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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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

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)

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)

 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!

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!!