Freebass to perform at the British Music Experience
Hook, Mani and lead singer Gary Briggs host a Q&A session and preview new album in an evening at the national exhibition of rock and pop
Thursday 16th September
TICKETS ON SALE N0W EXCLUSIVELY FOR AMEX CARDMEMBERS
London, 11th August 2010: Freebass, the Manchester bassists supergroup which features Hooky and Mani with Gary Briggs on vocals, are hosting a very special event at the British Music Experience on Thursday 16th September in the run up to the eagerly awaited full physical release of, “It’s A Beautiful Life”, their debut album released the following Monday 20th September on Hacienda Records / Essential Music.
Presented by American Express, this exclusive event offers Cardmembers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the band, attending an exclusive interview and Q&A session before the live show that will preview new material from “It’s A Beautiful Life”. Tickets are on sale now for the very exclusive Q&A session and this very special gig, making this an unmissable event for any would be bass guitar heroes or fans of the band.
Freebass core line up for live gigs consists of Mancunian bass legends Peter ‘Hooky’ Hook (Joy Division, NewOrder), Gary ’Mani’ Mounfield (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream), and Gary Briggs (Haven, Strays) on lead vocals. Touring earlier in the year the band sold out the legendary 100 Club for their debut London gig in an afternoon and this only the second time they have played the capital. With the band having just returned from a headline slot at Tokyo’s Summersonic Festival, the BME gig marks a rare chance to see the band up close in an intimate concert and meet the legends involved.
On playing the British Music Experience, Freebass-ist Gary “Mani” Mounfield said: “We are very happy to align ourselves with the British Music Experience. It's a brilliant exhibitionand we feel honoured to be a part of the magnificent British musical tradition. Long may we continue giving the world excellent British music.”
Freebass lead singer, Gary Briggs also commented; “It's great that the British Music Experience is celebrating and protecting our musical heritage, to which the members of Freebass have a significant contribution. For us to be asked to be a part its future is an honour and a privilege.”
Paul Lilley, Curator of the British Music Experience, said “Continuing the trend for unique events at the British Music Experience, we’re thrilled that Freebass have chosen the BME to showcase not only their debut album here but also take part in a masterclass. For them to give their time in this way in support of the British Music Experience, and pass on some of their experience and skill is amazing and gives our guests a unique opportunity to engage with these legendary musicians.”
The Freebass announcement is the latest in the series of masterclasses and live shows hosted by the British Music Experience, including the upcoming Faces reunion gig and an evening with Pete Brown and friends, as well as masterclasses with William Orbit and Mica Paris.
Exclusively for American Express Cardmembers, tickets are on sale via
www.britishmusicexperience.com/freebass from today Wednesday 11th August. Doors for the Q&A open at 7pm, doors for the gig open at 8pm.
The gig forms part of American Express’ Preferred Seating Programme which provides Cardmembers with exclusive access to a host of musical and cultural events throughout the year. From priority tickets, best seats in the house to meet and greet opportunities, Cardmembers benefit from a premium service that gets you closer to the bands, stars and events you love and helps you create some truly memorable moments.
Freebass’ album, “It’s A Beautiful Life” is released Monday 20th August via Hacienda Records / Essential Music – For more info, check
www.freebassuk.com.
Ends
For more information on:
Freebass, please contact James Masters on +44(0)7508 816964 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44(0)7508 816964 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or at james.masters@fac51theHaçienda.com
The British Music Experience, please visit
www.britishmusicexperience.com or contact Claudia.Parker@aegworldwide.co.uk
American Express, please contact Amy.Hutchings@yourmandate.com or Gemma.Young@yourmandate.com
About the British Music Experience
The British Music Experience is administered as a charitable foundation and managed by an independent board of trustees, chaired by Harvey Goldsmith.
In March 2009 the British Music Experience, a permanent, high-tech, interactive music exhibition opened within the world’s most popular music venue, The O2. The BME takes over the 22,000 square feet on the top floor of The O2 bubble, The O2’s state of the art exhibition space. A combination of cutting edge audio-visual technology and the most coveted music memorabilia of all time has culminated in the creation of one of Britain’s most compelling attractions.
The British Music Experience enables visitors to trace musical trends through the decades, learn about music’s influence on art, fashion and politics and allow visitors to download music from the BME archive. For the genuine musical experience members of the public can visit the Gibson Interactive Studio, a fully integrated space within the BME where they can play various Gibson guitars, Slingerland Drums, pianos, mixing desks and have a go on in the Sennheiser Vocal Booth. There is also a full public and educational programme with workshops, lectures, master-classes and concerts.
Hundreds of artists feature in the exhibition from The Beatles to Iron Maiden, from Cilla Black to Elastica, from David Bowie to Motorhead with in depth looks at musical genres from Skiffle to Reggae, from Rock n Roll to Blues, from Punk to Urban.
The British Music Experience uses RFID technology throughout the exhibition. Traditional tickets are replaced by a Smarticket which allows visitors to activate the interactive elements of the exhibition and also to register further interest in specific BME features. Visitors can then visit
www.britishmusicexperience.com to access free downloads and discover more about the parts of the exhibition they want to learn more about.
Although predominantly an interactive exhibition there are key pieces of British music memorabilia featured including David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes clown suit and Ziggy Stardust costume, Noel Gallagher’s Union Jack guitar, Roger Daltrey’s Woodstock outfit and a vintage Amy Winehouse dress.
American Express Company
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travellers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.
The dedicated Access programme was launched in 2009 and thanks to American Express Preferred Seating, Cardmembers can snap up some of the best seats at the UK’s hottest events, often before anyone else can. Partnerships with renowned event companies such as AEG Live and Ticketmaster have given Cardmembers access to gigs such as Cirque De Soleil, Black Eyed Peas and Bon Jovi. For full details, or to sign up to receive the free newsletters visit amex.co.uk/music
