Archives

(Contained here is the update schedule and archived Newsdesk material)

Site update schedule:

Material now somewhat out of date for the Newsdesk but retained for prosperity.......

Update 3 October 1998:

The Virtual XI support tour with Iron Maiden progresses, with the band presently half way through the second European leg.  Disappointingly, notwithstanding the acclaim that Deeds have achieved in Germany, the band were annoyed to find that German promoters had not included any reference to DD with publicity and gig advertisement.  "We're really cross," Barry Fitzgibbon told me last week as the band prepared to play the last German date at Offenbach, "we know that the album is selling really well in Germany and that there are loads of German fans who would certainly have come to see us but probably didn't realise we that we were on the bill.   We're really sorry if people missed us but hope to make it up to our German supporters some other time."

Meanwhile, the gigs in Finland, Denmark and Sweden were excellent. This is 'virgin' territory for the band, although the reception they received certainly suggests that Infection has spread to the 'Low Countries'. The highlight was 10000 punters packed into the Stockholm Ice Stadium accompanying the introduction to Dividing Line with thousands of lighters held high. Frontman Pete Franklin was so amazed that he exited stage right to take a quick snap of this scene with his camera - provided Pete didn't have his finger over the lens, that snap might just appear on the pages of this site at a future date!

The tour continues and as I write the band return to France for six dates - past experiences suggest a warm reception will await them. I will be accompanying the band for the UK dates later this month after which I will post more extensive reviews.

In the meantime, work is underway for DD merchandise to be made available on-line. Sanctuary are to set up a web site where merchandise for all their stable of bands will be available, and of course,  there will be a link from this site.  Watch this space for more details.

Update 14 September 1998:

At the time of writing Dirty Deeds are presently aboard 'The Ark', a fifteen year old tour bus belonging to Steve Harris which has been used to transport Iron Maiden and more recently DD between venues all across Europe. This particular mode of transport whilst old, has eaten more miles than Roadrunner's entire family and whilst the air conditioning packed up years ago, the band are more than happy to relax in its surprisingly comfortable interior. "Its done us proud for the last few tours" says Tony Newton "OK, so the chemical toilet is out of bounds after 2 days and the smell of DC's armpits can linger for a few hours immediately after a sweat filled gig in some Mediterranean outpost, but nonetheless we're happy...."  Equipped with a video and surprisingly powerful hi-fi system, the band will chill out to hours of endless Fawlty Towers videos or the latest Schenker offering whilst travelling through the night between venues and downing endless beers. Newton sighs "During the last European leg of the present tour, I bought a copy of the Austin Powers video - we must have seen it about twenty times and Baz has virtually memorised all the lines - he drove us fucking mad in the end!!"

The driver for this leg of the tour is the famous Mummy, aka Jim Livingstone, London Black Cabbie by day, DD's longest standing roadie by night. Mummy's claim to fame is transporting the band through Europe in his cab during their Xfactour support in early 1996 - Mummy's own recollections of this extraordinary 'fare' can be found on The Band page. Jim's got reason to hope that The Ark has been properly looked after "Because it's so old, no company will now provide any service cover when it's abroad, so lets hope we don't run into any engine trouble or stuff!..."  Fingers crossed eh Mummy! The Ark left base in deepest Essex, England at 5pm yesterday and is due to arrive in Munich Germany for the first gig tomorrow morning - at least the 'can' will be useable for this part of the trip!

On a more serious note, the band undertook several interviews during the US leg in July, some of which are now appearing on the net. Check out the following sites for more info:

• Dirty Deeds: Leading the Third Wave of British Heavy Metal? - Bob Pierce conducts an in depth interview with lead guitarist Barry Fitzgibbon which appears as Feature story for the Daily Vault site.

• Dirty Deeds Done Right - Adrian Bromley writes for the Jam Metal site with his view of the Deeds rise to fame and an interview with Tony Newton.

• Ram Samudrala talks to Tony Newton about influences, the touring and Steve Harris' involvement with the band.

Finally, for those US fans keen to check out on Deeds American label Velvel check out their site www.velvel.com, no Deeds news here yet, but it's only a matter of time.

More news to follow as soon as I get reports of the current tour's progress.

Update 6 September 1998:

The band are preparing for the next leg of their world tour with Iron Maiden which kicks off in Munich on 15 September. Unfortunately the band will not now be playing in Poland, Czechoslovakia or Hungary, but will join up with the Irons and Helloween in Germany. The latter band will not be included on the bill in the UK, so DD will be sole supporters for Iron Maiden which will mean an extended set for their home fans.

I understand that the band hope to tour Japan later this year and a club tour of the US is on the cards for early 1999.  Full details will appear here as soon as they are available.

For those fans already awaiting the follow up album to Danger of Infection, all material has been written and the band hope to move into the studio as soon as touring commitments allow.

