience. If it’s pain, then they seem to like it. Girls and guys alike sing back the songs…despite the techno disco that’s opened upstairs.

By 1am, the even organiser is livid as police hover around the doors.

‘Curfew! You’ve got five minutes!’

There’s no time for ‘UK Blues’ tonight – just ‘Oh What Have You Done?’

And the bouncing bodies proclaim the answer: drive Twisted Wheel straight into the hearts of these distant bonny lands.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Twisted Wheel @ Elgin's Mad Ferret Festival by Joe Martin for www.thebeatsurrender.co.uk

Assembled, recharged and ready to roll; a fresh line up looks to have given Twisted Wheel an adrenaline fueled spin in the right direction. During the Dot to Dot festival in Nottingham, Bristol and of course Manchester, it was evident that the talented, enthusiastic drummer (Eoghan Clifford) was the right man for the job.
With a strong first performance under his belt, new bassist Steve Evans appears comfortable and ready to impress in his new role. Typically, Jonny struts his stuff with more energy than an Olympic swimmer on E.
It's imperative for a hard working, rock and roll band to keep their heads held high in all manner of situations, The Wheel are far from exempt from this. Whether they're taking on sixteen hour round trips to Elgin, working on new tracks or welcoming new members, they're constantly working and remain extremely optimistic about their potentially revolutionary future.
Elgin's Mad Ferret festival is quite possibly one of the most obscure events that I've attended. The festival is located on a farm a few miles from Elgin, surrounded by fields; abandoned tractors and strangely situated green houses. After assessing the situation, sitting in hammocks, setting up equipment and chatting to the locals, the lads headed back to the hotel for some hefty, Scottish scran.

Refreshed and ready to go, it was time to head back to the farm and headline the festival. Roaring on to stage with the typically fiery 'She's A Weapon', 'Racket' and 'Lucy the Castle', the boys got proceedings under way with a bang. Steve soon found comfort in his new surroundings; it's safe to say the band sounded tight, especially considering the short space of time they've had to get their songs polished off to perfection.

'One Night On The Street' sent pulses racing and 'We Are Us' was blasted out with more explosive, punk – energy than ever. The Wheel is indeed spinning folks, it's a certainty. The new track, 'Do It Again' offers a blend of raw, characteristic rock and roll that Twisted Wheel fans know and love. It definitely provided proof that their much anticipated, second album will be something to get your hands on. Despite not being played on the night, new tracks 'Turnaround' and 'Postman' are both sounding equally ace.

'Tell The Word' is a blistering, rock and roll anthem that was originally recorded in America, together with their debut album. Having being missed off the final track list, it was offered as a free download for thousands of fans to take advantage of. Following an impressive rendition of 'Let Them Have It All', 'Tell The World' sounded superb live. Boys and girls who've seen Wheel in action will be familiar with the infectious B-side 'Bang Of The Beat', Jonny's solo rendition to the people of Elgin was revelled in.

Elgin is a characteristic place, filled with a range of characteristic folk. During 'Bad Candy', one chap found his way backstage to make enquiries relating to whether Twisted Wheel were the last band on. I subsequently informed him that they were indeed the last band on, I was then met with the nifty sentence, “Good, because they're fuckin' brilliant”. This was followed by a short jig, before the fan returned to the gig. Top marks mate.

Next on the set list was the brand new song 'Poppy Love', which is shaping up to be a classic. Well knows anthems such as 'What's Your Name?' and 'You Stole The Sun' came before the catchy, electrifying new song, 'UK Blues'. The excitable Elgin boys and girls in attendance knew all the words to 'Strife' and were delighted to hear the puck classic, 'Oh What Have You Done', which brought the blazing, heart racing set to an end.

Rest assure folks, The Wheel is still rolling at an uncontrollable pace. Heads are high, there are a number of tasty gigs coming up, new songs are sounding mint and there's a new record on the horizon. There's definitely more than enough vigour, drive, enthusiasm and talent that will continue to turn heads.

Check out Twisted Wheel, ladies and gentlemen

Twisted Wheel rock the Kasbah ~ Coventry (09/10/10)

2010-10-10T17:01:00.001+01:00

Last night the good people of Coventry had a rare treat instore - to witness the remodeled Twisted Wheel, before they embark on the recording of their new album (to be released early next year). The band are only playing a handful of gigs before they lock themselves away in the studio, to bring you a feast of rock n roll at its freshest and its best - Wheel style!

The Kasbah had played host to the mayhem before, but last night, it was packed to the rafters, with everyone wanting a glimpse of rock n roll history, the first gig in England with the new line up. With the familiar chants of Wwwwwhhhheeeeellll - the band emerged onstage, and straight into 'Shes A Weapon'. From it's first chords, it was evident that the Wheel were an even more powerful, unstoppable rock n roll force, sounding tighter than ever. A re-worked 'Racket' followed with an extra verse that went down really well. More favourites followed - 'One Night on the Street, 'Lucy the Castle', 'Strife' amongst others, with a brand new song 'New Boy' (working title), and the brilliant 'UK Blues'.

The Wheel played for over an hour, they ran over their alloted time, but the crowd still wanted more. No one could deny that the night was a triumph. Long live the new Wheel!!

Jonny Brown talks to this is Staffodshire + win tickets to the Twisted Wheel gig @ the Underground, Stoke

2010-10-08T13:16:00.002+01:00

Popular Manchester band Twisted Wheel return to Stoke next week'

Lead singer Jonny Brown heads a new line-up and will be supported by local acts Faux Feet, Tequila Lips and Six Towns

Jonny Brown, the lead singer of Manchester punk band Twisted Wheel, has been through a tough time recently. His mum died this year and the band he had been at the helm of since early 2008 was starting to fall apart.
The 24-year-old admits it was a difficult period. But a few months ago, after two of the original band members left, Jonny asked drummer Eoghan Clifford and bass player Stephen Evans to join him and Twisted Wheel was reborn.
Together they have already played Ozzfest and the Dot To Dot festival.
And music fans will get the chance to see the reinvented trio, who are signed to Ignition Records, when they play at The Underground next week.
It is part of a warm-up tour before a headline series of dates early next year to promote a new album.
"Over the past few months the line-up has changed," says Jonny. "I've got two new members who are absolutely ace.
"Just as Steve (Evans) joined us, my mum went into hospital. She lived in Spain and passed away a few weeks ago.
"I was devastated. I spent four weeks away and just about managed to get the new line-up together but obviously, we couldn't rehearse.
"I emailed Steve and Eoghan and asked them to learn some songs while I was in Spain. When I got back, they were playing every song absolutely perfectly."
With the old band, Jonny toured with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Twisted Wheel was the main support for none other than Oasis and Paul Weller in recent times, as well as The Enemy and Kasabian among others.
Still, Jonny says he is more optimistic about the future than ever before.
"With the new line-up, we've got a new dimension to the sound," he says. "It's not been a nice time for me personally.
"We started out and toured the world so it's sad that it had to end but at the same time, what's happened has happened and I'm more positive than ever.
"The energy has doubled and people will be able to see that."

Twisted Wheel play The Underground, Stoke on Friday 15th October

get your tickets HERE

+++++

Win tickets to see Twisted Wheel at The Underground

The Sentinel has teamed up with promoters Invention & Shakedown to offer a pair of tickets to see Twisted Wheel on October 15 at The Underground. Just answer the question and submit your details before noon on October 13.

