LABEL NEWS

28th April 2007 -MCD's 'All is Lost' Album is still available from the Bivouac, c/o The I.C.E. Group, 3 St Andrews Street, Lincoln, LN5 7NE, priced at £5.00. It can be purchased at all future Bivouac shows. Other sales outlets are being actively sort.

The Album's launch at MCD's memorial show, 27th April 2007, was a great success. The band and label have had excellent feedback. MCD's remaining members were invited to BBC Radio Lincolnshire's THE MIX program earlier yesterday evening, before their final show. The interview went very well, and new presenter James Wickham played two tracks from the album (All Is Lost, and Heads Held High). Abandoning the soundchecks briefly, all the other local bands (Rides The Bus/The Frontline) playing the show that night, as well as Bivouac crew, gathered round the radio to listen.

21st April 2007 -MCD's debut album, recorded at the end of last year, is finally coming out. The Bivouac Label has stepped in and is putting out the 10 track 'ALL IS LOST' Album after Tardygate Records dropped out at the last minute.

MCD's 'ALL IS LOST' is the second official Bivouac Recordings (CAMP02CD) full release. It should be back from the pressing plant and available at the show on Friday 27th April. The Album, as a joint venture between Bivouac (under exclusive license) and the surviving members of MCD, will retail at this show for £5.00, before national distribution is up and running.

Track listing on the album is: Back to Their Own; All is Lost; Fairytale; Four Walls; Can't find a Way; Time so Different; Hope for Better Days; High and Mighty; Heads Held High; Goodbye For Now.

4th March 2007 -VIRILE recordings are currently progressing well.

4th March 2007 - There has been a tremendous positive response from everybody who has heard the new DRIVE BY THEORY recordings, recently recorded at our Studio.

22nd Feb 2007 - Last week The Small Print announced to Steve Hawkins they can't be arsed to put the work in that he feels is necessary to improve their lot. Apparently pissing about in a backwater is all they want. Fine, ...but I'd like my equipment back that I lent you. Been here before, know what's going to happen next.

On a better note, Tom and Seb, ex Catapult, have seen sense and are talking about possibly working with each other again. Hurrah!

Finally, VIRILE have started recording with Steve Hawkins in the studio. Their debut material should be ready within the month.

1st Oct 2006 - The Small Print played their best show to date at the Theatre Royal, Lincoln on Thursday night just gone. After working and rehearsing with Steve Hawkins for the last 4 weeks, everyone commented upon their improvement.

See...Label News

28th April 2007 -Earlier this month, Planet of Sound record shop, and rehearsal room to many local bands, was stupidly attacked by arsonists. Not once, but twice within the same week. The Fire Brigade and Police are pursuing the matter, and we can only feel sympathy for Vince. Probably one of the most destructive and pointless crimes around, Lincoln's local bands have lost a popular useful address, facility, and the aid of a supporter of the local scene. But Vince has lost a lot of stock, loss of income, and certainly doesn't need the extra stress and distress this has caused. And for what? Some idiot's cheap and senseless thrill? I hope this doesn't knock Vince back too much. No one deserves this sort of mindless attack, least of all Vince.

18th Dec 2006 -Last Wednesday (13th), just over a year after Andy James's accidental death, Callum Howell from MCD committed suicide. He apparently shot himself in, what must have been, a moment of depressed madness. Certainly out of character, this tragic death of someone so young, with all his life ahead of him, has shocked and saddened the whole community.

We all feel deepest sympathy for his Parents, Brother, Amy, Gaz, Danny and Matt.

(See below for our tribute)

Callum Howell

1988 - 2006

Sunday 17th December 2006

MCD (Mad Crowd Disease)

2000 - 2006

MCD's myspace website page:
Read the thoughts of Gaz, Danny and Matt; as well as some of the wonderful words of support from the band's friends.
www.myspace.com/brokenwords

13th Oct Bivouac , Lincoln
14th Oct The Attic, Leicester
15th Oct Cricketer's Arms, Sheffield
16th Oct The Leopard, Doncaster
18th Oct Harry's House, Leeds
19th Oct Tunnels, Aberdeen
20th Oct The Swamp, Kirkcaldy
21st Oct The Stout Elbow, Newcastle
22nd Oct The Ringside, Hull
23rd Oct The Golden Cross, Coventry
24th Oct Black Dog, Grantham
25th Oct tba, Barnsley
28th Oct The Freebut, Brighton

4th Dec 2005 -We are sorry to hear of the tragic death of Andy James last weekend. It appears that Andy accidentally fell down stairs at his home and died of his injuries. Andy was always one of Lincoln's guiding social and musical forces from the mid nineties on. As the Bass Player in Age Baby, he achieved some noteworthy success with various Indie releases, as well as radio plays on John Peel's Radio One show during that time. He toured with Age Baby throughout the UK. Later, after their demise, various other band members moved to London and went on to form Ciccone. He stayed in Lincoln and developed various musical projects with his partner Phoebe, culminating in their most recent incarnation 'The Execution of...'. The last time we spoke, he was very enthusiastic about his band's future, constantly traveling back and forth to London.