Update 25 July 1998:

The band have now returned to the UK following the unfortunate early end to the US leg of the Virtual XI support tour with Iron Maiden. The tour was cut short due to problems with Maiden's frontman Blaze Bayley's throat. According to the official Iron Maiden web site, a specialist in the US ordered Bayley to rest his voice for a month.  Whilst of course this is disappointing for Deeds, I have today spoken to an upbeat Tony Newton who considers that the American tour was an unqualified success.

The album, which has been licensed to US record company Velvel will be distributed through BMG and release is presently planned for early 1999 if not earlier. Velvel representative Chip Ruggieri has been charged with promoting Danger Of Infection and has already received extraordinary interest from Radio stations across the States. Chip is very excited about DD's prospects and believes the material to be the most impressive he has heard for some years.  This opinion has been echoed by all those to whom he has so far distributed the Deeds repertoire. As previously reported, the album is to be repackaged for the American market and Tony Newton tells me that the band will definitely be returning stateside later this year or early next to coincide with the album release.

During the US tour the band were involved with promotional work and several photo shoots.  Tony Newton also took part in a live phone-in for the Radio Rock Network which was hosted by enthusiastic DJ Andy King and broadcast across four European countries. Interest in the band is ballooning in Europe, with Germany in particular paying attention where the album has received exceptionally rave reviews.

During the US tour the band met with Ronnie James Dio, Ripper Owens from Judas Priest and Jimmy Page & Robert Plant. The latter two having been at the show in Cleveland, invited DD to come backstage at their own gig two days later. There are shots of these encounters which your webmaster will share with you shortly!

Finally some minor changes to the European itinerary this Autumn. Deeds will not now be playing the first four gigs with Iron Maiden in Greece and Turkey, but will join up with the band in Budapest, Hungary on 11 September, after which they will feature at all the Maiden shows. Tickets for shows in France, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland can be obtained on-line and details are posted on The Tour & Gigs page.

Plans are in hand for a trip to Japan later in the year although nothing is yet confirmed - watch this space for details. I also understand that DD will not be touring South America at this stage.

Update 23 July 1998:

Due to unforeseen circumstances involving Iron Maiden, the current US tour has unfortunately ended prematurely for Dirty Deeds.   The band are presently returning home to the UK. This is sad news not only for the band but also for the fans who have waited patiently to see DD in action stateside. At present I do not have full details regarding this unfortunate turn of events, but will post further information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, the 2nd leg of the European tour as posted on The Tour & Gigs page is definitely ON.

Update 18 July 1998:

Latest news from the ongoing US tour. The band are receiving excellent reviews and judging from my mail box there are many new followers of Dirty Deeds.  In addition, the band are impressing the media too, undertaking much promotional work including interviews and photo sessions.

Album release for the US and Canada is now set for January 1999 as the American distributors want to completely repackage the album for the American market. Therefore, unfortunately US fans will have to be patient. More detail on this will follow shortly.

My latest information is that three shows in the US have been cancelled, 16th July Los Angeles, 18th July San Diego and 19th San Francisco. A press release from Iron Maiden sites throat problems for Blaze Bayley as the reason for these shows being pulled.  It may be that the shows are re-arranged for early August although at this stage this is not confirmed. Further details will be given as soon as available. Dio will remain on the bill until 22nd July, at present shows after this will only feature Maiden and Deeds and that should mean an extended set from DD possibly mirroring the 45 minute slot that the band played with UFO earlier this year. If so, watch out for 'Welcome To The Real World' a new song which will feature on the bands next album.

Material for the follow up album to Danger Of Infection has already been written and the band anticipate going into the studio next year following completion of the Maiden support tour. Again, more detail will follow in due course.

Update 4 July 1998:

As anticipated, confirmation has now been received of DD's continuing support for Maiden during the Virtual XI tour, and details of 36 dates in a string of European countries has now been added to the Tour & Gigs page. This leg, as anticipated, will include 8 concerts in the UK.

The US/Canadian leg is now well underway and the band are accompanying not only Iron Maiden but Dio as well, whilst WASP dropped out from the line-up at the last minute. Dio are only accompanying Maiden until 22 July, after which the remaining 8 dates are presently planned to include only Deeds as the support act, which should mean an extended set.  At present, the set lasts 30 minutes and consists of the following numbers, all taken from the debut album Danger of Infection:-

Nothing to Lose
Cry Out
Too Scared To Run
Dividing Line
Promised Land
In The Name Of The Law.

Good news for US fans, Danger of Infection is to be released about now, a distribution deal having just been secured - check out your local stores accordingly.