What is the name of the lead singer in Twisted Wheel?

click HERE to enter the comptition

Twisted Wheel @ KU Bar, Stockton 30/07/2010 gig review by Bob Garner

2010-08-09T22:07:00.001+01:00

Stockton Review by Bob Garner

July 30th. A friday night in Stockton-on-Tees at the K.U. Bar, home to tribute bands galore, although framed set lists from The View, The Enemy, Friendly Fires and other authentics line the wall. Still, touring rock bands are a rarity in this neck of the woods. It may have something to do with its distance from any major motorway but the fans are genuinely keen and appreciative. Five grown men come to the door thinking it's still a lapdance club but they're not too disappointed when they hear Twisted Wheel will be performing and probably not taking any of their clothes off. They part with their money, after asking me if it's going to be a good night.

There's probably a 60-40 male-female ratio which increases due to an incongruous dance night happening in the bar playing everything from Snoop Dogg to The Libertines.

Twisted Wheel have just arrived and genuine fans are in the bar and outside pestering Rick Lees and Jonny Brown for photos (new drummer Eoghan Clifford has yet to become familiar but isn't bothered by lack of attention). The lads willingly oblige most requests. Jonny, however,is invited to a premiere outside the gig. He gets very excited.

'Cool. Which Premier hotel is that?' thinking he's been invited to a Premier Lodge party. He is visibly disappointed to discover it's a red carpet film event. A good illustration of how Twisted Wheel are pure entertainment, as random and unpredictable as their songs.

They come on stage at 11.45pm with a feral yelp from Jonny. It's already hot but, within one hour, it becomes a Turkish bath. The band are keen to test out new songs they'll be recording over the next few months for their second album. These are real, ferocious and beautiful, losing none of the tight energy and structure from before but developing them into more expressive rock 'n' roll nuggets. Jaws dropped to the floor with the 50s style 'Poppy Love' and 'UK Blues'- about the effect of the loss of biting rock 'n' roll in the UK-was greeted like an old fave. Other songs such as 'Oh what have you done?' and 'You Stole The Sun' were sung back at them. New songs like the sombre 'Tell The World' and uptempo 'Do It Again' showed their increasing versatility.

This is a band who continually defy comparison and categorisation, making old songs sound even better and totally rejigging the rules of the game with their humorous swagger.

They also make a point in playing the smallest venues in the most forgotten about towns- but, after tonight in Stockton at least, neither town nor band will be 'forgotten about'.

Bio info:the Oldham trio cut their touring teeth, supporting Oasis, Kasabian, Paul Weller, The Enemy, The View, Pigeon Detectives, doing 246 tour dates last year in the UK alone, notwithstanding Japan but are about to go on a headline tour following the summer festivals featuring new and old material and showing their development and departure from expected 'indie rock'. By the response of the Stockton crowd, their courage will be well rewarded. The new face of a different punk is baring itself in the places that mattter.

Twisted Wheel main stage @ Y Not Festival, Derbyshire set review 31/07/2010

2010-08-01T16:20:00.014+01:00

Tucked miles away in the middle of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, music fans made their way to the annual Y Not Festival. With only cows for company, it was an excellent setting for this weekends shinanigans. Saturday being the undisputed best day's line up, sees Twisted Wheel storm the main stage at 8pm with the fans that had travelled miles chanting the familiar wwhhheeeeellll as the lads opened their set with 'Lucy The Castle', followed by 'Racket' and the magnifisent 'Shes A Weapon'.

The lads are on fire today, broken guitar strings (which nobody noticed), the bouncers getting heavy handed with the crowd down the front - with Jonny voicing his disapproval..........................................................................Newie 'Uk Blues' goes down a storm, with near riots in the crowd.........................................................................................If you didnt make it to Derbyshire, Y Not? Your next chance to see the lads is at the end of August, over the Isle Of Wight, supporting Paul Weller at his Summer Madness event at Carrisbrook Castle. Tickets availalbe HERE

Y Not Festival Set List

'Lucy The Castle'

'Racket'

'Shes A Weapon'

'We Are Us'

'UK Blues'

'You Stole The Sun'

'Oh What Have You Done'

'Strife'

Twisted Wheel interview & Live footage from the Square, Harlow 23/07/2010

2010-07-28T13:03:00.000+01:00

Twisted Wheel at The Playhouse, Grantham 24/07/2010 gig review

2010-07-25T17:12:00.002+01:00

Following hot on the heels of the gig in Harlow, Twisted Wheel headed back up north to the quaint town of Grantham, for their gig at the Playhouse - first band to ever play there!! A great venue, with its own wooden dance floor - excellent for all the scooter boys (and girls) who were eagerly waiting to see the lads that the modfather himself rate as his number one favourite band.

The temperature was rising even before the mighty Wheel graced the stage. With the opening chords to 'She's A Weapon' the crowd came to life and continued to dance through the night. The new songs, noteably, 'Velvet' went down a storm. Sweat was dripping from everyone, the crowd loving the fact that Twisted Wheel had chosen to bring their show to their home town - and no doubt, they will be back again!

........Set List

'She's A Weapon'

'Lucy The Castle'

'Racket'

'We Are Us'

'Velvet'

'Bad Candy'

'Tell The World'

'Let them have it All'

'UK Blues'

'Strife'

'Do It Again'

'You Stole The Sun'

'Oh What Have You Done'

Twisted Wheel @ The Square, Harlow 23/07/2010 gig review

2010-07-25T16:49:00.002+01:00

Another hot sunny day, and Twisted Wheel once again venture South, this time to A Town Called Malice, errr... sorry, I meant Harlow, in Essex.

With its rows of derelict flats, with cutains blowing in the breeze, it would have been a perfect backdrop for a certain 80s band video shoot.

But lets get bang up-to-date, no room for nostalgia here, the lads have come to The Square to put the sun back into the soul of Harlow - and indeed they do!

The crowd were looking forward to this, and they werent disappointed! The lads got the show off to a rip roaring start with 'Shes A Weapon', with 'Racket' and 'Bad Candy' back in the set this weekend.
We're treated to the new songs once more 'Velvet', 'UK Blues' and 'Do It Again' all going down brilliantly, with the magical 'Tell The World' thrown in for good measure.

With 'You Stole The Sun' and 'Oh What Have You Done' rounding off the night nicely, the heart of Harlow was smileing again.

Twisted Wheel showcase new songs @ Wimbledon Calling 18/07/2010

2010-07-21T07:20:00.006+01:00

Its a baking hot Sunday in Wimbledon and theres excitement in the air. Fans have travelled from far and wide to see the lads play their TWO eagerly awaited sets.

As their equipment gets set up theres chants of WWWHHHEELL from the crowd..... At last its time for them to play - straight into 'She's A Weapon' - and the crowd go mad.Its a new set, with new songs, the first newie 'Velvet' is amazing with a Who type feel to it. A big cheer goes up as the crowd recognise the first chords of (the free download track) 'Tell The World' which hasnt been played live for a long long time. With the 'Uk Blues' line of 'nothings like it used to be' its pretty topical, just like its echoes of a Jam style guitar sound. 'Do It Again', another newie is featured definately giving the crowd something to think about. The eagerly awaited second album from Twisted Wheel is gonna be a corker if these new songs are anything to go by.

SET LIST

'Shes A Weapon'

'Lucy The Castle'

'We Are Us'

'Velvet'

'Tell The World'

'Let them have it All'

'UK Blues'

'Do It Again'

'Oh What have you Done'

Its a short walk down The Broadway from Henry J Beans to the venue for their second set, The Watershed where they will be the main support to the fabulous View, but its a few hours before they are due to be on, so theres plenty of time for a few beers. As time goes by (Twisted Wheel werent due to go on stage until 10.45) it becomes apparent that something is amiss. As there had been venue difficulties, The View had decided that they would not go on at their alloted time, so Twisted Wheel's set had to be put back, which meant it was gone 1am before they were on stage (other bands were on AFTER them!!). Never the less, the lads played a brilliant set featuring some of their new songs, the crowd full appreciating it, with people on each other's shoulders and stage invasions.