I personally am very sorry to hear of his tragic death at such a young age. He was one of the first local musicians I ever met when I moved to Lincoln in 1996. With his warm spirit, he automatically welcomed and introduced me to his own band, as well as Laurie Bennet and The Models, and all the other players in the local scene. Whether through music or humour, and despite battling his own demons, he never ever gave up on his own personal vision. I believe, had he lived longer, he would have surprised us all again! Lincoln's music scene does owe him a tremendous debt. He will be sorely missed.

20th July 2005 - MCD have officially become a four piece with the inclusion of Mat (Firin Blanx) as their new singer. This will free Callum to concentrate on guitar and Backing Vocals. Welcome onboard.

17th May 2005 -Just In. There is a new Lincoln based Rehearsal Rooms business recently opened. Scorpion Studios is a three room rehearsal space at the far end of Monks Road (East Lincoln). It is run by Alex and can be reached on 07930 358505. She has currently three rooms of varying sizes at 3 hour rate sessions. Prices range from £15 to £29 for the full 3 hours, dependent on partial or full backline requirements.

We at Bivouac have not yet seen the facilities, so can't comment, but we are very pleased that Alex has contacted us with news concerning her new business venture. We wish her well.

3rd March 2005 - MCD (Mad Crowd Disease) have now extended their summer jaunt to The Netherlands to almost a week of shows. :
Impressive!

Feb 2005 MCD (Mad Crowd Disease) have just announced their first overseas date. Friday 1st July will be their first foray into Europe. They play in Wateringen, Holland with local Dutch bands Trash Can Heroes and Drunk Tank. Expect more dates in Holland, and maybe even in Belgium, to be announced.

AFRAID TO SHOOT STRANGERS are to make a live recording of their show at The Bivouac this Sunday 13th 2005.

STABBED IN AUTUMN are about to undertake their first UK Tour with mates MONTANA from Coventry. Full tour dates will be announced soon.

If you have local music news, please contact Steve Hawkins, and bivouac.uk.com will post the details.
bivnews@bivouac.uk.com

VENUE NEWS

Thursday 5th June 2008 - No show this week, but a host of upcoming gigs starting on Friday 16th June. Now into our 9th year, we kick off with

THE IDLERS
THE JUBILEES
KID COSMIC
SPORTSDAY.

The Idlers are currently on a full UK Tour and this is their only Lincoln date. Support comes from Sleaford's excellent THE JUBILEES, St. Alban's KID COSMIC (previously here earlier in the year to great acclaim), and new local combo SPORTSDAY.

Wednesday 4th June 2008 - More shows booked featuring THE IDLERS (16th June), DISARM (20th June), LAP (Life Among People) and TRUCK FIGHTERS (21st June), LIGHTS GO BLUE (27th June), CLOCKCLEANER (3rd July), FAILSAFE (5th July), LETTERS TO LEADERS (18th July), I KILLED PHARAOH (12th Sept), SCREAMING EAGLE (19th Sept), ASKING ALEXANDRIA (26th Sept), THE FALL THE RISE (3rd Oct), and finally 4' FINGERS (31st Oct).

Thursday 15th May 2008 - True to form we have just been informed that Try My Shoes can't make the 24th May, as they are all on holiday. Red Vein have also just informed us that They can't play their booked and previously confirmed date.

The Dark Mantra are now confirmed to play on Saturday 24th May with Dirty As Muck, Union 23 and Last Command.

Wednesday 14th May 2008 - May welcomes to the Bivouac a series of shows over the next two weeks that highlight a greater diversity.

This Friday, after a two week break, we welcome THE SILENT FILM PROJECT (Light atmospheric Indie combo), GOODBYE WIRES (local new band with some excellent songs), JASPER CAIN (Grantham guitar rock trio), and local new comers THE NEXT BIG THING (young new guitar rock outfit).

The weekend after, we have three shows in a row.