Update 16 June 1998:

As promised, full listing of the US leg of the Iron Maiden support tour are now confirmed and details are posted on the Tour & Gigs page. The band depart for The States next week on Wednesday evening and the tour kicks off in Chicago at the Aragon Ballroom on Friday 26 June. The 26 date tour will include two visits to Canada, Montreal and Quebec City on 2 July and 4 July respectively and finish at Tradewinds in Asbury Park, New Jersey on 2 August.

In addition to Deeds, the Iron Maiden "Virtual XI/Metal Mania" tour with full stage show will feature special guests Dio and WASP, albeit Dio will feature only up to and including San Francisco on 19th July.

The bands debut album, Danger of Infection already released in Japan and Europe will be released to coincide with the tour. Following negotiations with three distributors, a deal has been struck which will include significant funds for promotion and advertising. In addition the band have been lined up for a phone interview and various other promotional work whilst away.

The US tour represents another ground breaking move for the most exciting Metal band to rise from the UK for some considerable time. Hot on the heels of the hugely successful European outing and widespread acclaim for their debut album, the London quartet are now looking forward to adding American and Canada to their ever growing list of countries visited and conquered. Drummer Dave Cavill tells me "The UFO tour and the Maiden European outing were for me a culmination of years hard work and the reaction we received was phenomenal and worth the wait. I've been back home now for nearly a month and beginning to kick my heels and the American outing represents an interesting proposition. I can't wait!"

I know that from the emails I've received that Infection has already began to spread to America and have no doubt that the number of fans will swell as the tour progresses. Hopefully I will make some of the shows and post reviews, however, if any of you out their get to see the band I would be delighted to post your reactions on the site accordingly. Keep the mail coming!

In the longer term, a second European leg is planned for later this year and I understand that will include dates in the UK including Birmingham NEC. Watch this space for further details - as soon as more dates are announced they will appear exclusively on this site.

Update 13 June 1998:

Dirty Deeds are confirmed as support for the forthcoming Iron Maiden tour of the United States. This news is just confirmed and dates will appear on the Tour & Gigs page on Monday 15th June.  The tour commences on Friday 26th June. More details to follow shortly.

Update 6 June 1998:

The gig planned for 11th June at the Heaven and Hell Club in Kings Cross, London, has been pulled.  The promoters, Rock Radio Network have unfortunately had their live band licence revoked following complaints from local residents.  Attempts to find a last minute alternative venue have not proved successful and therefore sadly the gig will not now go ahead.  Nevertheless, RRN tell me that they are actively seeking another outlet and as soon as this has been secured, Dirty Deeds will be booked to appear.  Watch this space for details.

The Rock Radio Network Helpline is available on 01895 624955.

Update 15 May 1998:

Deeds are now currently half way through their European tour supporting Iron Maiden and the band are presently back on home territory to play at London's Brixton Academy tomorrow (16th May). To date the Maiden tour has taken in France, Italy, Germany, Holland and Belgium, with shows in Spain and Portugal still to come. It has been a welcome return to Europe for the band, their last outing back in early 1996, and the fans are as eager as ever with Deeds 30 minute slot receiving a tumultuous reception from both fans who have seen the band previously and new 'converts'.   The three gigs in Germany were a particular highlight, particularly as the band have not played their before.

Some excellent news just in for English fans. Following a request to headline a Rock Radio Show, the band will be appearing at the Heaven and Hell Club, at The Backpackers in Kings Cross London on Thursday June 11, on stage at 11pm.  Bassist Tony Newton tells me that the band are looking forward to this show so that they can play an extended set which will include some of the exciting new material that has been written for the follow up album to Danger of Infection.   "It will be great to headline at a show in our home country and play an extended set. We know that their are many fans in the UK, a number of whom have been picked up following our tour earlier this year with UFO, so to give them the full works will be great."

I also understand that the bands album, Danger of Infection, which is finally released in the UK on Monday 18th May, has received a rating of 4/5 from the British rock monthly, Metal Hammer. The review will be in the forthcoming June issue due for released next week.  Meanwhile, the UK's biggest selling metal magazine, Kerrang, has also featured the band in issue 699 dated 16 May. Incorporated under the magazine's section "HOT! - New bands you must hear", Kerrang's Malcolm Dome sets the scene with detail about the band's Chariot origins and the record deal with Steve Harris' Beast Records. Watch out for a review of the album in Kerrang shortly.

Finally, a note from me (Gyrock). Time has been limited recently, I have been out with the band and busy answering e-mails and other fan mail. However I am busy constructing a completely re-vamped and web site, with more info, pics and other goodies. Furthermore, it will be launched on a new server which will make download time much much quicker. You need do nothing, merely bookmark www.dirtydeeds.co.uk and you'll find the site as usual. As you've probably guessed, at present the site is on a freespace server with Virgin Net ISP and as a result, not the quickest connection in the world!  So when you connect to dirtydeeds.co.uk a forwarding arrangement takes you to the freespace address.  Please amend you bookmarks accordingly!