Twisted Wheel set review @ T in the Park by theRealState.com

2010-07-21T07:12:00.000+01:00

The first act on Radio 1/NME stage on a sodden Saturday morning. It is banging, totally banging, it down. Yet the space is rapidly filled with yellows: the fluorescent army of 20 (to prevent the crowd surfers – a frequent occurrence at Twisted Wheel gigs) and the T in the Park waterproof poncho-wearers. One guy is happily doing forward rolls throughout the crowd.
There’s been a change of band members in the group with drummer Adam Clarke being replaced by Owen. Jonny Brown still fronts and Rick Lees is on the bass.
If there is any band capable of driving pure rock into the relentless greyness, it’s this one. By their second song, ‘We Are Us’, people are pogoing. Jonny, now with longer hair and optimistic shades, careers through ‘Lucy The Castle’, ‘Let Them Have it All’ and ‘You stole the sun’ – well, somebody certainly did as it is pelting buckets. The forward roller nonetheless is now upright and doing a delighted dance to ‘You Stole The Sun’. The ferocious ‘O, what have you done?’ hints at the latent punk revolution still coiled up in this tight unit. It requires a fierce kind of energy to open a big stage at a festival in a torrential downpour but this is what Twisted Wheel has more than enough of: a purified rage and vision not seen much of these days. Long may they bring the antidote to dismal times.

http://www.therealstate.co.uk/2/96/Music/Twisted_Wheel_-_T_in_the_Park_2010.html

Twisted Wheel feature in Salford Jets re-release video

2010-07-03T15:12:00.002+01:00

30 years ago, the Salford Jets released 'Who You Lookin At', its now been re-released with a spanking new video featuring Twisted Wheel (and a few other Manchester Celebrities).

click HERE to watch the new video

2010-06-24T11:19:00.000+01:00

Jonny Brown along with The Whip performing at the JD Manchester set

'What Do I Get'

Gigjunkie.net review of Twisted Wheel's gig for the Dot2Dot Festival - Manchester 31/05/2010 - Manchester Academy

2010-06-08T14:20:00.001+01:00

REVIEW: Dot to Dot Festival Manchester- Twisted Wheel

by Harry Moore 5. June 2010 13:31

After running about for several hours and trying to follow the smallest map in recorded history it was time to settle down in the main venue of this years Manchester Dot to Dot festival.

It was the turn of hometown heroes Twisted Wheel to delight the crowds and it seemed half of Manchester had turned up to see the ‘return of the wheel’. Before the most eagerly anticipated set of the whole festival the venue was packed, sound check had been completed and shouts of ’wheeeeeeeel’ echoed around the venue before the lights dropped and Twisted Wheel walked on to the biggest cheer of the night.

Before the three piece began to take the packed Manchester audience on a spectacular rock ’n’ roll rollercoaster the more observant fans would have noticed a young stranger stroll on stage with immediate ’Twisted Wheel confidence’. This so called stranger was new Twisted Wheel drummer Eoghan Clifford, and what he achieved in the 45 minute set is nothing short of sensational. He had a total of two days to learn a 45 minute set before stepping out in front of thousands of people and not only delivering each beat with the conviction and passion that the band are renowned for but he managed to take it up a notch. This wasn’t a case of just getting by his first gig with no mistakes for Eoghan; this was a case of setting a standard for all young drummers showing off not only his talent but his unbelievable nerve and confidence by delivering a drumming master class.

As the band began ‘Lucy The Castle’ it was almost like a cue 500 actors in the crowd had been waiting for as they all made their way to the front to engage in scenes not dissimilar to that of an action film. The passion and energy the fans show throughout the whole set is quite unbelievable and there is one boy of no more than 10 who we occasionally get a glance of as he is flung around by people twice his size. His Dad makes his way over to help but he just runs straight back in, arms aloft, singing every word.

When live music is played with the conviction, passion and energy it deserves there is no better experience or feeling in the world. Twisted Wheel manage to do this no matter where or when they might be playing, but as this in Manchester, in front of a packed venue, you feel this means much more to the band and especially Jonny. I’ve seen the band play several times over the last year but I’ve never seen lead singer Jonny put so much into a set and sing each note and line like it’s the last of the night. As front men go, he takes some beating.

Fan favourites ‘Strife’, ‘She’s a Weapon’ and ‘We Are Us’ raise the bar yet again and ‘Strife’ in particular leads to a mass sing-a-long that wouldn’t be out of place in a football stadium. Due to the sheer brilliance of their debut album they deliver tune after tune for the 45 minute set and it’s acoustic number ‘Bouncing Bomb’ that proves to be not only the highlight of the set, but the highlight of the festival.

As Jonny walks out onstage on his own with acoustic guitar in hand most people worked out what was about to happen, however, none of them could have expected just how epic and set defining the track would be. As he began to strum the opening chords there was a huge cheer that for a few seconds completely deafened the guitar and as the first line echoed around the venue it became very clear this was going to be special. Teenagers, adults and women alike all with their arms around each other and pint glasses raised began to sing along to every word which created the kind of atmosphere you rarely see, or hear, at a gig. It was sang with such passion and meaning behind it the crowd responded and it felt like they were trying to give it back to Jonny as a mark of respect.

As the set drew to a close ‘You Stole The Sun’ gave the crowd another ‘chance to dance’ and they were more than happy to oblige. It’s the song that, for a lot of people, got them into the band and certainly one of the stand out tracks live and to see it performed in such a brilliant venue in front of so many people seemed a special moment for the band. It also showed off Eoghan’s unbelievable drumming ability even more as he carried the song perfectly giving it even more passion and energy which I didn’t think was even possible.

As the band make their way off stage they applaud the crowd and more shouts of ’wheeeeeel’ fly around the room as the crowd show their respects for a simply brilliant live performance from Manchester’s finest as well as a memorable debut from drummer Eoghan Clifford.

9/10

Twisted Wheel @ Dot2Dot Festival - Manchester 31/05/2010 - Manchester Academy

2010-06-08T14:17:00.000+01:00

The third and final day of the Dot2Dot Festival and the lads play on home ground, Manchester Academy.

Twisted Wheel @ Dot2Dot Festival - Nottingham 30/05/2010 (Rescue Rooms)

2010-06-08T13:47:00.001+01:00

Day two of the Dot2Dot festival sees Twisted Wheel roll into Nottingham to play at one of their favourite venues - the Rescue Rooms.

Twisted Wheel @ Dot2Dot Festival - Bristol 29/05/2010 (venue: Fleece)

2010-06-05T14:16:00.000+01:00

After their magnificent set at Osfest (unduly cut sort due to health & safety reasons) earlier on in the day, Twisted Wheel ventured south, to Bristol, to take part in the three day event of Dot2Dot Festivals.

The venue was The Fleece, just off the city centre and already heaving with Wheel fans!

Even more crowd surfers and stage invasions than normal!!!

Twisted Wheel @ Osfest 2010, Oswestry 29/05/2010 - and the fans break the crowd barrier!

2010-06-02T22:31:00.001+01:00

A rainy day in North Shropshire sees the Twisted Wheel bus head towards their first festival of the Summer season in Oswestry - Osfest 2010. A new festival on the curcit.

Starting the set with the crowd favourite 'Shes A Weapon', followed by 'Lucy The Castle' it was soon apparent that Twisted Wheel had a new found energy which the audience picked up on and pretty soon, security had to make emergency measures as the crowd barrier had become under a lot of pressure from the fans enjoying themselves. The pace continued with 'Racket', 'Bad Candy' and 'Big Issue'.