Friday 23rd - Local heroes RIDES THE BUS return to headline their allegedly final show with their catchy ska tinged good time anthems. Plus DOWN I GO return from London, featuring ex Jesse James members, playing their excellent "Dinocore"- fast, furious and comically short hardcore onslaught. If you saw them last time, you'll know what I mean. Other supports from PENNYLESS BEN (local ska tinged rockers), DRIVE BY THEORY (Indie) and a reformed TRY MY SHOES (thrashy three piece).

Saturday 24th - Out of towners RED VEIN headline (heavy guitar rock), with DIRTY AS MUCK (local, dual vocal, pop punk), UNION 23 (local punk glam rockers), and LAST COMMAND (local heavy metal).

Sunday 25th - Gaz Mackie and The Bivouac present 4' FINGERS. Headlining and back on tour (straight forward fun melodic Punk Rockers), with locals THE FRONTLINE,and CROTCH CAPERS (disturbingly named).

day 23rd March 2008 - THIS CITY (from Brighton) have now been confirmed for a special show on THURSDAY 27th March. Supports so far are THEY CALL US VANDALS, and CRUISE CONTROL. Check them out: www.myspace.com
/thiscitymusic.

Monday 10th March 2008 - TOXIC GRAFFITI have now been added to the Saturday 22nd March show with TINY CITIES, LINDA'S NEPHEW and KID COSMIC. I NEED TO DISCOVER have pulled out again (this being the 5th Bivouac gig they have done so), and they didn't even bother to get in touch themselves. A big thanks to Olly from TOXIC GRAFFITI for letting us know.

Tuesday 19th Feb 2008 - This weeks long advertised headliner JOE ACTUALLY have had to pull out as their singer is in America. Stepping at the last moment, we welcome the return of THE ABSENT MINDED. Joining them from Grantham are up and coming THIS DAY REMAINS. This band have been hotly tipped by many people recently. Also on Friday we have DRIVE BY THEORY, new comers GOODBYE WIRES, and FOUND MISSING.

Thursday 24th Jan 2008 - More and more shows are being added. The LATEST NEWS comes from Scotland. DRIVE BY ARGUMENT had a one off date in Birmingham on Saturday 2nd Feb, in conjunction with Kerrang Radio. Luckily for us, they have agreed to play The Bivouac on Friday 1st February. Short notice, but it'll be fine. Supports come from local AUGUST UNDERGROUND and possibly TIGER WARSAW (yet to confirm), while introducing new band JASPER CAIN.

Monday 14th Jan 2008 - More shows are being confirmed, so if you are a local band, or a good quality touring band, that wants a slot, please get in touch.

Monday 14th Jan 2008 - Friday 4th's show at The Bivouac was another success, with Jay handling the sound for the entire show. Steve was at The Terry O'Toole Theatre looking after the Dress Rehearsal for Jack and The Beanstalk. All the bands played well and according to all who were there, Jay did an excellent job deputising for Steve. Shame someone stole an SM57 Mic from the stage that night. It's idiots like that that ruin the good nature of all the Bivouac shows. If the person concerned wants to return it to the bar downstairs nothing more will be said.

Wednesday 2nd Jan 2008 - Happy New Year to everyone. This Friday (4th Jan.) we welcome back the return of TOXIC GRAFFITI, TINY CITIES, and the reformed DRIVE BY THEORY. Plus from Oxford's Collisions and Consequences.

Tuesday 4th Dec - To confirm, this Friday we have THE IDLERS, AURORA STRIPE, CHARLIE JOHNS (solo), THE REPORTAGE and THE CONTACT. An all local affair.

Saturday (8th) sees the return of ROTARY TEN, TV KICKS, and the debut appearance of Warner Record's new Liverpool signings REBBECA. These guys have supported THE WOMBATS and HARD FI. Also on this Saturday show, with doors opening at 7pm, will be Harry John's new band THE OLD ROMANTIC KILLER BAND, THE RAYS and THE PETTY THIEF.

Friday 14th December we welcome from South Wales THE UNSUNG, featuring ex members of THE LOST PROPHETS; A FALLEN HERO, featuring members of MCD and RIDES THE BUS, plus DEFNATION and at least another band tbc.

Thursday 15th Nov- Just announced the forthcoming shows at The Bivouac @ The Duke of Wellington (see above). The welcome return of THE IDLERS (7th Dec) and ROTARY TEN (8th Dec). Also playing with Rotary Ten is a newly signed band from Liverpool REBBECA (recently supported fellow Liverpudlians THE WOMBATS, and HARD FI) and Harry Johns' new band THE OLD ROMANTIC KILLER BAND.