Update 9 April 1998:

The long awaited European release date for Dirty Deeds debut album Danger of Infection is announced as Monday 27 April 1998. State-side release will follow soon afterwards.

Front man Pete Franklin says "Released is timed to co-incide with our European tour with Iron Maiden which kicks off in Lille, France on 26 April.(See  Tour & Gigs page). We're really pleased to be able to deliver the album which unfortunately we didn't have on our last European tour in January 96. We have received tremendous interest and know the fans are desperate to get hold of 'Infection'. We are really pumped up about the forthcoming tour and it will be great to return to play to crowds who gave us such a fantastic reception in 96."

It has been a long wait, but timing has been carefully planned.  The intention has always been to unleash Danger of Infection on the Japanese market first and success in the East has surprised and delighted all those involved, not least Steve Harris, who signed Dirty Deeds as the first band to his Beast Records label last year. The band are presently riding high in Japan, topping metal charts, play lists and readers polls since the album was released last November. European release co-inciding with the 25 date tour will provide the platform to promote the album in countries where interest has been snow-balling as the band's pedigree is uncovered.  

Update 15 March 1998:

Dirty Deeds support for Iron Maiden confirmed. Details of the European leg of the world tour with the Irons are now posted on the Tour & Gigs Page. The 25 dates are spread across 9 countries and include an open air gig in Malta. Meanwhile, announcements for further world wide appearances are awaited, the be announced very shortly.

The long awaited release date for the debut Album, Danger of Infection is also due imminently.

Update 22 February 1998:

The band have now completed a successful 12 date tour of the UK supporting UFO culminating in an acclaimed performance at London's Astoria. A review will appear shortly.

Deeds now take a six week rest until the start of the Maiden tour which will kick off in France in April. Full details will appear as soon as available on the Tour & Gigs Page.

Update 14 February 1998:

The band are now half way through their UK tour with UFO. Their opening slot has generated considerable interest and excitement amongst die hard UFO fans which is hugely encouraging for a completely unknown act. Packed houses so far at venues such as Glasgow Barrowlands, Norwich UEA and Cambridge Corn Exchange have heard the band rip through a furious 45 minute set which includes not only numbers from the Danger of Infection debut album, but also some new material already written and in place for the follow up offering due in next year. Venues still to come include sold out gigs at Manchester Apollo and the Astoria, London (for details see Tour & Gigs Page).

Watch out for an official announcement very shortly regarding Deeds support for the forthcoming Iron Maiden world tour.  Full details will appear on the Tour & Gigs Page as soon as available.

In addition, the long awaited release date for the album Danger of Infection will be announced very shortly along with information about the accompanying debut single.

Update 27 January 1998:

The band are presently in the studio rehearsing for the forthcoming tour with UFO and the Maiden support which has been pencilled in for later this year (see http://www.ironmaiden.com for more details). In addition new material is being written which I can assure you is awesome and will result in a stonking follow up album.  The boys are itching to get out on the road, spurred on by the success of 'Infection' which is taking Japan by storm. Full reviews of the UFO tour will follow along with Maiden support details as soon as they are available.

Update 4 December 1997:

Pete Franklin and Tony Newton have now returned to the UK following a hugely successful promotional tour of Japan. Album sales six days after release total 15000 and the band are receiving unprecedented acclaim from the Japanese rock press.

It has been announced that Dirty Deeds will be gigging in the UK early next year supporting UFO. The tour will commence on 6th February at Newport, Gwent and end at The Astoria, London on 21st. Full dates are posted on Tour & Gigs Page.

The band's debut single will be released in the UK in February to co-incide with the UFO tour. Further details will be given as soon as available.

Update 12 November 1997:

Following the Japanese release of Danger of Infection, Tony Newton & Pete Franklin will accompany Rod Smallwood of Sanctuary Music on a promotional visit to Japan commencing 23 November. The visit will be two days after the album release and include national TV and radio appearances, including an unplugged session on one of Masa Itoh's TV channels.

Bassist Tony Newton says 'The video has already been released and certain tracks from the album are receiving daily airplay and we feature as number one on several playlists. The excitement about the band is rising daily and the idea is to promote the album on TV and radio as well as making 'in store' appearances and featuring at Rock clubs in several major cities. This visit should be a prelude to a Japanese tour this year or very early next year'

For those that don't know, Masa Itoh is a top media mogul in Japan, owning several TV and radio stations along with having a supervisory position with the magazine Burn. His opinions are sought by record companies before releasing new acts in Japan and his views highly regarded. Masa was instrumental in promoting Iron Maiden during The Irons early days and has been quoted as saying that he feels the same excitement and buzz for Dirty Deeds as he did when Maiden embarked on conquering the East.

Further details will be given when the boys return at the end of November.