Slowing the pace down (and giving the over worked security guys a break) Jonny wore on a fan's pair of shades to sing 'Bouncing Bomb'. But the lull in the pressure on the crowd barrier was short lived, with the full pelt 'You Stole The Sun' the crowd had become uncontrolable and as the lads started 'Oh What Have You Done' the festival organisers pulled the plug on the set due to health and safety reasons!

A brilliant set by Twisted Wheel had been cut short, the organisers refused to let the band back on stage due to the broken barrier. So.. watch out T in the Park & Y Not Festival - you have been warned!!

Jonny Brown @ the JD Set Manchester, with Mike Joyce from The Smiths (amongst others!)

2010-05-28T17:12:00.011+01:00

The Jack Daniels experience rolled into Manchester last night, with another legendary Set, this time a collaboration of Manchester's finest musicians, with Jonny Brown of Twisted Wheel being one of them (naturally!) coming together to re-work the epic Buzzcocks album 'Spiral Scratch'. With razor sharpe guitars and pure pop lyrics, it was set to be one hell of an evening.

Tickets were in limited supply as they were only issued to competition winners and invited guests.

(Jonny joining forces with Answering Machine for 'Promises')

As well as Jonny, the musicians included Mike Joyce of the Smiths, Tim Burgess of The Charletans, The Whip, Answering Machine and Dutch Uncles who had all been working hard and rehearsing together weeks prior to the event at Manchester's BluePrint Studios.

The venue for last nights public airing was Band On The Wall in Manchester. With a free glass of jack Daniels upon entering, the place was full of excited guests. Joining forces with Answering machine Jonny gave a fantastic performance of 'Promises', singing every line with a new found passion, the audience were full of admiration for the Wheel's lead singer.

(Jonny Joining forces with The Whip and Mike Joyce of The Smiths for their re-working of the classics 'Orgasm Addict' and 'What Do I Get')

After The Whip and Mike Joyce gave their own unique touch to 'Ever Fallen In Love', Jonny joined forces once more to give a blistering performance of 'Orgasm Addict', which got the crowd moving, with cries of wwwwhhheeeeelllll adding to the electric atmosphere. 'What Do I Get' (my own personal favourite) followed suit with Jonny getting the biggest cheer of the night for his part in this historic event.

With gift bags and free t shirts in hand, the crowd wound their way out into the night, with the thought that they had just witnessed Manchester's brightest up coming star - Jonny Brown of Twisted Wheel!!!

for videos, reviews and interviews click HERE

Twisted Wheel @ the 12 Bar, Swindon 21/05/2010

2010-05-21T07:26:00.010+01:00

Twisted Wheel's Jonny Brown performing 'Orgasm Addict' live at Manchester's Blueprint studios

2010-05-15T14:49:00.016+01:00

watch the video HERE

" Jonny Brown from Twisted Wheel has such a powerful drive that the tracks we did with him were agressive and that worked perfectly " - Mike Joyce (The Smiths)

Leeds Music Scene review of Twisted Wheel at Live @ Leeds Festival 01/05/2010

2010-05-10T14:14:00.000+01:00

Twisted Wheel (The Wardrobe): I pop into The Wardrobe, which is over the road from Leeds College of Music, to check a few songs by Twisted Wheel. Having seen them support Oasis two years ago they seem to have progressed a lot and are very popular now making the crowd move with every song. I am very happy with their performance. I think they have had the general criticism due to where they are from, but although they fit the lad rock persona, due to their affiliation with Oasis, they are a breath of fresh air from The Strokes/Arctic Monkeys wannabes.

By Anthony Lee
http://www.leedsmusicscene.net/article/12764/

Twisted Wheel @ Live at Leeds Festival 01/05/2010 photos

2010-05-07T11:15:00.002+01:00

2010-05-06T23:19:00.031+01:00

If you missed Jonny on TV, heres a few shots from the filming of the JD set rehearsals in Manchester's Blueprint Studios, singing 'What Do I Get' and 'Promises'

From Dusk2Dawn interview with Twisted Wheel

2010-05-06T11:23:00.003+01:00

gigjunkie.net review Twisted Wheel at Live @ Leeds 2010 01/05/2010

2010-05-05T21:19:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel- The Wardrobe- 8pm

The band took to the stage just after 8pm to what was quite simply the biggest cheer of the night. When we arrived at the venue it wasn’t busy at all but within ten minutes and with the ever growing amount of ‘wheeeeeeeel’ shouts it was completely packed. Walking onto the stage with the swagger and confidence that we have come to expect of the Oldham three piece they flew straight into the brilliant ‘Lucy and The Castle’ sending the crowd into some sort of musical frenzy. Johnny’s voice sounds as strong and powerful as ever and as the song comes to an end you feel as if you have just watched the whole set.

With little being said in between songs power through the set leaving the crowd no time to catch their breath. ‘We Are Us’ gets a similar reaction and you can see a slight smile creep on to Johnny’s face as the crowd raise the bar and can be well heard despite the best efforts of the band.

This isn’t what tonight is about though, tonight is about the band playing new material that is previously unheard to the majority of the crowd. Playing new songs to a crowd is considered one of the hardest things to do when playing live; not for these boys. The few songs that were played tonight incorporate the same energy, passion and vocal power as the older songs, but what really set them apart is an obvious growth of maturity amongst the band in terms of song writing. The way they set up the songs and allow the song to build up and launch into powerful catchy choruses is a real sign of progress. Judging on tonight’s evidence, this second album has all the makings of being something special, watch this space.
http://www.gigjunkie.net/blog/post/2010/05/05/REVIEW-Live-At-Leeds-Festival-1510-Twisted-Wheel.aspx

Twisted Wheel @ the Brickyard, Carlisle 30/04/2010

2010-05-02T18:44:00.001+01:00

Its been a good few months since Twisted Wheel last visited The Brickyard in Carlisle... Infact its been almost a year - in which so much has happened, including touring with Oasis and Paul Weller (x2), is it any wonder that THIS time in Carlisle, the place would be packed.

As the tour bus ground to a halt outside the Brickyard venue, there was already a gaggle of excited young Twisted Wheel fans ready to greet their heros, who were delighted to hear that the band had invited them in to watch their soundcheck.
young fans watching the soundcheck

Carlisle was not to be disappointed. A rip roaring flawless set ensued, featuring old and new tracks alike. All seamlessly put together with frontman Jonny's enigmatic character. The audience loving every second, including the new tracks 'Turnaround' and 'UK Blues'.

Twisted Wheel's Joe Division review - Twisted Nights and Days

2010-04-26T13:55:00.004+01:00

It's interesting to see how the NME’s elitist, dismissive review of Wheel’s debut album has affected their overwhelmingly successful tour. It’s interesting because it has undoubtedly had very little effect at all, the fact that thousands of people have repeatedly been to see the band for themselves, also speaks volumes for their fanatic support.