The last week in November we welcome A CIRCLE OF ONE, who were to be joined by ANEMIC, but they are currently looking for a new full time drummer. Supports from STARTER and COLORPOOL, and hopefully another local band.

Saturday 24th November sees the return from Scotland of DRIVE BY ARGUMENT, supported by SIRES OF NOTHING, VIRILE and one or two more local bands (tbc).

Wednesday 17th Oct - Confirmed this Friday (19th) the line now is AURORA STRIPE (acoustic set), The Happy Mirrors, The Goolies, and Joe Mac.

Sunday 14th Oct - This coming Friday (19th) we have an all local affair with THE HAPPY MIRRORS, THE GOOLIES and JOE MAC presently confirmed. We hope to confirm another one or two local bands to this bill shortly. Friday 26th Oct, a week later, we welcome for the first time A DAY CALLED DESIRE, supported by local's LAST PROMISE, THE REPORTAGE and ESTEEM. A reminder please for people to bring age confirming ID to the shows to gain guaranteed entry.

Saturday 6th Oct - Finally, someone completely gets what the "Live Bivouac" experience is all about. Captured in a Live Review by regular attendee Pete. He's the city's resident photographer and long term gig goer. You can often spot Pete onstage, side stage, or in the audience snapping away at all of the cities live music hot spots. I'm printing this review below in full. I am grateful and acknowledge Lincolnbands.co.uk for publishing this review, a mere day after the show. Fast for Lincoln and a pleasure.

The Harrisons + I Say Marvin + Virile + The Mark 9's
5 October 2007
The Bivouac, Lincoln
 
Reviewed: Saturday, 06 October 2007
 
Photos & Review by Pete
 
"The Biv, the sweaty soul of the live music scene here in Lincoln and giving us a Friday night with as diverse a range of sounds as anything Jules Holland’s Later ever came up with.  Astonishing.  
 
There was a good crowd outside which minutes before The Mark 9’s opened suddenly piled up the stairs and filled the room.  Without so much as a word from any of the three members of the band they just freaked into their first song with an energy that was unexpectedly savage.  Mixing sax and bass and drums it was something fresh and full of surprise and conviction.  Absolutely sorted structurally, all the way through, with nothing messy or rambling.  Full of intent and yet played with something close to abandon.  Now that’s impressive.  Intriguingly there were no vocals at all, nothing, no banter, no naming of songs or sappy ‘this is our new one’ or ‘you can find us at Myspace at’ - no no no - just the music on on on.  Full on. Steve on sax, Luke on bass and Bryce on drums.  As the set progressed the crowd moved in closer and got more excited and into it.  Every now and then at a gig you get that little thrill of euphoria, it always comes as a surprise and it leaves a mark on you for ever, somewhere invisible.  This one I’ve got now is the mark of the Mark 9’s.  Special mention to Luke, the dandy on the bass guitar, which was sounding spectacularly, disdainfully dark.  It was as if the strings had been slackened off a tad then played unrepentantly, recklessly and what should have been awkward and challenging was somehow completely accessible.  Whatever the wayward heritage of this band’s sound I feel lucky that they currently reside in my town.  Blissed fall out from this one.    
 
Virile’s lineage is New York by Manchester.  They opened with a simple, forceful synching of guitars and drums, four guys pushing out a forceful beat that gets you up out of bed and ready to go without any breakfast after just the first grinding opening bars.  Then as soon as you’re safely buckled up they pull off a little handbrake turn of a key change and swing round their direction then just when you’re dazzled by that effect they hit that accelerator again and you’’re pinned back.  They sound big, like an articulated lorry, traveling at speed, on an icy road - and it’s fuckin’ amazin’ fun!  More more more faster faster!  Lanky Paul delivers his vocals in a kinda monotonous cartoon character voice which also has something of The Fall about it which is enough of a reason to back off questioning it too much.  But it’s curious and gives the band an unexpected funny quirkiness.  Irreplaceable drummer Lizzie has recently been replaced and has hung around a while to help Jimmy the new guy to attempt the impossible and be confident enough to go for it - to the point of destruction of his sticks with splinters flying as he lashed off the ripped skins.  Yeah, this is a powerhouse band and their material has a lot of credibility, a sound that once it gets in gear just keeps right on coming.    
 