This will read more as a simple tale of two, successive, richly satisfying, rock and roll filled nights watching Twisted Wheel. You’re likely to be able to relate to this if you’ve been to one of their gigs; if you haven’t then you may wish to catch them before they knuckle down on their second album
. Having previously seen them in Manchester, Leeds and Wigan I was preparing to be enriched for the fourth time. Obsessed? I think not, I’m merely a music fan, brought up on punk rock who’s looking for an outlet. It doesn’t help when you’re situated in the sticks, surrounded by sheep, fields and young farmers. In the words of Joe Strummer, "I'm only looking for fun".

love going to the match, but it’s either paying thirty notes to have commercialism pushed in your face whilst being told to sit down and being filmed by the police, or seven quid to jump around and have a laugh whilst some brilliant tunes are blasted out.
On the bright side, Blackburn was under an hour away in the car. The Lancashire town’s Live Lounge was preparing to host Monday’s Arms, New York Tourists and of course Twisted Wheel. The venue itself can be described as a large, characteristic shoe box, offering little room for movement which only adds to the decent atmosphere that surrounds the place. Littered with images of Ian Curtis, The Cure and Noel Gallagher, I was somewhat in my element. Plenty of Red Stripe was slurped as we nodded our heads to the support bands in acknowledgement.

As I was expecting, Oldham’s rock and roll trio burst out of the traps with ‘She’s a Weapon’. Although I’ve been blasting it out on vinyl, you can’t emulate the euphoric buzz you’re hit with when the Wheel play live. In a word, mint. Apart from an amusing moment where the main man, equipment sorting - Vegas forgot to plug the lead in a guitar before enquiring whether it sounded ok, the set was flawless. I was elated to hear ‘Smash it Up’ live, it’s one of the list of great tracks that didn’t make the album. As usual the atmosphere remained exhilarating as Blackburn lapped up everything Twisted Wheel had to offer.
Akin to a sketch from The Inbetweeners, my lanky mate and I managed to get horrendously lost on the way home. Despite having sod all sleep, I awoke with the sudden urge make the trip to Liverpool for their gig at the O2 Academy . Why not eh? The sun was shining, my ears were ringing, my head was banging and I was overflowing with excitement again.

Akin to a football ‘awayday’ we met up with a pocket full of Wheel fans we’d met merely by attending gigs. Just to summarise, not only is the band a class act but they’re bringing people together. Sworn enemies are likely to unite in the name of Twisted Wheel, probably.

As the sun set in Liverpool, Jonny Brown strolled from the curry house to the public house we were situated in. When he wasn’t posing for an endless stream of Facebook pictures, he was doing his best to answer the questions flying his way
The Wheel burst on stage with as much energy as a bullet, which subsequently hits you, wakes you up and causes to dance around like you’ve won the lottery. They powered through the set, truly bringing the venue to life. Despite Jonny snapping a string, they rock and rolled through it regardless, causing pure elation amongst the crowd.

A sing along to ‘Bouncing Bomb’ offered a chance to momentarily relax, before the chaos was resumed with the biting riff that Bad Candy possessed. Their snarling punk-rock is certainly infectious, to say the least.

As I write, there are only a handful of dates left in Twisted Wheel’s tour. I’ll be there and if you’ve got any initiative, you’ll be joining me. Keep on keeping it Wheel squires.

http://joe-division.blogspot.com/2010/04/twisted-days-and-nights.html

Twisted Wheel @ Inside Out, Darlington 23/04/2010

2010-04-25T12:42:00.007+01:00

With only a few dates left of their headline tour remaining, Twisted Wheel decended upon the unsuspecting town of Darlington, for a late night slot at Inside Out (quite a unique venue in its own right, with living room furniture being the norm, and not forgetting the washing machine for good measure). It had been some time since the lads had played in the town, so were looking forward to giving their infectious rock n roll another airing.

Apparently, Darlington is very quiet on a Friday night - what a myth that turned out to be!

With the crowd buzzing with excitement, it was well past midnight when the lads took to the stage, with 'Shes A Weapon' starting the proceedings. 'Lucy The Castle' followed by 'Racket' bought the crowd to a frenzy, with the barrier falling over and the girls getting squashed at the front .

'Bad Candy', 'Let Them Have It All' and 'One Night on the Street' kept the pace up, with the crowd now trying to steal the barrier from the overworked bouncers, much to the amusement of the band!

'You Stole The Sun' caused a near riot, with a bent crowd barrier and monitors falling over and bass pedals tipping off the stage.

With 'Strife', 'Oh What Have You Done' and 'We Are Us' following in quick sucession, it was a fare bet that this gig was going down in history, as Darlington's most notorious night of rock n roll mayhem! With fans travelling from far and wide for this gig (London, Newcastle etc), this surely shows the unconditional love they have for this band, and why Twisted Wheel are destined for far greater things!

If you're reading this, and thinking ''flipping heck, what have I missed'', well what are you waiting for? There are only a few dates left of their headline tour and a few festival slots this summer, then the lads will be locked away in the studio working hard on their next release, so there won't be many more chances to catch them live this year.... Don't be a fool - get some new soul in your trainers, have a ball!!!!

jane xx

catch Twisted Wheel at :

Brickyard, Carlisle : 30/04/2010

Wardrobe, Leeds Live Festival : 1/05/2010

12 Bar, Swindon : 20/05/2010

the Square, Harlow : 22/05/2010

OsFest, Oswestry : 29/05/2010

Dot2Dot Festival, Bristol : 29/05/2010

Dot2Dot Festival, Nottingham : 30/05/2010

Dot2Dot Festival, Manchester : 31/05/2010

Arena, Middlesborough : 4/06/2010

click HERE for all tickets

Twisted Wheel @ Che Bar, Barnsley 22/04/2010

2010-04-25T12:11:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel to play Y Not Festival 2010 (Derbyshire)

2010-04-21T01:08:00.000+01:00

Twisted Wheel have been confirmed to play at this year's Y Not Festival

click HERE for tickets

30th July - 1st August 2010

The festival is situated in the Peak District National Park : Y-Not Festival, Mouldridge lane, Pikehall, Nr. Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2PH

Twisted Wheel @ the Town Mill, Mansfield 17/04/2010

2010-04-20T22:56:00.000+01:00

Northern Scot.co.uk - Twisted Wheel on a roll for Moray fans

2010-04-20T22:33:00.002+01:00

THEY once wowed a crowd of 40,000 at an Oasis gig, but when indie rockers Twisted Wheel played to a few dozen “supercool” Moray music fans last week, they were more than happy to ‘roll with it’.

Singer and guitarist Jonny Brown admitted that he was stunned to hear revellers in Elgin’s Flanagans Bar chanting along to many of the band’s punk-inspired anthems during their first-ever visit to the North of Scotland. “We came to Elgin thinking, ‘Does anyone know us up here?” said Jonny, “but when we got on stage, it was like the whole crowd was singing every word to every song. We didn’t expect that.”

Twisted Wheel have supported the likes of Oasis, Paul Weller and The Enemy, but despite their growing reputation on the British music scene, they like nothing better than having a blast at tiny venues like Flanagans.

Being within touching distance of a pogo-ing, beer-spraying mass of fans in the Elgin venue was right up 22-year-old Brown’s street, even if one fan did get a bit too close for comfort.
“I don’t think it could have gone any better. The crowd were supercool,” he said.
“There were no barriers at the front, so some kid fell over on my pedal board and knocked all the wires out after about three songs.“It was a bit annoying when you spend several hundred pounds on one of these pedals and then it is wrecked. But I want people to go mad at a gig rather than just stand there, and that’s what you get in smaller places like this, which is great.”

The ‘Wheel’ got in motion with the frantic, ‘She’s A Weapon’, a stand-out from their eponymous debut album. Next up were the raucous, rock n’ roll riffs of ‘Lucy the Castle’, who according to Brown’s vocal is “gonna blow your mind” – much like the effect the song had on the front rows of the crowd.
After ripping through three more numbers, including the Arctic Monkeys-style ‘Bang of the Beat’, Jonny announced that it was time for some new material from the forthcoming second album, due out later this year. One of the tracks, ‘Turnaround’, boasts a rousing Oasis-like chorus which could make it a hit single.

“Whee-ul, whee-ul,” was the chant as Rick Lees’ throbbing bass and Adam Clarke’s relentless drums took on ‘Let them Have It All’, with a screaming solo from Brown thrown in for good measure.

Twisted Wheel’s trademark number, the booze-soaked ‘You Stole The Sun’. was the highlight of the night, creating a grunge pit of sweaty bodies all chanting, leaping and clapping while struggling to hold onto their bottles of lager.
The chanting continued into the opening line of ‘Strife’, and the set finished with the rip-roaring singles, ‘We Are Us’ and ‘Oh What Have You Done’ – the latter in the style of Stiff Little Fingers, and perhaps directed by Brown at the fan who destroyed his pedal board.

“I have never known about bands coming this far north,” he said after the 50-minute performance. “We have just come from Bathgate and Stirling, which were great, but this was the best so far.”

The Wheel may be starting a revolution on the British indie scene, selling out large venues down south, but they are keen to continue playing smaller venues as a reminder of how it all started for them in and around the Manchester area three years ago.
And the good news for their Moray fans is that Brown is keen for the band to come back to the area one day.“I would definitely come up here again. The people are friendly, and the hospitality is great. It’s a long way up, but the countryside is great, and it’s a real eye-opener for us.”

Twisted Wheel are the latest big catch reeled in by Moray music promoter Scott Divers (Mad Ferret), who said he was thrilled by the response from fans to another big night.“I thought it was by far the best gig to date,” said Scott, whose next major attraction will be Dundee-based The Law at Flanagans on May 1.

Twisted Wheel @ The Venue, Derby 16/04/2010

2010-04-20T22:25:00.000+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ The Joiners, Southampton 15/04/2010

2010-04-20T07:52:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Severn Warehouse, Shrewsbury 09/04/2010

2010-04-19T22:36:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Guildhall, Gloucester 08/04/2010

2010-04-19T16:41:00.001+01:00

Guestlist Music gig review of Liverpool Academy 03/04/2010

2010-04-08T10:16:00.001+01:00

Twisted Wheel, 3rd April 2010, Liverpool O2

The band described by Liam Gallagher of Oasis fame as “a breath of fresh air” are playing to a packed crowd at the O2 Academy on their headline tour.

The crowd, a mixture of indie kids, hard rockers and old timers, are obviously eager to see Twisted Wheel, chanting their name incessantly and throwing the obligatory pint of lager around and quite rightly so. From the outset "the wheel” play a fast and furious set. Lead singer Johnny Brown has the energy and intensity of someone on a mission and you can see why. The heady mix of punk, indie with heavy bass lines and riotous guitar riffs has the crowd squeezing themselves against the barrier.

I, at one point, likened it to imagining how people reacted when they first saw the Sex Pistols play. The band's obvious influence to punk and, at times, The Jam can clearly be heard throughout the set. There doesn’t seem to be any let up as Johnny goes from one song into another, showing how exhausting his guitar playing style is by the amount of sweat dripping from him and his gravel edged voice enticing the audience into frenzy. Even, at one point, snapping a guitar string doesn’t stop him thrashing out unrelentingly especially through songs like Dirty Rock and Roller which has the INSTANT HIT tag plastered all over it.

This band is one to watch. They have the edge that has been lacking for a few years in music and the confidence and musical ability and tunes to definitely make me want to see them again. I defy anyone going to see Twisted Wheel not to leave exhausted, exhilarated, uplifted and not to mention a hot sweaty mess.

http://www.guestlistmusic.com/

Twisted Wheel @ The Priory, Doncaster 04/04/2010

2010-04-05T15:36:00.005+01:00

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Twisted Wheel @ The Academy, Liverpool 03/04/2010

2010-04-04T17:07:00.002+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Live Lounge, Blackburn 02/04/2010

2010-04-04T16:52:00.002+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Harley's, Bathgate 28/03/2010

2010-03-30T10:54:00.002+01:00

Twisted Wheel @ Flanagan's, Elgin 27/03/2010

2010-03-28T18:42:00.002+01:00

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Twisted Wheel @ Fubar, Stirling 26/03/2010

2010-03-28T18:23:00.002+01:00

Music Cafe, Leicester 20/03/2010 gig review by thejitty.com

2010-03-25T10:25:00.001Z

With the recent closing of legendary venue “The Charlotte”, Leicester’s appeal as a stop-off on bands’ traditional tour circuit, if it wasn’t terrible before, is in danger of waning entirely. So it comes as a pleasant surprise then to see established acts such as Oldham trio Twisted Wheel (fresh from a whirl-wind 12 months that’s seen them supporting the likes of Oasis and Weller) choosing to play “The Music Café”.

Support act The Chairmen, another pseudo-successful Leicestershire export , playing a well executed set of fan-favourites including “Twenty-Twenty Vision”,as well as newer material. Although well-received by the largely student-dominated crowd of pint-nursing twenty-somethings, the cow-bell waving fivesome were eventually forced to leave the stage after a disagreement between front-man Jonny Gavin and a few less than complimentary crowd-members, who seemed to have a problem (and with good reason!) with Gavin’s sense of humour. Because karate –kicking a spectator, consequently causing him to spill an entire pint, is by NO stretch of the imagination a good idea.
But half the time, nobody really goes to gigs for the support acts, and this of course was evident in that by the time Twisted Wheel took to the stage, the crowd had tripled in size. Front-man Johnny Brown’s calculated mixture of down-to-earth-northerness and Gallagher-esque swagger had all eyes captivated, as the band who are fast becoming one at the forefront of punk rock ‘n’ roll stormed through a set of classics including “She’s a Weapon”, “Oh What Have You Done”, “Bad Candy”, new single “We are Us” and Brown’s closing number, a beautifully raw acoustic rendition of “Bouncing Bomb”. Oozing energy and gritty, sweaty passion, Twisted Wheel succeeded in sending the beer-fuelled crowd wild, with eventual scuffles between security (who attempted to push the barrier back further, an action in total vain considering the quickness and force of the crowd in pushing it right back again, with some fans going so far as to grab the mic, invade the stage, and cause general chaos) and a crowd who simply wanted to get closer to the band that they’d paid a whole £7 to see.
If I’ve realised one thing, it’s that Leicester’s lack of decent gigs means that when a good’un does come along, the crowd goes crazy. And this was no different. What’s sad is that grotty, cramped, have-a-conversation-with-the-randomer-next-to-you gigs are a dying breed, and when security goes all out to restore order, the whole essence of live music is lost. Even so, a highly commendable performance by the band, and having now seen them twice (the first time being as Paul Weller’s support act last summer), I feel well qualified to say that they really are one of the best live acts around. Let’s hope our paths cross during festival season.

http://www.thejitty.com/articles/twistedwheelleicester

Twisted Wheel @ the Music Cafe, Leicester 20/03/2010

2010-03-23T07:02:00.003Z

Photos from The Lamp, Hull 19/03/2010

2010-03-21T19:58:00.024Z

Photos produced with kind permission from Poz Tidswell

GYH Promotions gig review of Twisted Wheel @ The Brumby, Scunthorpe, 12/03/2010

2010-03-18T02:50:00.004Z

Twisted Wheel and The Brumby - made for each other...

Last Friday night was one of surrealness in Scunthorpe, with one of the country's top up and coming indie bands, Twisted Wheel, rolling into town to play at The Brumby. The level of expectation was such, that the place was almost packed to the rafters for support band The Dropdeads as they tore through, what was, a tight, edgy and energetic set. Leadsinger, Dan Imal, certainly looks and sounds like he knows whatis required of a front man. They certainly set the benchmark high for Twisted Wheel. There are greater things ahead for these boys...