With the two local bands having played it was time for the visitors - and some people stayed to listen!  Supporting The Harrisons on their tour are I Say Marvin, from Cornwall.  Unsigned but not unloved plenty of people stuck around to enjoy them and again it was a complete change of style.  Emotronic pop!  Looking young enough to be the kid brothers of The Harrisons (if not their sons) they must be hyper excited to be playing gigs all over the country and not just in their home town - and they won everyone over both with their sheer energy and some sparkly songs.  Their work-rate extended to some punky showcase stage moves and it’s kinda a miracle no-one got hurt considering the limited space available.  They all got through it undamaged and still coming on with the attack all the way to the end.  I Say Marvin, you are an heroic little band.

The Harrisons, establishing a growing rep in Sheffield had maybe wondered where people had gone when they stepped up on stage to find more than half the room had now emptied.  A local phenomenon and a bit embarrassing but fortunately it didn’t unnerve them - they look lived-in blokes who’d maybe take a helluva lot to do that.  Despite the fact none of the band are actually named Harrison they do have to have respect for keeping it real, cos they are an honest band who must have put the work in and kept gigging year in year out and so have earned their chance of some wider recognition.  Hm. The issue for me, though,  is whether they have the edge that is gonna get them it.  While the songs happily don’t have much of that bandwagon Arctics sound going on they seem to lack any engaging identity of their own.  If this band was from Lincoln they’d have a small hardcore fanbase but wouldn’t get a look in outside the local circuit.  Lead singer Adam Taylor comes across as a dedicated songwriter and seasoned performer but for me there’s something missing and for a horrible moment at the end I felt really guilty for being tempted to label them a pub band.  (I still feel a fuckin’ twat writing it now.)  They’re not that but in my opinion they’re not realistic contenders to engage the nation’s hearts either.  Ah. " 

See...Venue News

STUDIO AND THEATRE NEWS

Thursday 5th June 2008 - Just finished a week of rehearsals and performances of the Lincoln College production of The Who's TOMMY. Sound design and operation for the 2nd year's college students end of year production at The Lincoln Theatre Royal, featuring a full live band and cast of 30.

Wednesday 13th May 2008 - Have we been busy.

Just finished a week in Grimsby at The Auditorium doing the sound operation, design and hire for The Silhouette's production of the classic Broadway hit ANYTHING GOES, using a new maximum of Radio Mics in any one show to date.

Recorded in the studio Voice Overs and Sound Effects for Ian Dicken's new touring Play Production of DAISY PULLS IT OFF.

Completed the final mixes for SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED's debut album. 9 epic tracks in their rock folk style, included amongst their original songs a couple of reworked traditional British folk songs. The band are all ready to hit the folk festival circuit again this summer.

Last month (April) completed the Sound design, operation and hire for the very successful two week run of THE FULL MONTY by LAODS at The Theatre Royal, Lincoln. Sell out shows and very good reviews.

Also in April, sound design and operation for Lincoln College's production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Drill Hall, Lincoln.

DRIVE BY THEORY have just finished recording four new songs, with new bass player Will.

Monday 10th March 2008 - Busy period just gone with many small theatre one off shows and studio recording sessions. Most notable being the Lincoln College/Lincoln Academy stripped down production of Blood Brothers in the new (ex Tradex) Arts/Music and Theatre production building off Monks Road. Also we have back in the Studio SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED recording their debut album.

Monday 14th Jan 2008 - Just finished the two week OCO production of "Jack and The Beanstalk" at The Terry O'Toole Theatre, Hykeham. Again we were Sound Design and Sound Engineer for the production. That's our Panto season come to an end for this winter. Looking forward to the start of the next season in December.

Wednesday 2nd Jan 2008 - Happy New Year. Been very busy at The Lincoln Drill Hall for most of December, handling the sound for their Panto "Cinderella". A lot of fun with a good company.

Tuesday 4th Dec - Recently we have again been hard at work designing and operating the sound for shows at The Theatre Royal Lincoln, The Lincoln Drill Hall, and The Majestic Theatre in Retford. Performances of MY FAIR LADY by Lincoln County's Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, a night at The Musicals at The Drill Hall, and a youth theatre group's Panto SNOW WHITE at The Majestic Theatre, Retford. Coming up soon we are at HULL's NEW THEATRE again operating the sound for an orchestral Christmas extravaganza.

VIRILE, as reported recently on THE MIX program for BBC RADIO LINCOLNSHIRE, have been hard at work in the studio recording their debut album. A rough mix of the song CHANGE IS PREDICTABLE was played on THE MIX as an exclusive on Friday 16th November to a good response.