Then, 30 cigarette and alcohol filled minutes later, Twisted Wheel took to the stage in their accustomed unassuming style - these young men are young men of the people - no heirs and graces here. After not long onstage though Lead singer, Jonny Brown, became the exemplary showman.Twisted Wheel certainly knew what the crowd wanted and delivered. They were value for money. With sweat dripping from his face Jonny Brown rocked and rolled through the Twisted Wheel set at about a million miles an hour.
Wheel favourites such as 'Lucy The Castle' and 'You Stole the Sun' were belted out with complete disregard for the fans sweat levels. Jonny Browns fragileness was nicely counterbalanced by the re-assuring sight of cool calm and collected bass player, Rick Lees and level headed sticks man, Adam Clarke.

There are comparisons to be made here, tonight - with another British power pop trio 30 years earlier - I think you will all know who I mean! That's the level of intensity that Jonny Brown showed - maybe he will take the mantle of 'Modfather' in 30 years time.

Comparisons with bands of the late seventies / early eighties, that went on to become an integral part of British folklore, can't be ignored if the Twisted Wheel fans at this gig were anything to go by - all were here tonight. 20 year old first time rounders mixing comfortably with 50 year old third time rounders. That's the appeal of this band - they appeal to so many. They take the 90's Manchester sound on a notch while all the time giving anod and a wink to the punk/new wave sound of the late seventies.

If Twisted Wheel carry on working as hard and as clever as they are, it won't be long before they become part of the British psyche - and join the list of those hallowed bands who, wherever they are in the world,will always carry a piece of Britain with them.

And Scunthorpe Wheel fans were certainly lucky on Friday, as lead singer Jonny Brown was struck down with a throat infection the next day - leading to the cancellation of their Saturday night gig in Swindon.

http://gyhpromotions.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/3169057-review-of-twisted-wheel-the-brumby-

Guestlist.com review of FAC251, The Factory gig 26/02/2010

2010-03-11T15:26:00.001Z

Tonight, was all about Twisted Wheel. Playing the gig they were made for, they were on fire; a Manchester band, playing in a venue that is a tribute to the greatest Manchester label ever, full to bursting of mancunians all ready to party.

From the very first chord to last, every word was sung from the crowd, and every beat danced to. Remember the gigs back in the day? When no-one was violent enough to start a mosh pit, and you had to wait ages for the gig to start, and the next band to come on? This had all the hallmarks of a proper gig: beer being split, conversations started purely by someones T-shirt (my Joy Division shirt), a poorly conceived exit system, and even a causal invitation for a fight (he asked me, if you wondering).
Twisted Wheel were perfect tonight; spurred on by a rabid fan base, and Mancunian pride, there was no way this was going to end badly. With the endless jumping around from those down the front, to the singular crowd surfer through You Stole The Sun and the incessant chanting of their name between songs, it's not hard to see how they sold out the newly re-opened FAC251. Makes you proud to be a Manc.

Words: Daniel Winters

view Guestlistmusic.com HERE

Joe Division review of Twisted Whee'sl gig @ Indiependence, Wigan 05/03/2010

2010-03-09T04:33:00.001Z

Twisted Wheel - Wigan Indiependance Nightclub, 05/03/2010

It was inevitable that I would succumb to writing a second

instalment of Twisted Wheel’s sell out tour, Wigan was tonight

home to Oldham’s desirable, dirty rock and rollers. The Wheel

have been enriching towns and cities across the country with

their urbane, carefree, rock and roll persona. They already have

a strong back catalogue of impressive tracks that cut enough

swagger to put any generic, dull, lifeless chart-topper firmly

in the corner, wallowing in their own self indulgence.

As a band, including management and security, they go about

things in a very respectable way. Their feet remain firmly on the

ground, yet their enthusiasm, drive and ambition is certainly

commendable.

The Indiependance Nightclub genuinely has a lot to offer, the performing area itself has an eerie, vintage feel to it and creates a decent atmosphere. I wandered about a bit, gaining a feel for the venue and the Wiganers that had turned out for the gig. There was a good bunch of people there, all of which had plenty to say about the increasingly popular band.

Twisted Wheel have been cast aside too many times as ‘another lad rock group’, ironically there were a great amount of suave-looking girls in attendance who were revelling in the moment. The Wheel are truly far more than a ‘lad rock’ band, whatever that sentiment insinuates. They blend indie - rock and roll anthems with classic, raw punk rock, reminiscent of Stiff Little Fingers, The Clash, Angelic Upstarts and Sex Pistols, all of which I was brought up listening to. Twisted Wheel’s similar attitude seems to have lured me in. However, they’re all extremely talented musicians with a lot to offer, which cannot be said for every punk band that took over Britain in 1977.
I snuck down the fire exit merely to relieve myself; within seconds I was met with the view of the approaching band members. I was comically forced to race back up the fire exit, before situating myself at the front. Jonny Brown, Rick Lees and Adam Clarke strolled elegantly through the crowd and launched almost instantly into ‘She’s a Weapon’. Passionate vibes surrounded the place as the crowd began to lose themselves, their mates and the drink they were holding in a sweaty cauldron of rock and roll. The fact that Twisted Wheel have showed up in many places akin to Wigan, only to be met by hundreds of rapturous fans speaks for itself. ‘Lucy the Castle’ ensured that the lads had now firmly stated their case in the Indiependance Nightclub. And with their new track ‘Postman’ sounding equally promising, the hordes of admiring Wiganers jumped around in a similar fashion to when the first pie shop opened in their typically Northern town. Despite neither of them being chosen for their debut album; ‘Racket’ and ‘Big Issue’ are both ace, punk rock tracks and went down exceptionally well on the night. I have now acquired both of these on vinyl, to say that they sound ‘outstanding’ on my old man’s record player would be an understatement.
By the time Twisted Wheel had powered through their set list to ‘You Stole the Sun’, I had now been hugged by countless strangers, male and female, all of which were evidently having the time of their lives. This is something you can rely on if you see the Oldham three piece. I’m not going to lie, when they played their final song ‘Oh What Have You Done’, I became somewhat of a loose cannon. I refrained from shouting the cliché of ‘punk’s not dead’, but I felt a similar, revolutionary vibe inside of me. As the crowd went utterly berserk, a number of bouncers began attempting to push the odd punter back from the stage. This merely intensified the delightfully, disorderly situation. It was indeed another decent gig from Twisted Wheel which seemed to blow away another town’s rock and roll population, keep it wheel boys and girls.

Connect with Joe Division HERE

Twisted Wheel @ The Tivoli, Buckley 06/03/2010

2010-03-07T13:49:00.015Z

Twisted Wheel hit the small town of Buckley, bringing the next installment of their rock n roll mayhem to the historic Tivoli. Previous bands that have played at the Tiv are Motorhead, Guns n Roses (yes really!!) and the mighty Oasis. Buckley hasn't had such excitement for a long time, so with the Wheel playing, the whole town turned up to witness another epic set by the lads.

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Twisted Wheel @ Indiependence Nightclub, Wigan 05/03/2010

2010-03-06T11:46:00.010Z

Another sell out date on the Twisted Wheel tour... with virtually the whole of Wigan turning out to watch the lads, special note here for future reference to anyone thinking they're just a beer swilling lads band - think again - well over half tonight's audience were female - you rock girls!!!

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Twisted Wheel to play Dot-to-Dot Festival 2010 Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester

2010-03-06T03:14:00.014Z

Twisted Wheel are to play the Dot-to-Dot Festival 2010
29/30/31 May 2010
Bristol~Nottingham~Manchester
Buy tickets HERE

Bristol tickets £25

Nottingham tickets £25

Venues will include Academy 1, 2, 3 and Club Academy as well as The Deaf Institute and FAC251.
A limited amount of tickets are onsale for Dot to Dot Manchester at the early bird price of £20.

Buy tickets HERE

more photos from FAC251 The Factory, Manchester 26/02/2010

2010-03-05T07:02:00.009Z

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all photos by India Greenhalgh http://www.flickr.com/photos/indiagreenhalgh/

Twisted Wheel @ Off Shore, Newcastle 03/03/2010

2010-03-04T17:33:00.011Z

Viva Leeds Magazine March issue: Twisted Wheel Smash It Up in Leeds

2010-03-04T16:28:00.000Z

What to say about Twisted Wheel? For a relatively discrete bunch, you know that when a band has its own chant, things are going to be, well...impassioned. Needless to say when a large contingent of die hard fans arrive in previously purchase merchandise, shouts of 'Wheeel, Whheeell' are soon reverberating round the pint glasses now littering the floor of the Brudenell Social Club.
Emerging from behind a stack of beer crates, Jonny Brown, Rick Lees and Adam Clarke arrive to what only can be described as the calmest moment of the evening.

Launching into what for many will have been their first taste of 'The Wheel' , "Lucy The Castle" has the crowd going absolutely wild. Pints are thrown enthusuastically and within just a few songs the trend for the evening is set: joining the band on stage. With Brown snarling along to 'Whats Your Name' and 'Bouncing Bomb' to raucous approval, it is apparent that there is a deep set affection for the three blokes on stage, who are by this point, soaking. So in all this madness, what better way to show your feelings for a band you care for by strolling on stage and kissing the lead singer? Indeed by this point it is no longer worth adding things to the list of frenzied goings on. Whilst signing off with 'Oh What Have You Done' it is apparent that something is going on here; something with the power to turn people into instinctive (albeit loyal) animals and a Saturday night into a riot!

http://www.myvivaonline.co.uk/VIVA_MAGAZINES.html

City Life.co.uk gig review FAC251 - The Factory 26/02/2010

2010-03-01T19:33:00.007Z

Derided and doted on in equal measure, Twisted Wheel are perhaps the most divisive Greater Manchester band for some time.

The Oldham three piece’s eponymous debut garnered a mixed reception, but they will hardly care when the disciples turn up in such raucous fashion as they did at the newly opened Fac251.

Currently working on their second album, due this year, the most hard working of bands are embarking on another mammoth tour, road-testing new material.

Battling problems with the sound (turn it up, Hooky!), the gig has the feel of an event and though the testosterone fuelled atmosphere borders on the aggressive, the fans lap up what they have come to expect, a night-on-the-tiles rock ‘n’ roll.

And that is exactly what they get. Their everyman appeal is such that their derivative sound (60’s rock through the funnel of 70’s punk) matters not, as the songs’ slightly clumsy clichés are bellowed back with zest.

What Twisted Wheel lack in finesse, they certainly atone for in sheer attitude. For the most part, the show is relentless, one rollicking rock missile after another, all spewed out impressively by singer Jonny Brown.

Setting the tone, opener She’s A Weapon spits and snarls with almost indecent venom, with You Stole The Sun and Oh What Have You Done maintaining the pace.

An acoustic song apart, the only slight respite came from the newer songs, characterised by bigger, slower riffs in the vein, at least in the case of Turnaround, of Primal Scream’s Rocks.

Reviewed: Mon, 01 March, 2010

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/rock_pop/event/39880_twisted_wheel

Twisted Wheel @ The Kasbah, Coventry 27/02/2010

2010-03-01T07:44:00.008Z

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Manchester Music gig review of FAC251 - The Factory 26/02/2010

2010-03-01T07:43:00.005Z

Having been amongst the last people to attend the Hacienda, I now find myself as one of the last MM reviewers to actuallyget into Fac251 (or The Factory). It’s a venue that’s causeda lot of debate, largely by its name, but the one thing that immediately appealed to me is that the live area is invitinglycompact and intimate. A later exploration of the venue revealsa couple of other floors aimed at the clubbers; The Factory represents the new generation of live venues that mix separatefunctions within one roof. It’s working too, as on a rather restrained Mancunian Friday, Charles Street ends up with a queue of almost 100 people begging to get in.

Inside it’s a sell out and suitably rammed.

I still think there are too many folks in Manchester who are yet to discover TWISTED WHEEL. This date and all of the upcoming regional slots on their current tour are sold out, but an exciting perspective on all of this is that they could be easily bigger still. As a three piece there’s still a great degree of amazement that their compact sound can also sound so massive. Jonny Brown’s guitar sears through the set, crashing about the venue walls and lets loose via the frenetic, ricochet riffs that are part and parcel of tracks like “Oh What Have You Done”. Drummer Adam Clarke and bassist Rick Lees are critical elements of this plot, adding their own flair to this explosive but beautifully contained rock and roll adventure.

In tonight’s set there are some new songs, providing a taster for some new releases and an upcoming 2010 album. Sitting alongside the material on “We Are Us” it’s clear that Twisted Wheel have lost none of the spirit or melodic ambition. This is a band without radio play and without mainstream media coverage – they’re the anti-NME band that write some of Britain’s best songs – all of which are relayed back (word for word) by a crowd that dress like mods and dance like punks. If you’re looking for the latest, but most relevant youth movement, then it’s all happening within these four walls right now. Some of their influences on the website are cited as Slaughter & The Dogs and Stiff Little Fingers, but the list also includes Nick Drake and The Small Faces. That’s an unusual, if not well researched list of benchmarks. As the chords ring out, swallowing us all up on a choppy ocean wave of amplified distortion, Jonny barks out a series of one liners that encapsulate both (an In The City) Weller and Lydon’s irreverent urgency.

I bump into Jonny Brown outside after the gig. He’s on a grassy knoll next to the multi-story car park having his photo taken. He takes out a cigarette and spends fifteen minutes just having a friendly chat about the tour and the album. He’s grateful, inspired, excited and for the rest of us, on the cusp of something truly great.

http://www.music-dash.co.uk/live/live.asp?item=1865

NME.COM review of FAC251, The Factory, Manchester 26/02/2010

2010-02-28T22:14:00.004Z

Twisted Wheel showcase new songs at sold-out FAC251 gig - Oldham trio play 'Turnaround' and 'Killing Boy' at the Manchester venue.

Performing at FAC251: The Factory, the Oldham trio aired the new tracks 'Turnaround' and 'Killing Boy' as part of an energetic 16-song set.

Also playing fan favourites 'Racket', 'Bad Candy' and 'You Stole The Sun', the frenetic set was punctuated with the crowd chanting "Wheel, Wheel" throughout the gig.

After the show frontman Johnny Brown told NME.COM about the significance of playing the newly opened venue.

"It was a great set, everyone was really up for it," he explained. "It's always great to play in Manchester in front of a home crowd, you can't beat it, but playing at FAC251 is special when you look at some of the acts like Joy Division and Happy Mondays that Factory [Records] had."

He added: "Those bands have had a lot of influence on me and I feel like I've got their vibe in me now and I'm carrying it on."

Twisted Wheel played:

'She's A Weapon'
'Lucy The Castle'
'Racket'
'Bang Of The Beat'
'Big issue'
'Let Them Have It All'
'Turnaround'
'What's Your Name'
'Bouncing Bomb'
'One Night On The Street'
'Bad Candy'
'Killing Boy'
'You Stole The Sun'
'Strife'
'Oh What Have You Done'
'We Are us'