Sunday 14th Oct - Recently in the Studio we have welcomed back SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED. Also recently we have mixed the 8 track 'live' recordings from the Bivouac shows of JOE ACTUALLY, THE NIGHT MOVES, LAST PROMISE; and AUGUST UNDERGROUND.

Wednesday 1st Aug - Finished mixing the 8 track 'live' recording of DEAD SENTINEL @ The Bivouac for the band.

Tuesday 31st July- All last week we were back in The Lincoln Drill Hall with DTC's Production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. We were again involved as Sound Design, Sound Equipment Hire (inc. Radio Mics) and Operator for the show. Another well attended and excellent production by DTC, who previously had staged Les Miserables at the same venue. The young cast were professional as ever and the show received excellent reviews.

Saturday 10th June- Last week we sound operated and designed for the Lincoln Colleges 2nd Year Student's production of A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT at The Theatre Royal, Lincoln.

Monday 28th May -Last week we finished mixing the 'Live at The Bivouac' recordings of the recent LADY IRONY show, as well as MCD's Memorial Show.

16th May 2007 - The title track from the new MCD's 'All Is Lost' Album, and a new mix of VIRILE'S 'Something Influential', are now both posted on the www.myspace.com/friendsofthebivouac site.

10th May 2007 - All week in Grimsby at The Auditorium Theatre, operating, designing and installing a Radio Mic Sound System for The Silhouette's Production of My Fair Lady.

21st April 2007 -This week we have just finished a short 3 day run of GODSPELL at The Drill Hall, Lincoln. This production was put on by Lincoln College and their year one course Students. Three shows with good reactions all round. Again we supplied for their production Radio Mics, Operator, and various other related sound equipment.

See... Studio News

INTERNATIONAL NEWS


9th June 2006 -PARADISE LOST's South American Festival tour kicks off today in Brazil. Chile and Argentina follows. We here at The I.C.E. Group have continued to insure and supply the band's Import/Export documentation and ATA Carnets. OPETH have just announced another Festival date in Bulgaria for this summer, which we are to include in their current ATA Carnet of travel documentation, that we supply.

2nd April 2006 - Recently compiled and completed another Carnet for Swedish Prog Rocker's OPETH. This will allow them easy and speedy official import and export of all their touring backline to Turkey, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway throughout the next 6 months. Their festival season beckons.

11th Dec 2005 - Currently, The I.C.E. Group has issued ATA Carnets for, amongst others, Swedish Prog Rockers OPETH. This covers their current extended European Tour, including non EU Switzerland.

1st Aug 2005 -The Amsterdam Trip was a big success. All enjoyed themselves, and I'm sure I'll organize another one soon.

20th July 2005 - Final confirmation of the Amsterdam trip. All flights, transport and accommodation booked and paid for. No vacancies left for this first trip. Details of the next trip will be announced soon.

29th June 2005 - Bivouac are pleased to announce the details of the proposed trip to AMSTERDAM. The trip will take place on Monday (25th) , Tuesday (26th) and Wednesday (27th) July. Travel will be by Air from Coventry Airport to Schipol, Amsterdam. Three complete days and two nights (Hostel Dorm) accommodation included. Departure will be in the early hours of Monday 25th by Coach/minibus (numbers dependent) from City Square, Lincoln to Coventry Airport. Arriving center of Amsterdam by 10am. Departure from the central train station Amsterdam on Wednesday evening around 8pm. Arriving back in Lincoln by 12.30am Thursday morning (local time) Cost is still only £90 per head for all travel and accommodation. All other personal expenditure on top. I'll get you there, make sure you have a bed, and get you back. Plenty of extra help and advice available, but your sustenance costs are your own.

This is the first of a series of such Bivouac organized trips to mainland Europe. Open to all the audience regulars and band members who frequent the Bivouac's gigs. For more info and to book your place either call Steve on 01522 528964 or email me via steve@bivouac.uk.com.

11th June 2005 - Napalm Death are currently hiring some backline equipment from The I.C.E. Group (via GWH) for their current touring duties both here at The Download Festival and overseas. Apparently so are Chimera.

2nd June 2005 - The I. C. E. Group have just issued another ATA Carnet for Johnny Truant's European Tour June 2005. This will facilitate the Import and Export of their Backline Equipment in and out of Switzerland.

Currently, The I.C.E. Group also have outstanding ATA Carnets with PARADISE LOST to cover their current extended European Tour. The non EU countries covered for that tour include Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and Croatia.